Racism allegations in Portugal overshadowed another fine result in the Arctic and the holders being pushed by their Ligue 1 rivals
Nothing should divert attention away from what happened after Vinícius Júnior’s goal for Real Madrid in their 1-0 victory at Benfica on Tuesday. It would be frivolous to do so. The Brazilian scored one of the finest goals of a career marked by spectacular strikes, but this week’s Champions League action will be remembered for the regrettable flashpoint that followed.
Livingston have lost 21 of their last 23 meetings with Rangers in all competitions (D2) since a 1-0 league victory in September 2018.
Rangers have won 10 of their last 11 visits to Livingston in all competitions, including their last seven in a row (all in the league) since a goalless draw in August 2020.
Livingston are winless in their last 12 home league games (D4 L8), the longest run by any side within a single Scottish Premiership season since Hamilton in March 2016 (also 12), while the last to go longer within a single campaign were St Mirren from August to February 2015 (14).
After winning just one of their opening eight league games of the season (D6 L1), Rangers have since won 14 of their 19 league fixtures under Danny Rohl (D4 L1). Indeed, since his first Scottish Premiership game in charge on October 26th, the Gers have earned 46 points, at least nine more than any other side in the competition (Celtic second with 37), and 11 more than league leaders Hearts (35).
Rangers have won each of their last 11 league games against opponents starting the day bottom of the Scottish Premiership since a 1-1 draw with Hamilton in February 2021.
For most of the 2025 season, the Yankees' bench was one of the weakest in baseball.
GM Brian Cashman's additions helped lift an uneven, light-hitting bench to allow manager Aaron Boone to navigate the second half of the season and postseason.
It didn't result in a championship, they performed well enough that they brought back most of those bench options from a year ago.
While that may signal that there aren't many spots open on the bench for Opening Day, there are still options the Yanks will have to sift through this spring.
Here's a breakdown of all the potential bench options...
The Locks
Health is a big part of this, as Anthony Volpe will begin the season on the IL. That elevates a 2025 bench player into the starting shortstop role, but also opens up the backup infielder role.
Here are the sure-fire picks for the Yankees bench on Opening Day -- if everyone remains healthy:
Amed Rosario Paul Goldschmidt J.C. Escarra
Jose Caballero will be the everyday shortstop to start the season, and Boone and the organization will have to sort through that position once Volpe returns. Caballero's backup could be Rosario, who has experience just about all over the field. However, Rosario will be the backup to Ryan McMahon at third base when they take on southpaws.
Rosario's versatility will give Boone enough experience at multiple infield positions that he can prioritize others, like the outfield.
Goldschmidt will back up Ben Rice, who is set to take the majority of the starts at first base, while Escarra will give Austin Wells a spell once in a while as the team's backup catcher.
One of the biggest stories this spring is what the Yankees plan to do with Jasson Dominguez.
The young outfielder started the 2025 season as the team's everyday left fielder, but he was overtaken by the surprising Trent Grisham to the point where Dominguez became the fourth outfielder as Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge roamed the outfield for most of the second half and the postseason.
And, unfortunately for Dominguez, all three outfielders are projected to be the Opening Day outfield when the 2026 season starts. So where does that leave Dominguez?
The organization has teased that Dominguez's role in 2026 will be reduced, and it seems likely he starts the year in Triple-A. In 2024, the last time Dominguez was in Triple-A, the outfielder slashed .309/.368/.480 with seven homers and an OPS of .848. Perhaps some more seasoning in the minors can help him on the defensive end and when it comes to hitting from the right side of the plate.
But Dominguez can also kill it this spring and force the Yankees to bring him along. That feels less likely at this juncture.
Fourth Outfielder Options
Aside from Dominguez, New York has a few options to fill that fourth outfielder role.
Veteran outfielder Seth Brown was invited as an NRI, and his lefty swing would be perfect for Yankee Stadium. He did have career-lows last season with the Athletics, playing 38 games before being released. It's an intriguing prospect to bring Brown to Opening Day, but the team is already too left-handed, especially in the outfield.
Marco Luciano is a right-handed hitter who was invited to camp on a minor league deal and is a former top prospect. While he hasn't played in the majors in a couple of years, he could potentially show enough to break camp.
And then we have Oswaldo Cabrera, the Swiss-Army Knife of the Yankees the last few years. Cabrera broke camp last season as the starting third baseman before a season-ending injury forced a slew of moves -- from moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third to eventually trading for McMahon. Cabrera will look to prove to the Yanks that he's healthy. If he is, he should have the inside track to be a bench piece.
Many forget Cabrera has experience in the outfield -- as does Rosario -- so he could be used in a variety of ways.
New York Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera (95) hits an RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Spencer Jones
Jones took a massive step in his development in 2025, dominating Double-A pitching and carrying that over into Triple-A. Between the two levels, the young slugger slashed .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs, 80 RBI and an OPS of .983. That production elevated Jones from an afterthought to on the doorstep of a promotion to the big leagues.
But just like Dominguez, Jones doesn't have a clear path to the bigs. The outfield is crowded, and it may not benefit Jones to sit on the bench and play once a week. Like most of the Yankees' roster, being left-handed also does Jones a disservice, as the team is already loaded with them.
Jones could potentially play his way to breaking camp with the team, but he'll need to lower his strikeout rate. He fanned 200 times in 124 games in 2024 and 179 times in 116 games in 2025.
