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Stevens outlines steps Tatum must take before returning from injury

Stevens outlines steps Tatum must take before returning from injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics remain cautiously optimistic about Jayson Tatum’s possible return this season from his Achilles injury.

As great as Tatum has looked in workouts, it would be reckless for the Celtics to rush their superstar back into the lineup when he isn’t 100 percent recovered from the Achilles tear he suffered in May. But what exactly does “100 percent” look like?

C’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens shared some insight while speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

“There’s strength thresholds he has to meet. And then after that, several weeks of progressions from the standpoints of scripted against small groups, scripted against bigger groups, scripted in 5-on-5, unscripted random, all the way up through those,” Stevens said

“But it’s a long progression, and it’s almost like once you hit the strength, then you do your thresholds of a progression of play. And then you’re also re-conditioning to play real minutes, whatever that looks like. He’s obviously made great strides. Right now, we’re still focused on the full strength gain.”

While it’s still unclear when or if Tatum will return this season, Stevens pointed out a key detail that should keep C’s fans feeling hopeful.

“We’re not putting a timeline on it as we haven’t the whole time,” Stevens said of Tatum’s potential return. “One of the things that everybody can see is we didn’t apply for a DPE (Disabled Player Exception) this year, which was a conscious decision for a lot of reasons. But the reality is, he’s not gonna be back until he’s 110 percent healthy and he feels good about it.

“Obviously, he’s itching to play. Obviously, he hates watching. But he’s also — I don’t wanna speak for him — but very cognizant of the need to meet every threshold, and why there are those things that are put in place.”

The DPE allows teams to replace a player who is deemed likely to be out for the season with another player via trade or free agency, providing financial flexibility. The Celtics forgoing this option at least indicates they feel good about Tatum’s recovery progress.

Judging by Tatum’s recent workout videos, it’s easy to understand why. The six-time All-Star looked shockingly spry in 1-on-1s, leading many to believe he could return sooner than anticipated.

In the meantime, Jaylen Brown will continue to embrace his role as the team’s No. 1 option. Brown has stepped up admirably in Tatum’s absence, averaging 29.3 points per game on 50 percent shooting in 25 games.

“He’s been great,” Stevens said of Brown. “I’m so impressed with not only the attack and how they’re playing, and Jaylen specifically, but also just the mindset, the patience with helping grow younger people.”

Brown and the Celtics will look to snap out of a two-game skid when they host the Miami Heat on Friday.

You can watch Stevens’ press conference in its entirety below:

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Biggest Takeaway From Bo Horvat-Less Islanders

The New York Islanders are 1-1-0 without Bo Horvat over the last two games. Despite two different results, there's been a common theme.

In both games, the Islanders deviated from the style that's led to their success this season, reverting to Barry Trotz's style of securing points. 

On Saturday night, the Islanders went up 2-0 early and tried to play a more grindy style to get the two points. 

Ultimately, they allowed the Tampa Bay Lightning to build momentum, come back, and recover for a 3-2 shootout win. 

The Islanders were held to just one shot in the second period, allowing 17 before being outshot 8-6 in the third period. 

When in doubt, it was flip into the neutral zone and out, which kept Tampa on the attack and the Islanders on their heels. 

Sorokin's brilliancy is what allowed the Islanders two points. 

The Islanders owned a Corsi For % of 47.22. 

However, on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings, the Islanders couldn't win playing that way and fell 3-2. 

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

After going up 1-0 in the first period courtesy of Emil Heineman, the Islanders tried to get puck deeps and get the forecheck going -- but to no avail -- not consistently at least. 

They weren't winning puck battles, and their struggles to take away time and space in the neutral zone let the Red Wings generate chances off the rush, which helped Detroit get on the board. 

The Islanders allowed two power-play goals, only one at 5-on-5, but they just weren't generating enough when the puck was on their sticks. The latter of the two power-play goals came with 2:17 to play in the third. 

The Islanders owned a Corsi For % of 44.66.

There's a reason the Islanders have been held to 18 or fewer shots this season, compared to the 29.3 shots per game they averaged over the previous 32 seasons. 

The Islanders 939 shots are fifth in the NHL. 

