FORMER CUBS IN D-BACKS CAMP: Michael Soroka, Ildemaro Vargas.
CUBS MINOR LEAGUERS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY: #48, RHP Tyler Beede; #12, INF/OF Darlyn De Leon; #19, INF Matt Halbach; #20, OF Kane Kepley; #25, OF Jordan Nwogu, #73 RHP Tyler Ras; #41 RHP Tyler Santana; #35 RHP Frankie Scalzo, Jr. #41, INF Karson Simas and #33 LHP Evan Taylor.
Colin Rea will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner, Luke Little and Corbin Martin.
Ryne Nelson will start for the D-backs. Other D-backs pitchers scheduled today: Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson, Drey Jameson, Spencer Giesting, Shawn Dubin and Junio Fernandez.
Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit. If you do go there to interact with D-backs fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
SOUTHAVEN, MS - FEBRUARY 27: Mark Sears #19 of the Wisconsin Herd looks to pass the ball during the game against the Memphis Hustle on February 27, 2026 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Wisconsin Herd went 1-2 over last week’s slate of games as the Bucks filled their final two-way slot. With just ten games remaining in the season, the Herd is 5.5 games out of a playoff spot.
The Herd continued their losing streak with an away loss to the Windy City Bulls. Led by new two-way player Cormac Ryan, the Herd established an early lead over the Bulls. However, the Herd went cold after the game’s first fiery moments and couldn’t fire back against the Bulls’ frequent scoring runs. Despite solid inside defense, their inability to stop Mac McClung (42 points) was the primary cause of their Tuesday loss.
Ryan’s 36-point outburst may have gotten him signed to the Bucks on Thursday. The North Carolina alum has steadily proved his worth for the Herd: averaging 21.8 points per game on .489/.434/.859 shooting splits. Yet, Ryan’s strengths extend outside of his shooting. He’s a solid rebounder, an imposing defender, and versatile on both sides of the ball. Although his fit with the Bucks remains to be seen, Ryan’s role with the Herd is well-known: to shoot the leather off the ball.
With Ryan out, likely finalizing the terms of his two-way contract in Milwaukee, the Herd pushed their losing streak to nine games. The Herd continued their struggles of finding momentum. The Hustle started the game with a 24-7 run, and after the Herd fought back to close the lead to four, extended their lead to over 20 points in the second half. The Herd, who shot just above 22% from deep and were comprehensively outrebounded, ended their Thursday night game with a 20-point loss.
Without Ryan, we learned more about two-way player Alex Antetokounmpo and former All-American guard Mark Sears. Antetokounmpo found his shooting rhythm in a season where he has lacked it. His confidence surged on Thursday as he shot 2/4 from distance. His surprisingly solid shooting could inspire hope in Bucks execs worried about his poor long-range shooting and commitment to the three. In a limited time, Antetokounmpo has shot just over 24% from three on 2.6 three-point attempts per game.
The Herd claimed their first win since January in the second game of a back-to-back against the Hustle. With Ryan back, the Herd shot well from downtown (14/30) while exerting their control over the glass through the efforts of Lacey James (8 rebounds), Kira Lewis Jr. (7 rebounds), and more. In a season where the Herd has struggled to string together scoring runs and summon momentum when they need it, they got it in the final minutes of Friday night’s game. The Herd used incisive drives to the basket and physical defense to string together several key baskets and pull away from the Hustle in the final moments.
Three Notes
Cormac Ryan signs two-way deal
Cormac Ryan signed a two-way deal with the Bucks, meaning he’ll be eligible for the Bucks’ second half of the season. It’s been obvious that Ryan would get the call-up; not only has he established himself as the team’s star, but he also helps address the team’s struggles on defense. Ryan likely won’t see a lot of minutes behind wings like AJ Green, Ousmane Dieng, Gary Trent Jr., etc., but his length and versatility could make him an appealing shot of energy off the bench.
