What is bad news for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic is worse news for the Arizona Diamondbacks as baseball season looms.
Star outfielder Corbin Carroll is going to miss the international event for Team USA this season after suffering a broken hamate bone in his right hand during a live batting practice at Salt River Fields in Arizona. Carroll, a two-time All-Star who has played at least 143 games in each of the past three seasons, does not yet have a timeline set for his return.
Carroll suffered the injury early on Tuesday, Feb. 10. He now joins the Mets' Francisco Lindor and the Orioles' Jackson Holliday as players to start 2026 rehabbing a broken hamate bone. The same injury hindered Mike Trout in July and August in 2023 and Jose Ramirez in 2019.
For Carroll, the injury does not necessarily preclude him from starting for the Diamondbacks on opening day, but it does take a player Team USA undoubtedly hoped would be a key contributor at the World Baseball Classic in March out of the fold.
What is Corbin Carroll's injury?
Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during a live batting practice on Feb. 10. The star outfielder, who won NL Rookie of the Year in 2023 en route to a Diamondbacks World Series appearance, had a strong bounce-back season in 2025 after struggling in 2024.
Carroll has managed to stay relatively healthy in his first three full seasons, playing 155 games in 2023, 158 in 2024, and 143 in 2025.
How long is Corbin Carroll out?
Carroll's injury will keep him out for the entirety of the World Baseball Classic in March. Team USA will have to fill his roster spot.
More concerning is his status with the Diamondbacks. While a hamate bone can generally take anywhere from four to eight weeks to heal, it's the kind of injury that can linger and affect a batter. Power in particular can be hindered, which would be particularly damaging for Carroll, who saw his power numbers go up last year and is coming off the first 30-plus home run season of his career.
Carroll is undergoing surgery Wednesday, Feb. 11 to repair the injury. His status for Opening Day is in question.
Team USA World Baseball Classic outfield
Carroll's injury will have an impact on the construction of Team USA's outfield.
The United States was carrying four outfielders: Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Aaron Judge, and Carroll. While Crow-Armstrong is the best defensive outfielder in the league, let alone on the team, by outs above average in 2025, Carroll figured to be a strong positive in the outfield as well.
Team USA will now be tasked with naming a replacement for Carroll.
Corbin Carroll stats
Carroll is coming off a season in which he slashed .259/.343/.541 with 31 home runs, his first 30 home run season. He had a career-best 140 OPS+ and finished sixth in NL MVP voting.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, August 29, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
When it comes to projection models like FanGraphs and PECOTA, the Atlanta Braves have some very high expectations in 2026. However, they’ve still got a ways to go when it comes to convincing some pundits out there — particularly the panel of five people who were chosen to make predictions for USA Today when it comes to the upcoming 2026 season.
According to that crew, the Braves will be fighting with the Mets for second place in the NL East while the Phillies run away with it.
One powerhouse. And a whole lot of parity.
That figures to be the theme throughout what should be a tightly bunched Major League Baseball season, and USA TODAY Sports’ projected win totals for 2026 reflect as much.
As a matter of fact, this projection has the Braves missing the playoffs altogether by one game, as this would have the Mets facing the Brewers and the Cubs facing the Padres in the Wild Card round with the Dodgers and Phillies getting the bye. USA Today doesn’t figure that the Dodgers are going to just run away with things but they do figure that they’ll still be clear of the rest of the pack in not just the NL but the rest of the pack as well.
Here’s some of the (brief) reasoning behind USA Today’s prediction for the ‘26 Braves:
GM Alex Anthopoulos generally doesn’t get stuck in the middle, but they’re light on starting pitching and will be missing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim for a minute.
While it is true that the Braves have some question marks with their starting pitching and will also be missing Ha-Seong Kim, I do feel like the Braves have fortified their squad a bit over the course of the offseason to be able to withstand those issues — though Spencer Schwellenbach being out for a significant amount of time certainly complicates things. The Braves could do with another addition to the starting pitching rotation but at the same time, as long as the the entire rotation avoids another collective trip to the 60-Day IL then that alone should boost the Braves’ fortunes in 2025.
With that being said, even the rosiest projection models don’t think that the Braves are going to simply dominate the division, either. Atlanta’s going to have to deal with the Phillies and Mets all season, whether they’re returning to the top of the NL East (and the NL in general) or they’re having to scratch and claw their way into simply making the Postseason.
Anything is on the table for this team when you consider how the past two seasons are gone. The potential is there for a good-to-great season but at the same time, it’s totally understandable if the Braves do end up in a season-long rock fight once again. We’ll see what happens!
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks talk after the game on February 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Would you believe the Pacers beat the Knicks?
It took overtime, but you better do. Thankfully, the break is right around the corner, but not before New York dumps the Sixers in a grand pre-ASW finale.
Here’s a bunch of what was said before and after yesterday’s affair.
