Darryn Peterson will not play for No. 21 Kansas against fifth-ranked UConn at Allen Fieldhouse on Tuesday night, Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. Peterson sat out a loss to Duke at Madison Square Garden in New York and three games last week at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks still managed to go 3-0 over power conference schools without Peterson.
Tyler Kolek’s emergence gives Knicks another weapon amid championship pursuit
Injuries can be a real drag on a team’s season, especially one with expectations as high as the Knicks’, but there’s a silver lining to them as well. Guys buried deep on the bench get an opportunity they may not otherwise receive, and teams can often be pleasantly surprised by what’s been hiding outside of their usual rotation.
We’re seeing such a case play out with Tyler Kolek, New York’s 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who’s stepped up in the wake of injuries to OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet to help the Knicks to a nice stretch of wins. This comes after Kolek failed to meaningfully crack the early season rotation despite some leash during the preseason and the first few games of the regular season.
Should this continue, it would make for a great turnaround for Kolek and huge development for management after not seeing real returns from any of their draft classes after 2021. But most importantly, Kolek’s emergence potentially gives the Knicks another weapon in their chase for a championship.
Kolek was a gifted scorer and creator at Marquette who fell deeper into the draft due to the inherent limitations in his age and athletic build. After some dealing around with their picks, the Knicks scooped him up, desperately needing some added ball-handling off their bench.
Offensively, he actually looked the part relatively early in Las Vegas, preseason and even some early-season NBA minutes in 2024-25. He was a clear-cut floor general who could run an offense, dribble-drive into opportunities and score when confidently looking to.
He didn’t get the chance to see sustained NBA minutes his rookie year though, spending a few games in Westchester but not displaying anything spectacular. After a head coaching change that emphasized experimentation and depth, pressure was on heading into Kolek’s second year.
To make matters tougher, the Knicks brought in a host of veteran guards - Jordan Clarkson, Shamet, and Malcolm Brogdon - to compete with Kolek for reserve guard duties. Kolek held his own in the preseason despite seeing his name in trade rumors, but even with Brogdon retiring, he fell out of the rotation after a couple of appearances in late October.
When Shamet went down with a shoulder strain in Orlando almost two weeks ago, Kolek stayed ready as the next man up, and hasn’t disappointed. He’s averaged 5.6 points, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 14.6 minutes a night, shooting 45.5 percent from the field.
Even extrapolated over 36 minutes a game, these numbers aren’t anything crazy. But Kolek has brought in a steady hand and surprisingly stout defense, which is impacting winning.
If there were numbers to call out they would be Kolek’s plus-17 in those 36 minutes, and a 6.5 assist-to-turnover ratio. When Kolek is on the court, you know the offense is going to be organized, with his commitment to pushing the ball up and getting into an action with pace on every play apparent.
He’ll defer to the stars when asked, but otherwise Kolek units feel like fully fleshed out conduits of Mike Brown’s system -- and all that zip and movement is tangible. It’s a healthy dose of action that’s completely controlled, as Kolek rarely turns the ball over, which is a valuable and unique trait for someone with high passing volume.
A lot of this was the case before this stretch, but Kolek has taken this opportunity with a newfound aggressiveness and desperation that elevated his game. He’s only hit a third of his threes but looks more prepared to put them up, and has even looked comfortable in the paint.
Cut through the film and he’ll almost look unrecognizable, posting up Desmond Bane for a fadeaway, trying shoulder bump floaters, and hitting tough sweeping lays. It seems like his confidence is only growing with each passing game.
The offense has been a great if not totally surprising spark, but it’s the defense that will keep Kolek on the court long-term. He’s no weapon on that end, but if he keeps rotating this hard and playing with this physicality, his scouting report will date itself quickly.
Once Shamet returns, the rotation could look a little guard-heavy, but the Knicks should still have room for Kolek’s ball-handling. Even if it gets tricky at full health, having Kolek earn his stripes now could prepare him for the trials of late April and May hoops, when the Knicks might really need him.
