Jonathan Wheatley set to make switch to troubled team
Arrival would allow Adrian Newey to change focus
Jonathan Wheatley has left his role as Audi team principal, the Formula One team have confirmed, paving the way for his anticipated switch to the same role at Aston Martin.
Wheatley’s arrival would allow the current Aston Martin principal, Adrian Newey, to return his focus to the technical and design areas in which he excels after the team endured a disastrous start to the new season.
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
13 teams play twice this weekend, including the Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns, Trail Blazers, Raptors and Wizards. Prioritize those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played. The Bulls are the only team that doesn’t have a game this weekend. If you’re in your fantasy championship, feel free to drop your Bulls!
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
With Anthony Edwards (knee) sidelined for at least a few more games, Dosunmu should be considered a must-start player regardless of the matchup. As a starter over the last two games, he has averaged 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 triples per game. Dosunmu has been a strong trade deadline addition for Minnesota, and he should help them make a run in the postseason. For now, he’s going to help keep them afloat in the standings while Edwards gets healthy.
Guards:
Collin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns
Gillespie has been fantastic for most of the year for the Suns, and he should be in for a productive weekend with the Bucks on the schedule. Milwaukee has been one of the worst defensive teams in the league as of late, and Gillespie just had 24 points, six assists and two steals in Thursday’s loss. He should be in for another strong outing as they try to end this losing streak.
CJ McCollum, Atlanta Hawks
McCollum was sent to Atlanta as part of the Trae Young trade, and while his tenure with the team started off shaky, he has been an excellent fill-in and veteran scorer for this young team. They take on the Rockets and Warriors this weekend, and both teams have really struggled on the defensive end in recent weeks. McCollum should be in for a productive weekend.
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Houston has struggled recently, but one thing has become clear: Sheppard’s production off the bench is important to this team. This weekend, they play the Hawks and Heat, two teams that have played at an incredibly fast pace all season long. That should mean extra shots for Sheppard, and hopefully extra steals as they look to get back on track as a team after losing three of their last four games.
Forwards:
Josh Minott, Brooklyn Nets
With Michael Porter Jr. sidelined for the rest of the season, Minott should continue to produce for Brooklyn. Over his last three appearances, Minott has averaged 15.7 points, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game. The Knicks game on Friday is a tough matchup, but Sunday’s game is against the Kings, who have been playing at a fast pace as of late. Sacramento has been better defensively, but this will be an important game for lottery odds, meaning the rotations may look a bit different.
Taylor Hendricks, Memphis Grizzlies
Hendricks may not have figured things out in Utah, but it appears that the Grizzlies have gotten a steal. Over his last six games, he has averaged 13.2 points, 2.2 steals, 1.7 blocks and 1.7 triples per game. This weekend, they have a tough back-to-back, but that means limited availability for the rest of the rotation. GG Jackson is doubtful for Friday’s game, so Hendricks could make a return to the starting lineup. Regardless, he’ll play big minutes and provide production on both ends.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors
Santos remains a fixture of this list despite some tough matchups. With Stephen Curry (knee) still out, he’s simply too important to this team to not have in the lineup. He has averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game over the past two weeks and should be rostered as long as Curry is out.
Centers:
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
Queta has been fantastic all season, and on Friday, he gets matched up with the Grizzlies. Memphis hasn’t had a healthy center recently, which has resulted in them being the worst rebounding team in the league as of late. Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota isn’t as favorable, but it’s another opportunity for him.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
Though he has had a few quieter performances lately, Okongwu has been productive for most of the year. Friday’s matchup with the Rockets isn’t easy, but Saturday’s against the Warriors should result in a big night for him. Atlanta has won 11 games in a row, and rebounding dominance has been key to their success. A lot of that has been Jalen Johnson, but Okongwu has had some solid nights.
Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns
Ighodaro has been quiet as the starting center with Mark Williams sidelined, but his last two games have been productive, as he has averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals. Now, he gets to take on the Bucks and Raptors, with Milwaukee being one of the worst rebounding teams in the league as of late. Ighodaro should close out this five-game week on a high note.
