Chicago Bulls (29-49, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (17-61, 15th in the Eastern Conference)
Washington; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago is looking to break its seven-game losing streak with a victory against Washington.
The Wizards have gone 11-37 against Eastern Conference teams. Washington has a 4-40 record against opponents over .500.
The Bulls are 17-31 in conference games. Chicago is fourth in the Eastern Conference scoring 52.4 points per game in the paint led by Tre Jones averaging 8.7.
The Wizards are shooting 46.3% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 47.9% the Bulls allow to opponents. The Bulls are shooting 46.9% from the field, 1.8% lower than the 48.7% the Wizards' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last matchup 121-120 on Nov. 23, with Josh Giddey scoring 18 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bub Carrington is averaging 10.3 points and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Jaden Hardy is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Matas Buzelis is averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Collin Sexton is averaging 18.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 1-9, averaging 114.9 points, 38.0 rebounds, 25.0 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.4 points per game.
Bulls: 1-9, averaging 117.1 points, 43.9 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 132.1 points.
INJURIES: Wizards: Anthony Davis: out (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (knee), Justin Champagnie: day to day (knee), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Tre Johnson: day to day (foot), Alex Sarr: day to day (toe), Kyshawn George: out for season (elbow), D'Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Trae Young: out (quad), Bilal Coulibaly: day to day (heel).
Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Jalen Smith: out for season (calf), Matas Buzelis: day to day (illness), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring), Nick Richards: day to day (elbow), Zach Collins: out for season (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Sacramento Kings (21-58, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (36-42, 10th in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Golden State enters the matchup against Sacramento after losing four straight games.
The Warriors are 6-6 in division games. Golden State is eighth in the Western Conference scoring 114.8 points while shooting 46.1% from the field.
The Kings are 3-11 against opponents in the Pacific Division. Sacramento is 13-26 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 13.7 turnovers per game.
The Warriors score 114.8 points per game, 6.4 fewer points than the 121.2 the Kings give up. The Kings are shooting 46.7% from the field, 1.2% lower than the 47.9% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Warriors won the last matchup 137-103 on Jan. 10. Stephen Curry scored 27 points to help lead the Warriors to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Draymond Green is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 5.5 rebounds for the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Maxime Raynaud is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 13.8 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 3-7, averaging 112.0 points, 39.8 rebounds, 28.1 assists, 9.2 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points per game.
Kings: 3-7, averaging 111.6 points, 42.4 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 5.9 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.3 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: Quinten Post: out (foot), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Al Horford: out (calf), Moses Moody: out for season (knee), LJ Cryer: out (illness).
Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Russell Westbrook: out (foot), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Drew Eubanks: out for season (thumb), Malik Monk: day to day (shoulder), Keegan Murray: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles will try to keep its 10-game home win streak alive when the Lakers take on Oklahoma City.
The Lakers are 30-18 in conference matchups. Los Angeles ranks ninth in the Western Conference with 31.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Luka Doncic averaging 7.1.
The Thunder are 39-9 in Western Conference play. Oklahoma City averages 12.0 turnovers per game and is 50-10 when winning the turnover battle.
The Lakers make 50.1% of their shots from the field this season, which is 6.7 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.4%). The Thunder average 119.2 points per game, 3.9 more than the 115.3 the Lakers allow to opponents.
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Thunder defeated the Lakers 139-96 in their last matchup on April 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points, and Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 15 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: LeBron James is scoring 20.8 points per game with 6.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists for the Lakers. Jaxson Hayes is averaging 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 79.2% over the past 10 games.
Chet Holmgren is scoring 17.0 points per game and averaging 8.8 rebounds for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 7-3, averaging 119.7 points, 42.2 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 52.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points per game.
Thunder: 9-1, averaging 123.9 points, 47.1 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.3 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Austin Reaves: out (rib), Marcus Smart: out (ankle), Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).
Thunder: Alex Caruso: day to day (illness), Luguentz Dort: day to day (undisclosed), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Miami plays Toronto in Eastern Conference action Tuesday.
The Raptors are 30-18 in Eastern Conference games. Toronto ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 29.5 assists per game led by Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.0.
The Heat are 25-23 in Eastern Conference play. Miami has a 6-4 record in one-possession games.
The Raptors average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.7 fewer makes per game than the Heat allow (14.0). The Heat average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 more made shot on average than the 12.6 per game the Raptors give up.
The two teams play for the third time this season. The Raptors defeated the Heat 112-91 in their last matchup on Dec. 24. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 27 points, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the Heat with 21 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Barnes is scoring 18.1 points per game with 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the Raptors. RJ Barrett is averaging 19.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 47.7% over the last 10 games.
Bam Adebayo is averaging 20.2 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat. Tyler Herro is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 4-6, averaging 116.8 points, 39.0 rebounds, 34.2 assists, 10.3 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.1 points per game.
Heat: 3-7, averaging 123.1 points, 43.3 rebounds, 29.5 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.8 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Immanuel Quickley: out (foot).
Heat: Norman Powell: day to day (illness), Tyler Herro: day to day (personal).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (18-60, 14th in the Eastern Conference)
Indianapolis; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota comes into the matchup against Indiana after losing three games in a row.
The Pacers are 11-27 on their home court. Indiana averages 13.7 turnovers per game and is 13-25 when it wins the turnover battle.
The Timberwolves are 21-17 on the road. Minnesota ranks eighth in the Western Conference scoring 49.9 points per game in the paint led by Julius Randle averaging 10.3.
The Pacers average 112.5 points per game, 1.7 fewer points than the 114.2 the Timberwolves give up. The Timberwolves average 117.5 points per game, 3.2 fewer than the 120.7 the Pacers give up.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Timberwolves won 114-110 in the last meeting on Oct. 26. Randle led the Timberwolves with 31 points, and Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 33 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Siakam is averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Pacers. Obi Toppin is averaging 11.9 points over the last 10 games.
Rudy Gobert is scoring 11.0 points per game and averaging 11.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 3-7, averaging 121.5 points, 38.6 rebounds, 34.4 assists, 6.8 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 51.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 126.4 points per game.
Timberwolves: 5-5, averaging 110.9 points, 45.4 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.6 points.
INJURIES: Pacers: T.J. McConnell: day to day (hamstring), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back), Ben Sheppard: day to day (hip), Ivica Zubac: out for season (rib), Pascal Siakam: day to day (back), Jarace Walker: day to day (back), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (neck), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards: out (knee), Jaden McDaniels: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Milwaukee Bucks (31-47, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (19-59, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Milwaukee visits Brooklyn looking to stop its three-game road losing streak.
