Spring training is officially here, and while it still feels a lot like winter in a lot of places, Florida and Arizona have been buzzing with activity this week.
The Detroit Tigers are already four games deep into their spring training schedule with three losses and a tie, and have their first split-squad game scheduled for Wednesday. They have only scored eight runs against 35 runs surrendered (yikes), but it is still way too early to show any concern.
Eventually, the offense will get going, and when it does, we can expect at least one player to stand out above the rest. Which leads us to today’s question: “Who will be the best hitter in Detroit this summer?”
There are a few obvious options like Riley Greene or even rookie Kevin McGonigle and his 80-grade hitting skill. Javier Baez could have another resurgence that lasts all summer; maybe Spencer Torkelson finally puts it all together. Or perhaps someone unexpected rises to the occasion?
So Tigers fans, who do you think will lead the hit parade for the Olde English D this season? Let us know in the comments below.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 27, 2025: Riley Cornelio #29 of the Harrisburg Senators pitches during an Eastern League game against the Akron RubberDucks at FNB Field on July 27, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Senators beat the RubberDucks, 7-0. (Photo by Thom Wood/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Last year the Washington Nationals had one pitcher who was the story of camp, and that was Brad Lord. After a breakout year in 2025, Lord showed up to camp with increased velocity and earned a spot on the big league roster. It looks like lightning may have struck twice because Riley Cornelio is following a very similar path.
Like Lord, Riley Cornelio was drafted in the 2022 class. He was taken in the 7th round, while Lord was selected in the 18th round. However, Cornelio’s breakout came a year after Lord. He gained three ticks of velocity according to Baseball America, averaging 94 on his heater.
The velocity gain led to much better results, with Cornelio posting a 3.28 ERA in 134.1 innings across three levels. It looks like the right hander has added even more velocity this spring, averaging over 96 MPH in his first outing of the spring. In his first inning of work, Cornelio averaged over 97, but he was sitting more in the 95-96 range in his second inning.
Woah. Riley Cornelio enters the game touching upper 90s. A velo bump could go a long way towards helping him make the same leap Brad Lord did last year, which ultimately earned him an OD roster spot. 1-2-3 inning with a K
That velocity led to dominant results. In two innings of work, Cornelio allowed one hit, walked nobody and struck out three batters. He looked really sharp and could challenge for a roster spot. Cornelio was actually added to the 40-man roster this offseason, so the prospect of the righty winning a bullpen spot is on the table.
This story really is so similar to Brad Lord. Both came into camp coming off breakout years, but were on the outside looking in. Last year Lord showed up with better stuff and won a roster spot. Based on his first outing, it looks like Cornelio could do the same.
Lord himself actually had high praise for Cornelio in an interview with Grant Paulsen. He called Cornelio the most underrated player in Nats camp. I think Lord might be on to something there because Cornelio looked like a big leaguer in his outing last night.
I asked Brad Lord what player at Nats camp is the most underrated. He said RHP Riley Cornelio.
Cornelio shined in his spring debut tonight. He struck out three over two scoreless innings, retiring 6 of 7 batters faced. Touched 97, got 9 whiffs on 23 swings. Exciting outing. pic.twitter.com/RRbBxAv9Dc
While the added velocity is the headliner for Cornelio, his fastball just sets the table for his best pitch. Riley Cornelio has always been known for his wipeout slider and he showcased that last night. He got five whiffs on the slider and threw it just as much as his fastball. Despite added velocity, Cornelio seems to be moving away from his fastball, a common trend in Nats camp.
Like Lord, Cornelio can pitch in multiple different roles, but I think he would be best suited to the bullpen. His fastball tends to lose steam as the game goes on and he is mostly a fastball-slider guy. That feels like a bullpen arm to me, but he can also start. Cornelio has proven to be durable in the minors, so he can serve as an innings eating starter.
If the Nats wanted to be creative, Lord and Cornelio could be a tandem. Both are at their best in two to three innings spurts. Maybe they could piggy back each other and each go three or four innings. Instead of having one person take up a rotation spot, it could be a duo.
Cornelio still has to keep up the strong performances if he wants to make the team. There are guys ahead of him in the pecking order, so he will have to out-perform them. He also was not totally perfect last night. Cornelio made a fielding error, which probably frustrated manager Blake Butera. So far this spring, Nats pitchers have been shaky defensively.
Two impressive innings from RHP Riley Cornelio, who struck out 3 with a fastball that averaged 97 mph. He did, however, commit the latest in a string of E1's by the Nats pitching staff. All the PFP's apparently can't simulate real game situations.
With that in mind, Blake Butera is probably going to amp up the PFP work. The Nats already have defensive question marks, so they need their pitchers to be able to field their position. That is a secondary concern though.
Overall, it is great to see an arm really impress early in camp. In this new regime, there are going to be some unexpected pitchers who find lightning in a bottle. We are already seeing a new pitching philosophy from the Nats. The team is dialing back fastball usage in a big way.
Even with the team moving away from fastballs, velocity remains important. It is still very helpful. Fastballs are not the only pitch that benefits from extra velocity. Adding velocity to breaking balls also helps improve those pitches. Riley Cornelio has added velocity, and that added heat could win him a roster spot.
Conference heavyweights collide as the Denver Nuggets host the Boston Celtics in the Mile High City tonight.
Nikola Jokic has been tremendous, and my Celtics vs. Nuggets predictions expect the three-time MVP to stuff the stat sheet at home.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this prime-time bout on Wednesday, February 25.
Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, with the game airing on ESPN.
Celtics vs Nuggets prediction
Celtics vs Nuggets best bet: Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double (-115)
Nikola Jokic ranks second in all-time triple-doubles, and the Denver Nuggets superstar will add to his burgeoning total tonight in front of a home crowd in which he’s excelled this season.
Jokic has averaged 28.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 11.2 assists at Ball Arena, recording a triple-double in 12 of 19 games there.
Joker has recorded a league-high 21 triple-doubles this season, doing so in two straight and in four of his last six at home. The Boston Celtics defense is elite, but Jokic has recorded a triple-double in each of his last two home games against the C’s.
Celtics vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Nuggets are just 12-14 ATS at home and 8-10 as the home favorite. Boston has excelled on the road, covering the spread in 20 of 30 games, including seven of 10 as the road dog. Back-to-backs haven’t been a problem for the Celtics, who are 6-3 ATS playing with no rest.
