Feb 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) looks on during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks are in the home stretch, fully in rebuild mode for the final 28 games of their season. For the last few years at MMB we’ve wrapped up each week with a quick glance at the Power Rankings among national outlets to see how they view the Mavericks from week to week. That, for now, is not necessary. The Mavericks aren’t playing meaningful basketball, not for the playoffs. Instead their meaningful basketball centers solely on the development of Cooper Flagg and the other young players in the rotation. They announced this week that Kyrie Irving will continue rehab and will not return until next season. Now the team gets reps for the young guys, and organically position themselves as best they can for the NBA Draft lottery draw. Don’t call it a tank! (you can call it a tank). Development matters first, getting good reps for the young guys while letting the wins and losses fall as they may.
Let’s take a look at where the Mavericks are as of this writing, and what happens next.
Lottery standings
The Mavericks (currently 19-35) are seventh in the lottery standings, two games back of the Utah Jazz in sixth and 8.5 games back of the Sacramento Kings. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently eighth behind Dallas — just 1.5 games back.
Utah and Memphis will be teams to take a hard look at if you find yourselves scoreboard watching on any given night. All of these teams, as covered nationally at a very loud decibel, are going all in on collecting losses. The reality of Dallas “catching” teams like the Washington Wizards or Brooklyn Nets in fourth or fifth is not likely — both teams are a full four games ahead of the Mavs. They’re bunched up with the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans. So expect plenty of shuffling in front of Dallas in the coming weeks.
If the lottery were today, the Mavericks would have a 31.9% chance at a top four pick (7.5% at the top pick). Their top four chance moves up or down a full 5% if they moved in front of Utah or behind Memphis.
Utah Jazz: @ Memphis Grizzlies, @ Houston Rockets, vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies: vs. Utah Jazz, @ Miami Heat, vs. Sacramento Kings, vs. Golden State Warriors
One magic spin
Each week we’ll take one spin around the block at tankathon.com and see where the chips fall. Our first inaugural spin was chaos. The Mavericks fell back one spot to eighth with the Milwaukee Bucks jumping nine spots to first — but because of a previous trade where the Atlanta Hawks get the best selection between Milwaukee and New Orleans, the Hawks are at one. The Bucks were able to then take on the New Orleans pick.
Fans aren’t the only ones that believe the 2025 NBA Draft lottery was rigged.
Some owners share that sentiment, too.
In an appearance on the “Chapo Trap House” podcast, investigative podcaster Pablo Torre said two owners told him at the event that they believe the lottery was fixed for the Mavericks to draft Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick.
“I remember I was at an event, and I spoke to two NBA owners. This was the day after the NBA lottery. And those two owners were both like, ‘This was obviously fixed,’” Torre said.
“I’m saying literally two NBA owners did not trust the hand of Adam Silver to remain out of the proceedings, in terms of rigging the NBA draft lottery,” he added.
Cooper Flagg has impressed in his rookie season in Dallas, including a career-high 49 point night. AP
But with only a 1.8 percent chance of winning the lottery, the Mavericks earned the right to draft Flagg.
It could’ve simply been luck, but many fans thought it seemed too good to be true.
“Nico Harrison should not be allowed to make this pick,” Barstool Sports personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz wrote. “He needs to be fired before the draft. I’m happy for Mavs fans, they deserve this, Nico does not.”
Even LeBron James found it ridiculous, posting a few crying laughing emojis on X after the news broke.
Torre said the owners he talked to were merely speculating, but it shows that more than just fans were suspicious.
The NBA changed its lottery odds in recent years as well. The three worst teams have an equal 14% chance of picking No. 1, while every other non-playoff team has decreasing odds to discourage tanking.
After earning National Player and Freshman of the Year honors at Duke, Cooper Flagg was chosen No. 1 overall by the Mavericks. JASON SZENES/NY POST
Despite their poor odds, the Mavericks and Hawks snagged the top choice in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Atlanta’s chances sat at just three percent.
After winning National Player of the Year honors at Duke last year, he’s averaging 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 48.2 percent from the field in Dallas.
The Mavericks are still seven games out of playoff contention, but Flagg’s heroics provide a glimpse of hope for the future — all for a team that looked dead in the water last year after casting Doncic to the side of the road.
