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Six Steps to Safely Bet MLB Spring Training Odds

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Betting MLB Spring Training is right up there with eating that week-old slice of pizza at the back of your fridge and lending your car to that sweet girl with the tramp stamp you met at the bar last night (she said she had to pick up her aunt from the hospital) – not the best idea.

But for those of you dealing with massive intestinal discomfort or the ones describing your 1997 Isuzu Trooper to the local police, you know that sometimes you just can’t help yourself.

If you're going to bet on Cactus and Grapefruit League baseball action this spring, at least follow these guidelines.

What is MLB Spring Training?

Before any MLB regular season begins, major league clubs will play a series of exhibition games against each other to work off the rust of the offseason, integrate new players and coaches, and evaluate their roster before Opening Day.

Spring Training matchups are divided into two leagues that take place over February and March. The Grapefruit League is held in Florida, where 15 of the 30 MLB clubs take on each other. There's also the Cactus League, which hosts the other 15 major league teams in Arizona.

What can I bet on in Spring Training?

Spring Training odds are much more limited than MLB odds offerings in the regular season. Most sportsbooks will post moneyline odds for matchups – bet on which will team will win – and some select books may release totals and first five-inning odds closer to first pitch. 

Bet limits on MLB Spring Training odds are much lower than those offered during the regular season due to the unknown motivations of teams and managers over the course of a game. Sportsbooks don’t allow customers to risk much, protecting themselves from this erratic market.

You won’t find the full slate of MLB betting options for Spring Training, such as team and player props. Managers often juggle their lineups around during a game in order to get a better assessment of talent and aren’t overly motivated to win these warm-up contests.

MLB Spring Training leagues

Cactus LeagueGrapefruit League
Angels Los Angeles AngelsOrioles Baltimore Orioles
White Sox Chicago White SoxRed Sox Boston Red Sox
Guardians Cleveland GuardiansTigers Detroit Tigers
Royals Kansas City RoyalsTwins Minnesota Twins
Brewers Milwaukee BrewersYankees New York Yankees
Athletics AthleticsBlue Jays Toronto Blue Jays
Mariners Seattle MarinersBraves Atlanta Braves
Rangers Texas RangersAstros Houston Astros
Cubs Chicago CubsNationals Washington Nationals
Reds Cincinnati RedsMets New York Mets
Dodgers Los Angeles DodgersPhillies Philadelphia Phillies
Padres San Diego PadresPirates Pittsburgh Pirates
Giants San Francisco GiantsCardinals St. Louis Cardinals
Rockies Colorado RockiesMarlins Miami Marlins
Diamondbacks Arizona DiamondbacksRays Tampa Bay Rays
 

MLB Spring Training betting tips

1. Do your homework

Like betting any preseason sport, you have to know what the gameplan is before even thinking of putting your hard-earned coin on the line. Read, read and read some more.

These days that means hopping on X (formerly Twitter) and following beat writers for individual teams. These are the guys who will tell you how many innings a starter will pitch, how many pitchers will enter the game, or what star is allowed to put his feet up for the afternoon.

“One advantage that bettors have in these exhibition games is information,” MLB betting expert Matt Fargo says. “Similar to NFL preseason games where coaches give out their player rotations and game plans, managers in baseball are very upfront on how long starters will be pitching for and what sort of lineups they are going with.”

Listen to what the manager is hoping to accomplish this spring: Is he working in prospects or trying to shore up the rotation? And study up on key players and how they approach spring ball: Do they pace themselves in March or come out swinging? We hate to sound like a public service announcement, but “The more you know…”

Baseball Betting Guides

2. Start cautiously

The first few games of Spring Training might as well be a high school science fair. Managers are experimenting with lineups and rotations, mixing this guy with that guy and swapping bodies like he’s rolling out hockey lines. Yes, the New York Mets know they are penciling in Juan Soto at the top of their lineup for the next decade. But most new managers who are working with players for the first time, they're still getting an idea of how to best use their talents.

Players are also a tough read in the opening slate of exhibition games. Some guys are easing into the action, others are battling for positions, and others are just trying to stay healthy. Keep an ear to the base paths or sit back and watch how a manager is treating the first weeks of spring ball.

3. Find the right pitching matchups

As Spring Training marches on, starting pitchers take on more and more work. Guys will go at least five innings, giving you a pretty good idea of what to expect from the staff. The best situation is when you have an ace matched up against a No. 4 or No. 5 starter, or a young prospect trying to break into the bigs. Managers aren’t quick to change up pitchers in the spring, even if a guy is getting hammered. Pitchers will have pitch counts they intend to hit no matter the score, particularly later in the spring.

4. Bet the "better" team

Roster depth and a surplus of talent can go a long way in Spring Training. Since veterans tend to limit themselves in the exhibition slate, knowing who’s behind them is imperative to betting spring baseball.

A talent-loaded lineup can make up for the absence of one or two big bats, while a shallow roster struggles without those elite hitters at the plate. It’s the reason baseball bettors see many of the same clubs excelling spring after spring.

5. Ride hot teams, fade cold ones

There is almost zero consistency in Spring Training, so when you start to see a pattern – winning or losing – jump on it. Managers couldn't care less about the results, so don’t expect them to rush to right the ship if their club struggles in the spring. And if a team is winning, the skip must be doing something right and will only tweak minor details.

