SACRAMENTO — Whenever Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray scores a basket at Golden 1 Center, a slogan with his name his echoed.
The chant is led off with Kings public address announcer Scott Moak, who yells into the mic after each Murray basket, whether a free throw, layup, midrange, three-pointer or slam dunk. It's even shouted after a big play.
"KEEGAN!" Moak roars, igniting the Sacramento faithful to follow suit.
"MURRAY!" the Golden 1 Center attendees respond in unison.
During a podcast episode of "White Noise" hosted by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White and Alex Welsh, White was discussing some of the loudest arenas in the league along with Celtics center Luka Garza and former Celtic, now Chicago Bulls guard, Anfernee Simons.
Amidst the conversation, Garza brings up the Kings and how loud their fans get, especially when the team is winning. Simons was the one who mentioned Murray's chant.
"Oh my goodness. When he hit a three and it's packed in there, it's like," Simons said with an appalled look on his face.
White jumped in and continued to harp on Murray's chants in Sacramento.
"His like rookie year, I was like 'yo, this is the coolest thing I've ever heard,'" White said.
Murray was drafted by the Kings with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. As White said, it's been his chant since day one.
It's a call that Murray, himself, tends to enjoy throughout the game. He said he builds more appreciation for the chant every year.
"For me, I think every single year I continue to have more appreciation for it," Murray told USA TODAY Sports. "Because when you go around the league, there's not many, or if any teams that do that kind of thing for their players."
Fans and NBA opponents can expect to hear that chant for Murray for at least another five seasons through 2031.
Murray signed a five-year, $140 million rookie scale contract extension with the Kings in Oct. 2025.
"Obviously for me to be here another five years is great," Murray said. "I think the fans have enjoyed it. I've personally enjoyed it a lot. I think it's just a really special thing that Sacramento has done for me."
Believe it or not, the chant for Murray has been passed down from previous Kings players who grew to be fan favorites.
Before it was Murray's chant, it was reserved for and belonged to Yogi Ferrell, who played for the Kings from 2018 to 2020.
"I was surprised when I first heard it,” Ferrell told NBA.com in 2019. “When I made the bucket, it felt pretty cool. It feels amazing to have my name chanted out by all the fans – it just shows how special I feel like I am to them. I love this arena.”
Kings PA announcer Moak wasn't sure if it would initially stick, but he kept roaring Ferrell's first name and the fans eventually caught on to yell back his last name.
But it even originated before Ferrell. When Italian sniper Marco Belinelli played for the Kings during the 2015-16 season, he'd get remnants of the chant.
After Belinelli scored, Moak called out, "Marco!"
It took fans some time to catch on, but eventually they responded with the only acceptable response if you ever played games in the swimming pool with friends or family growing up.
"Polo," fans responded.
Thus, the chant in Sacramento was born, and nearly 10 years later, it'd be reserved for Murray.
Some believe the idea came from Champions League soccer as it was used as an introduction for Argentine soccer player Gonzalo Higuain, when he played for Napoli between 2013 and 2016.
Kings next game
No matter where it started, it's now recognized as Murray's chant.
Murray and the Kings will be back in action following the All-Star break on Thursday, Feb. 19 when they host the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
The team announced Wednesday after practice that Murray, who was a full participant, will return from injury to play against the Magic after missing over six weeks with a left ankle sprain sustained in early January.
National selector Tony Dodemaide has reiterated that champion batter Steve Smith was only considered an injury replacement for the openers in Australia’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign, also jumping to the defence of the out-of-form Cameron Green.
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 24, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the easiest schedules in the league after the All-Star break, but they have a tough stretch to start things off. They play five games in seven nights, and they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons (twice), and the Boston Celtics over the next two-and-a-half weeks. That will be a good test to show how the new-look Cavs stack up with the best teams in the league.
Fortunately for Cleveland, they have an easy one to open things up against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
The Nets are one of the worst teams in the league, and aren’t actively trying to win games. They should present a good opportunity for the Cavs to get off to a good start.
The Cavs will also be among the healthiest they’ve been all season. Evan Mobley and Dean Wade are expected to play. They’ll only be without Max Strus (foot) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who was just added to the injury report with calf soreness.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Cavs -16
Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Nae’Qwan Tomlin – OUT (calf soreness), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)
Nets injury report: Nic Claxton – OUT (ankle), Tyson Etienne – (G League), Chaney Johnson – OUT (G League), E.J. Lindell – OUT (G League), Josh Minott – OUT (G League), Ben Saraf – OUT (G League)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
PHOENIX –– In the middle of their Camelback Ranch clubhouse Wednesday afternoon, the Dodgers laid out a stack of shirts commemorating their 18-inning victory in Game 3 of last year’s World Series.
