DENVER — One of the biggest challenges for any NHL coach is figuring out how to get the most out of every player. Some need help finding their confidence, others need to round out their game, and some simply need a coach to show them there's another level they haven't reached yet.
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has made a career out of doing exactly that.
As he prepares to coach his 800th game with the Avalanche on Saturday at Ball Arena, Parker Kelly and Martin Necas spoke with The Hockey News about the ways Bednar has helped them grow as players. Their experiences are different, but both point to the same strength: Bednar knows what he wants each player to improve and how to help them get there.
Parker Kelly speaks with The Hockey News following morning skate.
For Kelly, that meant discovering an offensive side to his game he didn't know existed. For Necas, it meant becoming more aggressive as a goal scorer and getting into the tougher areas of the ice.
Kelly joined Colorado from the Ottawa Senators and has steadily earned a bigger role with the team. Last season, he scored a career-high 21 goals, showing just how much his offensive game has developed.
He credits Bednar with playing a significant role in that progress.
"When I came over from Ottawa, I remember thinking how dialed in he is. He's very much a players' coach, his door is always open, and he's a great teacher of the game," Kelly said. "He has no problem showing you clips and helping you understand things so you can grow as a player.
"He's done a really good job of unlocking an offensive style of game in me that I didn't know I had."
Bednar's work with Necas offers another example. Last season, he saw an opportunity to make the forward more of a goal-scoring threat. Necas has an explosive shot, but Bednar wanted him to use it more instead of looking to pass. He also wanted to see more commitment to the defensive side of the game.
Necas responded with the best offensive season of his NHL career, finishing with 38 goals and 62 assists for 100 points. It was his first time reaching the 100-point mark.
Asked where Bednar has helped him improve the most, Necas pointed to his willingness to get into the dirty areas and become a more complete player.
"Going more into the dirty areas (of the ice) and scoring goals there," Necas said. "Just my all-around game, playing D, there's always space for improvement."
Bednar has spent 24 years coaching hockey, including 11 seasons in the NHL. His résumé includes championships at the ECHL, AHL and NHL levels, with titles alongside the South Carolina Stingrays and Lake Erie Monsters before leading Colorado to the Stanley Cup in 2022.
His approach to developing players has certainly evolved over that time, but Bednar doesn't believe the underlying philosophy has changed much.
The Hockey News asked him what, if anything, has changed in the way he works with players to help them reach their full potential.
"I'm sure there's lots of changes. I don't feel like it's that different, though," Bednar said.
He used Kelly as an example of how a player's needs change throughout his career. For someone just breaking into the NHL, the priority is earning the trust of the coaching staff and establishing a role.
"In a case of a guy like Parker Kelly, when you first break into the league, for a lot of guys, it's about survival," Bednar explained. "It's doing the things that your coach is real specific about to help you make sure you're a solid, trustworthy player, so you can stay in the league and then help the team."
Once a player has established himself, the expectations can expand beyond that initial role.
"As you get a little bit of experience, then it becomes a little bit more about, okay, you've established yourself as that type of player, like a defensive player, checker, penalty killer," Bednar said. "Then, as his next coach, it's about trying to help him grow into a more dangerous offensive player and become even more well-rounded."
The same applies to players who already bring plenty of offense. Bednar said those players need to find ways to become more reliable across the ice rather than focusing exclusively on their scoring.
"Some of our guys are really good offensive players, and we have to help shape and mold them into trustworthy 200-foot guys who just help them get more out of their game in any area," Bednar said.
For Bednar, it ultimately comes down to understanding the player and having conversations about where they want to improve.
"Just studying it and communicating with the players to where they think they can grow and finding a mutual ground on that, and just trying to help them out," he said.
That philosophy has helped Kelly uncover a new part of his game and pushed Necas toward becoming an even more dangerous offensive player. With 800 games behind Colorado's bench approaching, Bednar's ability to get players to buy into their own development remains one of his biggest strengths.
Adams scores twice as Wales secure third win in five Tests
Josh Adams grabbed two tries and Louis Rees-Zammit rounded off the scoring as Wales claimed a bonus-point 28-21 victory over Japan in the Nations Championship, but there will be much for their coach, Steve Tandy, to ponder after a lacklustre display.
It was a third win in five Tests for Wales, an improvement on the harrowing 18-match losing streak that followed the 2023 World Cup, but in a game that lacked quality in general, the home side struggled at the set-piece in particular.
With the season being roughly one-tenth of the way through, I figured we could do a check-in on the two of the major offseason acquisitions, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marcus Smart, who were signed to contracts paying them $3,524,115 and $6,064,00 this season, respectively.
Marcus Smart brings a lot more to the table for the Rockets than what appears in the box score. His defensive abilities, constant energy, and ability to make opposing guards miserable earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022. He brings another veteran presence to a young Rockets locker room. He will not be expected to score each night, but his ball-handling, shot creation, and the ability to make timely shots will make him a key piece of the Rockets’ rotation.
So far this season, Marcus is averaging 9.8 points, 2.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting 38.7% from three and 44.2% from the field. The field goal percentage is trending higher than his career average, as it three-point shooting, which is incredibly encouraging. Smart also had a stellar game vs. the Thunder, where he scored 24 points and made 7 three-pointers.
Bogdan Bogdanovic provides the Rockets with a specific set of skills
Houston needs perimeter shooting, and the 38% three-point shooter for his entire NBA career provides that. Bogdanovic can also create off the dribble at the second level of the offense and make shots when the main offensive players are on the bench or under heavy defensive pressure. He can create off the dribble at the second level of the offense and can make shots when the main offensive players are on the bench or under heavy pressure from the defense. This season, Bogdanovic is averaging 5.6 points per game, which does not seem like a lot, but he is shooting a blistering 45.5% from three. Any team can use that.