Other Infield Options
The Yanks need a fourth outfielder, but they can potentially piece it together with Rosario and Cabrera getting time in the outfield. Even Giancarlo Stanton could see some time in the outfield.
Although it's more likely the Yankees use a traditional outfielder on the bench, there are some infielders who could fill in the role if they play well enough or if Cabrera doesn't prove he's healthy enough.
Jorbit Vivas is one option. The youngster played 29 games in the bigs last season but didn't show much in terms of offense. He was 9 of 56 (.161) with two doubles, one home run and five RBI. He does provide versatility, playing at second and third last season, but would need to show more upside to make the team.
Paul DeJong is an interesting option. The veteran infielder was invited to camp and his experience is something the Yankees could use in a pinch. The 32-year-old played 57 games with the Nationals last year, slugging six homers while slashing .228/.290/.373.
The second half of the 2025-26 campaign begins tonight as the Houston Rockets visit the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Kevin Durant was shooting the three well before the ASG break, and my Rockets vs Hornets predictions are eyeing him to keep it rolling.
Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, February 19.
Rockets vs Hornets prediction
Rockets vs Hornets best bet: Kevin Durant Over 2.5 made threes (+120)
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is nicknamed "Easy Money Sniper" for a reason. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 2.3 makes from downtown this season on 5.8 attempts for an impressive 40.3% clip.
Before the All-Star break, KD cashed the Over in triples in back-to-back contests, going 3-for-9 and 3-for-7, with both of those games coming against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The veteran is shooting the triple even better on the road, averaging 2.6 makes for a 44% clip. In one meeting with the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month, Durant could barely miss, going 3-for-4 from deep.
Rockets vs Hornets same-game parlay
Alperen Sengun is not only an imposing big man but also Houston's top playmaker, averaging 6.3 dimes this season, and I’m eyeing him to facilitate at a high level tonight, which will help KD get more looks from deep.
The Turkish center has cashed the Over in assists in two of his last three appearances. He’s also averaging 6.5 dimes on the road compared to 6.0 at home.
The Rockets won two straight heading into the break, and they’ve emerged victorious in four of their last six against Charlotte.
Rockets vs Hornets SGP
Kevin Durant Over 2.5 made threes
Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists
Rockets moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Reed is the Sheppard
Reed Sheppard was on fire before the ASG break, hitting the Over in three consecutive outings. He scored a minimum of 16 points in each game.
Rockets vs Hornets SGP
Kevin Durant Over 2.5 made threes
Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists
Rockets moneyline
Reed Sheppard Over 10.5 points
Rockets vs Hornets odds
Spread: Rockets -4.5 (-110) | Hornets +4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Rockets -190 | Hornets +160
Over/Under: Over 216.5 (-110) | Under 216.5 (-110)
Rockets vs Hornets betting trend to know
The Rockets have hit the Game Total Under in 28 of their last 40 games (+14.80 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Hornets.
How to watch Rockets vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
SCHN, FDSN SE-CHA
Rockets vs Hornets latest injuries
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.
Feb 18, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; David Stearns who serves as the president of baseball operations for the New York Mets speaks at the new training facility groundbreaking ceremony during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
After being acquired in the Freddy Peralta trade, Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Tobias Myers will be on the roster Opening Day but what role he would have remains unclear.
Former Met Drew Smith signed a minor league contract with Washington and is hoping to impress the Nationals in camp after recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.
Around Major League Baseball
The Major League Baseball Players Association elected Bruce Meyer as its new interim executive director.
The NBA All-Star break didn’t do much good for either the Indiana Pacers or Washington Wizards, as both have a laundry list of inactive players as they open a two-game set in the U.S. Capitol tonight.
It’s a battle between the two worst teams in the East, and my Pacers vs. Wizards predictions and free NBA picks target the Under on Thursday, February 19.
Pacers vs Wizards prediction
Pacers vs Wizards best bet: Under 232.5 (-110)
The Washington Wizards have the second-worst scoring defense in basketball, but the Indiana Pacers aren’t in a position to take advantage.
Pascal Siakam, Ivica Zubac, and Obi Toppin are out, while T.J. McConnell and Aaron Nesmith are questionable. Indiana already ranks third-worst in scoring at 111.1 points per game.
The Wizards can’t capitalize, as Anthony Davis and Trae Young still haven’t debuted, and Alex Sarr is on the shelf.
The Pacers have won six of seven in this head-to-head, but with roster uncertainty, stick to the Under, which has hit in three straight meetings.
Pacers vs Wizards same-game parlay
Andrew Nembhard is one of Indiana's few fully healthy regulars, and he’s been dealing, racking up at least nine dimes in seven of his last 11 games, missing the Over by an assist the other two times.
Jarace Walker led the Pacers in scoring with 24 last game against Brooklyn, but his follow-up hasn’t been great: in three previous games where he’s gone for 20+, he’s never scored more than 15 in the next game.
Pacers vs Wizards SGP
Under 232.5
Andrew Nembhard Over 8.5 assists
Jarace Walker Under 17.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Three's a crowd
Let’s stick with this backcourt-frontcourt combo as we round out our big money SGP.
Nembhard’s 2.5 line on made threes is too inflated, considering the most moneyballs he’s ever hit in a game in nine career games vs. the Wiz is one.
Walker, meanwhile, has a gettable 1.5 line. He’s hit at least two triples in 12 of his last 16 games.
