SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the first inning against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park on September 23, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Athletics nabbed their first win of the 2026 season yesterday in a 7-3 win over the Rangers. They scored more runs in the first few frames alone than they had in the previous four games combined, so maybe the bats are finally starting to wake up. Who’s ready for the second win now?
The A’s have left-hander Jeffrey Springs set to make his spring debut this afternoon, looking to get the 33-year-old ramped up for his second season in the Green & Gold. Springs bounced back from a horrid April to be one of the Athletics’ more consistent starters for the majority of the season and the club will be hoping he can skip that part and just get right into his groove from the get-go. That starts today.
The starting lineup this afternoon for our Athletics looks like this:
Shortstop Jacob Wilson is batting leadoff this afternoon, a spot he’ll hopefully see plenty of this coming season. There’s plenty of speculation that manager Mark Kotsay will make Nick Kurtz the leadoff man in 2026 but Wilson seems like much more of your prototypical leadoff guy.
We’ll also continue to see the third base battle play out this afternoon as Max Muncy and Darell Hernaiz are both in the lineup this afternoon, with Muncy at the hot corner and Hernaiz at second base. If position alignment is an indication of where the A’s are leaning then Muncy is looking like the option at third base to open the season. On the other hand, the team needs a backup at shortstop so Hernaiz might be playing himself into a job one way or another thanks to his versatility.
The Royals will be going with a left-hander in Bailey Falter to begin today’s game, though of course we can only expect to see him for so long before KC begins dipping into their other options.
Time for the second win of this spring. Let’s go A’s!
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
Only 13 teams play twice this weekend, including the Celtics, Nets, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pistons, Lakers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Pelicans, Knicks, Thunder and Trail Blazers. Prioritize those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played. The Suns are the lone team that doesn’t have a game on the schedule this weekend.
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
Absolute must-start: Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been able to stay afloat without Giannis Antetokounmpo available, and Rollins has been a big reason for that. In 25 games without Giannis this season, Rollins has averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 triples per game. He has enjoyed a breakout season overall, but he has been even better since the All-Star break and will look to carry that into this weekend.
On the schedule for the Bucks are matchups with the Knicks on Friday and the Bulls on Sunday. New York is a tough matchup, but Chicago should be a favorable one for Rollins.
Guards:
Javon Small, Memphis Grizzlies
Ty Jerome (thigh) is expected to remain out on Friday, which means Small should be in line for another start. Cam Spencer, Walter Clayton Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr. will also be part of the rotation in the backcourt, but Small has been red-hot recently and started the Grizzlies’ last game. He has averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.8 triples per game since the All-Star break and now gets matchups with the Mavericks and Pacers this weekend. Both teams have struggled defensively recently, so Small should stay hot.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
The return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal) may put a damper on Wallace’s recent run, but he’s been too good to not start him this weekend. Over his last three games, he has averaged 23.3 points, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.7 triples per game. They take on Denver and Dallas this weekend, with the Mavs putting together one of the worst defenses in the league 6over their last 10 games. Ride the hot hand with Wallace until he cools off. He should still get ample opportunities with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell still sidelined.
Dennis Schroder, Cleveland Cavaliers
With Donovan Mitchell (groin) and James Harden (thumb) sidelined on Wednesday, Schroder started and scored 26 points. Mitchell has already been ruled out for Friday’s game, and while Harden is still questionable, he is dealing with a fractured thumb, so there is a good chance they give him at least one more game to rest. They take on the Pistons on Friday and the Nets on Sunday, with Brooklyn being a far more favorable matchup. Schroder (ankle) is currently questionable as well, so if he is sidelined as well, Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. should be strong options.
Forwards:
GG Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies
Jackson has been the focal point of the Grizzlies’ offense since moving into the starting unit in early February, and that will continue this weekend. Since becoming a full-time starter on Feb. 4, Jackson has averaged 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 2.2 triples per game. As mentioned previously with Javon Small, Jackson will get to take on two struggling defenses this weekend.
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans
Coming off scoring a season-high 42 points against the Jazz on Thursday, Bey should absolutely be starting in lineups everywhere for Saturday’s rematch. While he likely won’t repeat that type of scoring performance, he proved what he can do against this team. A Sunday matchup with the Clippers won’t be an easy one, but he’ll get a second opportunity, which is a nice bonus. Still, he’d be worth starting even if it was just one game against Utah.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors
Though the Warriors only have one game against the Lakers this weekend, Santos has been too good to pass up. Los Angeles hasn’t been great defensively recently, and Santos has been on fire over the past month, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.9 triples per game. As long as Stephen Curry (knee) remains out, Santos should be streamed confidently.
