CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Chicago White Sox second baseman Ray Durham (R) turns the double play catching the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Jose Guillen (L) at second base and Jason Tyner at first base in the second inning 21 August 2000 at Comiskey Park in Chicago Illinois . AFP PHOTO/John ZICH (Photo credit should read JOHN ZICH/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Perusing former big leaguers as one does and Jose Guillen fascinates me. A freak athlete with a ridiculous arm, he was utterly terrible for the first few years of his career. From 1997-2002, he had -6.1 fWAR, easily the worst of any player over that stretch of time (next closest was Neifi Perez, -3.8 fWAR).
Then from 2003-2005, Guillen produced 10.0 fWAR and had a 124 wRC+.
Funny how this game works.
There will be MLB.tv coverage of the games today with the Pirates broadcast available, along with the Pirates radio feed.
First pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates is at 1:05 at LECOM Park
Today’s highlight package is from June 29, 2008 when the Devil Rays took on the Pirates
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 2: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates steals second base safely ahead of the tag by Brandon Lowe #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 2, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays for the second time this spring in hopes of sending the fans in Bradenton home happy.
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach JJ Redick talks to Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the huddle during a timeout in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers still have a lot left to play for. Although 60 games are already in the books, the upcoming final weeks of the regular season possess a choose-your-own-adventure number of outcomes for their playoff position. If they have a switch to flip, now is the time do it.
Smack dab in the middle of the battle royale that is the Western Conference postseason picture, the Lakers are clinging to the sixth seed. But that could change fast.
Despite their recent skid, the Lakers remain in reach of finishing with home-court advantage as they are only 1.5 games behind the third spot. However, things can also go south if their mediocre play continues. Following their brutal loss to the shorthanded Suns, Los Angeles now holds only a two-game lead over Phoenix.
With little margin for error, the difference between a strong playoff standing and the play-in tournament will be decided from every game here on out. And if the Lakers want the former result, they will need to do something they haven’t been able to do all year — beat good teams.
According to Positive Residual, the Lakers have the third-toughest remaining schedule among Western Conference teams and fourth-toughest overall.
Via: Positive Residual
If that wasn’t daunting enough, the stiff competition they will face carries added weight, as it is composed almost entirely of the same teams jostling for playoff positioning.
The Lakers will go head-to-head with the clubs they’re currently sandwiched between in Minnesota and Phoenix. Additionally, they also have two pivotal matchups remaining against Houston, Denver and Oklahoma City each.
Given how bunched up everyone still is, tiebreakers will likely play a big role in determining the final playoff bracket.
For example, despite still having one game remaining against Phoenix, the Lakers have already lost the season series to the Suns, a result of the two sides playing an extra time this season during the NBA Cup knockout rounds. Conversely, thanks to their two early-season wins against Minnesota, the Lakers have notched the season series over the Timberwolves. Tiebreakers against Houston and Denver are still up for grabs.
It may sound like hyperbole, but this is why the Lakers’ entire season could come down to how they fare in these eight games. A proposition that feels ominous given how they’ve performed against the upper echelon of the league this season.
Despite their solid record, especially given the context of the number of injuries they’ve endured this year, the skepticism surrounding the Lakers’ championship odds has centered on their inability to hang in their marquee matchups.
Los Angeles has a stellar 23-7 record against teams under .500. However, they are only 13-17 in their matchups with teams over .500. That is the worst mark among the top six teams in the West.
What is arguably even more concerning than their poor record is how they have performed in these contests. This is because they have not just lost, but they have rarely even been competitive.
Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) defends during the second half of play at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images
According to Cleaning the Glass, the Lakers have the fourth-worst net rating (-12.9) against teams currently in the top 10 in point differential. It is worth noting that the only teams worse — Washington, Brooklyn and Utah — are actively trying to lose.
An optimist could point to the Lakers being without their big three in most of these games as a reason for the disappointing results. On the season, the trio of Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves has played in just 870 possessions together.
Detractors could counter by highlighting the trio’s barely positive net rating (+1.3) when they have played, and the Lakers’ struggles against better competition as just proof of the gap between them and the elite. This is a team whose record was built upon feasting against bottomfeeders.
Regardless of the reality of their situation, the Lakers are about to be presented with an opportunity to change their narrative surrounding them and, in the process, restore the belief in themselves ahead of the postseason.