The small and moral victories may not do it for Knicks fans thirsting for the franchise’s first title in half a century, but accumulating them can help New York in achieving that goal. It may have taken an unfortunate injury, but Kolek proving himself worthy of playing with the big club is nothing to scoff at, and could pay even bigger dividends down the line.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday doubleheader begins at 8:00 PM ET, as the New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Then, at 11:00 PM, the Oklahoma City Thunder go-head-to-head with the Golden State Warriors. Live coverage begins at 7:30 PM on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
Raphielle JohnsonOklahoma City Thunder:
The Oklahoma City Thunder have not lost a game in nearly a month. Their only loss of the season came on November 5 against the Trail Blazers, and since then, they have won 12 straight games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel for the Thunder. He is averaging the second-most points in the NBA (32.5 ppg) and is on pace to average over 30 points per game for his fourth consecutive season.
The Thunder (20-1) currently have the best record in the NBA and hold a four-game lead for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors:
The Warriors are coming off a 104-96 victory over the Pelicans on Saturday. Jimmy Butler had 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, while Gary Payton II added 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds off the bench.
Gary INCOMING down the runway ✈️
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 30, 2025
@NBCSAuthenticpic.twitter.com/W8p0KH3thn
Stephen Curry did not play on Saturday due to a right quad contusion. He is expected to miss tonight's game as well.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on tonight?
How to watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: TD Arena, Boston, MA
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
Game Day: Everything You Need To Know Ahead Of Nashville Predators vs. Calgary Flames
All the momentum the Nashville Predators had following their two-game Thanksgiving road trip to Detroit and Chicago evaporated Saturday night, when they returned home and lost 5-2 to the Winnipeg Jets.
Nick Blankenburg and Luke Evangelista tallied the only goals for the Preds. Blankenburg tied his season high in goals by scoring his fourth on Saturday. The goal also extended his point streak to four games (3g-2a), which included a multi-point outing on Wednesday at Detroit (1g-1a).
Evangelista posted an assist along with his goal for two points on Saturday to push his point streak to four games (2g-5a).
It was the second game of a back-to-back, a scenario which hasn’t been kind to the Preds this season. While they have a 3-0-1 record in the opener of back-to-backs, they are 0-2-1 on the second night.
On Tuesday, the Predators will try and regroup when they host the Calgary Flames at Bridgestone Arena. This is the second of three meetings between the two clubs this season; Nashville won the first encounter, 4-2, on Nov. 1 at Bridgestone Arena.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s contest.
Game Day
Who: Nashville Predators (8-13-4) vs. Calgary Flames (9-14-4)
Where: Bridgestone Arena
When: 7 Pm CST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Radio: 102.5 The Game
Betting line (via BetMGM):
Flames
+1.5 (-235)
O 5.5 (-120)
+100
Predators
-1.5 (+195)
U 5.5 (+100)
-120
Injury Report
Cole Smith, currently on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, skated during Tuesday morning's practice for the first time since going on IR.
Michael McCarron and Justin Barron also practiced and are day-to-day with lower-body injuries.
November Notes
The Predators finished the month of November with a 4-7-2 mark, equaling their win total from October when they went 4-6-2. Their longest winning streak during November was two, and the longest point streak was three.
The Preds had a five-game losing skid from Nov. 3-10, going 0-3-2 during that span.
One of the team's bright spots in November was rookie Matthew Wood. He led all NHL rookies in the month in goals (six) and tied for fourth in points (nine).
The 20-year-old Wood, who last scored on Friday in Chicago against the Blackhawks, also tallied his first career hat trick on Nov. 10 against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden (3g).
Preds Leaders
Ryan O’Reilly (8g-10a) leads the Preds with 18 points, followed by Filip Forsberg (9g-8a) and Evangelista (4g-13a) with 17 points apiece.
Juuse Saros is 7-9-3 with a 3.08 goals-against average and .889 save percentage. Justus Annunen is 1-4-1, 3.94, .850.
The Predators rank seventh in the NHL in faceoff percentage (52.7 percent). Leading the way for Nashville is Ryan O’Reilly, who is seventh in the NHL in face-offs won (258).
