The incident at Madison Square Garden occurred late in the first quarter. Towns knocked heads with the defending Jones on a drive, and it opened up a deep gash around Towns' right eye.
With blood covering his jersey and a bandage placed on his head, Towns made both his free throws before he was subbed out for Mitchell Robinson. The All-Star big man then exited to the locker room, presumably to receive treatment for the cut and perhaps get a new jersey.
Karl-Anthony Towns was bleeding after colliding with Spencer Jones on this drive 😳 pic.twitter.com/0BKFIlgmZ0
Towns was still not back on the court when the bulk of the Knicks' starters returned midway through the second quarter though he did finally return before the second quarter was through.
He was sporting new bandages above his eye and seemingly a new jersey, the bloodstains no longer visible.
Jones was also impacted by the collision, the Nuggets saying he was questionable to return due to a head contusion. He ultimately played just 12 minutes, going 0-for-3 from the field and finishing with three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Towns didn't seem too worse for wear in the end, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 12 rebounds. He did foul out but the Knicks won 134-127 in double overtime.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 10, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Detroit Pistons tomorrow night. Let’s preview this one.
Game info
When: Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Washington
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Injuries: For the Wizards, Tre Johnson (ankle), Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring), Trae Young (knee, quad) and Cam Whitmore (shoulder) are out. On addition, Dante Exum (trade) and Anthony Davis (trade) are out. Jaden Hardy and D’Angelo Russell are day-to-day due to various injuries but are also affected by being traded to the Wizards earlier today.
For the Pistons, Dario Saric and Tolu Smith are out. Kevin Huerter is day-to-day.
What to watch for
The Wizards are coming off a blowout loss to the New York Knicks today and will head to Motown for a game against the Pistons, who are leading the Eastern Conference with a 37-12 record. Given today’s big trade where Anthony Davis is now coming to DC, there won’t be a full roster tomorrow in all likelihood. Hopefully, the game remains competitive however!
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 27: Saddiq Bey #41 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball while being defended by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on January 27, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, rumors have been spreading like wildfire. Not only that, but some trades have already been done, and teams are shifting directions quickly for this playoff run. That leaves the Suns in a questionable spot: they do not want to ruffle the feathers on a good run, but may fall further behind in this conference by Thursday afternoon.
So, for the fun of it, let’s look at some trade proposals from the site and break them down. This one comes from our great site manager, John Voita, and he cooked this beauty up.
This one has a lot of moving pieces, with the Suns as the third team involved.
For this deal to go through, both the Pacers and Pelicans must agree to swap their young stars. Yves Missi has been great in his sophomore year, but with the Pelicans front court having Derik Queen and Zion Williamson, he has become expendable for them. Bennedict Mathurin is a restricted free agent, and the Pacers did not pay Myles Turner last season because they are cheap. Would they do the same with Mathurin, especially when they are projected to be a top-five pick?
It also helps that the Pelicans and Pacers have been linked to these players in the past with the Pacers needing another big alongside Jay Huff after losing Turner, and the Pelicans willing to take flyers on young talent, As long as both of these teams are willing to do this swap, it should be easy for the Suns to sneak in to get Saddiq Bey.
Bey, who has recently been on a heater offensively, continues to prove to be a solid wing role player. One, the Suns could definitely plug into their style of play, with his ability to shoot the three-point shot and defend with energy. You also cannot forget that he was a collegiate teammate of Collin Gillespie; adding him to that bench rotation alongside him would foster great chemistry off the bat.
Fortunately, to get Bey, the Suns would only have to move off of Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, two players who are not in the rotation for this team. A Richards-to-the-Pelicans trade has been discussed in the past, with them getting a third big. Hayes-Davis to the Pacers could try once again to crack a rotation to compete in the NBA. With the Suns not trading any draft picks either, this would allow them to save money while also adding someone to an already deep rotation. With injuries on this team as well, this could be just the cherry on top of their playoff run.
Now, even though this helps out the Suns in many ways, there is a way that this does not go through. Who is to say that the Pelicans and Pacers even need the Suns players involved here? They could do this swap between the two, and essentially don’t need these Suns players. The Pelicans could also want more for Bey, which would be difficult for the Suns to get there with their limited draft capital. These types of deals make it complex for the Suns, but they’re always fun to discuss.
Bey would be a great addition, since the Suns do not give up anything valuable in this trade. By shedding a roster spot as well, they can convert Jamaree Bouyea and continue to strengthen the depth of their rotation.
What do you think, though? If you like this or don’t, please let us know what you think down below.
