Will Mason Miller, other top relievers be available for WBC title game?

It is a championship game, winner take all, all hands ideally on deck, and whatever other endgame cliches you may want to summon.

Yet in the World Baseball Classic final between Team USA and Venezuela on Tuesday, March 17, the realities of a forthcoming 162-game Major League Baseball season may emerge.

Most notably, Team USA closer Mason Miller's availability for the championship game is in question; it would be his third outing in five days, an aggressive path for this point of spring training. Manager Mark DeRosa figures he'll be available but the San Diego Padres, who sign Miller's paychecks, must sign off.

"Not ruled out, not decided," San Diego manager Craig Stammen said Monday at the Padres' spring training camp in Arizona. "How we do with every pitcher, we evaluate them after their outing, see how they feel and then calculate when their next outing's going to be. So he's in that same boat."

So, too, are Team USA's cadre of seventh-, eighth- and ninth-inning guys. Yankees closer David Bednar worked the seventh and Boston Red Sox set-up man Garrett Whitlock the eighth inning, passing the baton to Miller, in their 2-1 escape against the Dominican Republic on Sunday, March 15.

Venezuela is in a similar boat, however. The bullpen had to cover 7 2/3 innings of their semifinal victory over Italy – and the Venezuelans will not enjoy a day of rest between the semis and finals, like Team USA. While their key relievers all stayed under 20 pitches, top lefty Angel Zerpa and right-handers Andres Machado, Eduard Bazardo and Danny Palencia all worked to stave off Italy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which USA, Venezuela relievers will be available for WCB final?

What We Learned from the Spurs win over the Clippers

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: De'aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past the defense of John Collins #20 and Bennedict Mathurin #9 of the LA Clippers during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Intuit Dome on March 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ok so let me walk you through how this night went for me and see if it tracks similarly for you.

I turn on my TV at 7:00 because I forgot it was a road game.

False start. That’s OK. We can recover from this. We’ll be fine.

The game starts when? 9:00? P.M.? That can’t be right. Wow. Pacific Standard Time, eh? We’re still doing that? I thought we voted to end PST just like we did Daylight Saving Time. Wait, we’re still doing that? I swear, this country has to get its act together.

Alright. 9:00. Here we go.

Spurs–Clippers. Last time we played it was one of the highlights of the season and I can’t wait to see what kind of fireworks we have in store tonight. Should be electric.

Kawhi’s out, eh? Shocking. Dylan’s still out? Bummer. And Kornet? Bummer. Well. Alright. Still might be fun.

Oh shoot, the game started already.

Let’s see. Peacock. Peacock. Where is Peacock?

No, I don’t want to watch Ted. Or Hamnet. Or Love Island All-Stars (it always gets boring near the end anyway).

Ok. Spurs–Clippers. Here we go.

WE’RE DOWN HOW MUCH?

I don’t need to watch this. This is… this is a throwaway game. We’re missing guys. They’re missing guys. It’s Monday night. It’s late. I’m just going to call it a night and see what happened in the morning.

Ok, nice dunk though Devin. I see you. I’m still going to bed though.

Alright, well. De’Aaron, that was nice. Steph, that was very nice.

Maybe…

Yeah, maybe we see how this plays out.


The funny thing is, the Spurs had already started climbing back into the game while I was busy trying to convince myself to go to bed. And that’s kind of become their thing this year. Games get weird, momentum swings around, and they just calmly work their way back into it.

Stephon Castle was flying around for offensive rebounds and putbacks, and before long the Clippers’ 17–3 start had quietly started to fade. Wemby started controlling things defensively and almost effortlessly asserting himself on offense. Devin Vassell found space and knocked down a couple shots. Fox started getting downhill and bending the defense the way he does. The Spurs started getting stops, the pace flipped, and suddenly the whole thing felt different. By the time Jordan McLaughlin hit a three to tie it early in the second quarter, the entire game had reset.

And honestly, that kind of swing doesn’t even feel unusual anymore.

One thing that’s really stood out to me this year is that across the NBA, no lead feels particularly safe. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you’re playing. Twenty point leads happen all the time, and twenty point comebacks seem to happen just as often.

I don’t know if it’s because scoring is completely off the rails or because defense is now more of a suggestion than a requirement. Maybe the rules are too soft. Or too hard? Look, I honestly don’t know.

What I do know is that a quick 10-point lead doesn’t even register with me anymore when the Spurs have it. That’s nothing. That can disappear during a bathroom break.

For some reason that logic never applies when the Spurs are down, though. That still feels catastrophic. Just one of life’s little mysteries, I guess.

I’m fine. I’m actually the normal amount of anxious for a guy my age. Why do you ask?

The Spurs handled their business in this game. Even when it felt like they weren’t going to. Even when things got a little wobbly down the stretch and it briefly seemed like Darius Garland might have invented a floater that could somehow arc just high enough to evade Wemby’s outstretched arms enough times to pull the Clippers back into it.

But the Spurs were good. They were solid. They got the job done.

I don’t know if I give them enough credit for being professional like that. We talk all the time about their youth and inexperience, as if it’s a defining trait that’s inseparable from who they are. But for all that talk, they don’t really play like it.

They have their ups and downs. Stretches where things aren’t working the way they should. That part can absolutely be chalked up to youth and inexperience.

The key part, though, is what happens next.

They don’t spin out. They don’t let the rough stretch become the whole story. They just attack it like a problem that needs to be solved. A puzzle to figure out.

There’s a steely resolve when they hit a roadblock instead of panic.

I have no idea how or if this will play out in the playoffs. Every single person even tangentially associated with having an opinion on basketball is so quick to fall over themselves and breathlessly explain to you how “the playoffs are a completely different animal.” The intensity is different. The stakes are higher. The lights are brighter. All that jazz. I’m as guilty of doing this as anyone!

The truth is that I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t remember. It’s been a long time since the Spurs were in the playoffs and an even longer time since they were in there with a team full of guys who hadn’t been there before. I don’t know how any of this works anymore. I don’t know what any of these guys are capable of.