Pacers vs Wizards SGP
Under 232.5
Andrew Nembhard Over 8.5 assists
Jarace Walker Under 17.5 points
Andrew Nembhard Under 2.5 made threes
Jarace Walker Over 1.5 made threes
Pacers vs Wizards odds
Spread: Pacers -2.5 (-110) | Wizards +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pacers -140 | Wizards +120
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Pacers vs Wizards betting trend to know
Washington has covered the spread in seven of its last eight home games vs teams with a losing record. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Wizards.
How to watch Pacers vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN IN, MNMT
Pacers vs Wizards latest injuries
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.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 10: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball past Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 10, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (19-35) have sharply fallen out of the play-in race, seven games behind the 10th-place Los Angeles Clippers in the West. As Dallas enters the final third of the season, the Mavericks are looking to snap a nine-game losing streak. As play-in hopes continue to dwindle, the Mavericks will take a serious look (if they haven’t already) at “tanking” to maximize draft positioning ahead of the loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg is THE guy
The first reason is obvious — let’s just keep watching Cooper Flagg. Not enough can be said about the 19-year-old from Duke. He stepped onto the NBA hardwood with sky-high expectations, being one of the highest-touted players this century, in the same conversation as guys like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and Zion Williamson. Flagg has not disappointed.
In his rookie campaign, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He’s also proved his value defensively, averaging 2.0 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. Curious what other rookies have averaged 20-6-4? It’s a small list – Luka Doncic, Tyreke Evans, LeBron James, and Oscar Robertson. That’s good company.
One of Flagg’s strengths is his ability to adjust, and he’s done just that over 54 games. In his first 10 games, Flagg averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. By most rookie measuring sticks, these are great numbers. But with Flagg came higher expectations, and he’s delivered. Over his past 10 games, Flagg is averaging 25.3 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, including a stretch where he scored 30+ points in four consecutive games against the Celtics, Rockets, Spurs, and Hornets.
These numbers, even for Flagg, are almost too impressive to comprehend. It’s easy as a Mavericks fan to be spoiled with numbers coming off the Luka Doncic era, thinking these are normal. They aren’t normal. Cooper Flagg is not normal. He’s already shown the ability to be a generational talent. The path to contention could come quicker than previously expected. The only thing the Mavericks have to do is surround their star with the right talent.
Who are the two-way guys?
Dallas will probably lose a lot of games during this final stretch. But the roster still has enough rotational talent to win enough games to keep them from a free-fall collapse. That means some decisions will be made on who suits up each night. Don’t be surprised to see some “phantom” injuries, those we didn’t know anything about, show up more on injury reports. Don’t be surprised if Dallas sits players for rest or injury management, including Flagg, who was seen wearing a boot on his injured foot during the NBA All-Star break. If the goal is to optimize draft position, the Mavericks may have to shorten the rotation and give the two-way players consistent minutes. Suit up Ryan Nembhard, Moussa Cisse and Miles Kelly. You’re up.
Dallas has no incentive to be bad next season since it doesn’t own its own draft pick. The focus will likely shift to getting back into the playoff picture. Good teams need depth. Playoff teams need depth. These last 28 games should be an opportunity for the two-way players to prove they can be valuable rotation pieces, even if they’re the 10th, 11th, and 12th guys off the bench.
As we’ve learned in the last two seasons, every healthy body matters. Nembhard (6.7 points per game, 4.9 assists, 1.8 rebounds) has shown signs of brilliance, but does his size ultimately matter as he reverts to the mean? Cisse (3.7 points, 4.5 rebounds) is the Energizer Bunny, but he’s raw and inexperienced. Can he show enough discipline to stay out of foul trouble and play double-digit minutes on a nightly basis? Kelly (2.8 points, 1.6 rebounds) can shoot the lights out, and Dallas desperately needs shooting. But can he string together higher volume shooting nights at a high percentage? All these questions should have some answers by the end of the season.
Who are the new guys?
The rotation has changed a lot since the February 5th trade deadline. The blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards got the Mavs a return of Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III, and Malaki Branham. Dallas re-routed Branham to the Charlotte Hornets for Tyus Jones.
That’s a lot of new names. Do any of them have a spot in the rotation next year? Now is the time to find out. The good news for the Mavericks is that the rest of the season for the newcomers is a free tryout. The new Mavs on expiring deals going into the offseason include Middleton ($33.2M), Jones ($7.0M), Johnson ($3.0M), and Bagley ($2.2M). Middleton sticks out as the obvious rental, since the 34-year-old is taking up a good chunk of cap space. However, if he decides he wants to stay in Dallas on a new deal, a cheaper version of the veteran may be an option. You know what you get with Middleton — a mid-range assassin who’s on the back end of his career but can still give you 20 points on any given night.
The other guys are interesting. The Mavericks will always be somewhat tied to Bagley because he was taken a spot earlier by the Sacramento Kings, over Luka Doncic. For being the second overall pick, Bagley has had an underwhelming career, averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. But he’s still only 26 and hasn’t been in many great winning situations, which can impact a player’s production. He’s had stops in Memphis, Detroit (before they were good), Sacramento, and Washington. Bagley could find some revitalization in Dallas, and if he does, he could be worth keeping.
Johnson was taken 23rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he just hasn’t seen the floor much. The 21-year-old is a high-flying and athletic wing who had high upside coming out of the Next Stars program in the NBL. With more minutes, he can prove he deserves a spot in the rotation.
