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Top-35 overall recruit Devin Cleveland commits to Missouri

Oct 13, 2026; Birmingham, AL, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Dennis Gates speaks during the SEC Basketball Tipoff at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images

Four-star shooting guard Devin Cleveland has committed to Missouri, he announced.

The 6-foot-3 senior out of La Lumiere School (IN) ultimately chose the Tigers over Michigan and TCU. He also received offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Marquette, Syracuse, and more.

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Cleveland, a Chicago native, is ranked as the No. 32 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the No. 5 ranked shooting guard, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, an average of all three major recruiting media companies (Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports).

He becomes the third player this cycle to commit to Dennis Gates, joining four-star point guard Scottie Adkinson (No. 35 NATL) and four-star power forward Cameron Barnes (No. 114 NATL).

More on Devin Cleveland

Playing on the EYBL Circuit this summer, Cleveland averaged 16.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game for Brad Beal Elite.

“I feel like I’m a winner,” Cleveland previously told Rivals in an interview. “That’s what I’ve been trying to prove this EYBL season. You know, the past couple of years, I haven’t really had much success in winning games, so just coming over here with Bradley Beal, their identity is to win. So, I’m just trying to be a leader. I can score the basketball, and I’m a willing passer. I try to get my teammates involved every game.

“I watch a lot of Devin Booker, Jeremiah Fears, my brother Fred Cleveland, who is a pro overseason. Watching how they score the ball, create contact on the offensive end so I can draw fouls and little things like that.”

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Updated Flyers Playoff Odds; Is a Run Even Still Possible?

Less than three weeks into the 2026-27 season, the Philadelphia Flyers have lost their first nine games (0-6-3), and already, after making the playoffs last season, face an uphill battle to even have a shot at returning to the postseason this year.

The Flyers and the Los Angeles Kings are the two remaining winless teams in the NHL, though the 0-3-2 Kings have played four fewer games than the Flyers to this point.

By default, the Kings have a better chance of turning things around than the Flyers do, and that is reflected quite starkly in the two teams' playoff odds as things stand now.

In the eyes of MoneyPuck's analytics model, the Flyers are firmly in basement territory.

With their 7.4% chance to make the playoffs, the Flyers are down there with the likes of the Chicago Blackhawks (5.7%), Calgary Flames (3.3%), and Vancouver Canucks (3%).

Those four teams are the only such teams with single-digit chances of making the playoffs; the next closest team to the Flyers is the Nashville Predators, who have them doubled up at 15.2%.

Even the winless Kings, who are in league with the Flyers in the NHL's basement right now, are still very much in the mix.

Los Angeles is currently given a 40.6% chance of making them playoffs, which sandwiches them between hopefuls like Montreal, New Jersey, and Buffalo, and outsiders like Pittsburgh, New York Islanders, Toronto, and San Jose.

Flyers' Ineffective 4th Line Has Been a Silent KillerFlyers' Ineffective 4th Line Has Been a Silent KillerIn just one week, the fourth line of the Philadelphia Flyers has single-handedly lost them three games.

Is a playoff run still possible?

Last season, the Flyers made the playoffs as the third-place team in the Metropolitan Division, going 43-27-12 with 98 total points.

Right now, MoneyPuck predicts that the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils as the two likeliest teams to finish third in the Metro, with a 17.6% and 16.9% chance, respectively.

The Rangers are projected to finish with 95.6 points, and the Devils 96.

In theory, a repeat of the Flyers' performance last year could be good enough to get them into third place again, or perhaps a wildcard spot depending on how the Atlantic Division performs.

To do that, though, they would have to go 43-21-9 the rest of the way, or, in other words, play at a 110-point pace.

The three teams to record 110 or more points last season were... the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche.

In an Eastern Conference where the competition is heavy throughout, the Flyers have their work cut out for them, but it's far from impossible to make another storybook playoff run.