Bogdanovic is an excellent attacking addition to this year’s sqaud. He can shoot, create off the dribble and space the floor, so he meets many of the Rockets’ needs. However, his health and consistency will determine the effectiveness of this signing.
What is interesting about both of these acquisitions is the varying amounts of impact that each can bring to a game. Smart is brought in for his defense, energy, and leadership. Bogdanovic brings shooting, creation on offense, and floor spacing. Both players bring experience to Houston’s young core and can help ease the transition of some of the young players into more rotation minutes as they continue to grow. They can be of use to players like Reed Sheppard by having veteran players on the team to help support the young players and to allow for more flexibility with lineups.
Ultimately, the value of both of these players will be determined by how they perform in games of consequence. Houston is trying to build a team of players that can help get them past the first round in the postseason, not just a collection of veterans and youngsters. If I had to give a grade for the two signings so far, I would give the Bogdonovic signing an A, and the Marcus Smart signing an A- only because Smart has missed time with an injury already.
Thats all for today! Make sure to let me know what you all think about the signings in the comments, and as always make sure to check back at The Dream Shake for all things Houston Rockets coverage.
Non-league Kidderminster breezed into the second round of the FA Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over League One Doncaster.
The National League club opened the scoring after 22 minutes when Maz Kouhyar pulled the ball back to Lewis Walker, and he fired home at the second attempt after his initial shot had hit the upright.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers boxes out during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on November 6, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
However, an ill-timed injury halted Thiero’s progress and kept him out of the opening weeks of the regular season. After some patience to allow swelling in his knee to go down, Thiero finally made his season debut in Friday’s win over the Blazers and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat from the preseason.
In only six minutes, Thiero’s impact was felt as he tallied four points, four rebounds and two assists. After the game, head coach JJ Redick was asked about his performance and got rave reviews.
“I thought his first two defensive possessions, he made mistakes and then after that he was awesome,” Redick said. “He literally did everything we asked him to do. He was great on the offensive glass. Even sometimes when we didn’t necessarily get the possession, he was tapping the ball and crashing.
“I thought the read he made out of the short roll, I think they blitzed three times in the first half and two of those were against him. He makes the short roll and he gets the lob. I thought he played a great game and, defensively, he was really good in the second half.”
Thiero came in late in the first quarter in the role previously held by Jarred Vanderbilt and immediately made an impact. Given his leaping ability, Thiero being the ball screener and roll man felt like an obvious fit.
The Blazers immediately tested him as they blitzed Luka Dončić, forcing Thiero to not just be in the right spot in the short roll, but then make a decision. He nailed both aspects, setting up Ziaire Williams for a dunk.
Shortly after, the Blazers opted for a more traditional pick-and-roll coverage. This time, Thiero rolled hard to the rim and caught the lob for an athletic finish.
“He did great,” Walker Kessler said of Thiero. “Obviously, we value Adou a lot. He’s a very physical player. Really talented, athletic player. I mean, that lob he caught is very, very impressive. He had a really good debut for the season.”
Thiero’s athleticism is unparalleled on the roster — and among the elites of the elite in the league as a whole — and offers the Lakers a different dynamic. Thiero as a screener and roller won’t always work as it did on Friday, but his athleticism and activity level will continue to jump off the screen.
The Lakers’ hope now is that he can stay healthy and start to stack positive performances in the regular season.
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Michael Eyssimont #81 of the Boston Bruins passes th bench after scoring during a preseason game between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers on September 22, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Bruins will be without James Hagens for at least a few games, as the team announced on Saturday morning that the rookie forward has been placed on injured reserve.
The B’s didn’t get into specifics about the injury itself, though we know when it occurred:
James Hagens exited tonight's game after taking this cross-check from Samuel Girard… pic.twitter.com/Bo5w3E5lc8
Given the area in which he was crosschecked, you can speculate on ribs, a bruised kidney, a back injury, etc., but the main takeaway is that Hagens will now be out for at least seven days.
Marco Sturm, however, seems to think Hagens may miss a bit more time, telling the media today that he expects Hagens will be out “a few weeks.”
With Hagens on the shelf, the Bruins recalled forward Mikey Eyssimont, who has been on quite a heater down in the AHL.
Eyssimont leads the AHL in goals with 13 in eight games, including three hat tricks on the season.
His latest hat trick came just last night in Hamilton, as Eyssimont helped the P-Bruins erase a two-goal deficit with a natural hat trick in the last three minutes of the third period.
Eyssimont scored with 2:08, 1:08, and 25 seconds left to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 win.
You can certainly see why the B’s would turn to the hot hand to potentially fill Hagens’s spot.
Based on how he has played at the AHL level this season, Eyssimont certainly deserves some NHL ice time, even if it’s on a short-term basis.
Eyssimont put up 8G-10A-18PTS in 56 games with the NHL Bruins last season.
He appeared in two postseason games as well, recording no points.
With the Bruins off on Saturday and Providence playing relatively nearby in Hamilton, ON, on Friday, Eyssimont should be available for Sunday afternoon’s matinée game against the Florida Panthers at TD Garden.
Welcome back to the Den. The Wolves are ten games in and their record stands at 7-3. Over that time the Wolves sprinted out of the gates, lost Anthony Edwards to dirty knees in need of a cleaning, and have mostly righted the ship. Their losses are on travel back-to-backs and their first game without Edwards where they didn’t even have a chance to practice before tip-off.
This team found something special in their first four games and then had their literal knees cut from them. Through the mire of the early season, as the rest of the league reels from their own injuries, the Wolves are looking for another new identity. An identity that does not include Edwards but prepares for his return.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of questions for this team to answer. Here are some of them.