Sears keeps scoring
Mark Sears has been the Herd’s most unlikely star in 2026. Since being waived by the Bucks in January and signing a full-time contract with the Herd, Sears has averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. The 6’0” guard has proven himself to be a polished guard with a natural scoring instinct and solid playmaking, and his 30-point outburst in the Herd’s Friday night win shows he can be a real game-changer. However, Sears still faces a long climb back to an NBA roster. He can be a streaky shooter, and his relatively small size makes him a liability on defense. Although the Bucks don’t have a present need for Sears’ role as an attack-minded floor general, he could be a G League player to watch as multiple teams close in.
Herd reveal Aztec-inspired jerseys
2014 LeBron, anyone? The Herd is auctioning off game-worn Hispanic Heritage Jerseys to help support the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Chicana/o & Latinx Studies Program. The “El Herd” jerseys are pretty sick; they feature Aztec-inspired designs, intended to “reflect and honor the indigenous roots of Hispanic heritage.” The Herd will wear the jerseys ahead of their back-to-back games against the Mexico City Capitanes on Friday and Saturday.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 19: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at PHX Arena on March 19, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bulls 127-121. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have had some great wins this season amid their surprising season. They beat the Oklahoma City Thunder after being down 18, stormed back against the Timberwolves despite being down eight with 50 seconds left, and manhandled the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers back-to-back nights, but the main reason the Suns are sitting 10 games ahead of .500 is because of how often they handle business against lesser opponents.
No matter who is in the lineup, whether they’re playing a tanking squad or a struggling one, they take care of business.
After win against the Kings, the trend has continued. Now 20-5 against teams under .500, the Suns are 10 games above .500 for the first time since February 10th, after beating another inferior team they handled their business against, the Dallas Mavericks. The last time Phoenix lost to a team not currently in the play-in standings or better came all the way back before Halloween, on October 29th, vs the Grizzlies, when Ja Morant hit a game-winning floater with eight seconds left.
Even when the Suns have had their stars out, they’ve taken advantage of lesser opponents, beating the Portland Trailblazers last month without Devin Booker, and now recently taking care of Sacramento this week without Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin playing.
While the play-in and potentially the playoffs won’t be filled with teams trying to tank for better picks, and lineups littered with players younger than me (I’m 22), the wins have not only continued to give the Suns a cushion between them and the eighth seed (the Golden State Warriors have trailed them for more than half the season), but also keep them alive to finish as a top-six seed. The team sits just 1.5 games out of sixth.
Two teams ahead of the Suns in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers and Timberwolves, two teams the Suns won the season series against, have struggled against lesser opponents. Both teams have dropped many games they had no business doing so, which could be the difference between the two teams being in or out of the play-in, and Phoenix jumping them in the final standings. The Lakers recently lost to the shorthanded Orlando Magic and Suns, while before they started their four-game winning streak, Minnesota got embarrassed by the 76ers without Joel Embiid playing.
In order to build a culture in the NBA, consistency is needed. As good as the Oklahoma City Thunder are at facing the NBA’s best, they’re even better at handling their business against lesser teams, which is why they won 68 games last year, 57 the year before, and have the best winning percentage in the NBA this year. They’re 25-3 against teams under .500, and were 37-4 against the same type of opponents last year. Last season, they led the league in wins in the category, and are doing so again this year.
The Suns, as currently constructed, aren’t set up to be the Oklahoma City Thunder and compete for championships year after year. Phoenix isn’t even one of the front-runners to be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year, but just like the Thunder, they are building an identity, one that represents a team that takes care of the business against teams that they’re supposed to.
Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, and the model has flagged a few plays that stand out.
After digging into the numbers and comparing our projections to the current market lines, we were able to zero in on the spots offering the most value.
These Lakers vs. Nuggets predictions aren’t based on guesswork, they’re driven by the data.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Thursday, March 5.
Lakers vs Nuggets computer picks for March 5
Lakers
Nuggets
Doncic u30.5 points -115
Murray u26.5 points -120
James o5.5 rebounds +120
Jokic u10.5 assists -130
Reaves u2.5 3-pointers -185
Braun u5.5 rebounds -145
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Lakers computer picks
Luka Doncic Under 30.5 points (-115)
Projection: 30.2 points
The Los Angeles Lakers could see fewer scoring opportunities in this matchup, as they face a Denver Nuggets squad that has played at the third-slowest home pace in the NBA over the last 10 games.