And nearly everyone is skeptical of how Flagg landed in Texas.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 13: Victor Oladipo #52 of Guangzhou Loong-Lions looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during the preseason game at Target Center on October 13, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated dthe Loong-Lions 134-74. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, have acquired guard Victor Oladipo, according to the official G League transaction board. Oladipo, the former number two overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, was playing with the Wisconsin Herd. In exchange, the Charge sent Jacob Gilyard and Drake Jeffries to Wisconsin, as well as 2026 second-round and international draft picks.
In 26 games with the Herd, Oladipo is averaging 14 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, though he does appear to be playing in a somewhat restricted capacity (28.7 minutes per game). Oladipo has a long, long history of leg and knee injuries, including a ruptured quad (which he re-ruptured two years later), followed by a torn achilles. The team, naturally, has displayed caution with the former lottery pick.
Oladipo last appeared in an NBA game during the 2023 playoffs as a member of the Miami Heat, logging 19 minutes. He missed the following season rehabilitating that torn achilles, getting traded (or more accurately, his contract) multiple times over before being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies almost two years ago. Oladipo played briefly in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Guangzhou Loong Lions.
The Charge now feature a back court of former top-seven draft picks in Oladipo and Killian Hayes, the latter of whom is averaging 24.6 points and 7.7 assists per game. Hayes is just the latest reclamation project for the Charge, who have sent several players to the NBA over the last several seasons. Olapido figures to be the next, as he works toward a return to the NBA.
Aug 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) is greeted by catcher Will Smith (16) after hitting a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
For purposes of accounting, if a player reached free agency and re-signed with the Dodgers without going anywhere else, I included them as having stayed continuously. Evan Phillips, who was non-tendered in November but re-signed last week, still counts has having been a Dodger since they claimed him off waivers during the 2021 season, for instance. Neither Smith nor Muncy have reached free agency since joining the Dodgers.
A few other fun facts about the Dodgers 40-man roster:
Edgardo Henriquez, born in June 2002, is both the second-youngest Dodger on the roster (one month older than Ronan Kopp) and fourth-longest-tenured, having signed in September 2018.
Andy Pages, born in December 2000, is the fifth-youngest Dodger and the third-longest-tenured, having signed in March 2018.
Ryan Ward was just added to the 40-man roster in November but has yet to play a game in the majors, but he was drafted in the eighth round in 2019 and is the fifth-longest-tenured player by date acquired.
Mookie Betts and Brusdar Graterol are tied for fourth-longest on the 40-man roster, both acquired back on February 10, 2020, and are tied for seventh-longest in the organization.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Senzatela #49 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch during a bullpen session at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 10, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Baseball is finally back!
After one of the most interesting offseasons in franchise history, the new era of Colorado Rockies baseball finally begins today with the first game of Cactus League play. The Rockies open up play against their roommates, the Arizona Diamondbacks, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
Antonio Senzatela will take the pill for the Rockies, kicking off what may be an important spring training for the veteran right-hander. 2025 was a disastrous year as Senzatela struggled to be effective and was eventually relegated to the bullpen. However, one of the important things was that he was able to stay healthy. Under the new leadership, Senzatela is aiming to expand his pitch-mix and prove himself a capable starter in the final guaranteed year of his contract.
For the Diamondbacks, Thomas Hatch will make his first start of spring training. Hatch signed a minor league deal with Arizona after posting a 5.82 ERA in 12 appearances, including one start, with the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins last year. He made 18 starts with the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate, recording a 4.22 ERA in 91 2/3 innings and joins a field of players battling for one of the few rotation spots for the Snakes.
The Mavericks are back in action after the All-Star break. They are in Minnesota, where they will play the Timberwolves without Cooper Flagg. The Wolves have dominated Dallas this season, winning each of their first two matchups by 24 and 13 points, respectively. Dallas is in active tank mode, and Minnesota is just a game out of third place in the West. It is clear not only what the books are pricing, but what both fanbases are expecting out of this matchup. The Mavericks will need a miracle to keep this one close.
Before getting into our picks, here is how we stand this season:
Last week’s results
Tyler: 2-2 (+$1)
David: 1-3 (-$209)
Season to date
Tyler: 20-31-0 (-$953)
David: 28-22-0 (+$746)
It is time to finish the season strong.