Mar 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats the drum after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Coming off a blowout win against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs returned home to face the Phoenix Suns for the final time this regular season. Stephon Castle was ruled out before the game with a hip injury, but Devin Vassell returned from ankle soreness. What followed was a highly contested game. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Suns outscored the Spurs 33-28 in the second to take a seven-point lead into halftime. After a low-scoring third that resulted in many foul calls (some, albeit questionable), the Spurs’ deficit was cut to six heading into the fourth. The Suns still held a lead because the Spurs missed many easy layups and committed several unforced turnovers.
After trailing by as much as 10, the Spurs stormed back with over a minute remaining due to the heroics of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. After a Jordan Goodwin three-pointer put the Suns up five, Vassell missed a three, but Wembanyama was fouled on the offensive rebound. Wembanyama made both free throws, and the Spurs trailed by three. Devin Booker missed a stepback jumper, and on the Spurs’ next possession, Fox finished at the rim with a crafty move. Now trailing by one, the Spurs fouled rookie Rasheer Fleming. Fleming missed both free throws, and the Spurs called a timeout. With 11 seconds remaining, the Spurs inbounded the ball to Wembanyama, who let the time tickle down until he pulled up from the midrange over Oso Ighodaro. The result? SPLASH. The Spurs took the lead with 1.1 seconds remaining, and Booker missed the half-court heave. The Spurs won 101-100.
Victor Wembanyama dropped an MVP-level performance with 34 points (10-20 FG, 12-12 FT), 12 rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block. Wemby was the consistent driving offensive force for the Spurs, especially when the team shot 29% from three. He was also in the passing lanes and came up with several steals. Even though Wemby shot two of seven from three, he was contacted throughout the entire game. He made all of his 12 free throw attempts and started to cement his MVP case in the fourth quarter. Alongside Fox, Wemby drained his two threes, got a huge offensive rebound, made his free throws, and hit his first-ever game-winner (while trailing). What made it an MVP moment was the fact that he waited till the clock dwindled until one second was left on the clock. A true risk/reward moment with neither team having any timeouts remaining, and the basket resulting in either a win or a loss. Wemby is on track to make both All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and his MVP and DPOY cases continue to rise.
PERFECTION! Spurs’ ball movement results in a hook pass from Harrison Barnes to a cutting Wemby, who lays it up!
MORE MOVEMENT! After Barnes intercepts Amir Coffey’s pass, the ensuing fastbreak results in more beautiful Spurs ball movement that results in a Wemby dime to HB for an easy layup!
After the game, Wemby and the rest of the team were asked what they thought of Wemby’s performance. Keldon Johnson took the mic and began an MVP chant that could be heard from all of San Antonio!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 23 points (6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Fox shot below 50% from the field, but made most of his points count in the fourth. Both he and Wemby were clutch down the stretch, with Fox pulling off two crafty moves that resulted in clutch buckets. The All-Star duo will continue to use their talent to will this team when the going gets tough.
Too smooth! Fox dribbles into the paint and pulls off a turnaround spin jumper on Fleming!
CLUTCH FOX! Fox dribbles past Ighodaro and finishes off the glass to cut the deficit to one!
De'Aaron Fox goes around the defender and scores the clutch layup to cut the Suns lead to 1, with 26.6 seconds remaining in regulation pic.twitter.com/UxlKTTVVTK
Julian Champagnie 14 points (4-8 3PT), two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Julian was solid from the three-point line, shooting 50%. He also tossed up a sweet lob to Wemby and swatted two shots. One of the shots was a three-point attempt from the corner. The spacing he provides playmakers and other shooters has been valuable all season.
Devin Vassell dropped 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Like Julian, Dev was solid from the field, but also missed five threes. Nonetheless, he finished with the highest plus/minus on the team with +21. His perimeter defense alongside Julian has been solid all season, and will need to continue as the playoffs draw near.
Clear skies ahead! On the fastbreak, Dylan Harper catches the lob pass from KJ, and he drops it off to Dev, who puts Ryan Dunn on a poster!