That slower tempo hasn’t helped Luka Doncic lately either, as he’s stayed Under 30.5 points in eight of his last 10 games.
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LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds (+120)
Projection: 5.9 rebounds
The Nuggets’ offensive style creates opportunities. With Nikola Jokic facilitating from the perimeter and Denver frequently generating jump shots, there are plenty of rebound chances that fall outside the immediate paint.
That plays right into LeBron James' strengths, as he crashes from the wing rather than relying solely on traditional center positioning.
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Austin Reaves Under 2.5 3-pointers (-185)
Projection: 2.3 3-pointers
The Lakers have been the worst offensive rebounding team in the league over their last 25 games, which limits second-chance opportunities.
That trend lines up with Austin Reaves staying Under 2.5 made threes in nine of his last 10 games, especially in a tougher offensive environment like a road matchup against the Nuggets.
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Nuggets computer picks
Jamal Murray Under 26.5 points (-120)
Projection: 24.8 points
The Nuggets have been running at the third-slowest pace in the NBA over their last 10 home games.
Facing the Lakers will be more challenging for Jamal Murray to hit his points prop, with this matchup leaning toward an Under.
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Nikola Jokic Under 10.5 assists (-130)
Projection: 10.0 assists
Nikola Jokic has had a little trouble hitting his assist line recently, going Under 10.5 assists in five of his last 10 games.
The Lakers feature frontcourt and perimeter defenders who can clog passing lanes, force quicker decisions, contest shots, and create turnovers, which are all factors that limit clean assist opportunities
It could leave Jokic just short of the Over on this prop tonight.
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Christian Braun Under 5.5 rebounds (-145)
Projection: 4.9 rebounds
The Nuggets have struggled on the offensive glass, ranking as the third-worst rebounding team at home over their last 20 games.
That trend aligns with Christian Braun going Under 5.5 rebounds in four of his last 10 games, suggesting a similar outcome tonight.
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How to watch Lakers vs Nuggets tonight
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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It was a homecoming night for Ivica Zubac on Wednesday. He had been a fan favorite with the Clippers since 2019, but was traded at the deadline to Indiana, and there was plenty of love for him among the Intuit Dome faithful.
Zubac did not play in this game, he hasn't taken the court since Feb. 2 due to a left ankle sprain. Before the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Zuback will eventually play this season, but there is no timeline, via Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
The Pacers will be slow to bring Zubac back because he's good and they can't afford to start winning games — if they do, it's the Clippers who benefit. As part of the Zubac trade, Indiana's first-round pick this year goes to the Clippers, but it's top-four protected. At 15-47, Indiana has the second-worst record in the league, but with the lottery odds that makes it just a coin-flip Indy gets to keep the pick: 52.2% it is top four and goes to the Pacers, 47.8% it is five or six and goes to the Clippers. Indiana, Brooklyn and Washington are in a tight "race" to the bottom — they are all within 1.5 games of each other in the standings — and if the Pacers fall to the fourth-worst record, then they end up on the wrong side of those coin flip odds.
Next season, when a healthy Zubac is running pick-and-roll with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (out for the season with a torn Achilles), a lot of fans who may not have understood just how good Zubac is are going to find out. He's going to thrive in that role. This season, it sounds like he will play some, but the Pacers have a fine line to walk.
Blowouts and bad shooting have skewed De’Aaron Fox’s recent output, with his points production fluctuating more than cryptocurrencies.
Fox has scored 14 points or fewer in four of his last five showings, but the San Antonio Spurs need their All-Star guard to lock in for a huge non-conference collision with the Detroit Pistons.
This potential NBA Finals matchup sets the tone for a daunting stretch of San Antonio's schedule, and my Pistons vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks are optimistic that Fox will find his form.
Pistons vs Spurs prediction
Pistons vs Spurs best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (-105)
In the seven games since the All-Star break, De’Aaron Fox has averaged only 13.6 points in 27.2 minutes — a stark dip from the 19.4 points over 32 minutes ahead of the annual hiatus.