Scouting The Flames
Calgary concludes a five-game road trip Tuesday night in Nashville. The Flames are coming off a 1-0 OT loss on Saturday in Carolina to the Hurricanes.
Nazem Kadri (5g-16a) leads the Flames with 21 points, followed by Rasmus Andersson (5g-13a) with 18 points on the defensive side.
Dustin Wolf is 6-12-2 in net for the Flames with a 3.17 GAA and .890 SP. Devin Cooley is 3-2-2, 1.88, .931.
Flames rearguard Rasmus Andersson finished the month of November with a team-leading 14 points, recording three goals and 11 assists in 15 games. The Malmo, SWE, native posted four multi-point outings, including a pair of three-point nights on Nov. 19 in Buffalo (1-2—3) and Nov. 23 in Vancouver (0-3—3). He was named the NHL’s first star of the week for the period ending Nov. 23 after posting a league-high nine points from Nov. 18–23.
On the power play, Calgary is 12-for-90 (13.3%), dead last out of the 32 NHL teams. They are much better on the penalty kill; 16-of-88 (81.8%), 10th in the League.
Head To Head
The Preds are 24-14-9 at home all-time against Calgary. Nashville is 6-4-0 in their last 10 overall matchups versus the Flames and 3-2-0 in their last five at Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators have only lost seven times in regulation to the Flames since Dec. 15, 2015 (15-7-6) and have picked up at least one point in 30 of their last 41 games (22-11-8).
Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg is the AP men’s college basketball player of the week
The 6-foot-9 senior averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks as Michigan won all three games by at least 30 points, the last two over ranked teams. A transfer from UAB, Lendeborg had 15 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 40-point win against San Diego State in Las Vegas.
Danilo Gallinari announces retirement from basketball after 20 professional seasons, 16 in NBA
Danilo Gallinari, the sharp-shooting power forward from Italy who spent 16 seasons in the NBA, announced on Instagram that he is officially retiring from basketball.
Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from a career I've always dreamed of. A career built through hard work, sacrifice, victories, defeats, teammates who became brothers, guidance from my coaches, and, of course, family and friends that were with me every step of the way.
It's been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To those who believed in me, to all those who supported me, and to those who shared every moment with me - thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️
I'm beyond excited for the next chapter!
Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from the career I’ve always dreamed of.
— DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) December 2, 2025
It’s been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UjRhTL8ZdP
Gallinari was the No. 6 pick of the New York Knicks in 2008 and spent the next two-and-a-half seasons playing in Madison Square Garden before he was traded to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal. Gallinari played the next six seasons for the Nuggets, then went on to play for the Clippers, Thunder, Hawks, Wizards, Pistons and Bucks before leaving the NBA in 2024.
At 6'10", Gallinari was a classic NBA stretch four (a role that doesn't exist in the same way any more). He averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds a game, shooting 38.1% from 3-point range for his career. He played in 777 NBA games and hit 1,456 three-pointers for his career.
Gallinari had also played professionally in Europe and Puerto Rico, and the last we saw of him on the court was for Italy at last summer's EuroBasket. There was a thought he could play in Europe this season, but instead he has decided to step away from the game at age 37.
Serena Williams quietly re-enters drug-testing pool in step toward possible 2026 return
Williams back in ITIA pool for first time since 2022
Move required before any potential competitive return
Could be eligible to play again as early as mid-2026
Serena Williams has taken the procedural move required of any player contemplating a competitive comeback, after the 23-time grand slam singles champion re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered testing pool for the first time since 2022.
Williams, 44, has not played an official match since her run to the third round of the US Open more than three years ago. Although she described her departure at the time as “evolving away” from the sport rather than a hard retirement, she filed the paperwork with the ITIA that September that exempted her from the sport’s stringent whereabouts requirements. To return to competition, however, players must make themselves available for out-of-competition testing for six months before they are allowed to enter an event.
