Mar 18, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
To some of us, it may sound like an echo from a not-so-distant past. How do we protect our superstar and franchise player from constantly getting hit and banged up – and carrying too much of the load?
“Health is the biggest thing,” Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said a few days ago about Cooper Flagg. “We’re looking for Cooper to come out of this (season) healthy.”
The focus is on injury prevention and finding ways to save his energy. In order to do that the coaching staff wants Flagg to take a new approach – or at least refocus his offensive game a little.
“Because he plays hard, because he attacks, he gets hit a lot, so that’s one of the areas that we want to make sure that he gets better at.”
And Kidd has a specific thing in mind that could help limit the amount of hits and bumps Flagg receives during the course of a game, but also save his energy: more shooting beyond the arc.
“He feels comfortable shooting it off the dribble,” Kidd said about Cooper Flagg. “We would like for him to get a little bit better at catch-and-shoot. Less energy spent, less banging.”
Sound familiar?
In many ways, this is not a new situation in Dallas. Not long ago, the calls for Luka Doncic to avoid getting banged up constantly were loud in the media and among fans. Back then, everyone wanted Luka Doncic to take more catch-and-shoot threes, as well. The issues were similar, but the question remains:
How do you save the energy of the franchise player and decrease the amount of times he gets hit and banged up during a game?
Back on January 1st, 2023, Jason Kidd talked in similar fashion about how Luka Doncic’s next step should be to learn to play in a way that would put less stress on his body:
“After that New York game, I wanted to see – could we say a Klay-type game where he had 5 dribbles and had 70 points? That’s the next step for him, to understand how to pick the defense apart without putting so much stress on his body.”
Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic's next step: "After that New York game, I wanted to see — could we say a Klay-type game where he had 5 dribbles and had 70 points? That's the next step for him, to understand how to pick the defense apart without putting so much stress on his body." pic.twitter.com/AuR0lolceL
And in yet another repetition of past struggles in Dallas, fans and media alike have been calling out the referees for not protecting Cooper Flagg. The same sentiment was very prevalent around Doncic for most of his career.
But isn’t this an issue with all stars, especially in that rookie year? you might ask. And the answer could very likely be yes. But that doesn’t mean that we should just accept the status quo.
There are ways to protect stars, superstars and even rookies. Jason Kidd knows what he’s doing, he understands that catch-and-shoot threes would help decrease the hits which Flagg receives every game.
But that’s not the only solution. Running plays that encourage more catch-and-shoots, forcing the rookie to sometimes settle for the shot, would help.
Making sure there’s always players around him to share the physical load (or upgrade the roster to accommodate it), and a playmaker to set the table on offense.
And then there’s simply standing up for Flagg more during games from the coaches, reminding referees, pushing back, taking a tech sometimes to prove a point. All of this could make a big difference. Same in the press conferences after. Make sure the focus is on this issue, shape the narrative.
Look, I get it, I’m not a refs complainer either. But when you see how other coaches go to war for lesser incidents and often end up with a better whistle down the road, you have to consider starting the conversation. Here’s a good example of how Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr always campaigns on behalf of his players.
STEVE KERR: "I'm pissed off. I wanted to go to Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup. We aren't going because of a loose ball foul 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line. I've never seen anything like it in my life. That was ridiculous. Thank you."pic.twitter.com/lO5S2qJVlK
As it did with Doncic, it is now beginning to take a toll on Cooper Flagg. In last night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, Flagg was clearly more agitated – both complaining more and showing bad body language, which seems to be an increasingly regular occurrence as the season wears on.
Obviously, this is a problem for the coaching staff to solve. They never really figured it out while Luka Doncic was in Dallas, but that doesn’t mean they won’t find a way to help Cooper Flagg.
It’s easy to sit behind a screen or in the arena and be an expert on how other people should do their jobs. It’s a different thing altogether to maneuver the situation on the floor in the moment it’s happening. Everybody who has played real and competitive basketball and coached knows that.
But the Mavs have to find a way to protect their franchise star one way or the other, and a concerted effort might be more effective than leaving the responsibility with the player.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 19: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 19, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks played what was definitely their worst game of this season, getting blown out by the 20-48 Utah Jazz, 128-96. Along with their play itself, this was also the team’s worst game from a body language standpoint, and that’s saying a lot. The Jazz, who, make no mistake, are going to extreme lengths to lose, simply couldn’t suck as much as the Bucks, no matter what they tried. Yikes. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Maybe the worst game from Turner all season? Completely irrelevant all game on both ends. I hesitate to use the word “soft” these days, but this was pretty soft from the big man. Couldn’t assert any will on the game against dudes who, let’s be honest, are not even close to being NBA centres.
Got out in transition a few times, but same as Turner: irrelevant.
Grade: D-
AJ Green
11 minutes, 0 points, 0/4 FG, 0/4 3P, -13
Had multiple bad mistakes on defence as an off-ball defender, and couldn’t find his shot either. Been a rough stretch for AJ.
Grade: D-
Ousmane Dieng
24 minutes, 13 points, 5/7 FG, 3/4 3P, -27
Hit open shots, but made very little impact as a passer (apart from one nice skip pass). Also got dominated a few times by physical defenders. Being physical is going to keep popping up on the scouting report for those defending Ous until he proves he can beat it.
Made some early impact, but this was one of the few games this year where Bobby looked like the player he has been in seasons past. Looked slow and lethargic on both ends, getting blown by more than his standard this year. Also got beasted by Andersson Garcia way too many times on the boards; this was Garcia’s fifth game.
Grade: C-
Pete Nance
13 minutes, 0 points, 0/2 FG, 0/1 3P, -14
Nothing from a bloke who usually finds a way to make an impact on some level. That said, he didn’t get any real run until the fourth quarter, making it tough to find a rhythm.
Grade: F
Jericho Sims
17 minutes, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1/1 FG, -9
Jericho feeds off others making plays for him, and so when the likes of Rollins, Kuzma, and Dieng don’t produce in that area, it has a negative impact on Sims.
Cam’s stat line doesn’t look too bad, but I actually thought he was pretty horrendous from a process standpoint. His turnovers were ghastly. Plus, he didn’t play a lick of defence.
Grade: D+
Taurean Prince
16 minutes, 6 points, 2/5 FG, 2/5 3P, -4
I’d apply much of my “critique” for Sims—that his player type only works if the playmakers do their job—to Prince. That said, he did make a smooth self-created corner three.
Grade: C-
Gary Trent Jr.
