Milwaukee Bucks End-of-Season Player Review & Quiz: Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims & Pete Nance

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 8: Jericho Sims #00 and Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks box out Moritz Wagner #21 of the Orlando Magic during the game on March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images

Up next in our pop quiz series are the Bucks’ backup bigs: Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, and Pete Nance. But while they share on-court positions, these guys play completely different games. How well do you know them?

Season in a snippet

Bobby Portis

67 GP, 24.2 MPG, 13.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, .488/.456/.706

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: B-

Bobby Portis’ season started slowly, with the veteran averaging just 8.8 PPG on less than 40% shooting from the field through Milwaukee’s first eight games, and it seemed his flaws were becoming too much to gloss over. But you can’t keep a good shooter down for long, and by the end of November he was up to 11.2 PPG, shooting nearly 50% from the floor (48%) and three (47%). Portis’ hot streak continued, so much so that he was invited to participate in the three-point contest during All-Star Weekend. But with Milwaukee continuing to struggle and looking to rectify this by making a splash at the trade deadline, Portis’ contract and skillset had him in nearly every Bucks trade rumour. Of course, none of those scenarios came to fruition, and Portis finished the season with his typical Bucks’ numbers—albeit with a near-career-low rebounding percentage.

Jericho Sims

67 GP, 19.7 MPG, 5.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .784/.000/.620

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: B-

Jericho Sims’ season was a tale of two halves. In the first, he played sporadically—13.9 MPG in 32 of the Bucks’ opening 46 games—averaging just 2.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 0.6 APG, while turning the ball over way too often (1.0 per game) for a guy with such low usage. In the second half, everything changed. No longer relegated to the dunker spot, Sims became something of an offensive hub, his confidence increasing seemingly by the day. In this second half stretch, Sims played 35 of a possible 36 games, increasing his averages to 24.9 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 2.4 APG, while turning it over just 1.2 times per game. He even posted a triple-double in a late-season game against the Detroit Pistons. Metamorphosis complete, Sims enters the offseason in a good spot—pick up his player option for 2026–27 or enter free agency following the best basketball of his career.

Pete Nance

46 GP, 15.7 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.3SPG, 0.3 BPG, .515/.420/.364

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: B

Despite a strong Summer League, Pete Nance started the year as an afterthought, finishing 18th in our Ranking the Roster series. As a mature two-way player who was ineligible for postseason play, this was completely understandable. But Nance was not deterred, making the most of his opportunities when he got them. By the end of February—after a strong stretch where he played 16 consecutive games, shooting 61% from the field and 53% from three—Nance had won his way into fans’ hearts. In fact, 77% of them wanted him converted into a standard contract and were happy to waive Andre Jackson Jr., Gary Harris, Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., or Cam Thomas to do so. By late March, they got their wish, with the Bucks signing Nance to a multi-year deal and surprisingly cutting Thomas to do so. Locked up for the next two seasons, Nance’s 2025–26 campaign is yet another chapter in the book of two-way success stories.

Tantalising totals

(1) Portis hit a career-high 135 three-pointers across the season. How many times did he hit five or more?

Click to reveal answer Four, including a season-high six against the Indiana Pacers.

(2) Sims dished out a career-high 10 assists in an end-of-season triple-double vs. the Detroit Pistons. How many times did he set or tie his career high in assists across the season?

Click to reveal answer Six.

(3) In his 47 games, how many times did Nance score double digits?

Click to reveal answer 12, including a career-high 23 against the Houston Rockets.

Atypically advanced

(1) True or false: Portis had both a better true shooting percentage and assist percentage this season than he did in either of the last two seasons he finished top three in Sixth Man of the Year voting?

Click to reveal answer True. Shooting: .587 vs. .581 and .575. Assists: 10.5% vs. 7.8% and 8.7%.

(2) True or false: Sims finished with a lower block percentage than Gary Harris, Mike Conley, and Desmond Bane?

Click to reveal answer True—0.6% compared to Harris’ 0.8%, Conley’s 0.7%, and Bane’s 0.7%.

Obscure optics

(1) Match Nance’s splits:

10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, .463/.371/.500, -21.5
4.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, .479/.424/.333, -9.1
9.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, .600/.500/.333, +5.9

to the minute range:

10–19 MPG.
20–29 MPG.
30–39 MPG.

Click to reveal answer 10-19 minutes: 4.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, .479/.424/.333, -9.1. 20-29 minutes: 9.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, .600/.500/.333, +5.9. 30-39 minutes: 10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, .463/.371/.500, -21.5.

How did you fare? Share your score in the comments, and don’t forget to drop your thoughts along with it—which stat stands out?

April 27, 2026

Anze Kopitar’s 2-decade career with the Los Angeles Kings ends in cheers and tears with playoff loss

LOS ANGELES — Anze Kopitar skated to center ice and slowly circled, his arm raised in gratitude, while he took in one last standing ovation. His Los Angeles Kings teammates pounded their sticks on the ice before escorting him to the bench and up the tunnel for the final time.

The Kings captain’s two-decade NHL career ended with the pain of a first-round playoff sweep by the Colorado Avalanche, yet he also basked in the love and well-wishes of every fan and teammate who came along for the last stretch of this remarkable journey.

“It was hard to keep it together, really,” Kopitar said. “Being here for 20 years, more than half of my lifetime, it’s extremely special. I really appreciate the fans.”

After arriving in Los Angeles as a raw Slovenian teenager, Kopitar played more games and scored more points than anybody in Kings history. He grew into a team captain and a family man with a wife and two children.

And he won two Stanley Cups, of course.

With a formidable legacy secured, Kopitar could smile through tears as he began the next chapter of his life in retirement.

“It’s very bittersweet, for sure,” Kopitar said afterward with his kids standing nearby. “There’s going to be some tears, yes, but that’s the way life goes, right? It’s a circle. It’s been one hell of a ride for 20 years. The good, the bad and the ugly. Not the way we wanted to go out, but it happened, and we’ve got to live with it.”