The initial momentum the Lakers played with earlier in the year has all but abandoned them. There’s an undeniable funk they have to rid themselves of, and that starts by winning. Their blowout victories against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings were steps in the right direction, but it has to continue now before it is gone for good.
While the Lakers were never likely to win the championship this year, they can still give themselves the best odds by finding their groove right now. The very same teams they will have to leap in the standings and eventually beat in the playoffs are coming their way.
Whether they care to or even can, it’s time the Lakers prove they are not what everyone says they are.
All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social.
The reaction of most fans to the news that Zion Williamson was out Sunday night vs. the Clippers after tweaking his ankle was to shrug — "of course he's out, he's always injured and out."
Except that was not the case: Williamson had played in a career-high 35 consecutive games before missing Sunday, having been in the lineup every game since Dec. 14. And he was out with a legitimate issue, he had rolled his ankle in the second quarter against Utah the night before and had to come out of that game.
Zion has played in 45 games this season, missing 17 (hamstring and hip issues), and he remains an electric player to watch, averaging 21.5 points and 5.8 assists per game. Last season, he played in just 30 games, but the season before that he suited up for 70.
There has been a lot of speculation that the Pelicans might look to trade Zion this offseason. However, the market for him would be limited — kind of like the ones for Trae Young and Anthony Davis — because of his injury history and the fact that he is owed two more years and $87 million in salary.
As of March 1, 2026, NHL teams can start signing players currently in junior hockey to Entry-Level Contracts that start in 2026-27. The Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights have already jumped on this opportunity, as each signed a player currently playing in the WHL. While Vegas signed a drafted prospect in Alex Weiermair, Seattle brought in 20-year-old Ryden Evers, who was an undrafted free agent.
The WHL free agent market is the perfect opportunity for the Vancouver Canucks to add young, Canadian talent from the WHL. Vancouver has signed undrafted free agents from the CHL before, with the most notable being Arshdeep Bains back in 2022. With the signing window now open, here are three 20-year-old Canadians currently playing in the WHL that the Canucks could sign.
Defenceman Carter Sotheran, Edmonton Oil Kings
Carter Sotherans name may sound familiar as he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023. The Flyers elected to let his rights expiry, which is why he is avaliable for any team that wants to add a 6'4", right-shot defenceman to their organization. Sotheran has thrived this season with 63 points in 60 games and is currently on a loaded Edmonton Oil Kings' team that is one of the favourites to win the WHL this season.
Forward Shane Smith, Kelowna Rockets
As for a player already scheduled to play in the Memorial Cup, that would be Shane Smith of the Kelowna Rockets. The 20-year-old has done nothing but score since arriving in Kelowna, as he has 15 goals and 38 points in 32 games. Listed at 6'2", 205 lbs, Smith is a versitile forward who can impact the game both physically and on the scoresheet.
Shane Smith of the Kelowna Rockets (Photo Credit: Steve Dunsmoor/Kelowna Rockets/WHL)
Forward Kooper Gizowski, Prince George Couagrs
Kooper Gizowski is having a strong final season in the WHL. The 20-year-old is up to 67 points in 59 games and has already surpassed the 30 goal mark for the year. Listed at 5'10", 168 lbs, Gizowski is expected to play a signifcant role for the Prince George Cougars in the upcoming 2026 WHL Playoffs.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20, 2026: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals bats during the second inning of a spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on February 20, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The single most important Kansas City Royal player in 2026 (non-Bobby Witt Jr. division) is Jac Caglianone by a mile. Cags’ rookie campaign in 2025 was a disaster; he didn’t hit well, he didn’t field well, and the end result was a negative Wins Above Replacement campaign. But those results were incongruous with Cags’ immense talent, and no other Royal has the power and potential that Caglianone does.
So it’s been somewhat of a relief to see the large man absolutely tear the cover off the ball in the first few games of Spring Training.
As I type this, Cags has 17 Spring Training plate appearances. He has gotten on base 10 times, which, lol. That’s split between six hits and four walks against only two strikeouts. Caglianone is also displaying his most important skill: elite exit velocity. The harder you hit the ball, the better your result at the plate. The above video is an example of what happens when he elevates and connects with his bat (IE, home runs; big, gigantic, towering dongs).
But it’s not just the home runs that Caglianone has been unleashing so far. A few days ago, Caglianone hit a ball 120 (!!!) miles per hour for a resounding double. The list of players who hit a ball harder than that last year in the regular season is two: Oneil Cruz and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.