Keldon Johnson dropped six points, four rebounds, and an assist. KJ struggled from the field, but made up for it with his usual hustle on the boards. The spark plug energy he has provided all season is more on the motivator side, but no matter what, he will continue to slash in the paint to get tough buckets when the team needs offense.
All in all, this was one of the best finishes of the season. In a game where the Suns’ lead seemed to grow larger in the second half, this team did not waver and instead relied on hustle and offensive flow. When it came down to clutch time, the ball was either in Fox’s or Wemby’s hands. As said earlier, you could not write a better script for how this game ended. Wemby knew the moment was his, and he capitalized on it to the fullest extent. The result? The Spurs are playoff-bound for the first time in six seasons!
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs continue their mini homestand against the Indiana Pacers this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 04: Paul Sewald #62 of the Detroit Tigers looks on prior to game one of the Division Series against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on October 04, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rodriguez is entering the third year of a four-year, $80 million deal he signed ahead of 2024. He was not brought on to be an ace, but rather to bring veteran stability to the D-backs’ rotation after posting a career year in Detroit during the 2023 season.
The results have not yet begun to show to that degree. An article from Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly listed Rodriguez as the worst-value contract on Arizona’s roster.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have not named their closer to start the 2026 season, and they simply may not.
Manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday he is close to announcing his rotation behind Opening Day starter Zac Gallen. The closer role, however, will likely be revealed when Arizona faces its first save situation.
“You’ll probably figure it out as I’m doing it,” Lovullo said. “That’s kind of the mindset I’ll have right now. I love where a few guys are at.
Jason Benetti handles play-by-play, joined by analysts and World Series heroes Luis Gonzalez and Orel Hershiser.
Gonzalez, a five-time All-Star, played 19 MLB seasons (1990-2008), highlighted by eight years with the Diamondbacks. In Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, Gonzalez hit the game-winning single as Arizona won its first championship. The Fall Classic heroics capped his best statistical season as he won the Silver Slugger with a .325 batting average, 57 home runs and 142 RBI. An analyst for select Diamondbacks games, Gonzalez won the 2005 Branch Rickey Award for community service.
An MRI revealed that Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki has a strained PCL after injuring his right knee Saturday while trying to steal second base during Samurai Japan’s 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell called the update “good news” and noted that the injury is “minor in nature,” according to MLB.com.
This raises an interesting hypothetical insofar as the 2030 WBC is concerned: What might the Team USA lineup and rotation look like four years from now?
This, of course, is a highly speculative exercise given that, you know, it’s four years away, which means we’re going to have to make some (lightly) educated guesses as to which players, young to young-ish in the here and now, are at the top of their guild come 2030. In other words, expect a lot of roster turnover from the current team (speaking of which, only one player in Team USA’s starting lineup on Tuesday night — Kyle Schwarber — was in the lineup for the 2023 title game).
On the heels of another fun World Baseball Classic — this one with an unexpected result, as Venezuela emerged with the gold — it seemed a good time to review how it’s being received by White Sox fans. There has been a fair amount of discussion over the timing of the tournament, what with the potential for injury (Kyle Teel of the White Sox will miss a month with a strained hamstring, for example).
Most of you remain OK with the tournament being held during Spring Training, however:
There were a fair number of you, let’s just call you cranky fans, who think the WBC should not be played at all. One option not presented in the poll (and mentioned in the comments on the original posting) was an All-Star break WBC. It still feels like much too much of a distraction mid-season, and would truly change the nature of a baseball season for the first time in almost 100 years, the dawn of the All-Star Game. But surely an All-Star break WBC would have gotten some votes above.
The national questions you were asked this week all were WBC-centered as well:
“Nothing” being the most enjoyable part of the WBC is an interesting answer. THOSE are readers dedicated to answering every survey question!
Have to say, if you are voting for the U.S. as the most entertaining team in the WBC, you are hate-watching it.
There is healthy debate over when and if the WBC should be held. But the notion that players are more apt to be injured in the WBC vs. Spring Training games still seems to be a stretch.