The Nets are 13-34 in Eastern Conference games. Brooklyn is 2-4 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Bucks are 20-28 against Eastern Conference opponents. Milwaukee is 18-31 in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Nets score 106.2 points per game, 10.6 fewer points than the 116.8 the Bucks give up. The Bucks are shooting 47.8% from the field, 1.8% lower than the 49.6% the Nets' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Nets won 127-82 in the last matchup on Dec. 14. Egor Demin led the Nets with 17 points, and Gary Trent Jr. led the Bucks with 20 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nic Claxton is averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Nets. Nolan Traore is averaging 11.3 points over the last 10 games.
Myles Turner is scoring 11.9 points per game and averaging 5.3 rebounds for the Bucks. Ryan Rollins is averaging 15.0 points and 3.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 2-8, averaging 104.0 points, 34.2 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 10.0 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.1 points per game.
Bucks: 3-7, averaging 107.5 points, 39.1 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 8.1 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.2 points.
INJURIES: Nets: Ziaire Williams: day to day (foot), Noah Clowney: day to day (ankle), Nic Claxton: day to day (hand), Danny Wolf: out for season (ankle), Egor Demin: out for season (foot), Day'Ron Sharpe: out for season (thumb), Michael Porter Jr.: out for season (hamstring), Terance Mann: day to day (achilles), Ben Saraf: day to day (back).
Bucks: Kevin Porter Jr.: out for season (knee), Giannis Antetokounmpo: day to day (ankle), Bobby Portis: day to day (wrist), Gary Trent Jr.: day to day (hip).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Houston will look for its 50th victory of the season when the Rockets visit the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns are 27-21 in Western Conference games. Phoenix has an 18-27 record against teams over .500.
The Rockets are 27-22 against Western Conference opponents. Houston is 21-16 against opponents with a winning record.
The Suns are shooting 45.5% from the field this season, 0.5 percentage points lower than the 46.0% the Rockets allow to opponents. The Rockets average 11.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.6 fewer makes per game than the Suns allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 6 the Rockets won 100-97 led by 26 points from Kevin Durant, while Devin Booker scored 27 points for the Suns.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is averaging 12.9 points and 4.8 assists for the Suns. Booker is averaging 26.5 points over the last 10 games.
Durant is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 4-6, averaging 115.5 points, 42.9 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.4 points per game.
Rockets: 8-2, averaging 121.2 points, 47.0 rebounds, 30.7 assists, 7.3 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Haywood Highsmith: day to day (knee).
Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 5: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 5, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Good news awaited the Golden State Warriors on Sunday: at long last, the return of Steph Curry, who finally rejoined the team after 27 games on the sidelines. And it almost propelled the team to a stunning comeback victory against the Houston Rockets.
Almost.
Instead, the Warriors lost their fourth consecutive game, falling 117-116 after a Curry game-winning three-point attempt was off line at the buzzer.
It was clear from the opening tip that something was different with the Warriors, in a good way. They were clearly energized by Curry’s return, even though he wasn’t in the starting lineup (Steve Kerr opted for a starting five of Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gui Santos, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porziņģis because of Curry’s minutes restriction).
That energy and life led the Dubs to a 7-0 lead in the blink of an eye, and they maintained that lead to take a 13-6 advantage even when Houston settled down and started executing well. When that happened, the Rockets were able to start scoring at ease, with some exceptional ball movement and pick and roll action. Finally, with 4:54 left in the quarter, Curry made his return.
It took a few minutes for Curry to get into rhythm, which is understandable. Charles Bassey, who was just signed, made his Warriors debut at the same moment and Curry’s return, and it was Bassey who was making the bigger impact, as he was everywhere on the court and protected the rime.
Finally, Curry made his first bucket, bailing the team out with a desperation three to beat the shot clock buzzer to kick off a two-for-one, helping the Warriors take a 31-26 lead into the second quarter.
Ime Udoka’s defense was unreal to start the second quarter, though, and it took its toll on the Dubs. Spanning the final possession of the first quarter and the opening few minutes of the second, the Rockets scored 13 straight points to turn a seven-point deficit into a six-point lead, prompting Kerr to call a timeout before the Warriors had even scored in the quarter.
But near the halfway mark of the quarter, the Warriors came roaring back, as their defense — which featured spirited efforts by Green and Gary Payton II, among others — started putting on the clamps, and creating opportunities for their offense. It was around then that we also got a special moment: Steph and Seth Curry sharing a court together for the first time.
That seemed to spark Steph, as he began finding a rhythm in his second stint on the court, as the Warriors were going toe to toe with the Rockets. But Houston surged ahead late in the quarter, regaining control thanks to some outrageous displays of individual offense from Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, and some exceptional passing. The Warriors were able to end the half with a lot of momentum, though, after Green stripped Durant and found Podziemski for a transition dunk in the closing seconds, and then the Warriors forced another Rockets turnover. With Curry scoring 10 points, the Dubs trailed just 55-53 at the half.
Things did not go well to start in the third quarter. The Warriors were struggling, as their offense couldn’t find rhythm or buckets, and the Rockets were starting to figure things out. Curry’s first stint of the half came much earlier than it did in the first, perhaps due to Kerr sensing a sinking ship. Either way, the Dubs were down 11 points after just four minutes, and the deficit would grow to 15. It felt like they were in danger of completely falling apart, but, thanks to some utterly absurd buckets by Curry — who started to take over in the frame — they found what they needed, and got right back in the game. But they couldn’t maintain it through the finish line of the quarter, as the Rockets ended on a surge to take a 92-82 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Golden State, however, was unfazed. They started the fourth quarter with the same energy they brought to the first, and rattled off a 5-0 run. But the Rockets, who are fighting with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in the standings, with a chance to move into the fourth or third seed, punched right back, with seven straight points of their own.
As we got to the halfway mark of the final quarter, it began to feel like the Warriors were out of it.
And then came a final, heroic run. Down 14, the Warriors blitzed the Rockets to score seven straight points. It turned into a 12-3 run, and they pulled within five points, with four minutes remaining. Then Melton sank a three to bring the house to their feet, capping a 15-3 run that made it a two-point game at the 2:30 mark.
After the teams exchanged buckets, Curry cut to the rim off ball, grabbed a slick Green pass, and laid it in with 1:27 remaining. Suddenly the Warriors were down just a single point.