Across the front of the blue tees, the four heroes of the game were displayed: Teoscar Hernández, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and, yes, Will Klein.
“It’s kind of been like a 180,” Klein joked about how much his life has changed since that night. “You can see the social media, fan stuff. But just on the personal side, there’s more confidence. Seeing myself do that kind of built a foundation to keep going.”
02/15/26: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Will Klein throws on the field during fielding practice during day three of spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday, February 15, 2026. Photo By: JASON SZENES/ NY POST JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
Indeed, when Klein arrived at spring training last week, he found himself in a peculiar spot: A postseason legend on one hand, after throwing four scoreless innings as the last man standing in the Dodgers’ bullpen during that marathon Game 3 triumph; but also, a fringe roster candidate on the team’s loaded pitching staff, trying to parlay his brief moment of playoff glory into a more established big-league job.
In this boat, Klein is not alone.
Entering camp, several other standouts from last year’s World Series run also found themselves battling for roster spots –– including Justin Wrobleski, the left-handed swingman who pitched five scoreless innings in last year’s World Series, and Edgardo Henriquez, the hard-throwing right-hander who provided two scoreless innings in Game 3 of the Fall Classic.
A week ago, all of their roles for 2026 seemed uncertain.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
But now, injuries elsewhere on the roster are giving them renewed opportunities.
In the bullpen, the Dodgers will start this season missing several key arms. Evan Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t be back until midseason. Brock Stewart is recovering from a shoulder surgery he had in September and is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. Brusdar Graterol was also ruled out for the start of the campaign on Wednesday, with manager Dave Roberts saying the team is keeping him on “an intentionally slow build-up” process as he returns from a 2025 season lost to his own shoulder procedure.
When Klein arrived at spring training last week, he found himself in a peculiar spot. JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
Suddenly, there is a lane for Klein and Henriquez to not only make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster but also serve potentially important roles in the early part of the season.
After closer Edwin Díaz, the team’s next-best righty reliever is veteran Blake Treinen, who is coming off a career-worst season in 2025.
Roberts voiced optimism in Treinen bouncing back this year, saying the 37-year-old still has “a lot in the tank” and that his early spring bullpens have been “as good as I’ve seen him throw the baseball in a while.”
Still, the Dodgers will need more right-handed depth. Ben Casparius figures to be part of the solution, having transitioned to a full-time relief role this year. But Klein (who had a 5.16 ERA in 22 career MLB appearances before last year’s playoffs) and Henriquez (a 2.42 ERA in 25 career outings prior to last October) might now have a pathway to more impact contributions themselves.
“I’m still the same guy, like I need to work and earn a spot and all that,” Klein said. “But on the mound, in games, there’s a little bit more (confidence) than I’ve had in the past. Like, I know I can do all this. I’ve seen myself do 10 times harder stuff.”
“I’m still the same guy, like I need to work and earn a spot and all that,” Klein said. JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
Wrobleski has an opening of his own this spring. Five weeks from Opening Day, the Dodgers are already facing several rotation questions, with Blake Snell taking things slow after last year’s shoulder injury and Ohtani facing a build-up that will be complicated by his participation in next month’s World Baseball Classic.
Thus, the Dodgers will look for extra starting depth this spring –– giving the 25-year-old Wrobleski, who was needed more in relief duty last season but is still seen as a high-upside starter long term, the chance to compete for a potential rotation spot.
Last season, Wrobleski’s two starts did not go well. He gave up eight runs over five innings in a dispiriting outing in Washington in April. He was tagged with four more runs in a six-inning loss to the Cardinals two months later.
After that, however, the left-hander found success in the bullpen, pitching to a 3.17 ERA over his final 25 appearances (including the playoffs) while showcasing an uptick in velocity and command.
“I think his ability to grow and mature and learn how to harness his stuff and compete in those moments will serve him well as he tries to navigate a lineup two, three times,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “So he’ll certainly be a candidate (to pitch in the rotation).”
It’s all part of the Dodgers’ ever-changing roster puzzle this spring, in which even old October saviors are having to compete to carve out their roster spots.
Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Team USA Stripes looks on during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
Kevin Durant wants no part of his burner account accusations.
Days after alleged messages of Durant ripping current and former teammates leaked on social media, the Rockets star brushed off questions from the media about the internet firestorm.
“I know you got to ask these questions but I’m not here to get into Twitter nonsense,” Durant said. “I’m just here to focus on the season, keep it pushing.”
Later, Durant, 37, was asked by reporters if he had talked to his Houston teammates about the now-viral messages.
Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets and Team USA Stripes looks on during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. Getty Images
“My teammates know what it is,” he said. “We’ve been locked in the whole season. Enjoyed our break. Had a great practice today, looking forward to the road trip.”
Over the weekend, screen shots emerged of posts from an X account with handle @gethigher77 that’s alleged to be Durant, who is infamous for his social media activity and online persona.
The account, which has since gone private, criticized Rockets teammates Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr.
It also referenced former teammates James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons.
While we may never know if Durant was truly behind the account, his past “burner account” activity makes the rumors all the more believable.
In 2023, Durant announced that he was on Threads with a burner account, challenging fans to “come find” him on the then-newly launched platform.
Three years earlier, Durant admitted to using burner accounts to hit back at those talking about him online.
“I still have burners that I use for sure,” Durant said.
Kevin Durant of the USA Stripes Team plays defense on Anthony Edwards of the USA Stars Team during the 75th NBA All-Star Game. NBAE via Getty Images
“I have a burner Twitter account still. When people use that burner thing against me they only thought I was on there just to talk s–t. I was really indulging in a lot of different communities on my burners.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 06: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 06, 2026 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. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Does the regular season matter?
Well, you need to win enough games in the regular season to make the playoffs and get a favorable seed in the playoffs. Home court advantage is very important.
But does it matter who you beat and who you lose to? Probably not. The Knicks won the season series with the Hawks in 2021, the Heat in 2023, and the Pacers in 2025, but flamed out against all three in the playoffs. They were beaten up by Detroit and Boston last year in the regular season, but they sent them home in the playoffs. It doesn’t matter what happens before the playoffs start in that regard.
So, how much do I take from the two blowout losses at Little Caesars Arena in January, the same arena that the Knicks won thrice in the playoffs last April? Not much. We all know what happened with the Celtics last year.
But there was one thing that happened in the Knicks-Celtics season series that year that made you raise an eyebrow. On April 8, the Celtics, without Al Horford but otherwise pretty healthy, came to the World’s Most Famous Arena and, after three blowouts in the season series, got caught up in a very competitive game.
The Knicks led for much of the first half, but the Celtics took control late in the third quarter. Yet, the Knicks rallied back from a seven-point deficit to take a three-point lead in the final 15 seconds, only to get their hearts broken by Jayson Tatum at the end of regulation and in overtime.
While the Celtics prevailed and pulled off the season series sweep, that game being as competitive as it was surely made the Knicks believe in that locker room, “We can beat these guys.” If they fouled up 3 or executed in overtime, they would’ve won. They used the lessons from that clutch scenario to pull off several clutch games in the second round series.
So, even though the Knicks knocked off those same Pistons last season, it’s imperative that they don’t get embarrassed a third time. They had excuses the first two games, they don’t on Thursday.
In the first game, they were in the midst of their 11-game rut where they couldn’t defend a thing, and the offense similarly slumped. In the second game, they were down OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, along with the still-injured Deuce McBride. Towns and possibly Anunoby will be back on Thursday, and the game will be in MSG.
They have to match the intensity. The Pistons are a team that knows they were a few key plays away from pulling off the upset last year, and they don’t like that the media still hasn’t anointed them as the East favorite. They see the Knicks on the schedule and feel hatred. They can’t get revenge until May, so they want to beat them into the ground to vindicate themselves until then.
The Knicks haven’t felt like they needed to match that intensity yet, and you can do with that what you want. It feels like they have to on Thursday, even if they don’t pull it out for whatever reason. You can’t get boatraced every single game in the regular season series. That’s when doubt starts to creep in.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 22: Isaac Paredes #15 and Christian Walker #8 of the Houston Astros celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 22, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Team could be looking at an infield logjam that could compromise their outfield depth.
In the aftermath of Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reporting that the Astros could be looking at OF Michael Conforto as a left-handed hitting option in the outfield primarily because they are finding their trade options dwindling, it is impossible not to consider this very serious idea:
Did the Astros blow it?
With their chances of trading 3B Isaac Paredes diminishing, the Astros have expressed interest in free agent OF Michael Conforto, a source tells MLB. com. A LH hitter, the 32-year-old slashed .199/.305/.333 last year with 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 128 games for the Dodgers.
Houston has been shopping players on its major league roster all offseason. Isaac Paredes is the most valuable of the names often mentioned, but Christian Walker and Jake Meyers names have also been mentioned.
We have seen reports of the high interest in both Paredes and Meyers, and of the very faint interest in Walker, but for a team with obvious roster holes it seems unconscionable that GM Dana Brown was unable to deal from his infield surplus to fix at least one hole in his roster. It doesn’t even matter if that hole addressed the outfield, the bullpen, or backup catcher situation, as long as it addressed something.