Boston, MA - January 7 - Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9), centers Luka Garza (52) and Neemias Queta (88) watch as the Denver Nuggets win 110-114 at the Garden. (Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images). | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
HOUSTON — The Celtics will start a brand-new starting five in the wake of multiple absences against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Alongside regular starters Derrick White and Neemias Queta, Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr, and Luka Garza will take the floor for tip-off.
Payton Pritchard, fresh off a 26-point outing, will come off the bench for the second consecutive game. Pritchard expressed a total willingness to come off the bench on Tuesday night in Dallas, given that Anfernee Simons has been traded to Chicago and is no longer with the team.
“You see how our team is constructed, you need somebody to bench to handle the rock, and it’s good, D-White comes out, I come in, and there’s always somebody that can bring it up, get us into the flow, stuff like that,” Pritchard said. “So, it just makes the most sense for our team.”
Jaylen Brown (left hamstring tightness, right knee contusion) and Sam Hauser (thumb sprain) are sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back, but both players are with the team in Houston. Brown, who was listed as doubtful, went through warm-ups before being ruled out.
Chris Boucher (personal reasons) is not currently with the team. Two-way player Max Shulga is also in Boston.
Multiple players get increased opportunities for the short-handed Celtics
For two-way player Ron Harper Jr, Wednesday night will mark a first-ever career NBA start. Harper Jr. has been a G League standout so far this season, but he has played just 35 minutes (across 7 games) with Boston this season.
Harper Jr. will represent the Celtics at the Rising Stars game in Los Angeles later this month. When in Boston, the 25-year-old has earned Mazzulla’s praise.
“I watch him work out when he’s with us — the side of that is the professionalism,” Joe Mazzulla said. “So, when he gets there early, he’s in the weight room doing what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s in the treatment room if he needs to be. He communicates at a high level. There’s just a level of trust there.”
Baylor Scheierman will start his second straight game, and 6th game of the season. Scheierman is averaging 13.6 minutes across 45 games played this year, while shooting 40.7% from the field and oftentimes taking on the team’s most difficult defensive assignments.
With Pritchard appearing to come off the bench in the near future, it appears likely that Scheierman could be a staple in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
“He’s developed into a utility guy for us defensively,” Mazzulla said last week.
Luka Garza, on the heels of a 16-point game, will start his second game of the season. Garza is averaging 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while shooting a team-best 47.6% from three. He has been a fixture of the rotation since late December, after falling out of it for a few weeks earlier this season.
Neemias Queta and Derrick White have been regular starters for the Celtics all season long.
For the Rockets, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, and Kevin Durant will start.
Celtics-Rockets tips off at 8pm ET at the Toyota Center.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 30: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres takes batting practice ahead of game one of the National League Wild Card Series between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. came into the media interview room during the 2025 and 2026 Padres FanFest talking about how good he felt and how he was going into the most productive years of his career. In 2025, he said that when he was healthy and his head was in the right place that he was the best player in baseball.
In 2026, during his media availability, Tatis talked about the mechanical issues that plagued his 2025 season. He said that those issues are behind him and they were all swing mechanics that he couldn’t discuss but that would not bother him going forward. During the player forum Q&A, Tatis said his goal was to reward the fanbase with an MVP season. He said he owed it to fans to improve his performance and deliver on his promises.
As Padres fans know, Tatis has been plagued since his PED suspension with accusations that his previous success as a player (2020 and 2021) were steroid related and he will never be able to equal those performances without cheating. There is no secret regarding the issues that have affected Tatis during his time as a major league player. His shoulder injury in 2021 that affected his swing until it was repaired in September of 2022. The wrist injury that required two surgeries and is probably responsible for his steroid use (despite the claims of ringworm treatment that he used to explain it).
In 2023, after returning from his steroid suspension and wrist surgeries, Tatis had diminished bat speed and exit velocity. Only Tatis knows if that was due to recovering from two wrist surgeries or was PED related. But his numbers since then seem to indicate that the pre-PED numbers are not far off from what he has accomplished in 2024 and 2025, except for a key stat.
According to Baseball Savant, Tatis had an average exit velocity of 93.5 in 2024 (97th percentile) versus an exit velocity of 95.9 (100th percentile) during his 2020 season. His hard hit percentage in 2024 was 99th percentile compared to 100th percentile in 2020. His bat speed in 2024 was 86th percentile but that was not measured in 2020.