"We just have to get better with our physicality first, and our communication second"
“We didn’t do a great job of getting into their airspace. We did a little better job in the second half, but by then, they were feeling pretty good about where they were in the game. The past 12, 15 games, we’ve been pretty good about getting to 3-point shooters. We’ve been pretty good about putting physicality on the ball and a lot of other areas defensively. Tonight, it wasn’t there — at least at the level that it has been, along with our communication. Got to give Indiana a lot of credit.”
On late-game execution:
“The Pacers did a great job offensively. We tried to, you know, tighten up as the game went along, which we did, but it just wasn’t quite enough to get it done. We had plenty of opportunity down the stretch to get it done, but when you give a team life from the beginning like we did, it’s gonna be hard.”
On missed opportunities late in the game:
“I thought Jalen down the stretch had some pretty good looks and got to the spots he normally gets to but he just came up short. We got the ball where we needed to get the ball. We got the looks that we wanted to look for during that time. Sometimes they just don’t go in and tonight was one of those nights.”
On the overtime collapse:
“They did a great job offensively. We tried to tighten up the game as we went along. We had plenty of opportunity to get it done. But when you give a team life like we did from the beginning like we did, it’s going to be hard.”
On dealing with prior adversity:
“Obviously we went through some adversity. We went 2-9 or something like that. You hate to lose games and I’m not signing up to lose games, but we have to struggle. I’m a believer that we have to struggle a couple of times this year. Whatever that means. And, it’s going to test our resolve as a group. You have to be connected if you want to give yourself a chance.”
On these losses helping the Knicks prepare for the upcoming playoffs:
“Playoff runs: there is nothing more stressful on an NBA level. Seven-game series, win four of them. That really tests your resolve. Because, man, a lot of things can happen. So be able to hit some adversity. Go through and stay connected and come out of it a little stronger than what you were going into it. It’s something I look forward to.”
On trusting Josh Hart’s scoring instincts:
“I don’t ever call a play for Josh and he finds his way. Teams keep putting their five on him and we tell him to let it fly. He’s really good because he knows when to let it fly.”
On Hart’s offensive impact:
“He makes a big difference offensively. It’s him because he knows how and when to pick his spots with it. Also when he was out and he came back, that first game in Portland, you felt his presence in transition. Whether he was bringing it or just filling that wing, you felt his presence and it’s much needed especially against the better teams.”
“Regardless of what their record is, they’re great. Great coach, they do everything well, they play hard, they play to the last second. Those qualities that they have, they’re gonna play every single night, regardless of what the record is.”
On the Knicks’ struggles vs. Indiana:
“Defensively, they had a rhythm early and they kept their confidence. Kept the rhythm throughout the entire game.”
On the lack of physicality on Tuesday:
“Just be a little bit more physical. They were in the rhythm. Pick up our intensity on the ball with our physicality and stuff like that, and off-ball, they’re moving really freely tonight, and they were in the rhythm all night.”
On offensive vs. defensive balance:
“Offensively wasn’t the problem tonight. Obviously, defensively, they had a rhythm early, and they kept their confidence and rhythm throughout the entire game.”
"We let them get a little comfortable, and then down the stretch, lack of execution"
“We started off the first couple of minutes, we started playing well, but then we let them get a little comfortable.”
On late-game execution:
“Down the stretch, lack of execution. We gotta make sure at the end of the game, fourth quarter overtime is a little bit different. You can’t just run fast, but you got to be able to slow it down and execute, and call plays and get guys in good situations, and areas to be successful. I feel like that’s what we’re kind of lacking.”
On preferring passing over scoring these days:
“I turn down shots, I don’t know how many times. I love getting assists. I used to love scoring. Now, I love getting guys shots, getting guys involved. Sometimes, it’s the bad read because I should shoot it when I’m open, but I love getting guys shots.”
On the need to stay aggressive on the scoring at times:
“Games like Sunday are where that sacrifice is me having to go out there and be super aggressive and keep them honest.”
On adapting his role during his stint in Portland:
“I think I acquired it in Portland. Mark Tyndale, who’s here right now, I think one day I was venting to him. I was saying ‘bro I’m not getting the ball. I’m not getting any touches.’ He’s like ‘we’ve got Dame, we’ve got all these guys. We’re not saying you can’t score. We’re saying we’ve got guys that are better and that’s what they’re here to do.’ And from then on, I said ‘let me work out how I can help these guys and find them in good positions.’ It took a little bit of getting used to, but I think right now I’m in a good head space with it.”
“They had tough shots and they made threes and on the other side, we didn’t make enough threes to combat the amount of shots they were hitting from the three. We didn’t reach that standard of defense that we have shown in recent and it came back to bite us today.”
“It’s different. Playing for the Knicks is a huge thing, but I’m literally a kid from the same streets the fans are, and to be part of everything here, it’s a blessing. It’s something I had to get used to and to get it out of the way, let’s get the ball rolling.”
On crowd ovations at the Garden:
“It was amazing. Being a kid from the city, for the city to show me love back, it’s one for the books. I really can’t explain it.”
