If NHL 26 has any say in the matter — and Avalanche fans should hope it doesn’t — the Colorado Avalanche are in for a frustrating night in Seattle. A simulation of Thursday’s matchup projects a 4–2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, a result Avalanche supporters will be perfectly happy to see proven wrong once the real puck drops.
Goals from Nazem Kadri and Gavin Brindley accounted for Colorado’s offense, while Mackenzie Blackwood finished with 17 saves.
Seattle received goals from Frederick Gaudreau, Kaapo Kakko, Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann. Adam Larsson, Chandler Stephenson and Matty Beniers each recorded two points, while Philipp Grubauer turned aside 29 shots.
First Period
Seattle wasted no time setting the tone.
Just 27 seconds into the opening frame, McCann deflected a Larsson point shot past Blackwood to give the Kraken an immediate 1–0 lead.
The early pressure continued. A little more than four minutes later, Kakko doubled the advantage when a relatively harmless shot from the slot slipped past Blackwood, who appeared to misplay the puck as it slid over the goal line to make it 2–0.
Colorado responded midway through the period. After Nicolas Roy poked the puck free from Jacob Melanson behind the net, he quickly fed Brindley in the slot. The rookie made no mistake, snapping a shot past Grubauer to cut the deficit to one.
After 20 minutes, Seattle held a 2–1 lead, though Colorado carried a slight 9–8 edge in shots.
Second Period
Trouble began early in the middle frame.
Less than two minutes in, Nathan MacKinnon was sent off for holding Vince Dunn, forcing Colorado onto its first penalty kill of the night. The Avalanche successfully killed that penalty, but moments later Roy was called for interference after colliding with Dunn, giving Seattle another opportunity with the man advantage.
This time, the Kraken capitalized.
Eberle redirected a shot past Blackwood on the power play, pushing the lead to 3–1.
The Avalanche netminder’s difficult stretch continued shortly after. Gaudreau fired a shot that appeared to glance off Blackwood’s glove before trickling across the line, extending Seattle’s lead to 4–1.
Colorado was handed its first power play of the night when Stephenson was penalized for holding Brock Nelson. The opportunity, however, failed to generate much momentum. Sloppy puck management limited Colorado to just a single shot on goal.
By the end of the period, the Avalanche faced a three-goal deficit heading into the third.
Third Period
Colorado caught a fortunate break early in the final frame.
Kadri was credited with a goal after a bizarre sequence in front of the net. His wrist shot from the top of the right circle deflected off Grubauer’s glove, and when Beniers attempted to clear the loose puck, he inadvertently knocked it into his own net, trimming the deficit to 4–2.
The comeback hopes didn’t gain much traction afterward.
Later in the period, Martin Necas was penalized for holding, sending Seattle back to the power play and further eating into Colorado’s remaining time.
Then came perhaps the most “video game” moment of the night.
Just past the midway point of the period, MacKinnon delivered a cross-check to Ryan Lindgren. In a moment that perfectly summarized the quirks of the Frostbite engine, MacKinnon’s stick somehow appeared to pass directly through Lindgren’s chest.
Naturally, the officials assessed a penalty.
Two minutes for cross-checking… and possibly an additional game misconduct for manslaughter?
EA… come on, man.
Colorado pulled Blackwood for the extra attacker in the final minute, but despite a few late opportunities, the Avalanche couldn’t close the gap. The simulation ended with a 4–2 Seattle victory.
Thankfully for Colorado, this was only a video game.
PHOENIX –– At this point of spring the last two years, the Dodgers were already breaking camp, departing Arizona early for season-opening overseas trips.
This year, the team still has two weeks to go –– which has made its stay at Camelback Ranch feel long, tedious and bereft of much remaining intrigue.
“With that comes just being bored and tired,” manager Dave Roberts quipped last week.
Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow has delivered results on the mound this spring. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We’re not entirely sure what to do with ourselves,” third baseman Max Muncy added. “But we know how to make sure that we’re ready.”
Thus, now is a good time to take stock of how camp has gone for the club and evaluate which players have –– and haven’t –– impressed as the calendar moves closer to Opening Day.