In 2025, his exit velocity was 93.3 and 95th percentile. His hard hit percentage was 93rd percentile and his bat speed was 77th percentile. The strange and unexplainable stat that stands out from last season was his sweet spot percentage. Although never a high number for Tatis, his previous average was in the 40-45 percent when he was hitting well. For 2025 it dropped to four percent, the lowest of his career by far.
As a result, his power was down, his slugging percentage was down by 42 points and he made almost constant adjustments to his swing throughout the season. He had the best K-rate of his career, improving for three seasons in a row. His walk rate was the best of his career and he had his lowest chase rate of his career.
So what does all this indicate? Other than his launch angle, which has fluctuated significantly throughout his career, the biggest issue with his swing last season was his inability to hit the baseball on the sweet spot of the bat. All his other numbers indicate that he is very similar to the guy who broke into the Padres line up in 2019 and had an amazing 2020.
Is that a mechanical issue and can it be fixed? Tatis seemed to indicate in his media statements that he has addressed his issues and expects this season to begin the most successful stretch of his career.
The only way Tatis can dismiss the steroid discussion is to meet and/or exceed what he had accomplished prior to his suspension. If he can approach the success he had his first full season in MLB, and then hold onto some of that success while being regularly tested for PEDs, it becomes a possibility for him to outperform the allegations.
There is no doubt that Tatis Jr. wants to be that guy. His obvious affection for and devotion to his team and the fans is admirable. He wants to reward the team and the fans with a performance that lives up to his potential. Tatis wears his emotions on his sleeve and that can be a blessing or a curse. Last season, it was obvious he wasn’t happy. This season will hopefully provide the Padres and their fans a look at the real Tatis.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings acquired high-scoring left wing Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on Wednesday for a conditional third-round draft pick and prospect Liam Greentree.
The Kings then signed Panarin to a two-year, $22 million contract that will keep the Russian forward in Los Angeles through the 2027-28 season.
The trade ends weeks of uncertainty around the future of the 34-year-old Panarin, who hadn’t played since Jan. 26 while the Rangers held him out in anticipation of trading their top scorer in each of the past seven consecutive seasons. He currently leads New York with 57 points in 52 games.
Panarin is a major acquisition for the Kings, who have stayed in contention for their fifth consecutive playoff appearance this season despite ranking 31st in the NHL with 139 goals and 29th in power-play success. Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala are the only Kings with more than 13 goals or 30 points this season.
Los Angeles has been committed to defense-first hockey for more than a decade, and coach Jim Hiller has kept the system alive despite four consecutive first-round playoff exits to the Edmonton Oilers. But new GM Ken Holland swung this move to inject some excitement and offense into a team that has appeared to be stuck between fringe Stanley Cup contention and full rebuilding.
Panarin is the NHL’s seventh-leading scorer over the past five seasons, putting up 156 goals and 298 assists for New York. He scored at least 25 goals in eight of his first 10 seasons, including a career-high 49 goals and 120 points two seasons ago.
Panarin’s departure is the biggest deal yet in what general manager Chris Drury called a retooling process rather than a rebuild for the last-place Rangers. In a letter to fans on Jan. 16, Drury said the focus would be on “obtaining young players, draft picks and cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward.”
But because Panarin had a full no-movement clause, he was able to control his destination. With several contending teams making inquiries about his services, he elected to go to Los Angeles.
The Rangers retained half of his $11.6 million salary cap hit while acquiring Greentree, the 20-year-old Windsor Spitfires forward taken late in the first round of the 2024 draft.
If the Kings win a playoff round, the pick becomes a second-rounder. If they reach the Western Conference final, the Rangers also get a 2028 fourth-round pick.
The deal, which was finalized less than an hour before the NHL’s Olympic trade freeze, takes the best player available off the market more than a month before the March 6 trade deadline.
Panarin is the third pillar of the Rangers’ recent teams to move to Southern California since New York reached the Eastern Conference final in 2024.
Jacob Trouba, the defenseman who served as the Rangers’ captain for 2 1/2 seasons, was traded by Drury to the Anaheim Ducks in December 2024. Veteran forward Chris Kreider, the Rangers’ longest-tenured player, was also shipped to Anaheim by Drury last summer.
Both players have thrived in their new home with the Ducks, who are in contention for their first playoff appearance since 2018.
The Rangers already traded depth defenseman Carson Soucy to the crosstown rival New York Islanders for a third-round pick since Drury’s rebuilding letter went out.