One-sided wins and a few bad shooting nights have impacted his output, which naturally slims his scoring props. Fox’s points totals were as high as 18.5 O/U, but we’re getting an opportunity to buy back a discounted total in a marquee matchup.
Player projections have Fox logging his standard 30+ minutes and putting up 18 points versus the Detroit Pistons, with some sharper books pricing Over at -131.
Pistons vs Spurs same-game parlay
The San Antonio Spurs are the hottest team in the league and host the Pistons for their second straight road game after a loss at Cleveland. The Spurs are 12-1 straight up and 10-3 against the spread since February 1.
Fox’s points prop has dropped since the All-Star break, with limited minutes in blowouts and some bad shooting nights hurting his output. He’s expected to get more than 30 minutes and put up 18 points vs. the Pistons, accounting for an off night against Detroit last month (10 points on 4-for-17 shooting).
Dylan Harper is another Spurs standout with an optimistic evaluation tonight. He’s projected for double digits, with a ceiling of 11.5 points. He’s scored 10 or more in nine of the last dozen games.
Pistons vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -3.5
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
Dylan Harper Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Fantastic Mr. Fox
We’re expecting Fox to find his scoring stride and power the Spurs to a high-scoring resume win over the Pistons, but his playmaking will take a hit because of it. Fox projects for Under 6.5 dimes against a Detroit defense allowing the fewest assists per game.
Pistons vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -3.5
Over 228.5
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
De’Aaron Fox Under 6.5 assists
Pistons vs Spurs odds
Spread: Pistons +3.5 (-110) | Spurs -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pistons +135 | Spurs -160
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs are 12-1 SU and 10-3 ATS since February 1, including 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS at home in that stretch. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Spurs.
How to watch Pistons vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Detroit, FDSN Southwest
Pistons vs Spurs latest injuries
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Amidst all the noise of the NHL's trade deadline, it appears that Los Angeles Kings right winger Corey Perry is interested in signing a contract extension.
Mayor's Manor was the first to report on the developments on Wednesday, saying the "Kings are looking to sign Corey Perry to an extension."
On Thursday, one day before the official trade deadline, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that Perry himself informed the Kings' organization that he wants to remain in Los Angeles.
Therefore, Perry is not interested in being traded at this year's deadline and would rather further his stay and talk contract extension with the Kings.
The 40-year-old veteran is on an expiring contract that he signed in free agency this past off-season. That deal includes a full no-trade clause, so even if Holland looked at trading Perry, the player would have all the power in whether he could be moved or not.
Those bonuses include $500,000 after 10 games played, $250,000 for featuring in each 20, 30, 40, and 50 contests. Additionally, for the playoffs, he'd earn $125,000 for winning one round, $250,000 for the second round, and $125,000 for the third round.
So far this season, Perry has made 49 appearances for Los Angeles, scoring 11 goals and 28 points in the process.
Corey Perry (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
If he gets his wish and is signed to another deal, that will be his 10th NHL contract after the entry-level deal he inked in September 2004.
If Holland is interested in bringing Perry back, it'll likely be on another one-year deal. If so, that'll be the player's fifth consecutive one-year contract.
The Peterborough, Ont., native continues to be an effective hockey player, even in his 40s. He's seventh on the Kings in goals and assists, and sixth on the team in points.
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Feb 20, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Cooper Criswell (18) throws in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Starter, reliever, long guy – it doesn’t matter to Cooper Criswell. He’ll embrace whatever role the team wants to give him.
“My dad was a basketball coach for 30-plus years, and he always told his teams, every guy on a team has a role, and you need to know your role,” Criswell said. “So for the past several years, that’s been my role, and I love doing it. Any way you can go out there and help the team win.”
The soft-spoken 29-year-old with a gentle Georgia accent isn’t what you might expect. Towering over most of his teammates at 6’6”, he says he’s actually the short one in the family; his brother, a former basketball player, is 6’8”. Despite his height, he’s no flamethrower: the hottest pitch he threw in his three-inning start yesterday was a 92.5 mph sinker.