17 minutes, 4 points, 1/5 FG, 1/5 3P, +0
GT just couldn’t hit shots, but he took the right ones. Was clearly trying to show the coaches that he was fighting like all hell on defence, though, which I appreciated.
Grade: C-
Doc Rivers
Part of me feels like the players came out with no want to play with any sort of intensity, and that’s not on Doc. But the number of guys the Jazz played who simply weren’t NBA players (or were fringe players at best)… you simply have to find ways to assert your dominance over them. I don’t recall Turner getting one look in the post against a 10-day guy. Advantages like these were almost never exploited, and that falls on the coach.
Grade: D
Garbage Time: Gary Harris, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cormac Ryan, Andre Jackson Jr.
Inactive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., Alex Antetokounmpo
Bonus Bucks Bits
Bless Lisa and Marques… they tried their hardest to keep the vibe at least somewhat upbeat.
We got our first look at Cormac Ryan, who scored on his first NBA shot attempt (a three, of course).
Ace Bailey was a flamethrower, dropping a career-high 33 on 7/17 from three. That’s a lot of threes.
The Jazz were on the second night of a back-to-back, and played just eight guys.
The experience of watching your team get blown out by a tanking team is truly unique. I mean, the Jazz were already tanking hard, but I want to say Will Hardy gave it an extra push at one point by subbing out all of the best players who were playing all at once, but it quickly became evident that the Bucks were just too bad on the night for Utah to steal the L.
Just flagging that the Pelicans—having won consecutive games against the Clippers over the last two days—are now just four games “ahead” of the Bucks in the tank standings.
Up Next
The Bucks play again tomorrow against the Phoenix Suns. Catch the game at 9:00 p.m. CDT on NBA TV or FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
Steve Borthwick will be reprieved by the RFU’s review but there are other factors at play from the makeup of his backroom team to the conveyor belt of English talent
The Rugby Football Union’s review into England’s least successful championship for 50 years is already up and running with an alacrity that would impress Louis Bielle-Biarrey. And one detail seems clear: barring something spectacular, Steve Borthwick will still be coaching the team this summer. As one well-placed insider put it: “This review is about supporting Steve to make improvements. If change is needed change is needed but it’s not about punishing him. He’s absolutely going to be in post this summer, there’s no question about that.”
ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 23: Oklahoma pitcher Kyson Witherspoon (26) screams after closing out an inning during the 2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship game between Oklahoma and Kansas on May 23, 2024, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Red Sox fans have been spoiled by the rosters of recent Spring Breakout games. That’s what happens when your farm system is stocked with some of the very best prospects in baseball.
The spring breakout roster isn’t quite as loaded this year. Here’s the team that will be in the dugout against the Orioles prospects tonight, per MLB.com:
PITCHERS (9) Jay Allmer, RHP, NR Jake Bennett, LHP, No. 7 Anthony Eyanson, RHP, No. 10 Patrick Galle, RHP, NR Marcus Phillips, RHP, No. 9 Reidis Sena, RHP, NR Juan Valera, RHP, No. 5 Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, No. 4/MLB No. 84
CATCHERS (3) Nate Baez, C, NR Franklin Primera, C, NR Gerardo Rodriguez, C/1B, No. 27
INFIELDERS (9) Marvin Alcantara, INF, NR Franklin Arias, SS, No. 2/MLB No. 31 Josue Brito, INF, NR Yoeilin Cespedes, 2B, No. 18 Freili Encarnacion, INF, NR Henry Godbout, 2B, No. 11 Hector Ramos, SS, No. 23 Mikey Romero, INF, No. 13 Dorian Soto, SS, No. 8
OUTFIELDERS (6)
Enddy Azocar, OF, No. 12 Miguel Bleis, OF, No. 17 Allan Castro, OF, No. 25 Justin Gonzales, OF, No. 6 Harold Rivas, OF, No. 20 Nelly Taylor, OF, No. 22
Even if we don’t have a Roman Anthony or Marcelo Mayer on the roster, we do have two elite prospects in shortstop Franklin Arias and pitcher Kyson Witherspoon. We’ve seen Arias make cameos in each of the last two spring trainings, but this will probably be the first look most Sox fans get of Witherspoon. They will likely be the center of attention.
But the guy I’ll be watching for is another shortstop: Dorian Soto. Soto is an 18-year-old who has yet to make his stateside debut. It’s irresponsible to draw any conclusions from the .307/.362/.428 slash line he put up in the Dominican Summer League last year. But he’s a switch-hitting infielder with a big frame (he’s already 6-3) and huge offensive upside. He’s not going to make an impact in the big leagues any time soon, if he ever does. But it should be fun watching him climb up the ladder, so he’s the guy I’ll be paying the most attention to. Who’s yours?
Talk about prospects, whatever else you want, and, as always, be good to one another.
Since their inception in 1962, lots of incredible players have donned the orange and blue. Below, the Mets all-time 26-man roster is unveiled.
But first, some rules...
In order to be eligible for the team, a player must have spent a chunk of his career in Queens and experienced a solid part of his peak during that time. That means Pedro Martinez and Nolan Ryan won't be in the starting rotation, and Willie Mays won't be patrolling center field. Meanwhile, Juan Soto doesn't yet qualify.
And now, the Mets' all-time team...
Starting Lineup
Catcher: Mike Piazza
Aside from the ace of the pitching staff, this was the easiest call to make.
While there is sentimentality when it comes to Gary Carter -- who was a co-captain with the Mets, helped them win the 1986 World Series, and is a Hall-of-Famer -- the answer is Piazza.
The greatest hitting catcher ever, who has a Mets cap adorning his plaque in Cooperstown, Piazza hit .296/.373/.542 with 220 homers in 972 games over eight seasons in Queens, was the backstop during two of their most exciting playoff runs, and has his No. 31 retired.
First Baseman: Keith Hernandez
A true difference-maker on both sides of the ball, the arrival of Hernandez via trade in 1983 helped revitalize the franchise.
Hernandez was a clutch performer, team captain, and heart and soul of the mid-to-late '80s squad. Like Piazza's No. 31, Hernandez's No. 17 is retired.
Both Carlos Delgado (who hit 104 homers in four seasons with the Mets) and John Olerud (whose departure after 1999 hurt in a big way) deserve to be mentioned here, but neither played with the Mets long enough to challenge Hernandez for this honor.
Pete Alonso, a five-time All-Star who hit .253/.341/.516 with 264 homers (the Mets' all-time record) in his first seven big league seasons, would've almost certainly grabbed this spot if he remained with the team beyond 2025. But his departure to the Orioles via free agency keeps Hernandez at the top.