Centers:
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
The big man didn’t take the production hit that many were expecting when Boston traded for Nikola Vucevic, and he should stay hot this weekend. Matchups with two mid-tier rebounding teams in the Nets and 76ers should allow Queta to dominate the glass. Plus, Brooklyn has struggled mightily on defense as of late, with Philadelphia ranking in the middle of the pack.
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks
Dallas takes on the Grizzlies and Thunder this weekend. OKC has been a subpar rebounding team all year, but Memphis has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league in February. Marvin Bagley (neck) is out for Friday’s game, which should mean extra minutes for Gafford to dominate the paint.
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz
With Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic all sidelined, it’s finally time for Filipowski to shine. He should be considered a must-roster player for the rest of the season, and he has an excellent opportunity this weekend with Saturday’s rematch against the Pelicans. He has averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.3 triples per game over his last four games as a starter and should remain productive against New Orleans, who has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league in Februrary.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 26: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 26, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Youth took center stage Thursday night when the Jazz met the Pelicans at the Delta Center, with four of the five Jazz starters aged 22 or younger. With multiple key players out of the lineup due to injury or season ending surgery, the game also provided second unit and bench players with extended minutes as they try to make their case for a roster spot next season. The Jazz fell to the Pelicans 129-118, due mainly to a disastrous second quarter and a stellar performance from Saddiq Bey, who finished with 42 points. It will be interesting to see what adjustments the coaching staff and players make when the two teams meet again tomorrow night.
Ace Bailey – A-
Ace bounced back from a difficult game against the Rockets with a career best 14 points in the first quarter. He made his mid-range jumper look easy as he curled off screens to get to his spot. He ended up with 23 points in 29 minutes and added 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and a block. His challenge is consistent scoring throughout the game. His production tailed off significantly in the second quarter as the Pelicans’ defense tightened.
Cody Williams – C-
Cody had the highlight of the night with a ferocious hammer dunk in the first quarter. But it was a tough night for the second year man, scoring only 6 points in 30 minutes and being outmuscled by Zion Williamson and Bey in the paint. He struggled from the free throw line (2-5) and at times tried to fight his way to the basket, instead of drawing the defense in and then kicking out to an open teammate.
Isaiah Collier – B-
One thing other teams are learning is that Isaiah is fast, really fast. And when he gets in the lane, he is like a bowling ball, bullying his way to the basket. He dished out 7 assists, including a cross court bullet to Brice Sensabaugh for 3. But his speed at times last night led to some questionable decisions and turnovers, and there were instances when he settled for a tough isolation possession instead of keeping the ball moving.
Kyle Filipowski – B-
Asked to play center again, Kyle is getting good at adapting his play to different positions. He is showing less hesitation driving to the basket and showed a variety of shot making skills, including a Dirk Nowitzki-like one-footed jumper. His screens opened up the floor for his teammates, with Ace Bailey being one of the main beneficiaries. Turnovers continue to be an area for improvement. He tied a team high with 4.
John Konchar – B+
The senior member of the starting five was ice cold from 3, missing all three of his attempts, but found other ways to impact the game, especially on the defensive end. He had a team high 5 steals, had 2 blocks, including one on Zion Williamson, and created extra possessions with 4 offensive rebounds.
Brice Sensabaugh – B-
Brice didn’t see action until the second quarter and it took a while for him to warm up. The Jazz really could have used his shot-making ability in that quarter, when they were outscored 41-23. He ended up with 20 points and was 3-8 from three, most of his output coming when the game was already out of reach. He did have some bright spots in other areas of his game: as a facilitator, unselfishly passing up a good short to find Svi Mykhailiuk for a better shot in the third quarter; and on defense, taking a charge to stop a Pelicans possession.
Elijah Harkless – A
With Keyonte George out, Elijah shared the point guard duties with Isaiah Collier and looked very comfortable bringing the ball up the court. He also showed his relentless defensive intensity, netting 4 steals and a block. Even when he made a mistake, he didn’t give up on the play, stealing the ball, then losing it, then stealing it right back in the second quarter. It’s unclear if Elijah has a future with the Jazz, but wherever he ends up his fire and competitiveness will be definite assets.