Continue reading...Los Angeles Kings Ink Samuel Helenius To Two-Year Contract
The Los Angeles Kings announced that they have signed center Samuel Helenius to a two-year contract on Tuesday.
This contract extension for Helenius comes in the final year of his entry-level deal and will kick in next season. Helenius will earn $875,000 in each of those two campaigns, beginning in the 2026-27 season.
Furthermore, the center will remain an RFA at the expiration of this next contract, as he’ll be 25 years old.
It’s been a busy Tuesday morning for Kings GM Ken Holland, making this the second piece of significant business in the span of hours.
Earlier in the day, Los Angeles dealt center Akil Thomas to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for center Nikita Alexandrov in a minor-league trade.
Trade: Los Angeles Kings Swap Centers With St. Louis BluesThe Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues have swapped former second-round picks, who both come with a handful of NHL experience.Helenius, 23, has acted as an extra forward for the Kings in the past two seasons. This year, he’s made three appearances for the Kings, while last season he played over half of the regular season.
In 2024-25, the Fin made 50 appearances in the NHL, recording four goals and seven points while averaging 8:39 of ice time.
The Kings' Good, Bad, And Uglies Of NovemberRecapping the thrilling highs and frustrating lows for the Kings in November. From road dominance to power-play struggles, dissect the team's crucial month.Before that, he spent three straight campaigns in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. After he was drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft as the 59th pick, he made 142 American League appearances across the trio of seasons.
In addition, the 6-foot-6 center featured in another 20 games for the Reign last season, recording two goals and six points. But this season, he hasn’t played a single minute in the minors, as he’s been kept on as a scratch for the first quarter.
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Jonathan Quick Making Progress In Recovery From Injury
It appears as if Jonathan Quick is inching closer to making a return for the New York Rangers.
Quick landed on injured reserve after a collision with Michael Carcone in the third period of the Rangers' 3-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Nov. 22.
Starting on Monday, Quick resumed practicing with the team, and Sullivan confirmed that he’s making significant progress in his recovery from his lower-body injury.
“He is obviously back involved with the practice environment, and we'll see where that goes moving forward,” Sullivan said. “We feel (Quick) is making progress.”
With Quick out of the lineup, the Rangers recalled Dylan Garand who backed up Igor Shesterkin for a total of four games before being sent back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
In place of Garand, the Rangers called up Spencer Martin, a goaltender the Blueshirts signed to a two-year contract on Nov. 12.
Martin was previously playing in the KHL with CSKA Moscow before his contract was bought out after 14 games.
The 30-year-old goaltender has played in 66 total NHL games for the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes.
The Fallout From Adam Fox's Injury Presents Opportunities There’s a lot of fallout, yet opportunities that come from Adam Fox’s injury.
In those 66 games, Martin recorded a 24-30-8 record, 3.56 goals against average, and .883 save percentage.
Sullivan explained why the team decided to call up Martin while sending Garand back down to the AHL.
“We don’t want anybody sitting on the sidelines too long,” Sullivan said about why he sent Garand back down to the Wolf Pack. “We want guys playing, and that's an important aspect that we try to manage all the time. Spencer is a guy that we don't have a lot of familiarity with. It gives us an opportunity to get to know him a bit, seeing practice things of that nature. I think those are a few of the reasons why.”
Martin will serve as Shesterkin's backup goalie on Tuesday night when the Rangers play the Dallas Stars.
How to watch Knicks vs. Celtics: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday doubleheader features an exciting lineup. First, at 8:00 PM ET, the New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Then, at 11:00 PM, the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Golden State Warriors. Live coverage begins at 7:30 PM on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
New York Knicks:
The Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 116-94 on Sunday, extending their win streak to four straight. Josh Hart had 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson added 18 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
no Sunday Scaries here
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 1, 2025
KAT 22 PTS | 8 REB | 2 AST
Josh 20 PTS | 12 REB | 7 AST
Jalen 18 PTS | 6 REB | 7 AST
Mikal 14 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST
Deuce 14 PTS | 5 REB | 2 AST pic.twitter.com/1oLQMyelES
Brunson currently leads the Knicks in scoring (28.5 ppg) and assists (6.2 apg). Anthony-Towns is right behind him in scoring (21.7 ppg) and leads the team in rebounding (11.9 rpg).