Vincent Trocheck, who is 32 and signed for three more seasons after this one at a reasonable salary cap hit of $5.625 million, could fetch more than Panarin if he gets dealt.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 6: Fans look on from the Xfinity rooftop lounge area before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park on August 6, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good evening, y’all. Here’s a random clip for you:
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 10: David Jones-Garcia #25 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the Utah Jazz on OCTOBER 10, 2025 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While everyone was distracted by trade announcements, the Spurs unveiled some unfortunate news. Rookie David Jones-Garcia underwent surgery on his right ankle and will miss the remainder of the season.
Jones-Garcia, who had been spending most of his time in the Austin G League affiliate, suffered the injury on Jan. 10 in an Austin Spurs game against the South Bay Lakers, the team announced. The surgery to address it was successful, but he’s been ruled out for the season. There is no timeline for his return to action at this point.
Jones-Garcia earned a two-way spot with the Spurs after a fantastic run in Summer League. While he never cracked the rotation with the big club, he was a standout in the G League, earning a spot representing them in the All-Star game. Unfortunately, his injury will prevent him from attending what could have been the highlight of his young career.
Jones-Garcia was on a one-year, two-way contract, so there is a chance he’s worn a Spurs jersey for the last time. That said, he is a beloved teammate, still young, and a dominant scorer, averaging 28 points per game in the Tip-Off Tournament and over 25 in the G League regular season. He might have done enough to end a new contract next season once he’s healthy.
In 11 NBA games this season, Jones-Garcia averaged 2.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on 6.2 minutes a night for the Spurs.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 09: A Cincinnati Reds mascot stands on the field beofre the game between the Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on September 09, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Aaron Doster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Carlos Jorge finally saw his name on the board as the #15 prospect in this year’s Community Prospect Rankings. Suddenly I don’t know what to do with myself since I’ve been voting for him since he first joined the ballot, but I suppose I’ll begin figuring out that process right now.
Per usual, you can find the link to the Google Form for voting right here, yet it’s also embedded at the bottom if you want to read through first and not have to embark upon the painstaking process of scrolling all the way back up here. Both link and embed will be removed once voting closes so you can’t stuff the ballot post facto, however, so be advised that this paragraph will make zero sense if you stumble back across it a year from now.
Here’s how the list has materialized so far:
Sal Stewart
Alfredo Duno
Rhett Lowder
Hector Rodriguez
Edwin Arroyo
Cam Collier
Steele Hall
Tyson Lewis
Chase Petty
Arnaldo Lantigua
Jose Franco
Zach Maxwell
Leo Balcazar
Adolfo Sanchez
Carlos Jorge
A large list of talented names exists below for spot #16. Have at it with the votes!
Aaron Watson, RHP (19 years old)
2025 at a glance: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2nd round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Trinity Christian Academy (FL); signed overslot $2.7 million bonus to forego commitment to the University of Florida
Pros: 6’5” frame; potential 60-grade slider; fastball that runs up to 96 mph from a three-quarter arm slot and already has a solid three-pitch mix with his change rotated in
Cons: Did not pitch professionally after being drafted, so he’s a complete unknown
One glimpse of Watson on the mound and you immediately think yep, I bet that guy can turn into a pretty dang good pitcher. He’s got an ideal frame to produce downhill offerings, and his fastball/slider mix is already something on which he can hang his hat.
However, command of all three of his pitches – specifically a very developmental changeup – will be what he needs to work on to begin to move quickly through the ranks. He possesses a good ‘feel’ at the moment in terms of what pitches to throw, which part of the zone to attack vs. which hitters, etc., but how well he can build in more deception with his offerings will be vital.
Liberts Aponte, SS (18 years old)
2025 at a glance: .247/.368/.461 with 7 HR, 9 SB in 193 PA for DSL Rojos (Dominican Summer League)
Pros: 29/35 K/BB showed greatly improving strike zone awareness; already a plus defender at short where he projects to be excellent both with range and arm long-term
Cons: Still not viewed as a potential plus with the bat, though early returns are already better than original scouting reports; has a long way to go in terms of physically maturing
The Reds doled out $1.9 million to sign Aponte last January, and that marked the single largest contract they doled out in that particular international signing window. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the #18 player overall in that class, noting he was ‘one of the most skilled defenders in his class’ and ‘offers solid wheels’ with ‘magic in his hands’ while doling out a 65 grade on his fielding ability.
The rest, we knew, would take time, as he was just liked at 6’0” and 160 lbs, and that even felt like a slight exaggeration. To his credit, though, he mashed 7 homers as a 17 year old in DSL play while showing more power than anticipated, and if that aspect of his game grows to match what’s already known the Reds have found themselves a gem.
