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NBA mock draft 7.0: Projecting the first round before Selection Sunday

For college basketball fans and scouts, one of the most exciting days of the year is Selection Sunday. That is when everyone gets to discover the road to winning the men's NCAA Tournament.

This is when everyone discovers the path all prospects will take before potentially ending their collegiate tenure and beginning the pre-draft process.

Of course, many players will use the momentum from March Madness to capitalize on their draft stock while it is at an all-time high and begin their professional careers. Others, however, might benefit from increased NIL packages in the NCAA and come back to school or enter the transfer portal.

Some highly-ranked players not included who could potentially return to college include Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston), Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor), Alijah Arenas (USC), Meleek Thomas (Arkansas) and Ebuka Okorie (Stanford). However, if these players decide to declare and stay in the draft, they could potentially warrant first-round consideration as well.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Indiana Pacers: AJ Dybantsa

BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) sets the play in front of West Virginia Mountaineers forward Brenen Lorient (0) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.

  • TEAM: BYU
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Massachusetts
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The race for the No. 1 pick is a tight one, but if the Pacers get the pick, the most likely candidate is AJ Dybantsa. Even though he has flirted with the idea of returning to college, he is the perfect missing piece (around Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac) for this roster. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year leads the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22. Highlighted by his 43-point performance against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24 and 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10, he has averaged 28.4 points per game over his last 16 appearances. 

2. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson

Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena.

  • TEAM: Kansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Wizards would put the All-Big 12 guard in a strong position to begin his career alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson while holding a usage rate as high as his has been this season.

3. Sacramento Kings: Cameron Boozer

Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) under the basket in the first half at Spectrum Center.

  • TEAM: Duke
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Florida
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 18

He is projected here at No. 3 overall, but depending on which team gets the No. 1 overall pick, Duke freshman Cameron Boozer is potentially the top player in the class. The Kings have the second-worst offense in the Western Conference and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting Boozer, who was arguably the best player in college basketball during his first NCAA season. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page by virtually any metric and he is nothing short of a dominant paint scorer. Boozer offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team in college.

4. Brooklyn Nets: Caleb Wilson

Injured North Carolina Tar Heels foward Caleb Wilson jokes with teammates prior to a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Duke Blue Devils won 76-61.

  • TEAM: North Carolina
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Georgia
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

It was devastating news to learn North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson would miss the NCAA men’s basketball tournament with a broken thumb. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement though. After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft last season, they could fill in the rest of the puzzle of their roster by adding the All-ACC big man. Before the injury, via Bart Torvik, the freshman led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach thresholds of 2.5 percent for both block and steal percentage while also notching a defensive rebound percentage above 20.0 percent.

5. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings

Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) reacts while playing against the Baylor Bears in the second half at Fertitta Center.

  • TEAM: Houston
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Texas
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Jazz currently have the worst defensive rating in the league but could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24 and had a strong performance against Baylor, recording 21 points with seven assists and two steals on March 4. With highs as high as his thus far, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.   

6. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) during the game against the Florida Gators in the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.

  • TEAM: Arkansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Michigan
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Now led by Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks need to find players who can help Dallas stay competitive on offense and Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. can do exactly that. The SEC Player of the Year is excellently efficient at operating ball screens or in isolation. He leads freshmen for points created per 40 minutes (43.1) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He can score well from either side of the court and is among the freshmen leaders in both alley-oop assists (15) and field goals made in transition (62) this season. There is a reason rival coach Sean Miller thinks this “generational” guard should have his name in the mix at No. 1 overall. 

7. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Keaton Wagler

  • TEAM: Illinois
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Kansas
  • HEIGHT: 6-6
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks could find their point guard of the future in Illinois standout Keaton Wagler using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 41.0 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman this year. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season. 

8. Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: New Jersey
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 23

The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.

9. Chicago Bulls: Mikel Brown Jr. 

  • TEAM: Louisville
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Florida
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

The Chicago Bulls need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and is among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9 while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before getting hurt on Feb. 28.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries  

  • TEAM: Arizona
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: California
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard has continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. Burries has proven productivity and that he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.   

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Nate Ament 

Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) brings the ball up court against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.

  • TEAM: Tennessee
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Virginia
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament is starting to realize some of his lofty expectations. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. It will only take one team to fall in love with Ament and given so much of what he brings to the table cannot be taught, that team is probably picking fairly early in the lottery.

12. Golden State Warriors: Labaron Philon

  • TEAM: Alabama
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Alabama
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

The Warriors could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard is not playing at 100 percent due to injury issues, he is still playing well. The guard is now averaging 21.5 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 38.9 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process. He has one of the most productive one-footed floaters in college basketball, too. 

13. Charlotte Hornets: Jayden Quaintance

  • TEAM: Kentucky
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign and is highly unlikely to return to the court again this season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man is still one of the youngest players in this class and has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets.