Egardo Alfonzo / Eileen Blass, USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Second Baseman: Edgardo Alfonzo
Part of the Greatest Infield Ever with Olerud, Rey Ordoñez, and Robin Ventura, Alfonzo was the perfect sidekick to Piazza in the late '90s-early 2000s, and put up one of the best offensive seasons ever by a Met.
In 2000, Alfonzo slashed .324/.425/.542 with 25 homers and 40 doubles for a Mets team that made it to the World Series.
Unfortunately, injuries started to derail Alfonzo's career after the 2002 campaign.
Jeff McNeil, a batting champion and Mets mainstay for eight years, once looked poised to overtake Alfonzo. But his offense regressed over his last few seasons in Queens before he was traded to the A's.
In his first five seasons in Queens, Lindor has slashed .273/.342/.475 with 141 homers, 148 doubles, 117 stolen bases, 503 runs scored, and 445 RBI.
During that span, he has been one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball and finished top 10 in MVP voting four times.
When it comes to electricity on the field in a Mets uniform, there was nothing quite like Jose Reyes from 2005 to 2011, when his mix of speed and extra-base power combined to make him one of the best players in baseball.
But this is now Lindor's spot.
Mets 3B David Wright / USA TODAY Sports
Third Baseman: David Wright
The Captain and a career Met, Wright was on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory when injuries -- including chronic spinal stenosis -- derailed his career when he was in his early 30s. Even with that, he has received enough Hall of Fame votes during his first three years on the ballot to remain on and merit future consideration.
Wright is the Mets' franchise leader in most offensive categories, and his final career totals (even weighed down by his final injury-plagued seasons) are spectacular.
Wright hit .296/.376/.491 with 242 homers, 390 doubles, and 970 RBI in 14 seasons, and his No. 5 was retired during the 2025 season.
Left Fielder: Cleon Jones
An integral part of the 1969 Miracle Mets, Jones spent 12 of his 13 big league seasons in Queens, hitting .281/.340/.406 in a shade under 1,200 games played with the team.
Jones also caught the final out of the 1969 World Series in left field, clenching it moments before thousands of fans rushed the field.
Barring something strange happening, this will be Juan Soto's spot at some point. But he doesn't have the Mets track record just yet.
Arguably the greatest two-way player in Mets history, Beltran was one of the best fielding center fielders and an elite all-around hitter during his time in Queens from 2005 to 2011.
Beltran's smooth style was a joy to watch, and his 2006 season -- when he slugged close to .600 and crushed a then-team-record-tying 41 homers -- was incredible.
He is now back with the team in a front office capacity.
Beltran was recently inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame, and he will be wearing a Mets cap on his plaque, becoming just the third player ever (along with Piazza and Tom Seaver) to have that distinction.
The Mets will be retiring Beltran's No. 15 during the 2026 season.
Right Fielder: Darryl Strawberry
A Rookie of the Year and seven-time All-Star with the Mets during his eight seasons in Queens from 1983 to 1990, Strawberry's sweet left-handed swing electrified Shea Stadium and helped New York turn the corner on the way to contention.
In a different world, Strawberry stays with the Mets after the 1990 season instead of bolting for the Dodgers, avoids off-field issues, and continues on his course to the Hall of Fame.
In this world, we'll have to settle for his still-tremendous Mets career that included a club-record 252 home runs.
His No. 18 is now retired.
***
*With the designated hitter now in the National League, we'll eventually add a DH to the starting lineup of the all-time team. But we're not there yet.
New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver(41) poses for a portrait at Crosley Field / Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Starting Rotation
1. Tom Seaver
The Franchise, Seaver was not only the best Mets pitcher ever but one of the best pitchers in the history of baseball.
Seaver won three Cy Young awards with the Mets (1969, 1973, and 1975), and helped lead New York to the World Series title in 1969 and within a game of a title in 1973.
In 12 seasons with the Mets, Seaver had a 2.57 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while fanning 2,541 batters in 3,045.2 innings.
2. Jacob deGrom
Unlike Seaver, deGrom came out of nowhere -- a converted shortstop who was initially called up to help the bullpen in 2014 but instead immediately became one of the best starting pitchers in baseball.
Winning back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2018 and 2019, deGrom became the first Met to accomplish that feat. And then he got better, with his fastball routinely hitting triple-digits and slider reaching as high as 96 mph.
In nine seasons with New York -- with the final two being marred be injury -- deGrom's numbers were staggering: A 2.52 ERA, 0.998 WHIP, and 1,607 strikeouts in 1,326.0 innings.
DeGrom had a chance to supplant Seaver as the ace on this list, but that went out the window when he left via free agency following the 2022 season to join the Texas Rangers.
Still, deGrom's No. 48 should be retired at Citi Field when his career is over.
Dwight Gooden / RVR Photos - USA TODAY Sports
3. Dwight Gooden
The "K Korner" was born at Shea Stadium when Gooden burst onto the scene, and he spun two of the most dominant seasons ever in 1984 and 1985.
In '85, Gooden won the Cy Young after putting up this ridiculousness as a 20-year-old: 1.53 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 268 strikeouts in 276.2 innings.
Like Strawberry, it's hard not to wonder what could've been with Gooden, whose battles with substance abuse began to severely impact his career in 1987.
Also like Strawberry, Gooden's number was recently retired.
4. Jerry Koosman
Seaver's wingman, Koosman -- whose No. 36 was retired in 2021 -- was a force in his own right during the 12 years he spent with the Mets from 1967 to 1978 -- posting a 3.09 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in over 2,500 innings.
His most dominant stretch came from 1968 to 1971, and included tossing a complete game in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series as the Mets won their first title.
5. Sid Fernandez
Fernandez is often overlooked, but he shouldn't be. And he eked out David Cone for this spot.
During his 10 seasons with the Mets from 1984 to 1993, Fernandez and his "rising fastball" posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while striking out 1,449 batters in 1,584.2 innings.
Fernandez wasn't in the Mets' 1986 postseason rotation that featured Bob Ojeda, Dwight Gooden, and Ron Darling, but he made arguably the most important relief appearance in team history in Game 7 of the World Series against the Red Sox.
Taking over for Darling with the Mets trailing 3-0 in the fourth inning, Fernandez fired 2.1 innings of no-hit ball while walking one and striking out four to keep New York in the game.