Now, I will be the first to say that Spring Training stats should always be taken with a grain of salt. Players are warming up, they’re working on specific aspects of their game, and rosters are stuffed with Minor League guys on both the pitching and hitting side. And that’s to say nothing of the Small Sample Size problem, which is a thing even in the regular season. A great 17 plate appearances only count for, well, to 17 plate appearances.
And yet, Spring Training is where hope lives. I also think that the mental side of baseball goes underappreciated by many. Last year, Caglianone learned a new position, played on two minor league teams, and made his MLB debut–all one year after being drafted out of college. A little Spring Training success, in other words, may be contagious.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics celebrates a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 28, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Our trip through each AL West rival continues this week with a look at the Oakland Sacramento Las Vegas Athletics. With a target arrival date in Las Vegas of 2028, this period of limbo for the Athletics is a crucial time to set the foundation for a competitive ballclub by the time they arrive in the desert. Playing in Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento certainly has its challenges — the team’s pitching staff allowed nearly a full run more per game at home than they did on the road — but that same hitter-friendly environment absolutely bolstered their position players.
If there is one reason to fear the A’s in 2026, it’s because they’ve assembled one of the most dangerous young lineups in baseball. Last offseason, they signed Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler to long-term contract extensions. This winter, they locked up Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson to a pair of seven-year contract extensions. Along with Rookie of the Year winner Nick Kurtz, this quintet should form the core of the next great Athletics team, and all of them are signed or under team control through at least 2029.
In 2025, the A’s had the 12th best offense in baseball by runs scored, 10th best by wRC+, and eighth best by wOBA. At home in their cozy little minor league ballpark, they sported a .331 wOBA, though that mark dropped to .317 while on the road. As far as home/road splits go, the A’s weren’t as extreme as teams like Rockies or Mariners, which is a testament to the quality of their batters.
With the strength of their team clearly established, the Athletics spent this offseason adding around the margins of the roster and improving their depth.
Notable Transactions
Out: OF JJ Bleday, UTIL Max Schuemann In: 2B/OF Jeff McNeil, INF Andy Ibáñez, UTIL Justin Riemer, 1B Joey Meneses, INF Michael Stefanic Italics = Minor League Deals with Spring Training Invite
The biggest move the Athletics made this offseason was bringing in Jeff McNeil in a trade with the Mets just before Christmas. He had fallen out of favor in New York after a couple of injury-plagued seasons in 2024 and ‘25, undergoing thoracic outlet surgery this offseason to relieve an issue in his shoulder. He’s playing out the final season of his four-year extension he signed in 2023, though he does have a $15.75 million club option for next year. I have a hard time seeing the A’s pick up that option, especially since they have Leo De Vries quickly pushing for a debut within the next couple of seasons.
Andy Ibáñez had a bit of an interesting offseason; he was non-tendered by the Tigers in November, signed a major-league deal with the Dodgers in January but was designated for assignment just a month later — ostensibly to sneak him through waivers so that Los Angeles could stash him in Triple-A. The Athletics swooped in with a waiver claim and now he’ll serve as a right-handed utility infielder for them. It’s not that impactful of a move, but Ibáñez mashes left-handed pitching (career .335 wOBA vs. LHP) and can reasonably play almost everywhere on the field.
The Lineup
Order/Role
Player
Age
Position
Bats
PA
wRC+
Fld
WAR
1
Nick Kurtz
23
1B
L
616
137
-1.6
3.6
2
Shea Langeliers
28
C
R
524
117
-8.6
2.7
3
Tyler Soderstrom
24
LF
L
588
114
-2.1
2.1
4
Brent Rooker
31
DH
R
665
130
0.0
3.1
5
Jeff McNeil
34
2B
L
581
110
-1.6
2.6
6
Jacob Wilson
24
SS
R
616
113
-2.3
3.5
7
Lawrence Butler
25
RF
L
588
104
3.5
2.5
8
Max Muncy
23
3B
R
322
90
1.4
1.0
9
Denzel Clarke
26
CF
R
420
85
3.1
1.3
BN
Colby Thomas
25
OF
R
259
98
1.1
0.7
BN
Andy Ibáñez
33
INF
R
245
89
0.3
0.5
BN
Austin Wynns
35
C
R
166
79
0.3
0.5
BN
Darell Hernaiz
24
INF
R
147
92
0.2
0.5
It took a while for Nick Kurtz to acclimate to the majors after getting called up on April 23, but about a month into his big league tenure, he collected three home runs in two games on May 20 and 21. From that point through the end of the season, he was the best hitter in baseball — yes, better than Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Cal Raleigh. He wound up blasting 36 home runs — including a historic four home run night on July 25 — and easily won the AL Rookie of the Year award for his efforts.