Houston fired back, with a three-point play from Alperen Şengün, who was huge down the stretch. But Curry, playing the heroic role the Warriors have so desperately needed for months, responded with a three. The Warriors were back within one point with just under a minute remaining.
After holding Durant to a miss, the Warriors had a chance to take the lead, and take the lead they did. With Curry acting as a decoy to pull Houston’s defense away from the rim, Payton cut through the paint, and Green whipped a pass to him. GPII’s layup was destined for the bottom of the net before it was goaltended.
With 20 seconds left, the Warriors had their first lead since the second quarter.
But the Rockets executed a perfect play on the other end, with Durant finding a cutting Şengün for a go-ahead layup with 11 seconds left. The Warriors opted not to call timeout, choosing instead to try to score against a defense that wasn’t set.
Curry danced on multiple defenders, and was able to hoist a deep three from straightaway, but it just didn’t fall.
In his return, Curry finished with a team-high 29 points, while shooting 11-for-21 from the field and 5-for-10 on threes. The Warriors outscored the Rockets by 12 points in the 26 minutes he played, and were outscored by 13 points in the 22 minutes when he was on the bench.
Podziemski (18), Santos (15), and Payton (14) also finished with double figures, while Green dished out 12 assists, with the team having 34 on the night. Durant led the Rockets with 31 points and nearly had a triple-double, while Şengün had 24 and Jabari Smith Jr. 23.
With the loss, the Warriors fell to 36-42 and clinched a losing regular season. They have just four games left before the play-in tournament, starting on Tuesday when they host the Sacramento Kings at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Jalen Brunson is, for the most part, a known quantity.
A good way to view the Knicks offense is that Brunson is the floor, and his supporting cast is the ceiling. A big part of that is OG Anunoby. When he is aggressive and involved offensively, it is usually a good sign for overall success.
When Anunoby scores 20 or more points this year, the Knicks are 22-4. In their past two wins, over the Grizzlies and Bulls, he scored 25 and then 31 points.
That’s the version of Anunoby the Knicks will need in the playoffs.
“I think he’s starting to fully understand his areas where he can be aggressive within the offense, within the flow of the game,” Josh Hart said after practice Sunday. “That’s one thing about Mike [Brown], Mike never tells us not to do something. He always wants us to be aggressive, he wants us to shoot shots. … He doesn’t really put limits on us, and I think OG is really starting to really understand ‘where can I be aggressive? Where can I find my spots to go score?’ He’s an efficient scorer, physical, athletic, so he’s starting to understand that.”
Knicks puts up a shot as guard Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden, Friday April 3rd, 2026, in New York, NY. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Anunoby’s primary role in Brown’s offense is to stay in the corners and wait for drive-and-kick 3-pointers. At times, it can limit his contributions. And Brown has vocally set the hierarchy as Brunson first, Karl-Anthony Towns second, and everyone else after that.
But having four strong scoring threats in Brunson, Towns, Anunoby and Mikal Bridges is what is supposed to make the Knicks offense dynamic. Finding a balance between accepting his role as a catch-and-shooter and actively looking to drive and get to the rim is something Anunoby and the Knicks are still, this late into the year, working on.
“When OG is aggressive, he’s hard to deal with,” Landry Shamet said Sunday. “The beauty of our team is that we have so many different options. Sometimes the ball’s just finding you. There’s a certain rhythm about things. Right now, OG is the recipient of a lot of that. When he’s in that situation and when it’s finding him, he’s being really aggressive, really decisive. He’s hard to contain when he puts his head down and drives.”
Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks slams the ball and is fouled by forward Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Madison Square Garden, Friday April 3rd, 2026, in New York, NY. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Giannis Antetokounmpo confirmed, as part of his larger comments going at Bucks management, to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Milwaukee and the Knicks engaged in talks before the season.
The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported before the season that the two teams talked about an Antetokounmpo trade, but that discussions did not go far because the Knicks believed the Bucks lacked motivation to make a deal.
The Knicks have a clean injury report for Monday’s game against the Hawks in Atlanta. Towns, after missing Friday’s game due to a right elbow impingement, is not listed.
So unless something changes, he should be good to go.
Despite the news, Doncic and the Lakers are hopeful that he can be ready in time for a postseason run.
Doncic suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in the Lakers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.
The point guard has since consulted with Lakers doctors and his own medical team about seeking specialized treatment in Europe for his hamstring, Doncic's agent Bill Duffy told ESPN.
A Grade 2 hamstring strain is a “moderate injury that is typically a partial tear in the muscle; patients are likely to limp when walking and will have occasional twinges of pain during activity,” according to Mercy Health.
The injury could take close to a month to heal, but “returning to sports before the injury is fully healed can cause more severe injuries.”
Injury-riddled Lakers lose to Mavericks
Playing without Doncic and Austin Reaves — who has an oblique injury — the Lakers were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 134-128, on April 5.
LeBron James finished with a team-high 30 points as the Lakers continue to march toward the postseason without the services of two of their key contributors.
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) takes a three-point shot past Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28).
Landry Shamet finds himself in a place that most wouldn’t have expected to start the season.
Healthy again after missing a few games with a knee issue, he is pretty much a lock to be in the Knicks playoff rotation.
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) takes a 3-point shot past Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28). Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“I don’t take these moments for granted, man,” Shamet said after practice Sunday. “This thing’s delicate, I know that. It’s a special team, special market, special opportunity and just to wear the jersey even. I’m grateful and happy to be a part of this group and have Mike’s [Brown] trust and my teammates’ trust. I trust in them as well. Super grateful for it.”
He hardly had a role under Tom Thibodeau last year.
And before the year, having signed just a nonguaranteed, veteran minimum contract, he was one of the last players to make Brown’s roster — and likely only did so due to Malcolm Brogdon’s sudden retirement.
Then after 15 promising games to start the year, he dislocated his shoulder — the same one he dislocated last year. The Knicks, given Shamet’s deal wasn’t guaranteed, could have cut him and looked to get help elsewhere.
But they afforded Shamet time to rehab. And it’s paid tremendous dividends. He has emerged as a key shooter off the bench, averaging 9.6 points per game — which would be a career high for a full season — and shooting 39.4 percent from 3-point range. He has also been one of the team’s best point-of-attack defenders.
DeJon Jarreau and Landry Shamet are fighting for a loose ball during a basketball game. Getty Images
There is certainly a case to be made that the Knicks have gotten more out of Shamet than any player on a minimum deal in the league.