It will be interesting to see if the Reds push him up to Arizona Complex League play at all in 2026 or give him another year in the DSL seeing as he just turned 18 years old in November.
Luke Holman, RHP (23 years old)
2025 at a glance: ER, 2 H, 10 K, 4 BB in 9.0 IP with Daytona Tortugas (Class-A Florida State League
Pros: Two plus breaking pitches (slider, curve)
Cons: Not a ton of velocity on his fastball, which sits 91-94 mph
Luke Holman threw 109 pitches for LSU in a 6-2 loss to North Carolina on June 1st, 2024, a game in which he yielded 4 ER in 6.2 IP with 7 H, 11 K, and a lone walk. Since then, he’s thrown just 9.0 IP on a mound, total.
Holman, Cincinnati’s 2nd round pick in 2024, sat out the remainder of 2024 after being drafted, finishing his calendar year with 91.2 IP of 2.75 ERA ball that included a wonderful 0.98 WHIP and 127/33 K/BB. When his 2025 began in Daytona, all signs looked promising in his first pair of starts only for an elbow issue to subsequently sit him down and require Tommy John surgery, and we’ve not seen him since.
He sat 91-94 with his fastball (and touched 96) before, and has a pair of wicked breaking balls that he uses as his out pitches. If he returns to form in 2026 the way he ways before (or even better!), he still profiles as a back-end starter who should move quickly through Cincinnati’s system after dominating SEC play in stints first with Alabama and later with LSU.
Mason Morris, RHP (22 years old)
2025 at a glance: 9.00 ERA, 7/1 K/BB in 4.0 IP with Class-A Daytona Tortugas; 3.29 ERA, 78/31 K/BB in 54.2 IP with University of Mississippi
Pros: Fastball that can touch 100 mph; four-pitch mix
Cons: Lack of experience
Mason Morris landed with Ole Miss in 2023 primarily as a corner infielder, and the now 6’4” 225 lb righty only recently became a full-time pitcher prior to the Reds selecting him with their 3rd round pick in 2025. He’s got projection through the roof, though, with a 100 mph heater, plus cutter, and a pair of other breaking balls that look like they’ve also got the juice.
The question, though, is how Cincinnati plans to use him.
Morris only got a pair of outings as a pro after being drafted, and it appears the Reds have intentions on seeing if he can develop into a starting pitcher. That’s something he’s never really done before, however, and he’ll turn 23 years old in August of 2026. So, we’ll see how long of a leash the Reds give him with that avenue, since if they want to simply keep him in the bullpen there’s very little reason why he shouldn’t rocket through the minors and give them a legit relief arm at the big league level in short order.
Julian Aguiar, RHP (25 years old)
2025 at a glance: Did not pitch
Pros: Four-seam fastball that flirts with 100 mph; five-pitch pitcher with a pair of breaking balls and potentially plus change-up
Cons: Missed all of 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery; roughed up in 31.2 IP in MLB debut in 2024 (22 ER, 8 HR)
Julian Aguiar has risen quietly through the ranks of the Reds after being a 12th round pick out of Cypress College back in 2021, and his 2024 season saw him rocket from AA Chattanooga all the way through AAA and then to the Reds. Unfortunately, his short stint there ended with him requiring Tommy John surgery, and he missed all of 2025 while recovering.
He’s got plus potential with at least three pitches, and has another two that are still passable to keep hitters off-keel. His 360/93 career K/BB in 346.1 IP across the minors shows he’s got good strikeout stuff and a passable ability to keep hitters from free passes, and if his command returns as quickly as his velocity does post-surgery he should be in the mix to get big league batters out in some role as early as Opening Day. My best guess, though, is that he’ll be slated for AAA Louisville’s rotation to re-establish himself as a starter first, and he won’t actually turn 25 until June.
Mason Neville, OF (22 years old)
2025 at a glance: .247/.333/.442 with 1 HR, 2 SB in 90 PA with Class-A Daytona Tortugas (Florida State League); .290/.429/.724 with 26 HR, 9 SB in 280 PA with University of Oregon
Pros: 60-grade power with potential plus arm and plus speed & baserunning; chance to stick in CF, though still profiles as a solid RF if moved to the corner; led Division I with 26 HR in final season at Oregon
Cons: Lots of swing and miss in his game, at times, including a 34.4% rate in his short sample with Daytona
The Reds clearly love Neville, as they drafted him in the 18th round out of high school 2022 only to watch him initially attend the University of Arkansas. After transferring to Oregon and swatting more dingers than anyone else in 2025, the Reds went back to him in the 4th round of the most recent draft.