Before we talk about winning 43 or more games, though, we have to start with one, first, and the Flyers will have to go through the surging Ottawa Senators on Saturday night to take their first crack at win No. 1.

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ALCS Game 4 gamethread: Rays at Guardians, 8:00 p.m. ET

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 15: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during Game Three of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Thursday, October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Cleveland Guardians rode their top arms to a slim 3-2 victory on Thursday, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Gavin Williams and the Guardians did their thing, racking up 13 strikeouts and allowing just two hits on the night. Williams, however, saw his velocity start to plummet beyond 50 pitches in that outing and manager Stephen Vogt got the hook out after just five innings. That’s a little ominous for the Guardians chances in a long series and perhaps in the World Series if they get there, but at this time of year everyone is gassed and leaving it all on the field. They may have just told Williams to air it out, expecting a shorter outing. Either way, he was dominant as long as he was in the game.

The Rays still went toe-to-toe with them in Game 3, so they won’t be feeling down on themselves either. With the final two games, assuming they go seven, in Tampa Bay, they really just need to stay with the Guardians and make sure they bring the series back home. However, that does mean they really need a victory tonight to even the series and avoid the Guardians riding momentum and running away with it.

The Guardians top relief arms are carrying a lot of the load in the series and Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith both pitched on Thursday. So a bullpen game tonight is going to lean on them pretty hard. Probably Martinez isn’t going very deep in this one either. Both managers will be trying to keep their top arms fresh and not waste them in a losing effort, so holding a lead into the middle innings will be huge. For his part, Rays manager Kevin Cash probably doesn’t care either way. Unless they get blown out, he’s got to bring his best arms to bear in any close game and try to square the series.

This has been a pretty entertaining matchup. We’ll probably see another close one tonight.

RHP Nick Martinez (0-0, 4.91 ERA) vs. RHP Shawn Armstrong (0-0, 0.00 ERA) at 8:00 p.m. ET on TBS.

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ALCS Game 4 chat and discussion

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: A general view of signage prior to game three of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well, it’s looking like the ALCS will be the only baseball we get to see for a while after the Milwaukee Brewers swept the former two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers out of the Postseason in unceremonious fashion. No worries, though, as the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays have been playing an entertaining brand of baseball so it’ll certainly be interesting to see how this series plays out going forward. Will the Guardians get one step closer to making a shock World Series appearance? Or will the Tampa Bay Rays get it into gear and tie this series up heading into Game 5? Let us know what you think!

Here’s a random clip of my favorite NLCS moment from back when I was a kid. Share yours below if you’d like!

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MLB Championship Series 2026 discussion thread: Day 6

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays walks back to the dugout after striking out in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game three of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the Milwaukee Brewers sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim their first National League pennant since 1982, attention now turns to the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.

Cleveland holds a 2-1 series lead following Thursday’s 3-2 victory. The Guardians are looking for their first World Series appearance since 2016 and their first championship since 1948, while the Rays hope to return for the first time since 2020 and capture their first title.

Tampa Bay will turn to Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA during the regular season, including 13.0 scoreless innings against Cleveland. The veteran right-hander relies on excellent command and a six-pitch mix featuring a sinking fastball, fading changeup and cutter.

Cleveland will use Shawn Armstrong as an opener. Armstrong has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings this postseason, primarily using his four-seamer, sweeper and cutter. Left-hander Joey Cantillo could follow to handle the bulk of the innings, bringing a low-90s fastball, looping curveball and changeup.

Another night of October baseball is upon us. Enjoy the game and join us in the comments!