One area in which he’s contributed, though, has gone under the radar — his ability to be a backup point guard. Brown has praised Shamet’s ability to handle that role, despite him being much more of a shooting guard most of his NBA career. Though neither are naturals at the position, Brown feels comfortable with both Shamet and Miles McBride there.
And now with both healthy, that doesn’t leave much room for Jose Alvarado in the rotation.
“He’s a good enough ball handler, he has a good enough feel/IQ to initiate the offense,” Brown said of Shamet on Sunday. “And then conceptually, because of his feel and the other guys’ feel, we’re able to generate some things offensively. We’re not relying on him to be a traditional point guard. He and Deuce [McBride] are more than capable of doing the things that we’re asking in terms of initiating the offense. And then at the end of the day, can they play pick-and-roll, can they play the [dribble handoff] game, get downhill and spray the ball or throw the lob to a guy like Mitch [Robinson]? I think he can.”
Shamet fills multiple vital roles for the Knicks. There was a time it didn’t seem like he’d even have any.
In the final three games against the San Francisco Giants, the Mets allowed five total runs en route to three wins to culminate a 4-3 road trip. Even in their losses, New York allowed three runs or fewer in two of them and for the most part has gotten superior starting pitching two times through the rotation.
On Sunday, it was Kodai Senga's turn to deliver a quality outing and the right-hander handed in five scoreless innings before getting tagged for two runs in the sixth where only one ball was hit particularly hard.
Senga finished his outing by going 5.2 innings and allowing two earned runs on five hits, two walks and striking out seven on 88 pitches (55 strikes). Early on, he even struck out five in a row and looked great for a second straight start, this one on four days rest.
"It wasn’t perfect today, but good enough to make the game winnable," Senga said after the game through an interpreter.
It's the same kind of mentality that Senga used to have with himself when he was going good, often being hyper critical of things that he could improve on and fix for the next one.
Still, manager Carlos Mendoza was much more effusive of the right-hander's performance, saying "he pretty much dominated that lineup… Overall I think he was outstanding."
Senga is the latest of Mets starters to pitch well, following Clay Holmes' seven scoreless innings on Saturday and Nolan McLean's five hitless innings on Friday. As a unit, New York's starting rotation has a 3.13 ERA, eighth in MLB and third in the NL.
What's also encouraging? The Mets rank third in total innings pitched by their starters at 54.2 -- a year after their staff was routinely unable to go deep into games. As the season progresses and the temperature gets warmer and pitchers become more stretched out, hopefully that number continues to go up as well.
"I think it’s a really strong group," Senga said of the starting rotation. "As long as we stay healthy, stay out on the mound, we can be a stabilizing force for the team. That goes for everybody and myself. I don’t want to be the one lagging behind, I want to be up there with them."
Of course, after his incredible first half last season, Senga returned from a hamstring injury and had a dreadful end to the year. It became such a problem that New York sent him down to the minors to try and restore his stuff and his confidence.
The team even entertained trading the 33-year-old during the offseason but decided to keep the right-hander who then rewarded the Mets with a strong showing in spring training that has continued into the regular season.
It's obviously still very early into the season, but the signs are good for Senga and if he's able to keep it up he can certainly be a part of a Mets staff that has all the makings of a top rotation in baseball and be that stabilizing force that he was talking about.
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, left, kicks a pass by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026,...
SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry was triumphant in his long-awaited return to the court and, against all odds, nearly were the Warriors.
There was a renewed energy inside Chase Center on Sunday night, a buzz that had mostly been absent since Curry went out more than two months ago, that reached an apex in the final minute of 117-116 loss to Kevin Durant and the Rockets.
The defeat could have dealt a cold dose of reality on Curry’s big day, but instead it only emphasized what hadn’t been possible in the Warriors’ 27 games without him since Jan. 30.
Golden State trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half and was still behind by double digits with as little as 4:51 remaining. Curry scored eight of his team-best 29 points from then on.
Curry converted a driving layup to cut the Rockets’ lead to a 112-111 with 87 seconds to play, then one-upped himself by pulling up from 32 feet and draining an answer to Houston’s 3-point play on the other end. With 11 seconds left, Curry had the ball in his hands, down one.
He crossed over and pulled up from the top of the key. It wasn’t to be.
The return of Curry wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ defensive deficiencies. APCurry scored 29 points in 26 minutes. AP
But the performance was an encouraging sign for the Warriors’ prospects, given that Curry’s scoring total in 26 minutes off the bench trailed only Durant’s 31 that required 37 minutes.
The supporting cast that had gone 9-18 without Curry over the past two months didn’t do enough to pull out their first game with their north star back on the floor.
Kristaps Porzingis fouled out with more than 10 minutes left in the game, Brandin Podziemski scored only three of his 18 points in the second half, and the Warriors’ next-leading scorer, Gui Santos, was completely shut out after putting up 15 in the first half.
What it means
Curry looked like himself and finished the game in good health. For a Warriors team locked into the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, that’s all that really mattered.
Turning point
It was a two-point game at halftime, but Durant completed a four-point play on the Rockets’ first possession of the third quarter, and the Warriors spent the rest of the second half trying to get it back to that margin.
The foul on Durant came courtesy of Kristaps Porzingis, who went on to pick up three more within the first four minutes of the second half and fouled out for good with 10:13 to play.
Not only did Porzingis’ foul trouble keep the Warriors’ second-best player off the floor for most of the second half, it robbed coach Steve Kerr of valuable time to assess his pairing with Curry.
The duo’s limited action Sunday was their first time ever sharing the court, including in practice.
Porzingis’ foul trouble robbed Coach Steve Kerr of valuable time to assess his pairing with Curry. AP
MVP: Kevin Durant
Durant finished with eight rebounds and eight assists to go with a game-high 31 points. He drained his third 3-pointer of the night immediately after De’Anthony Melton sank a 3 that cut the Rockets’ lead to 109-107.
Golden State hosts the Lakers on Thursday. Curry will reportedly be limited to around 25 minutes. AP
Stat of the game: 55/44.8/84.2
The return of Curry wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ defensive deficiencies.
Golden State provided little resistance to the Rockets, who were only prevented from a vaunted 50/40/90 shooting split by missing one too many of their 19 free-throw attempts.
Up next
With four games left on the Warriors’ schedule, all that’s left to be determined is how much Curry will play leading into their No. 9/10 play-in matchup. Golden State hosts the Kings on Tuesday before LeBron James and the Lakers pay a visit Thursday for its final home contest of the regular season.
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Pearl River native Drew Fortescue and his homecoming for his debut provided one of the more feel-good moments of this lost 2025-26 season.