Did they overplay their hand? Did they hold too high an asking price? Did other teams simply not value the Astros’ players as much as Houston did? We don’t actually know the answers to these, which is why we will speculate. When you are trying to create a properly balanced lineup for a playoff run, sometimes the end justifies the means.
It won’t matter if Dana Brown held on to his players because he didn’t think he was getting enough value if the team fails to make the postseason again, because he won’t be here. It is very likely such a scenario could cost Joe Espada his job as well, even though he would again be forced to work with a roster that is clearly flawed and been decimated in the past 2 seasons by injury.
The fact that the team is now looking at Conforto, a player who is a shell of what he once was in his heyday as a power hitter who got on base and was a defensive star. Today’s version of Conforto still has some power but doesn’t make nearly enough contact and is now below average in the field.
Conforto’s last strong full season was 2019. He had shoulder surgery after the 2021 season and the difference has been notable. He has also played in some absolutely stacked lineups the past 3 seasons, making his mediocrity (or worse) even more damning.
The Astros could have been in on Mike Tauchman, a superior player to Conforto at this stage and Tauchman signed a minor league deal with the Mets. Yes you read that right, a minor league deal.
Of the remaining free agent outfielders, Starling Marte is probably the best hitter of all of them. Even though he’s right-handed, he hits equally well against both righties and lefties, and for more power against righties as well. of course, he’s now 37 and there is no telling how long his balky right knee will hold up. The Mets made him a part time player last year to get him through the season. The Astros deal will too many injuries already for such a risk.
What is left of the free agent crop is very “slim pickins” indeed. In reality, a trade is probably the only way the Astros can get an impact outfield bat unless Zach Cole, Cam Smith or Zach Dezenzo becomes that player.
Coming into camp with the infield logjam was a miscalculation by the Astros. There may not be a way out of it at this point.
I posed the question of whether the Astros should just heed the request of Yordan Alvarez and allow him to play more LF than he has previously been permitted just three days ago:
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Paul Coffey is returning to the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff after a previous two-year stint leading the club’s defensive unit.
The former Oilers defenseman and Hall of Famer had returned to his role as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations in July.
From the time of his first hire on Nov. 13, 2023, through the end of the 2024-25 season, the Oilers allowed 2.78 goals per game, which was the fifth-best mark in the league over that span.
Edmonton is currently 25th in the NHL with 3.29 goals against per game.
The Oilers are second in the Pacific Division, four points back of Vegas, and one point ahead of Seattle and Los Angeles.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: Nolan Traore #88 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on January 23, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics won 130-126. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets have been a top 10 team in salary dedicated to injured players during five of the past seven NBA seasons. In three of them, they’ve been in the top two. Last season, the Nets set a franchise record for games missed to injury/illness at 374, second only to the 76ers 397.
Sure, those stats loses some stock when you remind yourself they paid Kevin Durant $37 million during the 2019-20 campaign, fully knowing he wouldn’t suit up for a single game during it. Whatever you want to call Kyrie Irving’s imposed absence due to the New York City vaccine mandate factors in here too. Uncle Drew made $35.3 million in 2021-22, appearing in just 29 games.
But even if you’re willing to concede that, there’s still no arguing against the idea that the injury bug likes to dine in Brooklyn, and not at Peter Luger. It’s nobody’s fault, but that doesn’t make it any less unfortunate.
However, this year, the Nets have been relatively healthy. At the All-Star break, they’re second-to-last in cumulative injured salary, per Spotrac.
We always knew this season would be a turning point for the Nets. Brooklyn installed five rookies via the draft over the summer, becoming the first NBA team to ever select five players in the first round. Good or bad, their first steps are also the first tangible ones in a new era for the Nets — one no longer defined by star players of the 2010s, the crushing expectations that come with them, and the amplified misery that follows when one inevitably gets hurt.
Nolan Traoré, the 19th pick in last year’s draft, is part of that rookie crew … and part of the program to reduce time lost. He’s fully embracing both sides of the responsibility that comes with shaping a new age for the Nets, on the court and off.
As part of that, he’s big on preventive performance, so to speak, trying to limit the games he loses at this level. He’s had a balky knee in France. Both he and the Nets don’t want to see that replicated in the NBA. It’s a big if not much publicized part of his development and how the Nets have been treating their young players.
He’s not alone in his praise among the Nets young players both in Brooklyn and Long Island. Grant Nelson sat seven weeks to clear up his knee issues, which he said he’s had been an issue since he was 20.
“I think it really shows how good the performance staff is here,” Nelson told ND last month. “And what they’ve done to get me back on the court and be ready for when I get back on the court.”
