Jonathan Kuminga has looked completely at home since coming over to the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a game, shooting 56.6% overall and hitting better than 50% of his 3-pointers. While he has been in and out of the lineup with knee issues, the Hawks have won all six games he has played in.
Last summer, Kuminga was pushed in restricted free agency and eventually settled on a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension with Golden State, which included a $24.3 million team option for next season. That contract was built to be traded, and he was at the deadline to the Hawks.
The Hawks and Kuminga are discussing an extension in which the team would not pick up next year's option but would give him a multi-year contract worth more total money, Fischer reports. Kuminga told Fischer that his goal is to make the Hawks a consistent contender.
"That's the goal," Kuminga said. "That's what we're trying to do here, what we're trying to stamp here as a group. We talk about it every day. It starts now. We're not waiting until next year."
Atlanta had its 11-game winning streak snapped by Houston on Friday night, but the Hawks are now up to No. 7 in the East with a real opportunity to move into the top six and avoid the play-in altogether. Kuminga is a part of that push, and maybe a big part of the future in Atlanta.
Mar 11, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
We’re just days away from the season starting for real, and that can make the remaining Grapefruit League showdowns feel kind of underwhelming. For today at least, the big hook is the starting pitching matchup, with one of the game’s most reliable workhorses facing one of its bright up-and-comers, as the Yankees travel down to Lakeland to play the Tigers.
Framber Valdez has never been the best pitcher in baseball, but for the last five years or so has comfortably been very damn good. He’s put up a 4+ fWAR season in three of the last four campaigns, and was the second-biggest pitching target of this winter’s FA class. While he certainly slots behind Tarik Skubal in the Tigers’ rotation, he’s a terrific No. 2, with a bowling-ball sinker that makes it very difficult to go yard, and regularly touching 190+ innings pitched — not notable for 1996, sure, but in today’s game is pretty close to workhorse status.
Cam Schlittler meanwhile is just getting started. The right-hander had a Cinderella 2025, and comes into this season needing to find a way to augment his terrific fastball options with some kind of breaking or offspeed pitch. He’s been great in spring action so far, striking out a hilarious 43.5 percent of hitters faced, albeit in just six innings. Look at his secondary offerings today as a good sign of what the club expects from him once the games actually count.
Offensively, this is certainly an away spring game type of lineup. The Yankees will feature some regulars but nobody that will likely be a day-to-day starter save for catcher Austin Wells, and of course José Caballero who is likely to be the Opening Day shortstop. Paul Goldschmidt leads off, with recently-named fourth outfielder Randal Grichuk and likely Triple-A depth Paul DeJong also scheduled to play.
How to watch
Location: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium — Lakeland, FL
First pitch: 1:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: Gotham Sports App | Detroit Sports App
Hockey’s reputation for toughness was on full display Saturday.
Just over two minutes into the game between the Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan Reaves dropped the gloves with Flyers forward Garrett Wilson in an early heavyweight fight.
Both players exchanged a flurry of punches, but the moment took a turn when Reaves appeared to injure a finger during the scrap.
Instead of heading to the locker room, Reaves skated to the bench to have the finger reset. He then served his penalty in the box — and returned to the ice shortly after.
Before joining San Jose, he was familiar to Sharks fans for his rivalry with former forward Evander Kane during his time with the Las Vegas Golden Knights — a feud that included a heated fight in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.
That physical edge has long been a defining part of his game.
Playing through injuries is nothing new in hockey, but Reaves’ quick return showed just how far players are willing to go to stay on the ice.
We'll see if Sorokin gets both games of the back-to-back.
In eight career starts against Montreal, Sorokin is 6-0-2, with a 1.83 GAA and a .939 SV%, with one shutout. He stopped 22 of 25 in the Islanders' 4-3 overtime win against them on Feb. 26.
The Montreal Canadiens will try to avenge a recent overtime loss to the New York Islanders when the two teams clash tonight.
Each side has leaned into low-scoring, defense-first hockey down the stretch as they prepare for the postseason, and I’m expecting a similar script to play out in my Islanders vs. Canadiens predictions.