In the grand scheme of this evaluation period for the organization, however, the prospects who have been longing for their moment are making up for lost time with the Blueshirts. Each day is an opportunity for Matthew Robertson, Jaroslav Chmelar, Adam Sykora and Dylan Garand to finally work on carving their path at the NHL level — and they have each treated it as such.
After years stewing in the American Hockey League, the four have made notable impressions.
Sykora may be the most recent recall from the organization’s AHL affiliate, but the 21-year-old has arguably made the most lasting impression in the shortest amount of time. The 63rd overall pick in 2022 was in the midst of his third full season in Hartford when the Rangers called.
Adam Sykora #38 of the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in New York, NY. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
He has everyone rooting for him. No one’s demeanor has been more infectious.
His best buddy and Hartford roommate, Chmelar, has been in Hartford since making the jump from Providence College in 2023-24. Since the 144th overall pick in 2021 earned brief recalls in November and December, the 22-year-old has adjusted to the speed of the NHL and been much more effective in his fourth-line role.
It’s allowed Chmelar to position himself in the dangerous areas of the ice more, which has led to more offense. He earned the secondary assist on Sykora’s second-period score Sunday.
Between his 6-foot-4, 226-pound frame and his commitment to finishing checks, Chmelar hasn’t looked out of place on the ice.
Robertson has been with the Rangers since opening night, but he didn’t become a serviceable every-night defenseman until mid-November. The 2019 49th overall pick spent the previous four full seasons in Hartford without a call-up until the second-to-last game last season.
Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson #29 scores the game winning goal during the overtime. The New York Rangers defeat Boston Bruins 4-3. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Now, Robertson has appeared in 59 of the last 60 games. He’s even gotten top four minutes at times, logging the fifth-most ice time among all Rangers defensemen so far this season.
There’s no question Garand earned at least one more game after his first two NHL performances. He is 1-0-1 with a .954 save percentage and a 1.44 goals-against average.
The early numbers are encouraging, but head coach Mike Sullivan said he felt completely comfortable with Garand between the pipes just based on what he was seeing from the rookie netminder.
Selected 103rd overall in 2020, Garand made his Wolf Pack debut in 2020-21 and was in the midst of his fourth full AHL season at the time of his recall last month. The Rangers have continuously maintained third-string goalies over the years — such as Louis Domingue and Keith Kinkaid — that have filled in whenever Igor Shesterkin and/or whichever backup was injured.
Even this season, the Rangers signed Spencer Martin out of the Kontinental Hockey League in November. He appeared in six games for the Rangers this season amid injuries to Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick.
But it was finally time for Garand, who expressed just how much he’s been clamoring for the opportunity after his first win on March 27.
Dylan Garand #33 of the New York Rangers defends the net during the second period when the New York Rangers played the Winnipeg Jets. Robert Sabo for NY Post
While Noah Laba could be considered among the long-awaited prospects, the 111th pick in the 2022 draft essentially jumped from college to the NHL. He played 11 games for the Wolf Pack at the end of the 2024-25 campaign before making the Rangers lineup straight out of training camp.
In Sunday’s win, Laba was a goal shy of a Gordie Howe hat trick after notching an assist on Sykora’s goal and dropping the gloves with Washington’s Hendrix Lapierre.
Laba hasn’t spent extended time in the minor leagues like Robertson, Chmelar, Sykora and Garand have.
Those four have made the extended wait worthwhile.
Here's our rest-of-season Top 300. Expect this space to be updated every Monday. Players are ranked for 5x5 mixed leagues using a one-catcher format. I include the mixed-league disclaimer because I do reward upside, particularly past the top 200 or so.
⚾️ Baseball is back on NBC: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason and much more.
2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300 overall ranks
**Updated June 22**
June 22
Top 300
Team
Pos
Pos Rk
June 15
1
Yordan Alvarez
Astros
OF
1
3
2
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers
DH
1
2
3
Bobby Witt Jr.
Royals
SS
1
1
4
Juan Soto
Mets
OF
2
5
5
Julio Rodriguez
Mariners
OF
3
4
6
Tarik Skubal
Tigers
SP
1
6
7
Nick Kurtz
Athletics
1B
1
7
8
Corbin Carroll
Diamondbacks
OF
4
8
9
Elly De La Cruz
Reds
SS
2
10
10
Cristopher Sanchez
Phillies
SP
2
9
11
Kyle Schwarber
Phillies
DH
2
14
12
Pete Alonso
Orioles
1B
2
12
13
James Wood
Nationals
OF
5
15
14
Jackson Chourio
Brewers
OF
6
16
15
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Blue Jays
1B
3
11
16
Kyle Tucker
Dodgers
OF
7
13
17
Junior Caminero
Rays
3B
1
17
18
Paul Skenes
Pirates
SP
3
18
19
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Padres
2B
1
20
20
Bryce Harper
Phillies
1B
4
21
21
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Dodgers
SP
4
22
22
Zach Neto
Angels
SS
3
24
23
Gunnar Henderson
Orioles
SS
4
23
24
CJ Abrams
Nationals
SS
5
25
25
Jacob Misiorowski
Brewers
SP
5
29
26
Brice Turang
Brewers
2B
2
26
27
Logan Gilbert
Mariners
SP
6
27
28
Mason Miller
Padres
RP
1
28
29
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Cubs
OF
8
34
30
Sal Stewart
Reds
2B
3
32
31
Matt Olson
Braves
1B
5
33
32
Ketel Marte
Diamondbacks
2B
4
35
33
Michael Harris II
Braves
OF
9
30
34
Trea Turner
Phillies
SS
6
31
35
Freddie Freeman
Dodgers
1B
6
36
36
Cade Smith
Guardians
RP
2
39
37
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers
SP
7
37
38
Cody Bellinger
Yankees
OF
10
38
39
Francisco Lindor
Mets
SS
7
58
40
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Yankees
2B
5
40
41
Jordan Walker
Cardinals
OF
11
41
42
Bryan Woo
Mariners
SP
8
42
43
Chris Sale
Braves
SP
9
43
44
Ben Rice
Yankees
C
1
44
45
Ronald Acuna Jr.