Neville is incredibly toolsy, his left-handed swing producing significant power when he makes contact. He’s good at working walks despite his swing-and-miss proclivities, and posesses the kind of athleticism and speed to be a legitimate CF.
His tiny sample with Daytona has some red flags with the Ks, but it’s such a small sample that it’s hard to take it with too much certainty. For instance, he hit .298/.365/.526 through his first 17 games there only to go 2 for 20 with 9 Ks across his final 6 games – that could, and likely is, all small-sample noise.
Big tools, that Neville. He could well be the steal of the 2025 draft.
Sheng-En Lin, RHP (20 years old)
2025 at a glance: 3.06 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 61/15 K/BB in 47.0 IP split between ACL Reds (Arizona Complex League) and Class-A Daytona Tortugas (Florida State League); .172/.348/.310 with 2 HR in 113 PA with ACL Reds (Arizona Complex League)
Pros: Former two-way player has tons of athleticism; fastball that runs to 97 mph with three-pitch mix including curve and change; excellent command
Cons: Still building up innings; dropping hitting to focus on being a pitcher
Lin was signed for $1.2 million during the 2023 international signing period, and the Taiwan native spent the last trio of seasons in Arizona attempting to do both hitting and pitching. The hit tool stalled, though, as his K-rate spiked and power never arrived, and on pitching he’ll now focus after making a late-season cameo with Daytona after being promoted to full-season ball for the first time.
In very, very small samples, his work on the mound has been excellent. He’s the owner of an impressive 4.07 K/BB rate for his short career, and that’s with an impressive 11.7 K/9 that shows just how much of a strikeout pitcher he can be. His secondary pitches both flash plus grades, at times, and more consistency there with a fastball that hits 97 mph already (with perhaps more velocity coming as he focuses solely on the mound) could see him rocket up these rankings in short order…if he hits the ground running in April.
Ricky Cabrera, 3B (21 years old)
2025 at a glance: .187/.276/.240 with 0 HR, 0 SB in 89 PA with High-A Dayton Dragons (Midwest League)
Pros: Above-average power, speed, and hit tool, with an arm that’s good enough to play at 3B (if he can find his accuracy)
Cons: An absolutely lost 2025 season that included a season-ending knee injury
The optimist in you sees that Cabrera only just turned 21 years old in October, and in 2024 posted a 110 wRC+ with 11 HR and 19 SB in the pitcher-friendly confines of the Florida State League with Daytona (with said wRC+, along with his OPS, both ranking among that league’s top 10). That same optimist probably would point out that 2025 saw the Venezuela native play in the cold April weather of the Midwest League with Dayton for the first time, and he struggled mightily in those new conditions before a knee injury rendered his 2025 completely lost.
There’s still a lot to like about Cabrera, even though he’s physically matured off shortstop at this juncture and likely profiles as a 3B, or potentially at 2B defensively – with his defense needing just as much improvement as his bat at the moment, too. If the batting cage stuff can begin to translate onto the field again post-injury, there’s still a ton to like about the former $2.7 million signee and Top 5 overall international prospect from the 2022 class.
I’m assuming there is no pessimist in you, for now.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 13: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher John Curtiss (46) celebrates getting a save after the 10th inning of the MLB game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins on September 13th, 2025, at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We move on to the slew of right-handed pitchers present as NRIs to spring training this year. There are no fewer than fourteen, so this will take us a few installments! A lot of relief arms: all five in this edition are potential help for the bullpen, though perhaps not as soon as this season.
Isaiah Campbell (49)
Campbell is the first man born in Portugal to reach the majors in almost a hundred and fifty years, since the Madeira-born Frank Thompson in 1875. Isaiah was born when his father was serving there in the Air Force. He debuted in 2023 with the Mariners, and had a fine rookie campaign, posting a 2.83 ERA across 27 relief appearances. He has struggled since, missing much of 2024 with elbow inflammation. Last year, he pitched mostly for Triple-A Worcester, and had a 3.90 ERA for them, but couldn’t find success in the big leagues with the Red Sox. He’s not a terrible depth piece and, with just over a year’s service time, comes with a lot of team control.
Gerardo Carrillo (68)
A career minor-leaguer, Carrillo has bounced around since 2017, and only made two appearances above Double-A in that time. Now aged 27, he has seen time with the Dodgers, Nationals and Rangers organizations, before signing a minor-league deal for the D-backs. He actually appeared in the Arizona Fall League, back in 2019. Last year, he had a 3.59 ERA for Double-A El Paso, and over the winter had a 2.19 ERA for Jalisco in the Mexican League, though his K:BB ratio was an unimpressive 4:4 over 12.1 innings. He’s probably most famous for being part of the Max Scherzer + Trea Turner deal between Los Angeles and Washington in July 2021.