Game Details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves | NBA 2025-2026
Date and Time: Friday, February 20th, 2026; 6:40 PM CST
The Wolves will give Anthony Edwards a full 12 minutes, and with a decimated Mavs group, a hammer will be laid. Building off of that, the Maverick offense will struggle without Flagg. Give me an under. Lastly, Gobert and Reid are two Mav killers, going back years at this point. Without a presence inside, expect both to have monster evenings.
David’s Plays
Minnesota -14.5 (-108)
P.J. Washington over 15.5 points (-122)
Anthony Edwards under 28.5 points (-104)
Donte DiVincenzo over 10.5 points (-118)
The Timberwolves are going to blow Dallas out. No Cooper Flagg, no Max Christie, and no reason to win. Washington should be healthier, which means he will take on a more normal scoring load. Edwards will likely conserve energy in an easy win, and DiVincenzo is an under-the-radar guy who kills the Mavericks.
The tip the weekend off with some winners in the NBA player prop market and with nine games on the board, there’s no shortage of value to be found.
My favorites for today include Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert, primed for a big night against the Mavericks, and Kawhi Leonard carrying the momentum from his awesome All-Star game performance into a matchup with the Lakers.
Those and more NBA picks for Friday, February 20 below.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are primed for a big second half, and it starts as 13.5-point favorites when they host the Dallas Mavericks. And speaking of big, T-Wolves center Rudy Gobert is primed for a big night.
Opposing bigs have feasted on the Mavs this season. Dallas ranks dead last in opponent points in the paint per game, which is where Gobert exclusively works.
Gobert averages 11.1 points per game and dominated in back-to-back games just prior to the break, putting up 17 and 18 points, and has topped this number of 10.5 in three of his last four games overall.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Prop #2: Julian Strawther Over 10.5 points
+100 at bet365
Julian Strawther is having a breakout season for the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have dealt with numerous injuries this season, which has opened the door for Strawther, and he has taken advantage of the moment.
Strawther is averaging 15.2 points while shooting 40% from three-point range over the last five games, and with Aaron Gordon still out, he should remain in the starting lineup.
Tonight, he and the Nuggets take on a Portland Trail Blazers team that ranks 19th in defensive rating and 20th in opponent effective field goal percentage. Strawther has topped this number in each of the last five games.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ALT, KUNP
Prop #3: Kawhi Leonard Over 2.5 threes made
+105 at bet365
Kawhi Leonard looks all the way back after a jaw-dropping performance in the All-Star game.
The Los Angeles Clippers star put up 31 points, which included going 6-of-7 from three, in just one of the 12-minute mini-games.
He’s been locked in from three-point range for a while. Leonard is shooting 40% from deep on 7.7 attempts per game over his last 24 games, hitting three or more 13 times over that span.
I’m betting he keeps letting it fly against the cross-town rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. L.A. has a problem with the three-ball ranking 22nd in opponent three-point shooting percentage.
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ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 13: Tré Morgan #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays calls his shot during the 2024 MLB Futures Skills Showcase at Globe Life Field on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Morgan continued to hit without power in 2025, a great discouragement for some evaluators, but his present 50-grade hit tool and feel for the zone allow a major league projection. He continued his improved, quieter two-strike approach in 2025 that built on his success retooling his swing in the AFL last year. The Rays gave Morgan 14 starts in Left Field last season, and Baseball America called the defense “playable,” but his value is tied to his plus-plus defense at First.
Rank
Player
Position
Votes
Total
Percentage
Last Season
1
Carson Williams
SS
14
25
56%
1
2
Brody Hopkins
RHP
19
25
76%
8
3
Jacob Melton
OF
14
28
50%
NA
4
Theo Gillen
OF
14
26
54%
13
5
Ty Johnson
RHP
12
25
48%
15
6
Daniel Pierce
SS
13
23
57%
NA
7
Jadher Areinamo
INF
15
28
54%
NA
8
TJ Nichols
RHP
13
28
46%
NR
9
Michael Forret
RHP
8
33
24%
NA
10
Santiago Suarez
RHP
11
30
37%
16
11
Anderson Brito
RHP
7
28
25%
NA
12
Xavier Isaac
1B
9
28
32%
3
13
Caden Bodine
C
10
25
40%
NA
14
Brendan Summerhill
OF
11
27
41%
NA
15
Slater de Brun
OF
10
25
40%
NA
16
Nathan Flewelling
C
8
26
31%
NR
17
Trevor Harrison
RHP
9
26
35%
10
18
Jose Urbina
RHP
13
26
50%
25
19
Tre’ Morgan
1B/LF
15
25
60%
4
Morgan pulled 15 votes in the previous round, tied for the second most in any poll this off-season. We didn’t get a poll up on Wednesday, sorry about that friends, but we are back at it for an interesting vote over the weekend. In the round for No. 19 only one player had multiple votes other than Morgan, and that was Baumeister (8). Next round adds Fabricio Blanco.