Note: So much of this is small sample size theater.
1. Can Jonathan Kuminga keep this up?
It’s just flashes. He had similar highs in Golden State before cooling down. There’s no way he can keep this up. Here he goes again driving into traffic to get blocked… huh, nice pass. No no no, don’t shoot tha…SPLASH! Oh my gawd, he got up so high for that rebound.
This short-staged drama has occurred inside my head in nearly every game this year. In good games and bad, Jonathan Kuminga has shown up to do whatever is asked of him.
In every counting stat except points per game, Kuminga is averaging career bests; rebounds (5.7), assists (2.9), steals (1.2) and blocks (1.0). His highest BPM through his first five seasons was 0.1. This season he is at 2.9 and has his career first positive for Offensive Box Plus Minus (0.6).
Head Coach Chris Finch has heaped praise on JK. In Minnesota’s more read and react, flow, style, the Wolves starting power forward is emboldened to make a play when the ball finds him. His cuts aren’t always rewarded but it sends the defense into a panic and opens things up for his teammates. It also puts him in the middle of the floor to grab or poke out offensive rebounds.
I am running out of excuses for why it won’t last. After the first few games, I thought his play would disappear once the initial novelty of the season’s start wore off. It didn’t.
I thought he’d become more shot hungry and ball dominant when Ant went down. He hasn’t.
I thought he’d get worn down having to guard some of the best players in the league night after night. This might happen as the overlong season grinds on, but so far Kuminga seems to get up for the battle.
The hardest question might be coming, “Can the Wolves afford to keep Kuminga?“
2. What is Rudy’s purpose on offense?
The start of the season has seen a dramatic drop in Rudy Gobert’s points per game and his near league-best shooting efficiency. Gobert is averaging his fourth fewest shot attempts, second least points per game, the worst shooting percentage, and worst free throw percentage of his career.
It took one of the smartest basketball minds in Mike Conley over a year to learn how to play with Rudy. LaMelo Ball has had a scant few weeks to build chemistry. Combine that with the geometry of the floor and the defensive attention he is getting due to the sidelined Edwards, and it’s no surprise the lack of consistency.
The Wolves need Rudy to be effective on offense. The book is out on the big man. Good defenses know how to bait Minnesota into thinking Rudy is open and recover quick enough to force a turnover or an errant shot.
Which brings us to the question of how to effectively use Gobert on offense. There is space to use him in the pick n’ roll, but that has rarely been Finch’s play style of choice. He is averaging a career high in offensive rebounds and this is primarily where I want him to find his points.
Finishing those misses just as they bounce off or tipping them out to teammates to try again when defenders are too close to him. Don’t give them a chance to send him to the line.
He is very good at screening his teammates open and should continue to be used as the effective body in the way. This opens up Ball, Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland to get a screen assist into open triples. But this also pulls Rudy away from the hoop and the offensive boards that are his best offense.
Simple as it sounds his threat to roll is only as effective as his chemistry with his point guard. Until that firms up, he’s on cleanup duty.
3. What is a Ghost Screen?
The Wolves are getting spooky with a lot more ghost screens this season. This gambit, that asks a shooting threat to feint a screen before sprinting to the other side of the point-of-attack (POA) defender, is meant to short circuit a defense. In a fraction of a second, the ghost screener’s defender has to determine if they need to call for a switch if the screen gets set, or to chase after the shooter who has suddenly burst to a preferred place to spot up.
The Wolves are loaded with players who can quickly turn on the jets (I can’t recommend Ayo Dosumnu’s Player’s Tribune piece enough) and make this decision that much harder. Screens are overcome best when a defense is communicating. The threat of a ghost screen shortens that window for effective communication.
If the POA defender thinks a screen is about to be set, they might get ready to hedge for the incoming contact giving the ball handler enough wiggle room to drive. If the chase defender thinks a screen is being set, they might slow up enough to give the ghost screener a chance to find an open look. If a screen is set, the game flows into common pick n’ roll, one of the most tried and true means of creating advantages.
In the clip below, the Wolves use a combination of screens to break Orlando’s zone, a past bugaboo for Minnesota.
Armed with better outside shooting than the past two years, look for the Wolves to continue to haunt perimeter defenders with these scary non-screens.
4. Who else has come back from dirty knees?
Note: Every injury to a player is unique. No timeline to return or level of ability when returning is the same. An Achilles tear for Donte DiVincenzo and his play style is a completely different injury that an Achilles tear for Ariel Hukporti and how he approaches the game, despite hurting the same tendon.
The day after it was announced that Ant would get arthroscopic knee surgery, a friend of mine sent me a grim text. All he could think of was Grant Hill, Brandon Roy, and Penny Hardaway and the possibility that Ant’s career would be sapped from him like it had from those elite athletes.
I immediately texted back “What about DWade, Kobe, CP3?” After a brief internet search here are several NBA players who have undergone arthroscopic knee surgery who had some of their best years after the fact.
Kobe Bryant – Kobe had his first knee surgery in 2003, another in 2006, and another in 2010. In the midst of this string of surgeries he was an All-Star every year (despite the Laker bump, these were earned), won an MVP and was top five in MVP voting in all but one year, and made All-Defensive Teams in every year but one.
Dwyane Wade – DWade (a frequent Ant comp) had his entire left meniscus removed in 2002 while in college and went on to have a Hall of Fame career where he was unwillingly nicknamed Flash for how quick he was despite playing sans knee cartilage.
Chris Paul – Snitch Paul had arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear in 2010 while still with the New Orleans Hornets. As fun as he was on those Hornets teams, the Point God emerged into a force in the years after with the Lob City Clippers, Hardenball Rockets, and even made his first Finals with the Phoenix Suns, 11 years after the surgery.