6. Is this t-ball?

It seems another aspect of the new era of baseball is super-protecting pitchers, to the point where a "mercy rule" of sorts has been introduced. Some teams have implemented a 20-pitch limit for pitchers. But it's not so much a mercy rule as it seems to be a way to screw MLB bettors. 

There have been instances where pitchers have had two men on, and two men out, reached the 20-pitch mark, and not only does the pitcher come out, but the inning just ends with no runs scored. Teams don't have to use this rule, or end the inning, they can just choose to, making MLB Spring Training games all the more treacherous for bettors.

Where can I bet on MLB?

You can bet on MLB odds at many online and casino sportsbooks, including MLB moneylines, run lines, Over/Under totals, and prop bets. Find ratings and reviews for the best sportsbooks for betting on baseball in your area.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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ST Game 7: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds

Feb 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Bryce Johnson (29) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Bryce Johnson - Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, February 26, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST

Watch: None

Location: Goodyear Ballpark – Goodyear, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

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Spring Training Game Thread #7: Milwaukee Brewers (2-4) @ Texas Rangers (4-2)

Feb 20, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby poses for a portrait during photo day at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Brewers have put together a modest two-game winning streak after yesterday’s 13-12 thriller against the Giants. They will try to extend that to three games this afternoon as they travel to Surprise to face the Rangers.

Aaron Ashby will pitch first this afternoon and is making his first appearance of the spring. The Brewers have five other pitchers who are expected to pitch this afternoon. Grant Anderson will also make his first spring appearance today. DL Hall, Tate Kuehner, Craig Yoho, and Jacob Waguespack are also expected to pitch, each making their second spring appearance.

With the Brewers playing on the road this afternoon, the lineup is filled mostly with bench players and minor league players. Brandon Lockridge is batting leadoff, followed by Tyler Black, who is coming off of a six-RBI day on Tuesday. Gary Sánchez is batting third as the designated hitter, with David Hamilton behind him batting fourth. Eddys Leonard and Luis Lara are fifth and sixth in today’s lineup. Filling out the final three spots are Jeferson Quero, Cooper Pratt, and Dylan O’Rae.

First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. CT. This game will just have an audio webcast available on the Brewers website.

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What Royals prospect were you dead wrong about?

TOLEDO, OH - JULY 27: Omaha Storm Chasers shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) runs off of the field at the end of an inning during a Triple-A Minor League Baseball regular season game between the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Toledo Mud Hens on July 27, 2021 at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Prospects are fun because you can dream big on them, but oftentimes they’ll break your heart. The bust rate is high because (1) it’s very difficult to project how an 18-year-old kid will play when he’s 24 years old; and (2) playing in the big leagues is very, very difficult!

A lot of fans try to play amateur scout at home, and sometimes we can do a decent job of finding that diamond in the rough. But other times we are just as wrong as the pros, many times even more off in our evaluations.

I love a good curve, and Dan Reichert had one of the prettiest curves I’ve ever seen. He came up for the Royals in 1999 at a time in which they were no longer producing good pitching talent and were starved for an arm that could help them prevent runs. I thought he was the next Bret Saberhagen. Reichert showed flashes of brilliance, but he had trouble throwing strikes and trouble keeping his body in shape, and lasted just five seasons in the big leagues with a career 5.55 ERA.

On the flip side, I had a lot of doubts about the 2019 draft. The Royals had the #2 pick, and while I knew scouts were raving about this skinny shortstop from a Texas high school, I really liked Cal slugger Andrew Vaughn. And if the Royals were going to go for a high-upside high school shortstop, why not Georgia prep infielder CJ Abrams? The Royals took that Texas kid – Bobby Witt Jr. – and the rest is history. I guess the scouts knew what they were talking about.

What prospects were you dead wrong about? Someone you thought would be a star that failed to live up to expectations? Or someone you thought would never be much more than a bench player who turned into a stud?

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Red Wings vs Senators Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Ottawa Senators return to action this evening as they play host to the Detroit Red Wings at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Ottawa has work to do to climb the standings, and my Red Wings vs. Senators predictions expect netminder Linus Ullmark to turn away his fair share of rubber.

Read more in my NHL picks for Thursday, February 26.

Red Wings vs Senators prediction

Red Wings vs Senators best bet: Linus Ullmark Over 22.5 saves (-110)

Coming out of the Olympic break, this looks like a busy evening for Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark.

The Detroit Red Wings average 28.4 shots per game, while Ullmark has been strong at home, posting a .908 save percentage and a 2.37 GAA across 13 starts.

With both teams returning from a multi-week layoff, expect looser defense and a barrage of shots headed Ullmark’s way tonight. 

Red Wings vs Senators same-game parlay

In addition to Ullmark’s strong numbers at home, the Senators are tough defensively at the Canadian Tire Centre, allowing the fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five.

Detroit ranks 23rd in goals per road game, averaging just 2.86.

Looking at Ottawa defenseman Thomas Chabot, he’s recorded two or more shots in 11 of his past 15 games, totaling 31 shots on 63 attempts, while logging a solid 21:09 of ice time per game.