Stock up
Tyler Glasnow: In a camp that has featured few standout starting pitchers (because of injuries and WBC absences), Glasnow has been an exception. He came into the spring saying his mechanics felt as good as they had in four years and has backed it up with three strong outings, striking out 13 batters while walking only two in his nine Cactus League innings. “He looks as good as I’ve seen him,” Roberts said. “I just think that things are slowing down for him now, I really do.”
Andy Pages: Last year was shaping up to be a breakout year for Pages, who hit 27 home runs in the regular season. But then he went ice cold in the playoffs and was benched in the World Series. Now, the third-year slugger is using that October setback as motivation, showing improved plate discipline this spring while batting .385 with five extra-base hits in 10 games. “How he finished last year, I think it’s a sour taste in his mouth,” Roberts said. “He just wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again. And to his credit, he looks fantastic.”
Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages is looking to bounce back after being benched during the World Series. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Freddie Freeman: Coming off a fully healthy offseason in which he finally recovered from an ankle injury that had plagued him since the end of 2024, Freeman hoped his swing would feel better from the outset this year. So far, that’s appeared to be the case. Freeman is batting .471 with three doubles and eight RBIs in just seven games. More importantly, he has already found his trademark opposite-field swing consistently –– raising hopes for a resurgent 2026.
Others: Santiago Espinal (who has likely assured himself of an Opening Day roster spot), Teoscar Hernández (who is hitting .440 while getting a bunch of spring at-bats), Tanner Scott (who has five strikeouts and no runs allowed in four innings) and James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard (two outfield prospects the Dodgers acquired in a trade for Dustin May at last year’s deadline who have had impressive springs).
Stock down
Ryan Ward: After winning MVP honors in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League last year, and being put on the 40-man roster at the start of the offseason, it appeared Ward was positioned to battle for an Opening Day spot. Instead, his clearest route to playing time was dashed with the signing of Kyle Tucker. And this spring, he has struggled mightily, hitting just .156 before being optioned to minor-league camp last week.
Edgardo Henriquez: Given all the injuries in the Dodgers bullpen, Henriquez seemed to have a clear path to an Opening Day role this spring. But command issues have continued to plague him, with four walks and two hit batters leading to seven runs allowed in four Cactus League innings. He is still battling for a spot but has struggled to capitalize on his opportunity to this point.
Alex Freeland: Tommy Edman’s ankle injury put Freeland in a battle for a potential Opening Day second base role at the start of camp. But his swing remains a work in progress, hitting just .148 this spring. Now, he appears likely to head back to Triple-A to begin the season.
Wait and see
Roki Sasaki: He’s been the most interesting player in camp but for a lot of the wrong reasons. His two Cactus League outings were disconcerting, as he struggled to command his fastball. He looked much better in a recent B-game against White Sox minor leaguers but mostly because they unsurprisingly failed to touch his splitter. He remains in line to be in the Opening Day rotation yet still has much to prove against MLB competition in his return to a starting role.
Blake Treinen: After two sharp outings to begin the spring, Treinen’s last two appearances renewed concerns from his career-worst season last year. In one of them, he gave up four runs on three hits and two walks while recording just one out. In the other, he gave up two more hits while failing to record a strikeout. He remains confident a bounce-back season is on the horizon in 2026, but there still seems to be much to iron out to get there.
Mookie Betts: After spending the offseason trying to rewire his swing, Betts is 5 for 14 and has expressed renewed confidence in his mechanics at the plate. However, he hasn’t played much in the Cactus League because of an intentionally slower ramp-up process in camp and has just one extra-base hit. Coming off a career-worst 2025, questions remain about whether he can bounce all the way back to his old MVP-level form. It will take more time to get clear answers.
Dodgers pitcher makes progress
Snell’s path back: The biggest development from Dodgers camp Thursday came before their game against the Reds. For the first time this spring, Blake Snell threw a bullpen session, marking a key step in his return from offseason shoulder problems. Afterward, Snell said he and the team were still nailing down his return timeline, but he held out hope he could be back before the end of April.
Baby Betts: Mookie Betts left Dodgers camp Wednesday to return to Los Angeles to be with his wife, who is expected to give birth to the couple’s third child. Manager Dave Roberts expected Betts back with the team this weekend.