Brooklyn selected Traoré with their second first rounder out of France in June, then paid his French team a six-figure buyout fee. He logged eight minutes on opening night, but spent much of the team’s first two months of the season in the G-League. Early on at the pro level, he looked uncomfortable, off-pace, and without command of the offense. He needed to develop a tad more. So, the Nets sent him to a place where he could.
Since coming over from Long Island in mid-December, it feels like Traoré’s come much farther than Nassau County, 20 miles to the east. The young ball-handler now resembles a confident, professional offensive facilitator starting to find his footing while not sacrificing that awesome speed…
He’s also shooting north of 40% from three since mid-January. The sample gets bigger and better all the time.
But as mentioned, while looking to give Nets fans something fresh to cheer for, Traoré’s also looking to reverse course when it comes to the injury department.
“Recovery isn’t just downtime for me,” he told NetsDaily. “It’s a non-negotiable part of my job…Staying ahead of the curve with recovery and constantly adapting my routines is how I plan to build a long and productive career in this league. Ultimately, success is being just as physically capable in year ten as I was in year one.”
Traoré’s focus on his body runs deep as blood. His brother, Armel Traoré, has dealt with hand, quad, ankle, and back injuries while playing professionally in France over the past four years and during a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. Nolan named Armel as the biggest influence on his approach to longevity.
“Having played in the NBA and faced his own battles with injuries, he has been an invaluable source of advice on what it actually takes to stay healthy at this level,” Traoré said. “Seeing his journey firsthand made me realize early on that talent alone isn’t enough if you aren’t available to play.”
That said, Traoré’s also seen a similar level of dedication to long-term health in his new home(s). He mentioned he’s relied “heavily” on Brooklyn’s medical staff and noted that rather than applying a one-size-fits-all program, the Nets integrate their professional expertise with a player’s personal goals to develop training and recovery plans. Traoré said he appreciates that collaborative approach more than anything. He also said Brooklyn’s helped him better listen to his body, which he claims is key.
“The most important lesson I’ve gathered from both my brother and the staff is that you have to be your own biggest advocate when it comes to health,” he said. “It is about understanding my body and its limits while using every tool at my disposal to push those limits safely.”
Traoré listed pace and the sheer physicality of the NBA as the biggest training and recovery-related factors he’s had to adjust to since coming over from France.
“Even coming from France, where the game is fast, the NBA is even faster,” he said. “I’ve had to become much more proactive rather than reactive. It’s no longer just about recovering after I feel fatigued; it’s about preparing my body days in advance to absorb that nightly impact. In this league, you can’t just play through the grind; you have to stay ahead of it.”
Traoré’s typical recovery days focus on targeting stretching and soft tissue work. He also mentioned he prioritizes mental clarity with consistent, quality sleep, as well as disciplined nutrition and hydration.
Then on the court, Traoré also noted he wears a custom brace that gives him a unique blend of support and flexibility. If you haven’t seen Traoré play, trust me, the ability to stop and go in an instant is a pretty important part of his game.
“Because my game relies on being shifty and change-of-direction, I can’t afford to feel restricted,” he said. “It’s the only brace I’ve found that feels completely natural and fluid while I’m moving, but activates instantly to protect my ankle the moment there’s a risk of injury. It gives me the confidence to play my style without compromise.”
Traoré again being strategic with when he takes off. Fellow rookie Egor Dëmin benefits this time. pic.twitter.com/aR3K8twesL
It’s all part of something more crucial to Traoré than any dime he’ll drop, triple he’ll splash, or painted area he’ll touch — to be ready not just for Brooklyn’s next game, but its next one hundred, and so on.
“Injury prevention is essential to having a long, successful career, and as an athlete, this is my ultimate goal,” Traoré reiterated. “Talent isn’t everything; the small, disciplined choices you make every day to take care of your body now at a young age are what determine your ceiling. I see this as being proactive and thinking years ahead rather than waiting for a problem to occur before addressing it.”
Traoré is starting to reap the benefits of his labor as well. Since returning from Long Island, he’s appeared in 27 games for the Nets, only missing two due to an illness, not an illness. He’s logged over 30 minutes in six of his last nine contests. In his most recent one, he became the first Nets rookie with at least 20 points and eight assists in a game since Terrence Williams did so on April 9, 2010.
“I define a successful career by longevity and consistency, specifically how long you can sustain your performance at an elite level,” Traoré went on. “To remain on the court for many years, you have to be disciplined about how you treat your body from the very start of your professional journey. It’s not just about the number of games played. It’s about the quality of those minutes and your ability to bounce back night after night.”
Dialogue today around player availability can easily spill into arguments over load management and the NBA’s recently imposed 65-game threshold for award eligibility. It’s a tiresome, static conversation that continues to flood First Take airwaves and serve as the backbone for the “this league is soft” narrative.