Kopitar’s 20th season with the Kings ended with their 5-1 loss to the powerhouse Avalanche, who have looked like the NHL’s best team for most of this season. Kopitar had experience in being on the best team during Los Angeles’ run to its only two championships and a Western Conference finals in a three-season stretch of glory from 2012-14.

The Kings never recaptured that excellence in his second decade, losing seven consecutive first-round playoff series, but he served as their captain for 10 years and cemented his status as a beloved sports figure in Southern California.

Even after the Avalanche won the first three games of this series, Kopitar was hopeful his career wasn’t quite over. When Colorado went up 4-1 in the third period of Game 4, he realized time was short.

“It hit me with about five, six minutes to go that this could be it,” Kopitar said. “For the last 20 years, I’ve never experienced that. There’s always a next game, there’s always a next year, and now it’s done. So it’s hard to comprehend.”

His fans in Los Angeles didn’t want to say goodbye: They repeatedly chanted his name in the third period and serenaded him with “Thank you Kopi!” He got standing ovations on his final two shifts before the final horn.

He then got hugs from Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog and superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in a warm postgame handshake line.

“He’s a special guy on and off the ice with what he’s done and what he’s meant to this city,” said Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns, who spent many years playing against Kopitar with the rival San Jose Sharks.

Adrian Kempe and other Kings were in tears afterward when they contemplated life after Kopitar’s captaincy. Drew Doughty, Kopitar’s teammate since 2008, uncharacteristically was lost for words.

“I’m trying not to think about it right now, but man, he had an unbelievable career,” said Doughty, now the only player left in Los Angeles from its two championship teams. “He means so much to this organization. It’s going to be tough without him.”

The Kings made 11 playoff appearances with Kopitar, who played in a franchise-record 107 postseason games. Only Wayne Gretzky scored more points for Los Angeles in the playoffs than Kopitar.

He ended the regular season as the Kings’ career leader in games played (1,521), assists (864), points (1,316 after finally passing Marcel Dionne), overtime points (34) and game-winning goals (79). He scored his final goal on March 28, and he went scoreless in the four-game series against Colorado.

The farewell that began in September with his retirement announcement finally ended in late April. Kopitar has said he is moving his family back to Slovenia next year to allow his children to pursue their passions in hockey and figure skating.

“That’s what they deserve,” Kopitar said of his kids. “They’ve been 11 years (and) 9 years with a so-called part-time dad, and now they’ll get full time.”

April 27, 2026

'Kopi Never Cheats': Kempe Tears Up As Kopitar's Teammates Reflect On His Kings Career

As of Sunday, Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar has officially retired from the NHL following a 4-0 series loss to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It was an emotional ending for Kopitar and Kings fans, but no one was more emotional than his teammates after the game.

In the aftermath of Sunday's 5-1 defeat, Drew Doughty, Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe spoke to the media and were asked to reflect on Kopitar's 20-year career in Los Angeles.

Kempe, teammate of Kopitar's since being drafted by the Kings in 2014, had trouble sharing his thoughts because of how emotional he was, choking up and having tears in his eyes.

"He's been there my entire career," Kempe told reporters. "(I) want to thank him for everything he's done."

Later, he was asked about how different the team's leadership would be with Kopitar no longer a part of the group, and he could barely get through his answer.

"It's going to be different, obviously, leadership," he admitted. "Other guys, myself, have to step up."

How Kopitar Went From The Slovenian Kid to The Greatest King Ever With the Kings losing 5-1 to the Colorado Avalanche, it marks the end of the season for the Kings, but it also means the NHL is losing one of the greatest players ever to play.

Doughty, another longtime teammate of Kopitar's, also didn't say much in his media availability. But that didn't stop him from looking back on the career he's had.

"He had an unbelievable career," the Kings' defenseman told reporters. "Means so much to this organization, and yeah, it's going to be tough without him."

With Kopitar now retired, Doughty becomes the longest-active tenured player for Los Angeles, just completing his 18th campaign with the organization.

Family, Golf And F1 Races: Kings' Kopitar Reveals His Retirement PlansWith just a sliver of the 2025-26 season and Anze Kopitar's NHL career remaining, the Los Angeles Kings captain was asked about his plans for retirement in a recent interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Left winger Trevor Moore was able to provide more of an assessment regarding what Kopitar meant to the franchise, but also to his teammates and the guys in the dressing room over the years.

"I think the culture that he brought, the no nonsense, be a pro when you come to the rink, play the game the right way," Moore said to the media. "If you cheat, it's unacceptable because Kopi never cheats.

"He's just a guy that everyone looks to. 'What do we wear in meetings?' All that kind of stuff… runs through Kopi."

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April 27, 2026

Mets spiral from contender to major league cellar, 47-74 since June as pressure on Carlos Mendoza builds

NEW YORK — Table tennis and shuffleboard have been removed from the New York Mets clubhouse this season, replaced by a chessboard and cribbage table.

Recreational activities have changed, but the spiral from contender to cellar remains unchecked.

New York has lost 15 of its last 17 games after getting swept 3-1 and 3-0 in a doubleheader by the Colorado Rockies, a 119-game loser last year. The Mets are tied with NL East rival Philadelphia at a major league-worst 9-19.

“It’s hard to explain,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “It’s just not a good showing. Not good at-bats up and down.”

A big league-best 45-23 at the start of play on June 13 last year, the Mets are 47-74 since. The offseason makeover that saw Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz depart, and Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and Devin Williams arrive thus far has fizzled.

“We all know what kind of talent we have in that lineup and what kind of hitters we have and how much damage they can do,” star outfielder Juan Soto said. “So it’s a matter of time that they’re going to wake up and bring the best out of themselves.”

New York is 10 1/2 games behind NL East-leading Atlanta and seven games back for the last NL wild card. Its 28-game start matches the expansion 1962 Mets — who lost 120 games — along with 1964 and 1983 for the second-worst in team history behind an 8-20 opening in 1981.

“It’s not great. We got to be better,” Brett Baty said. “We’re putting in the work. All the guys are working really hard.”

New York’s 92 runs are the fewest in the major leagues and its 20 homers are one above the big league low. Its .625 OPS ranks last. The Mets have scored one run or none 10 times, including five shutouts.