Caught my eye: Andy Pages has had a big spring with the bat. But on Thursday night, he flashed his premium throwing arm in center field, too, throwing out a runner at third base. Pages’ cannon was a weapon last year, when he had 10 outfield assists.
Up next: The Dodgers have another night game Friday, when they face the Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex.
LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Myka Perry scored 15 of her 21 points in the second half, Harmanie Dominguez made five 3-pointers and finished with 18 points, and No. 3 seed Stephen F. Austin beat top-seeded McNeese 71-59 on Thursday to win the Southland Conference Tournament and clinch an NCAA Tournament berth for the second consecutive season.
Stephen F. Austin (25-9), which lost both regular-season matchups against the Cowgirls, have won nine of the last 11 in the series which the Ladyjacks lead 52-15.
McNeese (28-5), which set the program's single season wins record, saw its 21-game win streak — the longest in school history — come to an end.
Kaylinn Kemp made a layup and then a 3 before Perry added a layup that capped a 7-1 spurt to open the fourth quarter and give the Ladyjacks an eight-point lead with 6:39 remaining. Dakota Howard answered with a three-point play but Dominguez made a layup and a 3-pointer to make it 62-42 with 4:28 left.
Ashlyn Traylor-Walker and Dominguez hit 3-pointers and Perry converted a three-point play down the stretch to hold off the Cowgirls.
Howard finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals for the Cowgirls. The freshman went into the game leading the team in scoring (12.5 per game), rebounding (6.0), and total steals (80). Arianna Patton and Jalencia Pierre added 11 points apiece.
The Cowgirls, who went 10-21 last season, won the conference’s regular-season title under first-year coach Ayla Guzzardo.
Up next
McNeese: The Cowgirls have an automatic berth into the WNIT.
Stephen F. Austin: Awaits its seeding and opponent in the NCAA Tournament.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 27: Max Christie #00 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Walter Clayton Jr. #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on February 27, 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 (21-44) play the final leg of this six-game road trip on Thursday night against the Memphis Grizzlies (23-41). Dallas is riding the league’s longest losing streak and is looking for some kind of positive momentum. The Grizzlies have lost five in a row after notching wins over Dallas and then Indiana back in late February. This is a theoretical race to the bottom but the last time these two teams play, Memphis beat the brakes off the Mavericks.
Here are the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies
WHAT: Last road game before a very brief stop in Dallas
WHERE: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass
The injury report for the Mavericks is once again pretty solid, which is great now that the team is openly tanking. Of course we won’t be seeing Kyrie Irving or Dereck Lively. The two-way guys are all doubtful again. Klay Thompson is also going to miss this one with planned rest.
It’s the Grizzlies who have a LIST of folks out. Santi Aldama is out with injury management. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out recovering from surgery. Brandon Clarke has a calf strain. Waler Clayton Jr. has an ankle sprain. Cedric Coward is managing an injury, but it’s undisclosed. Zach Edey is recovering from ankle surgery. Taj Gibson won’t be playing, and he’s essentially listed out with OLD. Ty Jerome is managing an injury. Ja Morant’s been out for a while with his injury. Scotty Pippen is out. Cam Spencer is questionable.
The Mavericks are currently the favorite, which given the health differences, I get the line. But Memphis has also beaten Dallas every time this season. If Dallas does somehow lose this one, that will be an impressive display of tanksmanship.
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka held off Victoria Mboko, 7-6 (0), 6-4, in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, keeping the top-ranked player in women's tennis in the running for her first title at Indian Wells.
After winning every point in the first-set tiebreaker, Sabalenka got the one break she needed to win the second set and move on to the semifinals against 14th seed Linda Noskova of Czechia, a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 winner over unseeded Australian Talia Gibson.
Also moving on to the semifinals for just the second time at Indian Wells was ninth-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who knocked off second-seeded Iga Swiatek of Poland, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
Svitolina broke to go up 5-4 in the third set and held serve for the match. She was slated to play Friday against the winner of Thursday night's quarterfinal match between American Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
In the men's draw, second-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy defeated 25th-seeded American Learner Tien, 6-1, 6-2, ending the run of the youngest American — at age 20 — to play in a quarterfinal at Indian Wells since his coach, Michael Chang, won the tournament in 1992.