Jones has been heavily sought after within the Mavs organization for years, and now they have him. His craftiness and ability to facilitate are needed this season, but do the Mavs have room for him next year? If the Mavs convert Nembhard to a standard NBA contract, they wouldn’t have much reason to re-sign Jones this offseason. He’s 29 years old and undersized at 6’0. With Kyrie Irving returning next season, the point guard position quickly gets crowded. Jones’s career averages of 7.4 points per game, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals are good, but probably not good enough to justify keeping him on the roster, unless it’s on a veteran’s minimum deal.
The new players have the opportunity to get re-established in Dallas as the Mavericks go full throttle in the Cooper Flagg era.
Don’t worry about wins and losses
The end of the season may not be pretty, but the goal should be seeing what the Mavericks currently have. What assets are good enough to keep around for the Cooper Flagg era? There’s no doubt Flagg will leap to stardom soon, and he’s worth watching every night. The only question is who’s going to be on the ship when the Mavericks start winning again. Dallas returns to play Friday, February 20, in Minnesota. Tipoff against the Timberwolves is set for 6:30 PM on ESPN.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during a workout at Camelback Ranch on February 17, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ahead of the Dodgers’ first official workout on Tuesday, manager Dave Roberts delivered his annual opening address to the team.
Included during the presentation was asking newcomers Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz why they chose the Dodgers. Well, besides the record-setting contractsboth signed.
Their message, Roberts said, centered on the team’s attention to detail, the professionalism with which they play and the way staffers take care of players’ families.
…
“I think one of our most overarching goals is to be a destination spot,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “Most important, where our own guys don’t want to leave. But where players from other teams are looking longingly, like, ‘Oh, I want to be on the Dodgers’ — that’s our goal. Because we feel like if we’re able to maintain our really talented players, we’re able to get really talented players from other teams, that obviously will help in our ultimate quest to win World Series.”
Roberts on Tuesday also was a guest on the ESPN Baseball Tonight podcast with Buster Olney, talking about Tucker and Díaz, among other things.
"What's makes a good manager – good players, and we got a lot of good players."
“Zazueta’s fastball has taken a significant step forward alongside his physical development. The heater now sits around 93 mph and climbed as high as 98 in 2025,” wrote Jesús Cano. “The pitch excels because of his lower release height and excellent extension, allowing it to jump on hitters and generate more impact than the radar gun alone might suggest.”
The whole interview is worth reading, but I particularly enjoyed this answer from DePodesta on on-base percentage, and how it was portrayed in the book (and movie):
It’s funny. There were a lot of things we were doing at that point that went beyond on-base, but it was in our conversations with Michael is probably the best way to express, at least directionally, what it is that we really were doing. We were trying to find value in the game. And at that point in the game, on-base was something that was probably a little undervalued. Now, in the last 20 years, there have been times where it’s been overvalued, and sort of gone through cycles.
Feb 24, 2023; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Maikel Garcia (11) gets ready in the dugout prior to the spring training game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise, AZ. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Royals expect most of the spring competition to be reserve roles. The starting lineup is pretty much set with Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez leading the way.
“I mean, without naming names, it’s very obvious who some of the everyday guys are,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “The competition is going to be how we fill out the last, you know, I’ll say 10 through 13. You know, we have some guys that have more experience than others, but it’ll play out in spring training. And I think our guys are hungry. I think they understand what the competition is like. They want to go out and win.”
“We are going to talk about that a little bit to see who’s going to challenge,” catcher Salvador Perez said Saturday. “Early in the game, if we lose a challenge, we may need it later in the game. It’s like, ‘Should we wait?’ Even if the umpire makes a little mistake, you have to be 100% right to challenge in the first three innings. That’s kind of what I think. But I have to wait for Skip [manager Matt Quatraro] and see what Bobby [Witt Jr.], Vinnie and Maikel [Garcia] think about that.”
Stephen Kolek will start the Cactus League opener on Friday against the Rangers.
Stephen Kolek will be the #Royals starter for their Cactus League opener on Friday against the Rangers. Ryan Bergert follows on Saturday.
“It was a good meeting,” said John Schreiber, who is the Royals’ player representative. “A lot of questions from guys and a lot of positive feedback. So feeling good about where we are right now. Obviously, it’s a little bit of a disappointment. A little bit of a challenge with what came out yesterday and all that stuff. But, you know, the unity and strength we have from this union from the players is what it’s about.”
Kansas City outfielders hit a miserable .225/.285/.348 last season, which isn’t going to work if the Royals want to return to the postseason. They acquired Collins from the Brewers after he hit .263/.368/.411 and finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting, but he was a 27-year-old rookie, so there isn’t any growth potential there — more likely some regression. Still, if he can get on base at a reasonable clip, he’ll give the Royals the leadoff hitter they lacked a season ago. Thomas hasn’t been good since 2023, so it’s unclear why the Royals would give him $5.25 million coming off a season in which he hit .160. Call it a ho-hum offseason that gets a boost with the underrated Maikel Garcia signing an extension that runs through 2031.
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 02: Logan Allen #26 of the Cleveland Guardians reacts to the camera prior to Game Three of the American League Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Thursday, October 2, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Now that Spring Training is getting into full swing, various interviews are popping up ahead of Saturday’s games. Foul Territory posted many interviews from Guardians camp. The full, two-hour video is available on YouTube.
GM Mike Chernoff talked Travis Bazanna timetable, off season signings (and the lack thereof), and signing José. Players Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith also made appearances.