Did you miss out on this round of questions? No worry, sign up here to participate in our weekly emailed surveys, and have your White Sox voice be heard!
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday barring College Football Playoff and other postseason games from airing during the annual Army-Navy matchup in December.
Trump directed the commerce secretary and the FCC chairman to coordinate with the playoff committee, the NCAA and media rights partners to ensure an exclusive broadcasting window for a storied rivalry played on the second Saturday each December.
Trump's order makes reference to potential expansion of the CFP, which likely would lead to an earlier start for the playoff. In the first two years of the 12-team format, the first-round games were the weekend after Army-Navy, which moved off the first Saturday in December in 2009 because of conference championship games.
This year, Army-Navy is scheduled for Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the home of the NFL's New York Giants and Jets. The CFP first-round games are set for Dec. 18-19.
If the playoff were to expand to 24 teams, a model that has been discussed, at least one more week of games would be required. Starting the postseason earlier in December would be a consideration. A smaller expansion to 16 teams wouldn't necessarily change the number of weeks required for the playoff.
“Such scheduling conflicts weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest to the Department of War,” Trump's executive order said. “Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that no college football game, specifically college football’s CFP or other postseason games, be broadcast in a manner that directly conflicts with the Army Navy Game.”
Army and Navy have played every year since 1930, including the pandemic-altered 2020 season and during World War II. There have been 126 meetings, and other neutral sites have included the NFL homes of the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by George Springer #4 after Guerrero scored against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the seventh inning on June 7, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Even after recording the best record in their league, winning a pennant, and getting to within a fateful bounce or two of winning the World Series, the road is not always easy in perhaps the league’s most competitive and balanced division. That is precisely where the 2026 Blue Jays find themselves.
2025 was a resounding success, and with much of the core from last year’s American League champions still in tact, expectations will be high this season. Despite that, their division is tough, and they have nearly a rotation’s worth of good pitchers beginning the year on the injured list. Matching last season’s success will be anything but easy for the Blue Jays, but the potential is there.
While the lineup that propelled the Jays to a pennant last season is largely in tact for 2026, the projected starting group did undergo some changes. Bo Bichette left for the Mets in free agency, signing a three-year $126 million deal. On top of that, Anthony Santander, who signed a five-year deal worth nearly nine figures before his dismal 2025 season, underwent labrum surgery last month that will keep him out for the majority of the regular season.
It was not all losses, however, as they signed infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year from the NPB over the offseason. He began his career in Japan with six consecutive 30-home run seasons, and is coming off of a shortened year where he posted a 210 wRC+ in 293 plate appearances in one of the world’s best leagues. Projections see him as a legitimate everyday bat, with solid power in a well above league-average profile.
Outside of the changes, the lineup still remains strong at the top. After it appeared he may be just about washed with the bat, George Springer bounced back in 2025 with a shocking career year at 35, and he’ll look to ride that wave into ‘26. Daulton Varsho experienced a renaissance as well, setting career-highs across the board and hitting 20 homers in just 71 games. Guerrero is a star despite the occasional ups and downs, and the supporting cast of Addison Barger, Alejandro Kirk, Andrés Giménez, and Ernie Clement is more than serviceable.
On the pitching side of things, the situation is not as sturdy in Toronto. Veterans Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease lead the way. Gausman had a good bounce-back in 2025, and the strikeout-heavy Cease will look to have one of his own after signing a seven-year $210 million deal this offseason. Max Scherzer returned to the club on a one-year deal to provide some stability in the back of the rotation, but beyond that, things get shaky.
To begin the season, each of Shane Bieber, José Berríos, and hotly-anticipated sophomore Trey Yesavage will begin the season on the injured list. The confidence their two veterans provide for their teammtes will be missed, and Yesavage appears to have ace potential, which the Jays will surely be eager to get back. At full strength this is a rotation that features top-notch talent, with veteran depth that would be highly valuable in a potential October run. The question, however, is when at least most of them can get healthy at the same time.