Red Wings vs Senators SGP

  • Under 5.5
  • Linus Ullmark Over 22.5 saves
  • Thomas Chabot Over 1.5 shots

Red Wings vs Senators odds

  • Moneyline: Red Wings +135 | Senators -155
  • Puck Line: Red Wings +1.5 (-180) | Senators -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-130) | Under 5.5 (+110)

Red Wings vs Senators trend

Detroit has only hit the Over in nine of its last 25 games (-6.80 Units / -25% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Red Wings vs. Senators.

How to watch Red Wings vs Senators

LocationCanadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
DateThursday, February 26, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN DET, TSN5

Red Wings vs Senators latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Red Wings vs Senators: Eight Days After His Olympics Ended, Tim Stutzle Listed As Game-Time Decision

Follow Steve Warne @SteveWarneMedia

Matchup: Detroit Red Wings (33-19-6) Ottawa Senators (28-22-7)
Date: Feb. 26, 2026
Puck Drop: 7 pm
Location: Canadian Tire Centre
TV: TSN5, RDS2
Radio: TSN1200.ca
Season Series: Detroit leads 2-0

Following a long Olympic break, it’s back to work for the Senators on Thursday night when they host the Detroit Red Wings at Canadian Tire Centre. When we last checked in with the Senators, they were on a roll, winning five of their last six games before the Olympic break. The Wings were mild, losing four of five (1-3-1) before the break.

Travis Green's game day availability before the Senators post-Olympics opener against visiting Detroit.

Ottawa enters the game with a record of 28-22-7. With 63 points, the Sens are tied with Toronto, two points behind Columbus, four points behind Washington, six behind Boston (Wild Card 2) and nine behind Detroit (Wild Card 1).

As you can see, with just 25 games to play, even the smallest slump now might take the Senators completely out of contention. So the upcoming five-game road trip after this game doesn’t come at the best of times.

The Hot Ones

This is the third of four meetings between the Senators and Wings, with Detroit taking the first two games back in January. In Ottawa on Jan. 5, the Wings jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead and held on to win 5-3. On Jan 18 in Detroit, the Sens jumped out to a 2-0 lead then lost 4-3 in overtime with former Senator Alex DeBrincat scoring the OT winner.

Jan 5, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Nick Cousins (21) celebrates a goal scored against Detroit Red Wings goalie John Gibson (36) that was recalled on a challenge in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Jan 5, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Nick Cousins (21) celebrates a goal scored against Detroit Red Wings goalie John Gibson (36) that was recalled on a challenge in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

American Express

It will be interesting to see what Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson have left in their physical and emotional tanks. They returned to Ottawa yesterday, and while most of the Senators got plenty of rest through the break, Tkachuk and Sanderson were in Game 7 mode for much of the past week, winning an Olympic goal in Milan, followed by the whirlwind celebration tour.

It will also be interesting to see how they’re welcomed. Based on social media, their visits to the White House to celebrate with President Trump weren't appreciated by everyone.

Wings captain Dylan Larkin is in the same boat as he suddenly squares off against two men he spent the past few days partying with.

Rust Never Sleeps

For those who got a full three-week break from games, there’s also the uncertainty of how that will affect players as they enter the most important stretch of the season.

“Well, that's a good question,” Green said at his pre-game media availability on Thursday. “You know, any time you take that big a break, as a coach, you are a little worried about where your game is at. There's not going to be a coach in the league that's not. We've tried to prepare our team as best we can to be ready for this game, and I think we are.”

Stutzle is Sick (and also not feeling well)

It’s always concerning when a player returning from the Olympics is absent from his team's first game back. Sens’ top scorer Tim Stutzle missed the game day skate on Thursday morning and hasn’t practiced with the Sens since his Olympics ended eight days ago. The Senators say he’s ill and will be a game-time decision. 

Stutzle admitted to being exhausted and hurting physically after the Olympics.

David Perron (sports hernia surgery) is getting close to a return, and Green has said he may be available sometime during the Senators' four-game stretch out west next week.

Green also says Linus Ullmark will start for Ottawa. Before the break, Ullmark played two games after a month-long personal leave of absence for his mental health, then missed the Sens pre-Olympic finale in Philadelphia due to a last-minute illness. That means Ullmark enters this game having appeared in only two NHL games since December 27.

This is the last Senators home game before the NHL trade deadline, so after this game, there may be some changes to Ottawa's lineup the next time they're back in town.

Deadline Decisions: Thursday's Game Against Red Wings Might Be Final Home Game For Some SenatorsDeadline Decisions: Thursday's Game Against Red Wings Might Be Final Home Game For Some SenatorsThis will be the final Senators final home game before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published by The Hockey News. More headlines here:

20 Years Later: The Rise And Fall Of One Of The Greatest Teams In Senators History
Only Four Senators Are Signed Through The 2030 Olympics, Will They All Be In France?Senators Goalie Prospect Thriving After Trade To QMJHL's Top-Ranked Club
Tkachuk Brothers: 'We've Got The Game Of Hockey Right Now'
Silver Linings: Senators Stars Tkachuk And Sanderson Win Olympic Gold

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Highlights: Spurs’ impressive 4th quarter turnaround sparks win versus Raptors