Rather than overpowering batters with big stuff, Criswell relies on a four-pitch mix that works all quadrants of the plate: cutter up, sinker down, changeup with arm-side movement and sweeper with glove-side movement. All of this comes out of a low, almost sidearm arm slot (9°) that’s at odds with his statuesque mound presence, creating another wrinkle for batters.
“Me and my older brother growing up, like everyone in the front yard, did the Derek Jeter sidearm throw from shortstop,” said Criswell, grinning. “And it’s kind of naturally been that way since high school. Maybe it’s crept a little lower over time.”
It all adds up to a package the Mariners saw and liked when they acquired the former Red Sox from the Mets this off-season, pouncing on Criswell when the Mets DFA’d him shortly after acquiring him. For his part, Criswell is happy to have ended up with the Mariners, an organization he says he’s heard good things about both on the pitching and the people sides, and one that seems prepared to help him become the best pitcher he can be.
“Where the game’s going right now, I feel like velo’s talked about a ton, and that hasn’t even been mentioned to me yet. So that’s kind of refreshing, being a guy who’s not lighting up the radar gun but being told hey, you can pitch in the big leagues even if you don’t sit 96-97. So it’s nice and refreshing, getting that here.”
Even with non-premium velocity, though, Criswell racked up seven whiffs in his three innings of work against the Giants, coaxing 19 swings on his 41 pitches. He gave up just two hits, both singles: one, when Matt Chapman ambushed a first-pitch sinker that caught too much plate for a hard-hit single, and another ground ball base hit on a cutter to Will Brennan that Leo Rivas couldn’t quite make the play on. The average exit velocity against Criswell was 81.6 mph as he mixed his cutter, sinker, and changeup in about equally (30%), accenting with the sweeper.
“That’s kind of my aim, just throw any pitch in any count, to keep the hitters off balance so they can’t sit dead red on a fastball or something.”
A good example of Criswell’s approach was in the first inning of last night’s game. Criswell had one out with two on after giving up the two singles (one hard-hit, one not) and was facing Casey Schmitt. He started Schmitt off with a sinker in the zone that Schmitt was under, fouling it off for an 0-1 count. Next Criswell went to the cutter up out of the zone, trying to coax a swing, but it was too high. He then changed eyelines again, pulling out a changeup that Schmitt harmlessly tapped directly to Rivas at short. It’s not the sexiest highlight, unless you like inning-ending double plays:
It’s a delicate line Criswell has to walk: if the cutter or sinker wind up in the zone in a hitter’s count, there’s a good chance the pitch could get punished, as Chapman did in his at-bat. But Criswell has embraced the Mariners’ philosophy of working ahead—he had nine of eleven first-pitch strikes last night—and competing in the zone. When he arrived, the Mariners sat Criswell down and showed him the numbers for when pitchers are in 0-1 counts vs. 1-0 counts, something he considered eye-opening. While he’s always thought of himself as being aggressive in the zone, he acknowledges that in past years he’s maybe tried to nibble too much early in counts, and is committed to “going straight at guys” this year.
“Just trying to get in the zone with all four pitches, really trust your stuff. They’re constantly telling everyone—not just me—you wouldn’t be here if your stuff’s not good enough. So trust it in the zone…Don’t try to nibble and pick the corners. Make them beat you.”
Criswell says he’s going to continue building as a starter this spring, because it’s easier to go from a starter to shorter outings than vice-versa, but he’s ready for whatever the Mariners ask him to do, with his dad’s advice in his back pocket.
“You don’t know what’s going to come, but you’re there for the team in any way you can be.”
Mar 1, 2025; North Port, Florida, USA; A detail view of a Toronto Blue Jays hat , sunglasses and glove laying in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
A question off the top….do we want GameThreads for WBC games? Just for Team Canada games? USA games? Japan? Dominican Republic? All the games? I guess I could put up a GameThread, each morning, for all the WBC games of that day. Anyway give your opinion.