I know it will be different, and I know that they know it. They’re getting it from all sides just like we are. It’s not the last test they have to pass, but it certainly is the next one.

“They don’t have enough experience though”. That’s the story on this team. That’s the line you hear over and over again. The playoffs are different. The intensity is different. The stakes are higher. The lights are brighter. Remember?

But when I think about what this team has spent the entire season doing, I’m not sure the word “experience” means quite what people think it does. Because every night it feels like they’re running into something new. A weird game. A bad stretch. A matchup problem. A moment where things stop working the way they’re supposed to.

And every night they treat it the same way.

They slow down. They look at it. They start figuring it out.

They treat it like a puzzle.

The playoffs are a completely different test. It will expose things this team hasn’t seen yet.

But if experience is really just learning how to solve the problems in front of you, then this team has been getting plenty of it all year.

And so far, when these Spurs run into a problem, they don’t panic.

They solve it.


Takeaways
  • 50 wins feels pretty good. What was our over/under for wins? like, 43? 50 is pretty good! I find this acceptable!
  • I feel like I could come in here after every single game and just make the whole thing about how much I enjoy watching Stephon Castle play basketball. I love the way he moves. He sort of lopes down the court with this really tall posture, like he’s almost teetering forward when he runs, and it creates this constant feeling that something unexpected might happen. He’s explosive, but not in the same way De’Aaron Fox is explosive. Fox is lightning fast. Castle is more like… sudden. Once he decides to go, everything just starts happening quickly. I realize I’m kind of spinning out trying to explain this, but he’s just an aesthetically pleasing basketball player to watch. The movements are fun. The chaos feels intentional. I saw someone on Twitter say he’s a consistent three point shot away from being Dwyane Wade and I nearly passed out.
  • It was nice to see the Spurs figure out a way to win without shooting particularly well from three. Obviously I’d prefer them to shoot well from three, but come playoff time that’s the kind of thing that tends to wax and wane a little. So: how to succeed in business without hitting many threes. Step one is you’ve got to grab somewhere in the vicinity of a million rebounds. Absolutely pound the boards. The Spurs did that. They were aggressive, especially on the offensive glass, and it never really felt like they were wasting possessions even when the shots weren’t falling. Step two is you put the clamps on defensively. (This is admittedly a little easier when Kawhi isn’t playing, but still. Odds are pretty decent that on any given night Kawhi won’t be playing.) If you can’t score, then they sure as hell better not be scoring either. Basketball is actually pretty simple when you think about it. As always, my door is open for any NBA consultancy opportunities.
  • Hi! This is Charlie’s anxiety talking now. For some reason the Clippers feel kind of spooky to me as a playoff matchup and I would simply prefer that we not do that. I know we’ve won these two games against them, but they play us really hard. They’re well coached, they’re disciplined, and they just seem to do a lot of things well. I don’t know. I don’t like the Kawhi storyline being something we have to hear about constantly. I would prefer to simply not experience that. That said, I could probably talk myself into every single possible matchup feeling spooky if you gave me enough time, so please feel free to disregard Charlie’s anxiety. Please feel free to disregard Charlie altogether, he really is just kinda making this up as he goes along.

WWL Post Game Press Conference

Ok, so it seemed like you were about to do one of those old school running diaries here and then just bailed halfway through. Can you walk us through that decision?

– Yeah, sure. I mean, sometimes you sit down to write and you know your angle. You watched the game, it all made sense, you were in the flow and felt it coming together, and the only step left is pen to paper. Other times… nothing.

And this was one of the nothing times?

– Yeah, for sure. The game ended so late last night and I really felt like I’d just find it in the morning. Then, sure enough, I sat down in front of a blank WordPress doc and it was crickets.

So the running diary bit was maybe a way in?

– Yeah. There are a couple tricks like that in the arsenal that are really just a ploy to start writing. Get anything on the page. It’s stupid, but sometimes literally typing out what happened in the game can kickstart something. I don’t know. The biggest enemy of writing is not writing, so sometimes the only answer is to write.

Of course. So then it seems like you eventually found what you wanted to talk about, but you kept part of the diary bit. I’m not sure I understand that.

– Well, see, I kept it because I had already written it and didn’t want to erase it.

Sure.

– I thought it was good! I always enjoy poking at Peacock as a streaming service. I thought the thing about dropping into the game down 17–3 was funny. The daylight savings bit?? That’s good stuff! And I really did forget that the game didn’t start until 9. Jokes aside, if I didn’t have to write about it I absolutely would’ve bailed. I don’t know, it felt like a pretty accurate portrayal of the watching experience and I wanted to keep it.

Makes sense. But you didn’t feel like doing it for the whole game?

– I think if you’re going to go full Bill Simmons and run back a Game Watchalong Diary, you have to commit from the beginning. If you want to do it well, you have to go into the game taking notes, workshopping jokes, feeling it in the moment. It’s really hard to fake that. People can tell.

I’m glad you’ve got some integrity about it.

– I have nothing if not that.

Carson Tinney looks to consolidate momentum as Texas hosts Tarleton State

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 07: Catcher Carson Tinney #8 of the Texas Longhorns watches the ball after making contact during the college baseball game between Texas Longhorns and USC Upstate Spartans on March 7, 2026, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

For the first time in almost 30 years, the Tarleton State Texans are coming to the Forty Acres for a Tuesday matchup against the No. 2 Texas Longhorns as junior catcher Carson Tinney tries to build on his best performance in burnt orange and white.

The Notre Dame transfer looked like a sure-fire star to replace Rylvan Galvan after leading the Fighting Irish in batting average (.348), runs (52), homers (17), RBI (53), total bases (119), walks (34), on-base percentage (.498), slugging (.753), and multi-RBI performances (17) in 2025.

The transition to Texas hasn’t been easy for the Colorado product, however — the 6’4, 240-pounder entered the opening series of SEC play batting .259 and without a weekend home run.

