WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 23, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard will reportedly miss his first game since returning to the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling. This means that Leonard will miss the highly anticipated matchup between the Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
Ja’Kobe Walter will be inserted into the starting lineup in Leonard’s place.
With the Raptors and Timberwolves being two of the nine remaining undefeated teams, the showdown is the first real litmus test for both squads. While it’s unfortunate that fans won’t get to see their rosters at full strength, intrigue continues to surround this team’s long-term sustainability without Leonard, particularly against contenders.
The last time Leonard missed a game was against the Golden State Warriors on Apr. 12. It was the Los Angeles Clippers’ season finale. Before then, Leonard had played in 11 consecutive games, which included a 27-point performance in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Mar. 25. Leonard returned for the Clippers’ play-in game against the Warriors.
Leonard appeared in 65 games during his final season in Los Angeles. He hasn’t appeared in at least 60 games in consecutive seasons since 2015-17, both of which were his first two seasons as an All-Star. During the Raptors Media Day, Leonard suggested that he would like to play more this year.
In his legendary run with the Raptors in 2019, Leonard finished with 60 regular-season appearances.
During Toronto’s 112-102 victory over the Washington Wizards on Oct. 23, Head Coach Darko Rajakovic played Leonard 27 minutes. In the season-opener, the Klaw finished with 23 minutes. The Raptors play their first set of two games in three nights against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 and 30.
After that, the Raptors get their first back-to-back, conveniently against the Los Angeles Lakers (Nov. 1) and the Clippers (Nov. 2). If the early load management means that Leonard is good to go for their business trip to Los Angeles, then this could be worth it.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks shoots a basket against Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another two winless teams will square off at Madison Square Garden tonight, when the Knicks (0-2) host the Orlando Magic (0-2). The World Champs share the basement of the Eastern Conference with Disneys, but won’t for long. Paolo Banchero is out for Orlando with a bum ankle, as is Jonathan Issac, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson. As fo this early-morning writing, Orlando’s Anthony Black and New York’s Jose Alvarado (ankle) are game-time-decision.
This should be a gimme for our guys, so let’s see if they’re up to the task. Tip off is 7 pm EST on NBA League Pass. This is your game thread. This is Pinstriped Post. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!
CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks took on the Florida Panthers at the United Center for a Sunday afternoon matinee. With the Panthers being one of the elite teams in the NHL based on their pedigree, the Blackhawks knew they would have to match that level of play for 60 minutes if they were going to have a chance.
The Blackhawks are in the middle of a run against many of the league's top teams. Jeff Blashill spoke before the game about how this is a good thing for his young group as they work towards becoming a winner themselves.
The Blackhawks are currently a team that gets off to a great start early in the game and lets it fall apart shortly after taking a lead. Well, this game had a similar start.
The Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead at 2:34 of the first period. Kevin Korchinski, who was inserted into the lineup for this game, threw one towards the net that was batted out of midair to Ryan Greene, whose first of the year gave the Blackhawks the lead.
When the first period was over, however, it was 2-1 Panthers thanks to goals scored by Sandis Vilmanis and Matthew Tkachuk. Once again, the Blackhawks couldn't get out of the first period with the lead after going up 1-0.
Unlike most games so far this season, however, the Blackhawks didn't totally fall apart in the second period. After being blown out on the shot clock in the first period (15-6), they kept it even at 9 apiece in the second.
The Blackhawks also scored the only goal of the middle frame. Roman Kantserov scored on a low shot immediately after receiving a pass from Patrick Kane. Connor Bedard also collected an assist on the goal. That 2-2 score held through the second intermission.
In the third period, the Panthers began with the advantage in terms of overall play, but they were unable to break through before the Blackhawks started to find their legs. An unfortunate line change, however, allowed Lars Eller to skate in and snipe one past Spencer Knight with 2:23 remaining.