With Horvat's 200-foot game out of the lineup, it's understandable why the Islanders may be tweaking how they're playing. He's a huge loss.

It's a major test, but this group has overcome obstacles all season and found a way to get into rhythms. It's been a tough first two games.

It's been a season of players taking advantage of opportunities, so the question is, who will rise up and take advantage of their newfound minutes? Who will play the leading role in helping the team keep their foot on the gas when the light turns yellow, not slow down to play it safe? 

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Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Injury Report: Calf injuries sideline Evan Mobley, Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis

After Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton all saw their postseason runs end prematurely due to Achilles tendon ruptures, there has been a rash of calf injuries during the season's first two months. The Cavaliers (Evan Mobley) and Lakers (Austin Reaves) entered Week 9 down key players due to calf strains, and the Mavericks were without Anthony Davis for Monday's loss to the Jazz due to a calf contusion. The Week 9 injury report is a robust one, but there may be some key returns in the near future. Let's look at some of the impactful injuries heading into the second half of Week 9.

G Trae Young and C Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks

Regarding Young, he appears to be in a good place recovery-wise, as he was assigned to the Hawks' G League affiliate on December 16. No one's expecting to see him play in any G League games, of course, but the point guard can get in some actual practice time that may not be available with the NBA team. Young's availability affects multiple Hawks, starting with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (48 percent rostered, Yahoo!). He has been the replacement in the starting lineup and should play enough to merit being rostered after Young is cleared to return. Also affected are Jalen Johnson (100 percent) and Dyson Daniels (98 percent), whose respective usage numbers are likely to decrease upon Ice Trae's return.

Porziņģis' outlook is far more concerning, as he'll be shut down for at least two weeks. He's dealing with an illness that also limited him down the stretch last season, and it's unknown exactly when KP will be able to resume playing. Onyeka Okongwu (87 percent) is already rostered in most leagues, and he'll continue to serve as the starting center. While Mouhamed Gueye (one percent) and Asa Newell (less than one percent) can also pick up minutes as the Hawks look to compensate for Porziņģis' absence, neither is worth the risk in redraft leagues.

F Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics

Hauser sprained his left ankle during Monday's loss to the Pistons and did not return despite the Celtics announcing during the game that he was questionable to return. His absence resulted in more minutes for Hugo González (less than one percent) and Baylor Scheierman (less than one percent), but their playing time was also influenced by starter Jordan Walsh (27 percent) getting into foul trouble. If Hauser misses time, Walsh may benefit the most; we'll see if he can get to a point where he's worth considering in more 12-team formats.

G LaMelo Ball and G Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets

Ball has missed Charlotte's last three games, while Sexton has been absent for the previous four. Obviously, the former's availability is more impactful in fantasy basketball circles since he's the starting point guard. With these two and Tre Mann sidelined, the Hornets have relied on KJ Simpson (one percent) to fill the void in the starting lineup, but his production has not been good enough to merit streaming.

There have also been more playmaking opportunities for Kon Knueppel (52 percent) and Miles Bridges (98 percent), raising the ceilings of both players. Based on his rostered percentage, Knueppel should be available in some 12-team leagues. It's time to change that, even after Ball is cleared to return.

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks
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G Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls

Dosunmu has missed three of Chicago's last four games with a sprained right thumb. However, he is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers and participated in Tuesday's practice. If he can return on Wednesday, that may lead to Dalen Terry (less than one percent) falling out of the rotation entirely. That won't affect fantasy basketball. Tre Jones (17 percent) and Kevin Huerter (eight percent) would also take hits to their minutes, with both being risky plays when the Bulls' perimeter rotation is whole.

F/C Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Diagnosed with a strained left calf after Friday's win over the Wizards, Mobley is expected to be out for two to four weeks. His absence coincided with the return of Jarrett Allen (93 percent), who does not offer a similar fantasy ceiling but may be able to benefit from being the lone big man on the court for more extended periods. Dean Wade (four percent) started Sunday's loss to the Hornets, but Jaylon Tyson (28 percent) is the superior option for fantasy managers seeking a Cavalier who has forward eligibility. Despite coming off the bench, Tyson played 35 of a possible 53 minutes in the overtime loss to Charlotte and recorded a double-double.