Candidates
Jackson Baumeister, RHP 23 | 6’4” | 224 AA | 4.62 ERA, 4.15 FIP (15 GS) 62.1 IP, 19.5% K, 9.6% BB AFL | 6 ER (1 HR), 9.0 IP (4 G, 3 GS), 10 K, 9 BB
A shoulder injury derailed what should have been Baumeister’s coming out party, as his previously plus breaking ball was expected to carve up Double-A. After a tough start to the year and two months on the sidelines, Baumeister returned in August and salvaged the season with a brilliant finish. The tough luck continued, however, in the Arizona Fall League, where a line drive struck him in the head, but he escaped without significant injury. Currently, Baumeister has taken on a fastball/slutter profile, with a slow curve in his back pocket, and has shown teachability and pitchability over the years. The former Seminole currently thrives on his frequently used major league fastball that may be better challenged by a promotion to Triple-A.
Fabricio Blanco, SS 17 | S/R | 5’11” | 161
A bat-first middle infielder, the Venezuelan is an elite prospect within the context of the international signing process, with some believing he’s the best Rays signee this off-season, despite gathering only a $1 million bonus. He can barrel up from both sides of the plate, but may settle into a right handed swing in the long term, with quick hands. He has the ability and instincts to stick at short, with a high-IQ approach and gritty demeanor.
Homer Bush Jr. 24 | R/R | 6’3” | 215 AA | .301/.375/.360 (122 wRC+) 546 PA, 0 HR, 57 SB, 8.8% BB, 17.9% K
Acquired in the 2024 Jason Adam trade, the starting center fielder at Double-A passed the test of advanced pitching, but just barely. He lacks in-game power due to a lack of use of his lower half in his swing, and he whiffed more often than you can for long term success with a low-power approach. His calling cards are Rays-grade defense and plus-speed, having notably swiped 57 bags in back-to-back seasons.
Cooper Flemming, SS 19 | L/R | 6’3” | 190
One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but he’s historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).
Brailer Guerrero, OF 20 | L/R | 6’1” | 215 A | 249.338/.399 (119 wRC+) 222 PA, 6 HR, 9 SB, 11.3% BB, 29.3% K AFL | 2 H, 0 HR, 2 SB, 3 BB, 16 K, 29 PA
Good news: the $3.7 million 2023 signee made the leap out of the complex league in his final teenage season. Bad News: He was injured yet again, with hamstring and knee injuries limiting him to 51 games for Charleston. The Rays tried to make up for lost time with an aggressive assignment to the AFL that resulted in only two hits in 29 plate appearances. He makes loud contact from a quick, quiet swing which he pre-loads by reaching back for even more power. He appears to make early decisions to swing, leading to a bit extra whiffs against anything off-speed, but that could easily clear up with some consistent playing time.
OF Victor Mesa Jr. 24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195 AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA
This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.
Acquired in the Shane Baz trade, Overn was once a top draft prospect after committing to baseball over football at USC, but surprisingly struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore. That didn’t stop Baltimore from taking him in the third round (97th overall) in 2024. Now a professional, Overn overhauled his swing in the first half of 2025, and earned an early promotion to Double-A for his efforts, where he didn’t look overmatched. His biggest threat is his speed, which raises his floor and gives him an easy projection to a major league bench thanks to plus defensive instincts (BA gave 70’s to his run and field tools). His offensive profile is buoyed by his ability to work the count, but evaluators would like to see him punish fastballs more often for him to be considered a regular.
Acquired in the Arozarena trade, Smith became the prince who was promised, a five tool athlete with a strong bat, good face, and a preternatural glove in center field. That promise unraveled a bit in 2025, with his strikeout rate rocketing nine percent and his power stroke faltering after facing harder velocities in High-A, causing both his hit and power grades to drop into the 40’s. It was a full transformation into a “center field” profile, but with his ceiling that’s not a compliment. He plays with a fire, but the dip in contact rate left some evaluators feeling burned.