Today we have the Jays traveling to North Port, Florida to play the Braves. The Jays have a lot of guys going to the WBC, but there are a number of Jays who are likely to make the active roster in the lineup today. There are five Braves going to the WBC. And, of course, Jurickson Profar is suspended for the season.
Eric Lauer starts for the Jays. Chris Sale for the Braves.
DUNEDIN, FL - MARCH 02: Boston Red Sox center fielder Braiden Ward (92) is tagged out at the plate by Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman (55) on March 2, 2026, at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Is it on TV?
It sure is. First pitch is at 1:05 PM on MLB Network.
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch for?
Yikes. As fun as it’s been watching Braiden Ward small-ball his way around the bases this spring, today’s lineup is absolutely brutal. And we don’t even have any fun WBC exhibitions to flip over to. Honestly, this afternoon might be a good time to do your actual job.
The NBA season has reached a wonky stage, with teams like the Chicago Bulls effectively playing out the string.
That shows up in all sorts of ways, and tonight it will benefit the Phoenix Suns as they try to escape the Play-In Tournament despite a bevy of injuries.
My Bulls vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks expect an ugly slog on Thursday, March 5.
He has gone back and forth this season between the starting lineup and the bench, returning to the former in the last two games. Jones may be there the rest of the season, as Chicago's roster was thinned at the trade deadline.
Jones is just one part of why theBulls have cashed five straight Unders ahead of tonight's matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Chicago’s rotation is so limited that a bench piece is now tasked with initiating the offense — and it hasn’t gone well.
Bulls vs Suns same-game parlay
Jones is a competent floor general, but this role is simply too big for him these days.
He has cleared these points prop just twice in the seven games since the All-Star Break, though he handed out six assists three times in those seven games.
In fact, this exact SGP would have cashed twice in that stretch.
Bulls vs Suns SGP
Under 225
Tre Jones Under 13.5 points
Tre Jones Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns Cruise
The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 13 games outright.
Bulls vs Suns SGP
Under 225
Tre Jones Under 13.5 points
Tre Jones Over 5.5 assists
Suns moneyline
Bulls vs Suns odds
Spread: Bulls +10.5 (-110) | Suns -10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +375 | Suns -500
Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)
Bulls vs Suns betting trend to know
The Bulls have not only cashed five straight Unders; they have done so by an average of 11.1 points compared to bookmakers’ expectations. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Suns.
How to watch Bulls vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, KTVK
Bulls vs Suns latest injuries
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 09: A Kansas City Royals fan looks on during Game Three of the Division Series between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on October 09, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Spring is a time for hope. But in the back of the minds of even the most optimistic Royals fan there are concerns about how it could all go wrong. Which players give you cause for concern?
The Royals seem to be relying a lot on the performance of young hitters like Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone. Jensen performed well, but could he struggle the more pitchers see him? Will Caglianone continue to pound the ball in the ground as he did his rookie campaign?
Carlos Estévez led the Majors in saves, but he certainly made us sweat through a lot of them. Can he still be a solid closer or does his career-worst strikeout rate last year give you pause? Does Lucas Ereceg’s significant drop in strikeout rate ring alarm bells?
Pitchers are always at risk of injury, and the Royals have their fair share of pitchers with a history of landing on the Injured List. Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic are both coming off injuries that cut their 2025 season short. Seth Lugo had a second-half swoon that raised questions about whether or not he can handle his workload. And Michael Wacha turns 35 years old in July – any pitcher at that age should make you a bit nervous.
Which players makes you the most nervous on this roster?
NEW YORK — It’s no secret that Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a reputation for baiting opposing players into contact to get to the line. Add Knicks coach Mike Brown to the list of opposing coaches who bemoan it.
After New York’s 103-100 loss against the Thunder Wednesday, March 4, Brown expressed his displeasure with officiating during the game, and in particular the crew’s management of Gilgeous-Alexander’s play.
“SGA, he’s a tough cover,” Brown told reporters after the game. “And he does a great job of convincing the referees — probably better than anybody in the league — that he’s getting hit.”
Brown’s criticism, in part, stemmed from a controversial no-call that prompted Brown to be called for his first technical foul since he joined the Knicks in July.