The Nuggets are 15-11 to the Over at home, but the Celtics are just 11-19 to the Under on the road. Boston boasts one of the stingiest defenses in the Association, and the C’s have hit the Under in two straight and eight of their last 10.
Celtics vs Nuggets SGP
Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double
Celtics +3.5
Under 230.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Brown blitz
Jaylen Brown has scored 30+ in 28 of 51 appearances, including 14 of 25 on the road. He sat out Tuesday and should be well-rested for tonight's marquee matchup with Denver.
Celtics vs Nuggets SGP
Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double
Celtics +3.5
Under 230.5
Jaylen Brown Over 29.5 points
Celtics vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Celtics +3.5 (-110) | Nuggets -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Celtics +140 | Nuggets -165
Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Celtics vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 22 of their last 30 games (+13.20 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Celtics vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Celtics vs Nuggets latest injuries
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Diamondbacks infielder LuJames Groover (91) celebrates a double against the Rangers during a spring training game in Surprise on Feb. 24, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
[Dbacks.com] Soroka fans 3 in D-backs debut with World Baseball Classic approaching – Soroka allowed one run on two hits over two innings while walking one and striking out three in the D-backs’ 6-4 win. “Felt good for the most part,” Soroka said. “Just a little bit stiff early, trying a little bit too hard to make everything do what it’s supposed to do. I think I settled in a little bit and just got right to it and we made our adjustments, and made some good pitches, and some that I want to forget, so we’ll move forward. “I threw a really good fastball for a take there in the second inning. I had some good finish pitches, threw a couple of good breaking balls that were executed and the cutter was great today.”
[SI] Crucial Change Could Make Taylor Clarke a Weapon For D-backs Bullpen – The right-hander made tweaks to his mechanics and reintroduced his sinker ahead of 2025, which paid immediate dividends. He posted a career-low 3.25 ERA over 55.1 innings last season. “Last year, tweaked some things. We added the sinker back and I think that’s helped out a lot,” Clarke said. “It’s just something to run in on righties, give them a different look than a four-seam, because I feel like I was getting a little bit too predictable with four-seams up, sliders away. “But the largest, most impactful difference is to his changeup. [Cross “added new pitch” off your Soring Training Bingo card!]
[AZ Central] Here’s the latest on Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly’s back injury – Lovullo said Kelly, who underwent an MRI earlier in the week, also had a CT scan, in hopes of finding more clarity on the specifics of the injury. “It’s a wide range,” Lovullo said. “I’m not going to lie. We’re being very thorough with what we’re doing. We’re taking every test necessary to make sure that we get everything in the bag before we start to pass that information along. We’ve got to figure out exactly what’s happening in there.” Kelly is the Diamondbacks’ scheduled Opening Day starter. The back issue raises questions about whether he will be available to make that March 26 start vs. the Dodgers.
[Denver Post] Arenado ‘will be a force’ in NL West, Rockies’ Warren Schaeffer says – The former Rockies and Cardinals star might not rise to his former glory in the desert, but he’s confident he’ll make the D-backs a better team. He padded that confidence with a solo home run in his first Cactus League at-bat, punishing a hanging sweeper from Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela.“ My expectations are high, and they are high for this group,” Arenado said after taking batting practice at Salt River Fields. “I think this team is really good. This is a top-10 offense without me, but I think I can really help it. I think I’m making adjustments that will really help me. You know me, I like to keep goals to myself, but I do have hefty goals. I don’t think I am ever going to change that.”
[Fangraphs] No Room at the Infield: Jordan Lawlar Moves To Center Field – As far as Lawlar’s ability to play center field, I have no doubt about his physical tools. While the orthodox move would’ve been third base, the shortstop-to-center field path has been well-traveled. Jackson Merrill did fine. So did Mickey Mantle. Lawlar absolutely has the speed for the position; he hit 30 ft/sec in sprint speed last year, putting him in capital-e Elite territory. A shift to center field might actually bring out the best in Lawlar. One of Eric Longenhagen’s few gripes about Lawlar’s defense was his tendency to make awkward throws on the run, especially off his backhand. He got the job done, it just looked a little janky.
[Arizona Sports] Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte are top D-backs in ESPN Olney’s top 10 MLB positional rankings – The top-ranked D-back in Marte produced what Olney equated to “about $135 million in value” over the last three years. His 2025 fWar of 10.9 was more than two full points ahead of Hoerner’s 8.7 in second, while his batting value on FanGraphs of 65.8 was more than double that of Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve (31.2) in second. “He excels offensively, and while the numbers suggest he is just average defensively, he continues to be the preeminent player at this position.”
[SI] Diamondbacks Release Young Reliever – According to the transaction logs on his player page, the Arizona Diamondbacks have officially released right-handed reliever Christian Montes De Oca. He had been previously outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier in the offseason. Montes De Oca, 26, figured to be a developmental arm in the D-backs’ system worth keeping an eye on after making his major league debut in the 2025 season. However, an injury shortened that campaign and prevented him from making more than one appearance in the majors.
MESA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Marco Gonzales #32 of the San Diego Padres pitches during a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 24, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres made a bid for their second comeback win of the week against the Chicago Cubs in their Spring Training Cactus League matchup in Mesa, Ariz. on Tuesday, but they came up short and lost, 6-5. It is well-known that teams do not put much stock into the final scores of Spring Training games, instead they focus on the approach at the plate or the execution of pitches on the mound. With that being the case, Padres manager Craig Stammen would have to be pleased with the individual results of guys like Nick Castellanos, who had a two-run double in the game, and Jose Miranda, who keeps playing a major role with regard to offensive production. The best thig about this time of year is a lot of players et to see a lot of time and the Friar Faithful get the benefit of seeing the regulars gear up for the season and the bubble players battle it out for a roster spot.
Padres News:
Samad Taylor is one of the players fighting for a chance to make the San Diego roster out of Spring Training. Despite his 0-for-3 result on Tuesday, he has been hitting well to start the spring season. He also has the added benefit of speed, which is why Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball thinks he will be in competition for a roster spot until the end of camp.
Michael King re-signed with the Padres after testing free agency and it was the feel-good moment of the offseason. Dylan Cease signed with the Toronto Blue Jays and Yu Darvish had offseason surgery, which will cost him the 2026 season. The thought of losing King as well was almost too much for San Diego fans the handle and that is why his return to the organization has created hope for a successful season that sees the Padres return to the postseason.