On the loss in his debut:
“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but I’ll tell you this, it was a blessing to be out there. I can’t wait to continue growing and getting better.”
On pregame nerves:
“I was nervous today, for sure. There was a lot going on. I was glad I got it out the way. I can’t wait to come back and get better and win some games here.”
On the decision to remove the player option from his contract to facilitate a trade:
“We can always see the side of the money and talk about it, but at the end of the day the passion is more than just the money. It’s being out there, missing the feeling of being out there, offense, defense. Just competing at a high level because I’m a competitor first. The situation with New York was a little bit different for me because I wasn’t really playing, so being able to be on another team and try to bring value on the court was really important. I was just missing being out there on the court, making mistakes, learning from it and trying to get better.”
On adjusting his contract to chase better opportunities:
“I love it out there with the team, the guys. The coaches, they did a great job of welcoming me the best way they can. Everybody’s telling me how happy they are for me to be out there on the team with them. It just makes it easy for me to have confidence and just feel good on the court.”
On the reason behind his decision:
“I mean the decision was, I wanna say pretty quick and easy. For me to be able to have that second chance at the NBA and come back here, I had to take a risk. So I would say it was nothing new to me. I was thinking about amending my contract and I thought that this was the best thing to do.”
Let’s be real—Jalen Duren didn’t start that Pistons/Hornets mess.
A grown man fouls you and puts his forehead in your face… who isn’t pushing back? pic.twitter.com/Poiz3gSJgp
The Orlando Magic will try to complete a two-game series sweep when they host the Milwaukee Bucks for the second time this week.
Orlando beat up on Milwaukee on Monday, and my Bucks vs. Magic predictions expect more of the same tonight.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.
Bucks vs Magic prediction
Bucks vs Magic best bet: Magic -10.5 (-110)
The Orlando Magic took it to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, winning 118-99.
There’s no reason to expect anything different tonight, withthe Magic continuing to get healthier andMilwaukee still without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup.
In his return from a left ankle sprain, Franz Wagner made an immediate impact, scoring 14 points with five assists in less than 17 minutes.
He should play even more tonight, helping Orlando get back to its optimal lineup. Meanwhile, theBucks are just 6-15 this year without Giannis.
Bucks vs Magic same-game parlay
The Magic have been getting big performances out of their secondary options lately. Desmond Bane has gone Over 26.5 PRA in six out of his last seven games, while Anthony Black has scored 18+ points in three straight contests.
Bucks vs Magic SGP
Magic -10.5
Desmond Bane Over 26.5 points+rebounds+assists
Anthony Black Over 15.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Magic in the air
I’m expecting the Orlando stars to shine tonight. Franz Wagner will see his numbers improve as he plays his way back into the lineup and serves as the perfect complementary piece for Paolo Banchero.
Bucks vs Magic SGP
Franz Wagner Over 1.5 threes
Franz Wagner Over 14.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 threes
Paolo Banchero Over 0.5 blocks
Bucks vs Magic odds
Spread: Bucks +10.5 | Magic -10.5
Moneyline: Bucks +375 | Magic -500
Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5
Bucks vs Magic betting trend to know
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against the Bucks. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Magic.
How to watch Bucks vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Wisconsin, FDSN Florida
Bucks vs Magic latest injuries
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The Utah Jazz look to pick up their second straight win when they host the Sacramento Kings, who are in the midst of a 13-game slide.
The Kings are without their top rebounder, Domantas Sabonis, which should open the door for Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic to have a big night on the glass.
I’ll explain why Nurkic will pick up plenty of rebounds in my Kings vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.
Kings vs Jazz prediction
Kings vs Jazz best bet: Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 rebounds (-112)
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis ranks tied for third in the NBA with 11.4 rebounds per game this season, but he’ll be sidelined tonight with a back injury. That opens the door for Utah Jazz big man Jusuf Nurkic to have his own field day on the glass.
Nurkic is no slouch himself, logging 10.4 rpg this season. The Jazz center has snagged Over 9.5 boards in nine of his last 11 contests.
The Kings were already a mediocre rebounding team, allowing 44.7 opponent rebounds per game (19th), and they’ll be significantly more vulnerable on the glass without Sabonis.
Kings vs Jazz same-game parlay
Lauri Markkanen is averaging nearly 27 ppg this season and has dropped Over 20.5 points in 14 of his last 18 outings. With Keyonte George out tonight, Markkanen will be leaned on to carry the Jazz offense.
Utah is not a great team, but Sacramento is even worse. The Kings have not won a game in nearly a month, and they’re missing three of their top players tonight with Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Russell Westbrook all sidelined.
Kings vs Jazz SGP
Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 rebounds
Lauri Markkanen Over 20.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-doubles galore
Nurkic has eight double-doubles in his last 10 games, Isaiah Collier has three in his last four, and Dylan Cardwell has two in his last three.