However, Traoré simply remains concentrated on being there for this teammates, and, of course, the fans.
“Players today have a greater responsibility than ever to use the advanced tools and medical resources available,” he said. “Meeting league benchmarks like the 65-game threshold isn’t just about award eligibility; it’s about being reliable for your teammates and the fans.”
MILAN (AP) — AC Milan fell seven points behind Inter Milan in the Italian title race after drawing 1-1 at home to Como on Wednesday.
Argentina midfielder Nico Paz put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute following a clumsy error from Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The France No. 1 tried passing the ball from the edge of his penalty area, but Paz swiftly intercepted it and shot through Maignan's legs for his ninth league goal of the season.
Portugal winger Rafael Leão equalized midway through the second half for Milan with a neat lob, after being set up by midfielder Ardon Jashari.
Como moved into sixth spot on goal difference from Atalanta in the race for a Champions League place next season. Fifth-place Juventus is four points ahead. ___
The start to baseball season is right around the corner as Spring Training is underway and we are getting a first-hand look at what each team is rolling out.
I am personally excited to see Paul Skenes pitch and have a little more run support this season, in addition to seeing who can contend and potentially knock him off as he attempts to win back-to-back Cy Young awards. Last year, Skenes was a runaway selection, but this year, there is more competition behind him. Let's take a look at the top five options to win Cy Young in 2026. All odds courtesy of DraftKings.
National League Cy Young Rankings
1. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates (+225)
Paul Skenes is the rightful favorite to win the NL Cy Young after winning his first award last season. Skenes posted a 1.96 ERA and 1.97 ERA in his first two seasons to become arguably the most dominant pitcher in all of baseball. The struggle for Skenes has been recording wins as he barely gets run support from the Pirates' offense.
Skenes posted a 10-10 record last year after a 11-3 record as a rookie. His WAR improved from 5.9 to 7.6 and he totaled back-to-back seasons of a 0.95 WHIP. Skenes' baseball savant page is nothing but red as he is in the top percentile for almost every pitching statistic, including the 97th percentile for pitching run value (100th), fastball run value (99th), offspeed run value (98th), and xERA (97th).
The Buccos brought in four new bats this season after Skenes made comments about the need to sign some offense in the offseason. Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Jake Mangum are the new hitters, which may not seem like much to Dodgers or Yankees fans since they spend money freely every year, but it could be quite the difference for Skenes and the Pirates. If Skenes repeats a sub-.200 ERA, it will be hard to knock him off as a repeat winner, even if he has more losses than wins or another 10-10 record. At 23-years-old, Skenes is just getting started.
2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (+500)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto won a World Series MVP last season and the cat is out of the bag. Yamamoto is no longer a Cy Young sleeper, he is now a Cy Young favorite. Yamamoto will be a contender for this award the next five seasons or so as long as he stays healthy.
The 27-year-old had a fantastic regular season in his sophomore year with a 2.49 ERA and a 12-8 record in 30 starts. The 5-foot-10 RHP cracked 200 strikeouts and had a WHIP of 0.99, and a WAR of 5.0.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Yamamoto was the best pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball. Yamamoto won three MVP's and three Eiji Sawamura Awards, which is their version of the Cy Young. Dodgers' Manager Dave Roberts was quoted as saying Yamamoto wants to win a Cy Young and it's one of his goals and if you've watched any of Yamamoto the past two years — it's clear he will be the biggest competition to edging out Paul Skenes.
3. Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds (+1400)
Hunter Greene's 2025 season was cut short due to a groin injury, so his value might be impacted slightly, but there is no doubt that when healthy, he is one of the best pitchers not only the NL, but all of baseball.
Greene was on pace to set career-highs in strikeouts, WHIP, earned runs, and innings pitched before his season was cut short. Greene finished with an impressive 2.76 ERA, 132 strikeouts to 35 walks, and a. 0.94 WHIP over 19 games and 107.2 innings (7-4 record). Greene has yet to pitch more than 26 games in his four-year career, likely due to how hard he throws, but I am optimistic this is the year he posts a career-high in games started and basically every pitching statistic across the board.
When you look at Greene's baseball savant page, you'll notice that everything that has to do with the fastball is the 94th percentile or better. His chase, whiff, K% and BB% are all 82nd or better as he continues to dominate hitters with his four-seam fastball and slider. One could only assume at 26-years-old, Greene will improve and throw his name in contention for Cy Young. Green and youngster Chase Burns figure to be one of the most exciting pitching duos in baseball as they both have flamethrowers for an arm.
Below are the odds for DraftKings with Skenes leading the pack, Yamamoto right behind and Greene sitting in fourth.