If Kurtz hadn’t erupted in late May, it’s quite possible Jacob Wilson would have won the award anyway — he wound up getting second place behind Kurtz’s unanimous selection. These two players are polar opposites. While Kurtz produces some of the most potent damage on contact in baseball, Wilson relies on elite bat-to-ball skills to put the ball in play more than nearly any other player in baseball. But rather than a prototypical slap-dash approach, Wilson can produce a bit more power than you might expect from someone with just a 24.7% hard hit rate; he surprisingly hit 13 home runs last year! The tiny stadium in West Sacramento certainly helped, but if he elevates to his pull side, he can muscle out a few long balls just over the left field wall.
And then there are the breakout kids Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom. During the second half of the season, Langeliers was the best hitting catcher in baseball. He managed to cut his strikeout rate by 7.5 points thanks to a career-high contact rate. His contact quality was already excellent, so more balls in play meant a lot more hits. As for Soderstrom, the A’s finally settled on a permanent position for him — left field — and he responded with a huge season at the plate. As a prospect, he was always known for his bat rather than his defensive prowess behind the plate. The challenge, then, was finding a way to get his bat into the lineup without any defensive lapses. The outfield grass turned out to be a good fit as he turned in an above average season in the field.
While those four youngsters enjoyed tremendous success in 2025, it wasn’t such smooth sailing for Lawrence Butler. He struggled to follow up his big breakout in ‘24, seeing his strikeout rate spike up to 28.4% and his power output drop a bit. He had the opposite problem as Soderstrom; his contact rate fell by 5.5 points and fewer balls in play, despite excellent contact quality, meant fewer hits. Brent Rooker also struggled to replicate his massive ‘24 season last year. I actually think he was a bit unlucky to post a 122 wRC+; his plate discipline metrics have significantly improved year-over-year the last three seasons and his contact quality remained excellent, if a little less excellent than in his breakout season. Even though it feels like he’s been around forever — he’s the elder statesman of the A’s core at 31 years old — he’s only been a full-time player for three years.
With seven positions filled by fantastic regulars, third base and center field are a bit of a question mark for the A’s. Max Muncy — no, not the Dodgers’ Max Muncy, the other one — is penciled in at third base, but Darell Hernaiz, Carlos Cortes, or Zack Gelof could see some time there throughout the season. There are fewer options in center field. Denzel Clarke is a phenomenal defender in the middle of the park but there are real questions about his bat. He ran an untenable 38.4% strikeout rate in limited action last year, though he does have a bit of pop if he can ever make contact. Colby Thomas is more suited for an outfield corner and has the same concerns about his bat as Clarke. It’s possible the A’s would slide Butler over into center if Clarke’s bat falters, but I think they’d prefer the elite defender to find a way to stick in the majors.
Feb 28, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) signs autographs before the start of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
I’m running out this morning, so I’m posting this early.
The Red Sox are coming to Dunedin for a 1:00 Eastern game.
There are a number of regulars (or at least guys likely to make the roster) in the lineup today. And Cody Ponce is starting, so there are reasons to watch.
Today’s Lineups
RED SOX
BLUE JAYS
Braiden Ward – CF
George Springer – DH
Nick Sogard – 1B
Nathan Lukes – RF
Matt Thaiss – C
Davis Schneider – 2B
Mickey Gasper – DH
Addison Barger – 3B
Vinny Capra – 2B
Jesus Sanchez – LF
Allan Castro – RF
Tyler Heineman – C
Tyler McDonough – LF
Myles Straw – CF
Max Ferguson – 3B
Josh Kasevich – SS
Franklin Arias – SS
Riley Tirotta – 1B
Johan Oviedo – RHP
Cody Ponce – RHP
Max Scherzer has made it to camp. The team is likely to announce his signing tomorrow. They say he could make his first spring game on Saturday, which surprises me.
And tomorrow, WBC exhibition games start. Team Canada will play the Blue Jays tomorrow at 1:00 Easter. Canada plays their (real) first game on Saturday against Columbia. It will be an 11:00 am Eastern time. The US plays their first game Friday.