Edwin Diaz screaming Mets pinstripes night game October 2022 / Brad Penner - USA TODAY Sports
Diaz, who persevered after a rough first season with the Mets in 2019, spun one of the best seasons any reliever has ever had in 2022.
In 62 innings over 61 appearances, Diaz -- utilizing his dastardly fastball/slider combination -- posted a 1.31 ERA (0.90 FIP) and 0.83 WHIP with 118 strikeouts (an eye-popping 17.1 per nine). Following the season, he signed a five-year extension that made him the highest-paid closer ever.
From 2020 to 2025, Diaz was a dominant force for New York, with a 2.36 ERA (2.15 FIP) and 0.97 WHIP while striking out 439 batters -- a rate of 14.6 per nine.
Setup Man: Billy Wagner
During his three full seasons with the Mets, Wagner was his regular unbelievable self, firing 100 mph fastballs as he posted a 2.37 ERA and 1.05 WHIP while striking out 230 batters in 189.2 innings.
Jesse Orosco pitching against the Red Sox in the 9th inning during Game 7 of the World Series at Shea Stadium Oct. 27, 1986. Mets Vs Red Sox 1986 World Series / Frank Becerra Jr/USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
Middle Relievers: John Franco, Armando Benitez, Jesse Orosco, Jeurys Familia, and Tug McGraw
The kid from Brooklyn, Franco had a 3.10 ERA in 14 seasons with the Mets and amassed 276 saves along the way, eventually becoming a setup man during a career that lasted 21 years.
Benitez gets a bad rap and will never be forgiven for blowing Game 1 of the 2000 World Series, but he was mostly dominant as a Met. Look at his numbers. Seriously, go look.
Orosco was splendid during his eight seasons with the Mets, posting a 2.73 ERA and closing out the NLCS and World Series in 1986.
Familia had a 3.27 ERA over 10 seasons with the Mets (with a brief trip to Oakland in the middle of that stint) and led the league with 51 saves in 2016.
McGraw was one of the glue guys for New York from 1965 to 1974.
Long Reliever: Rick Aguilera
Aguilera was a starter/reliever hybrid for the Mets from 1985 to 1988 before becoming a full-time reliever in 1989 and eventually moving on to the Minnesota Twins, where he became one of the best relievers in baseball. He's the perfect man for this job.
Bench
Before discussing the bench, it should be pointed out that the original version of this roster had a bench that was made up of players who were often used in a reserve role -- not the next best player at each position. You can see that version here.
But, since so many clamored for a bench that was the next best player at each position, it's below.
Mets Gary Carter jumps into the arms of Wally Backman after the Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox in Game 7 to win the World Series at Shea Stadium Oct. 27, 1986 / Frank Becerra Jr/USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
Catcher: Gary Carter
This was the easiest bench selection to make.
Carter's tenure in Queens spanned 1985 to 1989, and he was a four-time All-Star during that time. He had huge seasons in 1985 and 1986 (when he finished in the top six in MVP voting each year), and was part of the heart and soul of the '86 championship squad.
First baseman: Pete Alonso
With Alonso's Mets tenure over, he takes this spot.
The other main candidates were John Olerud and Carlos Delgado.
With the Mets rom 1997 to 1999, Olerud slashed .315/.425/.501, which included batting .354/.447/.551 in 1998. Olerud's .354 average in '98 is the Mets' single-season record.
Delgado slugged 104 homers for the Mets from 2006 to 2009.
Jose Reyes / Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports
Infielder: Jose Reyes
A typical Reyes season during his peak meant a high batting average and on base percentage along with 15-to-20 triples, 30-plus doubles, 55-plus stolen bases, and the daily sight of him turning singles into doubles and doubles into triples.
The gear Reyes hit when rounding second and heading to third was a sight to see.
Outfielder: Brandon Nimmo
If not for the recent trade that sent Nimmo to the Rangers, he soon could've found herself in one of the starting outfield spots on the all-time team.
In 10 seasons with the Mets, Nimmo hit .262/.364/.438 (.802 OPS) and was one of the clubhouse leaders.
Cliff Floyd was also in the conversation here, as was Michael Conforto, whose Mets tenure is woefully underappreciated.
Pinch-hitter: Rusty Staub
There's an argument here for Matt Franco, and a case could be made for Lenny Harris. But the pinch-hitter on the Mets' all-time team is Le Grand Orange, who spent two chunks of his terrific career with the Mets -- one in the 70s and another in the 80s.
March Madness officially kicked off on Thursday, March 19.
When the cameras went to the studio analysts for CBS and TNT Sports, some fans were shocked to see Ernie Johnson not present along with Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, the longtime loved trio of "Inside the NBA," but also regulars hosting the NCAA Tournament.
Instead of Johnson, former NFL player turned "CBS Mornings" host, Nate Burleson, replaced Johnson with his hosting responsibilities. The former wide receiver also does football analysis in the studio with CBS and has been one of the commentators for Nickelodeon's Super Bowl broadcast for kids.
But why was Johnson not present for the opening of the NCAA Tournament and who is Burleson? Here's what you need to know:
Where is Ernie Johnson?
Johnson took on the lead role as the host last year, following the death of the legendary Greg Gumbel in December 2024.
However, this year, Johnson requested additional time off, necessitating the need for CBS to bring in a brand new host.
“At my request, I will take a step back from working the first two weeks of March Madness,” Johnson said to NJ.com in a statement. “I appreciate the support from TNT Sports, along with my CBS Sports colleagues. We have a tremendously talented broadcast team, and I look forward to hosting our studio coverage from the Final Four in Indianapolis.”
Johnson is set to return for the Final Four and championship game in Indianapolis on April 4 and 6.
Who is Nate Burleson?
Burleson, 44, was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on Aug. 19, 1981. His father, Al, was a defensive back in the CFL. His brother, Kevin, played in the NBA.
After attending Nevada for college, Burleson was a third-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed an 11-year NFL career with the Vikings, Seahawks and Lions, finishing his career with 457 receptions for 5,360 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Burleson began his broadcasting career soon after his playing career ended in 2014, as an analyst for NFL Network. In 2021, the responsibilities for the two-time Sports Emmy Award winner grew as he expanded his work with CBS. He served as the first color commentator for Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card game and as a host of CBS' reality show "The Challenge: All Stars."
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 24: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves controls the ball against Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the game at the Moda Center on February 24, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. The Minnesota Timberwolves won 124-121. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers Date: March 20th, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM CDT Location: Target Center Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network – North Radio Coverage: KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio
The Timberwolves spent so much of this season making the simple feel complicated that when they finally take care of business the way they’re supposed to, it almost catches you off guard.