There is still debate among Padres fans about whether trading top prospect Leo De Vries to the Athletics for Mason Miller was worth it. De Vries is an unproven prospect who is projected for stardom and Miller is a proven big-league closer. The debate will wage on, but Miller filled an immediate need with the loss of closer Robert Suarez in free agency and he will officially step into his new role this season.
Gavin Sheets had a strong Spring Training in 2025, which allowed him to earn a spot on the San Diego roster. He had a strong season and had big moments and was integral in helping the Padres reach the postseason. Sheets is being asked to perform once again as a first baseman/designated hitter platoon for 2026.
Free agent pitcher German Marquez said he spoke with his former Colorado Rockies manager and now Padres special assistant to A.J. Preller before signing with San Diego. Black gave him insight as to how he could fit with the Padres and what he could get from the organization. This is one of the benefits of having Black back in San Diego. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at what Black can and does mean for the organization.
Stammen revealed some bad news regarding starter Matt Waldron. He said the knuckleballer was going to be shut down after having surgery to treat an infection on his “rear end.” Stammen admitted this was a difficult time of year for Waldron to be sidelined, but that it was out of anyone’s control.
Baseball News:
A day after it was revealed that Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal was only planning to make one start in the World Baseball Classic, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes said his plan is to make just two starts in the WBC.
The Atlanta Braves and pitcher Chris Sale agreed to a contract extension for the 2027 season that will pay him $27 million dollars. The deal reportedly includes a club option for 2028 for $30 million.
Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Surez hit back-to-back home runs on Tuesday providing a preview of what Cincinnati Reds fans can expect this season.
Fantasy baseball draft season is here and everyone is looking for sleeper picks to win the draft room. The Rotoworld Baseball staff is on the case.
The term "sleeper" means different things to different people and it can also vary depending on the depth of your league, but the best way to look at it is each player's ability to outperform their average draft position. The names you'll see below all have the potential to do exactly that.
⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.
Called up at the end of last season to join a Reds team full of average hitters, Stewart immediately stood out, no matter how little manager Terry Francona wanted to admit it. He arrived having hit .309/.383/.524 with 20 homers, 17 steals and a modest 16% strikeout rate between Double- and Triple-A, and he went on to add five more homers in just 55 at-bats for the Reds. That's as many as Gavin Lux had in 446 at-bats. 21 of his 40 balls in play were hit hard. He slugged .545, about 100 points better than any Reds regular, and he probably could have done better; Statcast gave him an expected SLG of .626.
Since then, there's been some debate about where and how much Stewart will play. None of the projection systems are treating him as a full-timer, but it'd be nuts for the Reds not to give him that opportunity. Elly De La Cruz is the only other guy on the Reds with this kind of offensive ceiling. Stewart should hit for average and power, while he'll surely bat lower than Eugenio Suárez for now, he'll probably finish the season as the teams' cleanup hitter. He's a top-10 fantasy first baseman, and he'll be even more valuable if and when he becomes eligible at second base. - Matthew Pouliot
Cade Horton — SP, Chicago Cubs
It’s odd to classify one of the best pitchers of the second half and N.L. Rookie of the Year runner-up as a sleeper. Yet, it seems the fantasy community is projecting far too much regression with an ADP just inside the top 200. While I wouldn’t bank on a repeat of a 2.67 ERA, don’t discount the growth potential for the 24-year-old right-hander. Horton’s strikeout totals might’ve been uninspiring, but his strikeout rate improved in the second half behind a pair of secondaries in his changeup and sweeper that generated outstanding whiff rates. Add in a 6.9% walk rate and elite defense behind him, and the regression could be a lot softer than the projections indicate. - Jorge Montanez
Okamoto arrives with an extensive track record of power production in Japan, supported by enough contact skill to suggest his transition to the majors may be steadier than the typical leap of faith attached to international imports. The 29-year-old third baseman immediately slots into the heart of Toronto’s loaded lineup, creating ample run-producing opportunities with the defending American League champions. Projecting Okamoto for 25 homers with a respectable batting average and strong counting stats doesn’t feel like wishcasting – it feels like a reasonable translation of a proven power bat stepping into a favorable lineup environment in the hitter-friendly AL East. For context, Eugenio Suárez, Junior Caminero, Manny Machado, and José Ramírez were the only third basemen to eclipse 25 homers last season. He’s been drifting beyond pick 275 in early NFBC drafts – nearly 100 selections after Matt Chapman – which feels like a familiar market reflex: when uncertainty looms, fantasy managers instinctively default to familiarity instead of embracing the riskier unknown. - George Bissell
Francisco Alvarez — C, New York Mets
Given the hype attached to Alvarez as a prospect a few years ago, it’s a little crazy that he’s considered a sleeper entering his fourth full season in the majors, but here we are. It’s been a bumpy road for the 24-year-old, including multiple hand injuries and a demotion to Triple-A Syracuse last season, but he was a different hitter upon his return to the majors. After adjusting his swing mechanics in Triple-A, he slashed .276/.360/.561 with eight homers and 21 RBI across his final 41 games. Alvarez had surgery to repair a torn UCL in his thumb after the season, but he had no limitations going into the spring. The optimism for Alvarez lies in his quality of contact, which ranked among the league’s best in hard-hit rate and average exit velocity last season. Alvarez might begin 2026 in the bottom third of the Mets’ revamped lineup. That’s understandable given his injury history and fits and starts offensively, but there’s still a potential 30-homer hitter in here somewhere. At catcher, that upside plays in all leagues. - D.J. Short
Bubba Chandler — SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
There’s an exciting group of young starting pitchers who debuted last season that are taking fantasy drafts by storm. Managers are tripping over themselves to draft Nolan McLean (97 ADP), Chase Burns (113 ADP), Jacob Misiorowski (130 ADP), Cam Schlittler (141 ADP), and Trey Yesavage (152 ADP). Yet, Bubba Chandler (154 ADP) is the last of the bunch to go off the board and has a good chance to be the most effective from this crew. His call-up was delayed last season first by the Pirates manipulating his service time and then by his own poor performance as frustration potentially mounted. Still, his seven-game audition was excellent. Over 31 1/3 innings, he struck out 31 batters, walked four, and had a 0.93 WHIP. His 4.02 ERA was a bit high, but came with a nine-run blow up against the Brewers. Without that, it’d would’ve been a 1.57 ERA and his helium would be out of control. A fastball that flirts with 100 mph sets up a hard slider that dominates righties and a changeup that stymies lefties. There’s a curveball that’s potentially on the way too. It’s not difficult to envision him as a top-30 starter with room for more and his place as the 41st starting pitcher off the board leaves more room for profit compared to most of that second-year starter cohort. - James Schiano