Taylor entered 2025 as a top-100 prospect after demolishing High-A (154 wRC+), and left 2025 as an afterthought on prospect lists, although he was selected as an Arizona Fall League “Fall Star” in between, where he worked to keep his chase rate low and his hard hit rate high. The juice must have been worth the squeeze, as the Rays have elected to invite Taylor to major league Spring Training this year.
Victor Valdez, SS 17 | R/R | 6’1” | 186
A pretty swing with a low whiff rate earned Valdez a big payday this winter — $3.5 million — with as good of a power projection as you can reasonably ask for from a a teenage bat, having been given a 25+ home run projection by Baseball America, who also praise his plus foot speed, bat speed, and control of the zone. Reports say he has ever improving lateral movements on defense, with smooth actions and a strong arm. If it all clicks, it’s a middle-of-the-order bat on the left side of the infield. At signing, the Rays gave him a comp to Francisco Lindor. It will be interesting to see if his first professional season can solidify the five tool profile.
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 4: Dalano Banton #45 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 4, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SAN FRANCISCO — In the corner of the visiting locker room in San Francisco, Dalano Banton chatted up Jordan Walsh.
Banton and Walsh haven’t shared a locker room in years, but they picked up right where they left after Banton signed a ten-day contract with the Celtics on Thursday.
The 26-year-old guard reunited with several former teammates — Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Neemias Queta, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Walsh — as he rejoined the Celtics after an up-and-down two years.
Before the Celtics 121-110 win over the Golden State Warriors, Banton spoke to CelticsBlog about returning to Boston, where he spent the first half of the 2023-2024 campaign. He spent the majority of the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he established himself as a rotation player, but has been relegated to the G League this season.
Today, Banton is just thrilled to be back with the same organization that welcomed him years ago.
“It definitely feels good,” he told CelticsBlog. “I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity. Spending from the start of the season to right about a couple weeks ago in the G, just knowing that the uphill battle, and just sticking to the grind every day — being here is great. A lot of familiar faces, and everyone’s welcoming me back with open arms.”
Banton has had some very successful stretches since he was traded from the Celtics in February of 2024, just months before their title run. He averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in Portland for the remainder of that 2023-2024, and subsequently averaged 8.3 points and 2.4 assists in a more limited role with the Blazers last year.
But this year, he was not able to get an NBA contract, and thus joined the Texas Legends, the Dallas Maverick’s G League affiliate team.
In the G League, he’s stayed the course, worked hard, and hoped for an opportunity; averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
Earlier this month, he got a ten-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Now, he returns to Boston, a team that will need to utilize multiple ten-day contracts this spring in order to stay below the luxury tax line.
“You have the opportunity to play every night — you’ve got to show what you can do,” Banton said. “So you eventually [hope to] get called up somewhere — knowing if that was going to be here somewhere else, I really never knew. But I’m just kind of waiting for the opportunity, and just know I have to stay down and continue to grind to get it.”
Reconnecting with Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics
Joe Mazzulla is happy to see Banton once again donning Celtics green.
“I’m glad to have him back,” Mazzulla said. “He’s worked hard when he was with us before, but just his ability to — extra ball handling — but really his ability defensively to impact the game. Whether it’s on the ball, whether it’s with his ball pressure, whether it’s his defensive activity. I’m excited to have him back and working with him.”
Banton told CelticsBlog that since he was traded from the Celtics, Brad Stevens has kept in touch.
“I’ve definitely had great relationship with a lot of people here,” he said. “Brad’s been good to me ever since they signed me here a couple years ago. He always kept that relationship with them, always talking to my agent and stuff like that about me, keeping tabs on me.”
He also said that he was particularly excited to reunite with player development coaches Steve Tchiengang and Tyler Lashbrook, both of whom are still with the Celtics.
“Tyler was my player development [coach], that’s my brother,” he said. “We always talk. All the time that I was gone, [he was] checking in on me and stuff.”
Banton didn’t lace up in his first game back with the Celtics, a blowout win over the Warriors. He’ll be with the team for the remainder of this roadtrip, which includes games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets.
Then, next Friday, the Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets.
If and when he does get an on-court opportunity, Banton doesn’t want to force the issue.