Sinner, who served 10 aces and double-faulted only once, will play his semifinal match on Saturday against German Alexander Zverev, a 6-2, 6-3 winner over France's Arthur Fils.
Sabalenka hasn’t lost a set in the tournament, but was pushed by the 10th-seeded Mboko, a 19-year-old Canadian who won the 2025 Canadian Open — and whom Sabalenka defeated 6-1, 7-6 (1) in the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year.
Mboko was “serving much better than she did in that match in Australia — definitely a bit more confident and was playing more brave," Sabalenka said. "I think that’s why the scoreboard was bit closer than in Australia.”
Sabalenka put 94% of her first serves in play and was not broken, but did have to fight off five break points.
“That was a tough battle today," Sabalenka said. "Happy with the level I played in those key moments in each set.
“I was focused on my game plan. I was just playing point by point," Sabalenka said. “I’m pretty happy with the way I’m serving so far.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 10: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point score during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena on March 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nets won two straight and then lost by 38 to the Pistons in a revenge game. It all checks out during this long, strange season. Egor Demin, Michael Porter Jr, Nolan Traore, and Day’ron Sharpe are all out. This comes after the news that Sharpe would be out for the remainder of the season. t
The trio of two-way players are available. We’ll see if/how they’ll surprise us tonight.
🏀 KEY INFO
Who: Brooklyn Nets (17-48) at Atlanta Hawks (34-31) When: 7:30 PM ET Watch: YES Network
✍️ Game Preview
This is also a night for Noah Clowney to do a bit more. Clowney has had plenty of bright spots this season and now that we’re moving in to the middle of March, this represents a chance for him to do a bit more on offense. Games like this will help him figure out what parts of his game can get better as he fights to be a starter next season. – Brian Fleurantin | Read more
💬 DISCUSSION
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 9: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons boxes out during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 9, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons will be facing an undermanned, undersized edition of the Philadelphia 76ers tonight at Little Caesars Arena. The Sixers injury situation is gruesome. Not only are Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre out, but they are without the following big men — Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, and Johni Broome. “Who do they have left to play center,” you might be asking yourself. Well, I’m asking myself that, too, and I’m not really sure what the answer is. The only player they have taller than 6-foot-8 is Dominick Barlow, who has that beaten by one inch. Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker are their only other pseudo big men available, and they also have to manage 48 minutes at power forward somehow. Jalen Duren, who grew up in Pennsylvania and played high school ball in Philly, come on down. Paul Reed, who was waived by the Sixers and claimed by the Pistons a couple of years ago, it’s your time to shine. Let’s not let this winnable game slip away.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Watch: Prime Video Odds: Pistons -14.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (46-18)
Cade Cunningham, Marcus Sasser, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
The Brooklyn Nets have shut down Day’Ron Sharpe, their 24-year-old back-up center, after he was diagnosed with a tear of his left thumb ligament, the team announced shortly before Thursday’s game with the Atlanta Hawks.
Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe has been diagnosed with an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his left thumb. Sharpe, who will require surgery to repair the ligament, will miss the remainder of the season. Further updates will be provided following the procedure.
The Nets did not initially state how Sharpe had injured his thumb or when but later Jordi Fernandez said the thumb had been bothering Sharpe all season and believed the injury may have occurred vs. the Grizzlies Monday. Indeed, Sharpe has been wearing a brace on his left thumb recently. Sharpe has become one of the NBA’s top back-ups and recently became the top offensive rebounder by percentage in NBA history (200 games or more.)
He’s the second Nets player in the last two days to get shut down. It was announced Wednesday that Egor Dëmin, who has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left heel since his pre-draft workouts a year ago, will also sit for Brooklyn’s final 16 games.
The decision also leaves the Nets short, literally and figuratively, at the 5 with only one natural center, Nic Claxton, although 6’11” Danny Wolf, more of a forward, is likely to fill in Thursday night. On Monday, the Nets did not renew 7-footer Grant Nelson’s 10-day contract; though Nelson profiles as somewhat of a tweener long-term, he certainly would give Brooklyn more size up front.