Feb 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Coming off an impressive win against the East-leading Detroit Pistons, the Spurs traveled north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with the Spurs generating offense through fast-paced ball movement, resulting in open shots. Devin Vassell’s hot shooting continued, and Dylan Harper started six of six from the field. The Raptors’ offense came from transition threes, points off turnovers, and tough midrange jumpers from all-stars Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

After trailing the Raptors by two at the half, the Spurs’ shooting turned ice cold in the third quarter. The Spurs’ deficit climbed to 15 points during the third, and they were outscored by the Raptors 31-21 in the quarter. However, in the fourth quarter, the script flipped. The Spurs buckled down defensively and took the lead back. After a clutch three from Victor Wembanyama and a ridiculous behind-the-backboard floater from De’Aaron Fox, the Raptors cut their deficit to two following a goaltending call on Julian Champagnie. With 16 seconds remaining, Dylan Harper was at the free-throw line. After missing both free throws, he somehow ended up getting his own rebound and passed the ball to Fox. After Fox was fouled, he split his free throws. On the Raptors next possession, Immanuel Quickley was fouled by Harper. Quickley split his free throws, and after a timeout from the Spurs, Wemby was fouled. Wemby also split his free throws, and the Raptors had one more chance to send the game into overtime. Ingram’s three-point attempt hit the side of the backboard, and Wemby grabbed the board. After throwing it into the frontcourt, time expired. The Spurs won 110-107.

Vassell led the way with 21 points (8-13 FG, 5-6 3PT), five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. In his last two games, Dev has shot just under 67% from the field and just under 71% from three. His hot shooting has been quite the x-factor for this young, contending team. One of the more fascinating things about his game is after he gets his defender in the air on a pump fake from three, he takes one dribble into the midrange and pulls up. Moves like that seem to be a lost art in today’s NBA. After battling injuries this season, Dev’s hot streak is a great sign for the rest of the season.

De’Aaron Fox dropped 20 points (8-15 FG), two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Despite having his worst career game from the free-throw line (2-8 FT), Fox gave the team key buckets from everywhere on the court. From tough turnaround jumpers to floaters in the paint, Fox showed off his quickness and finesse against a tough Raptors squad. Fox is the only Spur that has started every game he’s played in this season, and he will look to continue to lead the team’s offensive attack along with the young guards.

Too quick for Quickley! Fox beats Quickley to the cup with a between-the-legs crossover move!

D3’AARON! Fox shows off the accuracy from the corner for three!

Made you look! Fox catches the ball on the bounce in transition and fakes out Barnes for the easy layup!

ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! Fox regains his composure before going out of bounds and throws up a clutch high arcing floater from behind the backboard!

Here’s another look at the degree of difficulty!

Dylan Harper dropped 15 points (7-11 FG), seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. As stated earlier, Dyl started hot from the field, shooting six for six. His first three highlights are all from the first quarter, scoring in unique ways. His slashing ability and handles are elite for a 19-year-old rookie; it is simply incredible. Besides his ability to score, his playmaking ability shows the potential for him to lead any offense in the league. He had himself a rookie moment late in the game, missing both of his free throws, but completely redeemed himself by grabbing his own miss for another opportunity for the team to close out the game.

HARP3R! Dyl and Keldon Johnson play the two-man game, and it results in an open three for Dyl!

STAR TYPE OF PLAY! Dyl takes Jamison Battle one-on-one with back-to-back crafty moves: a behind-the-back dribble into a hopstep for the layup off the glass for two!

FLY HIGH! After the Wemby deflection, Dyl leaks out on the fastbreak for a clear runway slam!

DEJA VU? After Fox beat Quickley to the cup earlier, Dyl splits several Raptors defenders for the easy and open layup!

Points off turnovers! After the steal by Fox in the backcourt, Dyl finds an open Carter Bryant for three!

HOW?! Dyl spins off of RJ Barrett, and drops it off between Jakob Poeltl and him for an open Luke Kornet slam!

Stephon Castle dropped 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a steal. After shutting down Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Steph had to guard multiple Raptors. After playing tight defense on one end, Steph dished out dimes and created offense by draining middies and threes. Even though Dyl had a more efficient game, Steph’s frame and toughness allows him to played when the team needs a stop. Coach Mitch Johnson will continue to cycle through the young guards as this team continues to gel before the playoffs.

TOUGH! Steph fights off the tough defense from Barnes and pulls up from midrange for the deuce!

CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF! Steph dribbles up the court and speeds past Barnes and Poeltl for the sky-high jam!

AREA 51! Steph finds Wemby cutting off the slip-screen for the lob connection!

Victor Wembanyama dropped 12 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, three assists, and a steal. Vic struggled from the field (3-12 FG, 1-6 3PT) as the Raptors played him physically. Despite the offensive struggles, Vic locked down the paint defensively. From his five blocks, one of them came off a Barnes three-point attempt. Despite missing several games earlier in the year, Vic leads the league in total blocks with 254. He still has an opportunity to qualify for awards this season, as there are 24 games left in the season. He can only afford to miss three more games. If he qualifies, it’s safe to say he will win his first-ever Defensive Player of the Year award, alongside making All-NBA 1st Team and All-Defensive 1st Team.