No Anthony Edwards. No Naz Reid. Second night of a back-to-back. A team that has spent months occasionally tripping over its own shoelaces in games it should control. And yet on Wednesday night, Minnesota handled the Utah Jazz like a mature, serious basketball team that understood the assignment, respected the opponent enough to not mess around, and went out and got the win.
The Wolves had already done the hard part Tuesday night by surviving the Phoenix Suns without Edwards and creating some desperately needed breathing room between themselves and the play-in line. But that win only meant something if they could follow it up 24 hours later against a tanking Utah team that, by all appearances, is more interested in ping pong balls than victories. We’ve seen too many versions of this season to assume Minnesota would automatically connect those dots. We’ve seen the Wolves beat a good team, feel great about themselves, and then immediately face-plant into a game they had no business losing. So the fact that Wednesday never really felt in doubt was meaningful.
The Jazz were missing multiple starters, but even against an opponent that compromised, Minnesota still had to show up and execute, especially without its best player and without Reid’s usual offensive spark off the bench. To the Wolves’ credit, they did. They played like a team that has finally realized there are only so many games left to mess around with before the standings lock in and the consequences get real.
Ayo Dosunmu stepped into the lead guard role and looked comfortable doing it. Julius Randle continued the strong stretch that has quietly started to build over the last few games. And Rudy Gobert, facing his former team, was an absolute menace. He defended the rim, vacuumed up rebounds, got involved offensively, and took advantage of Utah’s lesser frontcourt.
Now comes the next test, and this one won’t be quite as forgiving.
Portland rolls into Target Center next. The Blazers are young, scrappy, and still jockeying for position in the Western Conference play-in picture. Portland has already proven twice this season that it can make life uncomfortable for the Wolves. Opening night required Anthony Edwards heroics just to avoid a miserable start to the season. The most recent meeting at the end of February was a clutch-time three-point affair that required 34 points from Edwards. Clearly Portland won’t be intimidated by the Wolves, especially now that Ant is out.
With the schedule about to turn ugly again, this is one they absolutely have to bank. Starting Sunday, the Wolves walk into a three-game stretch against the Celtics, Rockets, and Pistons. That is not the time to be looking back at a missed opportunity against Portland and wondering why you made life harder than it needed to be. It’s still unclear whether Edwards will be available for any of those games, and that makes Friday night all the more important. Against a team Minnesota is more talented than, on its home floor, with a chance to extend the streak to three and stack more cushion before the fire gets hot again, there really isn’t room for excuses.
So with that, here are the keys to the game.
#1 – Continue keeping the ball moving.
One of the more interesting developments during Edwards’ absence is how much more democratic the offense has looked. When Ant is on the floor, there are naturally going to be stretches where the game tilts toward letting the superstar cook. That’s part of having an All-NBA-caliber player. But without Ant, the Wolves have been forced to find offense the old-fashioned way through ball movement, spacing, cuts, extra passes, and trust. The results have actually been encouraging. The lanes open up. The role players stay engaged. The defense has to chase instead of load up. Against a young Portland team with active legs and plenty of energy, Minnesota can’t let the offense sink into isolation sludge. They need to keep sharing it, keep whipping it side to side, and make the Blazers defend for the full possession instead of standing around and waiting for one guy to go one-on-one.
#2 – Gobert needs to keep feasting.
Utah showed again how valuable it is to get Rudy involved early and often, not just because of the points, but because of the emotional effect it has on his whole game. When Gobert feels like he’s part of the offense and is getting touches around the rim, it seems to light up everything else. He rebounds harder. He rotates quicker. He defends with more edge. Minnesota should absolutely continue leaning into that. While Donovan Clingan can certainly be a nuisance, this still ought to be another game where Gobert can dominate the paint, create second-chance points, and turn the basket area into a no-fly zone. If the Wolves are getting high-efficiency offense from Rudy while also getting vintage paint protection, they’re a much more dangerous team, even without Edwards.
#3 – Ayo and Bones need to push pace and fill the backcourt void.
This is where Edwards’ absence, while obviously not ideal, may actually be giving Minnesota something useful. Dosunmu is getting a chance to settle in, get real on-ball reps, and figure out where he fits in the ecosystem. Bones Highland is getting the kind of meaningful minutes that can either sharpen him or expose him, and lately it’s been more of the former. Both guys have the ability to get downhill, push tempo, and provide enough scoring punch to keep the offense from collapsing into one-dimensional sludge. The Wolves don’t need either player to become Anthony Edwards, but they do need both of them to keep taking advantage of this runway so that when Ant does come back, Minnesota has a clearer, deeper, more useful rotation heading into the playoffs.
#4 – Jaden McDaniels has to stay aggressive offensively.
Jaden’s touch count and assertiveness always seem to swing the overall feel of the team. When Jaden is just hanging out, taking the occasional catch-and-shoot three, and treating offense like a side quest, the Wolves become much easier to guard. But when he’s cutting hard, getting downhill, and using his length to get into the paint for high-efficiency looks, the offense starts to breathe differently. Without Edwards, those extra opportunities are there for him. McDaniels needs to look at those openings and attack them.
#5 – Julius Randle needs to keep being the leader.
The Phoenix game felt like the loud reminder that Big Julius can still carry an offense. The Utah game felt like the quieter confirmation that he doesn’t always need to score 30 to control things. He was active defensively, jumping passing lanes and creating transition opportunities, and he played with the kind of composed force this team needs from him. Portland is not Utah. This game will require more from him. The Blazers won’t just fold because Minnesota put on their jerseys. If the Wolves want to finish off the four-game season sweep of Portland and head into next week’s schedule gauntlet with momentum, they will need an A-game from Julius again.
That’s the story of tonight. It’s not glamorous. It’s not some giant statement game. It’s not a nationally televised heavyweight fight where the whole league is watching. But it’s the kind of game real teams bank instead of letting it slip away. For a Wolves team trying to hold its place in the standings while waiting for its superstar to heal, that matters every bit as much as the flashy ones.
The encouraging thing is that, over the last two games, Minnesota has looked a little steadier and more mature. That doesn’t mean all the problems are gone or that the identity crisis is over, but it does mean the Wolves have a chance to make something useful out of Edwards’ absence. It’s an opportunity to integrate Ayo more fully, to give Bones real rhythm, to remind Gobert and Randle how dominant they can be, and to build the kind of collective momentum that can matter in April.