The Knicks have the longest active win streak in the conference and are second in the East behind the Detroit Pistons.
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics have won six of their last games, most recently defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-115 on Sunday. Payton Pritchard led the way for the Celtics with a season-high 42 points.
EVERY BUCKET from Payton's 42-piece #celtics#nba#shortspic.twitter.com/uFkdiGZY3a
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 1, 2025
Jaylen Brown finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, earning his fourth career triple-double.
With Jayson Tatum still sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon last season, Brown has emerged as a leader for Boston.
The four-time All-Star is on pace for career highs in the following categories: scoring (28.4 ppg), field-goal attempts per game (21.6), field-goals made per game (10.6), and free-throw attempts per game (6.8).
How to watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: TD Arena, Boston, MA
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on tonight?
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
The ACC is trying to spark men’s basketball. A better showing in the ACC/SEC Challenge would help
These days, the SEC has veered into the ACC’s lane.
Debating Whether The Blueshirts Are Tough Enough
When the Rangers best defenseman Adam Fox was crushed by Brandon Hagel during the Tampa Bay victory over New York, no member of the home team went after Hagel.
Veteran hockey writer Al Greenberg – watching from The Garden press box – told me that he was disappointed that not a single revengeful move was made.
It was interpreted by Greenberg – and many others – that the non-reaction was a signal that the Rangers lack toughness. But upon further review, no retaliation was in order because the Hagel hit is the kind sanctioned by the National Hockey League.
Because it was completely and eminently legal; a perfect hit, as a matter of fact.
It was the kind of clean bodycheck that historic Rangers defensemen such as Bill Juzda, Bill
Moe, and Bill Gadsby – right up to Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba – have delivered.
How can anyone take issue with Hagel?
1. His stick was down.
2. He made contact with good posture.
3. He finished through the hands and arms.
4. It was well-executed just as you'd find in a reputable hockey manual.
5. If a hit is to be finished; Hagel showed how.
Too often, clean hits that do damage to a foe inspire retaliation no matter what because of emotion not reason. One veteran Rangers fan I know insisted that – in his eyes – legal hit or not, didn't matter to him. "Get back at Hagel" was his theme.
Are The Rangers Really Trying Hard Enough For Coach Sullivan?How does one explain the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> frustratingly listless effort in a big game against the formidable Tampa Bay Lightning?
As for those who claim the Rangers are too soft, Sam Carrick has proven otherwise as well as Will Cuylle – plus Matt Rempe when he eventually returns.
Super scout Jess Rubenstein studies the Rangers as intensely as anyone I know. When The Maven asks him if the Rangers lack toughness, his response intrigues me.
"It's not a lack of toughness," says Rubenstein, "they are emotionally fragile!"
Cole Ragans to Red Sox? Royals ace should be among top trade targets
Cole Ragans to Red Sox? Royals ace should be among top trade targets originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox may not be done bolstering their starting rotation after trading for veteran right-hander Sonny Gray.
According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox could shift their attention to Cole Ragans this offseason if the Kansas City Royals opt to move their All-Star left-hander for outfield help. Jarren Duran, who’s widely expected to be moved this winter, could headline the lucrative package going to Kansas City in such a deal.
“For teams that are in the market for high-end starting pitching and willing to deal big league talent to get it, the Royals represent one of the most interesting potential trade partners of the offseason,” Speier wrote. “Kansas City isn’t hiding its willingness to deal a rotation member for an outfielder. ‘Our starting pitching, we have some depth there,’ said Royals general manager J.J. Piccolo. ‘A lot of teams are looking for starting pitching, so if we have what they may be interested in, and they have an outfielder that would be of interest, then there’s potentially the opportunity to make a deal.’