Oscar Tshiebwe – A
Oscar made the most of his 10 minutes on the court, scoring 8 points on 4-4 shooting and grabbing 2 offensive rebounds. It would be great to see him get some extended minutes in this final stretch of the season to see if he can reproduce some of his impressive output in the G League at the next level. He certainly looked the part tonight.
Blake Hinson – C-
A rough night for the sharpshooter, which is a shame as Blake was the first player off the bench and had the chance to make an impact early in the game. He managed only 2 points, going 0-4 from three.
Kevin Love – A-
What a luxury for Will Hardy, having a player-coach with NBA championship experience. Kevin had extended minutes tonight and showcased his ability to bring calmness and leadership to the game, set up his teammates with good looks and do the dirty work on both sides of the ball. He dished out some great dimes in the third quarter, including a full court pass to Isaiah for a dunk. He showed his strength and veteran savvy completing a one handed shot with the foul. His three turnovers to start the fourth quarter were unfortunate and can likely be put down to fatigue.
Svi Mikhailiuk – A
Svi has proved time and time again that he is always ready to play: as a starter, coming off the bench, in limited minutes, it doesn’t matter. He had an efficient 15 minutes last night, providing a spark when the Jazz needed it, scoring 14 points, including 4-7 from three, grabbing 2 offensive rebounds and doling out 3 assists.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Randal Grichuk’s quest to make the Yankees should begin Saturday.
The veteran outfielder, after agreeing to a minor league deal with the Yankees, arrived in Tampa on Thursday night and was undergoing a physical on Friday that, if it goes well, will allow Grichuk to start working out with the club Saturday.
The Yankees were in need of a fourth outfielder who could help them against left-handers, which Grichuk has done well for most of his career, giving him a chance to win a bench job.
Randal Grichuk, here with the Royals last season, will compete for a Yankees roster spot this spring. Getty Images
The 34-year-old right-handed batter is a career .268 hitter against lefties with a .819 OPS, and while those numbers took a dip last year, the Yankees are banking on his track record as a productive platoon hitter.
“He’s kind of settled into that role here now in the last few years – in ’23 and ’24, and even the first part of ’25, he was killing lefties,” manager Aaron Boone said Friday at Hammond Stadium. “I think he struggled a little bit when he got traded to Kansas City at the deadline last year. But we think he has a chance to be a factor for us. So, we’ll see. There’s no guarantees there. There’s competition for that last couple spots on the roster.
“We definitely want to see what Randal looks like and what he’s capable of, because at his best, I think there’s a real opportunity for a role there.”
If Grichuk shows enough to make the team, it could allow the Yankees to start him in left field against tough lefties, a scenario in which Cody Bellinger would shift to center field and Trent Grisham to the bench.
Before adding Grichuk, the Yankees’ top options to serve as a fourth outfielder were all left-handed hitters – or in Jasson Domínguez’s case, a switch-hitter who was much more productive from the left side.
THN.com released its first edition of its NHL Trade Deadline Board, which features four St. Louis Blues players.
The list comprises 25 players, ranked by speculation, likelihood of being traded, and effectiveness.
The four Blues players who appear on this list are center Brayden Schenn at No. 4, defenseman Justin Faulk at No. 12, right winger Jordan Kyrou at No. 17, and goaltender Jordan Binnington at No. 21.
Schenn and Faulk seem the likeliest to be dealt, as both veterans come with at least an additional year on their contract with plenty of playoff experience.
Schenn is in the midst of his ninth season with the Blues and his third season as captain. At 34 years old, Schenn has shown signs of offensive decline, but he remains a potent defensive presence and a physical presence with leadership qualities.
While he might not slide into most teams’ top six, he could be an effective third-line center.
While talent-wise, Kyrou and Binnington should be higher on the list, they drop down because of the likelihood of being traded is far lower than many of the players ahead of them.
Kyrou and Binnington demand a hefty return, and while the Blues have mentioned that everyone is available, they aren’t rushing to get them out the door like they are with Schenn and Faulk. There is a better chance they are moved in the off-season rather than before the trade deadline, but insiders say there is still a possibility.
Including the four mentioned Blues players, Robert Thomas, Oskar Sundqvist, and Pius Suter have garnered attention in the rumor mill. The NHL trade deadline is seven days away, and GM Doug Armstrong will have his hands full and could be the busiest GM.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Additionally, the Houston Astros won the sweepstakes for the heavily sought out Japanese sensation, Tatsuya Imai, a right-handed pitcher who has drawn comparisons to 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Imai joined the Astros on a three-year, $54 million deal.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder when they host the Denver Nuggets tonight.