Mason Horodyski of Channel 5 News also had a few interviews posted on his Twitter page. Gavin Williams spoke on his bond with Carl Willis. Slade Cecconi talked his mystic prediction powers and the power of friendship. Parker Messick is toying with a cutter. Hunter Gaddis gave his thoughts on how the new gaggle of bullpen pitchers are fitting in.
It was already announced the Logan T. Allen and Joey Cantillo will be getting the starts on Saturday. LTA will start at home against the Reds and Cantillo on the road against the Brewers.
As of yesterday, it is official perpetual baseball season:
From today through Sept. 27, there’s MLB or college baseball EVERY day… except two.
July 15–16 after the All-Star break. That’s it. Then 73 straight days of baseball before the postseason.
The NBA returns from the All-Star break with a possible Eastern Conference Finals preview with the Detroit Pistons heading to face the New York Knicks.
My Pistons vs. Knicks predictions trust the veteran team to have better handled its week off as something to keep in mind with all NBA picks on Thursday, February 19.
Pistons vs Knicks prediction
Pistons vs Knicks best bet: Knicks -4.5 (-105)
While the Detroit Pistons have had the New York Knicks’ number in two meetings thus far this season, this is a ripe scheduling spot for the Knicks. Yes, even right after the All-Star Break, it can be argued New York has a scheduling edge.
The young Pistons just had a week of vacation, while the veteran Knicks likely treated it more as recovery and recuperation time.
Furthermore, Detroit’s 5.5-game lead in the East should induce some coasting in the season’s final third.
Pistons vs Knicks same-game parlay
Jalen Duren is not 100%, hence there not being prop bets available on him as of Wednesday afternoon.
Less Duren should mean more Tobias Harris, even if this matchup has yielded two distinct Unders already this season.
Pistons vs Knicks SGP
Pistons -4.5
Under 222.5
Tobias Harris Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Towns Returns To Form
Karl-Anthony Towns entered the All-Star break struggling from deep, but the rest should have restored the legs beneath the best-shooting big man in NBA history.
Pistons vs Knicks SGP
Pistons -4.5
Under 222.5
Tobias Harris Over 13.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 three-pointers
Pistons vs Knicks odds
Spread: Pistons +4.5 | Knicks -4.5
Moneyline: Pistons +150 | Knicks -180
Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5
Pistons vs Knicks betting trend to know
The two meetings between these two teams already this season fell short of their totals by 21.5 and 22.5 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Knicks.
How to watch Pistons vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Pistons vs Knicks latest injuries
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.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on December 29, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jaylon Tyson doesn’t lack any confidence. That’s something fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers have quickly learned during the course of his sophomore breakout. When asked about his experiences in the recent Rising Stars Game, Tyson once again reminded us of how confident he is.
“It was cool sharing the court with those guys,” Tyson said. “You know, in the back of my mind, I know I’m better than a lot of those guys, if not all of them, right. I just want to go out there and prove that every single day, and then hopefully be an All-Star one day.”
There you have it. Being in the Rising Stars Game was cool, but Tyson is more interested in making it to Sunday’s event than competing in the rookie/sophomore challenge. If you’ve followed him this season, that shouldn’t surprise you.
Tyson is averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for Cleveland this season while shooting a scorching hot 47.5% from deep. That makes him the second-best shooter in the league for a minimum of 100 attempts. All the while, Tyson’s rounding into a jack-of-all-trades who can defend the perimeter, crash the offensive glass, and create plays for others in the short-roll.
In summary, Tyson not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. That’s why Donovan Mitchell has had zero hesitation taking him under his wing. Mitchell understands the value of a role player who can adapt to whatever the team asks of him.
“He plays hard, he’s picking up full-court, he’s doing all the things,” Mitchell said of Tyson’s performance in the Rising Stars Game. “He was rebounding, he’s passing, doing everything.”
Hard work and talent earn respect. Tyson’s managed to prove himself in the eyes of his superstar teammate by working relentlessly towards making sure his talents translate to playing winning basketball. He says getting Mitchell’s support has been a blessing, even if it’s sometimes annoying, like when he’s trying to shoot free throws.
“When he walked in, I was actually on the free-throw line,” Tyson said. “Mitchell was over there screaming something. So I’m over there, trying to make this free throw because I was trying to win MVP… and he’s over there screaming something… But I made it so I’m super, super blessed to have him as a vet.”
Jokes aside, Tyson is truly grateful for the mentorship Mitchell has offered. Sometimes even the most confident people in the world can benefit from external reassurance.
“He’s one of those guys I will keep a relationship with forever. I don’t think people understand how much that text message meant to me and the confidence it gave me. I give a lot of credit to him for all my success.”
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 09: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball down the court during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 09, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA All-Star break isn’t really the halfway point in the season, but rather a notice to contenders around the league that it’s time to get serious. About 65 percent of the 2025-2026 regular season is already over, and there’s only about eight weeks until the playoffs start. March Madness might be the next big event on the sports calendar, but the playoffs will be here before you know it, and there’s already an inner and outer circle of contenders forming.
The NBA Playoffs are becoming increasingly harder to predict. No one would have anticipated the Indiana Pacers making the NBA Finals as a No. 4 seed last year, and it was even harder to believe that they pushed the Thunder to Game 7 before Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles. The Dallas Mavericks also made a shocking Finals run in 2024 as the No. 5 seed in the West. In 2023, the Miami Heat became the first No. 8 seed to ever make the Finals.
Will the league get another big upset this year? It’s on the table with how shaky even the top contenders have looked lately. Here are the nine teams that can win the 2026 NBA championship, ranked by who’s most likely to do it.