Braves
OF
12
19
46
Zack Wheeler
Phillies
SP
10
45
47
Jhoan Duran
Phillies
RP
3
46
48
Joe Ryan
Twins
SP
11
47
49
Jacob deGrom
Rangers
SP
12
49
50
Cam Schlittler
Yankees
SP
13
59
51
Shea Langeliers
Athletics
C
2
48
52
Aroldis Chapman
Red Sox
RP
4
50
53
Gerrit Cole
Yankees
SP
14
52
54
Dylan Cease
Blue Jays
SP
15
54
55
Tyler Soderstrom
Athletics
1B
7
56
56
Austin Riley
Braves
3B
2
53
57
Jeremy Pena
Astros
SS
8
55
58
Josh Hader
Astros
RP
5
63
59
Bryce Miller
Mariners
SP
16
64
60
Jarren Duran
Red Sox
OF
13
57
61
Riley Greene
Tigers
OF
14
60
62
Ivan Herrera
Cardinals
C
3
62
63
Wyatt Langford
Rangers
OF
15
67
64
Cal Raleigh
Mariners
C
4
66
65
George Kirby
Mariners
SP
17
61
66
Byron Buxton
Twins
OF
16
71
67
Xavier Edwards
Marlins
SS
9
65
68
Logan Webb
Giants
SP
18
72
69
Andres Munoz
Mariners
RP
6
89
70
Bo Bichette
Mets
SS
10
70
71
Framber Valdez
Tigers
SP
19
68
72
Hunter Brown
Astros
SP
20
82
73
Seiya Suzuki
Cubs
OF
17
74
74
Alec Burleson
Cardinals
1B
8
73
75
Bryan Reynolds
Pirates
OF
18
85
76
Drew Rasmussen
Rays
SP
21
76
77
George Springer
Blue Jays
OF
19
77
78
Manny Machado
Padres
3B
3
75
79
Andy Pages
Dodgers
OF
20
69
80
Drake Baldwin
Braves
C
5
84
81
Nolan McLean
Mets
SP
22
79
82
Jackson Merrill
Padres
OF
21
80
83
Devin Williams
Mets
RP
7
81
84
Jose Ramirez
Guardians
3B
4
96
85
Maikel Garcia
Royals
3B
5
78
86
David Bednar
Yankees
RP
8
86
87
Josh Naylor
Mariners
1B
9
83
88
Jesus Luzardo
Phillies
SP
23
87
89
Yandy Diaz
Rays
1B
10
88
90
Chase Burns
Reds
SP
24
90
91
Corey Seager
Rangers
SS
11
107
92
Sonny Gray
Red Sox
SP
25
92
93
Louis Varland
Blue Jays
RP
9
94
94
Mike Trout
Angels
OF
22
51
95
Kevin Gausman
Blue Jays
SP
26
95
96
Nico Hoerner
Cubs
2B
6
93
97
Christian Yelich
Brewers
OF
23
97
98
Brent Rooker
Athletics
OF
24
99
99
Miguel Vargas
White Sox
3B
6
91
100
Willson Contreras
Red Sox
1B
11
98
101
Oneil Cruz
Pirates
OF
25
111
102
Jo Adell
Angels
OF
26
100
103
Kyle Stowers
Marlins
OF
27
105
104
Brandon Nimmo
Rangers
OF
28
101
105
Kyle Harrison
Brewers
SP
27
109
106
William Contreras
Brewers
C
6
102
107
Hunter Greene
Reds
SP
28
115
108
Rafael Devers
Giants
1B
12
103
109
Kevin McGonigle
Tigers
SS
12
108
110
Daylen Lile
Nationals
OF
29
106
111
Mookie Betts
Dodgers
SS
13
110
112
Ryan Helsley
Orioles
RP
10
112
113
Garrett Crochet
Red Sox
SP
29
117
114
Aaron Judge
Yankees
OF
30
125
115
JJ Wetherholt
Cardinals
SS
14
126
116
Geraldo Perdomo
Diamondbacks
SS
15
139
117
Raisel Iglesias
Braves
RP
11
114
118
Dylan Crews
Nationals
OF
31
131
119
Ranger Suarez
Red Sox
SP
30
119
120
Christian Walker
Astros
1B
13
118
121
Shane McClanahan
Rays
SP
31
113
122
Max Fried
Yankees
SP
32
129
123
Alex Bregman
Cubs
3B
7
120
124
Blake Snell
Dodgers
SP
33
127
125
Gavin Williams
Guardians
SP
34
121
126
Freddy Peralta
Mets
SP
35
116
127
Kyle Bradish
Orioles
SP
36
124
128
Ceddanne Rafaela
Red Sox
2B
7
122
129
Hunter Goodman
Rockies
C
7
128
130
Michael Busch
Cubs
1B
14
123
131
Carlos Rodon
Yankees
SP
37
134
132
Jose Altuve
Astros
2B
8
130
133
Shota Imanaga
Cubs
SP
38
137
134
Parker Messick
Guardians
SP
39
132
135
Trey Yesavage
Blue Jays
SP
40
133
136
Ian Happ
Cubs
OF
32
135
137
MacKenzie Gore
Rangers
SP
41
136
138
Teoscar Hernandez
Dodgers
OF
33
158
139
Alec Bohm
Phillies
3B
8
142
140
Konnor Griffin
Pirates
SS
16
148
141
Nathan Eovaldi
Rangers
SP
42
140
142
Wilyer Abreu
Red Sox
OF
34
141
143
Bryson Stott
Phillies
2B
9
146
144
Max Muncy
Dodgers
3B
9
145
145
Jonathan Aranda
Rays
1B
15
144
146
Spencer Steer
Reds
1B
16
138
147
Pete Fairbanks
Marlins
RP
12
155
148
Matt McLain
Reds
2B
10
149
149
Tanner Bibee
Guardians
SP
43
143
150
Munetaka Murakami
White Sox
3B
10
162
151
Brandon Marsh
Phillies
OF
35
150
152
Otto Lopez
Marlins
SS
17
151
153
Tommy Edman
Dodgers
2B
11
154
154
Brandon Woodruff
Brewers
SP
44
166
155
Kenley Jansen
Tigers
RP
13
160
156
Randy Arozarena
Mariners
OF
36
152
157
Jacob Wilson
Athletics
SS
18
157
158
Sandy Alcantara
Marlins
SP
45
167
159
Isaac Paredes
Astros
3B
11
165
160
Max Meyer
Marlins
SP
46
176
161
Daulton Varsho
Blue Jays
OF
37
194
162
Trevor Megill
Brewers
RP
14
147
163
Luis Arraez
Giants
2B
12
179
164
Travis Bazzana
Guardians
2B
13
173
165
Ben Brown
Cubs
SP
47
163
166
Jake Bauers
Brewers
1B
17
161
167
Braxton Ashcraft
Pirates
SP
48
164
168
Luke Keaschall
Twins
2B
14
172
169
Shane Bieber
Blue Jays
SP
49
180
170
Dansby Swanson
Cubs
SS
19
171
171
Kazuma Okamoto
Blue Jays
3B
12
175
172
Ozzie Albies
Braves
2B
15
182
173
Roman Anthony
Red Sox
OF
38
156
174
Payton Tolle
Red Sox
SP
50
170
175
Carson Benge
Mets
OF
39
188
176
Sam Antonacci
White Sox
2B
16
202
177
Colson Montgomery
White Sox
SS
20
184
178
Willy Adames
Giants
SS
21
174
179
Noelvi Marte
Reds
3B
13
169
180
Jung Hoo Lee
Giants
OF
40
181
181
Dillon Dingler
Tigers
C
8
185
182
Jackson Holliday
Orioles
2B
17
159
183
Luis Garcia Jr.