Now they just need to not step on their shoelaces again.
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers jogs on the field during a Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch on March 16, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mookie Betts is entering the 2026 season off the heels of a career-worst year offensively and he is determined to get back to his MVP form. Even with all the accolades, of which include winning four World Series titles, he still demands more of himself. That also factors into the way he trains.
His teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has always had a very unorthodox training regiment, which features javelin tosses and arched back exercises. In an attempt to broaden his horizons, Betts has started to take a page out of Yamamoto’s book by throwing javelins as well, which he has credited as having opened his mind and game to a new perspective, per Jack Vita of the Los Angeles Times.
“I’m not fully in his whole routine,” Betts said of Yada, who is often referred to as Yada Sensei. “But I wake up every morning and do my stretch routine that Sensei showed me, throwing the javelins every day. I think throwing javelins is the reason why I can make a play in the hole like that and throw it in the air on a line. I’m really grateful for Yoshi and Sensei, because they have definitely changed my perspective, changed my life, changed my game.”
The changes have resulted positively so far, as Betts is slashing .304/.385/.478 with a home run through 26 plate appearances this spring while continuing to improve defensively at shortstop.
The Dodgers play the Chicago White Sox as part of this year’s spring breakout, and the name drawing the most hype out of the Dodgers’ system is their no. 1 prospect, outfielder Josue De Paula. Jim Callis of MLB.com also highlights right-hander Marlon Nieves as someone to keep an eye on for Saturday’s game, with the Dodgers vice player of player development raving about his potential.
“Marlon flew under the radar, even a little bit internally,” Rhymes said. “Once he went to Rancho and was pretty dominant there, that was eye-opening. His stuff is really good. His cutter and slider are excellent pitches, and that two-seamer has such velocity. He has a real feel for execution and manipulation. He’s a hell of an athlete, such an easy, whippy thrower.”
The 20-year-old right-hander logged 84 innings between rookie ball and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, posting a 2.79 ERA and 1.119 WHIP with 94 strikeouts and 44 walks.
The New York Islanders went up against a desperate, desperate Ottawa Senators team on Thursday night, and that ultimately was their downfall in a 3-2 loss.
From the moment Senators captain Brady Tkachuk asked Islanders captain Anders Lee to fight, you knew just how badly Ottawa wanted to get the energy flowing.
While the Islanders found themselves with a lead twice, Ottawa's desperation fueled comebacks before a will for two points saw Tkachuk smack home the winning goal with 11.1 seconds in regulation. The result wasn't a shock. That doesn't make it any less devastating.
The Islanders were playing for overtime, given how critical just one point was to staying in a playoff spot.
The Senators needed two.
And they played like it.
“Maybe a little bit of just trying to hang in there and get a point and get to overtime,” Islanders forward Mathew Barzal said postgame. “Credit to them. Tonight was a must-win for them, and they showed it.”
Ottawa outshot the Islanders 11-1 in the third period.
Brayden Schenn's goal at the 2:02 mark of the third period was the only shot of the frame. The Islanders' shelling up rather than playing aggressively is something we saw more often over the last few seasons, but rarely this season. There's a difference between sitting back and being forced to.
Last Saturday, in the Islanders' 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames, they were under siege for most of the third period but held on to the lead.
That's a big difference from being tied. The Islanders learned a valuable lesson: Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Ottawa took a chance by being aggressive throughout the third period and in the dying seconds, when they could have easily killed the clock for a game-deciding one-point lead, with the chance for two.
Over the next 13 games, they can't be outmatched desperation-wise.
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver’s most recent 6–2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Canucks were heavily outplayed by the Lightning on Thursday night. Tampa Bay won the even-strength scoring chances battle 27-20, while also picking up a win for even-strength high-danger scoring chances by a count of 11-7. Overall, it was a disappointing effort from Vancouver, who have not won back-to-back home games all season.
The heatmap shows why the Lightning were able to have success on Thursday. Tampa Bay owned the Canucks crease, with three goals being scored from in tight. In the end, the Lightning were able to win battles in front of Kevin Lankinen all night, which is why they were able to put up six on Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, March 19, 2026, Natural Stat Trick
To wrap this game up, Victor Mancini had a strong night from an analytics perspective. During his 15:34 at even strength, the Canucks held an 8-2 shots advantage and won the even-strength scoring chances battle 8-4. At this stage of the season, it is positive to see a young player stepping up, as Mancini could be a part of Vancouver's upcoming rebuild.
Mar 19, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tom Willander (5) checks Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli (71) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Canucks continue their homestand on Saturday when the St. Louis Blues visit Rogers Arena. These two teams have already played twice this year, with each picking up a road win. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm PT.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Mar 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the game winning shot over Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
You want to be mad about the result of the Phoenix Suns game in San Antonio on Friday night. You want to be pissed about losing 101-100 on the road to the second-best team in the NBA. You want to be upset that Rasheer Fleming missed two free throws that would have put pressure right back on San Antonio, only to see those misses become part of a sequence that now feels destined to live forever in the mythology of Victor Wembanyama. You want to be annoyed that a team holding a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter somehow let it slip away.
And yet, I am having a hard time getting there.
Because the truth is, the fact that Phoenix was even in that position felt impressive in its own right. This team was without Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Haywood Highsmith and still found itself trading punches deep into the fourth quarter against one of the best teams in basketball. For long stretches, this did not feel like a roster held together by available bodies and good intentions. It felt like a team competing with purpose, with structure, and with enough grit to make San Antonio work for every inch of the floor.
Some losses leave you irritated because they expose something hollow. This one felt different. This one felt like a team earning its place in the game, earning its opportunity to steal one, earning the frustration that comes with letting it get away. Phoenix did not stumble into this. They built it, carried it, and gave themselves a real chance to walk out of San Antonio with something memorable.
Instead, they became part of someone else’s memory.
That is what stings. Not that they were embarrassed. Not that they were exposed. It is that they were good enough, shorthanded as all hell, to make the moment hurt.
Jordan Ott was impressive all night, both in his approach and in the way the Suns executed what he asked them to do. It was almost enough to steal a win. Almost.
But credit where credit is due, San Antonio earned that ending.
The Spurs were smart in the way they forced Phoenix to burn a timeout with nine seconds left, trapping on three straight possessions and making it clear what they wanted. Their goal was to get the ball out of comfort, out of rhythm, and eventually into the hands of a rookie. They got exactly what they wanted. Rasheer Fleming stepped to the line, went 0-of-2, and the Spurs answered with a buzzer-beater. That is part of why they are the second-best team in the NBA. They understand leverage, they understand pressure, and they know how to tilt a moment in their favor.