Montreal has allowed just 2.71 goals per game over the past two weeks, while New York has been even stingier at 2.17 — the third-best mark in the league over that span.
The Under is 5-1 in each team’s last six games, with the Islanders hitting Under 5.5 in four straight and the Canadiens in two straight.
New York has also cashed the Under in 53.6% of its games this season, the seventh-highest rate in the NHL.
Islanders vs Canadiens same-game parlay
Goals will be hard to come by tonight, but if there’s anyone who can break through, it’s Cole Caufield.
The Habs winger has goals in three of his last four games and six of his last 10, including a tally vs. the Islanders in their last meeting on February 26.
The Under is 9-4 in New York’s last 13 road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Canadiens.
How to watch Islanders vs Canadiens
Location
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSGSN, SNE
Islanders vs Canadiens 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.
The Chicago Blackhawks have had the number one penalty kill in the NHL for quite some time. They aren’t a winning team, but that aspect of their overall game has been impressive for most of the 2025-26 season.
Part of the PK success was the play of Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, and Jason Dickinson. All three of them were traded away ahead of the deadline, and the penalty kill units miss them.
On Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche, the Blackhawks gave up two power-play goals. Despite having so much firepower, the Avalanche came in with the 29th-ranked power play, but they found a way against the Blackhawks.
That makes it 7 power play goals against over the 8 games since the trade deadline. Chicago enters an idle Saturday with the second-ranked PK at 84.1 percent. To still be in second after giving up 7 power play goals in 8 games tells you how good the kill was ahead of the deadline.
Now, the Blackhawks must move forward with younger players taking over the kill. Special teams is an important aspect of the game, and they have a PK system that has worked well, but new faces need reps.
"I think it's something that you continue to gain experience with," Wyatt Kaiser said of the PK. "There are going to be some stumbles and falls, but we have to learn from those and continue to move forward and get better."
Kaiser mentioned that there are certain plays that you only see in the NHL, and that seeing them and learning from them is how to get better. With stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Marty Necas on the other side, it can take time for young players to process.
"Some new guys are on there, but our structure hasn't changed," Ryan Greene said. "We're still trying to accomplish the same thing within the same structure. Giving up two [against Colorado] wasn't good enough; it's on us to execute better."
Ryan Greene, as a rookie, has a deep understanding of the game. He isn't a flashy player who will have all of these incredible stats, but he knows how to play well in all situations. His words echo what Kaiser said: they just need to keep learning from their triumphs and mistakes. Blashill had a similar response.
"You need reps," Blashill said on the PK postgame. "Penalty kill is one of those things where there are so many different nuances that happen. We certainly have our structure, but I don't know any way to learn it without going through it. They're getting those reps."
Blashill also made a point that they have had multiple instances of killing off most of the penalty and then allowing one late after some great work. That will certainly impact the numbers, but he also understands that you need to kill the full two minutes to win more than you lose.
The head coach also pointed out that they have committed to trial by fire, so the young players are going to continue getting big PK minutes as the season winds down. In that sense, moving out the veterans to make room for them was a wise choice. It's better to develop the PK now than when they are trying to win down the line.
The commitment to being a winning player is there up and down the lineup, and they are not afraid to work on getting better.
The dip in penalty kill since the deadline is never easy to deal with, but it will be more valuable for the future of the team to see the youth take over, rather than guys succeeding who won't be there in the long term.
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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees smiles before the game against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The moment that news broke late Friday afternoon that the Yankees would be optioning Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A, it seemed like a cinch that big-league veteran Randal Grichuk would make their Opening Day roster. Although he arrived to camp as a late-signing non-roster invitee and manager Aaron Boone tried to make it sound like it wasn’t a sure thing that be with them at the start of 2026 (even saying so yesterday), Grichuk so clearly seemed to fit what the Yankees claimed they were looking for all winter: a righty-hitting bench outfielder.