Nationals
2B
18
178
184
Michael King
Padres
SP
51
153
185
Eugenio Suarez
Reds
3B
14
168
186
Jakob Marsee
Marlins
OF
41
189
187
Jacob Latz
Rangers
RP
15
192
188
Chandler Simpson
Rays
OF
42
187
189
Josh Jung
Rangers
3B
15
186
190
Daniel Palencia
Cubs
RP
16
104
191
Taylor Ward
Orioles
OF
43
191
192
Bryan Baker
Rays
RP
17
195
193
Jose Soriano
Angels
SP
52
190
194
Xander Bogaerts
Padres
SS
22
193
195
Reid Detmers
Angels
SP
53
221
196
Paul Sewald
Diamondbacks
RP
18
198
197
Bryce Eldridge
Giants
1B
18
199
198
Eury Perez
Marlins
SP
54
NR
199
Jared Jones
Pirates
SP
55
183
200
Brandon Lowe
Pirates
2B
19
196
201
Gabriel Moreno
Diamondbacks
C
9
205
202
Garrett Mitchell
Brewers
OF
44
219
203
Blaze Jordan
Cardinals
1B
19
217
204
Ernie Clement
Blue Jays
SS
23
203
205
Bubba Chandler
Pirates
SP
56
202
206
Caleb Durbin
Red Sox
3B
16
213
207
Justin Wrobleski
Dodgers
SP
57
206
208
JJ Bleday
Reds
OF
45
207
209
Luis Robert Jr.
Mets
OF
46
211
210
Christian Scott
Mets
SP
58
237
211
Matt Chapman
Giants
3B
17
210
212
Cam Smith
Astros
OF
47
208
213
Riley O’Brien
Cardinals
RP
19
224
214
Tyler Glasnow
Dodgers
SP
59
177
215
Casey Schmitt
Giants
2B
20
223
216
Will Warren
Yankees
SP
60
214
217
Royce Lewis
Twins
3B
18
230
218
Salvador Perez
Royals
C
10
216
219
Emmet Sheehan
Dodgers
SP
61
209
220
Kerry Carpenter
Tigers
OF
48
218
221
Andrew Vaughn
Brewers
1B
20
222
222
Mickey Moniak
Rockies
OF
49
273
223
Josh Bell
Twins
1B
21
239
224
Ryan O’Hearn
Pirates
1B
22
225
225
Lars Nootbaar
Cardinals
OF
50
227
226
Jake Burger
Rangers
1B
23
228
227
Seranthony Dominguez
White Sox
RP
20
220
228
Trent Grisham
Yankees
OF
51
255
229
Jesus Sanchez
Blue Jays
OF
52
231
230
Steven Kwan
Guardians
OF
53
233
231
Matthew Boyd
Cubs
SP
62
246
232
Addison Barger
Blue Jays
3B
19
232
233
Caleb Kilian
Giants
RP
21
250
234
Jasson Dominguez
Yankees
OF
54
236
235
Dustin May
Cardinals
SP
63
290
236
Grant Taylor
White Sox
RP
22
234
237
Jac Caglianone
Royals
OF
55
275
238
Nick Martinez
Rays
SP
64
242
239
Nolan Schanuel
Angels
1B
24
249
240
TJ Rumfield
Rockies
1B
25
252
241
Edwin Diaz
Dodgers
RP
23
251
242
Ryan Weathers
Yankees
SP
65
244
243
Andres Gimenez
Blue Jays
SS
24
247
244
Kodai Senga
Mets
SP
66
235
245
Roki Sasaki
Dodgers
SP
67
262
246
Logan Henderson
Brewers
SP
68
261
247
Ezequiel Tovar
Rockies
SS
25
204
248
Emerson Hancock
Mariners
SP
69
229
249
Henry Bolte
Athletics
OF
56
263
250
Troy Melton
Tigers
SP
70
253
251
Tanner Scott
Dodgers
RP
24
248
252
Casey Mize
Tigers
SP
71
241
253
Gregory Soto
Pirates
RP
25
245
254
Nathaniel Lowe
Reds
1B
26
264
255
Brett Baty
Mets
2B
21
215
256
Masyn Winn
Cardinals
SS
26
259
257
Braden Montgomery
White Sox
OF
57
240
258
Spencer Torkelson
Tigers
1B
27
254
259
Brendan Donovan
Mariners
2B
22
271
260
A.J. Ewing
Mets
OF
58
266
261
Will Smith
Dodgers
C
11
267
262
Nick Lodolo
Reds
SP
72
238
263
Noah Cameron
Royals
SP
73
265
264
Jose Caballero
Yankees
SS
27
268
265
Adley Rutschman
Orioles
C
12
212
266
Shane Baz
Orioles
SP
74
256
267
Zack Gelof
Athletics
2B
23
NR
268
Cole Ragans
Royals
SP
75
258
269
Kody Clemens
Twins
2B
24
279
270
Spencer Horwitz
Pirates
1B
28
277
271
Curtis Mead
Nationals
3B
20
269
272
Gleyber Torres
Tigers
2B
25
200
273
Paul Goldschmidt
Yankees
1B
29
270
274
Heliot Ramos
Giants
OF
59
295
275
Colt Keith
Tigers
2B
26
298
276
Davis Martin
White Sox
SP
76
243
277
Abner Uribe
Brewers
RP
26
257
278
Chase DeLauter
Guardians
OF
60
226
279
Cole Carrigg
Rockies
OF
61
274
280
Samuel Basallo
Orioles
C
13
287
281
Jeff McNeil
Athletics
2B
27
280
282
Brayan Rocchio
Guardians
SS
28
282
283
Emilio Pagan
Reds
RP
27
297
284
Nolan Arenado
Diamondbacks
3B
21
284
285
Jake McCarthy
Rockies
OF
62
285
286
Marcus Semien
Mets
2B
28
286
287
Edward Cabrera
Cubs
SP
77
260
288
Clayton Beeter
Nationals
RP
28
NR
289
Sean Manaea
Mets
SP
78
NR
290
Gage Jump
Athletics
SP
79
299
291
Kyle Manzardo
Guardians
1B
30
NR
292
Dominic Canzone
Mariners
OF
63
NR
293
Bryce Elder
Braves
SP
80
272
294
Blaze Alexander
Orioles
SS
29
NR
295
Sal Frelick
Brewers
OF
64
283
296
Trevor Story
Red Sox
SS
30
NR
297
Michael Wacha
Royals
SP
81
289
298
Alex Lange
Royals
RP
29
300
299
Trevor Larnach
Twins
OF
65
NR
300
Lawrence Butler
Athletics
OF
66
NR
June 22 Notes
- Falling off: Jordan Lawlar (197th), Luke Raley (276th), River Ryan (278th), Angel Martínez (281st), Cedric Mullins (288th), David Hamilton (291st), Jack Leiter (292nd), Hogan Harris (293rd), Michael Soroka (294th), Heriberto Hernández (296th)
- With Bobby Witt Jr.'s leg issues becoming at least a little bit of a concern, there's a change in the top spot for the fourth straight week. Let's go with Yordan Alvarez, who is DHing the vast majority of the time and hopefully will get the chance to put in a completely full season for the first time at age 28.