And still, I cannot crush the Suns for how it unfolded.
Who else were you going to put in the game? Oso Ighodaro? Ryan Dunn? Jamaree Bouyea with Wemby on him? (if that were the case, then I’m sure Wemby doesn’t foul). Phoenix played the hand it had. It was a short-handed roster, a young group in key moments, and a coaching staff trying to navigate the reality in front of it. They made the choice, they lived with the result, and sometimes that is the game.
That is also growth.
It sucks for Rasheer that those free throws are attached to the final sequence. Nobody is pretending otherwise. But this season has always carried a larger purpose than chasing a result on one random night in March. It is about development. It is about evaluation. It is about finding out who these players are when the moment tightens and the air gets heavy. Rasheer felt that. He will remember it. And one day, if this thing goes the way Phoenix hopes it can, that may be one of those moments he pulls from rather than one that defines him.
And the adjustments, I thought those worked.
One thing I have been saying throughout this road trip is that you cannot keep Devin Booker in primary actions when opposing defenses know he is the guy everything runs through. Good defenses load up for that. They sit on it and they wait for it. So what did the Suns do in multiple possessions late in the game? They shifted Booker into secondary and tertiary actions. On one trip, it got him a wide-open look from beyond the arc, one he simply missed. On another, it allowed him to find Jordan Goodwin in the corner for a massive three. The adjustments are happening. The reads are evolving and the execution still has to be better.
That part is harder when you are missing so many key pieces in the rotation.
Would this have been a nice win? Absolutely. But when the final buzzer sounded, the reality stayed the same. Had Phoenix won, they still would have been sitting in the seventh seed. After the loss, they are still sitting in the seventh seed. So in these final few games, the objective becomes bigger than one result. It is about learning from the opportunities in front of you. It is about storing these moments away, both the good and the painful, and finding value in them later.
Rasheer Fleming will learn from what he experienced on Friday night.
The coaching staff already showed that it is learning too. What happened in Toronto and Boston mattered. Those games did not turn into wins, but they did turn into experiences, and you could see some of that carry over in the way Phoenix adjusted in San Antonio. That is part of this process, especially for a team stretched thin, searching for answers, and trying to build functional habits on the fly.
Maybe that serves them well this postseason. Maybe it ends up mattering at some point much further down the line, in a moment we cannot see coming yet.
Either way, it is hard for me to be mad at that.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
Oso was solid against Minny, and we continue to see him grow…and move up the standings.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 70 against the Spurs. Here are your nominees:
Mar 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images
The start of March Madness is always exciting, not only because it signals the season of bracket busting, but because it also means the NBA Playoffs are almost here.
With the Milwaukee Bucks fizzling out, we now know with almost absolute certainty the 20 teams that will be participating in the play-in/playoffs this year. Still, there is a lot in flux as far as seeding goes. So, there is still plenty to keep an eye on as we enter the final stretch of the regular season.
I’m here to try and make sense of where every team ranks in the league hierarchy with four weeks remaining.
The Tankers
30. Indiana Pacers
29. Washington Wizards
28. Brooklyn Nets
27. Sacramento Kings
26. Utah Jazz
25. Chicago Bulls
24. Memphis Grizzlies
23. Dallas Mavericks
22. Milwaukee Bucks
Listen, when it comes to the bond between the reader and the writer, honesty is paramount. For you to truly believe what I’m putting on paper, you have to feel like I’m keeping it a buck with you. With this said, you can take this portion of the rankings with a grain of salt. Think the Utah Jazz are a tougher out than the Chicago Bulls? Or that the Sacramento Kings are the worst team in the NBA? That’s fine. I won’t argue with you there. The point is that all of these teams are not in the business of winning games and are basically a free win for whoever they are playing – that is, unless they are playing each other.
The Spunkiest Team In Basketball
21. New Orleans Pelicans
Unlike the other nine teams that are out of the play-in/playoff mix, the New Orleans Pelicans don’t own their first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. So, they have no incentive to tank. The Pelicans have used this opportunity to start building a winning culture – hence their place in their own special tier. Since January 22, the Pelicans are 14-10 with the 10th best offense and 14th best net rating. A lot of this is them taking advantage of The Tankers, but the Pelicans have also mustered impressive wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors. Their front office is still as aimless and dysfunctional as they come, but you have to admit that they are playing some respectable ball of late.
A Playoff Berth Is A Win
20. Portland Trail Blazers
19. Philadelphia 76ers
18. Golden State Warriors
17. Charlotte Hornets
16. Phoenix Suns
15. Toronto Raptors
14. Los Angeles Clippers
Unfortunately, with only 16 playoff spots, four of these seven teams are going to go home disappointed. But for all these groups, even getting a chance to compete in the game’s second season should be a win for them. Injuries have made the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors obvious members of this group (I personally trust Stephen Curry to be healthy during the playoffs more than Joel Embiid). The Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns have been two of the best stories in the league this year, but both of them have started to lose steam in recent weeks (plus, the Hornets are going to need to win two play-in games to even make the postseason). The Toronto Raptors are the only team in this group who isn’t currently slated to appear in a play-in game. However, their below average offense (18th in offensive rating) and good, but not great, defense (seventh) isn’t exactly a recipe for postseason success. After failing to make the postseason in each of the last three seasons, Toronto should consider a playoff berth a step in the right direction. And while the Los Angeles Clippers have been spiraling (losers of their last three contests), they still have the most high-end firepower of any team in this group. Since their infamous 6-21 start, the Clippers have been 28-14 with the fourth best offense and eighth best net rating. They also have the best player of any team in this group (Kawhi Leonard, 5th in the NBA in Estimated Plus-Minus).
Solid Playoff Teams Without Real Title Equity
13. Houston Rockets
12. Miami Heat
11. Orlando Magic
10. Atlanta Hawks
This group is filled with teams that should be playing in a first round series, but don’t have the juice to do anything more than maybe win a playoff series. The Houston Rockets may have the most wins of any team in this group, but they play in the tougher conference and just have not been the same since Steven Adams went down with a season-ending ankle injury. The Miami Heat continue to win games in Heat ways (running more zone than any team in the league!). However, they don’t have enough offense or size/physicality to be a true threat, as we saw in their recent loss to the Orlando Magic. What will surprise a lot of people is the decision to put the Atlanta Hawks over the Orlando Magic in our power rankings, despite the latter being higher than the former in the standings. The Hawks are winners of eleven straight games (!!). That is tied for the third-longest streak of the year (all the other teams ahead of them are still yet to be listed on these power rankings). Most of these wins are against The Tankers, but they did just put the hurting on the Magic in a key home victory. What makes them so dangerous is how good their starting lineup is. When CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu share the floor together (456 non-garbage time possessions), the Hawks are outscoring teams by 31.1 points per 100 possessions. That is the highest mark of any five-man combination that has played at least 300 possessions this season (per Cleaning the Glass).