And Ben Cowles was taking by the Cubs off waivers. I didn’t hear that he had been DFAed, but they needed 40-man space for Max Scherzer. I had figured that Anthony Santander would be placed on the 60-IL.
Three fans found to have made gesture in Frankfurt
Club impose indefinite bans on individuals involved
Tottenham have had a one-match ban imposed on their away supporters in Europe, suspended for a year, after three of them were found to have directed Nazi salutes at their Eintracht Frankfurt counterparts during the Champions League game between the clubs in January. Spurs have given the trio indefinite bans and described their behaviour as “utterly abhorrent”.
Uefa announced the punishment on Monday, saying it had also fined Spurs €30,000. If there is any repeat offence within a year, the club’s fans will serve a one-game away ban.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: A general view of the stadium during the sixth inning of the Spring Training game between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 10, 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
San Francisco Giants Spring Training baseball is in full swing, so let’s take a look at what’s on deck this week.
First up, the Giants will hit the road to take on the Chicago White Sox at 12:05 p.m. PST this afternoon. This will be the only road game until the weekend.
Get ready for a real treat on Tuesday as the Giants welcome the World Baseball Classic Team USA to Scottsdale Stadium for an exhibition game at 12:05 p.m. PST. This game will be a nationally televised broadcast, so you can watch it on ESPN or listen on KNBR.
Wednesday will feature a match-up against the Seattle Mariners at 6:05 p.m. PST. This game will also be televised, this time on NBC Sports Bay Area.
No game on Thursday.
Friday will feature a match-up against the Cincinnati Reds, starting at 12:05 p.m. PT.
Saturday will be a split squad day, with the travel squad taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks starting at 12:10 p.m.. The home squad will take on the Texas Rangers at 12:05 p.m., and this game will have multiple options to tune in. It will be on KNBR for those who want to listen on the radio, NBC Sports Bay Area for our local fans and it will also be on MLB Network (out-of-market only).
The Giants will wrap up the week on the road as they take on the Chicago Cubs on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PST. This will have a MLB Network broadcast, but only for out-of-market fans. Local fans can tune in on KNBR.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 2: Didier Fuentes #75 of the Atlanta Braves throws a warm up pitch during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Truist Park on July 2, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Taking a look at the list and a lot has changed. Didier Fuentes rises from 7th all the way to 3rd on the list. Owen Murphy came back from Tommy John surgery and rose from 8th to 6th. Luke Sinnard, after his breakout season, went from 16th overall to 11th. Interestingly, despite the increased velocity from Garrett Baumann, he dropped from 6th overall to 12th to start the year. There was no bigger fall than Jose Perdomo who went from the 15th overall prospect down to 25th after his first full season of baseball where he struggled at complex ball. David McCabe, the former top positional prospect in the organization according to many, has fallen of the top 30 entirely.
There were some new additions to the list as well. Isaiah Drake came in at 30th overall after his successful season last year, while Raudy Reyes debuted at 29th. Dixon Williams comes in at 28th overall after a strong 2025 season where he had a 150 wRC+, though did still have a near 30% strikeout rate. Also debuting on the list is newly signed international free agent Jose Manon, who comes in at 27th, while Patrick Clohisy and his 100 steals last year help him make the list at 26th. Owen Carey was not ranked to start the year in 2025, but found himself at 19th overall after he hit .258/.330/.345 across 117 games played. Right behind him is 20th round pick Eric Hartman, coming in at 20th overall.
While some of the rankings are interesting to say the least, what we do have is a clear addition of several position prospects within the Braves top 30 – something that has lacked for the past few years. As this core of young Braves continue to develop, along with the addition of the 9th and 26th pick in the upcoming MLB draft, as well as the potential signing of the talented Alfredo Sena next year it’s time to start getting excited about the future of the Braves once again.
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 2: Chaney Johnson #31 of the Long Island Nets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Cleveland Charge on January 2, 2026 at Cleveland Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Long Island Nets came into Sunday with a whole new brand look. With Grant Nelson earning a 10-day contract, Ben Saraf getting recalled, and Drake Powell getting assigned to Long Island, this was a completely new look squad. They even just signed a 6’7’ wing, Jahlil White, who grew in Whitesboro, a Jersey suburb of Philadelphia and is a LaSalle product..
Regardless, Long Island still got it done as they powered past the Westchester Knicks in the Battle of the ‘Burbs, 117-111.