“I’m not trying to come in and trying to show you everything you could do in a possession or two,” he said. “If they brought you here, I’m sure that they watched film on you, and studied your game, and know what you can do. But just definitely bringing energy, playing hard, trying to be a good teammate, and just showing your face around the organization — just in case the team, or whoever it is, does want to keep you around.”
Payton Pritchard said it was great to see Banton reconnect with his former teammates.
“It’s been a journey for him,” Pritchard said. “For him to work his way back into the league and get an opportunity again, it’s a testament to his work ethic.”
For Banton, the reunion has extended beyond just the players and coaches themselves — two years later, many of his teammates kids have grown up, too.
“When I first got here, a lot of people were just starting to have kids, and just to see that they’re getting older and stuff now is great,” he said. “It’s great to come around and just gel and rekindle with the guys.”
Reviving a rivalry that has been among the NBA's best for decades, the Los Angeles Lakers will play host to the Boston Celtics in a Sunday night matchup on NBC and Peacock.
This will be the second meeting this season between the teams that rank first and second in NBA championships (18 for the Celtics; 17 for the Lakers).
Boston beat L.A. 126-105 at home on Dec. 5 as Jaylen Brown scored 30 pts. Austin Reaves had a game-high 36 for the Lakers, who were without Luka Doncic (personal reasons) and LeBron James (sciatica & left foot arthritis).
Boston has won five of the past seven between the teams that have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals (Boston is 9-3 and won the first eight titles; L.A. won the most recent in 2010 over seven games).
See below for additional information on how to watch the Celtics-Lakers matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.
At 36-19, the Celtics have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and have won seven of the past eight behind five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, who is on pace for career highs in scoring (more than 29 points per game), assists and field goals made.
In a 121-110 road victory Thursday over Golden State, Brown led Boston with 15 rebounds and 13 assists as the team contiued to excel in the absence of Jayson Tatum, whose return could be on the horizon.
The four-time first-team All-NBA forward has been out all season with the torn right Achilles suffered in last year's playoffs, but Tatum has practiced with the Celtics' G League team this month and has attended nearly every Boston game. I've grown an appreciation for the game and for my teammates and just guys around the league," Tatum said. "I’ve just been sitting back and being able to watch guys kind of take that next step. It's been kind of cool to see.”
He's been watching a team that remains heavily reliant on the 3-pointer: The Celtics are 17-0 when shooting over 40% from long range.
The Lakers are on the path to the playoffs but are trying to shore up weaknesses on defense, ranking in the bottom half of the league in opponent points per game and defensive rating. Among Western Conference teams with a winning record, only Denver has been worse defensively.
Los Angeles also lacks punch from its bench on offense, ahead of only Houston in the lowest points totals per game outside the starting lineup. The Lakers also rank outside the top 25 with 10 3-pointers per game.
On the positive side, L.A. has been clutch with a 15-3 record in games with a scoring margin within five points in the final 5 minutes of regulation. No other team has fewer than nine losses in clutch games.
With injuries to LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves that sidelined the star trio for significant stretches (they shared the court in only 10 of the first 54 games), the Lakers still are on track for a 50-win season and perhaps their best ball is ahead (especially with the recent acquisitions of Luke Kennard and Gabe Vincent).
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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NBA on NBC 2025-26 schedule:
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 14: Jancel Villarroel #89 of the Houston Astros bats during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Cacti Park at the Palm Beaches on Friday, March 14, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Trevor Gallagher/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
We’re so close to two very pivotal things! The start of baseball, and the end of the Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List. On Saturday, the San Francisco Giants play their first Cactus League game of the year. On Wednesday, we wrap up the communal rankings of the top 44 prospects in the organization.
Taking home the most votes on the last ballot is catcher Jancel Villarroel, who makes his CPL debut as the No. 42 prospect in the system.
Villarroel, a right-handed hitter, is one of the newest prospects on the farm, as he came over just before the start of camp in the Kai-Wei Teng trade. So we’ve yet to see him don a Giants jersey.
The recently-turned 21-year old signed with the Houston Astros late in 2022 out of Venezuela, and had a strong 2025. He spent the bulk of the year with Houston’s Low-A affiliate, where he posted a .746 OPS and a 123 wRC+, with six home runs in 85 games, and 20 stolen bases in 27 attempts. That earned him a late-season promotion to High-A, where his numbers came down a bit: he had a .699 OPS, a 91 wRC+, two home runs in 15 games, and no stolen bases.