A day after Boston’s Alex Cora became the first major league manager jettisoned this season, Mendoza said his job security isn’t a concern.

“The only thing I’m worried about here is I’ve got to get the guys going,” Mendoza said. “I know the questions will continue to come up, but my job is to find a way to get those guys out of the funk.”

Mendoza said president of baseball operations David Stearns had not given him any assurances.

“I come here every day. I have a relationship with David, with everyone,” he said. “I come here every day to do my job.”

Kodai Senga dropped to 0-4 with his third straight poor outing, getting chased in the third inning of the second game. An All-Star in 2023, when he was second in the NL with a 2.98 ERA, Senga has a 9.00 ERA and has allowed a team-high five homers in just 20 innings.

“Obviously not good enough,” Mendoza said.

He planned to have a conversation with the 33-year-old Japanese right-hander. Senga’s five-year, $75 million contract, which runs through the 2027 season, specifies the pitcher cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent.

“That warrants a lot of discussions with a lot of different people,” Senga said through a translator. “I can’t give you a yes or no answer right now.”

He would consider a relief role.

“I’ve done it in the past so I don’t think that’s an issue.” he said.

Seeking offense, New York plans to designate Tommy Pham for assignment and has agreed to a major league contract with Austin Slater, a pair of people familiar with the move said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decisions were not announced.

Pham, 38, is 0 for 13 in nine games since he was called up on April 13. Slater, 33, hit .174 in 28 plate appearances for Miami, which designated him for assignment.

New York began the season with a big league high payroll of $358.4 million, according to Major League Baseball’s projections, and a total spend including luxury tax of $482.5 million, second to only the two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

“At the end of the day, we got to go out and do it. That’s as simple as that,” Mendoza said. “You watch film. You talk to players individually, support them, encourage them, challenge them. There’s a lot that goes (on) behind the scene as a manager. You’ve got to stay positive obviously but, yeah, it’s just finding ways to get the guys going.”

Table tennis in the clubhouse was a favorite of Alonso, and it was removed as soon as he left town. From last year’s clubhouse diversions, the basketball hoop and the pool table remain.

In the pool table after the doubleheader defeat, several balls were sitting in a corner pocket. Prominent was an 8-ball.

April 27, 2026

NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, April 27: Saves Add Up for Silovs

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The NHL playoffs continue to deliver, and I’ve got a trio of NHL player props for the pair of games on the ice this Monday, April 27.

My NHL picks begin with Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs in the early game, and wrap up with Utah Mammoth starter Karel Vejmelka in the nightcap.

Best NHL player prop bets today

Player
Silovs Over 22.5 saves	-110
Schmaltz Under 0.5 points	+120
Vejmelka Over 24.5 saves	-130

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(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Monday, April 27

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Arturs Silovs Over 22.5 saves

-110 at BET99

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs turned away 28 of 30 shots with 1.68 goals saved above expected to extend the series in Game 4, and he’s no stranger to postseason success.

The 25-year-old Latvian played 10 playoff games for the Vancouver Canucks in 2024, and he was the Calder Cup Playoffs MVP after a championship run with the AHL Abbotsford Canucks last spring.

The Philadelphia Flyers have also recorded 27.7 shots per game across the past three, so Silovs stands to see enough rubber to go Over the number again tonight.

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet

Prop #2: Nick Schmaltz Under 0.5 points

+120 at BET99

Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz plays go-to minutes. It’s just that those minutes are coming against the best players jumping the boards for the Vegas Golden Knights, and Schmaltz is overmatched.

He’s only been on the ice for 0.83 expected goals and a 31.0 xGF% while combining with wingers Lawson Crouse and Clayton Keller for a 34.9 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5.

I'm backing Schmaltz to go pointless for the third time in four games in this series.

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet

Prop #3: Karel Vejmelka Over 24.5 saves

-130 at BET99

It’s been a solid series for Mammoth starter Karel Vejmelka. He’s posted a .916 SV% with 2.75 GSAx, and despite Utah posting just a 42.6 CF% and 44.4 xGF% at 5-on-5 through the first three games, the Mammoth hold the 2-1 series lead.

With the Golden Knights driving the play, behind in the series and averaging 28.0 shots per game, look for the ice to continue tilting in their direction in Game 4.

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN, Sportsnet

These props are available now at BET99, one of our best betting sites.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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April 27, 2026

Sidney Crosby, Penguins aim to extend season again vs. Flyers. Mammoth look for 3-1 lead on Golden Knights

At one point, Sidney Crosby could have seen more of himself on an interstate billboard than on a playoff highlight reel for the Penguins.

Ask anyone who has followed his career, the two-time NHL MVP doesn’t stay down for long.

Crosby responded like a captain should with his Pittsburgh Penguins in a 0-3 series hole to the in-state rival Philadelphia Flyers, notching his first goal, an assist and a screen that set up longtime teammate Kris Letang’s crucial goal in a 4-2 series-extending win.

“With every game of the series, it’s more difficult,” Crosby said. “But we’ve got some life and we’ve got to take advantage of the opportunity of going back home now.”

The 38-year-old Crosby, now in his 21st NHL season, long had tormented the Flyers. He has more points against them than any other player has scored against Philadelphia, along with thrice raising the Stanley Cup since the Flyers won their two titles in 1974 and 1975.

He still has to absorb the boos and profane chants directed at him from the moment he hits the ice for warmups to his final shift. The sports travel group Phans of Philly even paid for a billboard of Crosby lying face down on the ice along with the definition of embellishment after he was penalized for it in Game 3. And he managed one assist through the first three games.

But he made a heads-up play when he kicked the puck to Letang and also set a savvy screen on defenseman Travis Sanheim, allowing Letang to have a clean look when beating Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar for a 3-1 third-period lead.

“It’s all those little details sometimes,” Letang said. “It’s not the crazy play or the passes. Finding a guy back post sometimes, it’s little details, like, picking the guy giving me a lot of time to pick my shot was an amazing play. So it just shows you how much IQ he has on the ice and, you know, what to do at every moment in every situation.”

Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins

When/Where to Watch: Game 5, Monday, 7 p.m. EDT (ESPN)

Series: Flyers lead 3-1

The Flyers missed their chance to advance to play the Carolina Hurricanes, who never trailed at any point in the series in their four-game sweep of Ottawa. The Hurricanes will take the breather — while the NHL will gladly take at least one extra game in the first round’s signature rivalry series.

The Flyers still are in control with a significant lead. Coach Rick Tocchet preached in the moments after Game 3 that clinchers are often the toughest to win. The Flyers proved their coach right once.

“I don’t know if it’s complacent, we didn’t do the little small things,” Tocchet said.

The Flyers overcame youth and inconsistencies to reach the playoffs courtesy of a 14-4-1 run, becoming the NHL’s first team to make it after being 10 points out of contention with 22 or fewer games remaining. Then they surprised the NHL — and probably themselves — by winning twice in Pittsburgh and then Game 3 at home in their first postseason appearance since 2020.

“If somebody told you before the series it was going to be 3-1 after four games, you guys wouldn’t believe us,” Vladar said. “So we are good. Nothing’s changing for us. Still being positive in here. They are a really good team. It’s not easy to win four in a row against a team like that.”

Vegas Golden Knights at Utah Mammoth

When/Where to Watch: Game 4, Monday, 9:30 pm EDT (ESPN)

Series: Mammoth lead 2-1

Utah won its first-ever home playoff game by maximizing limited scoring chances.

Vegas only allowed 12 shots on goal, a franchise low for any playoff game. The Golden Knights even held the Mammoth to a single shot in the third period. It didn’t matter. Utah ripped off four unanswered goals over the first 30 minutes — converting half of their first eight shots on goal — while cruising to a 4-2 victory for the 2-1 lead in the first-round series. Lawson Crouse led the way, scoring twice over a six-minute span early in the second period.

“I think we stuck with it,” Utah forward Clayton Keller said. “They’re a great team, and they make you work for everything.”

Vegas allowed far fewer chances to score than it did during its Game 2 loss at home. The Golden Knights are feeling confident that’s a trend they can carry into Game 4 and perhaps steal a road win in Salt Lake City.

“We defend the proper way, then our offense will come, and I have full trust in the guys that way,” Vegas coach John Tortorella said.

April 27, 2026

Ridly Greig To Have Hearing For Sucker Punch On Sean Walker

It looks like the NHL is going to be adding insult to injury for the Ottawa Senators.

Just a day after they were eliminated in a four-game sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes, the league announced that Senators forward Ridly Greig would be having a hearing related to a sucker punch he threw at Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker.

During a second period scrum, Walker was already engaged with Senators forward Warren Foegele when Greig decided to throw an uppercut on Walker.

There was no penalty called on the play, but there was significant outcry around the league from the media, fans and former players regarding the dirty cheap shot.

Biz was NOT happy with Greig's sucker punch in the scrum... 😳🥊 pic.twitter.com/TXAiZLESiN
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) April 25, 2026

According to Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch, the hearing will be over the phone, meaning Greig can be suspended for only a maximum of five games to begin next season.

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April 27, 2026

How could Mets shake things up with season in danger of slipping away?

When the Mets beat the Twins this past Wednesday to snap their interminable 12-game losing streak, and then followed that up by topping Minnesota again in a wild game on Thursday, it felt like they had turned a corner.

The problem for the Mets was that the street they turned down was a dead end.

That dead end was (mystifyingly) the Rockies, who embarrassed the Mets while sweeping them in a three-game series at Citi Field over the weekend as New York mustered just four runs.

Of the three losses, the most damning was Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader, when New York could barely do anything against starter Jose Quintana, who entered the game with an ERA of 6.23, was throwing an assortment of slop at them, and had serious issues over the first few innings as he tossed more balls than strikes.

In that game, the Mets had four chances with the bases loaded. Just one hit could've turned the game in their favor. The results in those spots?

Strikeout swinging
Strikeout looking
Pop out
Strikeout swinging

The Mets' offensive futility has resulted in a 9-19 record, tied with the Phillies for the worst in MLB. New York's 92 runs scored are the fewest in baseball.

With a season that began with sky high expectations in danger of slipping away before the calendar flips to May, what can the Mets possibly do to shake things up and turn it around?

The Carlos Mendoza situation

I wrote last week that most of the blame for what's gone wrong falls on the players, then on head of baseball operations David Stearns, then on Mendoza.

Nothing has changed in that regard.

Apr 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza watches his team take on the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park. / D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

And while around the team last week, there was no sense that Mendoza was in immediate danger.

Things change, though.

The Red Sox, in a similar predicament to the Mets, fired Alex Cora over the weekend while also dismissing most of his coaching staff. Cora, of course, won a World Series in Boston in 2018 and is viewed as one of the best managers in baseball.

It seems Boston has scapegoated Cora and his staff instead of looking themselves in the mirror and properly assigning blame. At the same time, it's hard to argue with a team changing the manager and coaching staff amid a disastrous season.

Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract (New York holds a club option for 2027) and is working with a mostly-new coaching staff. So in that regard, the road has already been paved for the Mets to move on in a clean way during this season if they so choose.

To reiterate: the Mets' 9-19 record is not Mendoza's fault. However, it's more than fair to point at their many miscues so far this season (both mental and physical) and lay a good deal of that at Mendoza's feet. He can't hit or pitch, but the players' preparation and readiness to perform is a reflection of the manager.

What's next for Kodai Senga?

The situation with Senga in the rotation has become untenable, with him being unable to pitch more than 3.1 innings in any of his last three starts.

After Sunday's game, Senga acknowledged his poor performance but was non-committal when asked if he would accept an assignment to Triple-A Syracuse.

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field / Kamil Krzaczynski - Imagn Images

The Mets could theoretically move Senga to the bullpen, but that seems like a very poor fit given his routines. Beyond that, the Mets already have three starting pitchers working in relief roles -- David Peterson, Sean Manaea, and Carl Edwards, Jr. They also have Tobias Myers in the bullpen, and he is often relied on for multiple innings at a time.