Jordan Lawlar — 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
This is the year. I feel it. Lawlar came into the 2024 season as the 11th-ranked prospect in baseball after hitting .278/.378/.496 with 20 home runs and 26 steals in 105 games at Double-A and Triple-A in 2023. However, he had thumb surgery at the beginning of that season and was out until June, and then injured his hamstring when he returned. As a result, he was limited to 23 games that season. He then got off to a hot start in 2025, but hamstring injuries again limited Lawlar to 91 total games. His injuries and his paltry .182/.257/.288 slash line with a 35% strikeout rate in 28 MLB games has his ADP outside of the top 300, but I still have faith. For starters, he slashed .313/.403/.564 with 11 home runs and 20 steals in 63 games at Triple-A last season. He posted a 10.8% swinging strike rate at that level and had just a 13.7% mark in his MLB debut, and his Triple-A zone contact and overall contact rates were solid. He has a patient approach (perhaps overly patient at the big league level) and not only pulls the ball often but pulls it in the air as well. That will allow him to get to more power than you think, especially since he had a 113 mph max exit velocity in Triple-A. Lawlar should get every chance to win a starting outfield job this spring, and I think he has the chance to be a 20/25 guy in a full season. - Eric Samulski
Quinn Priester — SP, Milwaukee Brewers
It's tough to gauge what is or isn't a sleeper, but it doesn't seem like Priester is getting enough attention. Even if you ignore his 13-3 record, he's a right-hander who posted a 3.32 ERA over 157 1/3 innings while helping Milwaukee to the best record in the National League. There were very few starters in baseball who did a better job of keeping the ball on the ground last year with a 55.7 percent rate, and he avoided hard contact at a strong rate as well. The one thing Priester didn't do was fan many batters as seen in 132 punchouts in those aforementioned innings, but his 24.5 percent whiff rate suggests that the 20.2 strikeout percentage had at least a smidgen of bad luck. Priester is not an ace, but this is a 25-year-old who has had success, and considering he's a former first-round pick and someone who was widely considered one of the 50 or so best prospects in baseball not that long ago, it shouldn't shock anyone if he takes another step in 2026. - Christopher Crawford
García may not fit some definitions of a sleeper as all fantasy managers know who is, but he doesn't get anywhere near the respect that he deserves. It feels like he has been around forever because he broke into the big leagues as a 20-year-old and is entering his seventh MLB season, yet he still won't be 26 until August. Over the past two seasons he has hit .267 while averaging 17 home runs and 18 stolen bases and his contributions in the counting stats should be positive as well hitting near the middle of the Nationals' lineup. He qualifies at second base -- perhaps the single most shallow position in fantasy baseball in 2026 -- and will also gain eligibility at first base as that's where he'll be stationed for the Nationals this year. He quietly and capably delivers contributions in all five categories and it's incredibly likely that we have yet to see his true ceiling. When you can grab that type of player after pick 225, it's an absolute win on all fronts. - David Shovein
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 15: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during live batting practice during the first full squad workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 15, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning! The Red Sox lost to the Pirates yesterday, with Ranger Suarez giving up a homer to the number one prospect in baseball, Konnor Griffin. Luckily, absolutely nothing that happens in a spring training game in February matters one stinking bit. In fact, if anyone remembers anything at all about yesterday’s game, it will be this:
For years, New England dads of a certain age have been regaling the world with a story about Jim Rice breaking his bat on a check swing. They don’t build ballplayers like that anymore!
So, sorry dad, by they do in fact make ballplayers like that these days, and Wilyer Abreu is one of them. So the question of the day is: how many homers do you think Wilyer is going to hit this year? 73 is probably a bit too much to ask for. So I’ll go with 72.
Talk about what you want and be good to one another.
With the Winter Olympics now behind us for another four years, it's intriguing to think about how different the Senators' roster could look by the time the 2030 Games in the French Alps roll around.
At the moment, barring a trade, only four players are locked into Ottawa contracts that take them beyond 2030. And of the four, three are definitely on their nation's radar, and two are shoo-ins.
Tim Stutzle
Nov 13, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle (18) scores against Boston Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Stutzle is in year three of an eight-year, $66.8 million deal that will take him to 2031. He is a lock for Team Germany in 2030 and probably two or three Olympic Games after that if the NHL continues to participate beyond France.
That's certainly not automatic.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss which players will be more likely to come home to the NHL more inspired after the Olympics, the gold medalists or the silver medalists?
As a sidebar, the league has to be concerned about the injuries in the tournament. Sidney Crosby heads back to Pittsburgh injured. LA Kings star Kevin Fiala suffered a gruesome season-ending leg injury, and Stutzle might not be 100 per cent either.
After Germany bowed out in the quarterfinal, TSN's Mark Masters alluded to Stutzle getting his shoulder checked out, which Stutzle didn't directly respond to, but he's clearly a man who left it all on the ice in Italy.
"Yeah, to be honest, I'm pretty exhausted," Stutzle said. "My body's hurting, but I'm excited to get back to playing (NHL) hockey again."
Stutzle would be a key player for any nation, but on Team Germany, he might be welcome to play for them into his 40s.
Jake Sanderson
No Senator is locked in longer than Jake Sanderson, whose eight-year $64.4 million contract expires in 2032. Sanderson played a bigger role for Team USA this year than he did last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off and continues to improve in the NHL. With 46 points, he's tied for eighth in NHL scoring among defensemen, and he's easily one of the fastest skaters in the league.
Travis Green said this week that Sanderson hasn't yet hit his ceiling as a player. That's bad news for the rest of the world. He'll be 27 in France, and should be right in his prime by then.
Shane Pinto
Jan 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (12) controls the puck in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Pinto's four-year deal, worth $30 million with the Senators, kicks in this fall, and his progress with the Senators and Team USA will be interesting to monitor. Pinto went to the Team USA orientation camp last summer, so he's already on their radar. But to get to France, he'll need to elevate his point production (29 points in 47 games).
The Senators believe he can do that, or they wouldn't have just doubled his salary to $7.5 million. But right now, three of the four locked-in players on this list are centres, so Pinto may continue to be blocked through 2030, playing the role of reliable third-line two-way centre.