Between the 15-4 victory over Texas State in San Marcos and the weekend series against Ole Miss, Tinney and assistant coach Troy Tulowitzki spent time addressing Tinney’s mentality at the plate and making some physical changes to his swing.

Head coach Jim Schlossnagle had a simple message for his catcher.

“We’ve either got to take the swing that you show us in the batting cages and in practice, and just his ability to control his emotions and heart rate, we’ve got to take that into a game, or we’ve got to start practicing that massive uphill swing and learn how to hit the ball that way, right?” Schlossnagle said during his Monday appearance on the Around the Horns podcast.

Tinney’s adjustment to the large crowds at UFCU Disch-Falk Field and the increased pressure of the Texas baseball spotlight hasn’t gone smoothly, and it’s caused him to press.

“Sometimes you can care too much, and Tinney really cares. He’s a great, great guy. He wants to do well, he loves Texas, and you can care too much and and when you care too much and you want to do so well, then that leads to mental and that leads to physical things. In a game, the swing gets a little bigger,” Schlossnagle said.

For Tinney, who boasts prodigious pull-side power, the physical changes can be a change in his swing path trying to elevate the ball too much or an unwillingness to use the entire field to hit, causing him to roll over on outside pitches, leading to weak groundouts.

So when Schlossnagle saw Tinney line out to right field on Saturday, the outcome mattered less than the improved process, prompting the Texas head coach to turn to Tulowitzki and say, “It’s coming.”

It was, and on Sunday, Tinney had his best performance with the Longhorns, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.

The home run was a monster blast that traveled 465 feet over the batter’s eye in center field with an exit velocity of 113 miles per hour.

For Schlossnagle, an RBI single up the middle off the end of his bat was probably more encouraging.

“Once he starts staying on the ball, then he’s going to be able to keep the balls he hits to the pull-side fair, maybe get them on the barrel instead of off the end of the bat. He had two hits on the weekend where he just kind of gave something up and stayed through a ball and just spit the ball up the middle of the field. I think he may have had two of those,” Schlossnagle said.

Tinney will get his first opportunity on Tuesday against senior right-hander Brendon Carter, who has only pitched one inning this season against Houston Christian after recording a 5.96 ERA last season in 17 appearances, including two starts.

Texas will have a new midweek starter after moving freshman right-hander Sam Cozart to the weekend bullpen following four superlative performances on Tuesdays. Getting the nod over sophomore right-hander Jason Flores is junior right-hander Hudson Hamilton (0-0, 9.00 ERA), who is making his second career start and fifth appearance of the 2026 season. Hamilton didn’t allow a hit or a run over his first three appearances before a hit and a walk in 0.1 innings against USC Upstate resulted in two earned runs on Hamilton’s ledger.

Hamilton will face a Tarleton lineup batting .298 overall and with some hot hitters — Rayner Heinrich boasts a 14-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in 15 straight, Slade McCloud is on a 10-game hitting streak, reaching safely in 11 straight, and Carson Lorch has reached base safely in all 19 games this season.

On the road this season, the Texans have a 4-0 record after a four-game sweep of the Lobos in Albuquerque.

First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. Central on SEC Network+.

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays: Will Warren vs. Ryan Pepiot

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 12: Will Warren #98 of the New York Yankees pitches during the spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 4-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The World Baseball Classic reaches its epic conclusion tonight with a battle between the United States and Venezuela at loanDepot park in Miami. Several Yankees still remain with the team, including Aaron Judge, David Bednar, Paul Goldschmidt, and Tim Hill. After tonight, they’ll head back up to Tampa for the final week of spring training. So, in a way, this St. Patty’s Day clash with the Rays in Port Charlotte is the final time before the Yankees will be whole again.

Will Warren is looking to keep the good times rolling with his second-to-last tune-up start of the spring. The 26-year-old right-hander was perfect into the fifth inning of his last start against the Tigers, but coughed up a two-run homer to Zach McKinstry in what was the only blemish of a strong outing that qualified as a rare spring quality start. Overall, he’s allowed just three earned runs in 16.1 innings this spring, but would love to get more strikeouts in this one. He tossed 64 pitches in his last start, so expect him to get close to 75 today.

Ryan Pepiot was sneakily the Rays’ ace last year, posting 31 starts of a sub-4 ERA with decent enough peripherals to boot. The 28-year-old, who was the centerpiece of the Tyler Glasnow trade, figures to be in the middle of a solid rotation that will hopefully feature healthier versions of Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen. He’s thrown five strong innings across two starts this spring, albeit with six walks. Expect 60-75 pitches today.

Trent Grisham will lead off and hopefully start to get his bat going. Ben Rice, Jasson Domínguez, and Ryan McMahon follow him up, with the former Rockie getting another start at shortstop to see if the team can maximize the bench. Paul DeJong, J.C. Escarra, Oswaldo Cabrera, Max Schuemann, and Seth Brown round up the Yankees’ lineup.

For prospect-heads like myself, some under-the-radar guys figure to get an at-bat late in the game. Coby Morales, Cole Gabrielson, Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, Hans and Willy Montero, and Enmanuel Tejada are among the prospects available off the bench. Kervin Castro, Geoffrey Gilbert, Yovanny Cruz, Gus Hughes, Jack Sokol, and Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest will be out in the ’pen.

As for the Rays, it’s a similar lineup to what you’ll see on Opening Day. Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, and a recently-returned Junior Caminero start it off, followed by a trio of acquisitions in Cedric Mullins, Jake Fraley, and Gavin Lux. Hunter Fedducia, Ben Williamson, and Jonny DeLuca, the other piece in the Glasnow trade, round out the lineup.

How to watch

Location: Charlotte Sports Park — Port Charlotte, FL

First pitch: 1:05 pm ET

TV broadcast: Rays.tv

Radio broadcast: TB Audio

Online stream: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv

For updates, follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals Game Thread

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 12: Andrés Chaparro #87 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Cacti Park at the Palm Beaches on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Washington Nationals finally had a big offensive performance last night, scoring 12 runs against the Mets. James Wood had a massive game, hitting rockets all over the yard. This afternoon, the offense will look to keep rolling with a different cast of characters.