As for the bullpen, Toronto retains almost everyone who helped them get to the doorstep of a title in the 2025 postseason, with closer Jeff Hoffman, playoff workhorse Louis Varland, and contributors Mason Fluharty, Brendon Little, and Braydon Fisher back in the fold. The notable exception is a free agent swap of Seranthony Domínguez (now of the White Sox) for the crafty-but-effective Tyler Rogers, who signed a three-year, $37 million contract after leading the majors with 81 games pitched in 2026 between the Giants and Mets, recording a 1.98 ERA and 0.944 WHIP.
Coming off of a pennant-winning campaign, the talent and potential in Toronto is clear, but they do not come without some uncertainties. Health is an issue out of the gates, but they also occupy a notoriously competitive division. In the American League East, FanGraphs projects all five teams to go at least .500, and for the Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles all to finish within three games of each other. Though it won’t likely finish that way, it’s telling of the balanced and talented state of the AL East, which makes the path to good postseason position difficult for any team, including the defending pennant winners.
More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.
The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night in St. Paul. This snapped a 19-game point streak for Minnesota in the head-to-head matchup, losing in regulation to Chicago for the first time since 2019.
The Blackhawks don’t have much time to celebrate that win, however, as they are at home on Friday for the second half of a back-to-back. They are going to face one of the few teams ahead of the Wild in the standings this season, the Colorado Avalanche.
Scouting Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche have the best record in the NHL. At 44-13-10, they lead the league with 98 points. Over the last 20 games or so, however, they’ve been a good team but not a great team. There is another gear this team is capable of reaching, and they hope to get there before the playoffs begin.
For the Blackhawks, they will do what they can to keep them at bay for at least another game. It’s hard with the lineup that they have, including multiple game-breaking superstars.
Nichushkin - MacKinnon - Necas
Kadri - Nelson - Roy
Kelly - Drury - Kiviranta
Ivan - Bardakov - Brindley
Kulak - Makar
Manson - Burns
Toews - Malinski
Blackwood
Wedgewood
Everything that the Avalanche does starts and ends with their two superstars, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. They are both top-five players in the sport. MacKinnon is second in NHL scoring with 111 points, while Makar is tied for third in points by a defenseman with 69.
Makar does a lot more than create an elite amount of offense. His ability to skate, close gaps, and make a breakout pass from the back-end is among the best in NHL history. As for MacKinnon, the only center in the same conversation with him right now is Connor McDavid.
The Avalanche have some tremendous depth as well, which is why they are so good, but a few players stick out above the rest. Martin Necas is an outstanding forward, and he has tremendous success playing on a line with MacKinnon.
The other is Devon Toews, who thrives playing as a stay-at-home defenseman with Cale Makar. If the two are seperated, it is the coaching staff looking for a spark between their pairs.
Colorado traded for Nazem Kadri at the trade deadline. He played a huge role in them winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 before leaving for the Calgary Flames in free agency. They haven't used him at center yet, but you can't help but wonder if running Nathan MacKinnon, Nazem Kadri, and Brock Nelson down the middle is their ultimate plan for the playoffs. For now, expect Kadri to start on the wing playing alongside Nelson.
Gabriel Landeskog, Artturi Lehkonen, Logan O'Connor, and Ross Colton all skated in Chicago this morning, but none of them will suit up against the Blackhawks.
In goal, it doesn't matter if it's Scott Wedgewood or Mackenzie Blackwood. Each of them is perfectly good enough to win every game with, and the way that the skaters defend as a unit in front plays a big role.
Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago
The Blackhawks didn't have a morning skate on Friday, so a lot is up in the air as far as their lineup goes. They called up Dominic Toninato from the Rockford IceHogs on Friday morning, which makes Sacha Boisvert's NHL debut seem unlikely.
Greene-Bedard-Burakovsky
Bertuzzi-Nazar-Teravainen
Mangiapane-Donato-Mikheyev
Lardis-Lafferty-Slaggert
Toninato
Vlasic-Levshunov
Kaiser-Rinzel
Del Mastro-Crevier
Grzelcyk
Soderblom
Knight
The Blackhawks went with 11 forwards and seven defensemen on Thursday night against the Minnesota Wild, and it worked out well for them. It won't be known until Jeff Blashill speaks at 6 PM CT anymore on this lineup.