As such, it has to come to pass: Grichuk will be on the 2026 Yankees, per Boone’s report on Saturday morning. Domínguez wasn’t the only player who had to make room for Grichuk given the crowded roster situation, and so came the related news that utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera would begin the year in Triple-A:
Randal Grichuk has made the team, Aaron Boone said.
Cabrera had an option and is coming back from a pretty brutal ankle injury, only making it into seven games thus far in spring training. So for as solid as a bench option as he is at full health, he’s not quite there yet, and he can keep getting regular reps at Scranton rather than rarely playing in the majors. More likely than not, he’ll be needed sooner rather than later given the overall age of the Yankees’ roster.
As for Grichuk, he’s not terribly exciting on the surface, but as Estevão noted earlier in March, there’s a reason why he had the Yankees were interested in him. Is it possible that he was just cooked in his 85 OPS+ age-33 season last year? Sure. However, he has an .819 career OPS against lefties and that figure was .913 as recently as 2024. So it’s worth the flyer to see if he still has that in him, especially when the roster flexibility is available at the moment with Cabrera and Domínguez’s options (and need for playing time).
Just to throw my hat in the ring on Opening Day roster projections, here’s what I think it could be as of now, acknowledging that Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Anthony Volpe will all begin the year on the IL:
Catchers (2) Austin Wells J.C. Escarra
Infielders (6) Ben Rice Jazz Chisholm Jr. José Caballero Ryan McMahon Paul Goldschmidt Amed Rosario
Starting Pitchers (5) Max Fried Cam Schlittler Luis Gil Ryan Weathers Will Warren
Bullpen (8) David Bednar Camilo Doval Fernando Cruz Tim Hill Ryan Yarbrough Paul Blackburn Cade Winquest Jake Bird
That last spot in the bullpen could go to someone like Brent Headrick rather than Bird, but aside from that, this all seems to be in order. What do you think?
Two teams jockeying for playoff positioning in their respective conferences clash Saturday, when the Miami Heat visit the Houston Rockets.
Miami is in a logjam of five teams currently battling for the two playoff spots in the East, all separated by 1.5 games.
Houston, meanwhile, the slight betting favorite Saturday, is in a three-way battle for the 4-seed with Denver and Minnesota out West.
While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Heat vs. Rockets prediction and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.
Heat vs Rockets prediction
Heat vs Rockets best bet: Under 229.5 points (-110)
The Miami Heat has dropped three straight and sits in eighth in the East, though just 1.5 games out of fifth.
They have ripped the Houston Rockets of late, going 9-1 in the last 10 and 8-2-0 against the spread, but they're currently hard to trust. They're also down Andrew Wiggins (toe) and Jaime Jaquez Jr (hip).
Houston just ended Atlanta's 11-game win streak in a 117-95 romp. They're fourth in scoring defense and have held five of the last eight opponents to 105 points or less.
The Under has cashed in three straight matchups, with all signs pointing to a fourth.
Heat vs Rockets same-game parlay
While he's shooting a blistering 55.9% from the field and 43.2% from three, Kevin Durant is only averaging 22.7 points in 10 March games. He's gone Under 26.5 points seven times.
Tyler Herro's 21.5 scoring line is gettable: he's topped that mark in four of seven games, missing the over by a bucket in two others.
Heat vs Rockets SGP
Under 229.5 points
Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Amen!
Bam Adebayo has rebounded well against Houston historically, grabbing at least 10 boards in seven of the last nine meetings, missing the Over by a single rebound in another.
Amen Thompson has hit the 6-assist mark once in his last five, while never hitting six dimes in four career games vs Miami.
Heat vs Rockets SGP
Under 229.5 points
Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 9.5 rebounds
Amen Thompson Under 5.5 assists
Heat vs Rockets odds
Spread: Heat +3 (-110) | Rockets -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Heat +125 | Rockets -150
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Heat vs Rockets betting trend to know
Houston has lost eight straight against Miami teams with a winning record. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Rockets.