The reigning MVP is no longer on the injury report after missing nine games with an abdominal strain. The question now is how much SGA will actually play.
My Nuggets vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks are taking a measured approach to the reigning MVP's output on Friday, February 27.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with the game airing on ESPN.
Nuggets vs Thunder prediction
Nuggets vs Thunder best bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 28.5 points (-115)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t played since February 3, with the Oklahoma City Thunder going 5-4 SU in his absence, allowing the surging San Antonio Spurs to close the gap in the West.
SGA’s return is a major boost for OKC, but preserving his health is the top priority. He not only needs to meet the MVP qualifying threshold, but the Thunder have only a 1.5-game lead atop the conference.
While a full workload could yield 30+ points, most models range from 18.4 to 23.7 points if his minutes are capped. I expect OKC to play it safe against the Denver Nuggets tonight.
Nuggets vs Thunder same-game parlay
The Nuggets reminded the league they’re still a contender by blasting the Boston Celtics earlier this week, showing they rise to the challenge against the NBA’s elite.
After missing nine games, OKC will protect the MVP in his first outing back, and he’s unlikely to reach that scoring total.
With SGA limited, Chet Holmgren drew more defensive attention, and his numbers dipped. Even with Shai seeing reduced minutes, the 7-footer will benefit from extra space, with models projecting him for 20+ points tonight.
Nuggets vs Thunder SGP
Nuggets +8
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 28.5 points
Chet Holmgren Over 16.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Calling on Cam
Cameron Johnson has looked great since returning from a six-week absence (knee bruise), averaging almost 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the last seven games.
Johnson's player projections all sit north of these prop totals tonight.
Nuggets vs Thunder SGP
Nuggets moneyline
Cameron Johnson Over 12.5 points
Cameron Johnson Over 3.5 rebounds
Cameron Johnson Over 1.5 assists
Nuggets vs Thunder odds
Spread: Nuggets +8 (-110) | Thunder -8 (-110)
Moneyline: Nuggets +250 | Thunder -310
Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Nuggets are 38-25-1 ATS as underdogs over the past three years, including a 12-6 ATS mark when catching points this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Thunder.
How to watch Nuggets vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Nuggets vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference do battle when Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons host James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With Cleveland banged up, Detroit is a 6-point home favorite, but my Cavs vs. Pistons predictions break down why the East’s No. 1 seed still deserves more respect.
Read more in my NBA picks for this matchup, set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Cavaliers vs Pistons prediction
Cavaliers vs Pistons best bet: Pistons -6 (-110)
It feels like people aren’t giving the Detroit Pistons enough respect. Cade Cunningham and Jaren Duren are stars, and the only team that has a better net rating than the Pistons this season is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
They’ve also been a great team at home this season, going 22-7 with an average margin of victory of 10.3 points.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of James Harden has been a home run for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, he’s questionable to play with a thumb injury while Donovan Mitchell is already out.
That’s too much to overcome against this really great Pistons team.
Cavaliers vs Pistons same-game parlay
Sure, the James Harden thing has worked for Cleveland so far. But he won’t help the fact that the Cavaliers allow the fifth-most points per game to opposing guards. Give me Cade to go Over 25.5 points, something he’s done in eight of his last 11 games.
The Pistons are also an elite rebounding team, ranking second in rebounding rate. Tobias Harris has hauled down six or more rebounds in seven of his last eight games, and with the Cavs potentially down their top two shooters, there could be plenty of boards up for grabs.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Pistons -6
Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
Tobias Harris Over 5.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Cade!
Cade is getting some MVP buzz down the stretch, and a big game against an East contender could bolster that case.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
Cade Cunningham Over 5.5 rebounds
Cade Cunningham Over 9.5 assists
Cade Cunningham Over 1.5 steals
Cavaliers vs Pistons odds
Spread: Cavaliers +6 | Pistons -6
Moneyline: Cavaliers +200 | Pistons -240
Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227
Cavaliers vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Pistons have covered the 1H spread in 28 of their last 45 games (+10.75 Units / 21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Cavaliers vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
BIRMINGHAM, AL FEBRUARY 19: Malachi Smith #18 of the Long Island Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Birmingham Squadron on February 19, 2026 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A lot is going on in Long Island! Even before Friday morning’s moves that sent Grant Nelson to Brooklyn on a 10-day, returned Ben Saraf to the big club, and sent Drake Powell to the G League, the Nets’ G League affiliate lost a tight one, 119-116, to the Grand Rapids Gold Thursday night at Nassau Coliseum.