History says that two of Landon Slaggert, Dominic Toninato, Matt Grzelcyk, or Ethan Del Mastro will sit, and the other two will play. With Spencer Knight starting on Thursday, expect Arvid Soderblom to get his first nod since Knight came back from illness.
How To Watch
The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it can be found on CHSN locally. Nationally, it is available to stream on ESPN+. The puck will drop shortly after 7:30 PM CT.
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One might think the drama around Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Milwaukee Bucks would wind down, at least until the season ends and we get closer to the NBA Draft. Nothing is happening before then.
One would be wrong. The latest saga comes from Bucks' co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam telling ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne the duo will work together on what comes next for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Then Edens said basically what every other team has been expecting, what has been reported here and elsewhere: It all comes down to what Antetokounmpo says he will do about a $275 million extension the Bucks can offer (but Antetokounmpo could not sign until Oct. 1).
"Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]," said Edens, the team's controlling owner until April 2028. "So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded. The likelihood you'll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can't afford that. It's not consistent with what's good for the organization. That's not a Giannis issue. That's any player that's in their last year."
Other teams are not convinced the decision is that simple for the Bucks, Shelburne reports. The combination of Edens and Haslam — the latter of whom takes over as governor in 2028 — leads to a muddled picture.
"This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asks out," said one source with knowledge of the team's operations. "It's about who's making the decision on whether to trade Giannis, and I don't think anyone knows that. I deal with them all the time and honestly it depends on the day. They're not even close to being ready to make a decision like that."
Milwaukee tested the waters of an Antetokounmpo trade at the deadline, but teams around the league thought it was just that — the Bucks front office wanted to gauge the market. What could the return be? Golden State offered four first-round picks. What more might be out there from other teams — especially win-now teams that struggle in these playoffs? A first-round exit for a team with higher expectations can change how it approaches a potential Antetokounmpo trade. Teams like the Knicks and Lakers could make better offers this summer than they could at the deadline, and they're not alone.
Ultimately, it comes down to what Antetokounmpo wants. Every previous time he was faced with this situation, he pressured the Bucks into making an all-in move — trading for Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard — then signed the extension. It may happen again, especially if the draft lottery ping-pong balls bounce the Bucks' way. Or, maybe this is the year that things are different. Maybe, after a rough season for him, one where the Bucks are not going to make the play-in (whether or not Antetokounmpo returns), he decides he needs to chase another ring elsewhere.
We know this: As of today, Edens does not want this soap opera to drag out beyond this summer.
Spring Training is winding down, with the final slate of Friday games taking place today.
My MLB picks assess three of these March 20 tune-up affairs, looking for the best value on the board.
See why I'm taking the Braves to pick up yet another exhibition win tonight.
Spring Training predictions for March 20
Pick
Odds
CLE moneyline
+100
ATL moneyline
-140
ARI moneyline
-110
Pick #1: Guardians moneyline
The Seattle Mariners are a putrid 9-17 in Cactus League play, with an MLB-worst -47 run differential in Spring Training, so I'm more than willing top back the Cleveland Guardians at a coin-flip price today.
Gabe Mosser gets the pill for Seattle, and he's sandwiched a rough five-run outing with two scoreless ones of two innings each.
Cleveland has put up some crooked numbers of late, so I don't think Mosser will escape unscathed.
Pick #2: Braves moneyline
Pittsburgh Pirates SP Yohan Ramirez has been just fine in Spring Training, allowing only two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. However, Ramirez has yet to see the third inning through seven exhibition appearances.
This increases the chances of the Pirates deploying some depth arms that will get rocked by the Atlanta Braves' potent lineup.
The Braves have plated a Grapefruit League-best 138 runs. Bryce Elder does not need to bring his best to the mound for Atlanta to prevail today.