The starters on Sunday changed quite a bit from the last game on Thursday night. Sunday’s game saw Malachi Smith get the start at point guard, followed by Tyson Etienne, Drake Powell, EJ Liddell, and Tre Scott. This wound up being a very good starting five for Long Island, despite the head-scratching move of starting the 28-year-old Scott instead of two-way player Chaney Johnson, the team’s youngest player at 23.
For Brooklyn fans looking to the future, the game was a view of the future with both Powell, on assignment, and Johnson, the Nets youngest two-way providing some highlights and some promise. Both spoke exclusively with NetsDaily post-game about their development.
Starting things off with the latest Brooklyn assignee. Drake Powell had a characteristically aggressive game. Powell’s aggressiveness on defense and his athleticism have gotten him to the NBA, taken at No. 22 in the Draft. He’s not afraid to get after the ball, and that was on full display Sunday. On the stat sheet, Powell’s game reads 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal. After the game, Powell spoke with NetsDaily about his performance.
“Just to go out there and have fun,” Powell told ND. “I spent some time down here in the past, two games, it’s just a great group of guys to be around. Ultimately, I’m just happy we came out with the win.”
This marked Powell’s third game on Long Island this season. He has spent the majority of his time up in Brooklyn. When asked where he feels like he’s developed the most, Powell said, “I think, just trusting myself with limited dribbles, and to eat up space. I think my first step is pretty quick; that’s just something I want to continue to get better at.”
Now with Powell assigned to Long Island, for who knows how long, he gets to develop under head coach Mfon Udofia. Udofia has a proven track record of developing some of the Nets bright young stars like Drew Timme, Killian Hayes, Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson and now Nolan Traore. Powell was asked what it’s like to learn under Udofia.
“It’s a great relationship with him,” Powell explains. “He’s always telling me to just be confident in myself, and that’s really all a player wants, is for a coach to have confidence in them.”
For this season, all eyes have been on the Flatbush 5, the five rookies drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2025 NBA Draft: Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf, Ben Saraf, and, of course, Powell. When asked about his connections with the other rookies, Powell told ND, “No special connections, but Danny Wolf and I did pre-draft together, so we’re in the same ages.”
Powell keeps his goals and development targets short and sweet. “Just to compete. That’s the main thing,” Powell says, “And to ultimately become a two-way player.”
Brooklyn’s youngest and newest two-way, Chaney Johnson, continued his big-time performances. There was certainly a case for him to be the fifth starter with Nelson called up to Brooklyn but that didn’t stop Johnson from going off from the bench. Indeed, his skillset and mentality spells sixth man.
Johnson had another double-double, his second in four games tallying 15 points and hauling in 10 rebounds and handing out three assists. Over the last three games, the 6’8” hyperathletic forward is averaging 21.3 points a game on 74/62/70 shooting splits while averaging 8.3 boards. He spoke with ND after the game about his performance…
“Credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he woke me up today,” Johnson said. “Just praying to him before the game. Keeping me grateful. Allowing me to always have fun and not to be too hard on myself because there are people that are wishing they could have these opportunities. Everybody in the G League has to play the game, the sport they love, and get paid for it. So, it’s just a testament to my faith in him and continuing to fall in love with what I do.”
“I feel like my three-ball is getting there,” Johnson told ND. “I feel like I’m having to think a little bit more on defense, so I’m learning and getting more acclimated to the NBA-style of defense. From team-to-team, it’s different, but it’s similar at the same time. Even though it’s different, the principles and where I was with the Cleveland Charge, it’s kind of the same thing, just learning. I’d say just playing a lot more freely.
“Obviously, at the Charge, I was playing a lot more short roles. Here, he’s allowing me to do everything. Coming off ball screens now, long close-out drives, short roll, pick-and-pop, he’s just allowing me to get better in a lot of things.”
One of the most fun parts of watching Johnson play is the physicality of his game. He’s a legitimate 6’8” with a 6’11” wingspan and max vertical approaching 40 inches, according to his former Auburn teammates.
He isn’t afraid to get up there for strong dunks and lay-ups in traffic, as well for blocks. When asked about this part of his game, Johnson said, “It’s very important,” Johnson tells ND. “God’s blessed me with a strong frame. It’s also a testament to the work I put in in the weight room with just everyone on the staff. Someone who has the frame I have, sometimes, I’m not really used to using it, so I’m still learning ways to use my frame and play as physically as I can without getting charges or blocking fouls. It’s a part of the learning curve. So, just getting used to playing, physical, because it is a physical game.”
When speaking off the camera, Johnson told ND that he’s sure he has at least a 40-inch vertical, but when he’s sprinting, he’s positive he gets well over 40 inches in the air. Watching him play, it’s very easy to see why he thinks that. He can get up there with the best of them to contest shots, and oftentimes sending opposing offensive players packing.
“I still want to be a lot more confident from the three-point line,” Johnson explains. “If I’m caught catching the ball, ready to shoot every time, teams are going to have to respect it. It opens up drives, and it will open up teammates. So, to be able to shoot a lot more confidently. A little bit better on defense. Sometimes I get beat on close outs, and just making sure to continue to get in shape. I’m not used to playing 30 minutes a game. It’s fun though, so just all of those things.”
Malachi Smith led the team in scoring, tallying 22 points. He connected on seven of his 15 shots, including hitting both of his tries from deep. Smith also had three rebounds, four assists, and a steal to go with it. Smith has been continuously putting other teams on notice that he may at least be worth a 10-day contract to have a tryout with a team. Kind of like Grant Nelson is doing now with Brooklyn.
Tyson Etienne and EJ Liddell, the other two Brooklyn two-way players in this one, had a total of 14 points each. This was a great turnaround for Liddell, who only notched four points on Thursday night. He once again flirted with a double-double, hauling in nine rebounds. Trevon Scott, the fifth and final starter, picked up 13 points and had five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block to go with it.
The Nets began the game on a 21-7 run over the first 7:09 in the first quarter. Long Island ended the first quarter with a 34-18 lead after shooting 57.1 percent (4-for-7) from long range and holding the Knicks to 26.3 percent (5-for-19) shooting from the field in the first. Long Island extended the advantage to 20 points with a 21-9 run from 2:58 in the first to 8:47 in the second, but Westchester went on a 14-6 run from 6:50 to 3:52 in the second to close the gap. The Nets finished the second quarter without committing any turnovers and took a 63-52 lead into the halftime break.
The Knicks cut the deficit to a single point with a 15-2 run from 9:23 to 5:34 in the third, but Roberts responded by scoring or assisting on 13 of the team’s final 15 points in the third. Long Island’s defense limited the Knicks to 30 percent (3-for-10) shooting from deep in the third to enter the final quarter with an 83-76 lead. The Knicks started the fourth on a 15-6 run and took a five-point lead before the Nets responded with a 10-0 run to regain the advantage. Long Island pulled away down the stretch with a 19-7 run from 5:04 to 1:35 in the fourth to secure a 117-111 victory. The Nets shot 47.8 percent (11-for-23) from deep and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds in the win.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (16-11) now hit the road for their next four games before they finally come home again on March 19th for Brooklyn affiliation night. Now, Long Island gears up for its next game as they travel to North Carolina to take on their old friend, Tosan Evbuomwan, and the Greensboro Swarm. The game tips off at 11:00 a.m. ET and can be watched on the G League website, as well as on the NBA app.
That turns out to be at least 10 days — meaning at least five more games — before he is re-evaluated, the team announced.
The Warriors are 4-6 so far in this stretch without Curry and have a bottom-10 offense over that stretch, not surprising given Curry and Jimmy Butler (ACL) are out, leading to issues around shot creation.
Golden State remains the No. 8 seed in the West and has a 2.5-game lead over the LA Clippers (9th) and Portland (10th) to hold on to that easier path through the play-in to the playoffs. That makes the Warriors’ showdown with the Clippers on Monday night on Peacock an especially important game.
When he has played this season, Curry has looked elite averaging 27.2 points and 4.8 assists a game, shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. For the season, the Warriors are 8-13 in games Curry has missed.
Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter Kon Knueppel is the new favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year, taking the lead from his former Duke roommate, Cooper Flagg.
Knueppel is as low as -200 at theScore Bet, which translates to a 66.7% implied chance to win the award.
Key Takeaways
Knueppel was behind five other players in opening Rookie of the Year odds.
The rookie is third in made threes per game and ninth in three-point percentage.
The Hornets are sixth in odds to win the East after missing the playoffs every year since the 2015-16 season.