How to watch Heat vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-SU, SCHN
Heat vs Rockets latest injuries
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout during a Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch on March 16, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After six weeks in Arizona, the Dodgers return home to Southern California to finish up their exhibition season with the Freeway Series against the Angels. First up is a game in Anaheim on Sunday night at Angel Stadium.
Tyler Glasnow takes the hill in his final spring tuneup for the regular season, which for the right-hander likely begins next weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Non-roster right-hander George Klassen starts for the Halos.
There aren't many chances left to find Spring Training betting edges, with today being the final Saturday of exhibition play.
My MLB picks have scoured the board to find the best bets to make on March 21.
See why the White Sox top my trio of road team moneylines for today.
Spring Training predictions for March 21
Pick
Odds
COL moneyline
+135
SD moneyline
-110
CHW moneyline
+105
Pick #1: Rockies moneyline
This is a pitching mismatch based on Cactus League results.
Colorado Rockies SP Kyle Freeland has bounced back nicely from a dismal 2025, authoring a 1.80 ERA through five innings this spring. He was last seen blanking the Chicago Cubs over three frames.
Cole Ragans counters for the Kansas City Royals, and he enters play with a monstrous 8.44 ERA. He's surrendered 14 hits over 10 2/3 innings, and has allowed at least two ER in three straight appearances.
The Padres also have the better of the two starters going for them today in Randy Vasquez. He's pitched to a 4.15 ERA so far, fanning 11 batters over 8 2/3 innings.
Meanwhile, Robert Gasser totes a 9.95 ERA into this one. He's allowed three homers in just 5 1/3 innings of work.
Pick #3: White Sox moneyline
The Chicago White Sox are on the long end of what's arguably the biggest starting pitching mismatch of the day, yet they are underdogs. Sign me up.
Ryan Borucki rocks a 2-0 record with a spotless ERA. He's allowed only four hits and a walk while striking out five batters over four frames.
Cincinnati Reds SP Andrew Abbott looks ready for regression after an incredible 2025 campaign. He's 1-3 with a 13.85 ERA in Cactus League action, allowing 18 ER over 11 frames.
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.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Will Klein #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a fielding drill prior to a Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch on March 16, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers finish up the Arizona portion of their spring training by hosting the A’s on getaway day Saturday at Camelback Ranch.
Lineup
Alex Call LF Santiago Espinal 1B Dalton Rushing C Alex Freeland 2B Nick Senzel 3B Hyeseong Kim SS Jack Suwinski RF Jaron Elkins CF Kellon Lindsey DH
Elkins (wearing uniform number 88) and Lindsey (89) are up from minor league camp. It’s the first game this spring for Lindsey, the Dodgers’ first-round draft pick in 2024.
Emmet Sheehan starts on the mound.
Other pitchers
Will Klein is also scheduled to pitch on Saturday.
Up from minor league camp are Jerming Rosario (81), Matt Lanzendorfer (87), Christian Suárez (90), Dilan Figueredo (91), Javier Bartolozzi (92), Jacob Frost (94), and Keynan Middleton (98).
Other position players
Non-roster catchers Eliézer Alfonzo and Seby Zavala are active.
Up from minor league camp are infielders Jake Gelof (93), Joe Vetrano (95), Jose Izarra (00), Sean McLain (01), and Austin Gauthier (03), plus outfielders Kole Myers (02), Damon Keith (05), and Samuel Muñoz (06).
The Phoenix Suns have dropped four straight games, but they’ll look to get back on track when they host the banged-up Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
Devin Booker has been scoring at an elite rate, and my Bucks vs. Suns predictions expect a strong performance from the franchise cornerstone in a comfortable win.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this late-night matchup on Saturday, March 21.
Bucks vs Suns prediction
Bucks vs Suns best bet: Devin Booker Over 27.5 points (-120)
Over his last 10 games, Devin Booker has averaged 30.3 points. In that span, he scored 28+ six times and finished with 27 twice more. He provided 27 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 10.