Kings vs Jazz SGP
Jusuf Nurkic to record double-double
Isaiah Collier to record double-double
Dylan Cardwell to record double-double
Kings vs Jazz odds
Spread: Sacramento +6 (-110) | Utah -6 (-110)
Moneyline: Sacramento +180 | Utah -220
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Kings vs Jazz betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Over in 32 of their last 45 games at home (+17.70 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Jazz.
How to watch Kings vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports California, KJZZ
Kings vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers high fives fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 26, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers high fives fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 26, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Last one before the break. The Brooklyn Nets played the middle game of their three game homestand and welcomed the Chicago Bulls to Barclays Center. Brooklyn picked up another win and have won back to back games.
The opponent tonight is in their gap year. The Indiana Pacers aren’t heading to the postseason, but they’ve got plenty to focus on. They’ve been in town the past few days and took on their long time rivals, the New York Knicks, last night at MSG. The game went into overtime and the Pacers ruined the Knicks’ plans once again.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 PM.
🤕 Injuries
No Michael Porter Jr. Noah Clowney is probable while Nic Claxton has moved from questionable to doubtful. The two newest Nets, Ochai Agbaji and Josh Minott have yet to play and a roster spot remains open. All three two-ways remain with Long Island.
The following are out for Indiana:
Tyrese Haliburton
Ivica Zubac
Johnny Furphy
Obi Toppin
Jarace Walker
And with this being night two of a back-to-back, we’ll see if anyone else sits.
Last game before the break, so we’ll see how these teams manage their rotations. Indiana played a stressful game last night, so don’t be surprised if their regulars have a reduced workload tonight. With Clowney and Claxton showing up on the injury report, they may have relatively short outings as well.
Tonight is another opportunity for Brooklyn’s guards of the future to put a good outing together. Nolan Traore and Egor Dёmin have been solid and making the most out of their minutes. Jordi Fernandez sees a lot in this duo and is excited for what they can do:
“I don’t see it as one guy covering for the other: I like the shooting from both of them. Nolan’s not shy when he’s open. We’ve seen Egor shoot at a very high level. Nolan’s speed, his paint touches and pick-and-roll playmaking, same with Egor. … They have clear goals, short-term things they need to do on both ends. As long as they keep taking those steps they’re doing a great job and that’s what matters.”
The more minutes they get, the better they’ll be down the line.
When a team is on night two of a b2b and played overtime the night before, you should look to speed them up. The opponent is on tired legs and is just trying to make it through the night in one piece. For the Nets, they should look to get out and run as much as possible. Jumping out to a sizable lead early could make the difference and push the Pacers into making their All-Star plans early.
👀 Player to watch: Pascal Siakam
It takes a special player to be named an All-Star when your team is one of the worst in the league. Siakam has fought through everything this season and has continued to play at a high level for Indiana. His usage is way up, but he’s maintained his efficiency at a reasonable level. When the game is close late, Rick Carlisle can trust him to make something happen. Everyone knew that this was going to be a lost season for the Pacers. However, Siakam’s play has made things a bit more palatable to watch for Pacers fans. When Indiana returns to playoff contention next season, Siakam’s success in a scaled up role will prove to be valuable.
We’ll see how much Noah Clowney plays tonight. As we mentioned earlier, he’s on the injury report but is listed as probable. Since he’s not at full strength, does this mean we’ll see Josh Minott make his Nets debut? Tonight would be the perfect time. In the meantime, matching up against Siakam will do wonders for Clowney’s confidence if he puts a good outing together. Brooklyn’s youth movement will be something that keeps fans tuned in after the All-Star break as everyone starts gearing up for the Draft Lottery this spring.
📺 From the Vault
Tonight the Nets will be hosting their annual Chinese New Year’s celebration game. Let’s learn more about the Lunar New Year!
Here’s the full range of what the Nets are doing to celebrate.
For those keeping score, that’s 11 of the 34 spring games. Seven of them will be games at Sloan Park and four will be away games.
There will be some broadcasts of Cubs spring games by the TV channel of their opponent. As of now, here’s what I have:
Monday 3/16 at Guardians: Guardians.TV Saturday 3/21 at Mariners: Mariners.TV
Both of those games will also have audio broadcasts via the opponent’s radio channel.
The game on Monday 2/23 at the Royals will be carried on Royals radio, and the Saturday 2/21 game at Sloan Park, which will be televised on Marquee, will also be on Rangers radio. And, the game Tuesday 3/24 at Sloan Park vs. the Yankees will be carried on Yankees radio, WFAN.
The following games will be broadcast on Cubs radio station The Score:
Friday 2/20 vs. White Sox Saturday 2/21 vs. Rangers Saturday 3/7 vs. Athletics Sunday 3/8 vs. Giants Saturday 3/14 vs. Rockies Sunday 3/15 vs. Dodgers Tuesday 3/17 vs. Angels Saturday 3/21 vs. Mariners Sunday 3/22 vs. Brewers Monday 3/23 vs. Yankees
A note that the radio broadcasts on The Score this year are moving to 104.3 FM, so the audio quality should be better.