But there's a chance that Brady Tkachuk (2028 UFA) and Drake Batherson (2027 UFA) may explore free agency, so it's easy to imagine a move to the wing to vault Pinto into a top-six role and power play time.
Dylan Cozens
Jan 31, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Dylan Cozens (24) skates against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
In 2023, the Buffalo Sabres inked Cozens to a seven-year, $49.7 million extension, then traded him to Ottawa less than two years into the contract. The Workhorse from Whitehorse is a member in good standing with Hockey Canada, representing us twice at U18s, twice at the World Juniors, and twice at the men's World Hockey Championships.
With 43 points in 57 games, Cozens is on pace for 62 points, which would be the second-best season of his seven-year career. So while he's not on Canada's Olympic radar right now, he's a 25-year-old whose career appears to be heading in the right direction.
By the time the Olympic flame is lit in the French Alps in 2030, the Senators could look like an entirely different team. But if these four are still leading the way, Ottawa fans can feel pretty good about where the future is headed.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published by The Hockey News. More headlines here:
Carson Benge is starting in right field and leading off, with prospects A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, and Ryan Clifford set to enter in the middle innings
Adbert Alzolay and Luis Garcia are expected to pitch after Tong
CARDINALS
METS
JJ Wetherholt, SS
Carson Benge, RF
Jose Fermin, 2B
Juan Soto, LF
Nolan Gorman, 3B
Francisco Alvarez, DH
Nelson Velazquez, RF
Mark Vientos, 1B
Leonardo Bernal, C
Hayden Senger, C
Nathan Church, CF
Christian Arroyo, 3B
Joshua Baez, DH
Vidal Brujan, SS
Blaze Jordan, 1B
Cristian Pache, CF
Chase Davis, LF
Grae Kessinger, 2B
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The Knicks have depth, but they’re still figuring out how to use it.
The starting five, Mitchell Robinson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet are solidified. When Deuce McBride eventually returns from his sports hernia, he will be too. The battle for the ninth or tenth man, though, is up in the air.
On one end, you have exciting, 19-year-old rookie Mo Diawara, who has shown tremendous flashes on both ends just a few months after not being good enough to go top 50 in the NBA Draft. With his recent three-point outburst, he’s becoming more and more of a viable role player as a rookie.
But on the other end, you have another young player, but one who’s more experienced and is looking to make an impact in a new situation. Jeremy Sochan is still only 22, but fell out of favor in San Antonio and elected to sign in New York after being released mid-season.
These two are on the Knicks’ rotation bubble, with players like Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Kevin McCullar Jr. waiting in the wings in case of injuries. But which of the two makes more sense for the Knicks? Could they both play a role?
A rotation doesn’t need to be concrete. From game to game, things can change. The strengths of the two are different, but both are common in the sense of being full of potential with considerable downside. It’s easy to scheme both out of a game, which makes identifying specific matchups necessary.
Sochan’s biggest weakness is shooting; he’s always been a basket case on offense. He brings rebounding and a smidge of secondary playmaking, but he’ll make the people guarding Josh Hart look like Patrick Beverley if he gets the ball on the perimeter.
Diawara’s simply being a limited rookie. If you remember, he started the game against the Spurs on New Year’s Eve, which started the slump, and Mitch Johnson expertly schemed him out of the game. He sagged off Diawara, daring him to either shoot or put the ball on the floor. He’s not an advanced enough jumpshooter (especially in non-C&S situations) to shoot out of it, and his ballhandling needs improvement. It’s not a terrible thing for a rookie, but it must be considered.
So what are their strengths? Diawara is a switchable defender who can hold his own against most players due to his size and length, as is Sochan. Sochan is a great rebounder, while Diawara has sneakily been extremely effective on catch-and-shoot (41.5 3pt%) and corner threes (12-for-14).
Diawara is an asset in non-OG Anunoby minutes for a team that has a lot of guards and small wings in the rotation, but the team has specifically dominated minutes where Karl-Anthony Towns is playing and Jalen Brunson is sitting:
The best role for Diawara is to play the non-Brunson minutes, where KAT is the lead option on offense. Alvarado comes off the bench as the ballhandler, and his two-man game with him and Towns can collapse the defense enough to get it to an open shooter, such as Shamet or Diawara. It’s not a big role, but it’s a useful one for a rookie.
Figuring out a role for Sochan is more difficult, as he’s struggled mightily in his first few games as a Knick. It wasn’t going to be pretty every time, and it hasn’t yielded much in a small sample. Still, there might be one option that has the best chance of working out.
The Knicks are struggling badly when one of Towns or Robinson isn’t available. As much as we’ve wished Hukporti could emerge as a viable third center, it’s rough at times out there. When Towns had to sit for a bit in the fourth quarter against the Bulls, the offense ground to a halt.
That’s where Sochan comes in. Against teams without much size (like the Bulls, who deployed Jalen Smith and OAKAAK Guerschon Yabusele at the 5 that night), Sochan is a viable small-ball five who’s more versatile than Hukporti. Mike Brown hasn’t totally leaned into untraditional fives, but I think it’s worth considering deploying Sochan in that role over Hukporti when the team can’t throw one of Robinson or Towns out there.
There is a spacing component, as Sochan’s lack of perimeter shooting makes it so that it’s hard to see him on the floor with one of the Knicks’ worst/unwilling shooters (Robinson, Hart), but he can viably be used in spurts as a small-ball five in a lineup full of floor spacers.
The Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors head to the FedExForum this evening to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Draymond Green has been stepping it up offensively lately, and my Warriors vs. Grizzlies predictions are targeting him to keep that trend alive here.
Read more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 25.
Warriors vs Grizzlies prediction
Warriors vs Grizzlies best bet: Draymond Green Over 10.5 points (-115)
Draymond Green is averaging 8.5 points per game this season, which is right on par for him. After all, the veteran is more of a defensive presence and playmaker than a scorer. However, Steph Curry remains sidelined, and Draymond has seen an uptick in minutes.
He’s played 24+ minutes in three of his last four, surpassing the 30-minute mark in two of those contests. Green has also cashed the Over in points in three of his last four.
Draymond registered 11 points on Tuesday, and he’s averaging exactly 10.5 PPG across two meetings with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025-26.
Warriors vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
De'Anthony Melton has been on a different level lately, hitting the Over in points in three straight, erupting for 28 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans.
He also dropped 20 on Sunday against the Nuggets. Yes, this is a high total for a guy averaging just 12.7 PPG, but Melton is in his bag right now.