Tampa Bay Rays (1-2) at Cleveland Guardians (2-1) — 6:00 p.m. MDT

Pitching matchup: RHP Nick Martinez (4.91 ERA) vs. RHP Shawn Armstrong (0.00 ERA)

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TV: TBS/HBO Max

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Mavericks vs Hawks Preview and Injury Update: Once more before the official games start

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: A detail view of a basketball is shown prior to the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks host the Atlanta Hawks for their final preseason match up before the 2026-27 regular season begins. Dallas last played the Pelicans on Wednesday night where they fell despite a late rally. This is the fifth and final preseason game for Atlanta; they’ve won three in a row, most recently beating the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here are the main things you need to know before the game starts:

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks
  • WHAT: Last tune up before the real games kick in
  • WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
  • WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
  • HOW: KFAA

There’s not an official injury report but based on my snooping around, here’s what I think will happen tonight with player availability. Dereck Lively and Santi Aldama are definately out. Moussa Cisse is questionable still following the ankle tweak on Wednesday. Jett Howard is another iffy guy, he missed Wednesday with an illness. Morez Johnson is someone I expect to see but he has shin splints somehow. Daniel Gafford missed the Wednesday game with a stinger somehow, but I bet he plays tonight. Marcus Sasser, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving will see the floor tonight.

The Hawks played six of their top seven on Wednesday in OKC. Curious who all plays tonight. Henri Veesaar and Mouhamed Gueye are definitely out tonight.

It will be great to see Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving play. That’s all I’m really tuning in for.

If you’re checking out this post, it’s for one of two reasons:

  • Injury report news
  • Discussion and comment thread

If you’re part of the former, please consider signing up for an account. You get way fewer ads, and you can comment! If you’re part of the latter group: GO GET THE APP. I’m serious. The app has some real-time features specifically for game threads like this one and you can comment and get notified really, really easily. It’s part of what’s keeping this whole series of sites going. So go do it for us and in doing so, you’ll see why the experience is simply better.

Consider joining me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube; I will be going live tonight after the game and it’s the show where I need y’all to join and participate!

Posted on

Mavericks vs Hawks Preview and Injury Update: Once more before the official games start

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: A detail view of a basketball is shown prior to the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks host the Atlanta Hawks for their final preseason match up before the 2026-27 regular season begins. Dallas last played the Pelicans on Wednesday night where they fell despite a late rally. This is the fifth and final preseason game for Atlanta; they’ve won three in a row, most recently beating the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here are the main things you need to know before the game starts:

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks
  • WHAT: Last tune up before the real games kick in
  • WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
  • WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
  • HOW: KFAA

There’s not an official injury report but based on my snooping around, here’s what I think will happen tonight with player availability. Dereck Lively and Santi Aldama are definately out. Moussa Cisse is questionable still following the ankle tweak on Wednesday. Jett Howard is another iffy guy, he missed Wednesday with an illness. Morez Johnson is someone I expect to see but he has shin splints somehow. Daniel Gafford missed the Wednesday game with a stinger somehow, but I bet he plays tonight. Marcus Sasser, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving will see the floor tonight.

The Hawks played six of their top seven on Wednesday in OKC. Curious who all plays tonight. Henri Veesaar and Mouhamed Gueye are definitely out tonight.

It will be great to see Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving play. That’s all I’m really tuning in for.

If you’re checking out this post, it’s for one of two reasons:

  • Injury report news
  • Discussion and comment thread

If you’re part of the former, please consider signing up for an account. You get way fewer ads, and you can comment! If you’re part of the latter group: GO GET THE APP. I’m serious. The app has some real-time features specifically for game threads like this one and you can comment and get notified really, really easily. It’s part of what’s keeping this whole series of sites going. So go do it for us and in doing so, you’ll see why the experience is simply better.

Consider joining me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube; I will be going live tonight after the game and it’s the show where I need y’all to join and participate!

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Wizards at Pelicans Discussion

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 30: Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a three point basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 30, 2025 at Paycom Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 08: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards takes a shot over Jeremiah Fears #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center on March 08, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Washington Wizards play their 4th and final preseason game in New Orleans starting at 8:00 p.m. today at the Smoothie King Center. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.