National League Cy Young Odds on DraftKings
4. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves (+1400)
Chris Sale's 2025 season was cut short to only 21 games after a monster 2024 debut season with Atlanta where he won the NL Cy Young over Paul Skenes. Sale went from 18 wins and 3 losses in 2024 to 7 wins and 5 losses in 2025, but the Braves were not the same machine as the year prior.
This season, Atlanta figures to be much improved, they get a healthy Ronald Acuna Jr. and Sale back, plus a few more pieces that has Atlanta marked as the close favorite threat to win the NL East. The Braves are +190 to win the NL East, while the Mets are +165 and the Phillies are +180, so not much is separating them. If Sale returns to that 2024 form and Atlanta wins the NL East, well Sale figures to be a top three contender for the award, which makes me give him the edge over the Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez (+1000) or Zack Wheeler (+2000), the Giants' Logan Webb (+2000), or the Dodgers' Blake Snell (+1800).
As he approaches 37-years-old to start the season in a contract year, Sale is running out of time to win another Cy Young. He was quoted as saying he wants to retire as an Atlanta Brave, but that's not going to be this season or the next. If Sale pitches at a high level this year, he could earn himself a $40 or $50 million dollar bag over the next two years, so I wouldn't count Sale out for this award.
5. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (+3000)
Last year, Shohei Ohtani won his fourth MVP in five seasons, but has never won a Cy Young or come close. Ohtani only pitched in 14 games and 47.0 innings last season as he was returning from major elbow surgery. This year, the Dodgers see a difference in Ohtani as he prepares to be in the regular rotation.
"To see him face hitters, kind of start his buildup -- he’s certainly way ahead of where he was last year on the pitching side. That’s a good thing," manager Dave Roberts said. "But I just really don’t worry too much about his buildup and preparation."
Ohtani was limited in almost every start last season and this year that obviously won't be the case. He will be pitching and hitting for Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic later this month, so we will witness how far along he is right before the MLB season starts.
For +3000 odds or better, Ohtani could be worth a lunch money bet as I like to say. If he has his best pitching season and still hitting bombs, then Ohtani will likely take home his fifth MVP in six seasons. I question whether Ohtani will take home a Cy Young in his career, but this season or next could year would be it, in my opinion, at 31-years-old, he doesn't have much more time to throw and hit on a daily/weekly basis.
MLB Futures Card
3 units: Pittsburgh Pirates Over 76.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit: Pittsburgh Pirates to win NL Central (+800) 1 unit: Paul Skenes to win NL CY Young (+250) 1 unit: Garrett Crochet to win AL CY Young (+425) 0.5 unit: Konnor Griffin to win NL Rookie of the Year (+600) 0.5 unit: Bubba Chandler to win NL Rookie of the Year (+1200)
⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid reported soreness in his right shin over the All-Star break and will miss the Philadelphia 76ers' game against Atlanta on Thursday night.
The Sixers said Embiid experienced the soreness while participating in a right knee injury management program over the break. Following a consultation with doctors, Embiid has received daily treatment, while progressing through on-court work and strength and conditioning.
Embiid will be evaluated again ahead of the Sixers' back-to-back road games, Saturday at New Orleans and Sunday at Minnesota.
Embiid averaged 26.6 points in 31 games this season for the Sixers and was free of the minutes restrictions that had plagued him over the last few seasons. He sat out three of the last five Sixers' games headed into the All-Star break with soreness in his right knee.
The Sixers have lost six of their last seven games in which Embiid doesn’t play.
The 7-foot center was limited to 19 games last year and 39 games the previous season. He had 40 points and 11 rebounds in a win last month over New Orleans on a night in which Paul George was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
Embiid has dealt with multiple injuries since even before he entered the NBA. He suffered a stress fracture in his right foot before he was drafted out of Kansas that cost him two years. From there, it was a bone bruise here, a meniscus tear there. A busted orbital bone. A sprained shoulder. Tendinitis. Torn ligaments. Even Bell’s palsy.
Even with all the injuries, the 76ers still signed Embiid in 2024 to a three-year, $193 million extension with a player option for the 2028-29 season that doesn’t kick in until next season.
Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández reacts after his solo home run in the second inning during Game 3 of the World Series. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A slimmer Teoscar Hernández reported to Camelback Ranch this week, willing to take on a new role in the Dodgers' quest for a three-peat.
Hernández acknowledged Tuesday that he played through a nagging left groin injury last year, which forced him to miss time early in the season.
“I didn’t get back in my health,” Hernández said. “When I got back from the injury, I was fighting through it. Obviously, I didn’t say anything. I just wanted to be on the field and try to help the team.”
Hernández says he was overweight in 2025, and took better care of his body this past winter.