When I get further information on TV or radio broadcasts of Cubs spring games by The Score or the opponent’s radio or TV channel, this post will be updated. I’ll also include broadcast information on every spring game preview, which as usual will post two hours before game time.
I know this isn’t what most folks here wanted to hear about spring broadcasts, and I’m sure you’ll let us know through the complaint department, which is open.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Coming to this weekend's NBA All-Star Game: John Tesh and “Roundball Rock,” being performed live.
Tesh will play the song to introduce Sunday's All-Star Game, which will be aired on NBC and Peacock, the NBA said Wednesday while unveiling the musical performances for the weekend.
Ludacris, the three-time Grammy winner, will be the headliner and perform on Saturday before the All-Star dunk contest. A pair of Grammy winners — Brandy and Sarah McLachlan — will perform the U.S. and Canadian national anthems before Sunday's All-Star Game.
Tesh will perform for the first time live inside a sports arena, the NBA said. “Roundball Rock," the league said, “celebrates the NBA All-Star Game’s return to NBC after 24 years.”
The song was the longtime anthem for NBC's coverage of the NBA from 1990 through 2002. NBC returned to the NBA broadcast lineup this season, the start of a new 11-year broadcast agreement for the league.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: A general view during the San Francisco Giants game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on August 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers are favorites to win the National League West in 2026, which is not a surprise. They have been favored to win the division nearly every year for over a decade. But perhaps the scale of their expected prowess this year stands out.
Everyone else in the division is seen as either right around .500 or are the Rockies.
Team
Prospectus
FanGraphs
Average
Giants
81.3
82.3
81.8
Padres
81.9
80.1
81.0
D-backs
77.5
80.8
79.2
Rockies
60.7
65.1
62.9
The Padres will get Joe Musgrove back this year but have already lost Dylan Cease and Robert Suárez, plus Yu Darvish might retire.
The Giants got a new manager in Tony Vitello, and added a lot on the periphery, signing Harrison Bader, Luis Arráez, Tyler Mahle, and Adrian Houser.
Arizona got Merrill Kelly back, signed Mike Soroka, and will probably get ace Corbin Burnes back around the All-Star break.
The Dodgers played an NL West team in the Division Series five years in a row (2020-24) before that streak ended last year, and even then San Diego still made the postseason. Given the projections, this year might be the first time since 2019 that the division won’t have multiple playoff teams.
Today’s question is which team is the Dodgers’ biggest threat in the National League West?
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday will undergo surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his right hand, the team announced on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Holliday was injured on Feb. 6 during a live batting practice.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Holliday will miss opening day, and a timeline for his return will be measured in weeks. Baltimore will open the 2026 MLB regular season on March 26 at home against the Minnesota Twins.
Possible replacements for Holliday while he is sidelined include infielder Blaze Alexander, who was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks for reliever Kade Strowd and prospects Wellington Aracena and Jose Mejia.
The 22-year-old Holliday, the first overall pick of the 2022 Amateur Draft, hit .242 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs in 149 games last season.
When Mariano Rivera retired in 2013, one of the greatest luxuries the Yankees had enjoyed in the Core Four dynasty came to an end. They had to start worrying long-term about who would pitch the ninth inning. The first man to succeed the Sandman was his setup man, David Robertson, who performed well enough to score a free agent deal with the Chicago White Sox to serve as their closer. Then when Andrew Miller came aboard in 2015 and notched 36 saves in 38 opportunities, it seemed the matter was settled.
But the Yankees were thinking bigger. Ahead of 2016 they traded for All-Star Reds closer Aroldis Chapman. The Cuban Missile was famous for his record-setting fastball, and would bring his near-unhittable heat to the Bronx in his last full season before free agency.
Chapman had also, however, been suspended by MLB under the league’s domestic violence policy and would miss the first 30 games of the 2016 campaign. The Yankees sputtered and ultimately traded Chapman to the eventual champion Cubs in a deal which brought Gleyber Torres to the organization. It seemed that would be that, then. Chapman might, thanks in part to his own actions, have been a mere footnote in the record of a forgettable Yankee season.
Then they brought him back.
Albertín Aroldis Chapman
Signing Date: December 15, 2016 Contract: 5 years, $86 million
Born in Cuba in 1988, Chapman became a superstar in his native country—and in the World Baseball Classic—before defecting to the United States in 2009. Once in the States, the tall left-hander immediately became a hot commodity for MLB teams. It was the Cincinnati Reds who ultimately scored Chapman, signing him to a six-year bonus-laden contract. It wouldn’t take long for his arm to enter the history books. In September, Chapman threw a record-breaking 105.1 mph fastball, the fastest pitch ever recorded.
By that point Chapman had already been moved to the closer spot, where he would remain. His breakout campaign came in 2012, when he posted 38 saves with a 1.51 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. That would quickly become the new normal as Chapman made that year’s All-Star Game as well as the ensuing three Midsummer Classics.