“Is anyone, including left-hander Cole Ragans, off limits? ‘I wouldn’t say off limits,’ said Piccolo, who noted that the Royals were reluctant to deal either Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha after the two veteran right-handers committed to them via free agency. ‘There would have to be a really big return for one (starter) in particular.’
“That starter, of course, is Ragans. Though the Royals would prefer a right-handed-hitting outfielder, they won’t be tethered to the notion — making their considerable interest in Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran at the trade deadline notable.”
While it’s up for debate whether the 36-year-old Gray could be Boston’s No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet, Ragans has ace upside. The soon-to-be 28-year-old placed fourth in the 2024 American League Cy Young vote, finishing with a 3.14 ERA and an AL-best 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s under team control through 2028 after signing a bargain $13.25 million contract extension last year.
That said, there are injury concerns. Ragans missed time last season with groin and rotator cuff ailments, limiting him to only 13 starts (61.1 innings pitched). He posted a 4.67 ERA, though his 2.50 FIP and 14.3 K/9 suggest he still had his Cy Young-caliber stuff.
A first-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016, Ragans has undergone two Tommy John surgeries — the first in March 2018 and the second in May 2019. His 2024 All-Star campaign marked the only full season in his four-year MLB career.
It would almost certainly take more than just Duran to pry Ragans from the Royals. Similar to last offseason’s Garrett Crochet blockbuster, multiple top prospects would likely have to be involved. Slugging outfielder Jhostynxon “The Password” Garcia, left-hander Connelly Early, and southpaw Payton Tolle are among the Red Sox prospects who could entice Kansas City.
With the Crochet and Gray deals, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has proven willing to part ways with promising prospects in exchange for a “win-now” arm. If Ragans is truly on the trade block, Breslow shouldn’t shy away from making another big splash to upgrade Boston’s rotation from good to great.
With Ragans in the mix, the Red Sox’ rotation would look something like this:
- Garrett Crochet, LHP
- Cole Ragans, LHP
- Sonny Gray, RHP
- Brayan Bello, RHP
- Kutter Crawford, RHP
Other possible contributors include Connelly Early, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, and Hunter Dobbins.
That’s a potentially elite rotation, especially if Bello can build off the best season of his young career. The No. 5 spot would remain a question mark, but that 1-4 could match up against most starting staffs in MLB.
Ragans should be a top trade target for Breslow and the Red Sox. The free-agent market for starting pitching is underwhelming — even more so now that Dylan Cease signed a mega deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Adding Ragans to the mix and signing a slugger or two would point Boston toward contention again in 2026.
Red Bull confirm Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen’s teammate next season
Hadjar replaces Yuki Tsunoda after impressive 2025
British teenager Arvid Lindblad to join Racing Bulls
Red Bull have announced they are to sign Isack Hadjar to drive alongside Max Verstappen at the team next year. The 20-year-old Frenchman is being promoted from sister squad Racing Bulls after only one season in F1 to replace Yuki Tsunoda in 2026, while the 18-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad is to join Racing Bulls to make his F1 debut.
Hadjar has been impressive in his rookie year in the sport, taking his debut podium at the Dutch GP and a series of points finishes that have moved him up to 10th in the drivers’ championship. He has demonstrated confidence and assurance, outscoring and repeatedly out qualifying the New Zealander Liam Lawson who will continue at Racing Bulls.
Continue reading...Fantasy Basketball Stock Up Stock Down: Collin Gillespie breaking through
December is here and so is the quarter-mark of the 2025-26 NBA season.
With each team about 20 games into their respective seasons, it’s easier now to make sense of the player data. But we’re here to make it easier for those in the fantasy world looking for trends. Who’s on the rise? Who’s trending downward?
Let’s discuss.