Jimmy Butler – General Soreness had surgery on his right knee in 2018 while the Wolves were third in the Western Conference. He returned to help break the 14 year playoff drought. Jimmy has since been the driving force to two NBA finalist teams, never winning one. He adds multiple All-Star selection, an All-NBA selection, and an All-Defensive Team honor to his otherwise championship barren trophy case. I’m not bitter.
Jaylen Brown – Mr. Lamb Chops and Gravy had a knee procedure in the summer of 2025 and was back by training camp en route to being an All-Star, All-NBA 2nd Team, and sixth in MVP voting.
This surgery to clean up Ant’s knee will likely diminish Ant’s burst athleticism. He has moved his game to more outside shooting while maintaining a rim presence. If his downhill game is not as quick, it will hurt, but he’s also added a midrange for if the defender goes too far under that leaves him a three level problem for any defense.
Plenty of NBA greats have bounced back, here’s hoping Ant joins this laudable list.
5. What does this rotation look like fully healthy?
Ant is out for roughly two months. Terrance Shannon Jr. has missed two games with a hip contusion. Donte DiVincenzo is recovering from an Achilles tear with every intention of coming back this season.
In their absence the Wolves have slotted Ayo Dosunmu into the starting lineup. Bones Hyland is scoring the ball well. Jaylen Clark is getting into guys jerseys and hitting 41.2% of his threes on 2.1 attempts a game.
All of these players are competing with each other for minutes. While the deeper bench has done yeomen’s work to keep the Wolves head above water, they are not as good as the players whose minutes they are sopping up.
Finch is strict in his rotations. In the last three years, his starting lineups are in the top five for most used lineups in the NBA. If he gets a fully healthy team, Bones and Clark’s minutes will likely disappear all together. Ayo will move back into his sixth man role ready to be whatever his team needs of him.
Donte is the biggest question mark. He started all 82 games last season, but there is not a spot for him in this starting lineup. We also don’t know what he will look like coming back from such a devastating injury.
Sans LaMelo foul trouble giving Bones more minutes in the Raptors game, Finch has only given double digit minutes out to nine players before the injuries started. Joan Beringer’s minutes aren’t going anywhere. Trey Lyles has size, outside shooting, and has shown a predilection for being in the right place at the right time. Unless countering a specific lineup, his minutes stay the same.
Shannon figures to be the first cut in playtime with the Big Ragu’s return unless Finch expands his bench to ten. And yet, there are few players who could elevate TJ’s game better than Donte. An attacking TJ off a Beringer screen with Donte, Ayo, and Trey spreading the floor is tailormade to confound defenses.
On those nights where the injury report is blank, I hope Finch keeps the pedal to the metal with frequent rotations in the vein of Memphis Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizz have 13 players averaging double digit minutes and only two players over 30 minutes a game, Cameron Boozer (32.3) and Ty Jerome (30.7).
The NBA season is grueling. We have seen year after year the Wolves struggle as the playoffs wear on. TJ, Bones, and Clark are good players, deserving of minutes that will keep the starters fresh for when they are needed most.
6. How do the Wolves compare to the rest of the league (through 10)?
Look here for the inarguable answers through the first ten games.
The Wolves are presently top five in the league in the following team categories:
Points per Game (5th)
Rebounds Per Game (1st)
Three Pointers Made (2nd)
Net Rating (1st)
Defensive Rating (3rd)
2nd Chance Points (5th)
Pull Up Shooting (5th)
Loose Balls Recovered (2nd)
The Net Rating stat is leaning heavily on Minnesota’s first three blow out wins. That said, they have only lost their games by a combined 17 points thus far. They are hitting plenty of threes. They are defending with energy and diving for loose balls. They don’t treat the game as something that should be handed to them like some legacy Ivy Leaguer applying at his dad’s company. They are battling for the ball and snatching it from less hungry competition.
7. What is the ranking of the Wolves’ ticket package/giveaways this season?
Gone are the days of XL T-Shirts and Howl Towels. The Wolves have overloaded this season with all manner of tchotchke, curio and baseball jersey to lure fans and collectors alike to home games. Most of these do not have an image released but give you just enough information to send your imagination whirring.
There is an entire series of baseball hats with design help from former Wolves vets. For Kevin Garnett’s jersey retirement, Minnesota has five unique pieces of career spanning collectible celebrating the Big Ticket’s accomplishments wearing 21. There are bobbleheads, blankets, and backpacks and way way way too many baseball jerseys. And here they all are, definitively ranked.
8. Why are there so many baseball jersey giveaway nights?
To begin, I know:
There are seven ticket package giveaways featuring a baseball jersey this season. In collaboration with local artists, this is what the Wolves are doing for their Artist’s Series this year. Each jersey, for a sport different than the one it is honoring, celebrates a societal cross-section; Latino Noche, Military Appreciation, Native American Heritage, Pride Night, Asian American and Pacific Islander Night, Black Excellence, and Inspiring Women.
I think the designs are fun. Each one is a variation with pin stripes in a variety of colors. Some of them have designs on the sleeve nodding to the theme of the night. All of them have “Wolves Basketball” on the back. And all of them are baseball jerseys.
I love the Artist’s series. I have purchased at least one shirt each of the last two seasons. I love that a local artist gets to put their stamp on the Wolves design. I love that several of the local artists are BIPOC and women creators. I love that they came in a variety of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.
I just don’t understand the thought process in making seven different baseball jerseys. I don’t know enough about production costs, or textiles, so forgive my potentially ignorant question, but, wouldn’t a jersey with two less sleeves of material be cheaper while closer to the topic at hand? Can they not do basketball jerseys because of some contractual stuff with Nike? WHY!?
All that said, I think the Native American design is my favorite and I might need to get one.