The Reds, though, soon became a team in decline. They had snapped a 15-year playoff drought by winning the 2010 NL Central in Chapman’s rookie season and shook off both an NLDS sweep at the hands of the Phillies and a sub-.500 season in 2011 to win another division in 2012. Another October went by the wayside when they blew a 2-0 lead and painfully dropped three in a row at home to the Giants when they needed just one win to advance to the NLCS. A playoff berth in 2013 lasted just one game, as the rowdy Pittsburgh fans rattled them in a quick Wild Card Game loss.
Following that mini-renaissance of sorts, Cincy fell to the cellar of the NL Central, dropping 86 games in 2014 and 98 the next year. So inthe 2015 offseason, the Reds shopped Chapman around, nearly consummating a deal with the Dodgers in December.
Early that month, news broke that Chapman was being investigated for an alleged incident of domestic violence which occurred in October. According to what his girlfriend told police at the time, Chapman pushed her, choked her, and later fired a gun multiple times into the wall of his garage while locked inside it. Chapman was never formally charged, but was still suspended by MLB for 30 games. He did not appeal the decision.
The Reds’ deal with the Dodgers fizzled out, but evidently not every organization thought they should stay away. On December 28th, the Yankees acquired Chapman for a bushel of prospects, none of whom made an impact in MLB (save for Caleb Cotham … but only because he was retired within two years and soon became a well-regarded Phillies pitching coach). Brian Cashman and the Yankees knew exactly what they were doing with this buy-low offer, grossly referring to Chapman as “an asset in distress.”
Chapman sat out all of April with the suspension, then managed a 2.01 ERA in 31 games for a Bombers squad plainly doomed to miss the playoffs — “No Runs DMC” be damned. Stuck in fourth place in the AL East, the Yankees dealt Chapman to the Cubs in the aforementioned deal which included Gleyber Torres in the return. Chapman went on to help win the most overdue World Series in baseball history, though his blown save in Game 7 nearly cost them the title. The Cuban Missile hit the free agent market with as stacked a resumé as any closer, but the suspension loomed large as a character concern, to say the least.
The Yankees, who had also jettisoned Miller in that trade deadline, definitely had a need at closer. They also had options. Former Yankee Mark Melancon had broken out with three All-Star campaigns in Pittsburgh (though he would quickly sign a $62 million deal in San Francisco). Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen was available, and would remain a free agent until January.
But the alleged incident hadn’t stopped the Yankees for trading for Chapman in the first place, and it wouldn’t stop them from signing him as a free agent. On December 8th, Ken Rosenthal reported that Chapman and the Yankees had agreed to a five-year, $86 million deal. That dollar figure was the highest ever given to a reliever. An apparent big-money offer from the Marlins reportedly forced the Yankees to up the ante on their deal.
Any Yankee fan who thought their hands were proverbially clean after the Cubs deal had to begrudgingly begin to root for Chapman again — or at least watch the ninth inning with a perfectly blank expression. To be entirely fair to him, he had publicly expressed contrition for his actions and is still in regular contact with his counselor, but fans understandably felt sour about him getting a record-breaking contract after the fact.
In 2017, Chapman struggled with injuries and posted subpar numbers for his lofty standards, but returned in perfect form for the playoffs. He finished five playoff games, including ALDS Game 5, in which the Yankees completed their rousing 0-2 series comeback against Cleveland.
The Bombers fell a game shy of the World Series in 2017, but were decidedly ahead-of-schedule thanks to the advent of Aaron Judge. Ahead of 2018, they geared up for a big run. Chapman returned to All-Star form with a 2.45 ERA while going 32 of 34 in save opportunities, but the Red Sox eclipsed the Yankees both in the divisional race and in the ensuing ALDS.
Chapman earned his sixth All-Star appearance in 2019, and would have his most consequential moment in pinstripes that season. It was not in victory, however, but in defeat. Of course, the Yankees dug themselves into a deep hole in their ALCS rematch with the Astros, falling behind 3-1 in the series. But they were beginning to summon that 2017 magic. After claiming Game 5 in the Bronx, a dramatic two-run home run by DJ LeMahieu off Roberto Osuna suddenly tied Game 6 when the Yankees were two outs from elimination.
But that heroism from The Machine just set the stage for humiliation in the home half of the ninth. Chapman took the mound and, with two men out, allowed Yankee nemesis Jose Altuve to end the series with a walk-off homer. There was the homer, and then there was The Grimace.
Due to opt out of his deal, Chapman received an extension to keep him in New York through 2022. But in 2020, he was was again the victim of a late consequential homer when he surrendered a bomb to Mike Brosseau in the Rays’ do-or-die Game 5 victory over the Yankees in the ALDS.
The Cuban Missile made another All-Star Game in 2021 despite a cataclysmic June in which he allowed 11 runs in 8.2 innings. He recuperated down the stretch, but the Yankees lost the Wild Card Game to the Red Sox.