The Nats lineup is very different to the one we saw last night. James Wood, Dylan Crews and CJ Abrams are out, while Brady House, Nasim Nunez and Keibert Ruiz are in. House has been the Nats hottest hitter this spring and he will look to keep that up today. We will also see Christian Franklin, who is battling for a roster spot. Jake Irvin will be on the mound as he fights to keep his spot in the rotation.

The Cardinals have plenty of their starters in this lineup. Rookie JJ Wetherholt is likely to make the team and he will lead off. We will also see the likes of Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott. The Nats saw new Cardinals signing Dustin May not too long ago and will be seeing him again today. May can be nasty when he is at his best.

Game Info:

Stadium: CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches

Time: 1:05 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV and MLB Network (out of market)

Radio: WSH Audio

This is a TV game for the Nats, so that is exciting. Most of the Nats stars are not in the lineup today, but we will get to see Brady House, the team’s hottest bat. Jake Irvin is also likely to go pretty deep into this game. Follow along in the comments below and let’s go Nats!

Celtics vs. Suns: a possession battle, two different paths

Dec 7, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla (center) looks on between Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Chris Paul (3) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Celtics and the Suns met last night, and beyond the game itself, it was a good snapshot of how both teams have evolved over the past year. Not long ago, neither team was particularly effective on the offensive glass. Boston finished 18th in offensive rebound rate last season, Phoenix 26th. This year, both are among the best in the league, ranking 5th and 6th respectively, which says a lot about how intentional that shift has been.

That evolution didn’t happen in a vacuum. Both teams went through an eventful summer and lost a significant part of their offensive creation, forcing them to find other ways to generate an edge. Instead of relying purely on shot-making, they leaned into the possession battle — creating extra chances through offensive rebounds and limiting wasted possessions.

When talking with Suns assistant Jordan Ott before the game, what stood out was how differently both teams approach that same objective. The common ground is obvious with offensive rebounding, but the real gap shows up in turnover management. Phoenix has completely changed its defensive profile, going from one of the worst teams in the league at forcing turnovers last season (28th in opponent turnover rate) to one of the best this year (3rd). Boston hasn’t followed that same path and still ranks in the lower third in that category, around 22nd.

However, the Celtics compensate for that on the other end. They are one of the best teams in the league at taking care of the ball, with a turnover rate around 12.5%, second overall, while the Suns are significantly higher at about 14.5%. As Ott explained, that difference has a direct impact on how the Celtics defend. Because they rarely give the ball away, they force opponents to operate more in the half court, naturally reducing transition opportunities and giving Boston a more stable defensive base.

That contrast was visible throughout the game. The Suns leaned heavily into pressure, trying to disrupt ball-handlers and speed up decisions, while also making a clear effort to control the glass after being exposed in that area in the previous matchup in Phoenix. Their approach was aggressive and physical, designed to create the extra possessions they rely on.

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Boston answered in a different way. The Celtics didn’t try to match that chaos but instead leaned into their structure, spacing the floor properly and moving the ball to break the pressure. Jaylen Brown was at the center of that, repeatedly attacking downhill with space and finishing with 41 points and 21 free throw attempts. Around him, the ball kept moving, forcing the defense to shift and eventually opening up clean advantages.

That approach translated directly into production, with Boston posting a 79.5% assist rate, their highest of the season. It was less about forcing the issue and more about letting the offense breathe until the right option appeared.

In the end, both teams are chasing the same goal — winning the possession battle — but through very different levers. Phoenix looks to create chaos and generate turnovers, while Boston prioritizes control and limits mistakes. Last night didn’t show who executed better but highlighted two distinct ways of building an edge when pure talent alone isn’t enough.

VOTE: Which of these Yankees starting pitchers will have the best season?

Mar 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Yankees fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Top NBA prospects in 2026 NCAA Tournament: Analysis, players to watch in March Madness including AJ Dybantsa

Brackets are filled out. Cinderellas headed the sweet 16 are selected. There's even a first-round upset you know isn't going to happen but just had to take anyway.

Now it's time to start watching NCAA Men's Tournament games — and seriously scouting for your favorite NBA team for the draft. NBA teams are way ahead of you; they have already done much of their work (they care more about interviews and medical reports from the NBA Draft Combine, as well as individual workouts, than the tournament games). That said, players can help or hurt themselves in the tournament, especially late first-round and second-round picks.

If you're an NBA fan watching a ton of games this week, here are 15 names to keep an eye on.

Cameron Boozer, Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

Cameron Boozer has lived up to the hype — 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds a game, leading the Blue Devils to the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Scouts have noticed, and Boozer is firmly ensconced in the top tier of this draft and is almost certainly going to be taken in the top three. Watch him against Sienna on Thursday and you'll see a polished player who is just good at everything: Shooting (with 3-point range), rebounding, setting picks, using angles, passing, all of it.

Boozer is the biggest name, but he's not the only guy getting drafted out of Duke this year. Also, keep an eye on Patrick Ngongba II, the Blue Devils' 6'11" center. There are teams that like Ngongba's defensive presence in the paint and his passing skills as a big man. However, he is a divisive prospect because he's not an explosive leaper, leading to questions about his ability to rebound and finish at the rim at the next level. That will matter less in the next few weeks, and he is going to get drafted in the first round because of what he can be as a defensive big man.

Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara, Michigan

You should get plenty of chances to watch this trio over the next few weeks, as the No. 1-seeded Wolverines expect a deep tournament run (they are my pick to win it all).

Michigan has been one of the best teams in the league because of their depth of talent — and their big man have skill. That starts with Yaxel Lendeborg, the 6'9" Big 10 Player of the Year. He plays bigger than his size because of his 7'4" wingspan and has the kind of versatility NBA teams crave: He can handle the ball some on the perimeter, and he can also defend guards out there for a stretch. The only reason he is projected as a mid-first-round pick is because he will be 24 before he sets foot on an NBA court.