9. Where are we at in the marathon?
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 02: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at Target Center on November 02, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Wolves have played ten games in 17 days. If losing Ant and TJ wasn’t enough, they have not had more than a day between games and twice have played in travel back-to-backs. All marathons are tough. Some like to remind you of that fact in the first few miles.
The giddy win streak to start the season, like those first marathon steps past gathered supporters, can make you feel invincible. Before you know it, you’re running faster than you can sustain and its only mile two.
This is not to say that what we saw in the first three games is unsustainable, but with Ant out, the team is grasping for an identity while still playing fast and loose. LaMelo is trying to play aggressive defense and fouling like crazy.
The race is still young though. The stored ATP that let the Wolves sprint out of the gate may be spent, but they have years of experience and the benefits of youth. In the first full month of the season, they are searching for a pace they can maintain.
The challenge of racing a marathon is knowing the line between speed and overheating. The Wolves need to keep chasing after rebounds and through screens without losing anyone else to injury. If the news of Donte’s return holds true, and Ant and TJ bounce back, they’ll get an injection of energy better than any banana or unsavory gel packet found along the march.
10. Where will the Wolves be at Game 21?
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 04: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on November 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
From now until the day after Thanksgiving (no it is not a holiday and you can’t make me recognize it as one) the Wolves take on a mix of the top and bottom of both conferences. They play nine of them at home. Here’s a snap shot of who they got.
The promise that the Utah Jazz were going to try this year has landed on its face due to injury and their inability to defend the point of attack. The Bulls are finally rebuilding. The Nets have five players in their sophomore season and only two of them get playing time despite their abysmal record.
On the challenging side of the opposition, Cooper Flagg looks incredible alongside the returned Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks are a deep squad and can hang around in any game. The Memphis Grizzlies, on the back of Ty Jerome’s electric start and the connective play of rookie Cam Boozer are near the top of the conference.
Portland Trail Blazer’s head coach Micah Nori returns to Minnesota for a home back-to-back. Nori has his team cooking, bolstered by Blazer legend, the renewed Damian Lillard.
The Knicks have started off shaky but can find their championship form on any given night. Finally, the Thunder are a battered and broken team that still boasts seven players that could earn starter’s minutes on most teams in the league.
With the Wolves only having one back to back in this stretch, and three days of rest between game 11 and 12 to rest and practice, I see the Wolves going into the month of December playing at the same pace, 14-6.
The Florida Panthers will take on the Washington Capitals today, but they'll do so with center Anton Lundell.
The 25-year-old was said to be out by coach Paul Maurice shortly before game time with an undisclosed injury. Lundell has played in every Panthers game up to this point, scoring four goals and six points in 16 games.
Lundell had a tough start offensively to his 2026-27 NHL season, but he has begun to turn things around. On Oct. 30, Lundell recorded a hat trick in a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets.
With Lundell out of today's lineup, Cole Reinhardt will rejoin the squad. Reinhardt has been in the press box for quite some time now, most recently playing on Oct. 22. He's played just one NHL game this season, failing to register a point but recorded 10:03 of ice time.
Reinhardt will skate on the third line with Lars Eller and Eetu Luostarinen. Reinhardt will play on the right wing with Eller shifting back to the middle of the ice in Lundell's absence.
Following this afternoon's fixture, the Panthers are back in action on Sunday against the Boston Bruins. Lundell's availability for tomorrow's matchup is undetermined.
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The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly on the outside looking in of the Dylan Larkin sweepstakes, as a variety of NHL insiders have indicated that the Detroit Red Wings former captain will not expand his list of preferred teams from the 10 clubs his agent provided, but that fact may not be stopping the Wings from doing their due diligence and scouting teams outside Larkin’s preferred destinations.
At Buffalo’s 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, Red Wings Assistant GM Kris Draper was in attendance. Draper was reportedly in Toronto on Tuesday for the Utah - Leafs game, and has been piling up the frequent flyer miles with both Larkin and RFA Simon Edvinsson on the block.
Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen has been rumored to be seeking to add a scorer since the departure of Alex Tuch last summer, and there have been reports he approached Detroit with a significant offer for Larkin. TSN’s Darren Dreger, Chris Johnston, and Pierre LeBrun, David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman have all indicated that there are teams outside of the 10 clubs who have expressed interest.
Dylan Larkin and his unwillingness to expand his 10-team trade list.
The impasse between the Wings and Larkin may be taking a back seat to the ticking clock involving Edvinsson, the top pairing blueliner who has to sign a contract by December 1 to play in the NHL this season. There has been no hint that the 23-year-old will sign a deal with Detroit, which could mean that completing a trade for him is their top priority.
The Sabres broke out offensively on Friday, scoring five goals on Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves, but other than blips such as their 7-6 win over Anaheim, and their 5-4 overtime win in Toronto last month, Buffalo has struggled to generate consistent offense this season at even strength and on the man advantage.
Kekalainen has a dilemma, since most teams are not looking to shake up their rosters until after US Thanksgiving, and teams out of the playoff race are not ready to sell off their rentals until the New Year or closer to the trade deadline. Detroit may be playing the long game with Larkin, hoping that he will become frustrated with the Wings dragging their feet and become willing to expand his list.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 4: Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 4, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks were in a funk for their past two games, with Kyrie Irving sitting one and Cooper Flagg having arguably the worst two-game stretch of his young career. Emirates Cup action raised the intensity and the Mavs stepped up to the tune of a 112-100 win Friday night.
63-45: Rebound disparity in favor of Dallas
For what felt like the first time in a long time, the Mavs dominated on the boards to the tune of +18 for the night. Dallas knew this was something they needed to work on and they answered the call Friday night. The cherry on top was that rookie Morez Johnson, Jr. led all players 17 boards!