John Curtiss (46)
This name, however, should be familiar, because Curtiss – with the extra S – appeared thirty times out of the Arizona bullpen in 2025 (pictured, top). He didn’t do at all badly, getting a 3.93 ERA and 4.01 FIP. He got a decent 4.80 rating in our season review, but was outrighted off the 40-man roster at year end, and elected to become a free agent. However, he re-signed for the Diamondbacks on December 16, and the experience he picked up – Curtiss even notched a save – will stand him in good stead. He walked just five batters in 36.2 innings, and John should definitely be considered a contender for one of the open spots at the back of the 2026 bullpen.
Shawn Dubin (65)
Like Campbell, Dubin comes with major-league experience, having appeared 64 times for Baltimore and Houston, since making his MLB debut in June 2023. Last year, he started with the Astros, but was selected off waivers by the Orioles in August. All told, he had a 5.08 ERA over 33.2 innings, with a 28:11 K:BB. It’s possible health was an issue, as he was much better (1.33 ERA in 20.1 IP) before a forearm strain sent him to the IL for two months in June. Fun fact: Dubin originally intended to play soccer at college, and dropped out to work at Lowe’s. A friend convinced him to try out for the baseball team at Erie Community College… and here we are.
Hayden Durke (53)
A 13th-round pick in 2023, Durke rocketed through the system last year, with stops at three levels. He started at High-A Hillsboro, where a 13.2 inning scoreless streak with 22 strikeouts led to him moving up to Double-A Amarillo. Despite its well-known reputation as a launching pad, Durke held his own, with a 2.31 ERA and 18:6 K:BB across 11.2 frames. He was then sent to Reno and… [loud buzzing sounds of static] Yeah, it didn’t quite go as well there, his control evaporating to the tune of more than a walk per inning, and a 9.53 ERA in 17 games. Still, he’s only 23, so has time to figure it out.
Feb 2, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes has been suspended for one game for pushing the Wizards mascot before Friday’s road win in Washington.
The league announced Hayes’ punishment on Wednesday.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
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The incident occurred during pregame introductions when Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, was running off the court during player introductions. As he approaches the Lakers bench, Hayes goes out of his way to drop his shoulder into the much shorter mascot.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
While the video cuts out, it appears the mascot if lifted off his feet and hit into the direction of members of the Wizards dancing team, who were running onto the floor.
Hayes will serve his suspension on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, when the Lakers kick off their eight-game homestand sandwiched around All-Star weekend (Feb. 13-15).
This is not the first time Hayes has run into issues.
In July of 2021, Los Angeles police were called to Hayes’ home by the cousin of his then-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, during a domestic dispute.
Once police arrived, bodycam footage showed Hayes in a physical altercation with an officer, wrestling and shoving him. Hayes would later pay the officer $150,000 to cover his injuries, according to a deposition given by the officer.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes celebrates in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Hayes was eventually charged with 12 misdemeanors in Los Angeles County, and was ultimately sentenced to three years probation, had to do community service and attend domestic violence classes.
The NBA chose not to suspend, fine or take any disciplinary action against Hayes in the wake of the incident.
The 7-foot Hayes is slated to participate in the Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend.
Hayes has averaged 6.4 points (77.5% shooting) and 3.8 rebounds in 41 games in 2025-26.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call as Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2025 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks (32*-18) host the Denver Nuggets (33-18) tonight at Madison Square Garden. This game pits the second-place team in the East against the third-place team in the West for a potential playoff preview. Intrigued? During their current (…not five…not six…) seven-game winning streak, New York has clamped down at both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Denver’s offense remains Grade A sushi, but their defense is imitation crab.
Nikola Jokic is available for Denver after getting kicked in the oysters last night (they lost to Detroit), but Aaron Gordon is sidelined by a hamstring injury. The Knicks list Miles McBride (ankle) and Kevin McCullar, Jr. out, while Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Josh Hart (ankle), and Mohamed Diawara (ankle) are day-to-day. Bonita Applebum, it’s an ankle epidemic!
Game is at 7 PM on MSG Network and ESPN. This is Denver Stiffs. Please do no post any large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal game streams in the comments. Be nice to one another. Go the Knicks!
* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.
Though we are in the thicket of NBA trade season — with the Brooklyn Nets already dipping their toe in the water — Michael Porter Jr. just hopped on a podcast. And it went well. Exhale.