Speaking last week, Stearns made it clear New York was happy with Myers in his current role. So by process of elimination, it seems the easiest way to replace Senga is to slide Peterson or Manaea into the rotation.

More complicated is what to do with Senga, who is under contract through the 2027 season.

The first base problem

Jorge Polanco could return from the IL relatively soon. But when he does, the expectation is that he'll be used mostly as a DH -- something that makes sense given his Achilles issue.

The problem for the Mets is that both Brett Baty and Mark Vientos are struggling badly offensively.

Baty is hitting .220/.250/.329 (65 OPS+) in 88 plate appearances.

Vientos is hitting .243/.280/.357 (81 OPS+) in 75 plate appearances.

Amid the Mets' first base uncertainty, there have been some fans calling for the team to promote prospect Ryan Clifford from Triple-A Syracuse.

While Clifford's power is tantalizing, he isn't really tearing it up in Triple-A (.768 OPS) and has been striking out at a high rate -- fanning 37 times in 25 games. Clifford is not the answer, at least not now.

Can the offense be jolted by a trade?

The nearly three-week absence of Juan Soto and the current absence of Francisco Lindor has not helped matters, but the offense has been unable to do much of anything due in large part to their big offseason additions (Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert Jr.) not providing much.

Bichette (63 OPS+), Semien (65 OPS+), and Robert (89 OPS+) were supposed to deepen the lineup. That hasn't happened. And before he missed time, Polanco (52 OPS+) was not himself at the plate.

Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Bo Bichette (19) runs out a single against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. / Gregory Fisher - Imagn Images

Add to that the aforementioned issues facing Baty and Vientos, and you get a situation where a jolt is needed. But where could it come from?

Impact trades are incredibly rare this early in the season.

Even if there was one to be made, it's fair to question whether the Mets should even do it, since it would likely require sacrificing key pieces of their future in an effort to try to salvage a season that might not be salvageable.

Perhaps it could make sense if there's a deal out there that brings New York an offensive difference-maker who is under team control for years to come. But again, it's hard to see something like that materializing this early.

Any top prospects on the horizon?

Christian Scott got a chance in the rotation last week and will likely be back sooner rather than later.

Jonah Tong's stuff has been better than his overall results early on this season, and he has started to lock in recently. But he's still working on refining his secondary offerings in Triple-A and will not be rushed (nor should he be).

Flamethrowing reliever Ryan Lambert should impact the big league club at some point this season, but walks remain a serious issue for him as he's issued nine in 7.2 innings for Syracuse.

The most intriguing position player in the higher levels of the minors is A.J. Ewing, who was promoted to Triple-A on Monday after tearing up Double-A Binghamton.

In 81 plate appearances over 18 games for Binghamton this season, Ewing slashed .349/.481/.571 (1.053 OPS) with two homers, six doubles, one triple, and 12 stolen bases.

The 21-year-old Ewing, whose future is expected to be in the outfield, has started 13 games in center field this season, four at second base, and one at DH.

Ewing is now just a phone call away from the majors.

April 27, 2026

Canadiens’ Guhle Had Big Game

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle didn’t have the kind of season he wanted to have. He was limited to just 39 games in the regular season as he was once again bothered by injuries. He had to undergo adductor muscle surgery, which caused him to miss 39 games, and he was rested for a few games at the tail end of the season.

When he played his sixth game of the season on January 12, he struggled to find his rhythm, which wasn’t surprising as he had some serious catching up to do, but he eventually got there. Since the start of the playoffs, he’s been used on the Habs’ second pairing alongside Lane Hutson, and he’s played the right way, generally.

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In the first four games of the Canadiens’ series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Guhle was on the ice for over 21 minutes; in one game, he played over 26 minutes, and in the first three meetings, he landed 10 hits. Ahead of the series, he had said that he looked forward to “being a prick” against Tampa, and he’s certainly done that, punishing the Bolts’ forwards at every turn, but it was particularly true on Sunday night.

In the Habs’ 3-2 regulation loss, the gritty defenseman landed 11 hits, one more than he made in the first three games combined, and he managed to stay away from the penalty box, which was no small feat. On top of being very efficient on the penalty kill. He was even the architect of the Canadiens’ first goal of the game, spotting Zachary Bolduc gathering speed in acres of space and sending him a picture-perfect pass.

1-0. MTL, Zack Bolduc (1)

Kaiden Guhle feeds Bolduc up ice, drives to the net, chips the puck on net and trickles past Vasilevskiy#GoBolts: 0#GoHabsGo: 1 pic.twitter.com/wKqmG9lMOq
— Joseph (@HockeyJoseph10) April 27, 2026

While he was understandably disappointed with the loss, the blueliner remained philosophical after it, telling the media several times, “that’s playoff hockey for you” and that there were “off calls, probably for both sides”. When asked what the lesson was about this loss, he replied:

I don’t know, just hopefully next time, the puck doesn’t go off a guy’s face in the net.

Asked how frustrating it was that Nikita Kucherov was right back in the game after staying down for several minutes and needing the trainer’s assistance after Jake Evans cross-checked him in the back, he replied: “Yeah, it’s frustrating.”

The Canadiens must now forget about that frustration, turn over a new leaf and head to Tampa like it’s a brand new series, just a shorter one that has become a best-two-out-of-three affair.

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April 27, 2026

Cubs vs Padres Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are both red hot and begin a tape-measuring, three-game set at Petco Park tonight.

My top Cubs vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks call for Chicago to earn the win in a low-scoring bout tonight.

Who will win Cubs vs Padres today: Cubs moneyline (-103)

The Chicago Cubs send a superior lineup to the dish with a seventh-ranked wOBA against righties, while this San Diego Padres offense ranks 28th in wOBA against lefties.

I’m confident in Cubbies southpaw Matthew Boyd, too. He’s a start removed from returning from his biceps injury and sports a rock-solid 3.39 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 3.74 xERA since joining the club in 2025.

Friars righty Randy Vasquez's 1.88 ERA is also miles below his 4.31 xERA, so I’m expecting hiccups navigating a Chicago lineup that’s specialized in timely hitting during an active 13-5 heater.