“It’s a combination of eating really good or knowing what you’re eating, and working a little harder than normal,” Hernández said. “But, right now I’m feeling really good. Back to the way I used to be. My whole career I used to be 204-205 [lbs.], in that range. Last year, I was a little over [that], but I’m back to normal right now.”
Hernández says the extra weight he had put on undoubtedly slowed him down last season.
“[As] the season [went], I realized that I wasn’t moving the way I know I can move,” Hernández said. “And that was one of my goals for the offseason, trying to get back in the shape I used to be, the weight that I know that I can be and I can perform really good. So, that was the main goal for this offseason.”
The veteran corner outfielder played 134 games in 2025, down 20 games from the 154 he played the season prior, his first with the Dodgers. He also saw a decline in home runs (33 to 25), RBI (99 to 89), batting average (.272 to .247), on-base percentage (.339 to .284) and OPS (.840 to .738) from 2024 to 2025.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he expects Hernández to bounce back.
“He’s one of our best run-producers," Roberts said. "And then if you look at this lineup, there should be a lot of guys on base with him up to bat. So, I think that this could be a year where he really drives in a lot of runs. He should drive in a lot of runs this year. I think he’s out to prove something, which is good.”
Hernández primarily played left field in his first season with the Dodgers, before taking over right-field duties in 2025. With the Dodgers signing four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract over the winter, Hernández will return to left field.
“We made the signing and then I ended up reaching out to Teo and said, ‘This is what’s going to happen,’ and he gave me a big thumbs up,” Roberts said. “And he’ll be ready to go. I think it just speaks to the guys we have in the room. If winning is the most important thing, then it doesn’t matter the role [or] the position.”
Hernández recalls the conversation with Roberts being short.
“He told me, ‘Look, you’re moving to left field,” Hernández said. “And I said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’ That’s about it. I’m ready in any way that they may need me. I just want to be there and be on the field, and just play every day.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start either Saturday or Sunday
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live bating practice on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Roberts revealed Yoshinobu Yamamoto will likely start one of the first two Cactus League games for the Dodgers, either Saturday against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium or Sunday against the San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex.
“That’s the thought, the plan,” Roberts said. “I’m not sure which day. That’s more [pitching coach] Mark Prior-driven, but that’s the hope. If things go well, we should see him in one of those games.”
What went into Shohei Ohtani’s decision to not pitch in WBC?
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman offered a glimpse into what resulted in Shohei Ohtani’s decision to not pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
“We sat down and talked to him about it, and just coming off the surgery, coming off the year he had, pitching through October, just the quick turnaround,” Friedman said. “At that kind of intensity, coming off surgery, and obviously, we have designs of playing through October this year, and Shohei being a big part of that, on the mound. That, coupled with the idea that he wants to pitch for the next eight years [and] we want him to pitch for the next eight years. We sat down and had the conversation with him. He understood it. The competitor in him doesn’t love it, but he understood it.”
Friedman did not specify when Ohtani will depart for the WBC, but he did say Ohtani will continue to throw on his off days with Team Japan as he ramps up for opening day.
“He will continue his throwing progression, but not necessarily getting into games,” Friedman said. “And then we’ll figure out what he’s able to accomplish while he’s in Japan on those off days. And then we’ll be able to slide him back in here into the rotation as quickly as possible.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks with his player Draymond Green #23 during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on March 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to February Daily Topics at Golden State of Mind. A question (almost) every day this month to give the community a prompt to talk about!
Well folks, it’s almost time. On Thursday, the Golden State Warriors will get back in action at the Chase Center, hosting the Boston Celtics in a rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals, though both teams look dramatically different four years later (including two of the players from that Celtics team now playing for the Warriors).
It marks the end of the All-Star break, and the start of the second half of the season … though this “half” is only 27 games, after 55 in the opening act.
I’ll admit that it’s not the most exciting return to action for the Warriors. With Jimmy Butler III out for the year with an ACL tear, Steph Curry fighting off lingering injuries, and the Jonathan Kuminga drama finally behind us, there aren’t a ton of intriguing stories for a Warriors team that would need a minor miracle to make a playoff run that outlasts the first round of the playoffs. The biggest story for the rest of the season is how Kristaps Porziņģis looks when he gets on the court … and if he can stay healthy.
Still, basketball is back in front of us, and that’s fun and exciting, and there’s much to talk about. So it seemed like a good time to do another mailbag, which we haven’t done in quite some time.
So drop your questions — no topic (within reason) is off limits — in the comment section below, and I’ll answer them all on Thursday ahead of the team’s return to action. And until then, enjoy one more night of peace before getting back to watching this fairly frustrating basketball team.