The Blackhawks desperately tried to tie it with Knight on the bench for the extra attacker, but they were unable to get it done. The 3-2 score held as the final.
The power play (and special teams in general) were the biggest issue for the Blackhawks in this game. They went a stunning 0/7 with the man advantage and allowed 1 power-play goal to Florida on their 4 tries.
If the Blackhawks converted on just one of their chances, they would have at minimum earned 1 standings point in the game. Instead, their league-worst power play got even worse, and they got nothing in the standings. For a team that has trouble scoring as it is, missing this many times on the power play is going to sink them even further.
The Chicago Blackhawks will end their 7-game homestand on Tuesday. They will welcome the Los Angeles Kings to the United Center. After that, they will hit the road for two games against the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins.
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The team fell to its first loss Sunday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, losing a 106-93 game to the Pistons. Detroit improved to 3-0 and the Sixers dipped to 3-1.
Tyrese Maxey was the Sixers’ top scorer with 29 points. LeBron James added 18, Jaylen Brown 16.
Pistons star Cade Cunningham had 26 points and Duncan Robinson scored 21.
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Sixers were shorthanded. Their players out included Joel Embiid (right plantar fasciitis injury management), VJ Edgecombe (abdominal contusion) and Jabari Walker (left knee soreness).
Detroit was down Jalen Duren (right hamstring strain) and Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain).
The Sixers will next play Wednesday when they visit the Pacers. Here are observations on their defeat to Detroit:
Sixers woeful on many fronts in early going
The Sixers opted against starting a conventional center. They began the game with Maxey, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brown, James and Dean Wade. Adem Bona later subbed in at center.
Positional labels didn’t matter much for the Sixers’ defense, which appeared to start the night switching every screen. On the other end, former Sixers center Paul Reed guarded James, who operated frequently as a screener.
The Sixers’ starters had a hard time doing just about everything in their first stint. Rebounding was a glaring and predictable problem. Detroit had five offensive rebounds before the Sixers grabbed their first defensive board.
Maxey missed two early attempts in the paint and a mid-range jumper. Reed converted a put-back layup, Cunningham scored a fast-break hoop, and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse burned a timeout. His team plummeted into a 15-1 hole.
Entering the season, it was evident that the Sixers were thin at backup center without Ariel Hukporti (right Achilles tendon tear) and Dominick Barlow (lower back stress reaction). They did not have a remotely encouraging start Sunday in their first Embiid-less game of the regular season.
Slow start, foul trouble for Maxey
Maxey was whistled for his second foul with 6:09 to go in the first quarter.
That led to first-period minutes for rookie Labaron Philon Jr. He scored his first NBA points with a fast-break floater.
Anfernee Simons and Bona were the two other members of the shorthanded Sixers’ second unit. Bona fared rather well late in the first quarter. After recording six rebounds over the Sixers’ first three games, Bona matched that number in the first, played active defense and chipped in a bucket and a block. He logged 25 minutes on the night and had six points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Maxey checked back in to start the second quarter. He got on the scoreboard with 7:06 left in the second, although he picked up his third foul 32 seconds later.
Detroit’s defense focused on containing Maxey and had plenty of success in the first half. Daniss Jenkins guarded him tightly and the Sixers’ All-NBA guard often saw a crowd of bodies in the lane.
No comeback up Sixers’ sleeve this time
Down 21 points late in the second quarter, the Sixers stormed back into the game. They closed the quarter on a 9-0 spurt and at least gave themselves a legitimate chance in the second half.
The Sixers kept rolling to kick off the half, scoring the first five points of the third quarter. James’ fast-break lay-in cut the Pistons’ lead to 58-53 and had the home fans fired up.
The Sixers still maintained considerable pressure on the Pistons in the fourth quarter.
Bona slammed in a put-back dunk and then chased down an offensive rebound on the Sixers’ next possession. Maxey eventually hit a mid-range shot over Jenkins to trim the Sixers’ deficit to 79-75. He got on track in the second half and created his typical trouble for the opposing defense with world-class downhill speed.