COVERS INTEL: The Cubs pace the majors in wOBA while averaging 6.0 runs per game during the highlighted 13-5 stretch.

Cubs vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-133)

The No. 1 reason I like this Under is that while Vasquez is off to an unsustainable start, his fastball velocity and movement are up to generate more swinging strikes. It has enabled him to allow just four runs across 22 2/3 innings during his first two trips through the order over his five starts.

Add the wind blowing in at Petco Park to the highlighted San Diego struggles against lefties, and I expect Boyd to keep the Padres off balance at the dish, too.

Of course, San Diego has only played to the Over in 19 of its past 50 games, too.

Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record

ML/RL bets: 12-7, +6.14 units
Over/Under bets: 5-5, -0.64 units

Cubs vs Padres odds

Moneyline: Cubs -102 | Padres -118
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+150) | Padres +1.5 (-182)
Over/Under: Over 8 (-105) | Under 8 (-115)

Cubs vs Padres trend

The Cubs have won 10 of their last 12 games for +8.75 units and a 61% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Padres.

How to watch Cubs vs Padres and game info

Location	Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date	Monday, April 27, 2026
First pitch	9:40 p.m. ET
TV	Marquee, Padres.TV
Cubs starting pitcher	Matthew Boyd (1-1, 5.79 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher	Randy Vasquez (2-0, 1.88 ERA)

Cubs vs Padres latest injuries

Cubs vs Padres weather

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April 27, 2026

Mets top prospect A.J. Ewing promoted to Triple-A Syracuse

Mets top prospect A.J. Ewing is one step closer to the major leagues.

The 21-year-old outfielder has been promoted to Triple-A Syracuse after a red-hot start to his season at Binghamton.

In 18 games this season, Ewing hit .349 with a .481 OBP and 1.053 OPS, hitting two home runs with seven RBI, 16 runs scored and 12 stolen bases.

Ewing had an impressive spring training showing with the Mets this year, slashing .381/.423/.667 with one home runs and six RBI in 10 games.

Ewing, a center fielder who has also been getting some time at second base, is SNY's No. 3 overall prospect in the Mets system, behind only Nolan McLean and Carson Benge, both of whom are already in the majors.

April 27, 2026

Higgins ends O’Sullivan’s bid for eighth world snooker title as Selby blasts ‘horrific’ conditions

Scot wins 13-12 in final-frame thriller at the Crucible
Selby unhappy with table after 13-11 defeat by Wu

Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted he got what he deserved after seeing his bid for a record-breaking eighth Crucible crown shattered by a stunning comeback from John Higgins while Mark Selby branded the playing surface “horrific” after a 13-11 defeat by China’s Wu Yize.

O’Sullivan twice led by five frames but lost six in a row across the final two sessions, and Higgins fired three centuries on Monday before holding his nerve to get over the line in the decider and complete a memorable 13-12 win.

April 27, 2026

Ha-Seong Kim set to begin rehab assignment with Double-A Columbus Clingstones

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Ha-Seong Kim #9 of the Atlanta Braves hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth inning at Truist Park on September 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the past couple of weeks, both Sean Murphy and Spencer Strider have been busy on the farm getting in work via rehab assignments. While Strider may be closer to returning than Murphy is, one thing we know now is that they’ll be joined by a third Braves big leaguer who is working his way back from injury.

All the way back in January, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim slipped on ice and tore a tendon in his right middle finger. That astonishing bit of bad luck cost him the rest of the offseason, spring training and at least one full month of the regular season. The good news is that Kim is closer to being ready now than ever before and the Braves have decided that now is the time to send him out on a rehab assignment.

The Double-A Columbus Clingstones put out a press release today announcing that Kim will be playing with the Clingstones for this week’s home series against the Montgomery Biscuits.

Here’s more from the press release:

The Atlanta Braves today announced that infielder Ha-Seong Kim has joined the Columbus Clingstones on a Major League rehab assignment, marking the first MLB rehab assignment in franchise history.
Kim will appear with the Clingstones during the club’s upcoming homestand against Montgomery at Synovus Park.
The six-game series begins Tuesday, April 28 with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. ET. For tickets and more information, visit Clingstones.com

The statement is short and matter-of-fact but it’s big news. Kim was acquired off waivers from the Rays right as the final month of the 2025 season began and Kim proceeded to produce at a clip of .253/.316/.368 with a .301 wOBA (.309 xwOBA), 91 wRC+ and three home runs. Those numbers were below what his usual level of production is but the Braves believed in it enough to where they agreed to a $20 million one-year-deal during the offseason to keep him around. Assuming Kim returns and stays healthy, that’ll be the key to really unlocking Mauricio Dubón’s versatility as well — which we’re already seeing with the way Walt Weiss has plugged him into any spot needed early on in the season.

Either way, getting Kim back will be huge but this could also be a lengthy rehab stint given that he’s been out for so long. Sean Murphy is also taking his time to get ready for the farm so I’d imagine that we may not see both of them until we get a decent amount into May. Either way, that’s now three big leaguers who are actively working their way back to being on the major league squad for the Braves and three players who could potentially provide an impressive impact as well.

April 27, 2026

Russell Wilson plays for Savannah Bananas, reminding many of baseball career

Russell Wilson is still looking to join a team for the 2026 NFL season, but in the meantime, he landed a temporary baseball gig.

Wilson suited up for the Savannah Bananas – a barnstorming exhibition baseball team akin to the Harlem Globetrotters – for their April 26 game against the Party Animals at Yankee Stadium.

Wilson came to bat in the bottom of the fifth inning, drawing applause from the sold-out crowd on hand at Yankee Stadium. The 37-year-old quarterback managed to make contact, but the bat broke when he did so.

The result? Wilson hit a weak bouncer to first base. He tried to leg it out, but the first baseman, Jason Swan, fielded it between his legs and flipped it to the pitcher, Jake Lialios, to end the inning with a trick play.

Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) joined the Savannah Bananas in front of 40,000 fans in Yankee Stadium, and ended up hitting into a trick play 👇 pic.twitter.com/QS4fWFKXIT
— Banana Ball (@BananaBall_) April 26, 2026

April 27, 2026

NBA head coach rankings for all 16 still alive in 2026 Playoffs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 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 Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are all about the matchups, and that puts an added emphasis on coaching. Coaching often has a way of falling into the background during the league’s eternal 82-game regular season, but maximizing every possession matters in the playoffs, and it puts a harsh spotlight on the men in the big chair who need to consistently cook up advantages for their teams to advance.

The narratives can change fast in the playoffs. It feels like several people on this list are coaching for their jobs even if they had a lot of regular season success. With offseason openings in Chicago and New Orleans and a potential opening in Portland, we already know the coaching carousel will be spinning this summer. You can bet that there will be a couple more vacancies before the end of the season.

Let’s rank every head coach who made the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

16. Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic

The Magic were my preseason NBA Finals pick out of the East, and instead they barely snuck into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. Orlando was the most disappointing team of the season, and it seemed likely they would try out a new head coach before making a major shake-up to the core once the season ended. Then something funny happened: the Magic finally got healthy and started playing their best basketball at the right time. Orlando looks like it can absolutely win its first-round series against the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons. If the Magic advance, they probably can’t fire Mosley even if they never should have been the 8-seed to begin with. Mosley deserves a ton of credit for optimizing his defense to limit Cade Cunningham and shutdown Jalen Duren to this point. Everything is fluid in the playoffs, and that includes this ranking of Mosley.

15. Tiago Splitter, Portland Trail Blazers

Chauncey Billups was arrested in a federal gambling probe after the first game of the season, and it thrust assistant Tiago Splitter into a head coaching role the rest of the season. All Splitter did was lead the Blazers to a winning record for the first time in five years, and finally get them back into the playoffs. Splitter has been good enough to keep the job going forward, but new owner Tom Dundon is emerging as an unprecedented cheapskate who might not offer him enough money to return. It’s hard to think another coach could have squeezed out many more wins this season, but I do think it would benefit Portland to play faster going forward given their halfcourt scoring troubles. The Blazers rank No. 21 in pace after a defensive rebound, and No. 23 in pace after a turnover. Billups made them play faster before his arrest. Splitter has performed really well in general, but I’m still not super convinced he’s a great head coaching candidate long-term.

14. Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers

Nurse won it all with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He’s still hanging on with the Sixers in 2026, but he’s lost his momentum at this point and feels like he’s hanging on by a string. Philly ranked in the bottom half of the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency despite Nurse riding Tyrese Maxey so hard that he led the league in minutes per game. The constant injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George certainly haven’t helped, but it feels like Nurse’s ‘mad scientist’ act from Toronto has lost its juice all these years later. It wouldn’t be too surprising if his head coaching days are over either after this series, or after next season.

13. Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets

What a disaster the playoffs are shaping up to be for Udoka and the Rockets. Houston avoided the sweep to the Lakers in Game 4, but there’s no excuses when you’re facing a team without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Udoka just hasn’t been able to find any answers for how to unclog the halfcourt offense. While other teams have been able to hide bad defenders, Udoka has no plan for former No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard and still doesn’t trust him. Udoka took the Rockets from 22 wins to 41 wins to 52 wins since arriving, but it feels like Houston is stalling out. We predicted Udoka could lose his job if the Rockets lose the series, and it sure feels like it’s trending that way.

12. Mike Brown, New York Knicks

Brown was always going to be feeling pressure in his first year as Knicks head coach after taking over for Tom Thibodeau, who had just led the team to the conference finals. So far, it’s impossible to say the Knicks upgraded. New York’s defense rose from No. 14 to No. 7 during the regular season and the offense finished a couple spots better too, but it just feels like Brown still doesn’t have the answers to the team’s biggest questions. He’s made multiple missteps in his first-round series with the Atlanta Hawks, including playing lineups with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns multiple times per game. The Hawks are no slouch, but the Knicks still feel like they have the talent advantage in this series, and it would be a complete disaster if they fail to advance. Could Brown be coaching for his job after just one year? I’m not sure if there’s a head coach in the playoffs feeling more heat than Brown.

11. Darko Rajaković, Toronto Raptors

Reputations can change quickly in the playoffs, and it feels like Darko Rajaković’s is turning for the better during his first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rajaković was hired as a developmental coach, but Scottie Barnes regressed in his first season a year ago, and recent first-round picks Ja’Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick haven’t contributed much. Well, Barnes roared back to form with the best season of his career in his second season in the system, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has been an instant impact hybrid forward, and Rajaković squeezed a 16-win improvement out of Toronto this year. Rajaković is drawing praise from every corner for evening the series with Cleveland through four games, showing impressive adaptability on both sides and coming up with a plan to limit the Cavs’ pick-and-roll combinations as much as possible. I had Darko a couple spots lower before the weekend, and he could be a couple spots higher by the time this series is over.

10. David Adelman, Denver Nuggets

Adelman was facing championship-or-bust expectations from the moment he took over for Mike Malone. He performed well in an incredibly difficult situation after getting the job at the very end of last year’s regular season, leading the Nuggets to a 7-game first-round win over the Los Angeles Clippers and then a tough 7-game loss to the eventual champion Thunder. This year’s Nuggets won 54 games even with long injuries to Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, and more, but the playoffs haven’t been so kind to them. Minnesota’s Game 4 victory to take a 3-1 series lead despite major injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo is the type of loss that can blow up a franchise. The Nuggets are getting out-classed in the series, and Adelman hasn’t had any answers to their various problems. It’s possible Denver can still mount a comeback with Minnesota’s starting backcourt out for the series, but Denver simply looks flat and dead right now, so it’s hard to expect it will happen. Adelman could quickly find his reputation in the gutter with one more loss.