Hook, line, and sinker! Vic baits Barnes by having his back turned to the dunk attempt, just for him to quickly turn and block the dunk! The sequence results in a Champagnie three!

Wemby dime! On the fastbreak, Wemby throws a leading bounce pass to KJ who finishes through contact at the rim!

Throw it up to the sky! The Spurs catch the Raptors falling asleep on defense as Julian finds a cutting Wemby for the alley-oop!

TOO EASY! Wemby blocks Collin Murray-Boyles’ shot WITHOUT JUMPING!

Too open to miss! In transition, Vic catches the pass from Fox and almost immediately passes it to a wide open Julian in the corner for the trey!

Here’s all five of Wemby’s ridiculous blocks, including one in the clutch!

This game had a chance to get ugly in the third, but the resilience of this young team continues to power through adversity during this win streak! Hammering home the philosophy of getting stops first, and then the offense will come, powered the silver and black’s comeback. Even though the result was a win, one thing that this team will be sure to practice before the next game: FREE THROWS. The team shot 13-23 from the line and missed key ones in the final minute that would have clinched the win earlier. Nonetheless, the win streak now stands at 10 before the quick turnaround to Brooklyn.

Finally, here are the full game higlights.

The Spurs travel to Brooklyn on a SEGABABA to take on the Nets at 6:30 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.

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Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Preview, injury report, how to watch

The Utah Jazz will play in front of their fans for the first time in two weeks on Thursday night. Unfortunately for Jazz fans, it might not be a star-studded affair, as Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George are both listed as questionable for the game against New Orleans. With both player likely out, and the Jazz’s latest blockbuster acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the season, Thursday night’s squad will be a shell of a peak Jazz roster.

The Pelicans (17-42) have just one less win than the Jazz (18-40), so this game has become one of the most important games of the season for Utah, who is trying to lock up a top-eight draft pick. The Pelicans do not own their own 2026 first-round pick, so a win does not hurt any greater tanking plans for them.

Injury Report

Utah Jazz:

Keyonte George — Questionable (right ankle sprain)

Lauri Markkanen — Questionable (right ankle sprain, right hip impingement)

Jaren Jackson Jr. — OUT (left knee surgery)

Vince Williams — OUT (left ACL tear)

Jusuf Nurkic — OUT (nose surgery)

New Orleans Pelicans:

Yves Misi — OUT (left calf strain)

Try Murphy III — OUT (right shoulder contusion)

How to watch

Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

When: 7 p.m. MT

Channel: KJZZ, SEG+

Radio: 97.5 FM 1280 AM

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Giancarlo Stanton raises eyebrows with ‘can’t open bag of chips’ comment

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees during a workout, Image 2 shows Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees reacts at Yankee Stadium

It won’t change the impact it has on him at the plate, but life at home is not without its challenges for Giancarlo Stanton either.

The Yankees slugger relayed to NJ.com the daily struggles that comes with two painful tennis elbows that he battles on a daily basis on and off the field.

“I can’t open a bottle,” Stanton said. “I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is.”

Giancarlo Stanton has 18 career postseason homers, ranking 10th all time. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Stanton missed the first 70 games of last season due to tennis elbow in both of his arms. He and the Yankees opted to not undergo surgery in the offseason, with Stanton saying that an operation wouldn’t fix the issue.

It continues to plague Stanton, and the Yankees have decided to start slow in spring training as a result.

He’s yet to play in any of the Yankees’ first six spring training games. He and Yankees manager Aaron Boone are targeting sometime around March 3 to return to the lineup, when they face Panama’s WBC team.

That would give Stanton about two weeks of game action, on top of hitting in the cages and facing live pitchers during batting practice, to prepare for Opening Day on March 25.

Stanton’s status for the season has not changed, and he fully expects to be ready for a full season even with Boone planning days of rest.

“We did that last year. There were days he was playing where it was tough for him, but he wanted in there,” Boone said. “There are other days he wanted to be in there and I’d say, ‘We have to stay disciplined to this because you’re so critical to us.’”

Giancarlo Stanton has yet to play in a spring training game this year. Getty Images

During his seven seasons with the Yankees, Stanton has played in just 56.4 percent of the team’s 1,032 regular season games. He has missed contests for hamstring and oblique injuries on top of his elbow pain.

He’s played more than 115 games only once since 2018, his first season in pinstripes.

Last year, though, Stanton got the most out of his 77 games. He slashed .273/.350/.594 with a .944 OPS, the highest mark since his 2017 MVP year. He also smashed 24 homers.

Usually plugged in at designated hitter, he also spent time in the outfield while Aaron Judge worked back from a flexor strain injury.

In his seven seasons in the Bronx, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge have formed a formidable duo atop the Yankees’ lineup. Getty Images

“The key is get in the box. My last year overall numbers were low,” Stanton said. “I want a full season.”

A full season of Stanton’s power would do wonders for the Yankees, still looking for their first championship since 2009. Usually a key contributor in October, he’ll have to do so while fighting through pain.

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NCAA football oversight committee proposes stiff penalties for violations of transfer portal window

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA football oversight committee is recommending emergency legislation to protect the transfer portal window by issuing penalties for schools and coaches who circumvent the rules.