And in the midst of it all, Brooklyn may have found a new development prospect in Chaney Johnson.
Johnson is the newest and youngest two-way player on the Long Island Nets roster. At 6’8”, 225 pounds with a 6’11” wingspan and a max vertical approaching 40”, the 23-year-old Johnson has 3-and-D potential. Signed off the Cleveland Charge just before New Year’s, Johnson keeps making progress, and Thursday night, that progress reached a high point.
The Auburn product had his biggest game as a pro, scoring 29 points, one night after scoring 19! Johnson connected on 10 of his 12 tries, while hitting all three of his tries. The Alabama native also had seven rebounds, one assist, and two blocks … both in crucial moments for Long Island. He did everything he could to put the team in a position to win, but the Gold had their number.
Indeed, after a somewhat slow start, Johnson has taken off in the last nine games, averaging 15.5 points while shooting 77.7% from two and 32.0% from three and grabbing 5.5 rebounds. He was not the only Long Islander to impress on the back-to-back at Nassau Coliseum.
Complementing Johnson’s game, Saraf had another big game in what he no doubt hopes will be his 21st and final game in the G League.
Coming off his 12-for-19, 32-point shooting performance the night before, Saraf followed it up with yet another solid offensive output. He connected on nine of his 15 shots and connected on three of his six attempts from beyond the arc for 21 points, giving him 53 points in a little more than 24 hours. He also had two rebounds, two assists, and three steals, the most in the game.
However, one glaring issue with Saraf has always been ball protection. Saraf turned the ball over five times, Nolan Traore had the same issue in the early going of this season, and he turned his game around.
In his most recent assignment, Saraf has looked much better than earlier in the season. There were many times back then when he was a big question mark, as his Flatbush 5 counterparts took off. The 19-year old, the NBA’s eighth youngest player, has been showing flashes of why Brooklyn drafted him in the 2025 NBA Draft in the first place.
Malachi Smith had another performance. He finished with 18 points, shooting 60% overall. He hauled in seven rebounds, including five in the fourth quarter alone, and two steals. His big downfall came in the ball protection department, his Achilles heel since starting at the point a few weeks back. Smith turned the ball over seven times, leading the game. After the game, NetsDaily spoke with Smith about his performance…
“Obviously, those are good numbers,” Smith tells ND. “But the number that’s sticking with me right now is the seven turnovers. I pride myself on being a low-turnover point guard, and today it was just a lot of dumb ones that I wish I could get back. It’s not something I usually do. As I said, I pride myself on having low turnovers. I know it’s a game of possessions, and one play doesn’t ruin the game. Right now, it feels like those seven turnovers are a big reason we lost tonight, and that’s not a good feeling as a point guard. I have to just be better and learn from it.”
Putting aside the turnovers, since being named a starter for the first time, the Gonzaga product’s performances become quite common for Smith. When asked about what he attributes this to the most, Smith told ND, “I think just trusting my work, staying ready. I’ve played in a lot of big games in college and have contributed in multiple ways. So, I’ve always been the type to put the work in behind the scenes, and whenever my number gets called, the work will show. I think that’s just what you see. Credit to my teammates, the coaches for helping me develop, and my teammates for having faith in me, but just being ready whenever my number is called.”
The 26-year-old picked up 13 assists, continuing to showcase himself as a playmaker and cementing yet another double-double. Smith told ND after the game, “I think as a point guard, making sure your teammates get to their spots and helping them get to their spots, gives them confidence, but also opens up my game. If I’m spreading it, when I drive, they might fan out and let me finish. I try to make the right play at the end of the day. Whatever the right play is, I just want to make it. I do a lot of film and stuff. So, I try to know what the defense is going to do and try to find my teammates where they’re most comfortable.”
Nelson remained on a minutes restriction, being the only starter to not reach 30 minutes, but in his last game before being called up. Nelson finished with just over 26 minutes, but once again continued to make the most of every second on the court. He finished with 17 points, on 47% shooting. There was a big difference in Nelson’s game on Thursday. He took many more three-point attempts than normal.