Then there is Morez Johnson Jr., another 6'9" big man with a long wingspan (7'2"). Johnson has climbed up draft boards as the season wore on because he plays hard and he's strong, allowing him to defend in the post. While he's averaging 13.6 points and 7.4 rebounds a game for Michigan and shooting 63.5%, he's not seen as a scorer at the next level, but he can score enough in the paint to be part of a big man rotation in the NBA next year. Then there is 7'3" Aday Mara, whose shot blocking has him in the mix for a late first/early second round selection (if he stays in the draft). Mara plays a high-IQ game and is a good passer, but his hands and foot speed have him going later than one might expect.

Darryn Peterson, Kansas

Peterson is must-watch — he's an incredible shot creator, the best playmaker in this class and he's averaging 19.9 points a game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. Peterson may have missed time this year — and teams want to see his medical reports out of the NBA Draft Combine — but he is too dynamic to pass up, both for teams lucky in the NBA Draft Lottery and for fans watching the NCAA Tournament. He may very well go No. 1.

AJ Dybantsa, BYU

Another must-watch player — he was No. 1 in the first NBC Sports Mock Draft of the season. Dybantsa is averaging 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, but what has NBA front offices drooling is that he's maybe the best athlete in the draft as a 6'9" wing player, the archetype most in demand around the NBA right now. Dybantsa can get downhill, create space and hit tough shots when needed. He has great footwork for a young player, and a comfort level shooting contested shots. He will be put to the test in BYU's opener against Texas or NC State (whichever team comes out of the first four game Tuesday).

Mikel Brown, Ryan Conwell, Louisville

I am higher on Brown than the consensus and have him going No. 6 overall in the first NBC Sports Mock Draft of the year (pretty much every team has him going in the top nine). The 6'4" point guard is built for the NBA game with its more spaced out floor and shooters all around him. Brown is very skilled as a scorer and shot creator, and he should show that off against South Florida in the Cardinals' opener.

Conwell is a strong guard who can bully his way in the paint and finish, plus he can drain the 3. Conwell (who played at Xavier before Louisville) is a 22-year-old senior projected as a mid-second-round pick, but a strong showing in the tournament could help boost his stock.

Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac Jr., Houston

Houston's got a number of players who could be taken at one point during the draft, but these are the two must-watch guys — and for very different reasons. Kingston Flemings, the team's 6'4" point guard, has steadily climbed up draft boards this season as he has shown an explosive first step and ability to get around people and to the rim. He's averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 assists a game, and is shooting 37.6% from 3-point range. We have Flemings going fifth in the NBC Sports Mock Draft.

Chris Cenac Jr. has scouts divided, and he could go anywhere from the late lottery to the 20s. He's 6'10" and very athletic, he's shown off a nice jumper at points, and he's thriving in his role with the Cougars. He also doesn't get to the line very often and is not a shot blocker despite his size. Will he be able to fill that same role as a rim-running big man in the NBA? Will he go pro or decide to spend another year developing in college, then go pro? Watch and decide for yourself what he should do.

Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, Arkansas

Darius Acuff Jr. is just a fun player to watch. Acuff can play on or off the ball, has a high motor, a good shot and a high basketball IQ. He is averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, he is an old-school true point guard who is a great floor general but can also get a team a bucket. What keeps him out of the very top of this draft is his size (6'2") and the fact that he is the worst defender of any player in the lottery.

Meleek Thomas is the Razorback's other guard, and he's shown he is an explosive scorer in transition, can get to the rim and has a nice floater game. That said, most teams have him in the second round (or at best, late first), which means the 19-year-old likely will return to college for another year, but watch him because he is going to the NBA at some point.

Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, Arizona

Brayden Burries is a little old school. He isn't flashy, but he is well-rounded and efficient, which has made him one of the real risers in this draft class. He can play on and off the ball, knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, attack closeouts, and get downhill off screens, with a midrange pull-up game. He has a lot of fans in NBA front offices.

Peat is a bit divisive among those same front offices, and drafting him would be a bet on a team's player development staff. There's a lot to like, Peat is 6'8" and physical, he hits the boards hard, can do some playmaking and has enough versatility to keep teams interested. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The question mark is his jump shot, he hit just 31.6% from 3-point range this season. A player of his size and skillset has to hit the 3 in the NBA. If he learns to do it consistently, he will earn his likely late lottery selection.

Pistons vs Wizards preview: First of 2 in Washington, D.C.

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 15: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 15, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons will square off with the Washington Wizards in back-to-back games. Detroit looks to improve its road record as Washington hosts the matchups.

Detroit remains the one seed in the Eastern Conference after an uneven last 10 games. They are 3.5 games over on the Boston Celtics, who are getting healthier.

With 15 games remaining in the regular season, Detroit controls its own path to the top seed and homecourt advantage throughout the East side of the bracket. Take care of the Wizards to keep the separation.

Game Vitals

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

When: 7:00 PM

Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit

Odds: Pistons (-17.5)

Analysis

Homecourt should be something the Pistons strive to keep. They are a young, energetic, chaotic group that thrives on punishing opponents. Detroit isn’t a high-powered offensive group with loads of playoff experience.

When you are behind the eight-ball offensively and a lesser-experienced group, leaning on your fans in the postseason is a needed advantage. Homecourt advantage doesn’t guarantee playoff success, but it’s not easy for opponents to play in front of a ruckus Detroit crowd.

With the 22nd hardest schedule remaining, Detroit has a clear path to stay No. 1. The Celtics have the eighth hardest schedule and ground to make up to catch Detroit. In reality, you still have to play and win the games no matter who’s on the schedule.

Detroit might have gotten a look at the Wizards with Trae Young, but he exited last night’s game with a right quad contusion. One would think Young could bring some offensive juice to the Wizards when they are trying to compete.

Washington will be without Kyshawn George and Anthony Davis. Those two will be integral pieces for them moving forward. Alex Sarr may be their most intriguing piece, but he hasn’t played 25 minutes in a game since early February. It’s hard to gauge how much he’ll play on a nightly basis due to Washington having its eyes set on the draft.