20-5: Mavs’ second chance points advantage
All of those rebounds led to plenty of points for Dallas. They made the most of ending Utah possessions and extending their own possessions, outscoring the Jazz by 15 in second chance points.
31-14: Free throw disparity in favor of Dallas
The Mavericks got themselves to the line early and often, allowing them to keep the game tight in the first half. Utah was more efficient from the line, missing only a single attempt, but Dallas’ 80.6% (25-of-31) was more than enough of an edge, giving the Mavs a +12 advantage from the charity stripe.
9: Number of traveling calls
The game had an inordinate number of traveling calls; nine to be exact. In the flow of the game, it was quite noticeable and somewhat bizarre. The travel-happy referees were equal opportunity penalizers, handing Utah five of the infractions, and Dallas four of their own.
28-6: Mavericks scoring run
Dallas opened up a tight game in the third quarter and early part of the fourth. Reeling off a 28-6 scoring run, Dallas extended a one possession game to a 20-point lead. Utah responded with a couple of three-point makes and a smaller run of their own, but that 28-6 run proved to be the deciding factor in a Mavericks’ win.
The Mavs needed a win to wash away a bit of the stink from the prior two games and they did all the little things to make it happen against the Jazz. Dallas was locked in on the boards, got to the line, and put together a nice run to build a cushion that proved insurmountable for the Jazz.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Osvaldo Bido #70 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a memorable first week of the season for 30-year-old reliever Osvaldo Bido, who somehow landed on the Atlanta Braves Opening Day roster after a well-traveled off-season.
How Acquired
Bido first landed with Atlanta on December 5, 2025 when he was claimed off waivers from the West Sacramento Athletics, but the Braves moved on from him 10 days later. He then was subsequently claimed and waived by the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Anaheim Angels and New York Yankees before returning to the Braves on March 24, 2026 — right before the start of the regular season.
What were the expectations?
Every offseason, there’s a player or two who suffers a fate similar to Bido, caught in a seemingly never-ending swirl of back-of-the-40-man-roster churn. For Bido, this status was understandable. He was reasonably effective as a swingman with the Pirates in 2023 and Athletics in 2024, putting together a combined 107 ERA-, 89 FIP-, and 113 xFIP- in 114 combined innings, earning 2.1 fWAR in the process on the back of a very low HR/FB. However, he was horrible in 2025 (133 ERA-, 138 FIP-, 132 xFIP-), which led the Athletics to move on and a bunch of other teams to take a peek at him in the hopes of getting something closer to 2023-2024.
His overall outlook was a decent longer-stint reliever… with the hope that 2025 was a blip and that it would be easy to go back to his prior performance level.
2026 results
Unfortunately, 2025 didn’t look like a blip as 2026 wound on. Bido made the Opening Day roster and got some run, appearing in six of the team’s first 19 games. He struck out all three batters he faced in his season debut, but it was all down hill from there, as he could only a manage a 3/5 K/BB ratio in his next five outings. That gave him a 150 ERA-, 128 FIP-, and 145 xFIP-, which looked a lot like his bad 2025 line in ten innings.
The Braves DFAed him again in mid-April, and surprise surprise, another team claimed him: the White Sox. Bido made five appearances for his new team, but his performance was just as bad as it was in 2025 and with the Braves. He finished the MLB portion of his 2026 campaign with -0.2 fWAR in 18 2/3 combined innings, and an eerily consistent, boy-the-system-worked-too-well 150 ERA-, 150 FIP-, and 150 xFIP-.
The White Sox outrighted him to Triple-A, but ten days later, he received enough interest from the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the NPB that he received his release to go pitch in Japan. Said NPB career consisted of two outings spanning two outings where he got blasted. So, in the end, Bido was incredibly well-traveled in 2026, but not very good.
What went right?
It was a marvelous first appearance for Bido, striking out each batter he faced as the Braves trailed 2-0 in the top of the ninth. He was the box score beneficiary of Dominic Smith’s walkoff grand slam.
Then, he danced through the raindrops a bit and filled up the box score. He hurled a three-inning “save” against the Diamondbacks, though it came with a 1/1 K/BB ratio in those three innings. He then made two more appearances spanning three innings where somehow the opposition didn’t score despite another 1/1 K/BB ratio. All of these outings came in low leverage, so his results weren’t particularly relevant, but he wasn’t harming the team.
What went wrong?
But, then the bottom dropped out. He had a poor long relief appearance, but it didn’t matter much since the Braves were losing big anyway. And then, in his final appearance with the Braves, he entered with a big lead (6-0), and left with just one additional out recorded, along with a walk, a homer, two wild pitches, and some other hits. Though it was low leverage, he still earned a meltdown for the performance. That was it, the Braves moved on.
Though he didn’t pitch much, he showed essentially zero command, and his pitch shapes were average-at-best. While his sweeper seemed acquit itself fairly well despite limited break given how hard he threw it, every other pitch lacked effective movement, and Bido had no idea where anything was going when it came out of his hand.
2027 outlook
Bido’s future as an MLB-level player is not certain. He didn’t pitch well in Japan in those two outings, and he’s now had two seasons of basically unplayable MLB performance. Should he return to pitch in the U.S., he’s likely headed the minor league contract route. He could resurface as a deep reserve reliever but it is possible he’s made his final big league appearance. He’ll pitch at age 31 in 2027, so he no longer has youth on his side.
He’s going to be projected from somewhere between replacement level to below average reliever, and given that he showed almost nothing of use for two seasons now, there’s little reason for him to be one of the earlier fliers taken. Still, maybe someone will gamble on the dream of his low HR/FB-fueled 2023-2024 again.