→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock with two tremendous matchups! The Knicks take on the Celtics in Boston at 8 p.m. ET before the Warriors host the Thunder at 10 p.m. ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
STOCK UP
Kawhi Leonard — SF/PF, Clippers
It's not exactly breaking news that Kawhi Leonard is great at basketball, but it’s easy to overlook at times given his availability issues from a health standpoint. However, in his return from a foot injury that had kept him sidelined for 10 games, he’s logged three 30-point outings in a row and is averaging 28.8 points, 2.6 three-pointers, and posting 53.3/48.1/97.1 shooting splits across the last five games. Even more impressively, he’s hitting these numbers despite a minutes restriction that has only allowed him to reach the 30-minute mark in one of those games. Obviously, Leonard’s injury history is long enough to make him an unreliable (but impactful) option in fantasy leagues — depending on the fantasy manager, Leonard could either be a valuable player to shop while he’s healthy and performing well, or a nice trade-for candidate for those willing to bet good injury luck is past due. When on the floor, he’ll remain one of the Clippers’ most relied upon players amidst a tough start to their season.
Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Hornets
Knueppel has very much performed at the level of a top-five NBA pick. He’s leading all rookies in points per game, has made over 30 more threes than the next closest rookie, and ranks in the top-10 in his class regarding rebounds and assists per game. The versatility he’s displaying through the first quarter of the season has already allowed him to become one of Charlotte’s most reliable pieces on the offensive end. Knueppel averaged 19.9 points per game in November, up from 13.8 in October. It feels early for a rookie wall to be looming — I would suggest taking a hard look at Knueppel as a roster addition if he’s available in your fantasy league.
Collin Gillespie — PG/SG, Suns
Gillespie has been a fun player to watch this season, as has the Suns team as a whole. He’s played well in every role so far, but as a recent starter at the point guard position, the production has become even louder. In the former Villanova Wildcat’s three starts, all within the last week, he’s topped 20 points, dished at least four assists, recorded a steal, and splashed four or more three-pointers in each — this includes his most recent 28-point outburst against the Lakers on Monday night in a game that Devin Booker (groin) exited in the first quarter. Gillespie’s contributions may not be as needed or as available once the banged-up Suns receive some of their most productive players back from injury. But until then, he has a chance to continue his upward trend.
COLLIN GILLESPIE WITH A CAREER NIGHT!
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) December 2, 2025
28 PTS (Career-high)
5 AST
8 3PM (Career-high) pic.twitter.com/Zov3kMLfGn
STOCK DOWN
Shaedon Sharpe — SG/SF, Trail Blazers
Injuries stink. Sharpe had really come on as an efficient scorer to begin November, packed with the potential to grab rebounds, tally assists, and collect steals on a nightly basis. More specifically, the fourth-year shooting guard was averaging 26.5 points and 5.5 rebounds on 49.7 percent from the floor through the first eight games of November, including three 30-point games, before being sidelined for four. His minutes are down in his return to the lineup, and so is his production — he’s scored 18 total points over the past two games and is currently coming off the bench. Things could change for the better, but for now, he’s in a tougher spot as a result of the previous calf injury.
LaMelo Ball — PG/SG, Hornets
It’s been another interesting season for Ball. Injuries have taken him off the floor for seven games already, but even when healthy, it appears now that minutes aren’t guaranteed. For reference, the superstar guard was subbed out with 8:31 left in regulation and did not return to the court in a recent overtime win over the Raptors. It could have been a case of head coach Charles Lee rolling with the lineup that had a rhythm during Charlotte’s comeback effort. Or, there could have been a subtle message sent. It’s not my place to speculate, but either way, Ball is averaging fewer than 20.0 points per game for the first time since his rookie season and is currently putting together the worst shooting numbers of his career. There’s nothing I’ve seen thus far that leads me to believe his production will see a significant increase in the near future. But I’d love to be wrong.
Luke Kornet — C, Spurs
Kornet instantly came to mind when Victor Wembanyama’s calf injury was reported. On paper, it seemed as though the former NBA champion would be able to fill in nicely for the superstar center, which he did very admirably in the 13-point, 11-rebound, three-block outing he had against the Kings in his first start and Wemby’s first absence. Yet, Kornet has scored just 6.2 points per game in the following six appearances and only come close to securing double-digit rebounds on one occasion over that period. Many may not have been as high on Kornet’s short-term potential as I was, which I understand. Still, it seems like he could be more productive on the offensive end.