Dating to January 2025, the Golden State Warriors have won four straight against Memphis, including both this season.
While Golden State doesn’t have Curry and it's compiled an 11-17 record on the road, the Warriors will be motivated to bounce back after losing to a very poor Pelicans team.
Warriors vs Grizzlies SGP
Draymond Green Over 10.5 points
De'Anthony Melton Over 19.5 points
Warriors moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Seein' Green
Green is averaging 5.1 dimes this season, and he’s cashed the Over in two of his last three. The veteran is also averaging 6.0 assists against the Grizzlies in ‘25-26.
The Golden State Warriors have hit the 2Q Moneyline in 12 of their last 17 away games (+8.60 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Warriors vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Bay Area, FDSN Southeast-Memphis
Warriors vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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The 2025–26 NHL season is officially back in session, with the Vancouver Canucks returning from the break with a home-ice matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. Vancouver started off their 2026 Winter Olympic break with a 5–2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on February 4, while the Jets lost 5–1 to the Montréal Canadiens on the same day.
Winnipeg has two players on their roster who were part of the USA’s gold medal-winning effort — Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck — though it’s still slightly unclear which of them will take part in today’s game. On the Canucks’ side, Filip Chytil remains out of the lineup due to a facial fracture sustained in practice, while previously injured players such as Brock Boeser, Nils Höglander, and Zeev Buium have all taken part in the team’s practices through the past few days. Their statuses for tonight’s game will be confirmed later on in the day.
Through the final 25 games of their 2025–26 season, many will be watching the Canucks not for their usual end-of-season playoff push, but to get a better gauge of what the future looks like moving forward. Younger players like Tom Willander, Zeev Buium, and Liam Öhgren will be some who likely get increased minutes as a result of this. With the NHL Trade Deadline coming up, this will also probably end up occurring due to the moves many want Vancouver to make.
Heading into the 2026 Winter Olympic break, the line of Öhgren, Conor Garland, and Teddy Blueger found success together. These three played particularly well compared to the rest of the teams’ performances in the final two games against Vegas and the Utah Mammoth, as they factored into every goal scored during this span of time. The trio were put together during Vancouver’s practices through the past couple of days and will likely skate together again tonight.
Players To Watch:
Conor Garland
Alongside Blueger and Öhgren before the break, it looked as though Garland had begun to find his form. The forward had three assists in Vancouver’s games against Utah and Vegas at that time, with those being his first points since a two-assist night against the San Jose Sharks on December 27. Garland’s name has emerged in trade reports as of late, making the next couple of games leading into the March 6th Trade Deadline all the more notable.
Kyle Connor
Fresh off winning a gold medal with Team USA, Connor will be returning to the Jets with energy that his American teammates may not have. The forward skated in only two games while at the Olympics, sitting out of his team’s final four matches. Heading into the break earlier in February, Connor had been riding a five-game point-streak that he can increase with a goal or an assist later tonight.
Nov 11, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (4) watches as goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save on Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks (18–33–6):
Points:
Elias Pettersson: 13–21–34
Filip Hronek: 5–27–32
Jake DeBrusk: 13–15–28
Brock Boeser: 12–13–25
Evander Kane: 9–16–25
Goaltenders:
Thatcher Demko: 8–10–1
Kevin Lankinen: 7–19–4
Nikita Tolopilo: 3–3–1
Jiří Patera: 0–1–0
Winnipeg Jets (22–26–8):
Points:
Mark Scheifele: 27–41–68
Kyle Connor: 25–39–64
Gabriel Vilardi: 21–29–50
Josh Morrissey: 10–32–42
Alex Iafollo: 9–11–20
Goaltenders:
Connor Hellebuyck: 13–16–7
Eric Comrie: 9–9–1
Thomas Milic: 0–1–0
Game Information:
Start time: 7:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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The NHL resumes following the Olympic break, and the Winnipeg Jets head to Rogers Arena for a must-win game against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, February 25.
Winnipeg needs wins in bunches to make a playoff push, and my top Jets vs. Canucks predictions and NHL picks are calling for Winnipeg to continue its recent dominance over Vancouver tonight.
Jets vs Canucks prediction
Jets vs Canucks best bet: Jets moneyline (-125)
The Vancouver Canucks are just 6-17-4 on home ice this season, so I’m happy to lay the vig with a superior Winnipeg Jets lineup.
Both teams are dealing with injuries and Olympic returnees, so while there are questions to be answered on both benches, I also value Winnipeg beating Vancouver in eight of their past 10 matchups.
Of course, the Jets also rank higher in Corsi For percentage and expected goals percentage at five-on-five, in addition to both special teams.
Jets vs Canucks same-game parlay
Vancouver has scored the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.54), and Winnipeg has hit the Under in six of its past nine games. Additionally, the Jets haven’t hit an Over with a 6.5 total since November 29.
Turning to Winnipeg center Mark Scheifele, he recorded two or more shots in 10 of 14 games before the Olympic pause, and he also averaged a hefty 21:49 of ice time centering the top line and jumping the boards with the No. 1 power-play unit.
Vancouver has also allowed the seventh-most shots per game this season.
Jets vs Canucks SGP
Jets moneyline
Under 6.5
Mark Scheifele Over 1.5 shots
Jets vs Canucks odds
Moneyline: Jets -130 | Canucks +110
Puck Line: Jets -1.5 (+185) | Canucks +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+105) | Under 6.5 (-125)
Jets vs Canucks trend
The Vancouver Canucks have only won five of their last 25 games at home (-15.35 Units / -57% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs. Canucks.
How to watch Jets vs Canucks
Location
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, CA
Date
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN3, SNP
Jets vs Canucks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Feb 7, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) reacts during the second half against the BYU Cougars at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images | Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
Folks, it’s time. With the Dallas Mavericks firmly in position to compete for the NBA Draft Lottery, we need to take our first look at how the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft could play out. Myself, along with fellow Mavs Moneyball contributors David, Bryan and David hashed this all out during a live Pod Maverick during the all-star break, which you can see here.
Here’s where we settled in the lottery, with the remainder of the first round hashed out by me after the stream.
1) Brooklyn Nets – Darryn Peterson (G, Kansas)
Despite all his challenges, Peterson remains in the top spot. It’d be nice if over the course of the last month of the year, he’s able to consistently play full minute loads, as he did against Cincy and Houston on Saturday and Monday. However, the talent is undeniable, and he will be here until proven otherwise.