The Pistons avoided a disastrous downslide. Credit to the Sixers for another serious, high-energy comeback push — and on the second leg of a back-to-back — but the bottom line is they paid for a poor start and tasted defeat for the first time on Sunday night.
England legend Jimmy Anderson has been culled by his boyhood county, Lancashire, but the 44-year-old pace bowler is yet to call it quits on his 25-year professional career.
The Florida Panthers got off the schneid on Sunday afternoon in Chicago.
Fresh off a pair of frustrating, multi-goal defeats, the Panthers earned themselves a gritty 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
It wasn’t a great start for Florida, as the Cats were bogged down in their own zone during the early minutes of the game.
Chicago was able to capitalize when Ryan Greene finished off a quick play that saw a point shot by Kevin Korchinski go wide, but Andrew Mangiapane was below the goal line and quickly popped the puck to a wide-open Greene in the slot.
Just like that, it was 1-0 Blackhawks at the 2:34 mark.
That was apparently the wakeup call that Florida needed.
After a few strong shifts by the Panthers to change the momentum, Sandis Vilmanis pounced on a Sam Reinhart rebound to knot the score at one about four minutes later.
Florida then pulled off a couple strong penalty kills, including an extended 5-on-3, before Seth Jones fired a shot from distance that hit off Matthew Tkachuk’s body and went into the net, giving the Panthers their first lead of the day.
A tally by Roman Kantserov, the only goal scored in the second period, would send the game into the final frame knotted up at two.
That’s how the score would remain until the game’s final minutes.
Catching Chicago in a bad line change, Aaron Ekbald found Lars Eller all alone at the Blackhawks’ blue line with nobody in a red sweater anywhere close to him.
Eller walked in all alone on Spencer Knight and fired a shot from the right circle that sailed past Knight’s blocker and into the far side of the net with just 2:23 remaining.
Lars Eller with the LATE goal as the Hawks were changing for the lead 🚨
A few big saves by Akira Schmid later and Florida was back on the winning side of things.
Schmid came up huge throughout the game, but he came up with several crucial stops during the third period, including a couple breakaways and a big blocker stop on Patrick Kane in the final seconds.
He finished the game with 20 saves, including stops on eight of the nine high danger shots he faced, according to Natural Stat Trick.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a one-year, $3 million contract to end a contract stalemate with a restricted free agent yet to play this season.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions announced the deal Sunday, coming after Nikishin's name had been mentioned as a potential trade candidate as he sat out to start the year.
“We’re glad that Alexander is returning to our group,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said in a statement. “This has been a long process, but we look forward to him re-entering our locker room ready to contribute with the Hurricanes, as he did during a Stanley Cup championship season last year.”
The 25-year-old Nikishin was a third-round pick in the 2020 draft and had been considered a prized prospect. He made his NHL debut when he was pressed into duty due to injuries in the 2025 playoffs, which ended with a loss to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.
Nikishin played 81 regular-season games last year and posted 11 goals, 22 assists and a plus-18 rating. He worked as a third-pairing defenseman while appearing in 17 of 19 postseason games as the Hurricanes won their second Cup, the other coming in 2006.
Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players...
Nov. 4, 2:10 p.m.
The Knicks have ruled Josh Hart out for the team's game against the Bulls on Wednesday due to right ankle soreness he suffered in the team's win against the Nets on Monday.
This is the first game Hart will miss this season and the second Knick to not be available due to an injury after bench guard Jose Alvarado missed four games with an ankle injury.
Following Wednesday's game, the Knicks have a few days off before New York heads to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Nov. 3, 8:40 p.m.
The Knicks are listing Josh Hart as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls due to right ankle soreness.
Hart has played in all seven of New York's games this season, averaging 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 31.7 minutes per contest.