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Wizards at Pelicans Discussion

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 30: Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a three point basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 30, 2025 at Paycom Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 08: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards takes a shot over Jeremiah Fears #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center on March 08, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Washington Wizards play their 4th and final preseason game in New Orleans starting at 8:00 p.m. today at the Smoothie King Center. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.

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Celtics announce unexpected starting lineup vs. Jaylen Brown, 76ers

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Hayden Gray #44 of the Boston Celtics reaches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 124-113. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Celtics will start four Exhibit-10 players in their final preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers— Milos Uzan, Hayden Gray, Tucker DeVries, and Gabe McGlothan — along with rookie Chris Cenac Jr.

The 76ers, meanwhile, will be mostly at full strength: LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Kentavius Caldwell-Pope, and Joel Embiid, all of whom sat when the two teams faced off last Saturday, will lace up, as will Tyrese Maxey.

The game will be coached by Sam Cassell, per Joe Mazzulla. Mazzulla had assistant coaches DJ MacLeay and Tony Dobbins split head-coaching responsibilities in the preseason opener, while he watched the game from the locker room.

The full roster was (mostly) available in the previous two preseason games, with the exception of Exhibit-10 player Devin Carter, who missed both home games due to illness, and Ron Harper Jr., who missed one game due to shoulder soreness.

In those two games, the starting lineup consisted of Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, and Mitchell Robinson. Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, and Neemias Queta were the first five off the bench, with Luka Garza also playing significant minutes.

In the preseason opener in Cleveland, the Celtics sat Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Ron Harper Jr., and Payton Pritchard.

Friday marks the team’s final preseason game. The Celtics are 3-0 so far in preseason action.

The Celtics’ regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 20th at 3pm ET in Detroit.

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Celtics announce unexpected starting lineup vs. Jaylen Brown, 76ers

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Hayden Gray #44 of the Boston Celtics reaches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 124-113. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Celtics will start four Exhibit-10 players in their final preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers— Milos Uzan, Hayden Gray, Tucker DeVries, and Gabe McGlothan — along with rookie Chris Cenac Jr.

The 76ers, meanwhile, will be mostly at full strength: LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Kentavius Caldwell-Pope, and Joel Embiid, all of whom sat when the two teams faced off last Saturday, will lace up, as will Tyrese Maxey.

The game will be coached by Sam Cassell, per Joe Mazzulla. Mazzulla had assistant coaches DJ MacLeay and Tony Dobbins split head-coaching responsibilities in the preseason opener, while he watched the game from the locker room.

The full roster was (mostly) available in the previous two preseason games, with the exception of Exhibit-10 player Devin Carter, who missed both home games due to illness, and Ron Harper Jr., who missed one game due to shoulder soreness.

In those two games, the starting lineup consisted of Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, and Mitchell Robinson. Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, and Neemias Queta were the first five off the bench, with Luka Garza also playing significant minutes.

In the preseason opener in Cleveland, the Celtics sat Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Ron Harper Jr., and Payton Pritchard.

Friday marks the team’s final preseason game. The Celtics are 3-0 so far in preseason action.

The Celtics’ regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 20th at 3pm ET in Detroit.

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Evaluating Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s 2026 season

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 03: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after a pitching change against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in game one of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 03, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Some would say that 2026 was a tumultuous season for the Yankees’ skipper, and there is a lot to be said about what went right in Aaron Boone’s decision-making and what eventually backfired to catalyze disaster.

There are many occasions when Boone stepped in at the right time to pull a pitcher and allowed the players to control their own destiny from the plate. He is most confident when he’s defending his guys from the dugout and isn’t afraid to get in an umpire’s face after a bad call. This has always been Boone’s style, and he continued his fiery streak this season with five ejections during regular season games. However, as manager, he is mandated to take accountability for some of the questionable decisions that may have put the Yankees in tougher situations.

MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman recently invited Joe Girardi to assess Boone’s decisions, and the former Yankees manager had a lot of positive takeaways despite a disappointing end to this season. Girardi even went on to claim that this was Boone’s best year of managing in his nine years on the job.