At the moment, Brooklyn is a half-game out of third place in the lottery standings and two games out of the worst record in the NBA. The decision to shut down two rotation players — particularly Sharpe — could certainly affect their ping-pong ball fortunes going forward.
To this point in the season, Sharpe has appeared in 62 games for Brooklyn, the most of any Net. The team is also nearly seven points per 100 possessions better with Sharpe on the floor, also a team-best. This continues a three-year long trend with the bruising back-up big; since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, the Nets have a nearly even -0.09 net rating with Sharpe on the floor in 2,990 minutes, and a sad -8.54 net rating in the 8,062 minutes he has been sitting on the bench, per PBP Stats
As we’ve noted, on/off data isn’t the be-all end-all, there’s some wonky 3-point numbers involved, and Sharpe is no perfect center. Still, the UNC product has made a name for himself as one of the most effective reserves in the league. This season, he even made a high percentage of his shots around the rim — previously a wart in his profile. Is he aided by playing low-minute totals, often against other bench units? Perhaps. Still, his production this season was undeniable…
Players averaging 16+ points, 12+ rebounds, and 4+ assists per 36 minutes on 55% shooting or better this season:
Officially, Day’Ron Sharpe averaged 8.7/6.7/2.3 on 63.8% true shooting this season, playing 19 minutes a night. All of those numbers represent a career-high.
After leading the Nets to a comeback win against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff was full of praise for Sharpe: “He’s got great size, he plays extremely hard, he’s physical on the interior, he doesn’t back down … The thing that stands out when you watch the tape is just the effort that he puts forth. And when you mix that effort with his size and skill, he can create problems for you on both ends.”
As for Brooklyn’s head coach, Jordi Fernández spoke about the injury before the Nets took on the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday evening, saying, “I’m very happy with what I’ve seen from Day’Ron, the hard work he’s put in and how much better he’s gotten.”
Fernández also added that he “believed” the injury occurred on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, but that the thumb had been “bothering” Day’Ron previously.
Now, Day’Ron Sharpe can look ahead to the summer, where the Brooklyn Nets have a team option for the second year of the two-year, $12.5 million contract they signed him to last summer. The team could, of course, choose to decline that option and hope to sign Sharpe to a long-term deal. Either way, #29 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has progressed quite nicely since arriving in Brooklyn, though his fifth season in the NBA has come to a premature end.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 12: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on during the game on March 12, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (43-21) at Oklahoma City Thunder (51-15) Thursday, March 12, 2026 9:30 PM ET Game #66, Road Game #35 TV: Prime Video Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WWLS/WKY, Sirius XM Paycom Center
The Celtics complete their 3 game road trip with a stop in Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder. The Celtics won the first game in Cleveland on Sunday and then lost to the Spurs on Tuesday night. The Thunder haven’t played since Monday. This is the first of 2 meetings between these 2 teams this season. They will meet for the final time in Boston on March 25. The Celtics are 47-59 against the Thunder overall all time and they are 22-30 in games played in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder won the Championship last season and in the off season, they did very little to change their team. They made no trades and brought in no new players. They lost Dillon Jones who went to the Wizards. They did re-sign Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell. At the trade deadline, They traded picks to Philadelphia for Jared McCain and they traded Ousmane Dieng to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee, who they waived.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 3.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2 games ahead of 3rd place New York , 3.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 6.5 games ahead of 5th place Orlando and 6th place Miami and 7 games ahead of 7th place Toronto. The Celtics are 15-8 against Western Conference opponents. They are 22-12 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss in their last game. (The Knicks, Cavs, and Raptors are playing as I write this so that may change.)
The Thunder are 1st in the West, 2.5 games ahead of 2nd place San Antonio, 10 games ahead of 3rd place Houston, 10.5 games ahead of the 4th place Lakers and 5th place Minnesota, 11.5 games ahead of 6th place Denver and 12.5 games ahead of 7th place Phoenix. They are 15-6 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 27-6 at home and 9-1 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 5 games.
After this game at Oklahoma City the Celtics will head home where they will host Washington, Phoenix and Golden State. Next, it is one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee. They will then play two games at home against Toronto and Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando.