F/C Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Due to a left calf contusion, Davis did not play in Monday's overtime loss to the Jazz. Daniel Gafford (16 percent) started after missing three games with a right ankle injury that first became an issue during the first week of training camp. Under a minutes restriction, he only played 13 minutes on Monday, with Dwight Powell (less than one percent) logging 24 and Moussa Cissé (less than one percent) 13 off the bench. If anything, an extended absence for Davis would make Naji Marshall (16 percent) a player worth considering in 12-team leagues. Gafford can't be of much use until his minutes restriction is lifted.

F Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets

Watson, who has filled in admirably with Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon sidelined, exited Monday's win over the Rockets after suffering a trunk contusion during the first half. He was kneed in the hip/rib area and is still dealing with some pain, but the good news is that there wasn't any structural damage. If he has to miss time, Tim Hardaway Jr. (seven percent) would be worth a look, as he was Watson's replacement in the lineup to begin the second half.

F Tari Eason, Houston Rockets

Eason has been out since November 14 with a strained oblique muscle, but he was initially questionable for Monday's loss to the Nuggets. As evidenced by his play in past seasons, the forward can be highly valuable in category leagues when healthy. Starter Jabari Smith Jr. (46 percent) may have a lower ceiling once Eason is cleared to play, but the forward's floor should be fine.

F Derrick Jones Jr., LA Clippers

Jones has not appeared in a game since November 16, and a return to action may not be far away. As recently as this past weekend, he was able to do some 1-on-1 and 3-on-3 work in practices, and Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said that "Airplane Mode" is ahead of schedule in his recovery. At the time of his injury, Jones was ruled out for at least six weeks. Given how poorly the Clippers have played, they can certainly use his services. John Collins (76 percent) has been his replacement in the starting lineup, but his production has underwhelmed. Even with the move into the starting lineup, he's probably rostered in too many fantasy leagues.

G Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Last week, Reaves joined the unfortunate list of players sidelined by calf strains, and he's due to be re-evaluated toward the end of this week. Sunday's win over Phoenix was the first game the Lakers played after losing Reaves, and he was replaced in the starting lineup by Marcus Smart (nine percent). In 32 minutes, he accounted for eight points, four rebounds, six assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer, shooting 2-of-7 from the field. While Smart isn't going to be a consistent provider of points, he can have some value in deeper leagues for those needing assists or defensive stats.

G Ja Morant and C Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

On December 11, the Grizzlies announced that Edey will be out for at least four weeks with a stress reaction in his left ankle. That's the same ankle that was operated on during the offseason, which is a concern. While Jock Landale (13 percent) was the choice to fill the void left by the 7-foot-4 center when the season began, Santi Aldama (45 percent) has received the nod in the last two games. After an excellent 22-point effort in a December 12 loss to the Jazz, Aldama had a rough night in Monday's win over the Clippers. He's the preferred streaming option, especially if the Grizzlies continue to start him over Landale.

Someone else to watch is Jaren Jackson Jr. (98 percent), who had arguably his best game of the season on Monday. His slow start to the season left some fantasy managers frustrated, so seeing JJJ go for 31 points and five blocked shots on Monday was excellent. However, it would be nice to get more production out of Jackson in the rebounds category. His average of 5.0 per game is Jackson's lowest since the 2019-20 season (4.6 rpg).

As for Morant, he sprained his left ankle late in Monday's victory, which was his second game back from a strained right calf that sidelined him for nearly a month. He's considered questionable for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. Vince Williams Jr. (four percent) was the replacement in the starting lineup when Morant's calf injury kept him on the bench. While he did provide solid assist and steals numbers, Williams' streaming value was low due to his poor shooting. Cam Spencer (25 percent) was the superior fantasy option, but he is away from the team for personal reasons and will not play on Wednesday.

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G Tyler Herro and F Nikola Jović, Miami Heat

Herro's toe injury flared up just before Monday's loss to the Raptors, forcing the Heat to scratch him from the lineup. Simone Fontecchio (two percent) was moved into the starting lineup and finished with three points, four rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer in 25 minutes. While Jaime Jaquez Jr. (39 percent) has seen his fantasy value decrease in recent weeks, he played 30 minutes off the bench and is the superior streaming option if Herro has to miss time. Miami visits the Nets on Thursday.