Milwaukee’s defense has been dreadful over the last 10 games, surrendering the fifth-most points (120.5), most three-pointers (16.9) and third-highest three-point percentage (39%), while sporting the 29th-ranked defensive rating (123.3).
Booker should be motivated to get his team back on track after four straight losses, and I expect him to take advantage of this highly-favorable matchup at home.
Bucks vs Suns same-game parlay
The Phoenix Suns are back home after a six-game road trip, and they'll be fired up after losing to the San Antonio Spurs on a Victor Wembanyama buzzer-beater in their last game out.
Phoenix won 129-114 against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, and they can cover Saturday's big spread against an opponent missing its superstar forward and a number of key role players.
The Suns should have no problem finding their groove offensively. Even if the Bucks have trouble scoring, Phoenix should put up more than enough points to nudge this line to the Over.
Milwaukee's 29th-ranked defense will have no answers for Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Co.
Bucks vs Suns SGP
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Suns -11.5
Over 219.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns shine bright
Jalen Green has averaged 23.9 points across his last eight games. After scoring 23+ in five straight, he’s gone Under that point total in each of his last three games. He scored 25 against the Bucks on March 10, and I look for him to get back on track in the scoring department.
Collin Gillespie has hit the Over on this combo line in two straight and five of his last eight. He posted 30 PRA in his first matchup with the Bucks.
Oso Ighodaro will get another starting nod with Mark Williams sidelined. He’s gone for at least 22 PRA in two straight and four of his last 10.
Bucks vs Suns SGP
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Jalen Green Over 22.5 points
Collin Gillespie Over 22.5 points + rebounds + assists
Oso Ighodaro Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)
Bucks vs Suns betting trend to know
The Phoenix Suns have covered the 3Q Spread in 26 of their last 40 games (+9.55 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Suns.
How to watch Bucks vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-WI, KTVK, KPHE
Bucks vs Suns 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.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - MARCH 15, 2026: Manager Kevin Cash #16 of the Tampa Bay Rays makes a pitching change during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Charlotte Sports Park on March 15, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
First pitch against the Minnesota Twins is at 1:05 at Charlotte Sports Park and the Rays will be providing tv and radio coverage.
Feb 18, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jonah Tong (21) throws a pitch during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Mets at Nationals
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF
Mark Vientos – 1B
Jared Young – DH
Luis Torrens – C
Tyrone Taylor – LF
Vidal Brujan – 2B
Jacob Reimer – 3B
Cristian Pache – CF
Yonny Hernandez – SS
SP: Joander Suarez – RHP
Nationals lineup
Nasim Nunez – 2B
Jose Tena – 3B
Keibert Ruiz – C
Luis Garcia – 1B
Andres Chaparro – DH
Joey Wiemer – CF
Christian Franklin – RF
Seaver King – SS
Sam Petersen – LF
SP: Cade Cavalli – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:05 PM EDT TV: Nope Radio: Not this time
Mets vs Astros
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – DH
Jorge Polanco – 1B
Luis Robert – CF
Brett Baty – 3B
Marcus Semien – 2B
Mike Tauchman – RF
Francisco Alvarez – C
SP: Jonah Tong – RHP
Astros lineup
Joey Loperfido – LF
Isaac Paredes – 2B
Cam Smith – RF
Zach Cole – CF
Christian Walker – 1B
Yainer Diaz – C
Cavan Biggio – DH
Riley Unroe – 3B
Nick Allen – SS
SP: Mike Burrows – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:10 PM EDT TV: PIX 11 Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2
NORTH PORT, FL - MARCH 14: Fans sit in the sun in the outfield during the spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves on March 14, 2026 at CoolToday Park in North Port, FL. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Braves have one of their final tune-ups of spring against the Red Sox and they are facing Garrett Crochet, who has had a fairly unimpressive spring. Still, the star pitcher who the Braves reportedly were interested in trading for should be a good test for the Braves’ bats.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET and the game will be available on Gray TV in-market and 680AM/93.7FM on the radio. Elsewhere, it will be available on MLBTV.
COL moneyline
SD moneyline
CHW moneyline