The committee on Wednesday proposed the legislation to penalize schools who add players who did not make public their interest in transferring during the January transfer portal window.

The proposed legislation would become effective immediately if approved at the Division I cabinet meeting in April.

Among the proposed penalties, the head coach who accepts a transfer who did not properly enter the January portal would be prohibited from all recruiting, on-field coaching and team meetings for six games.

The school accepting the transfer would be fined 20% of its football budget. Also, the school would lose five roster spots for the following season, even if the coach who accepted the transfer is no longer employed.

Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks said it is important to enforce the transfer portal window rule.

“Attempts to circumvent the transfer window process is an issue for the sport," Brooks said in a statement released by the NCAA. "We want to let everyone know that this is not going to be allowed, and the committee wants to protect the transfer window that has been established.”

Buffalo athletic director Mark Alnutt, the chair of the oversight committee, said “significant penalties” are needed to enforce the transfer rule.

“We felt this was appropriate to place an emphasis on this rule with where we are in Division I football,” Alnutt said. "We have a window for student-athletes to notify their school when they would like to enter the transfer portal. If there is movement without going through the process as it is legislated, the committee felt there needed to be significant penalties.”

The committee also voted to eliminate the annual limit on official recruiting visits.

The transfer rule and compensation for players through name, image and likeness contracts have created other issues. The University of Cincinnati is suing its former quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, following his transfer to Texas Tech. Cincinnati is accusing Sorsby of breaching his NIL contract, which the school says was signed in July 2025 to cover the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Cincinnati says the contract included a $1 million buyout if Sorsby transferred.

Sorsby received the most lucrative deal of the portal period — a reported $5 million — to return to his home state for his final season.

___

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Premier League to launch its own streaming platform in Singapore next season

LONDON (AP) — The Premier League is launching a Netflix-style direct-to-customer streaming platform from next season, chief executive Richard Masters said Thursday.

Premier League Plus will be launched initially in Singapore and, if successful, could be “replicated all around the world.”

“It’s a very long, considered process, carefully chosen,” Masters said at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London. “For the first time the Premier League is going to have its own customers. It’s going to have to deal with promotion, pricing, churn, distribution, all of those things, we’re looking to build a business.

“We’re also looking to learn, to see how that might be replicated all around the world."

The new platform could eventually transform the way fans consume the most popular league in the world, which says it has a global audience of 1.87 billion people and is watched in 189 countries.

It had long-been rumored that the league would launch a “Premflix” platform. It has previously always sold its rights to independent broadcasters such as Sky Sports in England and NBC in the United States.

It is also opening a new Premier League Studios production hub in London.

“What we do with Premier League Plus in Singapore is really about learning as well as building the business," Masters said. "If it goes well, it may be replicated. You don’t want to predict further than that I think at this stage.”

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Lakers vs Suns Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for February 26

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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime showdown, and the model has highlighted a few plays that really stand out.

We crunched the numbers, matched our projections against the market, and zeroed in on the spots with real value.

For these Lakers vs. Suns predictions, it’s not guesswork — it’s data-driven.

If you’re putting together your card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Thursday, February 26.

Lakers vs Suns computer picks for February 26

Lakers LakersSuns Suns
Reaves o19.5 points
-120		Green u20.5 points
+102
Ayton o7.5 rebounds
+100		Gillespie o3.5 3-pointers
+110
Doncic u7.5 assists
+100		O'Neale o4.5 rebounds 
+102

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Lakers computer picks

Austin Reaves Over 19.5 points (-120)

Projection: 20.4 points

Even though Austin Reaves has gone Over 19.5 points in just two of his last 10 games, the offensive environment still helps his outlook. The Los Angeles Lakers have averaged a strong 119.0 points per game on the road over their last five, the ninth-highest mark in the league.

Meanwhile, opposing starting shooting guards have been getting to the line consistently against the Phoenix Suns, averaging 3.4 free-throw attempts per game over the last 10 — a trend that opens the door for extra scoring opportunities.

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Deandre Ayton Over 7.5 rebounds (+100)

Projection: 8.6 rebounds

Deandre Ayton has cleared the 7.5 rebounds line in four of his last 10, and this matchup gives him a real chance to build on that. 

Facing the Suns sets up well for volume on the glass. Phoenix’s offensive style leans on perimeter shooting and mid-range looks, which naturally creates more rebound chances for opposing bigs when shots don’t fall.

That means Ayton should have consistent opportunities to clean up misses on the defensive end.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet ayton Now at bet365!/span

Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists (+100)

Projection: 7.5 assists

Although Luka Dončić has gone Over this 7.5 assists line in six of his last 10 games, the pace setup isn’t doing him many favors tonight.

The Lakers have been the eighth-slowest visiting team in the NBA this season, and the Suns have played at the most sluggish tempo in the league over their last five games — a combination that should lead to fewer possessions and fewer playmaking opportunities overall.

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Suns computer picks

Jalen Green Under 20.5 points (+102)

Projection: 20.1 points

From a scoring standpoint, the Suns have struggled at home, averaging just 108.5 points per game over their last 20 — the lowest mark in the league in that span.

On the other side, opposing starting shooting guards have averaged only 11.7 field-goal attempts per game against the Lakers this season, the sixth-fewest in the NBA. 