- That Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is experiencing some back issues is a little scary, especially given his power outage. Still, as disappointing as he's been when it comes to hitting homers, his bat speed has held up just fine and he's pulling the ball in the air right at his career rate. I dropped him a few spots to No. 15, but I'm not panicking right now.
- One of the fun things about trying to rank players is you have the A's saying Brent Rooker, who was placed on the IL retroactive to June 9, should be back from the bone bruise in his left knee when first eligible and then just never mentioning him again, even though he was eligible to return on Friday. So, he essentially stays put at No. 98 for now, though the Joey Meneses callup on Sunday didn't seem like a great sign. Lawrence Butler has capitalized on Rooker's absence and is regained a spot at the bottom of the top 300, but the outfield will get crowded again once Rooker returns as the DH.
- For the last year or so now, I've thought the Rockies should send Ezequiel Tovar to Triple-A for a spell just to try to somehow motivate him and get him to stop swinging at everything. He's been just as hacktastic as ever this year, swinging at a league-high 61 percent of the pitches he sees, but the results have been worse than ever; he's hitting .213/.259/.327 with his weakest exit velocity numbers to date. His defensive numbers are also worse than usual. The kid who hit .269 with 26 homers and 45 doubles as a 22-year-old in 2024 is probably in there somewhere. Still, I dropped him to No. 247 this week.
- Spencer Arrighetti just missed the cut this week, but I seriously considered adding him for the first time. Giving up three homers to the Guardians on Saturday left him with a 6.50 ERA in his last three starts, but those outings have come with a 29 percent strikeout rate and a 3.34 xERA. He had a 1.94 ERA and gave up a total of three homers in his first nine starts, but since those came with a 21 percent strikeout rate, a 12 percent walk rate and a 5.06 xERA, I've had a hard time thinking of him as a reliable option.
June 15 Notes
- Falling off: Vinnie Pasquantino (119th), Spencer Strider (153rd), Adolis García (200th), Evan Carter (227th), Kris Bubic (246th), Ryan Waldschmidt (269th), Taj Bradley (270th), Mark Veintos (273rd), Randy Vásquez (287th), Tatsuya Imai (288th), Anthony Volpe (296th), Keaton Winn (298th), Jacob Gonzalez (300th)
- Bobby Witt Jr. returns to the top spot this week after being dropped to third because of some uncertainty about his knee last Monday. With injuries still wreaking havoc, Cristopher Sánchez has jumped into the top 10 for first time, while Elly De La Cruz moves back up to 10th as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury.
- Austin Riley opened the year 34th on the list. I'm placing him 53rd now, which I'm sure most believe is still overly optimistic. His strikeout rate, which was 24.6 percent from 2020-24, is 28.4 percent now after coming in at 28.6 percent last year. His exit velocity numbers are down some, too, though his bat speed has held up just fine. That his barrel and hard-hit rates held up so well even as his numbers declined in 2024 and '25 was the biggest reason I hadn't soured on him coming into this year. Right now, though, his barrel rate is at 10 percent and his hard-hit rate is at 44 percent, compared to 15 percent and 50 percent last year, and he's again underachieving versus his Statcast numbers, with a .348 SLG versus a .387 xSLG. Since the beginning of 2024, he has a .422 SLG and a .472 xSLG. He's still pulling flyballs at a decent clip. He really ought to be better than this, even if his ceiling has gotten lower. It just feels like that even if he's not going to help in batting average any longer, someone with 90th-percentile bat speed and his skills has to go on a homer binge at some point.
- I'll trust José Ramírez's powers of recovery and keep him in the top 100 in spite of the broken hamate bone he suffered Saturday. Hitting .239/.339/.418, Ramírez was in the midst of his worst offensive season since 2015, but it seemed like there was quite a bit of bad luck involved. Ramírez has an incredible history of overperforming his Statcast numbers, but that wasn't the case this year. He actually had a career-high 43.4 percent hard-hit rate at the time of the injury. His .355 xwOBA was his best mark since 2023 and above his career average of .347.
- I never felt the need to put Brayan Rocchio on the list in spite of his fine performance as the Guardians' No. 9 hitter. However, since it looks like he'll be batting higher in Ramírez's absence (he hit second against a lefty on Sunday), he makes the cut at No. 282 this week.
- Cardinals callup Blaze Jordan is this week's high debut at No. 217. That he showed improved power and collected 31 extra-base hits in 57 games while still maintaining at 11.5 percent strikeout rate in Triple-A was encouraging. I'm not sure he'll prove playable at third, but the bat seems major league quality, even though he hits too many groundballs.
- Six homers in 23 major league games for Colt Emerson is quite impressive, but it's pretty amusing just how little Statcast thinks of his start. He's currently batting .237 and slugging .566, but Statcast gives him a .159 xBA and a .271 xSLG. He has just three barrels and more hits (18) than hard-hit balls (15) so far. He's also not doing any running, so I'm continuing to leave him off the list for now.