As per usual, Hart filled up the box score in Monday's win over the Nets with eight points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals.
Additionally, Chicago (1-6) is listing big men Nic Claxton (hamstring) as questionable and Jalen Smith (left finger sprain) as probable for the game.
Nov. 2, 6:00 p.m.
Jose Alvarado is back.
Head coach Mike Brown said the point guard will play Monday night against the Nets.
He has missed the past four games due to an ankle injury, having played just twice this season.
Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Jose Alvarado is officially listed as questionable for the Knicks' home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
Alvarado has averaged 13.5 minutes per game across two contests this year, with five assists to four turnovers so far.
Oct. 28, 2:30 p.m.
Jose Alvarado has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Bulls in Chicago. This will mark the third straight game that the Knicks' backup point guard has missed due to an ankle sprain.
In Alvarado's absence, the Knicks have used Tyler Kolek more off the bench.
During Sunday's loss against the Magic, Kolek had zero points on 0-for-4 shooting, but came down with three rebounds and nine assists in his 15 minutes on the court. In Tuesday's win over the Pistons at MSG, the guard had two points, one rebound, three assists and two steals in his 11 minutes, helping the Knicks to their first win of the season.
Oct. 27, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado will miss his second straight game with an ankle sprain as he will not feature for New York on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
Alvarado last played in the team's 107-103 loss against the Boston Celtics on Friday and struggled on the court during his 11 minutes of action.
He scored just two points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, but he turned the ball over three times and finished as a minus-10.
Alvarado fared better in the season-opener, scoring eight points with three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and was a plus-6 in 16 minutes.
Oct. 25, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado popped up on New York's injury report on Saturday and has now been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic with a left ankle sprain, according to head coach Mike Brown in his pregame press conference.
The backup point guard is the lone Knicks player to appear on the injury report.
They’ve opened the season by making a statement with wins over the Spurs and Nuggets. The 2025 champions are showing they’re serious about reaching the mountaintop again after getting eliminated by the Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James and company look like the real deal after beating the defending champion Knicks as well as the Celtics. James, who’s turning 42 years old this season, could actually win his fifth championship if the 76ers keep this up.
Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) and Tyrese Maxey celebrate after a score against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
3. New York Knicks
Their 0-2 start isn’t great. But they’re the defending champions and deserve to be near the top of these rankings until proven otherwise.
4. San Antonio Spurs
There will be some growing pains integrating a three-guard rotation. But it won’t be long until they figure it out. Wemby carried this team to the Finals last year and he’s expected to carry them far again.
5. Houston Rockets
This team might’ve been slept on entering the season. Fred VanVleet is back and Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are looking dangerous. The Rockets could be a dark horse in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler, left, shoots as LA Clippers center Brook Lopez defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Anthony Edwards is so much fun. He opened this season with a 45-point performance against the Heat. When he and LaMelo Ball figure things out, the Timberwolves could make some real noise.
8. Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard and Immanuel Quickley can’t be slept on this season. The Raptors’ starters combined for 92 points to beat the Bulls by 43 points in their opening game.
9. Detroit PIstons
They’re looking good but were dealt a blow when Jalen Duren suffered a right hamstring strain. He’s going to be reevaluated in two weeks, which means the team is going to face a very tough stretch without him, including playing the 76ers twice and the Knicks.
10. Boston Celtics
Paul George had a 38-point performance in the Celtics’ loss to the Pistons in their season-opener, followed by Jayson Tatum scoring 36 points in a win over the Knicks. The Celtics’ stars are looking ready to go.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) battles for position with New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter of a game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
11. Denver Nuggets
This team has a great starting lineup. But not much depth.
12. Portland Trail Blazers
Welcome back, Dame. We missed you. Lillard has seemingly found his rhythm after missing last season because of a torn left Achilles’ tendon. Lillard, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara are going to be a lot of fun this season.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
The 19-year-old Cam Boozer already looks like an All-Star. In his second NBA game, he finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals in a win over the Warriors.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will need more scoring from James Harden, who’s averaging 14 points over two games, if they’re going to make any noise in the East.
15. Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg could be dangerous when they find a rhythm alongside one another. They’ve had a tough opening schedule, with losses to the Spurs and Rockets. But this team has a lot of promise.
Cooper Flagg (32) and Kyrie Irving (11) of the Dallas Mavericks look on during a game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. NBAE via Getty Images
16. Indiana Pacers
We’ve learned not to underestimate Tyrese Haliburton after he led the Pacers to the Finals in 2025. This team will always be dangerous with him on it.
17. Miami Heat
The Heat are off to a rough start at 0-3. But Bam Adebayo hasn’t looked like himself. We’re still optimistic that he and Giannis Antetokounmpo will figure things out, though.
18. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks beat the Magic and Hornets and a lot of guys are making contributions. They have a lot of promise on both sides of the court.
19. Charlotte Hornets.
Love seeing Naz Reid balling out for the Hornets. He’s averaging career-highs in points (20), rebounds (8.7) and assists (three) in his team’s three games, including wins over the Heat and Nets and a loss against the Hawks.
20. Orlando Magic
An 0-2 start isn’t what Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs had in mind. This team better get things together or it’s going to be a long season.
21. Utah Jazz
A 20-point loss to the Grizzlies in their season-opener wasn’t on their bingo card. But it’s early and I expect Lauri Markkanen to get his act together soon.
22. Phoenix Suns
They lost to the Trail Blazers by 41 points in their season-opener. Still stunned by that. But Devin Booker redeemed himself with a 43-point performance against the Warriors on Saturday.
23. Washington Wizards
Trae Young and Anthony Davis both have a lot to prove. This team is a wildcard. They could exceed expectations…or flounder. They’ve only really been tested by the Raptors so far in a 112-102 loss. This is a team to keep your eye on.
24. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson has lived up to expectations, averaging 22.3 points and eight rebounds in three games. His Rookie of the Year campaign has officially begun.
LA Clippers guard Darius Garland, right, passes while under pressure from Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
25. Los Angeles Clippers
They’re missing so many guys, but Darius Garland looks like he’s back in All-Star mode, which is nice to see after he was hampered by injuries last season.
26. Golden State Warriors
Things aren’t looking great for this injury-riddled team that’s without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody moody for the first few months of the season and Kristaps Porzingis indefinitely. But they still have Steph Curry and Draymond Green. And Yaxel Lendeborg is a ton of fun on and off the court, including recently making waves for saying he lost all respect for Luka Doncic.
27. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are off to an 0-3 start, though they did take the Nuggets to overtime in a game on Saturday. It appears to be the same old sad story for this team.
28. Sacramento Kings
It’s going to be a long season for the Kings, who currently have the second-worst offensive rating in the NBA (102.4).
29. Brooklyn Nets
They’re in rebuild mode, but Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. are still fun to watch.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 16: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards dunks during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards announced that forward AJ Dybantsa is out for tomorrow’s road game against the Charlotte Hornets, which was reported by our own Greg Finberg.
NEWS: AJ Dybantsa (ankle) is OUT for Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, per the Wizards' injury report.https://t.co/ENgG3TnGM4
It’s frustrating that Dybantsa has yet to play a game this season. But the Wizards are appearing to take a conservative approach and they are 2-1 this season. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Vegas Golden Knights are coming home with a three-game losing streak and a growing list of questions about how quickly they can rediscover the habits that fueled their strong start.
Vegas has surrendered 14 goals during the skid, following consecutive 6-2 losses to Tampa Bay and St. Louis, and Saturday’s 2-1 overtime defeat at Columbus.
But the latest setback offered a different concern. After struggling to keep opponents off the scoreboard, the Golden Knights tightened things considerably and still couldn’t generate enough offense to finish the job.