Nelson connected on just one of his six shots from deep, the most he’s put up this season and likely something Brooklyn has encouraged. Nelson is trying to expand his game from beyond the arc in hopes of reaching the NBA. In today’s NBA, if you hope to not just thrive but survive, you have to know how to shoot from deep, even as a big man. Nelson showed himself to be a solid three-point shooter in college, so if he can get back to this, it’s just one more tool Nelson will have working for him.
Tyson Etienne finished with 18 points, having one of his better shooting performances as of late, connecting on seven of his 11 tries, including four-for-seven from deep. EJ Liddell had four points, his lowest output in weeks, connecting on two of his nine attempts. Liddell shone in other aspects of the game, including hauling in nine rebounds and finishing with a team-leading three blocks.
The Gold went on an 8-0 run in the first quarter before Long Island responded with a 22-4 run over the final 5:36 of the first. The Nets closed the first frame with a 30-22 advantage after scoring 18 points in the paint and shooting 57.9 percent (11-for-19) from the field in the first. Grand Rapids went on a 17-7 run from 11:19 to 5:45 in the second quarter to close the gap, but Long Island entered the break with a 55-51 lead. Johnson led all scorers with 16 points in the first half, shooting 83.3 percent (5-for-6) from the field and 100 percent (2-for-2) from deep before halftime, and the Nets held the Gold to just 27.3 percent (3-for-11) shooting from long range in the first half.
Long Island entered tonight’s game with a +19.5 net rating in third quarters, the best differential by an NBA G League team in any quarter this season, and the Nets continued that success by limiting the Gold to 38.5 percent (10-for-26) shooting from the field and 11.1 percent (1-for-9) shooting from deep in the third. After Grand Rapids started the fourth on a 15-7 run from 11:48 to 9:21 to regain the lead, both teams traded the lead over the final nine minutes. Johnson hit a layup to tie the game at 116 with 5.1 seconds left in regulation, but Grand Rapids made three free throws to secure the 119-116 victory. Long Island scored 60 points in the paint for the second consecutive game and dished out 31 assists.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (15-11) return to the court on Sunday for a game against the Westchester Knicks at the Nassau Coliseum. The game tips off at 3:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League website and the Gotham Sports app.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) rounds the bases to third base in the ninth inning of a Cactus League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Reds continue their quest to play only in Goodyear Ballpark on Friday, as they’ll take the field at their home stadium for the fifth time through six Cactus League games played so far this spring.
When they do so, they’ll be up against a former teammate, too. Brent Suter will lead the charge for the Los Angeles Angels on the day, and with a lefty on the mound manager Terry Francona has tweaked his lineup to account for it.
Noelvi Marte, whose struggles against southpaws last season have been noted publicly by Francona already this spring, will bat leadoff to presumably give him the chance of maybe getting a pair of PA against southpaws out of his day. Of note also is that Sal Stewart will start at 2B on the day as his work all around the infield gets put further to the test, while Rece Hinds will spend at least part of the day manning CF.
Rhett Lowder will start for Cincinnati for the second time in this Cactus League campaign. He fired a pair of innings in his first outing, and I’d expect the Reds to ask him to get through 3.0 IP today (assuming he’s cruising along efficiently). Though with Julian Aguiar and Jose Franco both starters who are listed on the above roster for the day, there’s plenty of long relief available should that not be the case.
First pitch is once again slated for 3:05 PM ET, and – you guessed it – it’s not televised anywhere. To follow along with the action you’ll need to tune into 700 WLW’s coverage, or at least track down where said coverage is being streamed should you not have access to an old-timey AM radio.
The New York Islanders will participate in the NHL’s first-ever “Hockey Day” when they host the Florida Panthers at UBS Arena on March 28.
The events will take place throughout Finland on March 27 and 28, with a focus on fan activities and a prime-time viewing party for an 8:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time) puck drop.
The Panthers’ roster consists of strong Finnish players, including Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola, as well as their injured captain, Aleksander Barkov.
The Islanders-Panthers matchup will be the fourth and final game in the NHL’s European “Hockey Day” initiative.
Prior games include the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers on February 27–28 in Sweden, the Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins on March 6–7 in Czechia, and the Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators on March 13–14 in Germany.
March Madness is now underway, which means 2026 NBA Draft odds are a major focus as the top college stars showcase their skills on the national stage.