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 5: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns grabs the rebound during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 5, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns moved Oso Ighodaro into the starting lineup for Thursday’s win against the Orlando Magic. Many called for a change to the lineup (or multiple changes, which is another article for another day). He is a somewhat polarizing player, with staunch fans and outspoken skeptics. I’ll make a case for this being absolutely the right move for this team, right now.
Khaman Maluach is learning game by game. Working on his body (and hopefully hands) to get stronger. He has an awesome frame and, at 20 years old, is just beginning to learn the nuances of NBA success. He has a mostly high effort level and wants to be good. However, the NBA is littered with players thrust into action before developing properly – and then losing confidence, picking up bad habits. Time on the court in meaningful minutes is needed to progress toward the objective of becoming a solid NBA starting center. The current situation with Mark Williams out well into 2027 allows for consistent 15-20 minute nights. Handing the “starter” keys could put him on a path more closely aligned to former Suns top-10 pick Josh Jackson (sorry to those with draft PTSD here).
Back to Oso. The Phoenix starting lineup needs more connectivity and flow on offense? Check. Struggling horrifically on defense? Check. Per HoopsJunkie.io, Ighodaro’s on/off defensive rating of -17.2 points per 100 possessions ranks EIGHTH in the NBA! This is in spite of being a below-average defensive rebounder (141st in the NBA in DREB%). Keep in mind, he suffered a right oblique strain in the opener and is likely just rounding back into form now. I’ve referenced DARKO several times as a great tool to project overall player value at a moment in time.
Through last season, his projected value was steadily growing. Once fully healthy, it is reasonable to expect that progression to continue. He looks bigger and stronger. His turnovers are down. While the results are not there yet at the free-throw line, he looks smoother (and commentators have noticed the same). With a DARKO of 1.0, compared to a -1.6 for Maluach, the model predicts more positive impact on winning in the present.
Oso and Ryan Dunn, to an even greater extent early this season, are developing players. They show what development can look like for players drafted 40th and 28th, respectively. With his raw talents (drafted 10th) and willingness to work, Maluach’s ultimate success depends on development done the right way. This franchise needs Man Man to get there for the long run – and needs Oso right now to stabilize a starting lineup that was in disarray.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic makes a behind-the-back pass in front of three Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Ten games is too early for most valuable player conversation. Just don’t tell fans at Crypto.com Arena.
“M-V-P! M-V-P!” the Lakers faithful chant at Luka Doncic every time the Lakers guard toes the free-throw line.
After dropping a season-high 53 points during the Lakers’ 124-118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, Doncic is averaging 40.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists in a scoring binge for the ages. He’s the fourth Laker to have four consecutive games of 40 or more points. He’s the third to have seven games of 35 or more points.
And he’s doing it efficiently: Doncic’s sky-high shooting percentage dipped to 49.8% after an unusually cold 5-for-15 shooting night from three-point range Friday. He was still 12 for 18 from two-point range.
Here are three takeaways from Friday’s win:
Too early to tell?
Lakers guard Luka Doncic shouts after sinking a three-pointer that gave the Lakers a five-point lead over Portland in the third quarter Friday at Crypto.com Arena. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Walker Kessler just shook his head as he grasped for the right words. There might not be many more left to describe what Doncic is doing.
“He’s my MVP,” the Lakers center said eventually.
Being in the most valuable player conversation isn’t new for Doncic. The two-time scoring champion finished third in MVP voting in 2024 with Dallas. He averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists during the regular season, then led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.
Each season the do-it-all guard is among the favorites to win the award. But Doncic’s early-season campaign feels different. Not only is Doncic in great shape, Portland coach Micah Nori said before Friday’s game, but Doncic also has the right pieces around him after the Lakers remade their roster to complement the star with floor-spacing shooters, strong perimeter defenders and a rolling center.
“It’s a perfect offensive storm,” Nori said. “He’s the MVP right now. Hands down.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick does not engage in MVP discussion until 50 games in, he said. When told Doncic topped NBA.com’s first MVP ladder Friday, the Lakers coach brushed aside any chance to make a grand proclamation.
In the premature MVP rankings, Doncic was ahead of San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. The 22-year-old is averaging 29.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, three assists and 4.2 blocks per game.
Doncic’s 53-point outburst eclipsed Wembanyama’s 52 points the star center scored Wednesday for the highest single-game scoring performance this season. But Wembanyama also grabbed 24 rebounds with eight blocks in a historic statline matched only by Wilt Chamberlain.
The French superstar finished second in MVP voting last year and was the first unanimous defensive player of the year in league history. His outsized defensive impact was a significant part of why he entered the season as the betting favorite to win his first MVP.
Doncic, who didn’t get any votes from NBA general managers when asked in a preseason survey who they thought would win the MVP, said he’s determined to step up on defense for his team. He is averaging 1.7 steals per game, which ranks second among Lakers players. His four drawn charges is tied for most in the league.
“He has a pride and he has a hunger,” Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili said of Doncic’s defense. “He has a will to not be labeled as that guy who you can just attack.”
Doncic is challenging Chamberlain’s stats on the offensive end. His 361 points through his first nine games are the most for a player since Chamberlain’s 472 points in 1962-63. No one has averaged 40 points over a season since the legendary center in 1963. The possibility has barely crossed Doncic’s mind.
“As long as we win, I’m good,” Doncic said.
The Lakers are 8-2 with the best record in the Western Conference. They have not started 8-2 since their last championship season.
Welcome back
Lakers forward Adou Thiero drives to the basket between Portland's Scoot Henderson (00) and Jrue Holiday (5) at Crypto.com Arena on Friday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Adou Thiero had a loud four points, four rebounds and two assists in his long-awaited season debut Friday. The energetic forward missed the first nine games of the season because of swelling in his left knee. He didn’t waste any time reintroducing himself to the team, keeping a loose ball alive on his first offensive possession that led to an offensive rebound and a put-back from Mamukelashvili.
