The Buffalo Sabres were expected to be a team in the seller category after starting the season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but the Sabres surge since December has them in position to end their 14-year playoff drought, which has made GM Jarmo Kekalainen re-evaluate the club’s options.
Based on the Sabres position in the top three of the Atlantic Division, it seems highly unlikely that they will deal pending unrestricted free agent winger Alex Tuch, but in the days leading up to the NHL trade deadline on March 6, there are a number of potential trade options on the table for Kekalainen that make sense.
One potential option floated in a piece in The Athletic earlier this week is a trade for Chicago defenseman Connor Murphy. The 32-year-old is a 13-year NHL veteran who started his career in Arizona and has spent the last nine seasons with the Hawks, but Murphy is a pending UFA making $4.4 million. With the inconsistent availability of Michael Kesselring and the injury to Conor Timmins, it would make sense for the Sabres to be seeking reinforcements on the right side of their blueline.
The piece speculates that Murphy, who has 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 57 games, would cost the Sabres a 2027 second-round pick, but the cost for right-shot blueliners tends to increase as the deadline approaches. The Sabres interest in someone like Murphy would only make sense if they are not confident that Kesselring can stay healthy, or that Timmins will not return before the end of the season.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on February 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Greek Freakout is having a respite right now. He still hasn’t officially asked for a trade and still expresses his love for Cream City. Most of Milwaukee’s attention as an organization is about filling their roster with players Giannis Antetokounmpo would want to play with going forward, the newly acquired Cam Thomas being their most prominent acquisition so far. Since the deadline, they’re 6-2.
Pundits have repeatedly suggested the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, even the San Antonio Spurs would have the inside track on the 31-year-old, two-time MVP and NBA champion if he signals a change of mind. But Jake Fischer who had the Bucks interest in Thomas early on thinks that maybe the Nets should be added to that list. In writing this week for The Steinline, Fischer had this to say about Brooklyn’s possible interest.
As Marc Stein wrote here Feb. 4, significant summer salary cap space is expected to make the Lakers a viable suitor in the Giannis Sweepstakes. I also continue to hear rival teams musing aloud about Brooklyn’s potential emergence as a credible destination given the Nets’ considerable cache of draft capital to package with, say, Michael Porter Jr. … or with a trade construction that keeps MPJ in place to play alongside Antetokounmpo. It remains to be seen,
Fischer also writes that he thinks that Antetokounmpo will ultimately depart the Bucks for a contender and the Nets are hardly, at least at this point, anywhere close to contention. After all, there’s a distinct possibility they could wind up with the worst record in the league. At this point, they’re only two games back of that distinction.
Beyond the fact that Antetokounmpo’s recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews featured multiple comments that would appear to keep the door ajar for an eventual exit from Brewtown, I’ve kept in regular contact with four sources close to the situation who have all maintained that a move to a true title contender is the most likely endgame for the 31-year-old.
And that’s why I think the trade is going to happen this summer.
Fischer notes that just before the trade deadline, half his sources on the issue suggested that the Bucks were not ready to move, the other half believe “it will finally happen during the looming offseason.”
For the moment, putting aside 1) who Sean Marks & co. might have to offer for Giannis or 2) how many teams Marks would have to recruit for a bigger deal or 3) how much Joe Tsai might have to pay out when it comes time for an extension — think a quarter billion dollars, what Fischer writes is interesting in how the league perceives the Nets will operate this summer.
Multiple NBA writers including Fischer and Stein reported prior to the February 5 deadline that the Nets were not so much interested in trading for more draft assets — they have 32, the most in the league, including 10 tradeable firsts — or taking on contracts that would impinge on the near $50 million in cap space they could put together this summer. Instead, to one degree or another, they believe that the Nets are going to make moves to get them back on the road to contention, going from rebuild to build. Some suggested they plan on using whoever they get in the lottery as a lure … along with Jordi Fernandez and the city of New York.
Beyond Giannis, there’s also been talk about the Nets taking a look at Peyton Watson, the 6’8” Denver Nuggets forward who is having a breakout year and will be a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old is close to Michael Porter Jr. and the Nuggets have some cap issues. Signing him seems a long shot. But a sign-and-trade … using some of those assets? Makes more sense.
Beyond Fischer’s and others’ reporting on what the Nets might do, MPJ’s recent comments also pointed to a not-so-distant future where the Nets change direction. As a member of an NBA champion and annual contender in Denver, he was asked this week about the losing he’s endured this season.