Detroit isn’t fully whole with Isaiah Stewart out with a calf strain. Ausar Thompson being back in the lineup is major, but losing Stew is a huge loss. They’ll need him healthy and sharp for the postseason.

Games against the Grizzlies, Nets, and now Wizards are opportunities for the others to get going. It’s common knowledge how teams will defend Cade Cunningham in the playoffs. Teams are going to attempt to force others to beat them by throwing multiple bodies at Cade consistently, so the others will have opportunities to take advantage.

Tobias Harris did in the Toronto Raptors L. Those corner 3s can swing the momentum in a playoff game. The shooters need to provide more. Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter can bounce back against a Wizards team that allows guys to build confidence.

Before the snipers in Detroit start flowing, the Pistons need to do what got them here. Toronto out-hustled Detroit in the last outing. Dominating on the glass and on the paint are staples in Detroit’s success this year. Get back to doing what got you here and continue the homecourt quest.

Lineups

Detroit Pistons (48-19): Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Washington Wizards (16-51): Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Will Riley, Julian Reese

Question of the day

What would the guard rotation look like if it were up to you?

Criticized for their cool, American players head into the WBC final appreciating opponents’ flair

MIAMI — Criticized for their cool, American players head into the World Baseball Classic championship also appreciating opponents’ flamboyant flair.

U.S. captain Aaron Judge’s controlled composure has filtered through the clubhouse ahead of the final against Venezuela. That’s not to say the Americans don’t appreciate the theatrics of Latin stars such as Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

“You guys would all think it’s silly if we shuffled like Soto or did Vladdy’s little wiggle,” American outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said after a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic. “That’s them and if I had enough swag to do that I would probably do that, too. ... We have fun in our own way, but we definitely have fun out there.”

Judge’s personality has created the clubhouse character, much like it has with the New York Yankees.

Players look up to Judge, and not just because he’s 6-foot-7.

“It’s been cool to see how he goes about his business,” said star pitcher Paul Skenes, the second-tallest American player at 6-foot-6. “He’s not faking anything. He’s playing as Aaron Judge, so that’s just his personality in the clubhouse and off the field. Obviously it shows up on the field, too.”

U.S. manager Mark DeRosa said Judge turned down an offer to have a “C” on his uniform as the U.S. captain.

“Leader of men. Classy in every decision he makes,” DeRosa said. “A lot of decisions that I’ve made throughout the course of the WBC I have made with his recommendations.”

U.S. players have been faulted for their occasionally staid approach, including when catcher Cal Raleigh refused to shake hands with Seattle teammate Randy Arozarena during a pool play game against Mexico. The team also has embraced military ties amid the Iran war, with players saluting each other after victories. Skenes and Griffin Jax pitched at the Air Force Academy, and the team invited Robert J. O’Neill, an ex-Navy SEAL who claimed he fatally shot Osama bin Laden during a 2011 raid, to speak in the clubhouse.

“You never want it to get lost why you’re doing this, whatever that why is,” DeRosa said. “And a lot of people -- like Paul Skenes said to me when he signed up for this, ‘I want to do this for every serviceman and woman who protects our freedom,’ and that’s why we wear USA across our chest.

“So I thought it would just be a time to redirect and get these guys to understand that, although this is an unbelievable event and you get a chance to share the locker room with the game’s greats, there’s a reason why we’re doing it and a reason why people protect our freedom at night. I just wanted to honor that. So that’s why he came in to talk.”

DeRosa was faulted for saying before the loss to Italy “our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.” That wasn’t the case and the U.S. didn’t clinch advancement until Italy’s 9-1 win over Mexico on the group’s final day.

“I misspoke,” DeRosa later admitted. “I completely misread the calculations.”

The U.S. is in its third straight WBC final and is seeking its second title after 2017. The Americans lost the 2023 final 3-2 to Japan.

Harper, at 33 a 14-year veteran, tried to play with Latin-style flair when he arrived in the major leagues He remembered attracting attention for gray bats, different cleats and emphatic eye black.

“I kind of got pounded for it,” he said. “So there’s an American way of baseball everybody talks about, right? But I think that’s so far from the truth. Obviously, when we grow up, we play a different style. But we learn from other people’s styles, as well.”

Supporters energized the Dominican team.

“One hit for them got the crowd out of their seat. A 3-0 count got the crowd out their seat,” Crow-Armstrong said. “You don’t necessarily see that with fans from the U.S. all the time.”

Nolan McLean, a 24-year-old rookie right-hander with eight games of major league experience, will start for the U.S. after allowing a pair of home runs over three innings and leaving with a 3-0 deficit in the group stage loss to Italy on March 10 that nearly led to first-round elimination.

“Obviously I got clipped there a couple times ... but overall I felt really good,” he said. “It’s just kind of a dream come true to be able to get the ball in such a big moment, and it’s something I want to do.”

Spring Training Game #25: Houston Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Jared Triolo #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates slides back into first base against Christian Walker #8 of the Houston Astros during the second inning of a spring training game at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Houston Astros vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, March 17, 2026, 1:05 p.m. ET

Location: LECOM Park, Bradenton, FL

How to Listen: 93.7 The Fan, 100.1 FM, AM 1020 KDKA, Sports Net Pittsburgh app SNP 360


The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home against the Houston Astros looking to grab a win in Spring Training.


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

AL West Preview – Astros Pitchers, Hunter Brown and the Boys

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros poses for a photo during Houston Astros Photo Day at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 18, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Since their first World Series run in 2017, the Astros have produced, traded for, and developed a huge amount of pitching talent. From Cy Young winners like Dallas Keuchel and Gerrit Cole, to future Hall of Famers like Zack Greinke and Justin Verlander, the Astros have had no shortage of pitching excellence in their domination of the AL over the past decade or so.