9. Houston Rockets
It sure doesn’t feel like the Rockets deserve a spot on this list right now given their recent play and ongoing injury issues, but they’ve been good enough since the start to the season to at least earn a mention. Houston still grades out well statistically exiting the All-Star break at No. 6 in offense, No. 5 in defense, and No. 6 in net-rating. Losing Steven Adams to a season-ending ankle injury just feels like a crushing blow that takes away from the Rockets’ identity of owning the glass and generating extra possessions. This team could really use a healthy Fred VanVleet right now with Reed Sheppard still not fully trusted by Ime Udokda, but that’s not happening. The Kevin Durant burner scandal is a potential distraction in the locker room if it’s true, but the bigger issue is that this team is still dead-last in three-point rate and can’t afford any kind of off-night with the limited number of threes they do generate. We’ve seen some Cinderella runs to the Finals in recent years as noted in the intro, and to me the Rockets still feel better than whoever the fifth-best East team is (Sixers?) or another West challenger like the Lakers.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs entered the season as one of two favorites to win the East along with the Knicks. They never really looked like an NBA Finals contender as injuries hit Darius Garland and Max Strus, plus the loss of Ty Jerome took a toll on what was an elite offense that helped the team win 64 games last year. The Cavs had to act like a desperate team at the deadline if they really wanted to regain their contender status, and that’s exactly what they did. Trading Garland for James Harden is a true stunner that breaks a golden rule in sports to never trade young for old. In this case, the older player is far more durable, but it’s still difficult to trust Harden in big moments given his playoff history. Harden wasn’t the only new addition at the deadline, with Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder also arriving via the Kings to fortify what was a shaky bench. The Cavs fundamentally changed their team at the trade deadline more than any other contender, and putting them on this list so early in the Harden era is an acknowledgement that: a) they got better, b) the East really is wide open. With Donovan Mitchell playing as well as any guard in the world this side of SGA and Jarrett Allen potentially getting a big boost from Harden’s playmaking, Cleveland is suddenly a lot more interesting now than they were a few weeks ago. I’ll believe Harden can have the signature playoff run he’s always been missing when I see it, but on this team he doesn’t have to do the heavy lifting, just give them what Garland couldn’t in terms of reliability.
7. Boston Celtics
I really thought the Celtics would use Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles as an excuse to take a gap year and try to land an elite young talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. After flirting with the idea for the first 20 games of the season, Boston took off and has been one of the best teams in the East ever since. Jaylen Brown has shined in a starring role without Tatum, putting together an All-NBA caliber season largely because he’s on fire as a mid-range shooter. Derrick White might be Boston’s real MVP so far, thriving in every way a great role player can thrive despite having a poor shooting season. Boston has discovered a few gems along the way, most notably in Neemias Queta, who has stabilized the front court with elite rebounding and play-finishing. Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez have also been critical bench pieces who defend and positively influence the possession game, while Nikola Vucevic came over at the trade deadline to add a stretch five look. If Tatum returns, he won’t have to do quite as much dirty work on this team as he’s accustomed to. How Brown and Tatum manage the scoring and creation burden will be interesting to watch, but it could be a good problem to have. The Celtics are once again super well coached, play their analytic-friendly style to a tee, and have a top-10 defense to fall back on. This team can absolutely win the East if Tatum looks anything like Tatum.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals the last two seasons, and they will be a factor deep into the playoffs again this year. Anthony Edward is one of the best guards alive at age-24, and this season he’s debuted an improved mid-range game to go along with his deadly three-point shooting and ferocious rim-attacking. Edwards has a team full of long and athletic defenders behind him, starting with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. Gobert remains a plus-minus monster (+8 net-rating) because of his elite rim protection, and at this point it’s clear that Minnesota’s bold trade for him was a big win. The Wolves didn’t land Giannis at the trade deadline, but they did acquire Ayo Dosunmu, who does a lot to fill the void left by Nickeil Alexander-Walker when he departed in free agency. Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo need to hit shots when they’re on the floor, because otherwise it’s on Edwards to keep the team’s three-point rate alive. I’d love to see Edwards on a team with more spacing, but that’s the cost of a phenomenal defense helmed by Gobert. I’d probably pick the Wolves to win the East this year, but sadly for them, they remain in the West until expansion comes. There are other West teams I trust more than Minnesota, but they still have an outside shot at finally breaking through this year.
5. New York Knicks
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: the Knicks’ offense is awesome, but there’s reason to believe their defense isn’t built for the playoffs. New York had a similar problem last season, and firing Tom Thibodeau for Mike Brown hasn’t really solved things. It’s mostly the product of a highly talented but flawed roster-building product that put two of the league’s worst defenders (at least among offensive stars) together to start and close games. Jalen Brunson is a savant and a hero on his best days, but he’s also an 8th percentile defender by EPM who just doesn’t have the length and quickness to toughen up at the point of attack. Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t been quite as good as a shooter this year, and he’s still the same frustrating defender who even pissed off Victor Wembanyama in the All-Star Game with his poor awareness. The Knicks’ highly-paid core gets all the attention, but I’m interested in what Miles McBride can add to this team if he can return from a core muscle injury that could reportedly sideline him until the playoffs. McBride was having a fantastic season and feels like one of the more underrated guards in the league at this point. He crushes with Brunson (+13.4 net-rating) and without him (+7.6 net-rating), and I don’t think they can win the East without him being healthy and productive. Mitchell Robinson’s rebounding will be another important factor in a potential NBA Finals run, and he’s always an injury concern even if he’s been largely healthy so far. The Knicks are still in Finals-or-bust mode, and there’s a lot of pressure to get it done this year with Tatum and Haliburton injured.
4. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have been one of the best stories of the season, going from the worst team in the league two years ago to a young team on the rise that made the playoffs last year, to this season owning the league’s best winning percentage at the All-Star break. Detroit has gotten the job done with an elite defense, and Cade Cunningham making winning plays down the stretch as a lead shot-creator. Can that formula win in the playoffs? The Pistons do not have much shooting or spacing: they’re No. 27 in three-point rate, and No. 21 in three-point percentage so far this season. The rotation is deep, but it still feels like Cunningham has to do everything himself in crunch-time. I wanted Detroit to make a bigger splash at the deadline than Kevin Huerter (which was a trade largely made to move up in the draft), but given the state of the East, they still might be the favorites heading into the playoffs. I like that this feels like a classic Pistons team defined by defense and toughness. Good luck scoring on Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren inside, plus Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland on the wings. I’m not quite sold on Detroit’s offense yet, but they’ll have every chance to prove themselves on the biggest stages come playoff time.
3. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs shouldn’t be a championship contender this early into the Victor Wembanyama era, but at this point it’s impossible to keep them out of the conversation. Wembanyama hasn’t even played a playoff game yet, but he already has his team competing at the top of the West with his league-best rim protection and constantly evolving scoring profile. Wembanyama has the best supporting cast of his young career leading this charge up the standings. De’Aaron Fox has given San Antonio a sorely-needed on-ball creation element, while Stephon Castle has made big strides coming off his NBA Rookie of Year season and looks more comfortable and more efficient as a scorer despite still being a poor three-point shooter. The young guys can’t take all the credit, because veteran role players like Luke Kornet, Harrison Barnes, and Julian Champagnie have also been very good in what they’re asked to do. San Antonio’s profile is similar to Detroit’s as a young team that made a huge leap this season thanks to an elite defense, but the lack of shooting around a former No. 1 overall draft pick is a bit concerning. The Spurs feel like they’re at least a year ahead of schedule, but they’ve already showed they can beat OKC this season with three big wins, and that alone is enough to mark them as a serious championship contender.
2. Denver Nuggets
Will the Nuggets ever get healthy this season? If so, it still feels like they could be the best team in the league. Aaron Gordon has been bothered by another hamstring injury just like last year, and now his upstart replacement in the lineup, Peyton Watson, has been dragged down by the same injury. Nikola Jokic is back in the lineup even if he’ll probably miss too many games to win MVP, and he’s still the best player in the league for my money. Jokic has more help this year with Watson developing into a key piece, plus Jamal Murray having arguably the best season of his career, but it’s still on the Joker to put together a signature playoff run that gets this team its second championship. With a fully healthy lineup around him, I’d take Jokic’s Nuggets over anyone just as I did in the preseason, but there’s still so much uncertainty around their health that it feels like an increasingly risky bet.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder started this season at 24-1 and looked like they would be a heavy favorite to win the championship. Since then, OKC went 18-13 into the All-Star break, and looked a lot more beatable. Likely MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury, Jalen Williams is battling a hamstring strain after being kept out with a wrist injury to start the year, and breakout sophomore Ajay Mitchell has also been in and out of the lineup lately. OKC needs to know if Williams can get back to the All-NBA level he played at this year, because he just hasn’t been the same player this season. SGA can still take this team over the finish line, but his teammates need to hit some shots. The Thunder are still a pretty average shooting team from deep, and that can catch up to them in the playoffs. The defense will still be elite if Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso can all stay healthy for the playoffs, and that alone should make them the favorites before it starts. I really think SGA is a special player, and one of the three or four best guards the league has seen since Michael Jordan retired. He can carry the Thunder across the finish line to become the league’s first back-to-back champ since Kevin Durant was on the Golden State Warriors. It just doesn’t feel like this is an undeniable dynasty at this point.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: An exterior view of the ballpark before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners at Oracle Park on September 09, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Smoke from various wildfires burning across Northern California has blanketed the city in an orange glow. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning baseball fans!
As we approach the beginning of the season, we’re going to be doing some questions for y’all about your thoughts about the San Francisco Giants and baseball in general!
Today’s question: What would be the darkest timeline for this season?
For those unfamiliar with the premise of the “darkest timeline,” it’s based on the episode of Community titled “Remedial Chaos Theory” in which a storyline plays out in various alternate realities based on the decision of which one of the main characters would go downstairs to get pizza.
You’ve probably seen the bit where Donald Glover’s character re-enters the scene with the pizzas while everything around him is on fire. And that wasn’t even the darkest timeline, just the most memorable (and meme-able) moment.
Basically the darkest timeline is the worst possible outcome with everything going as wrong as it could possibly go based on one factor changing.
A Giants example of this would be kind of like the 2021 team busting their butts, winning every game they possibly could win, only to have the Los Angeles Dodgers keep pace with them until the bitter end and ultimately overtake them in the first round of the playoffs because they were all tired as heck. And the Dodgers are like the monster in a horror movie.
You could also make a case for the 2011 season going pear-shaped after Buster Posey was injured. Or simply Game 6 of the 2002 World Series.
But in keeping with the spirit of the prompt, I’m going to go in a comical direction (read: joke. this is going to be a joke) and lay out my scenario for what could be the darkest timeline for the 2026 team.