Pick #3: Diamondbacks moneyline
I like being able to back Arizona Diamondbacks SP Zac Gallen at coin-flip odds. He's been solid in Spring Training since last year, allowing one earned run or fewer in seven straight outings prior to Saturday's effort vs. San Francisco.
Gallen coughed up three earned runs in the Giants' stadium, but I think he can right the ship at home vs. the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night.
Countering Gallen is Jacob Misiorowski. He's been solid but unspectacular this spring, allowing three ER over 7 1/3 frames. He had an 8.10 ERA in exhibition play last season.
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.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 06: Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on before a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 06, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2025 Cincinnati Reds won more games than they lost, finished 3rd in the National League Central, and still somehow found a way to sneak into the expanded playoff system (for a minute).
Clearly, Nick Krall and the rest of the front office think they’re on to something, as the club went out and signed slugger Eugenio Suárez off another 49 homer season and spent diligently to build a proven, competent bullpen. That’s all after an attempted pursuit of Kyle Schwarber – fresh off a 56 dinger season of his own – as evidence that this franchise is convinced they’ve got the chops to win even more games in 2026.
Where does that put them in the grand scheme, though? Did they do enough to leapfrog the Chicago Cubs in the division, the club who let Kyle Tucker walk? Have they built themselves up with another year of experience to tackle the mighty Milwaukee Brewers, who led all of baseball in wins last season?
Just how high will they finish in the division in 2026?
That’s what we asked you earlier this week, and your responses pretty clearly indicate that you’ve got higher expectations for the 2026 Reds than you did for last year’s club, too.
Over two-thirds of you anticipate these Reds finishing in one of the top two spots in the NL Central this season, meaning they’re going to have to not only take down one of the Cubs or Brewers but also fend off a Pittsburgh Pirates club that is much improved themselves.
It isn’t outlandish to expect such things as it currently stands. Elly De La Cruz is healthy again, while Matt McLain finally looks back to his old self with another offseason removed from his shoulder issues. Nate Lowe and JJ Bleday look to be savvy additions brought in on the cheap, and Sal Stewart is ready to roll for a full season. Hunter Greene’s absence is daunting, to be sure, but this team has drafted and acquired the kind of starting pitching depth that the rest of baseball desires – and Greene’s going to be back mid-summer, too.
It’s going to take ~90 wins to jump into the top two in the division, in all likelihood, and this is off an 83 win season from these Reds. So, you’re betting on there being enough improvement across the board for Terry Francona to guide this team to a place they’ve not been since all the way back in 2013.
I cannot tell you how much I hope you are correct.
The Colorado Avalanche aren't as dominant as they were at the beginning of the season, but they have a chance on Friday, March 20, to become the first team to clinch a 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs berth.
The Avalanche had only two regulation losses on Jan. 1. That's up to 13 now and the Dallas Stars are just two points back in the race for the Central Division title. But the early goodwill puts Colorado in position to clinch less than four weeks before the end of the regular season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, surging after a coaching change, moved into a playoff position on Thursday night by improving to 17-2-4 under Rick Bowness. The New York Islanders dropped below the playoff line.
Here's what to know about the NHL standings, tiebreaker procedures and playoff field for the 2025-26 season:
Who can clinch today?
The Colorado Avalanche will clinch a playoff berth if they get at least one point against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
NHL games today (Friday, March 20)
All times p.m. ET
Carolina at Toronto, 7
New Jersey at Washington, 7
Colorado at Chicago, 8:30
Florida at Calgary, 9
Anaheim at Utah, 10
NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes (92)
Pittsburgh Penguis (84)
Columbus Blue Jackets (83)
Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres (92)
Tampa Bay Lightning (88)
Montreal Canadiens (84)
Wild card
Boston Bruins (84)
Detroit Red Wings (84)
Sitting out of playoff position: New York Islanders (83), Ottawa Senators (79), Philadelphia Flyers (78), Washington Capitals (76), New Jersey Devils (72), Florida Panthers (71), Toronto Maple Leafs (70), New York Rangers (64)
NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26
Central Division
Colorado Avalanche (98)
Dallas Stars (96)
Minnesota Wild (90)
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks (78)
Edmonton Oilers (77)
Vegas Golden Knights (76)
Wild card
Utah Mammoth (78)
Los Angeles Kings (72)
Sitting out of playoff position: Seattle Kraken (71), Nashville Predators (71), San Jose Sharks (70), Winnipeg Jets (67), St. Louis Blues (65), Chicago Blackhawks (64), Calgary Flames (61), Vancouver Canucks (50)
NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket
Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended
Carolina (M1) vs Detroit (WC2)
Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Columbus (M3)
Buffalo (A1) vs. Boston (WC1)
Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)
The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card
NHL Western Conference playoff bracket
Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended
Colorado (C1) vs. Los Angeles (WC2)
Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3)
Anaheim (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
Edmonton (P2) vs. Vegas (P3)
The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card
NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?