9. JB Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons

Bickerstaff once took the Cavs from 22 to 44 to 51 wins, and now he’s pulled off a similar turnaround with the Pistons. He inherited a 14-win team when he was hired by Detroit, and immediately won 44 games and then pushed for 60 wins this season to grab the East’s No. 1 seed. Now Bickerstaff is fighting for his reputation as the Orlando Magic have given him all he can handle in the first-round. The Pistons’ halfcourt offense was middling all year for a team that won at such a high clip, and this playoff run has exposed even more issues, including a failure to maximize Jalen Duren. The Pistons can’t bully the Magic in the same way they pulled a lot of opponents this year, and there have been some questions about how he’s handled a deep rotation in this series. Getting eliminated by Orlando would do major damage to Bickerstaff’s reputation, and would essentially invalidate the 2026 NBA Coach of the Year that he may win. Add in his struggles in the playoffs in Cleveland too, and Bickerstaff badly needs to take these Pistons on a deep run. He’s definitely a solid coach who deserves a lot of credit for building an elite Pistons defense, but he needs to prove there isn’t a better option out there for a team with NBA Finals aspirations.

8. Mitch Johnson, San Antonio Spurs

Mitch Johnson entered his first full season as Spurs head coach just trying to make the playoffs. Instead, San Antonio blew past its preseason over/under of 44.5 wins by winning 62 games and claiming the No. 2 seed in the West. It might feel like anyone could coach Victor Wembanyama to success, but Johnson did well to convince his superstar big man to cut out some three-point shots, play more frequently at the basket, and cut down his turnovers. Johnson also seamlessly juggled a backcourt with one highly paid veteran (De’Aaron Fox) and two hungry youngsters in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. He deserves some credit for coaxing career-years out of Julian Champagnie and Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson, too. Johnson is only 39 years old, and will have every opportunity to grow alongside Wembanyama long term.

7. Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers

Atkinson took the Cavs from 48 wins to 64 wins in his first season on the job, but a second-round playoff flameout took some of the shine off his 2025 NBA Coach of the Year award. This season has continued to be a bit sobering for Atkinson and Cleveland, as the Cavs dipped to 52 wins in an injury-marred season that saw the team swap out Darius Garland for James Harden. Cleveland regressed on both ends of the floor, and its No. 1 ranked offense from 2024-25 was exposed as unsustainable. Atkinson has been out-coached by Darko Rajaković at times in this series, and Cleveland risks getting upset if he doesn’t tighten things up and figure out how to puncture a flawed Raptors team. Again: reputations can change quickly in the playoffs, and Atkinson feels like he might be starting to live on the edge, and not in a good way.

6. Jordan Ott, Phoenix Suns

The Suns are getting pulverized by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, but that shouldn’t take away from the incredible job Ott did in his first season this year. The Suns’ preseason over/under was set at 30.5 wins, and Ott ended up leading the team to 45 victories and a playoff berth no one saw coming. He found edges on the margins by going all-in on offensive rebounding and trying to force turnovers defensively, and it ended up getting the most out of a group that didn’t have the most talent but always played hard. Taking the next step will be even more difficult for Ott and the Suns, but his first year was a huge success regardless of how this series ends.

5. Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks

Snyder missed the playoffs his first two years with the Jazz before making six straight trips to the postseason, including three 50-win seasons. Are the Hawks on the brink of a similar run of sustained success? Snyder got the Hawks back into the playoffs in his third season with the team despite massive midseason roster turnover. The preseason optimism for Atlanta started with Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis. Both were traded before the deadline, and now Snyder is coaching up C.J. McCollum, Jonathan Kuminga, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to go toe-to-toe with the Knicks. Atlanta has consistently found ways to frustrate Jalen Brunson, and they made a sharp move by putting Kuminga on Karl-Anthony Towns. I also give Snyder credit for making the tough decision to take former No. 1 overall pick Zacch Risacher out of the rotation right now. I don’t know if Atlanta will actually win its series against the Knicks, but I do know they should feel good about their head coach long-term.

4. Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves

It wasn’t long ago that the Wolves went 13 straight years without making the playoffs. Under Chris Finch, they’ve made the playoffs in five straight seasons, including two Western Conference Finals trips. Minnesota was on its way to waxing the Denver Nuggets in a first-round series upset when Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo both suffered long-term injuries. If Finch can still get Minnesota to advance despite missing his starting backcourt, it will be proof that he’s one of the best coaches in the league. Minnesota fans can get frustrated with his lack of development for young players on the roster, but you can’t argue with the results — especially for a franchise like the Wolves that spent so many years in the wilderness.

3. JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers

No one expected the Lakers to mount a playoff run without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves entering the postseason, but somehow they are on the brink of advancing to round two largely due to Redick’s brilliance. The Lakers coach has taken full advantage of the Rockets’ shortcomings in terms of ball handling and shooting to put Houston on the precipice of crisis. Redick’s strong connection with LeBron James is evident in this series as the 41-year-old continues to play at a high level, but he’s also getting good play out of Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. Redick has zero coaching experience when he was hired off his podcast a couple years ago, but he’s made the most of a changing roster in a pressure-cooker environment. The Lakers are being rewarded for their belief in him, and now he may be one of the best coaches in the league.

2. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder

Mark Daigneault spent his first three seasons building up the Thunder without a playoff appearance. Ever since, they’ve been one of the best teams in the league, and now they’re trying to make history. No NBA team has won back-to-back championships since the Kevin Durant-era Warriors, but the Thunder are the favorites to repeat after winning their first title since moving to OKC last year. Daigneault has done well to set up an elite defense that blurs the lines between physicality and fouling, and he knows how to stay out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s way on offense. It might feel like anyone could coach the Thunder to success, but that would be taking Daigneault’s success for granted.

1. Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics

This was supposed to be a gap year for the Celtics with Jayson Tatum coming off a torn Achilles. Instead, Boston zoomed right past their 41.5-win preseason over/under to earn 56 wins and eventually emerge as the Eastern Conference favorite once Tatum made his return. Mazzulla deserves most of the credit for turning the Celtics into a machine at both ends of the floor despite losing key veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis over the offseason. He maximized an inexperienced front court to help make Neemias Queta into a legitimate starting center, he did well to re-center the offense around Jaylen Brown, and he got the most out of Derrick White even during a season where he was ice cold from three. The Celtics just play their game every night out and that’s a credit to Mazzulla. Still only 37 years old, Mazzulla should be an elite coach for a long, long time.