You could flip either of Dybantsa and Boozer around at two or three, depending on the team. Washington, in this scenario, takes Dybantsa to bolster their scoring with Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr manning the four and five.
3) Sacramento Kings – Cam Boozer (F, Duke)
Boozer follows suit and goes third to Sacramento, who desperately needs a steadying presence. With Sabonis likely on the move, Boozer is a plug and play starter.
4) Indiana Pacers – Caleb Wilson (F, North Carolina)
Indiana was favored by the Lottery Gods here in our sim, getting to keep their pick. The reward? Potentially the best defender in the class with Caleb Wilson.
5) Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Mikel Brown Jr. (G, Louisville)
The first real shocker comes at five, with Atlanta making Mikel Brown Jr. the first guard after Darryn Peterson to go off the board. However, when you dive into the numbers since conference play began for Brown Jr., he’s been every bit as good as the three guys who will follow him in this mock.
in conference play:
Flemings: 45.9% halfcourt rim (31.9% of FGA); 49.3% overall rim, 23.8% 3Pr
Brown: 59.1% halfcourt rim (25.9% of FGA); 65.6% overall, 57.5% 3Pr
Brown also 16-34 on pull-up threes
imo Mikel Brown Jr. has been the better player since conference play started https://t.co/ysFKw9ZmDH
As I said on the stream, this part of the draft is the ice cream shop. These guys are all comparable, and teams will simply be picking their favorite flavor.
6) Utah Jazz – Keaton Wagler (G, Illinois)
Wagler remains an interesting scout, as he and Acuff have similar strengths and weaknesses. The difference is that Wagler is 6’6”, which buys a lot of good will in NBA front offices.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
If the board were to fall this way, it’s a no brainer for the Mavericks. Kingston Flemings could be a day one starter at guard alongside Kyrie Irving. The defensive intangibles that come from playing for Kelvin Sampson at Houston are a huge strength, along with his offensive production. You could ask, “why would he fall?” An answer could be that the jumper just doesn’t look as good as some of the others here. However, it goes in all the same.
8) Memphis Grizzlies – Darius Acuff (G, Arkansas)
Memphis has had success in the past with smaller guards, in going from Mike Conley to Ja Morant. Acuff would be protected defensively here, as Cedric Coward and Zach Edey are pretty good safety blankets.
Yaxel Lendeborg went through the draft process last year before pulling out and transferring to Michigan. It’s paid off, as he has drastically improved as a player. His only real weakness is his age, but if Milwaukee is trying to win now, it’s a great pick. If not, they’ll probably take Ament.
10) Chicago Bulls – Nate Ament (F, Tennessee)
Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) moves the ball while guarded by Oklahoma guard Nijel Pack (9) during an NCAA college basketball game on Feb. 18, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The aforementioned Nate Ament has come a long way since the start of the season. Since SEC play began, he’s improved basically every statistical category from the non-conference slate. He might not make it all the way to the top five, as was projected preseason. However, the player we’ve seen for the last six weeks is the guy who was promised.
11) San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Hannes Steinbach (C, Washington)
Leave it to the Spurs to take the international guy. Steinbach, of Wurzburg, Germany, has been a glass eater for the Huskies this season. There is development to be done with some of the finer things, but you don’t have to squint too hard to see the vision.
12) Charlotte Hornets – Jayden Quaintance (F/C, Kentucky)
Quaintance has struggled with complications from knee surgery last year and has missed a lot of the season. However, he remains here because he has a ton of potential on the defensive side of the ball. If healthy, he’s probably a top six guy in the class. As is, if he slips any further than this it would make sense for him to return to school.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Brayden Burries might be my favorite prospect in the class. He plays with an outstanding feel for the game, mainly off ball with Jaden Bradley handling point guard duties for the Cats. Burries is an excellent shooter, works well in the secondary creation role, and defends very well. I’d take him as high as nine.
Portland is a true wildcard here, as their draft is somewhat run by former ESPN draft scout Mike Schmitz. Philon has had some wild variance over the course of this draft cycle. It went overshadowed, as Darius Acuff scored 49, but Philon dropped 35 points and seven assists in that double overtime win against Arkansas. He’s got great burst to get to the rim, and he shoots it at high level. Philon is firmly in the mix here late in the lottery.
15) Miami Heat – Koa Peat (F, Arizona)
It’s fair to wonder if Koa Peat returns to school if he falls out of the lottery. Peat has some seasoning that needs to happen offensively in order to reach his potential, as it’s pretty much all bully ball right now. However, they don’t make them like this guy physically. He’s a brute.
16) Golden State Warriors – Karim Lopez (F, New Zealand)
Lopez has seen a steady rise all the way to the outskirts of the lottery. He is a bit of a combo forward, which could be intriguing to a team like Golden State.
17) Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic) – Thomas Haugh (F, Florida)
The Grizzlies are a data-driven organization, which makes a guy like Haugh an interesting option. He does it all for Florida and could be a fun option alongside Coward, Edey and a guy like Darius Acuff. However, Memphis could be a trade team if they package their two first round picks together.
18) Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) – Joshua Jefferson (F, Iowa State)
It would be shocking if OKC didn’t try and package these picks together for one better lottery selection. If they do stick here, Joshua Jefferson could be a replacement for the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein.
19) Charlotte Hornets (via Suns) – Braylon Mullins (G, UConn)
Mullins would add more offensive pop to the Hornets, which would be pretty scary off of their bench. Again, keep an eye on Charlotte to potentially trade in the draft.
20) Toronto Raptors – Cam Carr (G, Baylor)
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Baylor has been an unmitigated disaster this season. Their lack of a true point guard has hurt both Carr and Tounde Yessoufou, but the talent is still flashing. Carr is an excellent shooter and good at creating off secondary action, making him a nice fit in Toronto.
21) Detroit Pistons (via Wolves) – Morez Johnson (F, Michigan)
Detroit earned this swap at the trade deadline, which would allow them to take a guy in Morez Johnson that has been wonderful for Michigan this season. Detroit could use some forward help, especially if they decide not to pay some of the guys they currently have.
22) Los Angeles Lakers – Patrick Ngongba (C, Duke)
The need for a center is still there in Los Angeles. Luka Doncic has already shown the ability to win the west with a rookie center from Duke. So, might as well spin the block.
23) New York Knicks – Dailyn Swain (F, Texas)
Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Swain has been a steady riser during this process, as he has really taken off since SEC play began. The worry here is the shot, because he is ready made in all other aspects of the game.