If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:
Regulation wins
Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
Total wins
Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded.
Goal differential
Total goals
When does the NHL regular season end?
The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.
When do the NHL playoffs start?
The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are expected to begin on Saturday, April 18.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on March 17, 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
By now, I assume everyone is aware of the disagreement between Giannis and the Bucks over him being shut down for the season after yet another injury. If you’re not, please read Van’s recap (along with his take on what Milwaukee should do). And to be clear, Van’s logic is completely reasonable: essentially, if and when Antetokounmpo gets 100% healthy, he can play the remainder of the season. On its face, it’s a position I have no issue with: get him back to full health, and he won’t be playing at any level of deficit, significantly reducing the risk of reinjury. He stays happy, everyone wins. I also no longer care too much about the tanking element of it at this point; it feels like they are locked into the ninth or 10th-best draft odds.
Here’s my problem: that doesn’t rule out freak injuries; you know, the injuries that take 12 months to recover from (touch wood, but I have to mention it). Now, you might say, “but Jack, what are the chances of that happening? 1%? 3%?” I don’t care how small the chances are. By putting him on the court for no tangible reason, you are accepting some percentage of risk—crucially, risk that is increased from that of a standard player because of GA’s high-flying style of play. My heart dropped when he hyperextended his knee, as it did when he went down holding his calf (both times). All three of those injuries had the potential to be catastrophic. Nope. I’m done tempting fate. Come hell or high water, they must stop him from returning.
At this point, the only thing that tangibly matters to me is getting Antetokounmpo to the offseason healthy. A catastrophic injury to Giannis could significantly slow their return to competitiveness: if he demanded a trade while hurt, the package Milwaukee receives in return would likely be halved. I’m not comfortable with any level of risk. This offseason is going to be the most consequential offseason I can remember since I became a fan in 2018, which is why the front office needs to stand firm.
Here’s the bottom line: regardless of what happens this offseason, it is imperative that GA enters it healthy. From that point, the path forward will quite literally sort itself out: he’ll either A) sign the supermax extension, giving the front office leeway to take more risks and also cover for future injuries, or B) not sign it, giving the front office no choice but to trade him with one guaranteed year left on his contract. But you have to get to that point with him in one piece, or else this all becomes moot, and the team is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Truly, I can appreciate the “you have to keep Giannis happy” argument, but this isn’t a matter I’m playing with. I’d be willing to risk any unhappiness that would come with forcing him to sit, if that’s what it came to. That said, what are we talking about here? Is Antetokounmpo really going to be “happy” if he is allowed to play? Because playing this season hasn’t seemed to bring him much joy. Like, am I taking crazy pills, or is this argument something of a red herring? He’s seemed miserable playing in these blowouts. Why bother putting yourself through more?
In closing, I strongly believe Milwaukee should stand firm and prevent the big fella from playing any further this season. It’s not worth it—from their end or his. And crucially, it’s not as if they’re asking for the world! They’re simply requesting he sit out 13 meaningless games. Is that really all that big of a deal? Think about the silver lining, Giannis. With no international basketball this summer, you can start your planning for a long European holiday early! Win-win, eh?
CLE moneyline
ATL moneyline
ARI moneyline