The following season, in the final year of his deal, Chapman struggled with injury and fell out of the closer spot in favor of the surging Clay Holmes. He infamously went on the IL in August thanks to an infection he got from a new tattoo. Then in September, Chapman blew off a mandatory workout ahead of the ALDS, flying down to Miami and skipping a live batting practice session he was set to throw. As a result, he was left off the playoff roster. With Holmes and Wandy Peralta both capable of locking down tense matchups, the Yankees didn’t really need Chapman. But the acrimonious exit came as little surprise to a fanbase who was by now pretty tired of rooting for him.
Despite being the heir apparent to Mariano, Chapman was very rarely a comfortable watch. Throughout most years of his Yankee tenure, you knew his outings would go one of two ways: either he had his command and the game was over, or he didn’t, and you were destined to feel squeamish for however long the ordeal lasted. Then every so often, he’d give up a backbreaking homer and you were free to do something else with your day, but about 15 percent grumpier.
Of course, Chapman is still pitching in MLB. He spent a few years as a setup man and won a second World Series in more of a support role for the 2023 Rangers. Chapman returned to the closer spot with the Red Sox last year, and almost out of the blue, he posted what was statistically the best season of his career at age-37 in wake of some tweaks to his approach. He was extended by Boston in September on a deal that will go through 2027 as long as he throws at least 40 innings this year.
At this point, Chapman’s career accomplishments give him a near-Cooperstown-worthy resumé (even with bumpy playoff results). But when you betray a fanbase’s trust by crossing a line, as he did when he allegedly attacked his girlfriend in 2015—it is extremely difficult to earn that respect back. Chapman never fully did for a myriad of reasons, so while his time in pinstripes was statistically impressive, his legacy is decidedly less rosy.
See more of the “50 Most Notable Yankees Free Agent Signings in 50 Years” series here.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA All-Star break is only a day away. It is human nature to start looking ahead and thinking about time off. Heck, I have a three-day weekend coming up, and I have been thinking about it since Monday. I can only imagine what physically and mentally fatigued players across the league are feeling as the opportunity to rest is within reach. For eight days, they finally get to stop traveling and living from city to city during the grind of the season.
On a side note, I want to congratulate myself for not breaking into Michael Jackson lyrics after I wrote the words “human nature”. Why, why?
The Phoenix Suns are a team that thrives on disruption, hustle, energy, and focus. Since the beginning of February, it feels as if their edge has dulled a little bit. There are multiple reasons for this, with injuries being the primary culprit. It is also understandable to assume that human nature is taking a little bit of that edge off, as a team with bumps and bruises earned in the heat of battle is aching for rest.
When you look at the stats from before February and compare them to this month’s, you can see the blade is not as sharp as it was.
Pre-February, the Suns carried a +2.9 net rating (10th) and 111.8 defensive rating (5th). In Febraruy? Phoenix has a -3.0 net rating (19th) and 116.3 defensive rating (18th). Their rebounding percentage was 50.3% (11th), but since the dawn of February, it’s 44.2% (28th). Can we say, “tired legs”?
What makes the Suns different from many teams across the Association is that they need to keep their blade sharp at all times to be successful. This team is outperforming expectations thanks to their continued focus and energy each night. If that focus or energy is slightly off, their superpower is compromised. Because that is the NBA, where winning is hard. That is the level of competition you face every night. It happens even if it is the depleted Warriors on trade deadline day. It happens even if it is the Dallas Mavericks, a team that is clearly aiming to tank.
That will be the challenge as the second half of the season begins after the All-Star break. The Suns need to do all they can to stay as sharp as possible. The energy from opposing teams will rise as they lock in for the final stretch of the season, and playoff seeding is on the line.
When you look at the teams actively tanking, like the Wizards or the Jazz, the Suns don’t play many games against them. They play Jazz again and face the Kings, Pacers, and Mavs. No, for Phoenix, it’s the 4th-toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, per Tankathon. They will be playing against teams who will use the final third of the season as an opportunity to sharpen their knives and prepare for a deep postseason run.
Fatigue has set in, and there is no doubt about that. Whether it is physical or mental, the Suns need a break. This time off could not have come at a better time, as the arrow is starting to trend downward. Is that trend caused by fatigue or human nature? It is a possibility. The break needs to happen.
The Suns have one final test tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After that, the rest can occur. The hope is that they maintain focus for tonight and moving forward. The schedule is going to get tough. The Suns will have to be tougher.
The Pistons may be a little short-handed tonight as they play their final game before the All Star Break and weirdly their first game against the Toronto Raptors this season. If you missed Monday’s game and the hoopla that happened after it, both Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were ejected for fighting along with Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges from the Hornets. At the time of writing, the NBA is yet to announce suspensions for the players involved, but I am going to assume we know before tonight’s game.
The timing of potential suspensions for Duren and Stewart could not come at a worse time, as the Pistons enter arguably their toughest stretch of the season starting tonight against the Raptors and continuing after the All Star Break.
If you have not been paying much attention to the Raptors since this is the first time the Pistons have played them, they enter this game 5th in the Eastern Conference, but only 2 games back from the Knicks in 3rd. So, this game could have some bearing on the standings at the end of the season depending on how things go for each team after the All Star Break.