While Villarroel didn’t post a great batting average (.259 across the two levels), like so many players the Giants have targeted lately, he kept the strikeouts in check, running just a 17.8% rate, made even better by a 10.4% walk rate.
There are questions about how Villarroel will perform as he climbs the ladder. He’s a very short player, listed at 5’8 and probably not much taller than that. He’s played all over the diamond (he has a not-insignificant amount of time at first base, second base, and all three outfield spots), but his lack of speed and agility make it hard to see him playing up the middle, and his lack of power makes it difficult to envision a career at a corner, so it’s probably catcher or bust. But catchers who can hit are always valuable, and that’s the hope with Villarroel, who should open the year as the primary catcher for High-A Eugene. It will be fun getting familiar with one of the organization’s newest members!
Now let’s add to the list. For the final time, we have some new names to choose from.
Note: Clicking on the above names will link to the CPL where they were voted onto the list.
No. 43 prospect nominees
ScottBandura — 24.6-year old OF — .626 OPS/88 wRC+ in AA (186 PA); .838 OPS/136 wRC+ in High-A (373 PA)
SabinCeballos — 23.5-year old 3B — .670 OPS/102 wRC+ in AA (420 PA)
ReggieCrawford — 25.2-year old LHP — did not pitch in 2025; 1.04 ERA/4.07 FIP in AAA in 2024 (8.2 IP); 4.66 ERA/4.93 FIP in AA in 2024 (9.2 IP)
JoseOrtiz — 21.7-year old OF — .803 OPS/134 wRC+ in Low-A (66 PA)
Jean CarlosSio — 21.10-year old INF — .808 OPS/130 wRC+ in High-A (122 PA); .821 OPS/129 wRC+ in Low-A (385 PA)
CharlieSzykowny — 25.7-year old 3B/1B — .816 OPS/122 wRC+ in High-A (549 PA)
TylerVogel — 25.3-year old RHP — 18.00 ERA/6.47 FIP in AAA (2 IP); 1.13 ERA/2.42 FIP in AA (16 IP); 2.83 ERA/3.86 FIP in High-A (41.1 IP)
Note: Each player’s first name links to their Baseball-Reference page, and their last name links to their Fangraphs page.All stats are from the 2025 season.
During All-Star Weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, "We're going to be scrutinizing everything we see going forward" regarding teams tanking, and that the league would be looking at "every possible remedy."
During a Thursday phone call with all 30 general managers, an adamant Silver said tanking needs to be curtailed for the integrity of the game and laid out potential remedies, according to multiple reports. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, some of the potential moves discussed by Silver included:
• Freezing the lottery odds at an earlier, specific date (hypothetically, All-Star weekend), so teams don't have a motivation to play poorly during the season's stretch run.
• Limiting draft protections to 1-4 or lottery (top 14), eliminating what Utah and Washington are doing this season where they are working to protect top-eight protected picks.
• Not allowing teams to pick in the top four in consecutive years.
• Including all the play-in teams in the lottery.
• Flattening the lottery odds so every team has the same chance.
All of those "solutions" would create new challenges. Freeze the lottery odds at the All-Star break and teams will start tanking earlier, in the heart of the season. Taking away teams' ability to pick in the top four in consecutive years takes a key team-building tool for smaller markets — it's how San Antonio got so good right now.
Even Silver's owners are not all on the same page.
Mat Ishbia of the Suns said tanking was for losers.
This is ridiculous! Tanking is losing behavior done by losers. Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. Embarrassing for the league and for the organizations. And the talk about this as a “strategy” is ridiculous.
The NBA has kate been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way.
When I got into the nba, they thought they were in the basketball business. They…
In the end, there may be no solution because landing a high pick and getting a player such as Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Cooper Flagg or Victor Wembanyama (to name just the recent examples) changes the fortunes and value of a franchise. Teams are going to do what it takes to give themselves the best chance to win. Flatten the lottery odds and the league has to accept the risk that a good team — and if the pick was traded, maybe the league's best team — could end up with the No. 1 pick. Teams are trying to sell their fan base either on winning ("we are contenders/very good right now, so come watch us") or on hope for the future. Reduce the bad teams' lottery odds, and you reduce that hope.