There is also no shortage of stars in this draft class either, as this is one of the deepest crops in years — led by the "Big Three" prospects of A.J. Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer.
The NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 10, where we'll find out which team selects first, but for now, here are the latest odds for which player will go No. 1 (where it's currently Dybantsa slightly ahead of Peterson) at the NBA Draft on June 24.
The 2026 class is defined by a "Big Three" at the top, followed by high-upside versatile wings. Here is how the top of the board looks as we head toward March Madness.
Dybantsa is the most "pro-ready" scorer in the class. Standing 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he led the nation in scoring — including almost 29 ppg since February. He is explosive in driving to the paint, and getting to the free-throw line a lot, and he has a strong mid-range game... plus he has greatly improved as a playmaker and ball handler as the season has progressed.
2. Darryn Peterson | G | Kansas
2025-26 stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 33.8 3PT%
Bill Self has called Peterson the best recruit he’s ever landed at Kansas, as the 6-foot-5 combo guard has elite body control and a methodical scoring pace. He has dealt with minor hamstring and ankle issues this season, but remains the draft's best pure scorer as he can bully smaller guards in the post or pull up from 30 feet with ease.
The son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, Cam is the most productive player in college basketball. He's not as flashy (or may not have quite as high a ceiling) as the flashy wings above him, but Boozer has the highest floor of any player in the draft to turn out as a highly productive player. He is an elite short-roll passer, a solid defender, and can also hit jumpers from a distance.
5. Darius Acuff Jr. | G | Arkansas
2025-26 stats: 22.9 ppg, 6.5 apg, 47.1 3PT%
The SEC Player of the Year is an elite scorer at every level, especially dangerous in isolation sets, and he has done something that all coaches love: Raised his game when it matters most; he's averaged 28.6 ppg over his last 10 games, including 37, 24, and 30 points in the SEC tournament. His biggest concern — and the reason he's lagging behind the "Big 3" — is questions about how well he can defend at the pro level.
4. Caleb Wilson | F | North Carolina
2025-26 stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 57.8 FG%
Possibly the most athletic player in the draft, Wilson has major hops and a relentless motor, which combine well with his elite speed at 6-foot-10. He's a raw player: He struggles to finish at the rim, is not a 3-point threat at all right now, and has issues in off-ball defense, but his potential is as high as any player in the draft. Unfortunately, we won't get to see him in the Big Dance as he had season-ending thumb surgery at the beginning of March.
5. Kingston Flemings | G | Houston
2025-26 stats: 16.4 ppg, 5.3 apg, 83.1 FT%
Flemings has been the biggest draft riser throughout the season. A true point guard, he is a skilled passer, and his incredible speed sees him wreak havoc by getting in the paint and he shines in the open court. His improved jump shot has helped him move from a projected late-lottery pick to the Top-5 conversation over the last few months.
NBA mock draft comparison table
Player
School
Strength
Comparison
AJ Dybantsa
BYU
Shot creation
Tracy McGrady
Darryn Peterson
Kansas
Pure scoring
Devin Booker
Cameron Boozer
Duke
Passing/IQ
Alperen Sengun
Darius Acuff Jr.
Arkansas
Iso scoring
Damian Lillard
Caleb Wilson
UNC
Athleticism
Kenyon Martin
Kingston Flemings
Houston
Speed/Passing
De'Aaron Fox
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Current 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds
The three teams finishing with the worst record in the NBA all have equal odds of winning the first-overall pick. while the fourth and fifth-worst teams also have odds better than 10% to land No. 1.
Team
Record
No. 1 odds
Indiana Pacers
15-55
14.0%
Washington Wizards
16-52
14.0%
Brooklyn Nets
17-52
14.0%
Sacramento Kings
18-52
12.5%
Utah Jazz
20-49
10.5%
Dallas Mavericks
23-47
9.0%
New Orleans Pelicans*
24-46
7.5%
Memphis Grizzlies
24-44
6.0%
Chicago Bulls
28-41
4.5%
Milwaukee Bucks
28-40
3.0%
*New Orleans traded its unprotected 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta for Derik Queen at the 2025 draft.
NBA Draft betting trends
Here are some recent trends you'll want to keep in mind when betting on NBA Draft odds:
Positions have been reasonably well-distributed among the No. 1 picks. Over the past 21 NBA Drafts, nine have been forwards, seven guards, and five centers.