The Celtics may be shorthanded in this game with 4 players listed on the injury report at this time. The good news is that Payton Pritchard has been upgraded to available. Jayson Tatum is out for injury management after playing the last 3 games they may want to monitor his workload. Derrick White is listed as questionable due to a right knee contusion. Nikola Vucevic is out due to surgery on his injured finger. I have no idea who will start if both Tatum and White are out. I made a wild guess it will be Sheierman and Harper, Jr.
The Thunder may also be shorthanded for this game. Isaiah Hartenstein will miss a third straight game due to a bruised left calf. Jalen Williams is listed as out due to a strained right hamstring. Thomas Sorber is out for the season with a torn ACL. Brandon Carlson has been ruled out for a seventh straight game due to a back strain. Once again, I really don’t know who will start for the Thunder but took a guess at it.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Baylor Scheierman vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out Payton Pritchard (neck) available Jayson Tatum (injury management) out Derrick White (knee) questionable
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Thunder Reserves Branden Carlson Alex Caruso Isaiah Joe Jared McCain AJay Mitchell Aaron Wiggins Kenrich Williams
2 Way Players Brooks Barnhizer Branden Carlson Payton Sandfort Injuries/Out Branden Carlson (back) out Thomas Sorber (ACL) out Nikola Topic (G-League) out Jalen Williams (hamstring) out
Head Coach Mark Daigneault
Key Matchups Baylor Scheierman vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He is shooting 55.1% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc. Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and is one of the leaders to win it once again this season. He is the key to the Thunder’s winning ways. In order to slow the Thunder, the Celtics must slow down SGA. I’m just guessing that Scheierman will start at the point but White may play and it’s possible that Joe will go with someone else to start here.
Neemias Queta vs Chet Holmgren Holmgren is averaging 17.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. He is shooting 55.2% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. Holmgren is a threat to grab rebounds and block shots near the basket and the Celtics need to try to keep him out of the paint. He can also hit threes and so the Celtics need to stay with him on the perimeter as well.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the biggest key to winning. This is going to be a tough matchup for the Celtics as the Thunder are first in the league with a defensive rating of 106.2 while the Celtics are 5th with a defensive rating of 111.8. The Celtics need to tighten up their defense and make playing defense a priority especially against this Thunder team that plays lock down defense. It will be even harder for the Celtics on defense if both Derrick White and Jayson Tatum are out.
Rebound – Rebounding is also a key to winning. The Celtics need to rebound on the defensive end to keep the Thunder from getting second chance points and they need to rebound on the offensive end to give themselves extra possessions. The Thunder are 15th with 43.8 rebounds per game while the Celtics are 5th with 46.3 rebounds per game. Much of rebounding is desire and effort and the Celtics as a team have to put in the extra effort to grab rebounds.
Take Care of the Ball – The Celtics need to keep their focus and not turn the ball over. The Thunder are 1st in the league with 22.1 points off turnovers per game. They are also 4th with 9.7 steals per game. The Celtics have to move the ball because they are a much better team when they move the ball and don’t over dribble. But they must focus and make careful passes and not get sloppy. They also have to be aware when dribbling the ball so as not to allow the Thunder to get steals. The Thunder will make them pay if they get sloppy and turn the ball over.
Be Focused and Ready for a Tough Game – The Thunder are a very good team and they play exceptional defense. The Celtics have to be ready to go to the basket if they struggle from three. They also have to be ready to shoot from midrange if both the paint and the perimeter are defended tightly. The Celtics must stay focused on playing hard for 48 minutes and on playing tough defense and on playing the right way. They can’t afford to let the Thunder play harder than them.