“He literally did everything we asked him to do,” Redick said.
The second-year forward has been hampered by his balky left knee since college, when he missed the end of his junior season after surgery. The procedure delayed the beginning of his rookie season and when he returned, a sprained MCL in his right knee knocked him out for six more weeks.
The injuries prevented Thiero from gaining any traction. This summer, when he had the longest stretch of sustained health during his short professional career, he could finally show teammates and coaches what he could do.
Thiero jumped out of the gym during practices. He smothered teammates while guarding the ball. He brought the same energy to the court Friday when it counted.
“We value Adou a lot,” Kessler said. “He’s a very physical player, really talented, athletic player.”
Defensive backup plan
Lakers forwards Ziaire Williams, left, and Sandro Mamukelashvili double team Portland guard Sidy Cissoko as he attempts a layup at Crypto.com Arena on Friday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers missed their first 15 three-point shots. It felt like a minor miracle they trailed by only seven at halftime.
The most dynamic offense in the league had to rely on its defense. The Lakers forced 24 turnovers and held the Trail Blazers (6-2) to 15 points in the third quarter.
“It’s nice to know when you’re not making shots that you can also rely on your defense to help keep you in the game,” said forward Jake LaRavia, who had seven points, eight rebounds and one steal.
The Lakers rank 21st in defensive rating, giving up 113.6 points per 100 possessions. They are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, ranking 29th despite outrebounding the Trail Blazers by three. Their defense instead relies on blocks and steals.
The Lakers are tied for third in the NBA with 10.7 steals per game. Matisse Thybulle leads the team with 1.8 steals per game. Austin Reaves had a team-high four steals Friday.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 30: Adam Smith #48 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a photo during the 2026 Arizona Fall League media day at Scottsdale Stadium on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Of the eight prospects the Mariners sent to the Arizona Fall League this year, catching prospect Boston Smith was the biggest name sent by Seattle and has occupied the lion’s share of the headlines. But you should know about a different Smith, as well: Adam Smith, the 26-year-old reliever who makes up the other half of the Mariners’ AFL “Mr. and Mr. Smith” battery.
Acquired when the Mariners purchased his contract from the independent Lancaster Stormers last May to fill out Everett’s bullpen, Smith quickly overpowered the youngsters at High-A and earned a trip to Double-A Arkansas midway through the season, where his strikeouts fell and his walks shot up. Smith has a prototypical pitcher’s frame at a strongly-built 6’2”, but relies more on spin and location than velocity to outfox hitters. On the stat sheet, nothing about Smith stands out: he didn’t rack up eye-watering strikeout numbers in Arkansas, and he’s carrying an ERA north of 5 in the Fall League.
But on a trip to the AFL last month, I watched Smith pitch the most dominant inning of the night in a lopsided Peoria win. Hitters simply weren’t reading the ball out of his hand, swinging ugly or backing away from pitches that landed squarely in the zone.
So far, Smith has appeared in seven games in the AFL, pitching 6.2 innings, over which time he is yet to issue a walk while striking out 10, leading to his selection to the Fall Stars game.
Smith was initially drafted by the Padres in the 14th round in 2021 out of UNC Wilmington, where he spent four years before spending one year in the Red Sox system. He then transitioned to indy ball, which is where the Mariners found him.
As a former starter, Smith has a full arsenal at his disposal as a reliever: a four-seam, sinker, cutter, changeup, and sweeper. He mixes his pitches effectively, keeping hitters off-balance, but says he relies more heavily on his off-speed, since he’s not blessed with eye-popping velocity on his fastball. Of his off-speed pitches, he has a clear favorite.
“I would say I get most of the ugly swings from my sweeper,” said Smith. “It’s kind of my go-to, the old reliable. I learned it about two years ago, and then once I really figured out how to use it, I haven’t gone away from it.”
Smith says in his time with the Mariners he’s learned to not be afraid of throwing in the zone, buying into the “dominate the zone” philosophy and trusting in what the organization has told him about what makes him good. Ironically, that confidence to throw in the zone despite not having huge velocity and lean in to his identity as a pitcher who pounds the zone has caused his velocity to tick up into the mid-90s.
“The velocity aspect early in my career wasn’t really there, and being a part of two different organizations prior where they strive for only velocity just didn’t fit my motto because I was more of an in-zone pitcher, get a lot of strikes, and just average velocity. Whereas here, being able to embrace the identity of being in the zone all the time has translated into my velocity being where it’s at now.”
But it’s not just the uptick in strikeouts or velocity that Smith is grateful for. He’s happy to be with the Mariners because he feels like the organization has a clear direction for how to make him successful, a vision that’s communicated clearly and consistently.
“Everyone’s got a plan here, and they’re solely driven on that plan, and everyone’s bought into the plan, which is that communication aspect where everyone is in tune with what’s going on,” Smith said. “I think it makes it a lot easier for us as players when we’re communicated with on a daily basis about what we need to do, maybe in our routine or changing other things up. Everything is communicated. It’s not like we have to find out a few months later, like, oh, we’ve been actually wanting you to do this, but we didn’t tell you. It’s very upfront.”
Those are encouraging words to hear from any player in your organization, but especially considering the apparent communication breakdown that hurt the big-league club this year. It’s a reminder of what this organization does well when those avenues of communication are free-flowing and meaningful, a big part of which is identifying players like Adam Smith and helping them become the best version of themselves.
You can watch Smith pitch in the Fall Stars game on Sunday at 5 PM PT; the game will be broadcast on MLB Network, but you can also stream it on MLB.com.