Now, the Astros’ rotation of 2026 has certainly seen better days. Hunter Brown remains one of the top-end arms in the AL, if not MLB, but outside of him are major question marks, including unknown international talent, baby-faced rookies, and former top prospects who bounce between the bullpen and the rotation as needed.

Last year, the Astros strung together some solid numbers:

  • ERA 3.86 – 11th in the league
  • Earned Runs 619 – 19th in the league
  • Walks 508 – 16th in the league
  • Strikeouts 1504 – 2nd in the league

While the Astros were not the dominant force they’ve been in the past, they certainly gave the Mariners and the rest of the AL a run for their money. Fortunately for the Mariners, the Astros have had some major shake-ups in their rotation. While the addition of Tatsuya Imai may alleviate some of the issues that could arise, it’s hard to say whether Imai will be as good as some of the guys who have already departed.

Notable Departures and Injuries

Framber Valdez(LHP) signed as a free agent with the Detroit Tigers. While Valdez has been supplanted as the ace of the Astros’ staff, there’s no doubt that he was a core piece of the Astros’ rotation and will be sorely missed. We will see if Imai can successfully replace the hole in the rotation left by the left-hander.

Hayden Wesneki(RHP) was acquired before the 2025 season as part of the Kyle Tucker trade. After making a handful of starts, he suffered a UCL tear, leading to Tommy John surgery. Wesneki is likely to return at some point this coming season, but with setbacks, it remains to be seen when that will be.

Ronel Blanco (RHP) had a breakout 2024, including a no-hitter, and was set to be a major part of the Astros’ rotation in 2025. However, early in the season, Blanco suffered a right elbow injury and underwent Tommy John surgery. The young phenom is expected to make his return after the 2026 All-Star break.

Notable Arrivals

Mike Burrows(RHP), Roddery Muñoz(RHP), Tatsuya Imai(RHP),  Trey McLoughlin(RHP), Ryan Weiss(RHP)

Minor League Contracts

Kelvin Herrera (RHP), Maximiliano Villanueva (RHP),  Ángel Alcántara (RHP), Ángel Brito (RHP), César Pastrano (RHP),  Thomas Sveyda (LHP)

The Rotation

PlayerAgeThrowsIPK/BBERAFIPWAR
Hunter Brown27R1833.263.353.453.8
Cristian Javier29R1482.184.684.791.2
Tatsuya Imai28R1532.334.384.291.7
Mike Burrows26R1312.914.114.181.6
Lance McCullers Jr.32R1092.004.394.471.0
Spencer Arrighetti26R862.254.464.550.5
Ryan Weiss29R902.624.244.240.7

The obvious headline here is the departure of Framber Valdez and the arrival of Tatsuya Imai. In Valdez, the Astros have lost one of the top lefty starters in the league to the Tigers, a team they could absolutely see in October. However, the price tag was not as eye-popping as I would have expected: just 3 years, $115 million, and a mutual option for 2029. The feeling around the league seems to be that the market never really materialized for Valdez. While I’m sure the Astros likely made a competitive offer, following an incident late in the season in which Valdez seemingly crossed up his own catcher, major concerns and rumors about his personality and locker-room presence began to circulate in the league.

In response, the Astros have taken a chance and signed their first Japanese player, Tatsuya Imai. Imai has spent the last eight years rising through the Japanese NPB ranks and has strung together some very impressive seasons for the Seibu Lions, establishing himself as one of the top pitchers in Japan. The right-hander distinguished himself right away by stating his preference to “take down” Ohanti, Yamamoto, and Sasaki as opposed to joining them on the Dodgers. Imai has big shoes to fill in Houston, but could be just the stabilizing presence the rotation needs.

The Astros also sought out domestic rotation depth, acquiring Mike Burrows in a three-team trade earlier this offseason. Burrows had a solid 2025 in limited innings for the Pirates and has impressed so far in spring training for the Astros. So far this spring, Burrows has not allowed a run in 12 innings of work while striking out 15. While the projections have not been kind to Burrows despite his solid spring performance, the Astros have very recently had success turning an above-average Pirates starter into a bona fide Cy Young superstar. Let’s all hope he falls back to earth.

The Arm Barn

RolePlayerAgeThrowsIPK/BBERAFIPWAR
CloserBryan Abreu29R683.192.983.111.5
SetupBryan King29L673.283.683.90.5
SetupEnyel De Los Santos30R602.724.144.310.1
MiddleSteven Okert34R643.143.864.000.4
MiddleBennett Sousa31L503.003.583.740.2
SwingRoddery Muñoz26R522.184.574.75-0.1
SwingKai-Wei Teng27R552.234.434.380.1
ILJosh Hader32L663.633.223.281.5
ILNate Pearson29R542.274.414.490.0

There is seemingly very little turnover in the Astros bullpen going into 2026. The Astros have made a habit of bouncing young starter prospects into the bullpen, often for deep playoff runs. The two Bryans, Abreu and King, are both products of the Astros system. They have both turned in several excellent seasons and look to continue doing so in 2026. On top of the Bryans, the bullpen also looks to feature Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski, both also Astros products, though they’re not likely to feature until later this year. As I mentioned earlier, Blanco threw a no-hitter in 2024, but isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star break. Similarly, Wesneski is also returning from a UCL injury; his return is unknown.

In more recent years, they have brought in veterans for the bullpen but generally avoid the journeymen who so often make up major league bullpens around the league. Josh Hader is a familiar name around the league and was a big get for the Astros’ pen back in 2024. Hader has served as the Astros’ closer since then, and nothing looks to change in 2026. The Astros also feature a variety of veteran arms. Enyel De Los Santos, Steven Okert, and Bennett Sousa are all journeymen who have featured for teams across the league in the past few years. They all have had some success out of the Astros’ pen recently and will likely be crucial for a team, rotation, and bullpen that has been plagued by injuries over the last few seasons.

Overall, the Astros do not have the dominant star-studded rotations of their golden years. Injuries and unhappy players have robbed some of their young prospects of crucial development and opportunity. Still, this season seems to mark a new start. New young talent, high-level contributors returning from injury, and potential cancers excised from the locker room; the Astros could be poised for a return to form in 2026.