On Opening Day, Tony Vitello is being hounded by the press after his recent statements about the handling of the announcement of his hiring, which causes a few too many people to be in a pre-game press conference in the dugout.
One of the attendees tries to toss a banana peel into the trash on their way out, but doesn’t realize they missed because they’re distracted by Lou Seal carrying a tray of drinks, dancing on the top of the dugout. Raphael Devers then slips on the banana peel, in cartoonish fashion, leading to a season ending injury.
Jung Hoo Lee and Willy Adames try to help, but Devers knocked over the water cooler on his way down and everything is slippery, so they crash into each other and end up on the concussion protocol for weeks.
Logan Webb attempts to set a good example to the rest of his team, and goes to warm up for the game. Unfortunately, he gets stung by a bee, causing him to throw an errant pitch directly into the knee of Matt Chapman, sidelining him for several days or even weeks, depending on the results of his MRI.
Lou Seal attempts to help boost morale by bringing the tray of drinks to the remaining players in the dugout, but trips on his way down the steps and spills hot coffee everywhere, as Patrick Bailey yells: “My eyes! The doctor said I’m not supposed to get coffee in them!”
The entirety of the infield and half of the relievers are now down with third degree burns, so Vitello begs the ownership to make corresponding moves immediately so they can actually field a team. But they’ve already spent too much money on real estate developments for the year, so they just send him deeds to various properties to shove into gloves and he tells them to take the field. And the season is over before it’s even started.
Annnnd, scene.
Feel free to come up with your own comical scenario, or go with something more realistic and depressing. Up to you!
What would be the darkest timeline for this season?
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig (47) pitches during the sixth inning of the National League Championship Series game against the Los Angeles Dodgers October 13, 2025 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There was a time, not so long ago, when bullpen roles felt rigid. The setup man handled the eighth. The closer handled the ninth. Everyone else filled in the gaps and tried not to make a mess of things. But if there’s one quiet constant of Brewers baseball over the last several years, it’s this: they’ve understood the value of the multi-inning reliever better than most.
This isn’t some trendy, Rays-style opener experiment. It’s more practical than that. The Brewers have consistently built bullpens that don’t just survive when a starter exits in the fifth inning; they stabilize the game. And that stability often comes from the guy who throws the sixth and seventh instead of just one clean inning with the bases empty.
Modern starting pitching just doesn’t last the way it used to. Even good starters are carefully managed the third time through the order. Injuries pile up. Pitch counts climb. October-style urgency seeps into random Tuesday nights in June. If your bullpen is constructed entirely of one-inning specialists, you’re asking for burnout by August.
The Brewers have largely avoided that trap.
Think back to how they’ve deployed arms over the past several seasons. Whether it was a converted starter finding new life in relief or a swingman shuttling between roles, Milwaukee has consistently found ways to squeeze two or three innings out of pitchers who might be pigeonholed elsewhere. When a starter exits after four innings, it’s not a scramble. It’s often a bridge.
And that bridge matters more than the ninth inning sometimes.
We spend a lot of time talking about closers, and understandably so. High-leverage outs are dramatic. But the highest leverage point in a game frequently arrives in the sixth with two on and one out, not the ninth with the bases empty. The Brewers have shown a willingness to let their better non-closer arms handle those spots and keep going if they’re efficient. That’s not old-school long relief. That’s targeted aggression.
It also protects the bullpen as a whole. If one reliever can give you 2 1/3 clean innings on 28 pitches, that’s two other arms who get a full day off. Over 162 games, those saved bullets add up. Milwaukee’s ability to keep its late-inning arms fresh deep into seasons hasn’t been accidental. The approach fits the organization’s broader identity.
The Brewers are rarely the team with the deepest rotation on paper. They don’t wade into the top tier of free agency for 200-inning workhorses — just look at them trading aces like Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta before they inevitably lose them to free agency.
Instead, they build layers of pitching. Optionable depth. Pitchers with starter backgrounds who can slide into relief. Relievers who can stretch beyond the standard three outs if the matchup and pitch count allow it.
It’s flexible, and flexibility is currency in today’s game.
There’s also a developmental angle here. Milwaukee has long shown a knack for identifying pitchers with one or two standout traits and maximizing them. A fastball with unusual ride. A breaking ball with elite spin. In shorter bursts, those traits can dominate. But when those pitchers prove capable of turning a lineup over once without losing effectiveness, the Brewers don’t rush to cap them at a single inning. They experiment. They stretch them to 30 or 40 pitches. They see what happens.
Often, what happens is that the middle innings stop being a liability.
That might not show up in the save column, but it shows up in win expectancy. It shows up in series wins where the bullpen doesn’t feel fried by Sunday afternoon. It shows up in September when key relievers still have life on their fastballs.
If you want some easy current examples, look at Aaron Ashby and Jared Koenig, not to mention the now-departed Tobias Myers, all of whom filled that role at different points in 2025.
None of this means the Brewers have reinvented bullpen strategy. Plenty of teams deploy multi-inning arms. But Milwaukee has made it a habit rather than a contingency plan. When things go sideways early, they don’t panic. They patch the game together with purpose.
In a division that rarely offers much margin for error, that matters.
The art of the multi-inning reliever isn’t flashy. It won’t generate jersey sales. But it’s one of the reasons the Brewers so often feel competitive even when a game starts tilting in the wrong direction. They don’t just chase the final three outs. They control the gray area in the middle, and more often than not, that’s where games are actually decided.