"One-and-done" college freshmen make up the overwhelming majority of recent top picks, being selected No. 1 in 16 of the past 19 seasons since high schoolers were ruled ineligible.
Among NCAA schools, Duke leads the all-time count with five No. 1-overall picks, including Paolo Banchero in 2022.
Cooper Flagg's selection last year ended a two-year stretch of international players taken No. 1 — after just one such player (Andrea Bargnani, 2006) was selected in the previous 17 years.
Both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals came back from the Olympic break with a win, but only one will walk away with a 2-0 start to the season's unofficial second half when they meet at Capital One Arena tonight.
My Golden Knights vs. Capitals predictions and NHL picks are calling for Washington to tighten the screws on defense en route to victory on Friday, February 27.
Golden Knights vs Capitals prediction
Golden Knights vs Capitals best bet: Capitals moneyline (-118)
The Washington Capitals are 18-13 SU at home compared to 12-17 SU on the road, and the stats back up those records.
The Capitals play much stronger defense in their own building, allowing 2.77 GPG (vs. 3.07 on the road) on 27.1 shots per game (vs. 29.4). Their PK tightens up too, from 76.9% as a visitor vs. 82.1% at home.
The Caps will turn to Logan Thompson tonight, and he outranks Akira Schmid in SV% (.913 to .895). Thompson has won both his prior starts vs. the Vegas Golden Knights, posting a 2.01 GAA and .941 SV%.
Golden Knights vs Capitals same-game parlay
Sticking with the theme of home/road splits, I'm backing both Jakob Chychrun and Connor McMichael to score a point tonight.
Chychrun has a team-leading 31 points at home vs. 16 on the road in only two fewer games. McMichael has notched 22 points at home this season compared to just nine points as a visitor, and each is a 28-game sample size.
Golden Knights vs Capitals SGP
Capitals moneyline
Jakob Chychrun Over 0.5 points
Connor McMichael Over 0.5 points
Golden Knights vs Capitals odds
Moneyline: Golden Knights -104 | Capitals -118
Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 | Capitals -1.5
Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Golden Knights vs Capitals trend
The Capitals have won five of their last six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Capitals.
How to watch Golden Knights vs Capitals
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Monumental SN, Scripps 66
Golden Knights vs Capitals 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.
While the Detroit Red Wings had their top stars on display at the Olympics, with Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider representing their respective countries, another name quietly made a big impression.
Eduards Tralmaks, the 29-year-old Grand Rapids Griffins forward, was a standout for his home country of Latvia. He recorded three goals (all against NHL starting goaltenders) and an assist in four games, averaging a point-per-game.
Tralmaks’ most memorable moment came in Latvia’s surprising 4-3 group stage victory over Germany, where he scored one of the key goals. His performance drew attention from NHL observers. On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman highlighted Tralmaks as one of the non-NHL players who impressed him at the Olympics.
"Another Latvia guy who I thought was good is the guy who was playing for Grand Rapids right now....Tralmaks, yeah, I thought he was good," Friedman said.
Tralmaks’ professional journey has been unusual, after a strong college career at the University of Maine, where he nearly averaged a point per game, he played in the AHL with the Providence Bruins. He would then move to the Czech league with Rytíři Kladno. In 100 games there, he recorded 83 points. His success earned him a contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins this season.
Currently on a one-year, $775,000 deal, Tralmaks could become a trade candidate for the Red Wings. Detroit may look to move him to give him an NHL opportunity. Alternatively, he could explore a free agent deal in the offseason to try to earn a spot on an NHL roster.
Tralmaks’ Olympic performance has put him on the hockey world’s radar. After years of steady development in the AHL and Europe, the Latvian forward is now a name to watch and his standout play has opened doors for potential NHL opportunities in the near future.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
AJ Dybantsa
Darryn Peterson
Cameron Boozer
Darius Acuff Jr.
Caleb Wilson
Kingston Flemings
Keaton Wagler
Jayden Quaintance
Karim Lopez
Koa Peat
Mikel Brown Jr.
Nate Ament
Tounde Yessoufou
Cooper Flagg
Zaccharie Riscacher
Victor Wembanyama
Paolo Banchero
Cade Cunningham
Anthony Edwards
Zion Williamson
Deandre Ayton
Markelle Fultz
Andrew Wiggins
John Wall
Blake Griffin
Derrick Rose
Greg Oden
Andrea Bargnani
Andrew Bogut
Yao Ming
Kwame Brown
Kenyon Martin