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Thomas Haugh

  • TEAM: Florida
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Pennsylvania
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. The All-SEC forward has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a contending team looking to win an NBA title like the Spurs.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Hannes Steinbach

  • TEAM: Washington
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Germany
  • HEIGHT: 6-11
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to add even more talent near the lottery in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. The All-Big Ten big man is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the big man is one of the more prolific pick and roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.

16. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a free throw against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at United Center.

  • TEAM: Iowa
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Missouri
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick and roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. Stirtz, however, occasionally struggled against highly ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois, Michigan State and Nebraska. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Karim López

  • TEAM: International (Australia)
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Mexico
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.

18. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson 

  • TEAM: Iowa State
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Nevada
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, Iowa State do-it-all Joshua Jefferson is an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career. 

19. Miami Heat: Koa Peat  

  • TEAM: Arizona
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Arizona
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to their organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. Arizona plays at a significantly faster pace (4.6 extra possessions) when Peat is on the floor relative to when he is not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami’s fastest-paced offense in the NBA. 

20. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Braylon Mullins 

  • TEAM: Connecticut
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Indiana
  • HEIGHT: 6-6
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. The Big East All-Freshman wing is shooting 37.1 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson

Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) reacts to a made three point shot during the second half against the BYU Cougars at Marriott Center.

  • TEAM: Texas Tech
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Georgia
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who has the third-most unassisted 3-pointers (59) in the NCAA, per CBB Analytics. Now playing at point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman. 

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Cameron Carr 

  • TEAM: Baylor
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Minnesota
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik, is currently the only player to make more than 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 50 field goals that were 3-pointers so far this season. Baylor has outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor relative to when he is not, via CBB Analytics, which ranks as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA. 

23. Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II

  • TEAM: Duke
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Virginia
  • HEIGHT: 6-11
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the most prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

24. Denver Nuggets: Allen Graves 

  • TEAM: Santa Clara
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Louisiana
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Perhaps the most enticing, under-the-radar prospect in all of college basketball is Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. All-in-one metrics are high on him, per CBB Analytics: He ranks 99th percentile in Win Shares per 40 minutes, Wins Above Replacement Player and Player Efficiency Rating. Meanwhile, the only player under 21 years old who currently holds a higher box plus-minus is Cameron Boozer, via Bart Torvik.  

25. New York Knicks: Morez Johnson Jr. 

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Illinois
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

26. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Amari Allen 

Alabama forward Amari Allen (5) shoots a three against Mississippi State at Coleman Coliseum.

  • TEAM: Alabama
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Wisconsin
  • HEIGHT: 6-7
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Alabama's Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists with 1.7 "stocks" (combined steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play. The SEC All-Freshman wing also shot 39.5 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 4.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play.

27. Boston Celtics: Aday Mara 

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Spain
  • HEIGHT: 7-3
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The 7-foot-3 big man who transferred from UCLA is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempt 18.7 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is on the court, per CBB Analytics, the second-lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition. 

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Tyler Tanner

  • TEAM: Vanderbilt
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Tennessee
  • HEIGHT: 6-0
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard has found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. His performance on March 3 against Ole Miss included 34 points (3-of-6 on 3-pointers), five rebounds, seven assists and five steals. It was his second performance with at least 30 points in a 30-day stretch.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar

  • TEAM: North Carolina
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Estonia
  • HEIGHT: 7-0
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Cavaliers, will have him high on their priority list.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Dailyn Swain 

  • TEAM: Texas
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason, Dailyn Swain has become one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributes a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for Cam Boozer before March Madness

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Moses Moody working out in brace, shooting left-handed in preparation for return

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors and Darius Garland #10 of the LA Clippers go for a loose ball during the first half at Chase Center on March 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Just like Inigo Montoya and the Dread Pirate Roberts, Moses Moody is not left-handed, but he’s practicing that way.

Moody sprained his right wrist and injured his shoulder after a collision with Darius Garland in the Warriors’ March 2 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He knocked the ball away from Garland, but the dastardly tiny guard wrenched Moody’s shoulder in the subsequent struggle for the ball, perhaps while repeating, “My name is Darius Garland. Your team employed my father. Prepare to miss 5-7 games.”

The Warriors fifth-year wing will miss his fifth straight game Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Some would say his return is inconceivable, but the Dubs hope he can provide much-needed reinforcement during their six-game road trip next week. He’s working out to keep up his fitness and shooting left-handed, which he also did while recovering from hand surgery last summer.