Canadiens: Friedman Believes The Door Is Wide Open For Fowler

On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman spoke about the Montreal Canadiens’ tough weekend and about the way forward for Jacob Fowler. The insider believes that while the masked men will have been disappointed with the loss, he still played pretty well and that the door is wide open for him to remain with the team until the end of the season.

Friedman considers that the acquisition of Hunter Shepard from the Ottawa Senators is a clear sign that Montreal is preparing for the rookie netminder to stay in the NHL. Friedman adds that as of the weekend, they hadn’t told Fowler that he would remain in the NHL, but given the fact that you only have five callups after the deadline and they’ve used one for him, it wouldn’t make sense to play yoyo with the organization’s prized prospect.

Canadiens Must Stop Sabotaging Themselves And Get Two Points
Canadiens Must Come Up Big This Week
Canadiens: Another Big Setback For Dach?

Despite being in the net for Sunday’s loss against the Anaheim Ducks and the fact that there will be a tough battle in the Eastern Conference to get into the playoffs, he believes Fowler will be given every opportunity to show he deserves to be there. Given how many opportunities Samuel Montembeault has had to bounce back and the precarious position the Canadiens find themselves in the standings, that would be the most logical course of action.

At this stage of the season, with every point meaning so much, you can’t go back to a goaltender whose confidence is shot and is trying to find his game. It’s not that the Canadiens ran out of patience with Montembeault, but they ran out of runway. It’s a shame for the Becancour native, but hockey is a game of results, and you’re only as good as your latest performance.

Regardless of whether Fowler sticks with the Canadiens until the end of the season, he’s already shown that he’s ready for the NHL, and that means Kent Hughes will have interesting decisions to make in the offseason. Both Montembeault and Jakub Dobes are signed for another season, after which the Quebecois will be a UFA and the Czech a RFA with arbitration rights.

Of the two, Dobes has had the better results this season. He leads all rookie netminders with 21, is fourth in goals-against average amongst rookie goalies with at least 15 starts at 2.97 GAA, and fifth in save percentage in the same pool of goalies with .891 SV. Will the Habs be willing to go forward with so much youth in net? That remains to be seen.

Back in 2009-10, the Canadiens had two youngsters in net in Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak, but by the start of the next season, Halak had been traded, and veteran Alex Auld was brought in. The situation this time around is different, though. Back then, it was felt that Halak had to be moved out so Price could have room to grow into his starter role, but I don’t see that happening for Fowler.


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Red Sox Spring Training Game Thread: Masataka Yoshida is back

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 08: Masataka Yoshida #34 of Team Japan hits a two run home run in the seventh inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Australia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Is the game on TV?

It is. First pitch at 1:05 PM on NESN.

What’s the lineup

What should we watch for?

Happy green Red Sox jersey day! Honestly, that’s always kind of a fun thing to watch, though I wonder if the new City Connects will dilute the novelty a bit. As for actual game play, let’s see if Masatka Yoshida can keep his red hot WBC hitting going, and let’s see how Sonny Gray looks as he approaches his first regular season start with the Sox.

Suns Reacts Survey: The physical evolution of the power forward position in the Valley

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.


It is one of those conversations that keeps popping up everywhere around the Phoenix Suns ecosystem. In text threads between fans. In the comment section on Bright Side. In those casual basketball debates that happen around the proverbial office water cooler.

What should the Phoenix Suns do at the power forward position?

It is a question that has followed this team all season long, and it started last summer while the roster was still being assembled. The reason is simple. The Suns do not have a traditional power forward in terms of size. That conversation began months ago. When training camp approached, the debate centered around two names. Royce O’Neale, who stands 6’6” according to Basketball Reference, and Ryan Dunn, the 6’7” sophomore out of Virginia. 

The argument for Royce was easy to understand. He spaces the floor. He understands the system. He brings veteran stability to the lineup. The argument for Dunn leaned in a different direction. He is longer. More defensively inclined. Slightly taller. The type of player who could bring energy and length to a position that traditionally demands both.

That is where the conversation began. It has been the ongoing conversation all season long. And when the Suns lose a game where size becomes the deciding factor, it is the first place people look. The power forward spot. It becomes the easy explanation. The logical one, too. A team with limited size runs into a bigger lineup, the paint starts to feel crowded, rebounds slip away, and suddenly the conversation circles back to the same question: Is there an opportunity to improve that position?

Now we are late in the basketball calendar. The Suns are entering the homestretch with less than a month remaining in the regular season. At this stage of the year, drastic changes are something most teams try to avoid. Rotations have rhythm, players understand their roles, and you do not usually start pulling major levers unless you absolutely have to.

But a new element has quietly entered the discussion. Rasheer Fleming.

The Suns second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has begun to carve out real minutes, and more importantly, he has begun to make those minutes matter. When a young player starts producing, it changes the tone of the conversation. Suddenly, the theoretical future becomes something you can see on the floor. And that is why the power forward debate has picked up a little more steam lately. Rasheer Fleming brings something different to the conversation.

He has the size that people have been talking about all season. At 6’9”, he naturally fits the physical profile of a modern power forward. He is long, sporting that condor-ish 7’5” wingspan, and he can stretch the floor with his three-point shot. He has the ability to affect plays defensively in ways that Royce O’Neale simply cannot. The weak side blocks. The length contesting at the rim. The kind of defensive moments that make you pause and say, okay, there is something here.

So the conversation evolves. And honestly, it is a fun one to have. Who should start at the power forward position for the Phoenix Suns?

Should it remain Royce O’Neale, the veteran who spaces the floor, understands the system, and has been a steady part of the lineup all season? Should Rasheer Fleming step into that role and give the Suns the size that people have been asking for since October? Or should Ryan Dunn get another opportunity, seeing as he is still a sophomore, and there is real value in learning what you have in a young player before making long-term decisions?

That is the question on the table. And it is the subject of today’s Suns Reacts.