Player
FanDuel
DraftKings
Caesars
theScore Bet
Kon Knueppel
-130
-175
-185
-200
Cooper Flagg
+135
+140
+155
+150
VJ Edgecombe
+10000
+10000
+12500
+10000
Knueppel was only a +3000 underdog in NBA Rookie of the Year odds on opening night, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Five players were ahead of him in the odds ladder, including Flagg, who was a -225 favorite before he’d even played one second in a professional game.
The shift in odds first took place last Friday, when theScore Bet installed both Knueppel and Flagg -115 odds to win the award. The former had a slightly higher percentage of bets (17.9% to 14.5%) but a significantly lower percentage of the handle backing him (17.1% to 56.3%).
That same day, DraftKings revealed that it had bumped Knueppel to a -125 favorite, taking over the lead from Flagg (-105).
Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg are officially “DUKE-ing” it out in the NBA Rookie of the Year race.
Today, Knueppel has leapfrogged his former roommate and teammate in the ROY race 👀 pic.twitter.com/Y99vmYF6Ym
As Knueppel continues to grow his lead, Flagg remains sidelined by a left foot injury that has held him out of action since Feb. 10. He is considered doubtful for the Dallas Mavericks’ Tuesday matchup with none other than Knueppel's Hornets.
Although the NBA Rookie of the Year award does not have the same 65-game minimum requirement like other major awards, such as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, Flagg only seems to be losing ground with every passing day.
Knueppel takes Rookie of the Year lead
Knueppel was the fourth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, behind Flagg, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper, and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe.
The 20-year-old has already established himself as a historically-efficient shooter and played a major role in the Hornets’ transformation from a moribund franchise to one that is quickly climbing the standings in the Eastern Conference. He also drew high praise from individuals around the league, including two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“You’re probably one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen.” 💯
Anyone with the foresight to bet on Knueppel—assuming he holds onto his lead in Rookie of the Year odds—would’ve won $300 from a $10 bet, or 30 times their investment.
Here’s a look back at the opening odds for NBA Rookie of the Year:
Player
Odds (BetMGM)
Cooper Flagg
-225
Ace Bailey
+850
Tre Johnson
+1000
Dylan Harper
+1000
VJ Edgecombe
+2500
Kon Knueppel
+3000
Derik Queen
+3000
Jeremiah Fears
+3500
Cedric Coward
+3500
Egor Demin
+4000
Knueppel and the Hornets futures odds
Knueppel is on pace to become the second Hornets player ever to win the Rookie of the Year trophy. The first was his teammate, LaMelo Ball, who claimed the award for his efforts during the 2020-21 season.
The Hornets currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, three games above the Milwaukee Bucks and the cut-off for the Play-In Tournament. They’re still 3.5 games behind the 76ers, who are sixth in the East and the last team in a guaranteed playoff position.
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Hornets at -700 (87.5% chance) to make the Play-In Tournament. They’re also tied for sixth in odds to win the Eastern Conference at +3500 (2.8% chance).
Valeri Nichushkin is having a strong season for the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche, on pace to clear 50 points for the third time in his career.
He has done his best work on the road, and my Avalanche vs. Kings predictions expect that to continue in Los Angeles.
Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for Monday, March 2.
Avalanche vs Kings prediction
Avalanche vs Kings best bet: Valeri Nichushkin Over 0.5 points (-105)
Valeri Nichushkin has hit the scoresheet in 16 of 25 away games, good for a 64% clip.
The caliber of opponent hasn’t affected his production. He has recorded a point in the same percentage of road games against Top-16 defenses as Bottom-16 defenses.
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar recently moved Artturi Lehkonen to the second line, alongside Nichushkin and Brock Nelson. That’s a positive, as he’s seen an uptick in points per game and shots per game (2.1 to 2.9) with Lehkonen by his side.
The Kings have allowed 22 goals over the last five games, making this a favorable spot for Nichushkin to produce.
Avalanche vs Kings same-game parlay
Cale Makar has generated just six shots on goal over his last four games against Los Angeles. The Kings are excellent at closing on the points and taking away shooting lanes, forcing Makar to rely on his playmaking. He has five assists spanning the past four meetings with the Kings.
Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in goals and has exited the Olympic break firing at will, generating 14 shots on 19 attempts. He should find the net sooner rather than later with that kind of volume.
Valeri Nichushkin has points in five consecutive road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Kings.
How to watch Avalanche vs Kings
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Monday, March 2, 2026
Puck drop
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
ALT2, FDSN West
Avalanche vs Kings 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.