At 8-4-1, Vegas has room to correct its course. With two home games ahead, beginning Tuesday against Ottawa, three storylines deserve the closest attention.
1. Can Vegas make its defensive improvement stick?
Saturday represented progress after two games in which defensive breakdowns repeatedly became goals.
Carter Hart stopped 18 shots, and Vegas limited Columbus to one regulation goal. That gave the Golden Knights a foundation they badly needed after allowing six goals in consecutive outings.
The challenge now is making that structure repeatable.
Following the loss in St. Louis, coach Ryan Craig addressed hesitation when players had opportunities to pressure the puck.
“When you have a chance to close, we want you to go,” Craig said. “The four other guys are reading off you.”
That connection is essential. When one player pressures and the others hesitate, passing lanes open and opponents gain space to attack.
Coming home should give Vegas an opportunity to reinforce those reads through practice and familiar routines. The next step is carrying Saturday’s tighter coverage into another complete game while maintaining enough pressure to force opponents into mistakes.
One improved defensive performance offers encouragement. Consecutive performances would provide stronger evidence that the correction is taking hold.
2. When will the penalty kill stop deciding games?
The Golden Knights survived regulation Saturday, but their penalty kill couldn’t survive overtime.
Adam Fantilli’s power-play winner extended a troubling stretch: Vegas has allowed a power-play goal in five consecutive games.
That leaves almost no margin when the offense stalls.
The overtime situation was especially unforgiving, with Shea Theodore serving a holding penalty and Columbus enjoying a four-on-three advantage. Still, the larger issue extends beyond one penalty or one coverage decision.
Vegas needs cleaner clears, coordinated pressure and fewer opportunities
for opponents to establish possession and move the puck through dangerous areas.
Discipline matters, too. A struggling penalty kill becomes an even greater liability when it must repeatedly protect a tie or preserve a narrow lead.
For a team trying to regain control of games, special teams must become a source of stability. Right now, opponents believe one opportunity can change the outcome.
3. Can the offense recover without sacrificing structure?
Vegas has scored five goals in its three losses, a sharp drop from the 17 it scored during its preceding three-game winning streak.
Tomas Hertl supplied Saturday’s lone goal by finishing a rebound. That sequence offered a useful reminder of where offense can come from when cleaner opportunities disappear: traffic, second chances and persistence around the crease.
Mitch Marner missed both road games while staying in Las Vegas for his child's birth. His availability will be worth monitoring, but the offense is spread throughout the lineup.
The Golden Knights need more sustained possessions and more players arriving in scoring areas together.
They also must resist forcing plays simply because goals have become harder to find. That approach risks reopening the defensive problems they began addressing in Columbus.
The opportunity at home is straightforward: build on the improved defending, repair the penalty kill and generate offense that doesn’t depend on trading chances.
THIS WEEK
Tuesday vs. Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
Vegas opens its two-game homestand against an Ottawa team coming off a seven-goal performance against the Rangers, including a Drake Batherson hat trick. Containing Batherson and Tim Stutzle will test whether the Golden Knights can build on their improved defensive effort in Columbus.
Friday vs. New Jersey Devils, 3 p.m.
The Nevada Day matinee brings a Devils team bolstered by Connor Hellebuyck, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner New Jersey acquired from Winnipeg. If Hellebuyck gets the start, Vegas will need traffic, rebounds and sustained pressure to challenge him. With Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt driving New Jersey’s attack, the Golden Knights must generate those chances without exposing themselves defensively.
PHOTO CAPTION
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) picks up a loose puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on October 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hornets won 110-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets are still searching for their first win of the 2026-27 season, and they’ll have to find it on tired legs.
Brooklyn nearly erased a 22-point deficit in Cleveland on Saturday, outscoring the Cavaliers 41-29 in the fourth quarter before falling 125-121. The Nets return to Barclays Center on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back.