X-Factors On the Road – The Celtics are playing in their 3rd straight road game. The Thunder have the advantage of being at home in front of their fans and they have great fans. The Celtics need to overcome the distractions of travel and playing on the road in front of hostile fans. This is also the final game of a road trip and those are among the toughest games to win as the team is road weary and sometimes focus isn’t where it should be because of it.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. How the refs call the game has a big influence on how the teams play. Will they let them play or call every little bit of contact? Will they call it evenly or will they favor one team or the other. It all effects the outcome of the game and the Celtics need to play the right way and not allow the officiating to take them out of their game. They can’t let bad calls and no calls take away their focus.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 13: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns passes over Ben Sheppard #26 and Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 13, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pacers 133-98. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s the second game of the Suns’ six-game road trip, and the Pacers are the most winnable game. The Suns cannot lose this game.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 3: Jevon Carter #2 of the Orlando Magic defends as Sharife Cooper #13 of the Washington Wizards controls the ball in the third quarter at the Kia Center on March 3, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Peter Joneleit/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. ET. Watch on Monumental Sports Network. Chat on this posts as we root for Washington to victory! Yes, I wrote that with a straight face!
(Hopefully, no one drops 83+ points on the Wizards this time.)
New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (98) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
LAKELAND, Fla. — Though Jasson Domínguez knew before he even went to bed Wednesday night that he’d be going up against Justin Verlander on Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium, Will Warren was blissfully unaware until after he arrived to the ballpark and saw the future Hall of Famer getting ready for his Grapefruit League start.
“I didn’t realize he was pitching today until I went to warm up,’’ Warren said. “He was doing his own thing and I just said, ‘I’m gonna move over. He’s done it a lot longer than I have.’ ”
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Warren looked good in his outing, lasting six full innings as he tries to follow up on a season in which he made 33 starts — only Giants ace Logan Webb made more.
The move to the third base side of the rubber is paying dividends, with Warren saying it “opened up a lot.”
“My pitches seem sharper,’’ the right-hander said. “I’m not falling behind as much, and that gives me confidence I can get anyone out.”
Max Fried is slated to start the March 25 season opener in San Francisco, and Aaron Boone said after Thursday’s 4-3 win over the Tigers that he “had an idea” of how the rest of the rotation would look to start the season, but declined to elaborate.
But he’s been impressed with Warren’s swing-and-miss stuff and efficiency. Warren’s next step is to avoid the occasional disastrous outing that plagued him a year ago.
“To me, he looks another year along in his development,’’ Boone said.
New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (98) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Boone has few questions about the top relievers in the bullpen, but with less than two weeks remaining until the start of the regular season, he and his staff are still looking for answers about the final two spots.
A pair of candidates, Cade Winquest and Angel Chivilli, were acquired in the offseason and pitched Thursday.
Winquest, a Rule 5 acquisition from St. Louis, tossed a scoreless inning, and Chivilli, picked up in a trade with Colorado, allowed a run in his lone inning of work.
New York Yankees pitcher Cade Winquest pitching in February. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“He’s had some good and some struggles,’’ Boone said of Chivilli.
Chivilli’s changeup and slider have stood out, but as Boone has noted about several bullpen arms this spring, “It’s about commanding the strike zone. He’s got weapons to get you out. He’s had ups and downs.”
The Yankees remain confident Lombard’s bat will come around, especially as the 20-year-old fills out.
For the spring, Lombard is 5-for-27 with three extra-base hits, six walks and a dozen strikeouts.
And as was the case with Spencer Jones, who also is no longer with the major league team, Lombard will continue to get playing time with the big league roster.
Ivica Zubac hasn't taken the court since Feb. 2 due to a left ankle sprain, and while he was out he was traded from the LA Clippers to the Indiana Pacers. Thursday night, he will make his debut for his new team.
This season with the Clippers, Zubac averaged 14.4 points and 11 rebounds per game, shooting 61.3% from the floor. He will also provide a defensive presence in the paint that Indiana has lacked all season. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Zubac would eventually play this season, this may have been a little quicker than his expected return but he is back.
While Zubac is back, the Pacers don't want him to start helping them win games quite yet. As part of the trade, Indiana's first-round pick this June goes to the Clippers, however, the pick is top-four protected. At 15-50, Indiana has the league's worst record, but with lottery odds, that makes just a 52% chance Indy gets to keep the pick. Indiana, Brooklyn, Sacramento and Washington are in a tight "race" to the bottom — they are all within two games of each other in the standings — and if the Pacers fall to the fourth-worst record, then they end up on the wrong side of those coin flip odds.
The Pacers traded a first-round pick for Zubac looking ahead to next season. That's when Zubac will be setting picks for a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (out for the season with a torn Achilles), as well as Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard — and maybe a young star they draft this June.