That makes this a tough spot for Jalen Green, who has gone Under 20.5 points in nine of his last 10 games.

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Collin Gillespie Over 3.5 3-pointers (+110)

Projection: 4.0 3-pointers

With the Suns leading the league in offensive rebounding over the last five games, those extra possessions can create more scoring chances and provide a boost for Collin Gillespie, who has gone Over this three-point line in three of his last 10.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet gILLESPIE Now at bet365!/span

Royce O'Neale Over 4.5 rebounds (+102)

Projection: 5.1 rebounds

As mentioned, the Suns have seen a surge in offensive rebounding over the past few games, and Royce O'Neale has been a big part of that push.

After clearing the 4.5 rebounds line in five of his last 10, he’s in a good spot to keep contributing on the glass.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet o'neale Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Lakers vs Suns tonight

LocationMortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
DateThursday, February 26, 2026
Tip-off9:00 p.m. ET
TVSpectrum SportsNet, AZFS

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Lakers' Deandre Ayton still finding role with Lakers: 'I'm not no Clint Capela!'

This summer, the Lakers knew they needed to get a center to pair with Luka Doncic, someone who could set a big pick, roll hard to the rim and draw defenders, has good hands, and can protect the rim on defense. The Lakers got the best available free agent on the market in DeAndre Ayton, the former No. 1 pick (selected two spots in front of Doncic). Whether Ayton could or would fill the role the Lakers needed was a legitimate question.

It's still a question, 57 games into the regular season.

Ayton had a big night in the Lakers' ugly loss to the Magic on Tuesday, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, and he was on the court at the end of the game (something that has not always been the case). Ayton tried against the physical front line of Orlando, but Wendell Carter Jr. had 20 points and 11 rebounds going against him, and the Lakers lost both the rebounding and points-in-the-paint battles (Ayton was a -2 for the game). On the much-discussed final play, Ayton did his job and set a strong pick on Orlando's Anthony Black, which gave Doncic the space to take a potential game-winning three, but he passed it up, threw a grenade to LeBron James, who threw up a desperate step-back 3 that missed, and the Lakers lost at home.

When asked about his performance postgame, things got weird, reports Dave McMenamin at ESPN.

"The ball finds energy," Ayton told reporters. "They believe in me when I'm down there and sealing and they see me running hard to the rim and crashing, they reward me."...

When he was finished speaking to the group, Ayton made his way back toward the showers and said what he really felt -- loud enough for anyone still in the locker room to hear.

"They're trying to make me Clint Capela," Ayton said, referring to the Houston Rockets' now backup center, who a decade ago made his impact as a lob-catching, rim-running big on a team that made it to two conference finals.

"I'm not no Clint Capela!"

From the moment he entered the league, Ayton wanted to be more of an offensive hub for teams. The challenge is that in a modern, floor-spaced NBA, the offense can't run efficiently through a traditional center (it works if that center is Nikola Jokic or Victor Wembanyama, or even a healthy Joel Embiid, but Ayton is not those players).

Ayton is not the Lakers' long-term answer at the five next to Doncic, that has become clear this season. The role Ayton wants to play (even if he did it consistently, which is another issue) does not mesh with what the Lakers need as they built out a roster around Doncic and Austin Reaves (who they are expected to re-sign this summer). It's a clash of styles. That said, Ayton has an $8.1 million player option for next season, which he is widely expected to pick up.

What the Lakers could use at the five is someone like peak Clint Capela.

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Best NBA Player Props Today for February 26: Ant Goes Marching

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It’s a jam-packed night of NBA action with 10 games on the schedule, and I’ve sorted through the NBA odds to bring you my favorite player props.

They include plays for a couple of red-hot shooters, the Hornets Kon Knueppel and the Timberwolves Anthony Edwards.

Those and more NBA picks for Thursday, February 26 below.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Hornets Kon KnueppelOver 18.5 Points-105
Mavericks Marvin Bagley IIIDouble-double+145
Timberwolves Anthony EdwardsOver 3.5 Threes Made-120
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Prop #1: Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 Points

-105 at bet365

The buzz around the Charlotte Hornets is for real, and Kon Kneuppel is a big reason why.

The Hornets' rookie is in one of those shooting rhythms he was known for at Duke, and I’m betting he stays hot against the Indiana Pacers. Knueppel is putting up 22.8 points while shooting 50% from 3-point range over his last eight games.

At this point, everyone knows the Pacers’ struggles, and they rank 23rd in opponent effective field goal percentage.

Knueppel has topped this number in six of his last eight games, and in both matchups against the Pacers this season.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Charlotte, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana

Prop #2: Marvin Bagley III Double-double

+145 at bet365

With the seemingly endless injuries for the Dallas Mavericks, they have started to give Marvin Bagley III a run, and he’s making the most of it.

The veteran big man has put up 15, 12, and 22 points in his last three games while averaging 9.7 rebounds, and tonight, Bagley gets a juicy matchup against the Sacramento Kings.

With Domantas Sabonis out, the Kings have basically no interior presence. Sacramento ranks 28th in both rebounding rate and opponent points in the paint per game.

At this price, I love Bagley to record his third double-double in his last four games.