Game Vitals
Where: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON When: Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 pm EST Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons (-1.5)
Analysis
It is very strange that the Pistons are playing the Raptors for the first time this season and we are almost halfway through February. They are the only Eastern Conference team the Pistons have not played yet.
As of now, the only player officially out for the Pistons is Ron Holland, who is once again out for Personal Reasons. I am going to assume that Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren do not play in this game as I would suspect the NBA announces suspensions for them at some point today. The NBA very well could wait until after the All Star festivities to announce suspensions, but given the optics of the fight that just happened on Monday, it would be weird to have both playing.
I feel like the reason the Pistons are still favored in this game is because the NBA has not technically announced the aforementioned suspensions.
If there is one positive for the Pistons, the Raptors don’t really overwhelm you with size in the frontcourt, so the potential loss of Duren and Stewart is manageable. Paul Reed is more than capable of filling in, as he showed on Monday, and newly signed 2-way player Isaac Jones could possibly get some playing time backing him up.
The more likely scenario is that the Pistons just play small and have Tobias Harris play some minutes at the 5 since Jakob Poeltl could be out with a back injury. He is currently a game-time decision.
The Raptors play a very similar brand of ball as the Detroit Pistons do. They are not quite as good defensively, but they try to turn defense into offense and do not shoot a ton of shots behind the arc. The Raptors have more players capable of hitting an outside shot, but a lot of their offense comes from the midrange and inside.
There are not a ton of teams in the league that play like the Raptors and Pistons, so it will be interesting to see how the Pistons handle a team that plays a very similar style as them.
Like the Pistons, the Raptors have two All Stars, but unlike the Pistons, they will both be available tonight. Scottie Barnes has become one of the better two-way players in the NBA. His offensive numbers won’t blow you away, but he does a little bit of everything while being able to guard the best wing or frontcourt player of the opposing team every night.
When the Raptors acquired Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline last year, there were concerns about his fit with their core but also just his ability to stay healthy. So far, he has eased both concerns as him and Barnes are a dynamic wing pairing and he has played 52 games this season. The question with Ingram was never his talent, it was always his health, so it is great to see him playing well and staying healthy.
With Ron Holland out, the Pistons could have some issues slowing down both of them, but it’s not like the Pistons don’t have other wing defenders they can throw at them. But, without two of their better rim defenders in Duren and Stewart, the Raptors might have an easier time scoring inside, although Paul Reed is no slouch on defense.
It isn’t just the Barnes and Ingram show for the Raptors, as they also have RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, who are both more than capable of getting hot offensively. If any player from the Raptors is going to get hot from beyond the arc and ruin your night it is Quickley.
This game was already going to be a challenge for the Pistons, as it is a road game against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Now that they Pistons are likely going to be down 3 rotation players, the task is even more difficult. But, the Pistons have defied all odds this season and have been able to win games while missing multiple rotation players countless times, so I wouldn’t put it past them to win this game.
Lineups
Detroit Pistons: (39-13): Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Paul Reed
Toronto Raptors (32-22): Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl
Question of the Day
How long do you think Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart get suspended?
The brawl began after Diabate was fouled by Duren with more than seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. The players exchanged words and then Duren shoved Diabate in the face. Bridges stepped in and shoved Duren before Diabate threw a punch at Duren and had to be held back by coaches and teammates, according to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are ready for the All-Star Break, looking to put a rough few weeks behind them.
A win against the Portland Trail Blazers would help that cause.
My Trail Blazers vs. Timberwolves predictions focus on Minnesota’s newest piece, perhaps buoyed by Anthony Edwards’s possible absence, an odd twist in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves prediction
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves best bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 13.5 points (-115)
Ayo Dosunmu scored 21 points on Monday night, his second game with his new team. His 11 points in his Minnesota Timberwolves debut also encourage this prop, even if falling short in that moment.
Minnesota was blown out, and the Timberwolves' trade deadline acquisition played only 25 minutes. As Dosunmo's workload increases, so should his scoring.
While the Portland Trail Blazers have been an enjoyable story this season, their defensive rating ranks No. 20 over the last 10 games. This is a defense ripe for Dosunmu's aggressive offense.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
With Anthony Edwards considered questionable due to an illness, there is immediate value in Jaden McDaniels scoring more.
That has been a consistent bet all season, as the T-Wolves continue to prove they’re much more than just their dynamic superstar shooting guard.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves SGP
Ayo Dosunmu Over 13.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Over 14.5 points
Timberwolves moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Less Ant, No Problem
If Anthony Edwards does play, sharing the ball with Dosunmu before the All-Star Break may be a priority.
Edwards has also expressed some skepticism about whether he’ll even play in Sunday’s All-Star Game, as he’s seeking some rest.
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The last five Blazers’ games have all cashed their Overs, exceeding bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 18.7 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
KUNP, FDSN North
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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