When the St. Louis Blues traded Justin Faulk to the Detroit Red Wings, they received a package that included a 2026 first-round pick.
While the first-round pick was the sought-after target, Dmitri Buchelnikov is quietly a potential great addition. The 22-year-old winger had an impressive 2024-25 season in the KHL, posting 15 goals and 54 points in 65 games.
This season hasn’t been as successful for Buchelnikov, scoring 13 goals and 23 points in 41 games, but the talent remains. He’ll have the opportunity to rebound, as he signed an extension to his contract in the KHL.
The former Red Wings second-round pick (52nd overall) in the 2022 NHL draft has signed a one-year contract with CSKA Moskva, meaning he’ll remain in Russia until May 31, 2027.
Standing 5-foot-10, 163 pounds, Buchelnikov isn’t the biggest player you’ll find, but his speed and skill more than make up for his lack of size.
The Red Wings thought very highly of Buchelnikov, and it’s no wonder why the Blues wanted him involved in the deal. There are concerns that he may not be interested in coming to the NHL, but signing just a one-year extension should give the Blues confidence that he will come to North America.
Although it is unfortunate for the Blues, there could have been opportunities for him to earn an NHL roster spot out of training camp, or at the very least start the season with the Springfield Thunderbirds and earn a call-up.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers argues a call with referee Karl Lane #77 during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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
They were also on the wrong end of a few calls that helped determine the game.
First, Keon Ellis was called for a shooting foul that he didn’t commit. When he tried to tell the bench to review the play, he was called for a technical. The foul was overturned on review, but the technical wasn’t.
Needing to use the review there cost them in the final 20 seconds of a two-point game. The ball appeared to have gone out of bounds off an Orlando player. The Cavs couldn’t challenge because they won their two challenges earlier in the game and aren’t allowed a third. Then, Desmond Bane hit a game-sealing three after the inbound to secure the victory.
If the call had gone the other way, the Cavs would’ve had a chance to tie or win the game on their final possession. It’s also worth pointing out that the league’s Last Two Minute report said that the call on the floor was correct.
Not being able to review the call in the moment is something that Donovan Mitchell took issue with.
“I’m having a hard time with the rule of once you’ve had two challenges you can’t get any more, especially when you win both,” Mitchell said in a cleveland.com article by Chris Fedor. “I don’t know what the rule should be. If you’re winning challenges, especially on calls that are very obvious, I think it’s something that should be talked about.”
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Mitchell is right to feel this way, and he did clarify that it wasn’t the reason they lost. It’s deflating to feel like the outcome of a game is affected by something neither team can control.
At the same time, missed calls happen to every team in every game in every sport. And it will keep happening as long as sports are played. It’s just as much part of the game as missed shots, turnovers, or the basketball itself.
There’s the thought that if there were more replay reviews, we’d somehow make things more fair. And while the increased use of replay does help get more calls correct, sports will never be completely fair. The more you try to make it that way, the more you end up highlighting that it isn’t, and never will be.
There’s also the fact that there’s no amount of replays that would make things better. If you’re allowed two challenges, you’ll always think you should be allowed three. And so on.
Additionally, there are calls that can’t easily be reviewed. For example, the missed goaltending call in the Cavs game against the Oklahoma City Thunder proved to be monumental. Instead of two points for the Cavs, OKC ended up with a transition three.
How are you supposed to stop that from happening? Should they halt play any time there’s a close call? That isn’t exciting. Do you give the team that was goaltended against two points? That would help, but it’s still unfair that OKC got a three in transition? Do you rewind the game to the time and score when the goaltend happen? That would be pretty anticlimactic. Not every problem has a clean solution, so you will never completely fix everything.
Adding more replays hasn’t made the product better in any sport; it just leaves you more unsatisfied while also derailing any momentum the game had. You will never create a system where every judgment call is right. And you know what, it’s okay to accept that’s just part of the game.
Sports and life in general are unfair. There’s a certain amount of luck involved in winning, which includes the officiating. That wasn’t on the Cavs’ side on Wednesday, and they weren’t good enough to overcome it. We’ll all be happier if we just accept that this is just part of the sport.