Meanwhile, sixth-overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. won’t be active for this one. He’s already on a minutes restriction and it looks like the Nets will keep him out of second night of back-to-backs for the foreseeable future. He rolled his ankle in the preseason.
Indiana arrives in Brooklyn coming off their own 16-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Info & How to Watch
Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-2) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-1)
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
Nets-Pacers Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. — OUT
Indiana Pacers
T.J. McConnell – OUT
Johnny Furphy – OUT
Ben Sheppard – OUT
Braden Smith – DOUBTFUL
💬 Discussion
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Just a reminder what Kimi needs to do to become the youngest world champion of all time today. He’ll clinch the title if he wins and George Russell finishes outside the top eight, with Lewis Hamilton outside the top four.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Sal Frelick #10 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in game two of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field on October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s no doubt that the first two games of the 2026 World Series have been nothing short of incredible. The City of Milwaukee has waited 44 years for this and is now two wins away from its first World Series in 69 years.
With any team that’s making a run to a championship, many different factors go into a team’s success; for the Brewers, it’s so difficult to narrow it down to just one. Of course, you’ve got the bullpen, the relentlessness of the offense, and a manager’s trust in the midst of adversity.
For once, the Brewers’ starting pitching, clever defense, and small-ball approach aren’t holding down the fort. Rather, the monotonous, tedious at-bats mixed with the ability to feed off one another have been driving the boat, and that’s what we saw in last night’s tumultuous 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Of the many storylines to come out of last night, it was the Brewers bullpen once again, dominating the mound. Specifically, Aaron Ashby improved his postseason line to a whopping 15.2 innings pitched, five hits allowed, and 17 strikeouts, the best line of anyone on the team. He is now second in MLB history with the most consecutive scoreless innings pitched to start the postseason, trailing only 2016 Andrew Miller with the Cleveland Indians by .1 innings.
While the Brewers pitching got 27 outs in a high-stress volume, the Brewers offense put far more pressure on the Rays pitching staff by prolonging at-bats. Beginning at surface level, the Brewers were retired in order just once last night, which came in the bottom of the second inning. Outside of that, the Brewers sent at least four batters to the plate in each inning.
The at-bats that jolted the Brewers offense awake weren’t lengthy, which is astonishing. But the punches that were landed, meaning at-bats where runs were scored, batters took longer in the box. Chourio and Bauers saw a collective of five pitches to get the offense started; after that, each at-bat that resulted in a run, the Brewers offense saw at least six pitches.
From that point on, the narrative wasn’t just Bauers’ ability to put together long at-bats but rather the entire lineup. During those long innings for the Rays pitching staff, they struggled to put away the Brewers hitters. Even in the “shortest” inning of the night for the Rays pitching staff, the Brewers forced Drew Rasmussen to throw 18 pitches to go 1-2-3. A large chunk of those pitches were thrown to Jackson Chourio, who quickly fell into a 0-2 count before fouling off five pitches, mixed in with three balls. Not that Rasmussen had his A+ stuff last night, but this at-bat was quietly underrated despite it resulting in a groundout, as that had pushed his pitch count to 48 through two innings.
Once Logan Henderson settled into the game, the Brewers offense began chipping away, slowly and methodically. After a lengthy bottom of the second inning, none other than Bauers stepped in and picked up right where the offense left off. Bauers went to the plate and saw seven pitches to open the bottom of the third. Christian Yelich followed up with a six-pitch at-bat himself.
To some, seeing Rasmussen come out for the fourth inning was a bit of a shock, but to the Brewers, they saw an opportunity: to break into the Rays bullpen before hitting the halfway mark of the game. Cooper Pratt settled into the game nicely after his first-inning error and proved it after his not-so-rookie-looking at-bat. After a called strike to open his plate appearance, he swung at a pitch quite far outside of the zone, then came three straight takes. All three were on a fastball, until he fouled one off before walking. After a few quicker at-bats from the bottom of the lineup, Bauers landed the final blow to Rasmussen with another six-pitch at-bat to load the bases.