To give him credit, Boone had to navigate through several injuries this season and consistently found ways to keep the Yankees fighting for a playoff spot when all seemed lost, especially without Aaron Judge. Along with the Yankees captain, several star players had lengthy stints on the injured list, including Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Ryan Weathers, and Giancarlo Stanton. Expected 2026 contributors Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Trent Grisham, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. all missed a few weeks, too. Despite all the setbacks, Boone still found a way to propel the Yankees to their third conseuctive season of at least 93 wins, and he could’ve matched the 94 from both 2024 and 2025 had a rainout not nixed Game 162.

Contrast this to 2023, when Judge also missed a bunch of time and the Yankees struggled to 82 wins, their worst year in over two decades. Although the personnel may have just been better this time around, Boone did help keep the season from falling apart and rendering September irrelevant (let alone October). Credit Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake for helping the bullpen beat preseason expectations as well; others might not have had the confidence in unheralded names like Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn, but they had strong seasons setting up for closer David Bednar.

The Yankees skipper also deserves some praise for refusing to put Judge in a spot where he could put his future career at risk. After being sidelined for the final stretch of the regular season with a moderate grade right calf strain, Judge was eager to get back into the lineup as the Yankees prepared for the postseason. Boone and general manager Brian Cashman ultimately decided to leave him off the roster for the Wild Card Series against Boston, which didn’t end up being an issue as the Yankees scored a combined 18 runs in the two-game dusting.

The Division Series was an entirely different scenario. On the advice of the Yankees’ medical staff, Judge was again absent from the series, in which the first two games were played on the turf at Tropicana Field. Judge, much like the rest of the Yankees’ offense, struggled to put up big numbers in Tampa Bay and went a combined 2-for-10 with a home run, four RBIs, and four strikeouts this season. He appeared disgruntled at Boone’s decision to keep him off the field for the series, but it may have been the best choice to allow him more time to recover from the calf injury and not put his career at risk — after all, severe Achilles injuries have been linked to the soleus muscle, which is where his calf was strained.

On the other hand, one of Boone’s most glaringly disappointing choices was putting Grisham in a leadoff spot in an elimination game when the Yankees were at risk of getting swept by the Rays on their own turf. Grisham, who barely saw any action in September, was the last of the batters left to keep the fight alive down 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth. With the hottest hitter of the postseason on deck in Ben Rice—who had been batting leadoff—Grisham ended up striking out in four pitches from Bryan Baker, allowing Tampa Bay to celebrate advancing to the ALCS from the Bronx clubhouse once again. With Grisham putting the cherry on top of an embarrassing postseason performance, the Yankees also continued their postseason losing streak and remain winless on the road since the 2024 ALCS against the Guardians.

It looks like Boone is here to stay for at least another year, as his contract runs through the end of 2027. Hopefully the Yankees can make enough clever moves during this expectedly elongated offseason to put them in a better spot for next season.

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Former NBA champion makes bold Lakers prediction as Opening Night approaches

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings, Image 3 shows Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives teammate during the game against the Golden State Warriors

The Lakers have entered a new era in the organization’s storied history.

The departure of LeBron James led to several questions about the offense, but the scoring power of Luka Doncic cannot be underestimated. In fact, when Doncic and Austin Reaves were on the floor together last season (without James), the duo had a top-two offensive net rating.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings. NBAE via Getty Images

And thus, the addition of center Walker Kessler is bound to aid the Lakers offense in reaching new heights this season. Former NBA champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins offered an even bolder perspective on the team.

“Luka is so great when he has a dynamic roller that loves to finish at the basket. But also, Luka is a different type of guy in the pick-and-roll,” Perkins said.

“I wanna see the [Lakers] develop that same energy that [Luka] had with Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively. They knew when Luka was in the pick-and-roll to always stay ready.

“I believe the Lakers are going to have the best offensive team in the league.”

Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 13, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena. NBAE via Getty Images
Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives teammate during the game against the Golden State Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images

Last season, the Lakers ranked 19th in defensive rating and allowed 114.6 points per game, which ranked 11th in the league. There are still questions surrounding the Lakers defense heading into the 2026-27 campaign, but the offense is expected to have plenty of firepower.

The team is expected to employ more off-the-ball movement this season, with several new pieces on the roster.

Will they gel enough to lead the league offensively? Only time will tell.

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Former NBA champion makes bold Lakers prediction as Opening Night approaches

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings, Image 3 shows Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives teammate during the game against the Golden State Warriors

The Lakers have entered a new era in the organization’s storied history.

The departure of LeBron James led to several questions about the offense, but the scoring power of Luka Doncic cannot be underestimated. In fact, when Doncic and Austin Reaves were on the floor together last season (without James), the duo had a top-two offensive net rating.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings. NBAE via Getty Images

And thus, the addition of center Walker Kessler is bound to aid the Lakers offense in reaching new heights this season. Former NBA champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins offered an even bolder perspective on the team.

“Luka is so great when he has a dynamic roller that loves to finish at the basket. But also, Luka is a different type of guy in the pick-and-roll,” Perkins said.

“I wanna see the [Lakers] develop that same energy that [Luka] had with Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively. They knew when Luka was in the pick-and-roll to always stay ready.

“I believe the Lakers are going to have the best offensive team in the league.”

Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 13, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena. NBAE via Getty Images
Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives teammate during the game against the Golden State Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images

Last season, the Lakers ranked 19th in defensive rating and allowed 114.6 points per game, which ranked 11th in the league. There are still questions surrounding the Lakers defense heading into the 2026-27 campaign, but the offense is expected to have plenty of firepower.

The team is expected to employ more off-the-ball movement this season, with several new pieces on the roster.

Will they gel enough to lead the league offensively? Only time will tell.

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Spanish club says it will oppose rookie Aday Mara's 'international transfer' to Thunder

This feels like a naked money grab — and the Oklahoma City Thunder are pushing back.

Spanish club Casademont Basket Zaragoza is saying it holds the rights to Aday Mara — the Oklahoma City rookie drafted No. 12 last June — through 2027 and plans to block Mara from playing in the NBA, at least until there is a financial settlement, reports Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. Zaragoza released this statement to the Spanish newspaper Heraldo de Aragón, via Eurohoops.

"Basket Zaragoza wishes Aday Mara the best of luck in his new sporting endeavors and remains committed to developing players in its youth academy. At the same time, as an organization, the Club has an obligation to protect its rights, ensure compliance with existing contracts, and defend the interests of Basket Zaragoza, taking all necessary legal action."

The Thunder aren't buying it, noting the obvious: This wasn't an issue when Mara played three years of college basketball stateside (two at UCLA, one at Michigan, where he won a national championship). However, when he gets drafted and gets an NBA contract, his old Spanish club has its hand out.

"Aday last played three years of NCAA college basketball and therefore, as advised by the NBA, no clearance from the Spanish team is required for him to play in the NBA," a Thunder spokesperson told NBC Sports.

Mara did come up through his hometown club of Zaragoza in Spain, working through its youth ranks and making his first-team debut back in 2021 when only 16. Two years later, when Mara agreed to play for UCLA, Zaragoza tried to contest his eligibility, saying he was under contract with them. That didn't go as the club had hoped.

This likely will go the same way for the club. Mara and the Thunder are set to open their season next Tuesday night on NBC in what feels like Game 8 of last year's Western Conference Finals. The Thunder/Spurs game tips off at 9:30 Eastern on NBC and Peacock, the final game of an NBC triple-header to open the season, including Boston at Detroit (3 p.m. ET), LeBron James and the 76ers trying to spoil ring night for the champion New York Knicks at 7 p.m. Eastern. All those games are on NBC and streaming on Peacock.