Does his shot look great? No, but this author is still impressed, as he perpetually struggled to make a simple left-handed layup for much of his own basketball career. This author also employed the “stare at the ball while you dribble” technique pioneered by Michael J. Fox in “Teen Wolf” that proved very stoppable during the CYO Oakland diocese playoffs, though this author did win multiple free-throw shooting contests that earned him free frozen yogurt. (R.I.P. Yogurt Clouds)

He’s still wearing a wrist brace, so perhaps a return to play the Boston Celtics on Wednesday or the Detroit Pistons Friday is plausible. The short-handed Warriors could certainly use him, as their hopes of avoiding the 9-10 play-in game are, in the words of Miracle Max, “mostly dead” right now — which does mean slightly alive!

So the Warriors hope their dedicated fifth-year wing can help them storm the castle of their opponents in a poorly-timed nine-day road trip where they won’t have Steph Curry. Friday, they’ll at least have Kristaps Porzingis on the court, playing consecutive games as a Warrior for the first time and trying to prove that trading for an oft-injured seven-footer isn’t a classic blunder on the level of getting into a land war in Asia or a battle of wits with a Sicilian where death is on the line.

R.I.P. Rob Reiner.

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Malachi Smith earns Nets 10-day contract as Grant Nelson’s season ends early

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

The Brooklyn Nets are signing guard Malachi Smith, a 6’4” combo guard, to a 10-day contract. Smith has spent this season with Brooklyn’s G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, while on a standard G-League contract. At least temporarily, Smith fills the Nets open roster spot.

Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto was the first to report the news…

Smith has played In 39 total games in Long Island this season. Undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2023, he had previously played for the G League affiliates of the Trailblazers, Bucks and Grizzlies traded him to Long Island last September.

His numbers jumped in mid-season when Long Island coach Mfon Udofia inserted him at point guard after Nolan Traore was called up to Brooklyn. In his past 10 games with Long Island, Smith averaged 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists while shooting 57.9% from the field and converting 50% of his opportunities from beyond the arc. He’s also become one of league leaders in assists with games of 15, 13, 11 and 10 assists. He has also had issues turnovers in that stretch but retains a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio.

At 26 years old, Smith will be the third-oldest player on Brooklyn’s squad behind Terance Mann and Nic Claxton.

He will join high school teammate, Nets two-way E.J. Liddell, on the Brooklyn roster. The two, playing for Belleville West High School in Belleville, Illinois, won the state championship in 2018. Liddell is a year younger.

Smith’s opportunity in the NBA comes amid word that Grant Nelson who previously played on a 10-day, is done for the season. As Brian Lewis first reported Nelson will return to Long Island but will not play due to a diagnosis of patellar tendinitis…

Nelson dealt with a nagging knee injury this season, an issue that has persisted since his college days as a freshman at North Dakota State. Following a seven-week rehab process in mid-season, he was able to return to the court and start 15 games with the G League club, though under minutes restrictions.

 “I’ve been dealing with knee soreness for I don’t know how many years, really, since I started college. It was kind of just affecting how I was playing, and I had to get it over with and get all the rehab done, and get it back to feeling 100%. The performance staff here did a great job. Everyone really cares about me, and that meant a lot,” Nelson told NetsDaily.

Even on a minutes restriction, Nelson was able to dominate. In those 15 starts, he put up 24 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes. The organization rewarded him with a 10-day deal. In four games, Nelson played 35 minutes, putting up 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Surprisingly, he was not renewed for a second 10-day. The injury diagnosis may explain why. The status of his G League rights going forward remains murky.

The diagnosis comes at an inopportune time for Nelson. With Day’Ron Sharpe out for the season, Nelson may very well have gotten minutes with Brooklyn if he’d been healthy.

For now, Smith gets an opportunity to showcase his skills in the NBA while Nelson’s promising season comes to an end.

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Lakers future is bright with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in the backcourt

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 21: Austin Reaves #15 high fives Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

How the Lakers’ season will end is very much in flux. They can finish the year as high as the No. 3 seed in the West, but can still fall all the way down to the play-in if they go on a losing streak.

Once the postseason begins, it’s anyone’s guess how well or poorly that will go.

While how the 2025-26 season concludes for the purple and gold is still in question, one thing is certain: this will be a big summer for the Lakers.

They’ll have a ton of cap space and open roster spots available to be very aggressive in the free agency market as they look to build the best contender possible around Luka Dončić.

Austin Reaves is one of those players who will have to decide where he’ll play next year. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and is reportedly looking for a big payday. If the Lakers pay that price, they’ll be locked into a backcourt featuring Dončić and Reaves for years to come.

But is that the best path forward?

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we asked fans how confident they are in a Dončić-Reaves backcourt. The results are in, and the overwhelming majority, 80%, are confident in the duo.

Clearly, Lakers fans believe in Luka and Austin. And they have good reasons to. Dončić is leading the NBA in scoring and is just entering his prime.

Reaves has gotten better every year and is putting up his best numbers this season, averaging 23.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists. Had he not suffered a calf injury and missed a bunch of games, he would’ve likely made his first All-Star appearance this season.