“This is a new situation that I’ve been in, but no basketball game is meaningless. It’s all part of the journey,” Porter told reporters. “This team, we’re not just looking at this year, we’re looking at the overall scheme and goals for the next one, two, three, four, five years.
“All these games matter for us in terms of growth, continuity and chemistry. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on that, but we’ve got to come in and work every day and realize it’s a bigger picture. At the end of the day, we’re playing basketball, a game we all love to play.”
‘WE?“ ”US?“ Porter sure sounds like he wants to be a part of it, believes he will be.
Of course, predicting the NBA future requires a very good crystal ball. A lot of what happens may not be visible now. For example, if the Cavs exit the playoffs early, will native New Yorker Donovan Mitchell want to stick around The Land? He was a rumored target of the Nets two years back. If the Knicks exit early, how will that effect their long term thinking? The Nets still own three unprotected first rounders in 2027, 2029 and 2031 as well as first round swap in 2028. Those picks would become quite valuable earlier than expected. We could be talking Herschel Walker trade territory if that happens.
Then there’s luck. Good and bad.
Bottom line is that despite how quiet the Nets have been, there’s ample evidence even among other NBA teams executives that Brooklyn will not be tanking this time next year, not be as interested in the draft.
If you’re looking for something close to finite, the Nets trade for Hunter Tyson might give you one, albeit small. The Nets traded Tyson, who they quickly cut, and someone else’s late second rounder in 2026 for a Nuggets second in 2032. With all that youth draft capital, they chose to pass on a pick that might wind up as a two-way next summer and instead added one at a time when they might need some roster replenishment. (They now have three picks — a lottery pick in the first and two high seconds — in 2026 and six picks — two firsts and four seconds — in 2032.)
So, at this time next year, they may not be contending for a title, or they might with Giannis, but their direction will likely be quite clear. As always, stay tuned.
Baseball betting is massively popular with casual fans and die-hard seam heads for a few key reasons.
For starters, it is one of the only professional sports played during the summer sporting calendar, running from late spring to its postseason in October. During that span, the schedule is stacked each day with teams playing as many as six or seven games a week.
Baseball is also a numbers game, with every contest, inning, and at-bat measured by metrics. That leaves baseball bettors with stacks of data to take advantage of when betting the MLB odds.
How baseball betting works
Baseball betting is one of the most simple sports betting markets to understand.
Due to the low-scoring nature of baseball and the fact that a high percentage of games are decided by one run, the preferred method of baseball betting is simply picking the winner outright, also known as betting the moneyline.
Another popular and simplistic baseball bet you can make is wagering on the total runs scored by both sides in the game, also known as the Over/Under.
Here’s a look at the three most popular ways baseball betting works.
Betting on Who Will Win the Game
The moneyline represents a set of odds for a baseball game based on each team’s implied probability of winning.
These are most often displayed in American odds (hundreds) with a negative value (-) assigned to indicate the favorite, and a positive value (+) to indicate the underdog. The moneyline is bet by wagering on the team you think will win, however, since some teams are stronger than others, the amount of money you can win depends on the risk involved.
For example, the favorite to win the game has a moneyline of -150. That means for every $1 you want to win you must bet $1.50 since the risk involved is lower because the favorite has a greater probability of winning the game. A wager of $150 at -150 has a potential win of $100.
If the underdog for that game has a moneyline of +130, that means for every $1 you bet you can win $1.30, because the risk involved is higher since the underdog has a smaller probability of winning the game. A wager of $100 at +130 has a potential win of $130.
The run line is baseball’s version of the spread, in which the number of runs is designated as a handicap between the two teams. The most common run line is 1.5 runs with the favorite to win set at -1.5 and the underdog at +1.5.
That means that the favorite must win by two or more runs to cover the run line and the underdog can win outright or lose by less than two runs to cover the run line. Attached to each team’s run line is a set of odds known as the juice or vig. This is the cost of placing those run line bets.
For example, if a run line favorite is -1.5 and the juice on that is +150 it is shown as -1.5 (+150). That means for every $1 bet on that -1.5 run line you could win $1.50. The run line underdog is +1.5 and that bet has juice of -170, displayed as +1.5 (-170). That means for every $1 you want to win on +1.5 you would need to bet $1.70.
Betting on Baseball Totals
Over/Under betting in baseball is extremely popular with oddsmakers, who set a projected total of combined runs scored in a game by both teams and bettors pick whether the final score will go Over or Under that total.
The Over and the Under both have odds attached, known as juice or vig. The juice is based on the implied probability of the final score going Over or Under the total.
For example, if a game total is 8.5 runs with the Over 8.5 (-120) and the Under 8.5 (+100). Due to a higher probability of the final score being 9 runs or more, the juice on the Over is set at -120, which means for every $1 you want to win you must risk $1.20. With the probability of a final score of 8 or fewer runs being smaller, the Under is set at +100 which means you win $1 for every $1 risked.
New school MLB rules
Major League Baseball continues to tinker with its rules following sweeping changes a year ago aimed at speeding up games, making base paths safer for runners, and ending infield shifts. Here's what you need to know about how the game is played in 2026:
The pitch clock was implemented in 2023. The pitch clock initially had a 15-second limit between pitches with no runners on base and a 20-second limit with runners on base. But in 2024 the MLB reduced the pitch clock from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base.
If a pitcher is not ready by the end of the pitch clock they will be assessed a ball. And if a batter is not ready in the batter's box with five seconds left on the pitch clock they will be assessed a strike.
A pitcher entering a game must face at least three batters or pitch to the end of a half-inning. If a pitcher faces one batter to end an inning, he may be removed, but if he is brought back for a second inning, he must still face two more batters for a total of three.
A pitcher sent to warm up for an inning must face at least one batter.
Managers and coaches have four mound visits per game.
The runner's lane has been widened to include the dirt between the foul line and infield grass.
Defensive shift rules require that the defensive team have no more than two infielders on the dirt on either side of the second base prior to a pitch being thrown. If there is a violation, the batting team can accept the result of the play or the batter will be granted a free base if the violating player was the first to touch the ball in play.
Four more ways to bet on baseball
1
Parlays
MLB parlays consist of two or more baseball bets tied together on one wager. The parlay can include moneyline, run line, and Over/Under bets. The more bets added to a parlay the greater the potential win, but the higher the risk.
For MLB parlays to pay out, all of the bets involved must win. Even if only one of the bets involved in the MLB parlay loses, the entire parlay is graded as a loss.
2
First five innings odds
Betting first five innings odds in baseball is similar to betting moneylines, run lines or Over/Unders for a full game, however, the bets are graded on the results through the first five innings of the contest.
Betting the first five innings odds is a great way to get more value from the starting pitchers and avoid late-game collapses by the bullpens.
3
Prop bets
MLB prop bets are made by wagering on teams and players instead of betting on the final score. Prop bets can be based on individual team performance, such as a team’s total number of runs or hits in the game, as well as individual player performance for pitchers and batters.
Prop bets can be a fun alternative to more traditional betting options and many sportsbooks offer a wide variety of proposition betting markets.
Most MLB futures odds open for betting in the offseason and take action all year, adjusting to results, injuries, and betting action until the market is closed by the sportsbook or the result is decided.
You can see the latest World Series odds here:
Baseball betting tips and strategies
These are some basic baseball betting tips and strategies to utilize when handicapping the MLB odds.
Pitching matchups and odds
MLB starting pitchers are the biggest factor oddsmakers consider when setting the baseball moneylines, run lines, and totals.
Baseball oddsmakers will look at the current form of both starters as well as home/away results, past performances against that opponent, and how they match up to the current batting lineup (vs. left- and right-handed batters).
Consensus shows the overall betting patterns for a game, displaying the percentage of bets placed on one side or the other. For example, if there are 500 total bets placed on an Over/Under for a game and 350 are on the Over, that would mean that there is a 70% consensus on the Over for that game.
Public betting is used to describe the patterns of recreational bettors, most often when the percentage is high on a particular side.
Baseball betting trends are repeating results from game-to-game or in certain situations that can help offer insight into placing your wagers. These trends can be league-wide or team-focused. The best betting trends are based on larger sample sizes and have a narrative or explanation behind their repeated results.
For example, teams may have betting trends around their Over/Under results for home and away or indoor vs. outdoor venues, as well as trends based on the throwing hand of the opposing starting pitcher.
Wind speed and direction is something bettors watch for when placing Over/Under wagers. Strong winds blowing toward the outfield can carry fly balls over the fence, while strong winds blowing toward home plate can keep balls inside the park.
Rain can make the ball slick to handle for pitchers and fielders. However, games are often delayed if it is raining too hard.
Humidity can also play a role in the final score. Fly balls hang in the air and carry further in humid climates, particularly in late summer.
Every home plate umpire has their tendencies when it comes to calling balls and strikes.
Umpires with smaller strike zones generate more called balls, which produces more walks, forcing pitchers to be more accurate. Look for Over results when the strike zone is tight.
Umpires with bigger strike zones benefit the pitcher and call fewer balls. Look for Under results when the strike zone is more liberal.
Keeping track of injuries is very important when betting baseball. Injuries are also one of the biggest factors that could shift the odds on a game throughout the day.
While the starting pitchers are the biggest factor baked into the MLB odds, missing key lineup players as well as important relievers or a regular position starter can impact the outcome of a game. Bettors will want to investigate the value of those injured players and if it is reflected in the odds.
Depending on your level of readiness for betting on baseball, you can either try your luck at one of Covers’ free-to-play contests for the chance to win cash and prizes or you can start placing real money MLB bets at the best sportsbooks.
Best baseball sportsbooks for beginners
At Covers, our team of sports betting experts have extensively poured through the many online sportsbooks available and have identified these as the best baseball betting sites out there to get you started in betting on baseball.
These sites are licensed and trusted sportsbooks that offer great sign-up bonuses, plenty of convenient and quick banking options, and favorable odds for new bettors.
Advanced baseball strategies
Ready to take your MLB handicapping to the next level? Check out these articles for advanced strategies.
Another great way to learn more about baseball betting is by talking with other bettors. The Covers Forum is one of the largest sports betting communities in the world and is a great place to get picks, ask questions, and learn from experienced sports bettors.
SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: General view from the center field cactus garden during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Surprise! No, really: Surprise. That’s where the D-backs are playing once again today, returning to the scene of the recent victory over the Texas Rangers, to play the other inhabitants of the complex, the Kansas City Royals. Never mind, it’s at Salt River Fields. The D-backs pitching has still left a bit to be desired, even though our ERA dropped down below seven yesterday – mostly because five of the ten runs allowed were unearned. Hooray for pitching! Boo for defense! That shoddy performance may be why Torey Lovullo was working with the infield defense this morning. Especially since just last week, this was being touted as a focus for 2026.
Other pitchers: RHP Yilber Diaz, RHP Tom Hatch, RHP Ryan Thompson, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Junior Fernandez, RHP Landon Sims and RHP Shawn Dubin. Our first look at E-Rod, whose importance to the team is certainly increased, if the Merrill Kelly injury lingers for long [so much for “minimal” concern, eh?] But we should at a look as several serious candidates for bullpen spots. Thompson and Strowd are potentially on the A-list, but I may be most interested in Diaz. He had a terrible case of the yips last year, and couldn’t throw a strike. But his winter ball numbers were considerably better: if he IS fixed, he could be a potential breakout candidate.
No broadcast of this game on the schedule, so might be quiet in here. 🙂
Jun 22, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
It’s so nice out there in Arizona this spring that the Texas Rangers have decided to play two Cactus League games today. At their home away from home in Surprise, the Rangers will welcome the Milwaukee Brewers with RHP Kumar Rocker set to make the start for Texas opposite LHP Aaron Ashby for Milwaukee.
The half of the team that drew the short straw will bus over to Mesa, AZ to take on the hated Athletics from formerly Oakland. RHP Cal Quantrill will make the start for the Rangers against RHP Jack Perkins for the Northern California squad.
Here are the lineups for the home game against the Brewers:
Today’s Lineups
BREWERS
RANGERS
Brandon Lockridge – CF
Sam Haggerty – RF
Tyler Black – 1B
Wyatt Langford – CF
Gary Sanchez – DH
Corey Seager – SS
David Hamilton – 3B
Jake Burger – 1B
Eddys Leonard – LF
Danny Jansen – DH
Luis Lara – RF
Josh Smith – 2B
Jeferson Quero – C
Ezequiel Duran – 3B
Cooper Pratt – SS
Mark Canha – LF
Dylan O’Rae – 2B
Cooper Johnson – C
Aaron Ashby – LHP
Kumar Rocker – RHP
Here are the lineups for the road games against the A’s:
Today’s Lineups
RANGERS
ATHLETICS
Tyler Wade – RF
Nick Kurtz – 1B
Joc Pederson – 1B
Shea Langeliers – C
Alejandro Osuna – CF
Tyler Soderstrom – LF
Cameron Cauley – SS
Brent Rooker – DH
Jonah Bride – DH
Jeff McNeil – 2B
Richie Martin – 3B
Andy Ibanez – 3B
Jose Herrera – C
Carlos Cortes – RF
Aaron Zavala – LF
Darell Hernaiz – SS
Andrew Velazquez – 2B
Denzel Clarke – CF
Cal Quantrill – RHP
Jack Perkins – RHP
If you want to listen to the game from Surprise, you’ll have to find the Milwaukee feed or you can follow along on Gameday. Likewise, the A’s have a radio broadcast for the game from Mesa but you can also follow along on Gameday. First pitch for both games today are scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns looks for room to the basket as Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 14, 2025 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 Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) @ Phoenix Suns (33-26)
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Yes Network
Listen: KMVP 98.7
It’s been rough for the Phoenix Suns ever since play resumed after the All-Star break. 1-3 in their last four, Phoenix has struggled to hit the broad side of a barn lately as the team continues to deal with injuries. Since the break, the team hasn’t shot better than 38% from the field and their lone win was the first time any NBA team had won a game shooting under 35% from the field since 2023.
Devin Booker remains out for at least one more contest, Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin are out for a minimum of 4-6 and 1-2 weeks.
The good news for the Suns? After tonight’s contest, they don’t play again until Tuesday, where they’ll face the Sacramento Kings, who recently snapped a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak, losing 16 of their last 17 games.
But tonight’s contest will be a tough and important one. Separated by just two games in the standings, the Lakers are ahead of the Suns for the last spot in the top-six of the Western Conference standings.
Because of where they finished in the In-Season Tournament, the Suns and Lakers will play five times in the regular season, meaning someone will win the season series. Phoenix is up 2-1 so far and tonight is their last chance to win the series at home. The winner of the season series could play a pivotal roll at the end of the year standings.
Can Phoenix pull off the win tonight amid all their injuries?
Starting Lineups
Injury Report
Suns
Cole Anthony — OUT (Not with Team)
Devin Booker — OUT (Right Hip Strain)
Dillon Brooks — OUT (Left Hand Fracture)
Jordan Goodwin — OUT (Left Calf Strain)
Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Right Knee Injury Management)
Lakers
Rui Hachimura — QUESTIONABLE (Illness)
Jaxon Hayes — PROBABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)
Bronny James — OUT (G League Assignment)
Adou Thiero — OUT (G League Assignment)
What to Watch For
Can the Suns’ offense finally turn it around? The Lakers aren’t necessarily world beaters on defense, sitting in the middle of the pack when it comes to defensive rating, but neither are the Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix put up a measly 77 points.
Can offseason addition Jalen Green start to get in an offensive rhythm after an inconsistent start to his Suns career? Averaging 13 points per game on 37% from the field and 29% from three, Green has struggled to be a consistent offensive threat, with the usually dynamic scorer having only two 20-point games in his first 11 with his new team, and just one game where he shot at least 50% from the field.
Against a Lakers team that allowed guards Benedict Mathurin, Payton Pritchard, and Desmond Bane to have 20+ scoring outings recently, can Green put together a strong offensive performance?
Key to a Suns Win
The offense needs to improve. Whether Devin Booker misses more than one more game and Dillon Brooks is out closer to six weeks than four, the Suns’ offense needs to be better and just flat out knock down more shots. Putting up 77 and 81 points in consecutive games doesn’t cut it, no matter how good your defense plays. This isn’t the 1990s NBA. Phoenix needs to shoot better from the field.
The Suns were able to beat the Lakers back in December when Devin Booker left early in the contest, but they had Dillon Brooks for that game. On top of playing better on offense, they’re going to need to play strong collective defense against one of the most explosive big threes in the NBA in Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The Suns can win down players, they’re 6-9 without Booker, the question is, playing without him and Brooks too much to ask for the rest of the team?
Prediction
Look for the Suns to come out with a lot of energy and hustle in this important matchup. I just don’t think they have enough offensive firepower to put up with a Lakers team that ,while flawed, has strong moments offensively and is hungry to get back in the win column after two devastating losses.
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — American hockey player Brady Tkachuk said Thursday that he did not appreciate a doctored TikTok video shared by the White House that made it look like he was disparaging Canadians after winning Olympic gold, calling it fake and something he would never say.
The video includes fabricated audio of Tkachuk referring to Canadians as “maple syrup eating (expletive),” with the expletive bleeped out. The video carries a note saying it “contains AI-generated media.”
“It’s clearly fake because it’s not my voice and not my lips moving,” Tkachuk said. “I’m not in control of any of those accounts. … I know that those words would never come out of my mouth.”
Asked if he liked the video, Tkachuk said he did not: “I would never say that. That’s not who I am.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tkachuk also denied being the voice heard shouting “close the northern border” during Team USA’s celebratory phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump after Sunday's 2-1 overtime win over Canada to win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics.
“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me, but if you watch the video, that’s not my voice and something that I never say,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t really know how that kind of took a storm on its own when I play here and give everything I have here.”
Tkachuk, a 26-year-old Arizona native, is the captain of the NHL's Ottawa Senators and has played his entire career in the Canadian capital. He and other members of the U.S. team returned from Italy this week and are resuming the NHL season. Some attended Trump's State of the Union speech in Washington on Tuesday night and were cheered by those in attendance.
The U.S. women also beat Canada 2-1 in overtime, the first time the Americans swept both Olympic hockey tournaments. The celebration of the twin victories has been shadowed by U.S. politics almost since the final horn of the men's game.
Talking on a speakerphone in the postgame locker room, Trump extended an invitation to the White House to the men’s team, then added, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” The president also joked that if he didn’t extend the invitation, he would probably be impeached. Some of the men's players chuckled, something at least one said they regretted later. Tkachuk said he understood how the moment on the phone call could have been viewed by the women's players.
“I mean, I get it,” he said. “We supported them, they supported us. You can’t control what other people say.”
A number of the men's players traveled to Washington on Tuesday and visited Trump in the White House before being guests at the State of the Union. Many of the women’s players, meanwhile, were on the way back to their professional or college clubs. They didn't learn they had also had been invited until late Sunday, making it difficult to change travel plans already disrupted by bad weather on the East Coast.
In his address, Trump said plans were in the works to have the women’s team visit the White House, though it was unclear when that could happen. The earliest the team could travel to Washington would be in late spring after the conclusion of the PWHL season.
In the meantime, rapper Flavor Flav scheduled a July celebration for the women's team in Las Vegas for those who can make it.
Hilary Knight earlier this week said she doesn’t want to let what she called a “distasteful” joke by Trump get in the way of a historic performance by American women at the Winter Games. Players for both U.S. teams have been uniform in saying how much they bonded in the athletes' village in Milan and supported each other on their runs to gold.
“Our two teams were so close. We watched other events together. We went and supported them. We loved the women’s team. The women’s team loved us and we’re so proud that we had a clean sweep of gold medals and just so much respect for them and the other athletes," said Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk, Brady's brother.
Brady Tkachuk was asked about being a proud American while being the Senators captain at a moment of heightened tension between the countries.
“First and foremost, I’ve given absolutely everything I have as an Ottawa Senator — blood, sweat and tears,” Tkachuk said. “When you represent the U.S., being an American, it’s an honor. There are only three teams that have won the gold medal for the U.S., so to be part of that is special.”
___
AP writers Melissa Goldin, Tim Reynolds and John Wawrow as well as the Canadian Press contributed.
The Los Angeles Angels certainly helped out by bringing many of their front line players to Peoria for their game against the Padres on Wednesday. In Michael King’s first start of spring camp, he got a mostly major league line-up to test his progress back from an injury-plagued 2025.
After the usual two innings to start the game, King had only thrown 25 pitches so he was sent out for the third inning and finished with 37 pitches overall. His first two innings were efficient, highlighted by two strikeouts (first baseman Nolan Schanuel and catcher Logan O’Hoppe) and three ground ball outs. The third inning was a little rougher with a lead off homer (second baseman Christian Moore) and a single (left fielder Raudi Rodriguez) to go with two more strikeouts (shortstop Zach Neto and third baseman Denzer Guzman). King was removed after two outs.
Funky right-hander Alek Jacob followed with his unusual arm angle and lower velocity. Throwing most of his fastballs (four-seam and sinker) between 86-88 mph, Jacob mixed in his sweeper and changeup for three strikeouts of his four hitters faced.
New Padre Ty Adcock followed with a clean inning and lefty Kyle Hart worked around a double for another clean inning. Ethan Salas came in to relieve catcher Luis Campusano to catch for Hart and won an ABS challenge with the first hitter.
The seventh inning was a stormy one for left-hander Omar Cruz. He allowed two home runs around a ground ball out but then struck out the next two hitters. The game was finished by lefty Jagger Haynes in the eighth and Logan Gillaspie (back from his paternity leave), each with clean innings. Haynes worked around two hits and finished with a double play.
Padres pitchers finished allowing three runs on eight hits with 14 strikeouts.
Offense surges late again
On the hitters side, Manny Machado continues his history of slow springs and still doesn’t have a hit. Ty France’s at-bat in the sixth inning stands out for the timely and dramatic use of ABS by a hitter. Fernando Tatis Jr. got a single in the 6th inning, Jackson Merrill got a double in the third inning and Ramon Laureano hit a single in the second inning. Their scoring all occurred in the sixth and eighth innings, another later inning rally by the Friars.
ABS drama
Working with two outs and two strikes, France got a called third strike but challenged the pitch and the ABS showed a ball by one tenth of an inch, giving him new life. On the next pitch he lined a single that drove in two runs, giving the Padres a 4-1 lead.
Overall, there were eight ABS challenges and Padres hitters France and Nick Castellanos both had their strike calls overturned. Five of the eight calls were overturned during the game. It’s Spring Training for the umpires, too.
Romeo Sanabria and Mason McCoy
First baseman Romeo Sanabria hit a double as a pinch-hitter for France in the eighth. driving in a run and shortstop Mason McCoy, subbing at shortstop, hit another double later in the inning, driving in two runs. McCoy also had an impressive jump-throw behind second base in the seventh inning, throwing out Angels first baseman Schanuel.
Sanabria is trying to be the minor league star of Spring 2026 with his performance to start the first six games. He is 5-for-8 with seven RBI, including a home run and two doubles. As a left-handed first baseman, Sanabria has been a bat-first player for his career. He is opening some eyes early this spring after finishing 2025 with Double-A San Antonio. In 119 games last season, he hit .257/309/.432 (.802 OPS) with 12 HR, 18 2B and 56 RBI in 119 games.
McCoy has hit well and played good defense in his early spring opportunities. The competition for bench spots looks to be a fierce battle between McCoy, Will Wagner, Ty France, Jose Miranda and Miguel Andujar. McCoy and Wagner still have minor league options but France and Miranda are major league veterans with opt out options as part of their contracts. Andujar is on a major league deal and is competing with Nick Castellanos as an infield bat to pair with Gavin Sheets for 1B/DH.
My time in Arizona is done. Lots of observations made on the practice fields and in bullpens that will be noted in the spring notes from the first week of games.
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Still undefeated in Spring Training, the Dodgers look to go 6-0 against their camp mates Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers will be the away team at the two clubs’ shared facilities.
Max Muncy will make his Spring Training debut, and Tyler Glasnow will be on the mound.
Italian reportedly fell three floors in South Africa
Golfer ‘in good spirits’ according to his former coach
Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is “thankful to be alive” after reportedly falling three floors down a lift shaft.
The 36-year-old, a two-time European Tour winner, was scheduled to be playing in this week’s South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club but was forced to withdraw after the incident on Wednesday.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: Pitcher Valente Bellozo throws a strike during game two of the 2026 Colorado Rockies spring training at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 21, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
They say the results of spring training games have no meaning, but it sure is nice to be above .500 even during Cactus League baseball. The 4-2 Colorado Rockies are fresh off a 14-7 win over the Chicago Cubs yesterday and will now take on the San Francisco Giants for the first time this spring.
Taking the ball to start things off for the Rockies is Mexican righty Valente Bellozo. Bellozo was signed to a minor league contract with a non-roster invite to spring training this off-season and has previously worked with new Rockies pitching coach Alon Leichman in Miami.
Bellozo will be making his second appearance of the spring and his first start. Last Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks he pitched two innings, giving up one earned run on a solo home run. He struck out two and walked one.
On the bump for the Giants is right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last season with the New York Mets and posted a 9.00 ERA over four appearances—two of which were starts. He had ten walks and ten strikeouts.
Tidwell has a six-pitch mix led by a four-seam fastball that averages 95.8 MPH. He also throws a sweeper, a sinker, a slider, a changeup, and a cutter.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Carter Jensen #22 of the Kansas City Royals jogs around the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on September 28, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals will try to end their two-game losing skid this afternoon against the local Arizona Diamondbacks.
Ryan Bergert pitches in his second game, after throwing a scoreless inning in his first time out. The royals won’t start many regulars today, with Lane Thomas at DH, and a good look at young hitters Jac Caglianon and Carter Jensen. Gavin Cross is also in the lineup after homering yesterday.
The Edmonton Oilers will look to snap a four-game losing streak when they face the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, February 26.
My top Oilers vs. Kings predictions and NHL picks are calling for Edmonton backup Connor Ingram to see more than enough rubber to clear his modest saves total tonight.
Oilers vs Kings prediction
Oilers vs Kings best bet: Connor Ingram Over 23.5 saves (-130)
The Kings average 28.2 shots per home game and tilt the ice in their favor at five-on-five with a fifth-ranked 54.0 Corsi For percentage, and the Oilers are playing their second road game in consecutive nights.
While there’s nothing flashy about Ingram’s .895 save percentage, he doesn’t need to be flashy to clear this total with the Kings ranking among the league’s best possession teams.
Oilers vs Kings same-game parlay
There have been at least seven goals in each of the past eight games the Oilers have played, and Edmonton has scored 37 times while allowing 48 during the high-scoring stretch.
With Los Angeles also playing the second leg of a back-to-back set, I’m anticipating plenty of goals again tonight.
The final leg of this same-game parlay targets Oil winger Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and he’s picked up an assist in five of his past seven games while skating in a go-to role alongside superstar Connor McDavid. I like the duo to stay hot, considering they’ve been on the ice for a sizzling 6.77 goals per 60 minutes this season.
Oilers vs Kings SGP
Over 6.5
Connor Ingram Over 23.5 saves
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Over 0.5 assists
Oilers vs Kings odds
Moneyline: Oilers -105 | Kings -115
Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+215) | Kings +1.5 (-270)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) | Under 6.5 (-105)
Oilers vs Kings trend
The Edmonton Oilers have hit the Over in six of their last eight games (+6.00 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Kings.
How to watch Oilers vs Kings
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Puck drop
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Oilers 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.
Want to know how bad the Sacramento Kings are these days?
The Dallas Mavericks are without Cooper Flagg and PJ Washington, with a few other guys banged up, and they're still favored by a touchdown tonight.
My Kings vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks break down why it will be another long night for Sacramento on Thursday, February 26.
Kings vs Mavericks prediction
Kings vs Mavericks best bet: Kings team total Under 114.5 (-115)
The Sacramento Kings are down bad. They’ve lost 17 of 18, and Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter are out for the season.
The Kings have the third-worst offensive rating over the last 13 games and are averaging just 106.8 points over that stretch.
While the Dallas Mavericks have all the struggles of a young team, they’ve been surprisingly stingy, ranking eighth in opponent effective field goal percentage and 14th in defensive rating.
The Kings have a team total of 114.5. It’s tough to see them going Over, as it's a number they’ve stayed Under in nine of their last 13.
Kings vs Mavericks same-game parlay
A bad offense means lots of rebounds, which is something else the Kings don’t do well, ranking 28th in rebounding rate.
Marvin Bagley III has been getting more of a run with all the Mavs' injuries and has pulled down double-digit boards in two of his last three games.
Meanwhile, one of the newest Mavs, Khris Middleton, has topped this number of 4.5 in four of his last five games.
Kings vs Mavericks SGP
Kings team total Under 114.5
Marvin Bagley III Over 8.5 rebounds
Khris Middleton Over 4.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: I'm seeing double-double
Both teams struggle to defend the paint. Bagley has a double-double in two of his last three, while Precious Achiuwa has two in his last four.
Kings vs Mavericks SGP
Marvin Bagley Jr. double-double
Precious Achiuwa double-double
Kings vs Mavericks odds
Spread: Kings +7 (-105) | Mavericks -7 (-115)
Moneyline: Kings +230 | Mavericks -270
Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
Kings vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Kings have hit the Team Total Under in 32 of their last 50 games for +11.50 Units and a 20% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Kings vs Mavericks
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports California, MavsTV
Kings vs Mavericks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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