Throughout the 2026 postseason, the Brewers have faced a handful of the best pitchers with the highest Whiff percentages in baseball. Whiff% measures how often a batter swings and misses the ball compared to the total number of swings they take. So far in the postseason, they have faced five pitchers that all rank in the top 50 among qualified starters. Rasmussen was one last night, Nick Martinez the other, and of course Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the NLCS.
If you lower the Whiff% to a minimum of 50 innings pitched, the number of pitchers that the Brewers have seen in the postseason spikes to 10 out of the top 100. This goes to show that the quality of pitching that the Brewers have seen throughout this run, with all the comebacks involved, is among the top in baseball.
Cam Booser had the most efficient inning from any Rays pitcher that we’ve seen at any point in the World Series, as it took him just 10 pitches to get through the fifth inning, and that’s with allowing a one-out walk. The next inning, though, you could see the tide change. Sal Frelick isn’t known for his power, until it comes to tying the game in big moments. First, in college, when Boston College trailed by three, what’d he do? Take Auburn deep to right-center field to tie the game. The next? Game three of the 2024 Wild Card Series to extend the Brewers’ lead over the New York Mets. Finally, in the biggest and best at-bat of his career, he hits a home run straightaway to center field to tie the game.
How’d he get there? By making Ian Seymour throw eight pitches. After getting ahead 0-1, Seymour threw him two straight balls. Then the foul barrage came. Four of them, all by just a flick of the bat. Then, he got a gift of a fastball left over the plate, and he didn’t miss. It was his first home run since July 11th. This season alone, most of his hits were either pull-side or opposite-field; his hits up the middle were groundballs, rarely line drives; he had five total all season.
Seymour couldn’t find a way to get rid of the Brewers; Hamilton followed up with a nine-pitch at-bat, then Chourio saw eight pitches, and Bauer saw six. The Brewers were in control.
The seventh inning wasn’t as lengthy as what we saw, but it was still effective as Cooper Pratt hit the go-ahead single. The bottom of the eighth inning was the final blow. The Rays needed two pitchers to get through the inning; three of the five batters to appear in the inning saw five pitches or more.
Overall on the night, the Brewers fouled off 44 pitches; 22 of those were with their backs against the wall in two-strike counts. The series is far from over, and the Brewers still have yet to face a couple more of the Rays pitchers who are high in Whiff%, that being Freddy Peralta and Griffin Jax.
Patience has been a key approach for the Brewers all season, and it somehow has gotten better in the postseason among the league’s best. The Brewers will seek to continue their success in this department Monday night against their former teammate.
Oct 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jon Endow-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Two years ago, no one could have fathomed the idea of Luka Dončić retiring anywhere but Dallas. The Mavericks had built a team capable of making the Finals around him and his fierce loyalty all made it seem like a done deal that he’d be the Dirk Nowitzki successor and play his whole career in Texas.
Everyone knows what transpired next with Luka shockingly being shipped to Los Angeles. The Lakers have worked to build a team around their new superstar, who still remains as loyal as ever. And given how the Lakers have treated him, it’s not surprising that Luka now feels the same about his new franchise as he did about his last.
In a recent interview with Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, he said he feels comfortable in Los Angeles and wants to finish his career in purple and gold (emphasis added).
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Dončić told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
Dončić has embraced the whiplash-inducing change he never envisioned.
When asked if he wants to retire as a Laker, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Dončić told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
While this is the first time Luka has said he wants to retire with the franchise, the overall sentiment of wanting to remain with the franchise has been consistent pretty much since he landed in Los Angeles.
The ball, then, is in the Lakers’ court. If Luka wants to be with the franchise for the rest of his career, it’s on them to put a team around him to remain competitive.
It is encouraging, though, that Luka wants to be here long-term. The challenge now is to make sure he keeps that mindset.