It’s very possible we haven’t yet seen the best basketball either player reach, and locking up this duo for their best years seems like a good use of LA’s resources.

Their chemistry on and off the court is incredible, and as the seasons go on, this tandem will likely only get better. While most Lakers fans like the Dončić-Reaves backcourt being the future, 11% were unsure.

The hesitance is likely because we have yet to see this duo find postseason success. Last year in the playoffs, the Wolves picked apart the Lakers, and both Dončić and Reaves struggled in the series. With the goal always being a championship, Lakers fans will be watching this year’s playoff run and undoubtedly putting a lot of stock into how well Luka and Austin perform against the best in the West.

The good news for the Lakers front office is that only 9% of fans are not confident in this backcourt pairing. That’s a relatively low number, so re-signing Reaves seems like it will be an easy and popular decision to make this summer.

Overall, the future looks bright for the Lakers with Luka and Austin as the two main players the team can build around. Last season, the Lakers were a 50-win team and similar success is still on the table this year. And if they bring back Austin, that type of winning will be a realistic outcome moving forward.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Timberwolves vs Warriors Boosted Same Game Parlay for March 13

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Desperation defines this evening's clash at Chase Center as a pair of Western Conference fixtures fight to snap identical three-game skids. The Warriors must navigate life without Stephen Curry against a Minnesota squad hungry to protect a Top 6 seed in danger of slipping even further.

I'm taking advantage of this evening's showdown with a three-leg same-game parlay focused heavily on the vision and playmaking of Anthony Edwards. Ant's willingness to share the rock will guide the Wolves to victory tonight.

This parlay has been BOOSTED from +625 to +750 by our friends at bet365.

Timberwolves vs Warriors same game parlay for March 13

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Anthony Edwards 5+ assists

Julius Randle 20+ points

Timberwolves moneyline

s+625/s strong+750 at bet365/strong

Timberwolves Minnesota Timberwolves vs Warriors Golden State Warriors

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Chase Center
  • TV: Prime Video, NBCSBA, TSN

Anthony Edwards isn’t known as a high-assist player and typically doesn’t generate a large number of potential assists. However, this matchup against the Warriors creates a path for him to clear an alternate line of 5+ assists. Golden State is expected to start Draymond Green at center with Gui Santos in the frontcourt, leaving them with very little rim protection. That lack of size makes it difficult for them to contain Edwards’ downhill drives. Instead of meeting him at the rim, Green and Santos will likely have to step in early to slow him down.

When that help comes early, it should open up several dump-off opportunities to Minnesota’s bigs around the basket. Against a much smaller Warriors frontcourt, those interior looks should be high-percentage chances to convert Edwards’ passes into assists.

The 20+ points for Julius Randle pairs naturally with the assists for Edwards. If Edwards is creating advantages off the dribble, some of those potential assists should go directly to Randle, who can use his strength to bully his way to the rim and convert those opportunities. Randle also has a clear size advantage against the Warriors’ small frontcourt. That mismatch should lead to plenty of isolation opportunities, allowing him to attack defenders one-on-one and generate efficient scoring chances around the basket.

The Timberwolves are listed as 5.5-point favorites against the Warriors, and that’s a number I’m comfortable backing as I make the line closer to 8. The key factor in this matchup is Minnesota’s size advantage, which becomes even more significant with Stephen Curry out of the lineup.

When Curry plays, the Warriors can go small and use his gravity to pull Rudy Gobert away from the paint. Without that threat, Gobert can stay near the rim, allowing Minnesota to fully control the interior without being punished for playing big. That creates a difficult matchup for Golden State. Green simply doesn’t have the size to consistently deal with a frontcourt that includes Randle, Gobert, and Naz Reid, especially with Edwards applying constant pressure at the rim.

Jon's SGP parlay is now BOOSTED at bet365!

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Jaylen Brown rips NBA foul baiting: 'Don't think it's basketball'

If there’s one division among NBA players these days, it’s about foul baiting.

The tactic, which essentially is when players seek unnecessary contact or exaggerate existing contact with flops, can be an effective tool to draw whistles and get to the free throw line.

And on the night when the Boston Celtics lost a close game to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Celtics star Jaylen Brown called out players who foul baited and expressed frustration over the way officials reward that behavior.

“I just don’t foul bait,” Brown told reporters after Boston’s 104-102 loss. “I’m not looking to flop or anything like that, but it’s almost like you got to. Cause there’s a couple of plays in the fourth quarter where I felt like I drove strong, went up strong, and I didn’t get the benefit of the doubt. But maybe if I would have flopped, maybe I would have been able to sell those calls. And those decide games.

“So it’s like, we commend players for playing the game the right way, but we give the benefit to those who necessarily are trying to manipulate the game into their advantage. I just don’t think it's basketball. Let’s just play basketball. All the foul baiting, I think it’s whatever for me.”

Brown didn’t mention any player by name, but Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the players most effective at drawing contact and getting to the line. He ranks first in the NBA in free throws made per game (8.2) and third in attempts (9.2).

During one sequence midway through the third quarter Thursday night, Gilgeous-Alexander was driving down the left side of the paint when he crashed into Celtics center Luke Garza, drawing the foul.

On-court microphones from the Amazon Prime broadcast clearly picked up Brown shouting at officials in response to the whistle: “That’s not basketball.”

Gilgeous-Alexander would convert both free throws.

“Just accentuating contact,” Brown said when asked to characterize foul baiting. “It’s one thing to get fouled, but it’s like when you’re not even trying to score when you’re driving and flailing your body just to make it look like you’re getting fouled. I think that’s the part where it’s like, all right, come on. But I mean, that’s where our league is at. That’s where the NBA is at. So it’s like, get down or lay down. So maybe I need to flop a little bit more.”

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (7) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) on March 12 at Paycom Center.

Part of Brown’s frustrations stem from his ejection in a game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, March 10. Brown played just 14:42 and was ejected for arguing an apparent no-call when Spurs guard Stephon Castle made contact with Brown as he dribbled the ball near the sideline, eventually losing it in a turnover. Brown was assessed two technical fouls. The Celtics would go on to lose 125-116.

Brown said he was especially “pissed” about the ejection because he had circled this game on his calendar, given San Antonio’s positioning in the standings.

“I felt great,” Brown said of his ejection against the Spurs. “I felt like I was ready to have a big-time performance, and my night got ended short. In certain spots, maybe I could have been a little bit better, but you’re passionate. It’s a big game. You want to see emotion. You want to see your star players showing that emotion. I don’t think I deserved to get tossed. And I think the NBA agreed, because I didn’t get fined or anything like that. So it is what it is. It happens. People make mistakes, but I’m just looking forward now.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA foul baiting 'not basketball,' Jaylen Brown complains

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Knicks vs Pacers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The New York Knicks will look to finish up their five-game road trip with a winning record as they visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Indiana is in a tailspin right now, which is why I’m backing the New York to cover the hefty spread in my Knicks vs. Pacers prediction.

Let’s take a closer look at how to bet tonight’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Friday, March 13.

Knicks vs Pacers prediction

Knicks vs Pacers best bet: Knicks -13.5 (-110)

“Just bet against the Indiana Pacers” may seem like a simplistic betting strategy, but it’s been an effective one.

Indiana has now lost 11 straight, and hasn’t covered in any of those games. In six of their last eight games, the Pacers have lost by 15+ points.

The New York Knicks have been one of the best offensive teams in the NBA this season. With an offensive efficiency of 116.4, they rank second only to the Denver Nuggets. 

That will place especially well against a Pacers team allowing 120.0 ppg on the year. I’m taking New York to cover tonight.

Knicks vs Pacers same-game parlay

Both teams have played towards the Over in recent games, and the Knicks offense should be able to push the score up against this Indiana defense.

I’ll also take Jalen Brunson to hit his scoring total after coming off two straight 28-point performances.

Knicks vs Pacers SGP

  • Knicks -13.5
  • Over 227.5
  • Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: All Knicks, all night

Even for my lottery SGP, I’m sticking with the Knicks to cover, as that’s my lynchpin for all the prop bets I’m backing here.

I’ll once again take Brunson to hit his points total, while also picking Karl-Anthony Towns to make Over 1.5 threes, as he’s hit three shots from deep in each of his last two games.

I’m also backing Mikal Bridges to pick up a block on the defensive end, since he’s gotten at least one in three of his last four games.

Knicks vs Pacers SGP

  • Knicks -13.5
  • Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
  • Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 threes made
  • Mikal Bridges Over 0.5 blocks

Knicks vs Pacers odds

  • Spread: New York -13 (-110) | Indiana +13 (-110)
  • Moneyline: New York -800 | Indiana +550
  • Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)

Knicks vs Pacers betting trend to know

The Pacers are 0-11 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Pacers.

How to watch Knicks vs Pacers

LocationGainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
DateFriday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off7:30 p.m. ET
TVMSG, FDSN-IN

Knicks vs Pacers latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Cubs vs. White Sox at Glendale preview, Friday 3/13, 3:05 CT

Friday notes…

  • FORMER CUBS IN MARINERS CAMP: Anthony Kay, Tyson Miller.
  • DYLAN CARLSON: The non-roster outfielder is making his case for the Opening Day roster. In 12 games this spring he’s batting .360/.529/.440 (9-for-25) with two doubles and seven walks. He’s played well in the field, too.

Here are today’s particulars.

Cubs lineup:

White Sox lineup:

It’s an all-Martin day!

Riley Martin will start for the Cubs. The Cubs are having another bullpen game. The list of other Cubs pitchers scheduled today was not available at posting time.

Davis Martin will start for the White Sox. Other White Sox pitchers scheduled today: Sean Newcomb, Jordan Hicks and Jordan Leasure. The White Sox are a split squad today.

Today’s game will be televised by the White Sox channel CHSN. There will also be a radio broadcast via the Sox flagship station, WMVP/ESPN 1000.

MLB.com Gameday

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

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 3 p.m. CT and 4:35 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.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Spring Training Observations on the ABS system

A challenged strike is over-ruled

Introduction

This short article continues my effort to articulate some of the observations I made during my visit to Spring Training, 2026.

Short Topic of the Day

I will start out with showing my bias. I’m a fan of the system. Although I’m an old guy, I tend to like new technology. I’m not a leading-edge adapter, but more the fast-follower type. This tech I like.

Since many of you haven’t seen it, I’ll describe it in hopefully not so many words.

All MLB stadiums are equipped with Hawkeye technology that tracks (in very small increments, it turns out) the flight of the ball. It is tuned to register if the ball passes through the strike zone. In days of yore, when mortal humans calling balls and strikes, the strike zone was an amorphous cube, where umpires would judge if a ball crossed any part of the plate (front or back) while in between the players knees and the letters. Each of these positions is open to some interpretation and judgement.

But now, Hawkeye evaluates 0n a two-dimensional plane. It looks to see if the ball crosses the plate only along a line that runs between the two back corners of the plate. Ergo, a pitch that might look a tad high to the hitter in the strike point (out near the front of the plate) could actually drop in the zone 8.5” later and be viewed by Hawkeye as a strike. The second dimension eliminates knees and letters and now just uses 53.5% of the player height as the top of the zone and the bottom is 27% of the same measurement. So the judgement of strike or ball by the ABS system is two-dimensional, whereas I suspect umpires will still tend more toward a 3-dimensional view that will naturally look more like an egg than a rectangle.

A pitcher, catcher or hitter may challenge, but must do so immediately, without assistance or encouragement from anyone else. They are to tap their head AND verbalize their challenge. Each team gets (theoretically) unlimited challenges during a game but loses the right to challenge if they have challenged unsuccessfully on two occasions during the game. The right to challenge is restored in any extra innings.

The actual challenge is quite interesting and seems to engage the fans a fair bit. The player taps their head, the umpire announces the challenge and all eyes turn toward the scoreboard. The strike zone and the ball location are displayed, along with a measurement of how far into or out of the zone the ball was. I didn’t time it, but I’d guess it takes in the area of 5 seconds or so. Pretty quick. The umpire announces the impact of the ruling (upheld, changed to ball or strike, and revised count). Then play resumes. The fans seem to really get into it. The umpires? If body language means anything, not so much.

For folks who watch the game on their chosen video device, I understand that the strike zone displayed during the broadcast will be one and the same with the two-dimensional Hawkeye view presented on the scoreboard.

I saw one game this past week where CB Bucknor was challenged multiple times and proven right more than not. Wouldn’t it be ironic if ABS informed us that CB is a better umpire than we had imagined? Another umpire went 0-6 on challenges, finally breaking the streak on, ironically enough, the last pitch of the game.

The Cardinals are encouraging their players to challenge during ST. It seems like it will be a good tool for them to learn the edges of the strike zone in real time. I am sure in regular season there will be less freedom to challenge. It would not shock me if only a few hitters are allowed (Nootbaar, for one). Otherwise, the onus might rest mostly on the catcher. I can see hitters having some freedom in crucial points of the game. I forget who, but we saw a hitter challenge a 3-1 call, in the rain, in the midst of a 10-2 game. That probably won’t reach the “crucial” threshold during regular season.

Most of the pitches that got challenged were truly borderline pitches that in the human umpire world could go either way. Several strikes were called on balls that were measures as “less that .1 inches” outside the strike zone. Likewise, you see some balls that get reversed to strikes as they just nick the zone. .1 inches. Wow! Our past time is no longer a game of inches, it is a game of millimeters.

I don’t get the sense that framing will be altered a lot by ABS. Seems like only 4-5 calls per game get challenged, whereas framing can affect the outcome of quite a few more pitches. That is my estimation, but we will have to wait and see.

For those that haven’t seen it, Baseball Savant has an ABS leaderboard page at www.baseballsavant.com/ABS. Take a look.

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What Royals pitcher had your favorite pitch?

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 08, 2024: A closeup view of an official Major League Baseball being held in a pitching grip prior to a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 08, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

Careers are made on a signature pitch. Nolan Ryan’s fastball. Sandy Koufax’s curve. Mariano Rivera’s cutter. Over the years, the Kansas City Royals have had plenty of pitchers with a signature offering that defined their style on the mound.

What Royals pitcher had your favorite pitch? Here are some of my favorites:

  • Dan Quisenberry’s sinker
  • Mark Gubicza’s sinker
  • Tom Gordon’s curveball
  • Kevin Appier’s forkball
  • Zack Greinke’s slow curve
  • Joakim Soria’s curveball
  • Jason Vargas’ change-up
  • Wade Davis’ cutter
  • Greg Holland’s slider

Tell me your favorite pitch from a Royals pitcher!

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Kristaps Porziņģis eager to play with a healthy Stephen Curry

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 7: Kristaps Porzingis #7 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smile before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 7, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In today’s Dub Hub:

The Golden State Warriors are still waiting to see what they look like at full strength, but Kristaps Porziņģis already knows that one pairing in particular could change the team completely: sharing the floor with Stephen Curry.

Following Golden State’s 130-124 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, Porziņģis expressed how he is looking forward to eventually playing alongside the team’s franchise star.

Curry has now missed 15 games due to runner’s knee and is on track to miss at least 10 more days, which could mean another five-to-six game absence. The Warriors have gone 5–10 during that stretch, with Curry’s injury playing a major role in the team slipping to the ninth seed in the Western Conference standings.

Despite the slide, it remains unlikely that the Warriors fall out of the play-in entirely. The Memphis Grizzlies, who currently hold the 11th seed in the West, are nine games behind Golden State with just 17 games remaining in the regular season.

That’s what makes Porziņģis’ comments feel encouraging. Even as the losses have piled up, there is still reason to believe the Warriors have another level they can reach just in time for the postseason. Much of that hinges on the team finally getting healthy, but if that happens, a Curry–Porziņģis pairing — along with the added depth from the rest of the roster — could give Golden State a rare combination of elite spacing, defense, and size that they haven’t had in recent seasons.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, March 13th:

Warriors News:

Steve Kerr: No conversation of drop-dead date for shutting Steph Curry down for season | The Athletic

The Warriors said Wednesday that Curry, who hasn’t played since Jan. 30 because of a lingering runner’s knee injury, was making “good progress” in his rehab, but would be out for at least another 10 days before being re-evaluated again. Curry, who turns 38 Saturday, has missed the last 15 games and is now on track to miss at least six more.

Kerr sounded hopeful Thursday that Curry was putting together solid workouts in his rehab process, but it remains unclear when, or if, Curry will play again this season. Kerr said Curry has only done individual on-court workouts with VP of player health and performance Rick Celebrini and assistant coach Bruce Fraser, and has yet to do work with the team.

“He did get on the court today, which is good,” Kerr said.

Kurtenbach: This Warriors season looks irredeemable. Why not embrace it? | The Mercury News

There’s plenty to glean from this final month of basketball. But without Curry in the lineup, absolutely nothing is truly applicable to this season. It’s a sunk cost. The organization’s entire focus should be squarely on setting the table for the next one.

And wouldn’t a nice, shiny, early draft pick help soothe the sting?

I’m being told this upcoming draft is arguably the most loaded in years. I’ll take those folks’ word for it. But adding premium, young talent (and in that 8-to-12 range, there will be some exceptional prospects) is the only way to insulate against that grim, post-Curry future we’ve been getting an early, unwanted glimpse of lately.

And the idea of pride being in the way is absurd. What pride could possibly be left to save after Tuesday?

Moses Moody shooting left-handed during practice as he nurses a right wrist injury 

NBA News:

Gilgeous-Alexander eclipses Wilt for NBA’s longest 20-point streak | ESPN

“We’ve won throughout the streak, most importantly,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 35 points and nine assists in the Thunder’s 104-102 win. “I just had so much fun playing the last year and a half, probably because I’ve done a lot of winning. … If you stay in the right mind frame, when you stay together, when you’re connected as a unit and just have fun throughout the whole process, you get the best out of things.”

Bam Adebayo responds to people calling his 83-point night unethical

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Warriors Reacts: Should the Warriors re-sign Kristaps Porziņģis?

But staying on the court has been an issue. He’s appeared in just three games in his month-plus with the team, and has now had an issue suiting up every year for the last decade. The talent is tantalizing, and there’s no doubt that he’s an excellent fit with the team. But is he worth committing to beyond this year, especially if his All-Star talent drives up his price? Let us know how you feel!

A post to end the week:

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

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Tigers Talk: Who are your final three relievers on the Opening Day roster?

Detroit Tigers assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In a sense, spring warm up is just ending now and something like the actual competition for the final roster spots ramping up over the final two weeks of Grapefruit League action. The first weeks are mainly just stretching out into game shape and getting rhythm and timing going, both at the plate and on the mound. For players assured a roster spot, there’s really no rush and the trick is to conserve energy and avoid injury while slowly getting up to game speed just in time for Opening Day.

We’ve talked about the position side quite a bit. The main questions haven’t changed. Kevin McGonigle is going to see a lot fewer fastballs to hit over the next two weeks as the big league regulars stretch out and there are fewer minor leaguers getting reps on the mound. He’s done everything the Tigers could’ve asked to prove he’s ready for the starting shortstop job so far, but the big test is seeing a lot more spin and offspeed, from pitchers who can throw strikes without making too many big mistakes. His track record says this won’t be a problem, but it may be an adjustment.

So we’ll be watching him closely like everyone else, with the center field job really the other main positional question to answer.

The rotation is set. Will Vest, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, Tyler Holton, and Drew Anderson are all locks for the bullpen. That’s five of the eight man bullpen locked in. Three spots remaining.

The Tigers picking up Enmanuel de Jesus’ contract suggests he’ll be in the Opening Day bullpen, though it’s not certain. The club may prefer to take Brant Hurter as the second lefty, or to take both.

Brenan Hanifee is on the 40-man roster already. So is Beau Brieske, whose rib cage discomfort has abated and should return to action soon. Sawyer Gipson-Long and lefty Bailey Horn are on the 40-man but dealing with hopefully minor injuries. Troy Melton is on the 60-day IL. Dylan Smith and lefty Drew Sommers are on the 40-man but already optioned to minor league camp along with Keider Montero, who is still with Team Venezuela currently.

Anyone else in camp, whether Tanner Rainey, Burch Smith, Jack Little, Sean Guenther, Ricky Vanasco, or players already moved to minor league camp like Tyler Mattison, Cole Waites, or Tyler Owens, will require a 40-man roster move.

In theory there are three spots. One of them will go to a left-hander, whether De Jesus, Hurter, Sean Guenther, or some combination of them. If you’re A.J. Hinch, which three relievers in camp are you taking?

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Process is progress as Scotland seek Six Nations title eliminator triumph

After 11 straight defeats against Ireland, victory in Dublin would vindicate Gregor Townsend’s faith in his players

Trusting the process. It sounds like a fine idea in principle: although it really depends if your process was any good in the first place.

Gregor Townsend faced down a familiar cacophony of criticism after Scotland’s opening defeat by Italy last month. The same old shortcomings had been exposed, it was said, and another year of disappointment beckoned. Townsend had insisted the embarrassing capitulation against Argentina in November, from 21-0 ahead, was a “line in the sand moment” – only to see that line swiftly washed away in the sheeting Roman rain.

Continue reading...
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The three regulars in the Cincinnati Reds lineup

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 14: Tyler Stephenson #37 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with TJ Friedl #29 and Elly De La Cruz #44 after hitting a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Comerica Park on June 14, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Trying to jump into the mind of Terry Francona might actually be a little easier than those of many Major League Baseball managers. To be clear, that’s no knock on the intellect of the future Hall of Famer – rather, it’s an admission that the man speaks pretty openly about what it is he would really like to accomplish with his club.

He’s sold on TJ Friedl as his leadoff guy. He’s going to hit Elly De La Cruz in the #3 spot almost every single day, though he’s on record all over the place saying he’s going to get him some more breaks this season.

Despite the former 1st rounders struggles with injuries and underperformance the last two seasons, Matt McLain is a Tito favorite. He’s drawn Dustin Pedroia comps before, and the manager still seems more than willing to bat him 2nd in the lineup once again.

Those three things sure appear to be the fixed tenets on this otherwise malleable, flexible roster. So, it’s not a surprise that when I asked you earlier this week how many Cincinnati Reds hitters would top the 600 PA mark in 2026, you overwhelmingly responded with 3…or more.

The 600 PA threshold may seem arbitrary, but it’s a pretty decent measure of what a player who bats atop his team’s order almost every single day should cross. Those are numbers of a ‘regular,’ and in 2025 only two players – Elly and Friedl – cleared that mark.

They cleared it by a ton, too, as Elly finished with 699 and Friedl with 685. It was actually that kind of blowing past the 600 mark that made me consider the question in the first place, as last year – despite a lot of flexibility up and down the roster – injuries, trades, and positional rotation caused a lot of players to get PA often, but not exactly be ‘regular.’

McLain (577 PA) didn’t get there due to getting dropped in the order and sat here and there amid his struggles. Spencer Steer (568) sure felt like a regular all year, but didn’t get there, either.

This year, it sure feels like Steer, and Sal Stewart, and Eugenio Suárez should be regulars, but someone in this exercise is going to have to hit 6th, and that just simply doesn’t stack the PA the way hitting up top does. There’s also Ke’Bryan Hayes in there siphoning PA while hitting 9th for most of every game before getting pinch-hit for late, and Noelvi Marte still assumed to be the everyday RF at this point of the spring despite some recent struggles (and quality depth behind him).

The 2025 Seattle Mariners had four players with more than 600 PA (including a trio with more than 700), with the New York Mets sporting the exact same. The Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, meanwhile, had zero, for reference.

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