Puncher’s Chance At The Championship
9. Los Angeles Lakers
8. New York Knicks
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. Detroit Pistons
5. Denver Nuggets
These teams all have flaws, but they also have enough strengths to make a deep playoff run if everything breaks their way. Recently, I did a deep dive on the history of five-man lineups. Long story short, to win an NBA Championship, you need a regular season lineup featuring most/all of your best players that have played at least 300 possessions together and posted a +9 per 100. As of writing this, none of the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, or Minnesota Timberwolves have a lineup that fits this description. That’s why they are in the back half of this tier. But they still need to be in this group because Luka Doncic (LAL), Jalen Brunson (NYK), and Anthony Edwards (MIN) have all shown the ability to take over a series on their lonesome, and all of them have been to the conference finals as recently as the past two seasons. The Detroit Pistons have been faltering of late (5-5 in their last ten), but they still have a distinct identity, homecourt advantage through the first three rounds, and a five-man lineup they can count on (Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren are a +12.8 per 100).* The Denver Nuggets cannot seem to find a groove. Just yesterday, they dropped an unnecessary game to one of The Tankers (the Memphis Grizzlies). Still, they have the best player on the planet (Nikola Jokic), and when you have that, you always have the chance.
*The recent injury news regarding Cunningham has the chance to seriously derail the Pistons’ season. But until we know whether he will be missing any postseason basketball, we are going to keep them in this tier for now.
True Championship Contenders
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. San Antonio Spurs
2. Boston Celtics
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Finally, the cream of the crop. Ricky O’Donnell has framed this season as “the Thunder vs. the field.” It’s still that way, but like he said during his midseason edition, the field is definitely catching up. The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t really done anything to deserve their place in this tier, but they do have the second-most talented/well-balanced roster of any team in the East. Plus, they haven’t been able to have their core four healthy for very long. According to PBP Stats, when James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen share the floor (35 minutes), Cleveland has +35.2 net rating. Pretty darn promising. Also, since they are in the weaker conference, their chances of making it to the NBA Finals are just inherently higher than teams like Denver and Minnesota. The San Antonio Spurs have incredible indicators, especially when their prodigious big man is on the floor. The only thing keeping them from being higher is the relative unknown with how their young core will perform in the playoffs (typical cop out, I know). The Boston Celtics have completely re-invented themselves, and now, they are doing a fantastic job of integrating Jayson Tatum back into the mix. They are 5-1 with Tatum in the lineup, and man, does he look way better than any human ten months removed from a torn Achilles ever should. The Thunder will remain the top dog until proven otherwise.
Happy Friday everyone! We’ve moved on from the World Baseball Classic to some extent (though we do have some reactions to it below), and we’re now entering the final week of Spring Training (where has the time gone??). With less than a week left before we have regular season baseball, we do still have some fun things going on, with Spring Breakdown.
And as the regular season gets closer, all eyes will be on healing players to see how they are faring (we’re watching you, Shohei Ohtani).
There’s a lot of fun stuff in today’s links, including two of the most insane ballpark desserts I’ve ever seen, and a potentially risking pitching decision for the Dodgers. So let’s get right into it.
A legendary game calls for a legendary viewership number as 10,784,000 viewers watched the #WorldBaseballClassic final on FOX and FOX Deportes – the most-watched #WBC telecast ever 🏆
The 2026 WBC averaged 1,294,000 viewers across FOX, FS1 and FS2, making it the most-watched… pic.twitter.com/vfva4lFDRN
Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers infielder Jesus Made sits in the dugout against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Now in its third year, MLB’s Spring Breakout games are set to take place this weekend across spring training locations. The Milwaukee Brewers will participate in two Breakout games with one scheduled for later today against the Mariners, and another set for Sunday against the A’s. Here’s a quick guide for fans heading into the Breakout slate.
What is Spring Breakout?
MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future in 16 exhibition games played across Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums. In 2027, the showcase will be expanded into a single-elimination tournament format, with champions crowned in both the Grapefruit and Cactus League.
When do the Brewers play?
The Brewers are scheduled to host the Seattle Mariners prospects at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Friday at 4:10 p.m. CT. They’ll then travel to Hohokam Stadium to take on the A’s on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. CT in what could be a matchup of two of the top shortstops in minor league baseball — Jesús Made of the Brewers and Leo De Vries of the A’s.
How can I watch/listen?
Both games will be broadcast blackout-free on MLB.com, MLB TV, and the MLB app, as well as out-of-market on MLB Network and available to follow on MLB Gameday. To view the Gameday for each game, click here for Friday’s matchup and here for Sunday’s matchup.
Who is participating?
The Brewers’ Spring Breakout roster features 15 of the team’s top 30 prospects, as ranked by MLB Pipeline. That includes each of the top four prospects, all of whom are shortstops — Jesús Made (team No. 1/MLB No. 3), Luis Peña (team No. 2/MLB No. 26), Jett Williams (team No. 3/MLB No. 51), and Cooper Pratt (team No. 4/MLB No. 64). The Brewers’ 2025 first-round pick and No. 6 prospect, Andrew Fischer, will also participate after a solid showing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
On the pitching side, only two pitchers on the roster are ranked in the team’s top 30, with Bishop Letson coming in at No. 9 and Bryce Meccage coming in at No. 21.
The full rosters are included below:
PITCHERS (11) Ryan Birchard, RHP, NR Jesús Broca, LHP, NR Will Childers, RHP, NR Jaron DeBerry, RHP, NR Brian Fitzpatrick, LHP, NR Michael Fowler, RHP, NR Blake Holub, RHP, NR Tate Kuehner, LHP, NR Bishop Letson, RHP, No. 9 Mark Manfredi, LHP, NR Bryce Meccage, RHP, No. 21
CATCHERS (3) Marco Dinges, C, No. 10 Jeferson Quero, C, No. 8 Matt Wood, C, NR