24) Atlanta Hawks (via Cavs) – Bennett Stirtz (G, Iowa)
Atlanta could use a guard that will help steady them, and Stirtz fits the bill nicely. He won’t ever be a star, but he seems destined to run second units for 12 years. He does almost everything well on the offensive end, but the limits defensively will cap him.
25) Denver Nuggets – Amari Allen (F, Alabama)
If Denver is truly unable to pay Peyton Watson this offseason, it’s time to start looking for his replacement. Amari Allen is perfect for that, as he will come in as a readymade shooter and defender.
26) Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets) – Chris Cenac Jr. (F, Houston)
Cenac is awesome, but it’s fair to question whether he’d remain in the draft if he is slated to slip here. If he stays, teams are getting an elite rebounder, solid defender and a guy who isn’t afraid to shoot. He’s got nice touch, but the shot selection could use some work.
27) Boston Celtics – Aday Mara (C, Michigan)
Don’t let the Duke game fool you, Aday Mara has been really good for the Wolverines and is deserving of this first round consideration. For a Boston team that needs a big, he’d be an immediate fit.
28) Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs) – Christian Anderson (G, Texas Tech)
Christian Anderson is undervalued by almost everyone, which allows the fall here to 28 and Cleveland. The sophomore guard is an excellent offensive player, shooting over 40% from three and running an elite two man game with JT Toppin. With Toppin now out, it’s time to see Anderson do what he did in the FIBA U19 World Cup with Germany: Carry a team to victory.
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Yessoufou has been victimized by Baylor’s lack of point guard play, so the numbers aren’t as impressive as you’d hope. But the athletic ability is truly elite, as Yessoufou is able to guard and is a connecting piece offensively. The shot doesn’t look as bad as the low 30’s percentage from three would tell you, so there is hope on that end, too. Think Lu Dort, but without everything you hate about Lu Dort.
Tyler Tanner is an absolute joy to watch. He is fantastic on the offensive end, and the effort can never be questioned. Of course, he’s listed at 6’0”, 170 pounds, which is why he finds himself here. But, there’s a spot in the league for guys like him. Minnesota could work, especially considering their need for guard play off the bench.
MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 24: Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three point basket during the game against the Miami Heat on February 24, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks put their disappointing loss to the Toronto Raptors in the rear-view mirror last night, taking down the Miami Heat 128-117. The Bucks’ defense shut the door on Miami, holding them to six points in the final six minutes of regulation. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
What a fourth quarter it was for KPJ. He just went into total takeover mode. Also, having seven assists to just one turnover is the next step in his evolution.
It took Green until the second half to put in his first points, but he found other ways to contribute with five rebounds and four assists. You want more scoring and shooting from him, but efforts like last night are good enough.
If Kuzma didn’t tail off in the second half, he might have gotten highest grade on the team. Kuz got a little three-point happy throughout the game, but starting the game with nine of the Bucks’ first 11 points made up for a lot of that.
Thomas was due for a stinker. He did have a nice stretch to end the first half, converting a crazy and-one layup and drilling a step-back midrange jumper over Tyler Herro. Outside of that, though, it was a quiet night for Cam.
Big shoutout to the load Sims carried. He played the final 17:22 of the game and looked great (particularly in the fourth, helping to limit Bam to just two points and one rebound).
The Ous finally got loose in Milwaukee. After going scoreless in his home debut against Toronto, Dieng had himself a solid day against Miami; he was much more assertive and aggressive.
Grade: B
Doc Rivers
Doc nearly cost the team the game again in the fourth quarter. For some reason, he left in a lineup of Rollins, Thomas, Dieng, Sims, and Portis that was getting shredded by the Heat. He stuck with that lineup for too long in the fourth quarter, getting down by nine at one point. Rivers saved himself by subbing in Green, and the Bucks immediately went on a 9-0 run.
Grade: C+
DNP-CD: Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr., Pete Nance, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
Bonus Bucks Bits
Doc used the term “manhandled” when describing their performance against the Raptors on Sunday. He was asked about how his team responded last night:
“This was a big response for us. This is what we haven’t done this year. We’ll get a nice stretch of games going, then we’ll lose, and then, in the next game, we’ll give in again. There were stretches where we could’ve given in, and we didn’t. I told them after the game, ‘that’s a gut kind of win for us.’”
Ousmane Dieng finally got on the scoreboard at Fiserv. I asked Doc about what he thought of the young wing’s performance.
“He was terrific, more in the second half. I thought in the first half he got beat a couple of times off the dribble, some of the fouls. In the second half, I just thought he got aggressive, pushed the ball, made plays, made threes. The kid is 22 [years old], and he’s gonna get better every night.”
On Sunday, the Lakers immortalized legendary former head coach Pat Riley with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena (still hate that name). Doc Rivers, who played under Riley when they were both on the New York Knicks, talked about Riley being the one who got him into coaching in the first place:
“People think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not; if Pat Riley never coaches me, I never coach; it’s that simple. Mike Fratello would argue he’s the one; he always told me I was going to coach, but I was hell-bent on going into TV when I was playing with the Hawks. During the summer, I worked for TNT and CNN, and I was going to become a broadcaster; that is what I wanted to do. Then I played for Pat Riley, and I just watched him coach. How he motivated, how he pushed, and it changed me. I’m sure it’s in one of Pat’s books; the big blow-up argument we had, a lot of it was over that. He said, ‘you’re gonna coach one day,’ and I was so mad at him at the time, I told him, ‘have you frickin’ lost your mind?’ The fact that I’m closing in on him, with a chance to pass him in wins, is crazy to me. I never thought I’d do it this long, and I’d like it this much because I never wanted to do it.”
Rivers also said that he thinks coaches should go back to wearing suits in the playoffs, after Pat Riley said as much. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra seemed a bit more tepid about the idea:
“Pat and I debate about this all the time. We went to the Hall of Fame for Mickey Arison (owner of the Miami Heat). So, I had to wear back-to-back nights of suits, and I swear that’s all Pat was talking about. I could see the argument both ways. I think as long as we look professional and different from the players, I think that’s great. I think it’s becoming a little bit different in corporate America, but then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp.”
Up Next
The Bucks are back in action tonight in the second game of a back-to-back, as they’ll be hosting the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers with James Harden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time, and you can watch it on both FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and over the air on WMLW.
Matthew Pouliot
George Bissell