  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSCA, KFAA

Prop #3: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 Threes Made

-120 at bet365

Anthony Edwards returns to the site of his All-Star Game MVP performance when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Clippers.

Edwards has carried that momentum into the second half, averaging 34 points and shooting 38.3% from three-point range, and I like him to keep cooking the Clippers.

Los Angeles is a little banged up heading into this matchup. Darius Garland is still out, and Kawhi Leonard and John Collins are both questionable, and the Clippers already struggled defending the perimeter.

L.A. ranks 25th in opponent three-point shooting percentage, and Ant has drained four or more threes in four of his last five games overall.

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Prime Video

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Nets vs. Spurs preview: Battle of the streaks

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

More of the same. The Brooklyn Nets came home following a three game road trip to take on the Dallas Mavericks. Brooklyn lost their fifth game in a row as the Mavs came away with a 123-114 win. In the race that most everyone cares about, the Nets are third. Either way, these games will draw plenty of interest down the stretch.

The opponent tonight is the hottest team in the NBA. If everything holds up, the San Antonio Spurs will have homecourt advantage in a playoff series for the first time in a decade once the NBA playoffs start this spring. They’ve been on a huge tear recently and pushed their winning streak up to ten games with a gritty win over the Toronto Raptors last night. The Spurs are now two games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the one seed and best record in the NBA. Wow.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 PM.

Injuries

All clear for the Nets. This is the third time in the past eight games that the Nets have had a clean injury slate. Also, it’s possible that we will see Josh Minott, the 6’8” 3-and-D candidate acquired from Boston at the deadline make his Nets debut. He’s been with Long Island along with Ben Saraf who’s staying out in Uniondale for this one, as are the Nets three two-ways.

Mason Plumlee is out.

The game

San Antonio won the first meeting back in October.

The Spurs are on the back end of a back-to-back while the Nets are on the front end of a back-to-back. As the beat of the NBA season rolls on.

Egor Dёmin is working through a slump. He’s shot under 40 percent from the field in six out of the last eight games, and the stress of the NBA season is starting to take its toll. He recently spoke about the transition to the NBA and gave some interesting answers:

“This is something I’m really trying to focus on a lot, just trying to get better at this, from the standpoint of toughness: mental, more than physical, because the physical part. I can’t really do more than I’m able, than my ability. So this is something I’m working on in the lifting room; trying to get stronger, looking at my nutrition.

“[The trainers] make my body stronger. But right now, it’s really about my mental, physicality, where I can resist every single player on the court. And I’m looking for that state of mind where, ‘No, I’m not going to step away from you,’ which obviously it happens sometimes. Sometimes it’s not as good. And that’s a process.”

He’ll get a great test against De’Aaron Fox. Fox missed the first meeting between these two teams. He’s been terrific for the Spurs and as usual, is hell on wheels getting to the rim. He’s one of the league leaders in drives and is shooting 70 percent on shots inside of three feet. Being able to consistently break defenders down off the dribble and create great shots on the inside takes on even more importance in postseason settings, and Fox is eager to get back into the playoffs to showcase what he can do.

Michael Porter Jr mentioned rebounding in postgame on Tuesday, and if the Nets want to pull off the upset, they’re going to need to be better on that end. They’ve been outrebounded in each of their past four games and by double-digits in three of them. The Spurs are seventh in the league in rebounds, but with this being the second leg of the b2b, maybe they’ll be a bit more tired than usual. The Nets need all the help they can get if they want to get back in the win column.

Player to watch: Victor Wembanyama

So technically, Victor is in a slump. The big guy has shot 9-of-28 over the past two games. However, when you do everything else well, you can live with some misses from the field. He’s blocked at least four shots in four consecutive games and is on track to do that again tonight. Even when he’s not obliterating teams on offense, his mere presence presents matchup nightmares for opponents and creates a myriad of challenges. From Jeje Gomez of Pounding the Rock:

The opponents will make adjustments, but as you said, they can only do so much. If they sell out trying to stop Wemby, we now know that the Spurs can simply play through Wemby by using his gravity instead of giving him the ball, which makes a lot of counters simply obsolete. The bigger question is whether the supporting cast can consistently deliver as they did against the Pistons. The ball handlers should be fine. The room to drive was always there, and all three see it. We are well past the stage when only Tre Jones realized that the entire defense was geared toward stopping Wemby. The shooters are the potential issue, but the fact that they were all ready to fire away or move the ball is a good sign.

This team is coming together at an insane speed. There’s a lot of room for growth, which is crazy to say of a group that might end up with the best record in the West, but it’s so fun to watch it happen in real time. The Pistons game really seemed like a breakthrough moment, and even if Victor occasionally goes back to forcing things at times, I do believe he understands that he can have a massive positive effect without having to drop 30 by driving into traffic and hitting off-balance shots. I’m excited to see if they can continue to have these mini leaps before the playoffs, because if they do, we might enjoy a deep playoff run sooner than expected.

For a lot of the Spurs, this represents their first real crack at contention. It’ll be exciting to see how they continue to build from here.

Nic Claxton will have his hands full.

From the Vault

Ric Flair turned 77 years old yesterday. Let’s revisit two of the Nature Boy’s greatest matches

More reading: Pounding the Rock, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter