Mar 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) throws against Great Britain in the first inning at the American Family Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Brewers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
After asking fans to round out the Opening Day roster last week, we followed that up with a question about who should be Milwaukee’s Opening Day starter this week.
Brandon Woodruff seems like the obvious choice, but after recent news that he may not be quite ready for an Opening Day outing, it’s an open door. Beyond Woodruff, the next two options are a pair of guys coming off solid rookie campaigns in Jacob Misiorowski and Chad Patrick. Other potential choices include Aaron Ashby, Robert Gasser, DL Hall, and Kyle Harrison.
Here’s what the results showed:
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Miz got the bulk of the vote, coming in at 50%. Woodruff netted 28% of the vote, followed by Patrick at 11% and the “Other” category at 10%.
Among the three named options, Patrick has struggled the most this spring, though he’s also pitched the most with five total innings (5.40 ERA with seven strikeouts). Misiorowski went 3 1/3 frames with one run allowed in his lone appearance, though he also went two innings with one run allowed in Milwaukee’s exhibition against Great Britain. Across those 5 1/3 innings, he’s totaled 11 strikeouts but allowed six walks and four hits.
Woodruff made his spring debut on March 7 against the Angels, working two scoreless innings with two hits allowed, a walk, and a hit batter with three strikeouts on 32 pitches. At the rate he’s going, I wouldn’t expect him to be able to pitch more than 75 or 80-ish pitches come Opening Day, which makes the case for Misiorowski or someone else a bit clearer.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 13: Bo Naylor #23 of Team Canada swings bat against Team United States during the second inning at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bo Naylor and Tugboat Wilkinson shone for the Canadian World Baseball Classic team in a losing effort, and Bazaana returned to the Guardians in Cactus League play.
The Canadians lost to the USA 5-3, but Bo Naylor went 2-for-4 with this two-run homer:
Bo Canada, that’s an excellent nickname. Can I write a baseball-themed parody of O Canada or is that considered sacreligious?
Meanwhile, Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson made some pretty great hitters look silly in two scoreless innings, with two walks and two strikeouts.
I suspect we will see Tugboat in the bigs for someone someday… perhaps as a reliever. The Dominican Republic destroyed Korea and will face the USA team next. Puerto Rico plays Italy at 3PM ET today, and Venezuela plays Japan at 9PM ET.
The Guardians lost a Cactus League game yesterday with Nolan Jones, Stuart Fairchild and Dayan Frias hitting doubles. Joey Cantillo struck out six in four and two-thirds but surrendered a homer and gave up three runs. Colin Holderman and Peyton Pallette both had clean innings, but Koby Allard did not. Travis Bazzana returned but went 0 for 2 with a strikeout.
Make sure to check out our fellow CtC user jeffguards82’s interview with Travis Hafner, here. Jeff did nice work. The Guardians play the Padres at 4:10PM ET today. Daniel Schneemann was a late scratch yesterday with a sprained ankle, but it’s not expected to be a very lengthy time away, as it’s apparently not a serious sprain.
Conference tournament week is the final chance for teams to prove they belong in March Madness, and for the most part, squads weren't taking advantage of the opportunities. But everything got flipped upside down when Miami (Ohio) suffered its first loss of the season so it won't get an automatic bid. Now the bubble picture has a new member, making it a much more complicated race for the final spots in the brackets.
Most teams are done and will have to wait until the bracket announcement, but there are a few still playing looking to strengthen their case − and possibly secure automatic spots to make it an even crazier race. Here is a look at the March Madness bubble in the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology.
Bad losses: vs. Arizona State (neutral), Mississippi State, vs. Mississippi (neutral)
You never want to go into Selection Sunday on a losing streak, and Texas is learning how uncomfortable it can make the situation. Losing the last two games of the regular season wasn't the worst thing in the world, but falling to conference cellar dweller Mississippi in your first conference tournament game is. Texas has the best chance to make the field out of the rest of the bubble, but that doesn't mean it will avoid playing in the First Four.
Santa Clara
Record: 26-8 (15-3)
NET Ranking: 40
Quad 1 record: 2-6
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. Saint Mary's (twice)
Bad losses: vs. Loyola Chicago (neutral), vs. Arizona State (neutral)
The West Coast Conference is looking like a three-bid league thanks to Santa Clara doing as much as it could without winning the tournament title. The Broncos needed to make the championship game to feel confident about moving up and they did that with a second win over Saint Mary's. Santa Clara had a chance to beat Gonzaga but it was an impressive showing that put it in a comfortable spot as the most of the conference tournaments began.
VCU
Record: 25-7 (15-3)
NET Ranking: 44
Quad 1 record: 2-5
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. South Florida (neutral)
Bad losses: at George Mason
A team that has a chance to flip the bubble around, VCU is still in the hunt for an automatic bid by advancing to the Atlantic 10 semifinal. Given the resume doesn't have any real strong wins, the Rams are far from done and will want to at least make the conference title game to position themselves in a not-so dangerous position. There will be lots of squads tuning in to this team.
SMU
Record: 20-13 (8-10)
NET Ranking: 37
Quad 1 record: 4-10
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. North Carolina, vs. Louisville
Bad losses: vs. LSU (neutral), at California, at Syracuse, at Florida State
No team may have played its way out of the tournament like SMU. After looking like they were safe all season, the Mustangs ended the regular season on a rather ugly four-game losing streak. SMU needed a few wins in the ACC tournament to wash out that bad taste, but it only beat Syracuse before a dismal ending resulted in a loss to Louisville. It not only has 13 losses but there are some tough defeats sprinkled in, making for a much more stressful Selection Sunday than what was thought a few weeks ago.
Miami Ohio
Record: 31-1 (18-0)
NET Ranking: 64
Quad 1 record: 0-0
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. Akron
Bad losses: vs. Massachusetts (neutral)
Everything changed when Miami (Ohio) lost its first game. Not only was it a defeat, it came in the first game of the MAC tournament against eighth-place Massachusetts, barely qualifying as a Quad 3 loss. The record speaks for itself but the resume leaves plenty to be desired, especially with the NET ranking dropping 10 spots after the loss. There are plenty of arguments for why this team should or shouldn't be in and they're all valid. The entire bubble hinges on whether the RedHawks make it in or not.
New Mexico
Record: 23-10 (13-7)
NET Ranking: 45
Quad 1 record: 2-7
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: at Virginia Commonwealth, vs. Santa Clara
Bad losses: at New Mexico State, vs. Colorado State
If you're going to get a second chance at life, better not waste it. New Mexico was gifted another shot thanks to some other teams faltering, but it needed to make some real noise at the Mountain West tournament to really take advantage of it. Unfortunately, the Lobos couldn’t capitalize, losing to San Diego State on a heart-breaking last second shot in the semifinals. It makes the path to a bid tough, and New Mexico will root for Utah State in the title game so the Aztecs don’t steal a bid.
Oklahoma
Record: 19-15 (7-11)
NET Ranking: 47
Quad 1 record: 4-9
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: at Vanderbilt, at Texas
Bad losses: vs. Arizona State (neutral), at Mississippi State, at South Carolina
When bubble teams struggled, Oklahoma took advantage by winning the last four of the regular season. It kept the momentum going in the SEC tournament with two major wins to advance to the quarterfinals, where it fell to Arkansas. While it was a valiant effort, a win was really needed to move up the bubble, so it's looking like it will be a tough Sunday for the Sooners.
Quality wins: vs. St John's (neutral), vs. Arkansas, at Florida
Bad losses: vs. Mississippi, at Mississippi State
The most perplexing record in the conversation. Auburn only beat Mississippi State in the SEC tournament, unable to get another signature win to help its case. The Tigers have great wins, but 16 losses would be the most for an at-large team and it's hard to justify, no matter the schedule. This will be the team everyone will be wondering about when the bracket comes out.
Indiana
Record: 18-14 (9-11)
NET Ranking: 41
Quad 1 record: 3-10
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: vs. Purdue, at UCLA, vs. Wisconsin
Bad losses: at Minnesota, at USC, vs. Northwestern (twice)
After ending the season with 1-5 mark in the last six games, the Hoosiers needed a strong showing in the Big Ten tournament to make a case. Instead, they were one-and-done, suffering another excruciating defeat to Northwestern. That will extend the tournament drought to three years.
But as this time of the year also proves on an annual basis, the bracket looks different than it did March 13, two days before, or even a week before. It's the results of top-seeded teamslike Miami (Ohio) having lost early in their respective conference tournaments, and teams that entered championship week on the bubble sustained a loss that knocked them off.
The last two spots on the bubble have been interchangeable in the 48 hours since the Redhawks lost in the MAC tournament. It created some bad news for teams like Auburn, which was hanging onto a potential trip to the First Four despite their late-season slide. There have also been other teams that are in the "Next Four Out" trying to get in because of this, and the fact that they've been able to get some wins in their respective tournaments themselves.
The known factor for tomorrow's selection show is that it will include 31 teams who earned their respective conferences' automatic bid. The other likely known factor will be that Duke, Arizona and Michigan will see their names on the 1-seed line.
Ten different conference tournaments will crown a champion on Saturday around the country. There will be six teams crowned on Sunday in the lead-up to the bracket reveal on CBS at 6 p.m. ET, or after the Big Ten championship concludes, as it has a 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
Here's an updated look at the NCAA Tournament bubble, with which teams are locks and which are likely going dancing as conference tournaments continue and Selection Sunday inches closer:
Here's a look at the list of teams that have already secured a bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning their conference's respective automatic qualifier ticket:
America East: March 14 at 11 a.m. ET
American: March 15 at 3:15 p.m. ET
ACC: March 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET
ASUN: Queens (N.C.)
Atlantic 10: March 15 at 1 p.m. ET
Big 12: March 14 at 6 p.m. ET
Big East: March 14 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Big Sky: Idaho
Big South: High Point
Big Ten: March 15 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Big West: March 14 at 10 p.m. ET
CAA: Hofstra
Conference USA: March 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Horizon League: Wright State
Ivy League: March 15 at Noon ET
MAAC: Siena
MAC: March 14 at 8 p.m. ET
MEAC: March 14 at 1 p.m. ET
Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa
Mountain West: March 14 at 6 p.m. ET
Northeast: Long Island
Ohio Valley: Tennessee State
Patriot League: Lehigh
SEC: March 15 at 1 p.m. ET
SoCon: Furman
Southland: McNeese
SWAC: March 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Summit League: North Dakota State
Sun Belt: Troy
WAC: March 15 at Noon ET
West Coast: Gonzaga
NCAA Tournament locks
Big Ten (8): Michigan, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue, Nebraska, Wisconsin, UCLA and Iowa
Big 12 (6): Arizona, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Tech and BYU
ACC (6): Duke, Virginia, North Carolina, Louisville, Miami and Clemson
SEC (7): Florida, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Georgia
Big East (3): UConn, St. John's and Villanova
Other (4): Gonzaga, Saint Louis, Saint Mary's and Santa Clara
Using Bart Torvik's T-Ranketology as a statistical database, the Big Ten leads the way with eight teams as "locks" for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. 35 teams have a "100%" chance of being included in the 68-team bracket per Bart Torvik's T-Ranketology.
It's also time to start talking about the West Coast Conference being a three-bid league after Santa Clara knocked off Saint Mary's in the conference tournament semifinals. Perhaps this is a high sell on the Broncos, but at 25-8 overall and a NET ranking of 40, they should be in the dance.
NCAA Tournament likely ins
ACC (1): North Carolina State
Big Ten: Ohio State
Big 12 (2): TCU and UCF
Big East: N/A
SEC (1): Texas A&M
Other (2): Miami (Ohio) and Utah State
Ohio State is close to being a "lock" for the NCAA Tournament, but remains in the "likely in" category for now. The wins that stand out on the Buckeyes' resume for the selection committee are their wins over Wisconsin (then-No. 24 team in the country, No. 27 in NET ranking) and Purdue (then-No. 8 team in the country, No. 10 in NET ranking).
Miami (Ohio) dropped down to this category following its loss to UMass in the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament. The Redhawks metrics suggest that they should be a lock for the NCAA Tournament, in addition to the fact that they went undefeated in the regular season, but it will come down to the selection committee. Could we be in for one of the more polarizing Selection Sunday snubs/conversations??
NCAA Tournament bubble teams
ACC (1): SMU
Big Ten (1): Indiana
Big 12 (1): Cincinnati
Big East (1): Seton Hall
SEC (3): Texas, Oklahoma and Auburn
Other (3): San Diego State, VCU and New Mexico
The bubble remains very fluid. Though they are separated by one less win, Oklahoma should top Auburn for one of the "last four in" spots as the Sooners made it one round further than the Tigers in the SEC tournament. Oklahoma has also won six of its last seven, while Auburn has lost four of its last seven, and nine of its last 12 since Jan. 31.
The Atlantic 10 is an intriguing conference for the bubble. Until it loses in Pittsburgh at PPG Paint Arena, Saint Louis is the conference's automatic bid. VCU remains firmly on the bubble after a quarterfinal win over Duquesne and could continue to solidify its spot in the NCAA Tournament with a semifinal win over St. Joseph's, but if the Rams — or Billikens — don't win the A10 or make the championship game, the conference could have three teams.
The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament selection show is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 15 when the NCAA selection committee unveils the entire field, one seed after another, from No. 1 through 16 and everything in between.
Some teams have already secured their spot in the field by winning their respective conference tournaments. There are a handful of automatic berths up for grabs on Selection Sunday, as the Ivy League, SEC, Atlantic 10, American Conference and Big Ten all still have to play their conference championship games.
Following First Four games on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18, first-round action will begin on Thursday, March 19 at various locations throughout the country. The Final Four will start on Saturday, April 4 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the national championship game two nights later.
Here's what to know about the key dates for March Madness:
When does March Madness start?
March Madness gets underway on Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. ET with the unveiling of the 68-team bracket. The bracket will be revealed on CBS once every conference tournament championship game has been completed.
Games get going on Tuesday, March 17 in Dayton, Ohio, at UD Arena with the First Four. The final 64-team bracket will then officially get underway with first-round games two days later on Thursday, March 19.
Complete March Madness 2026 schedule
Here’s a rundown of the schedule for the 2026 NCAA men's tournament:
First Four: March 17-18
First round: March 19-20
Second round: March 21-22
Sweet 16: March 26-27
Elite Eight: March 28-29
Final Four: Saturday, April 4 (at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis)
National championship game: Monday, April 6 (at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis)
Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko, left, and Kiké Hernández pose for a photo before Miko tossed the ceremonial first pitch before a WBC game between Panama and Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 7. Team Puerto Rico won in 10 innings on a walk-off homer. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)
Earlier this month, however, he witnessed something new.
On March 7, hours after Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies hit the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history to power Team Netherlands past Nicaragua in Miami, Athletics prospect Darell Hernaiz delivered a game-winning blast of his own to lift Team Puerto Rico over Panama in extra innings in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Hernández stormed out of the dugout at Hiram Bithorn Stadium alongside his teammates to greet Hernaiz at home plate and celebrate the monumental moon shot.
“There had never been a walk-off homer in the history of the WBC, and we [got] to see two in the same day, which was pretty cool,” Hernández said at his clubhouse stall at Camelback Ranch. “For me personally, I was running to home plate, conscious that I wasn’t necessarily part of the team so I couldn’t run laps around home plate, like I did on Freddie [Freeman’s] walk-off homers [in the World Series], but it’s still up there as one of those really cool moments that I’ll always remember.”
Unable to participate in this year’s WBC as he recovers from offseason left elbow surgery, Hernández left Dodgers camp to spend the first leg of the tournament with Team Puerto Rico.
“I got to experience it in a different way this year,” said Hernández, who has played twice in the WBC. “I was just kind of there as a fan, almost in like a coaching role. I get a lot more nervous when I’m not playing, because I really don’t have any power over it. I don’t have any control over what’s going on, so it was pretty nerve-wracking.”
He added: “Obviously, seeing that stadium packed out was pretty special. And of course, I’m still bummed that I don’t get to be a part of it, but I still support my people, and I’m still hoping they can win.”
During a Team Puerto Rico news conference last week, Hernández told reporters in Spanish that the WBC rates above the World Series. Hernández, who's played in five World Series, elaborated on his statement.
“I said it feels bigger,” Hernández said. “I didn’t say it’s bigger. Atmosphere, crowd, you’re representing your country. You’re not representing a city. You don’t always choose who you play for. Sometimes that’s out of your control and you know, when you’re representing your country, you’re playing along with your homies. Sometimes you’re playing along with people that you grew up with. Your people back home are rooting for you, at times.
"You’re playing in the United States, you’re playing for different teams, and sometimes they’re rooting against you. And for us, coming from our little island, the things that we can do for our island while the tournament is going on, it becomes a lot bigger than baseball, to where, it does not always feel that way when you’re playing for an organization in Major League Baseball.”
Hernández will be in Houston for Puerto Rico’s quarterfinal game against Italy on Saturday, and he said he doesn’t know if he would go to Miami if Puerto Rico reached the semifinals.
"I haven't had the conversation yet with Andrew," Hernández said, referring to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "I only asked permission to go to Houston. We win in Houston, he might get another text message if I can go along for the ride, but haven't decided yet."
As for his rehab from surgery, Hernández said he's progressing rapidly and hopes to return in late May, when his 60-day IL stint expires.
“I’m not surprised that it’s going well,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “End of May, beginning of June is probably a safe bet. Something like that.”
Kyle Tucker hits first home run in Cactus League play
Dodgers left fielder Kyle Tucker hit his first home run of spring training to lead off the sixth inning of Friday's 10-7 win over the Seattle Mariners in Peoria, Ariz. Tucker also walked twice and scored twice as the Dodgers also got homers from Teoscar Hernández and James Tibbs III, his third of the spring.
"Man, it's just fun to watch him compete in the batter's box," Roberts said of Tucker.
Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol continue build-up
Injured relief pitchers Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol are progressing in their respective rehabs, Roberts said before Friday's game. Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery, while Graterol is working his way back from right shoulder surgery. Graterol hasn’t pitched in a game since the 2024 World Series.
“It’s going,” Roberts said. “I think [Phillips had] a pen today. It’s a short ten to fifteen-pitch pen, but it’s good effort, and he’s trending in the right direction. I think that with Evan, with some other guys that are continuing to build up, Graterol is another one, just continuing to build up, so they’re in their progression, but they’re still a ways away.”
Mar 3, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54) leaves the game against Panama in the fourth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Good morning everyone, just for the weekend, we’ll be returning to our traditional Today on PSA open thread format. It’s sure to be a busy weekend, with the World Baseball Classic in its knockout rounds, and spring training starting to head towards its end. It’s a funny piece of dissonance, switching from watching high-stakes, high-level games in a major international tournament to monitoring low-key preseason matchups. It’s like watching two storylines at once, with one at the climax and the other still working through the opening exposition. That twin experience will continue today, with a pair of big quarterfinal matchups in the WBC, as well as some spring training action, which in Yankees camp features Max Fried making a tuneup start.
This morning on the site, Kento will recap last night’s WBC action, which featured one fairly tense match and one romp. Peter will write up an interesting entry in our Yankees Birthday series on Butch Wynegar, and Andres will continue our MLB Preview series with a rundown on the Tigers, before Josh provides the coverage of today’s game, which will see Fried take on the Phillies.
Today’s Matchup
New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Time: 1:05 p.m. EST
Video: Gotham Sports App, NBCSP+
Venue: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
Questions/Prompts:
1. Who do you favor in today’s WBC matchups, between Italy and Puerto Rico, and Japan and Venezuela?
2. Do you want to see Gerrit Cole make an appearance in Grapefruit League play, or would you rather see him be more conservative and wait for a rehab stint before making appearances in games?
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 26: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on February 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Well, the vibes just seem to keep finding new ways to get worse. Now with Tyrese Maxey sidelined for a few weeks, on top of Joel Embiid and Paul George’s absences and lingering frustrations from the Jared McCain trade (avoid watching Thunder games if you aren’t already), it pretty much feels like we’re waiting for the Play-In Tournament at this point. The Sixers have tumbled all the way down to ninth in the Eastern Conference at 35-31.
Fortunately for them on Saturday, though, they are at least facing off a team even further down the rankings. In an early 1-pm tip-off, they’re up against the 17-49 Nets, down at 13th in the East.
And not just a tanking Nets squad — a very shorthanded tanking Nets squad. Nic Claxton (rest), Drake Powell (left knee injury management), Day’Ron Sharpe (left thumb UCL tear), and Egor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management) are all out. Michael Porter Jr. — the offense’s best hope to make something happen — is doubtful with a right ankle sprain.
The Sixers won’t be getting more firepower back either, though. Embiid remains out with his oblique strain and we’ve received no further update from the team, after Nick Nurse had told reporters in Detroit that Embiid would be reevaluated on Friday (Mar. 13). Along with Maxey and George, Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow sprain) and Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery) are also out, with the main center rotation potentially being completely absent too as Adem Bona and Andre Drummond are both questionable with back issues.
The Nets rank 27th in both offensive and defensive rating and are happily tanking, going 2-12 in their last 14 games. They should be highly beatable at both ends, but that just can’t be said about any opponent right now given the state of the Sixers. No result can be taken for granted.
Nevertheless, there hasn’t exactly been lots to get excited about with the Nets this year. Porter Jr. has been efficient as the team’s new leading scorer if he’s available (24.5 points per game on a 59.5 true shooting percentage), and there are some other role players like Sharpe who could be sound contributors to better teams. As Brooklyn has experimented with a range of young players while pursuing higher lottery odds, there are at least candidates to randomly pop on any given night, like Josh Minott who had the game of his career against the Hawks on Thursday.
— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) March 13, 2026
We’ll see if anyone can do the same in Philly on Saturday, but overall their offense has been poor and this simply isn’t a team trying to win.
As for the Sixers, credit to Cam Payne for stepping up to do what he can in the winning department. His career-high 32 points and 10 dimes with a perfect 8-of-8 mark from three led the Sixers to a win against the Grizzlies this week, and he was solid against vs. the Pistons with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting. If Payne brings it again on Saturday, that could be key in moving past these Nets.
The burden will really be on the shoulders of VJ Edgecombe to lead the Sixers to a win on Saturday, though, even against an opponent trying to lose. The rookie’s only coming off a 3-of-14 shooting night against the Pistons, but was far more well rounded earlier in the week against Memphis with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. We’ll see if he can be more like the latter this weekend.
It’ll also be interesting to look out for any more strong flashes from Dalen Terry. The 6-foot-6 guard didn’t have the ball too much against Detroit but showed off his footwork and touch around the basket with a few quality drives.
It is hard to imagine a player with three made shots in a game having a highlight reel this good, but these are some shockingly impressive Dalen Terry moves and baskets: pic.twitter.com/hrs82woHJ3
— Adam Aaronson's clips (@SixersAdamClips) March 13, 2026
Ultimately, the Sixers can’t be competitive in the playoff picture now. And while some fans will debate whether the team should tank at this point, that may happen unintentionally while they’re this stuck with injuries. Losing Maxey for a while was the All-NBA-sized straw that broke the camel’s back in this case.
But for this weekend at least, the tanking Nets may be one of the team’s the Sixers are facing in the next couple of weeks that is actually beatable.
Game Details
When: Saturday, March 14, 1:00 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 02: Ron Harper Jr. #13 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 02, 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
Despite losing a nail-biter to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Boston Celtics delivered a valiant performance without Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Nikola Vucevic.
Jaylen Brown led the way, filling the stat sheet with 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, while the young wings, Hugo González, Baylor Scheierman, and Jordan Walsh, each contributed in a high-intensity contest.
But what continues to amaze me, and countless Celtics fans, is the fearless readiness of Ron Harper Jr., who, despite holding a two-way contract, steps onto the court with the confidence and poise of a seasoned veteran.
After a career-high 22-point outing against the Spurs, Harper Jr. drew unreserved praise from coach Joe Mazzulla, who stated plainly, “He’s been great.”
Mazzulla further emphasized Harper Jr.’s all-around contributions: “He’s continuing to get better at both ends of the floor. Tonight it was the shooting, but I think his defense is just as impactful as everyone else’s,” noting that he is “just another guy that can impact winning for us.” Harper Jr.’s ability to influence the game on both ends underscores why his presence, despite the limitations of a two-way contract, has become an increasingly vital asset for the Celtics.
Mazzulla has also highlighted the role of the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, describing it as a vital component in the development pipeline, particularly when two-way players are called up and able to contribute immediately at the NBA level.
“It starts with Maine and it starts with how our staff and just what those guys are able to do there, keeping Ron sharp and making sure the language and what we’re doing is important,” Mazzulla said following Harper Jr’s first career start where he did an impressive job guarding Kevin Durant. He added that the strong alignment between Maine and Boston allows for seamless integration of two-way players: “You feel just as comfortable starting him as you do anyone else because you know he’s ready to go. We have our alignment; we’ve got the identity.”
In just 12 minutes Harper Jr’s impact was felt in one of Boston’s biggest tests this season as he was a team high +15.
Here the Celtics go BLOB Zoom for Brown which leads to Harper Jr. attacking from the corner and finishing nicely.
BLOB is just an acronym for Baseline Out of Bounds. Zoom action is a dribble hand off in which the handoff receiver gets an off-ball screen before receiving the handoff.
Brown is able to attack, draw defenders, then kick it out to Harper Jr. who does the rest himself.
Next, we have him guarding the leagues reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Perhaps Harper Jr.’s most unique attribute is his extraordinary wingspan: at just 6’4”, his 7’1” wingspan ranks fourth in the league in positive height-to-wingspan differential, giving him a remarkable +9-inch advantage over his listed height.
He uses those arms to almost pry the ball loose from SGA and with the help of Gonzalez they force a pass to the wing. The wingspan will come in handy later.
Despite not having much NBA experience, we see some of that poise here defensively.
Harper Jr. gets beat here by Isaiah Joe on the backdoor cut, but great help timing by Luka Garza allows for an X-Out rotation.
What’s impressive to me is how seamless this sequence was for Ron Harper Jr. For a player with just 31 career NBA games, it would have been entirely understandable to hesitate even briefly, unsure of positioning or timing. Yet after Garza saves him, Harper Jr. immediately closes out on Alex Caruso, breaking no stride and a turnover ensues.
Here, Harper Jr. showcases his versatility. In the G League, he serves as a primary ball handler and ranks among the league’s top five scorers per game. While his role in Boston is markedly different, those skills have not disappeared. When called upon to bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense, he executes.
Here Caruso hedges because he wants to stay on Brown, allowing Harper Jr. to turn the corner and find Walsh. This should have been a three-point attempt.
And if you are playing alongside Brown and Tatum, you have to be able to hit some shots.
Go Go Gadget Arms coming into play again here.
OKC goes to Ram action and get Harper Jr. switched onto SGA. Ram action is an off-ball screen set for someone to go set a ball screen.
As SGA crosses over, Harper Jr. sticks his hand in there perfectly to get the steal, and the Celtics turn defense to offense.
Harper Jr. also contributes on the glass. Utilizing his extraordinary wingspan, sharp pursuit angles, and relentless energy, he consistently executes what Boston considers a high-impact play: corner crashes. While he doesn’t fully secure the rebound himself, his effort directs the ball perfectly to Walsh for the layup, turning hustle into immediate offensive value.
Here he does a great job on defense again, getting another stop.
We’ve now seen Harper Jr. play off Brown in every facet of the offense. He drained a three off a Brown feed, leveraged Brown’s gravity to turn the corner and pass to an open shooter, and, on a short roll, used Brown’s gravity again to find himself open and deliver another precise pass to a teammate.
From going undrafted to earning a two-way contract, Ron Harper Jr. has carved out a role through relentless work ethic and unyielding determination. Whether defending MVP-caliber players, initiating the offense, or crashing the boards, he plays with a confidence that belies his 31 NBA games. He’s proof that preparation and grit can turn an overlooked prospect into a contributor.
Payton Pritchard hit a shot for the ages in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. | NBAE via Getty Images
There’s a moment in every championship season where you realize, “Oh, wow. They’re actually going to do it.”
Up until that point, you convince yourself that everything that can go wrong will and nothing is solidified, even if your team is dominating.
But once that clarity hits you, it yields an indescribable feeling of euphoria and pure bliss like no other for diehard fans.
In the Celtics’ 2024 title run, the legendary knockout blow belonged to Payton Pritchard. It’s the kind of shot you remember exactly where you were when it happened, and the one you reminisce about decades from now and describe vividly to your grandkids.
It was fitting that Pritchard was the one who hit the heave from beyond half court at the end of the first half of Game 5. it extended the lead to 21, and you knew at that point that the rest was simply a formality. The Celtics were back on top.
As ESPN announcer Mike Breen put it: “He loves these.” It probably should have elicited a double-bang, but we’ll let it slide. The shot speaks for itself.
Pritchard does love these. It’s such a legendary trait for a player to have: Master of buzzer-beaters. Like, how sick is that? Master screen setter, master offensive rebounder and master energizer are all nice, don’t get me wrong, but being so money on buzzer-beaters is pretty electric.
When Pritchard has the ball at the end of a quarter, you genuinely believe it’s going in every time and are surprised when it doesn’t. How does he do it?
Well, it’s a combination of awareness (timing is everything), an endless bag of tricks (just ask the kids at the park) and a fearlessness that defines his aura (he genuinely believes it’s going in every time, too).
Oh, and you have to be one heck of a shooter, which he most certainly is.
Look at this one from Thursday night at the end of the half. Look closely at where he starts, what he does and when he releases the shot. There are three Thunder defenders closing in, including Cason Wallace right in front of him, but it doesn’t matter. The timing is impeccable, and that comes from hours and hours of repetition and being a total gym rat. He earned the right to talk a little smack after that one.
Thinking a little bigger picture here, it’s interesting how Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are often the ones to take shots at the end of games. Logically, it makes sense. Give the ball to your two best players and let them create. But one could argue Pritchard should take a higher percentage of those shots than he does.
This season, Pritchard is shooting 45.5 percent from the floor, 50 percent from 3 and 100 percent from the line in the clutch. But he only attempts 0.8 shots per game in clutch situations, whereas Brown is up at 2.5 attempts. This is in no way a criticism of Brown, so don’t get it twisted; Pritchard has just earned the right to create for himself at the end of games.
Next time the game is on the line, look for Pritchard. There’s a good chance he’s going to hit it. They don’t call him Mr. Buzzer Beater for nothing.
INDIANAPOLIS — It’s hard to be surprised by Mitchell Robinson’s rebounding prowess at this point. It’s a recurring theme.
But even for him, this was a special performance.
He recorded a career-high 22 rebounds in the Knicks’ 101-92 win over the Pacers Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Nine of them were on the offensive glass.
Mitchell Robinson, who grabbed 22 rebounds, drives on Ivica Zubac during the Knicks’ 101-92 win over the Pacers on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis. AP
Perhaps just as important, though, he played 31 minutes, his biggest workload of the season.
“It definitely feels good,” Robinson told The Post. “First time playing 30 minutes. Just getting out there and playing like that, to see the buildup, all the hard work I put in with this plan.”
Robinson has already played more games than either of the past two seasons. The Knicks’ load management plan for him — not playing both legs of back-to-backs, and at times sitting non back-to-back games — has clearly worked, even it’s been frustrating at times.
His workloads are only increasing. That’s a good development for the Knicks heading into the playoffs.
“It’s obviously shown that it’s paid off,” coach Mike Brown told The Post, “because of his ability to, knock on wood, stay on the floor and play in games and play the minutes he played tonight.”
Beyond Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns both missing Friday’s game due to knee soreness, Jeremy Sochan was out due to illness.
Pacome Dadiet, with the Knicks shorthanded, got very rare non-blowout minutes. In fact, Dadiet, along with Ariel Hukporti, came in together as Brown’s first subs of the game in the first quarter.
Dadiet promptly drilled a 30-foot 3-pointer from the logo as the shot clock expired in the first quarter. He also got a brief stretch of action in the third quarter.
BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders host the Calgary Flames after Emil Heineman scored two goals in the Islanders' 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
New York is 37-24-5 overall and 17-11-2 in home games. The Islanders have a +six scoring differential, with 190 total goals scored and 184 allowed.
Calgary is 26-32-7 overall and 10-20-3 in road games. The Flames are 19-7-3 when scoring three or more goals.
Saturday's game is the second time these teams meet this season. The Flames won 4-2 in the last meeting.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mathew Barzal has scored 18 goals with 42 assists for the Islanders. Anthony DeAngelo has one goal and six assists over the past 10 games.
Morgan Frost has 14 goals and 18 assists for the Flames. MacKenzie Weegar has five assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Islanders: 7-3-0, averaging 3.3 goals, five assists, 2.4 penalties and 4.8 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.
Flames: 4-5-1, averaging 2.5 goals, 4.3 assists, 3.5 penalties and 7.5 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game.
INJURIES: Islanders: None listed.
Flames: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
PERTH, Australia (AP) — Defending champion China beat Taiwan 2-0 at the Women’s Asian Cup on Saturday to set up a semifinal against host Australia and clinch a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup.
After 90 minutes ended goalless in a match between opponents with geopolitical tensions, Shao Ziqin broke the deadlock three minutes into extra time before a late own goal sealed the win.
“I’m so happy we won the match today and that I was able to score a goal,” Shao said.
On Friday, Sam Kerr scored one goal and created another as Australia advanced and secured a World Cup spot with a 2-1 win over North Korea.
In Sydney on Saturday, South Korea moved into the last four with a 6-0 rout of Uzbekistan. Son Hwa-yeon opened the scoring for the 2022 finalist after just nine minutes and Ko Yoo-jin fired home from outside the area in the 20th. Four second-half goals completed the thrashing.
South Korea will face the winner of Sunday’s game between Japan and the Philippines. Japan has scored a tournament-leading 17 goals without conceding.
The semifinals are set for Tuesday and Wednesday with the final to be played next Saturday in Sydney.
World Cup spots
All four semifinalists at the Women's Asian Cup qualify automatically for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
The losing quarterfinalists will have another shot at qualifying for the World Cup in a playoff next Thursday in Australia — the fifth- and sixth-place teams in this continental tournament will also secure spots in Brazil.
The end of the group stage earlier in the week was overshadowed by Iran's departure from the tournament and the granting of asylum to members of the delegation.
Steve Borthwick must throw off the shackles in Paris to inject some attacking energy into his far-too predictable side
The inquest into England’s Six Nations campaign has already started and when that is the case before the championship has even finished it is never a good sign. Everyone has their own opinions on what is wrong and I’m sure that is the same within the squad too. When you are on runs like England are, different players come up with different reasons for their problems and different fixes – and that makes the situation all the more difficult.
If there is one thing holding England back it is their gameplan. I don’t say that as a reaction to these three defeats, I felt that they stagnated during the autumn and tightened things up despite chalking up four victories. The best illustration I can give is the 2024 tournament. England had lost to Scotland, went to York in the fallow week, contrived to throw off the shackles in attack and it paid immediate dividends.
Golden State Warriors (32-34, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (43-25, third in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Golden State aims to end its four-game skid with a victory against New York.
The Knicks have gone 23-9 at home. New York ranks eighth in the league with 33.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Karl-Anthony Towns averaging 8.8.
The Warriors are 13-19 in road games. Golden State has a 4-4 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Knicks score 117.0 points per game, 2.6 more points than the 114.4 the Warriors allow. The Warriors are shooting 45.8% from the field, 0.2% higher than the 45.6% the Knicks' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 16 the Warriors won 126-113 led by 32 points from Jimmy Butler III, while Miles McBride scored 25 points for the Knicks.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Brunson is scoring 26.3 points per game with 3.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 18.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 53.3% over the last 10 games.
Quinten Post is averaging 7.6 points for the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 17.5 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 43.9% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 6-4, averaging 113.8 points, 47.9 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.2 points per game.
Warriors: 3-7, averaging 114.1 points, 45.8 rebounds, 30.6 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.8 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: Josh Hart: day to day (knee), Karl-Anthony Towns: day to day (knee), Miles McBride: out (ankle), Jeremy Sochan: day to day (illness).
Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Al Horford: day to day (calf), Quinten Post: day to day (ankle), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Moses Moody: out (wrist), Draymond Green: out (injury management).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