The play came with 2:02 left in the first quarter, when Gilgeous-Alexander cut to the basket and crashed into Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, before gathering his dribble and putting in an uncontested layup.
Brunson appeared to have a clear, established position, but officials did not call any foul — offensive or defensive — on the play. Gilgeous-Alexander, at the time, had already picked up his second foul and the no-call would’ve been his third, possibly prompting him to sit extended minutes on the bench.
Immediately after the play, Brown gestured emphatically and berated the closest official, Brian Forte. Play continued and Brown didn’t relent with his arguing, eventually drawing the technical foul with 1:40 left to play. Brown appeared to make light contact with Forte during the interaction, but he remained in the game.
“You guys saw the play,” Brown said. “SGA had two fouls, and Jalen was there. And he ran him over … I just don’t understand why that wasn’t a no-call. But that should’ve been his third, the bucket shouldn’t have counted, and we should’ve gone the other way with the basketball.
“To see that, knowing that Jalen is standing there, and he’s putting his body on the line, and our guys are fighting their asses off to try to win the ball game — it didn’t sit well with me, obviously.”
The non-call drew a sharp reaction from social media, with actor and comedian Ben Stiller, a notable Knicks fan, leading the charge.
“This is abhorrent,” Stiller wrote in a message posted shortly after the no-call.
Gilgeous-Alexander would convert the technical free throw and finished the game with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including a perfect 7-of-7 from the line.
Last year’s Most Valuable Player, Gilgeous-Alexander is tied for third this season in free throw attempts per game, with 9.2.
“That early in the game, I trust Coach, just because there’s still so much time to decide the game, so if I need to come out, I’d come out,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked about playing with the two early fouls. “Nothing’s worse than having three fouls in the first quarter, so usually, they’ll take me out if I get two quick ones.
“But, yeah, I was able to control my foul count the rest of the game.”
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Justin Hagenman #47 of the New York Mets pitches during the second inning of a spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Paul Blackburn #58 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a Grapefruit League spring training game at LECOM Park on February 23, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees are back at their home-away-from-home field, and they’ll stay on TV as well for the second straight day following their George Lombard Jr.-led victory over the Red Sox yesterday. The Twins are rolling into Tampa today, and they’ll be facing one of the depth arms on the pitching staff in Paul Blackburn.
Blackburn was picked up late last year after getting released by the Mets, and wound up appearing in eight games in the regular season as well as mop up duty in Game 1 of last year’s ALDS matchup with the Blue Jays. He re-signed with the team over the offseason on a one-year, $2 million deal, meaning he’s one of the arms holding down a 26-man roster spot and has a leg up on making it to the Opening Day roster. So far this spring he’s pitched in two games (one start), tossing six innings of no-run ball. giving up seven hits and a walk against just three strikeouts in the process. He went four innings his last time out against Toronto, and he’ll look to build up his résumé as a potential inning-filler towards the bottom of the bullpen.
Opposite Blackburn will be Taj Bradley, a familiar face from the last three seasons playing within the Yankees’ division as a Ray. Traded at the deadline for Griffin Jax, Bradley had a rough second half, starting just six games and pitching to a 6.61 ERA in that span. Bradley was slated to pitch for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, but decided to pull out of the event last week and focus on his involvement with his new-ish team during spring instead as he looks to lock down one of Minnesota’s rotation spots. Thus far in spring, Bradley has started twice and pitched five innings, allowing six runs on 11 hits with nine strikeouts against just one walk.
The top of the Yankees’ lineup today is a familiar bunch, with the three primary non-Aaron Judge outfielders from 2025 taking the stage. From left to right, it’s Jasson Domínguez, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger with the Martian batting second between Grisham and Bellinger. Giancarlo Stanton cleans up at DH and Ryan McMahon makes his second start of the spring at shortstop to see if he can be a viable backup to José Caballero with Anthony Volpe out. J.C. Escarra catches, while Max Schuemann, Seth Brown, and Zack Short fill out the order.
How to watch
Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field — Tampa, FL
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