There is no easy answer. But Silver is determined to do something.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 28: Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 28, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards host the Indiana Pacers again tonight
Game info
When: Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Injuries: For the Wizards, Trae Young (knee, quad), Anthony Davis (hand, groin), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), Alex Sarr (hamstring), and D’Angelo Russell (not with team) are out.
For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith (lumbar), Micah Potter (ankle), TJ McConnell (hamstring), Quenton Jackson (G League) are questionable, while Ivica Zubac (ankle), Pascal Siakam (personal), Obi Toppin (foot), Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), and Johnny Furphy (knee) are out.
What to watch for
The Wizards will host the Pacers for the second straight day. Washington drew first blood last night and will have another opportunity to make it 2-for-2. In games where the Wizards are playing teams that are also doing poorly in the standings, it is not a bad thing to see them win here and there. This is one of those times.
CUBS vs. SOX: According to my research, this will be the 601st game of all kinds between the Cubs and White Sox. They have met in 152 regular-season games, six World Series games and 442 exhibition games, including pre-season, in-season and post-season. Of all exhibition games, the Cubs have won 204, lost 226 and tied 12. Of the 197 pre-season games outside Chicago, they have won 103, lost 87 and tied 7. Of all pre-season games, including those in Chicago, they have won 128, lost 113 and tied 7. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
THE NEW GUYS: Of the 60 players in Cubs camp, 20 were not in the Cubs organization at all last year.
Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Porter Hodge, Gavin Hollowell, Connor Noland, Grant Kipp and Connor Schultz. Also, minor leaguers Frankie Scalzo, Zane Mills, Vince Reilly and Nick Hull.
Jonathan Cannon will start for the White Sox. Other Sox pitchers scheduled today: Tyler Schweitzer, Zach Franklin, Jairo Iriarte, former Cub Tyson Miller, Ben Peoples, Garrett Schoenle and Frankeli Arias.
Today’s game will be on Marquee Sports Network. There will also be a radio broadcast on 670 The Score, as well as on the White Sox radio channel, ESPN 1000.
Please note that during spring training, Gameday sometimes doesn’t go pitch-by-pitch as it does during the regular season — if not, it will update after each at-bat.
Please visit our SB Nation White Sox site South Side Sox . If you do go there to interact with Sox fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Trevor Rogers #28 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches live during practice at Ed Smith Stadium on February 16, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s here. The first Orioles game of the spring training schedule is happening today in Sarasota. The game will be aired on both MASN (TV/streaming) and WBAL (radio) in Baltimore, so if you have access to either of those, you can even follow along. It’ll feel a little warmer with baseball going on somewhere.
This being the Grapefruit League, no questions about anything will be answered today. If someone does well, it doesn’t matter. If someone sucks, it doesn’t matter. Everything over the next month is just about getting everyone prepared for the real games come Opening Day.
As nice as it will feel to have good results, particularly the closer we get to Opening Day, really all that matters is getting through the camp season without more injuries piling up on top of what was already there when players reported. There’s already bad injury news here on Friday with the Orioles having announced the official diagnosis for Jordan Westburg, revealing an elbow injury that’s cropped up during his oblique rehab.
Here’s the lineup for the opener:
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Pete Alonso – 1B
Samuel Basallo – C
Tyler O’Neill – RF
Colton Cowser – CF
Adley Rutschman – DH
Heston Kjerstad – LF
Coby Mayo – 3B
Jeremiah Jackson – 2B
Trevor Rogers is the starting pitcher for this opening game. Pitchers expected to be used after him are: Keegan Akin, Jose Espada, Rico Garcia, Trey Gibson, Jean Carlos Henriquez, Enoli Paredes, and Grant Wolfram. They will probably not appear in alphabetical order by last name. Dean Kremer is set to start tomorrow. Further than that has not been lined up (or at least not revealed publicly) just yet.
New manager Craig Albernaz has already offered caution not to read too much into any spring lineup. We certainly should not make assumptions about how the team is leaning for regular season lineups based on this first spring game.
My question for you is, how much do you think this lineup will resemble the one we’ll get for Opening Day? I think there’s probably seven out of the nine Opening Day players here. This being the first game of spring, we’ll probably only see them for four or five innings and then it will be time for the reserves. Some of the reserves might even be players you’re excited to get to see a bit in the early games.
Rudy Gobert
Julian Strawther
Kawhi Leonard