While back in Denver, MPJ hopped on an episode of The Old Man and the Three, which was released on Tuesday MPJ. The current host of the one-time JJ Redick venture? None other than the man Porter Jr. was traded for last summer, Cam Johnson. The two talked about the trade, of course, as well as their shared experiences in Brooklyn and Denver.
Porter Jr. has spent half of his brief Nets tenure deeply involved in trade rumors, and even if he survives Thursday’s trade deadline, he will again be involved in rumors this offseason (like Johnson before him). And yet, MPJ spends most of the episode praising the franchise’s direction and coaching staff. Talking to Johnson and co-host Tommy Alter, he reveals he arrived in Brooklyn with “more excitement than sadness,” but one aspect of the transition made him a little nervous.
“I knew at the end of the day, I could still play bad and we could still win a game,” said MPJ of his time in Denver. “And so I was a little anxious, but I was up for the challenge over there, and I think it took some adjusting to figure it out. It took a different approach to, you know, how I approach the weight room and how I approach conditioning. I’m still kind of figuring it all out a little bit because it’s a different amount of usage … but it’s a challenge that I was ready to explore.”
So far, Porter Jr. has been up to the task, becoming one of the NBA’s most efficient 25-a-night scorers as an undisputed #1 option. Despite a summer of making misogynistic comments on disreputable podcasts, MPJ has since endeared himself to Nets fans, thanks to both his sharp-shooting and the other side of that unfiltered honesty. When Porter Jr. talks hoops, he is always insightful, whether he’s explaining how to come off a pindown or what it’s like being on a rebuilding team.
“I have a certain level of like, peace and stillness because of the fact that I had seven years of winning basketball and I did get a championship. If I didn’t have that, I might be a little antsy with my agent, like, ‘Man, are they trying to win? Like, I need to go try to win, I want to be deep in playoffs.’ But because I had that for seven years, I’m a little bit more patient with the process over here.”
This whole segment (starting at around 14:20) is most worth listening to, but MPJ also adds: “I’m really back in that leadership role of, this almost feels like like high school. Like, these guys are fresh from college, 19 and 20 year olds, and we’re trying to compete against grown men every night. And we have a few vets over there, but for the most part, man, we’re trying to build the young guys. It’s fun, it’s fun, so I appreciate it. It’s definitely a challenge.”
Though Porter Jr. doesn’t go in-depth on the recent string of embarrassing, blowout losses the Nets have been suffering, he doesn’t sugarcoat the losing either. With another assist from Cam Johnson, he again goes above and beyond the typical non-answer of yeah, losing is tough but I trust the process and gives us hope that the player-podcast-era isn’t a total waste of time.
“Sometimes I need a check by the coaches, or even some of the front office that’s like, keeping my morale up. And then me, as an extension, I’m really trying to keep those guys heads up because it is a different journey that this team is on. And I think we’re on the right path to being a good team … In our locker room, we are pissed when we lose. But the next day, we have to figure out a way to to get our morale right back up, stay positive, realize that it’s about developing, getting better, going to practice with a good attitude.”
There’s much more in this segment, but it’s hard not to feel like Porter Jr. isn’t invested in Brooklyn’s long-term success. Of course, if the Nets do intend on making MPJ a part of their future, they’ll likely have to reach an extension this summer to keep the marriage happy.
Elsewhere, Johnson and MPJ praise Jordi Fernández as a “let it fly” type of coach.
Says Johnson: “For somebody like yourself who has the ability to be a tough shot-maker, he empowers you to use that ability to its full extent, 100 percent.”
“I give Jordi all the credit in the world,” adds MPJ. “I think in the NBA, you know, I’ve always been a guy that has confidence in myself, but with the way he coaches and the confidence he instills, he’s gonna help even those young guys develop at a way faster rate because of the freedom. Like you said, taking the pressure off of the shots you shoot. Like, Egor (Dëmin) was not touted as an amazing shooter, but he’s shooting 40% hitting really tough shots.”
The final half of the podcast is less Nets-centric, but CJ and MPJ don’t spend this one BS’ing or repeating what was your welcome to the NBA moment? clichés. We may be entering the final day of Porter Jr.’s stay in Brooklyn, but if it is, he says goodbye with one of the more insightful media appearances you’ll get from a Net. The full episode is linked below…
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets have a game that evening as they visit the Orlando Magic, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
England coach Brendon McCullum has hit back at accusations of a drinking culture within the national side, labelling the criticism of his team a “pile-on”.