Unfortunately, one of the players who was bound to see more minutes in Herro's absence was injured during the first quarter of Monday's game. Jović appeared to suffer a serious right arm injury, landing hard after being fouled by Toronto's Collin Murray-Boyles on a dunk attempt. However, X-rays on the arm came back negative, and an MRI performed on Tuesday provided more good news. Jović has been diagnosed with a right elbow laceration and contusion, and he's considered day-to-day. His fantasy value has been low, but injuries to Herro and Pelle Larsson have the potential to free up minutes for him in the short term.

G AJ Green, Milwaukee Bucks

Already without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have played their last three games without Green, who has a sprained left AC joint. Kyle Kuzma (22 percent) replaced him in the starting lineup, posting averages of 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.7 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes. Kuzma hasn't always been the most reliable fantasy option, but he would be worth streaming if Green continues to miss time.

G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards has missed the last two games with a sore right foot, and he's considered questionable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies for injury maintenance reasons. Bones Hyland (one percent) was the replacement in the starting lineup, as the Timberwolves have also been without Mike Conley (one percent) due to right Achilles tendinopathy. Limited to four minutes in Friday's win over the Warriors due to a knee contusion, Hyland accounted for 18 points, three rebounds, five assists, one block and one three-pointer in 36 minutes in Sunday's win over the Kings. Trusting Hyland to be consistently productive can be a fool's errand, but he'll have the opportunity to play heavy minutes if Edwards has to miss another game.

G Miles McBride, New York Knicks

McBride has been sidelined since spraining his left ankle during a December 7 win over the Magic. He should be re-evaluated later this week, but that does not mean that he'll be available for any of the Knicks' three games to close Week 9. With the team having won the NBA Cup on Tuesday, Thursday's game against the Pacers could get tricky from an availability standpoint, especially with the Knicks also playing on Friday and Sunday. Jordan Clarkson (four percent), Tyler Kolek (less than one percent) and Guerschon Yabusele (less than one percent) could be thrust into expanded roles due to the team's crowded schedule to end the week.

G Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

Suggs had to leave Saturday's NBA Cup semifinal loss to the Knicks with a left hip contusion, and it was reported on Monday that the length of his absence will depend on how his hip responds to treatment. Anthony Black (28 percent) was already in the starting lineup due to Franz Wagner's absence, and he'll take on an even more prominent role within the Magic rotation. He's worth picking up in 14-team leagues, and some 12-team leagues as well.

Regarding the void in the starting lineup if Suggs isn't ready to go Thursday against the Nuggets, Tristan da Silva (four percent) could be the choice. He started ten games earlier this season when the Magic were without Paolo Banchero, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.9 three-pointers in 26.7 minutes. If promoted back into the starting five, da Silva would be worth a look in deeper leagues.

G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

Maxey has missed the 76ers' last two games due to illness, with Quentin Grimes (40 percent) replacing him in the starting lineup. Already worth rostering in 14-team leagues, Grimes has some 12-team value when allowed to start. Maxey's absence also meant more time on the ball for VJ Edgecombe (60 percent) and Paul George (91 percent). With the 76ers' two Week 9 games on Thursday and Friday, availability could be an issue, especially for Maxey, George and Joel Embiid. Grimes, Edgecombe and Andre Drummond (17 percent) will have added value, especially with the George and Embiid yet to play both games of a back-to-back this season.

G Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings

LaVine exited Sunday's loss to the Timberwolves with a sprained left ankle and will be re-evaluated in one week. Given the timeline, he'll miss at least three more games. Nique Clifford (one percent) started the December 11 loss to the Nuggets for LaVine and offered little value, accounting for two points and four rebounds in 28 minutes. While there could come a point later in the season when the rookie is worth rostering, now is not the time. Malik Monk (23 percent) is the safest streaming option, especially with Keon Ellis' (two percent) inconsistent role within Doug Christie's rotation.

F RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors

Barrett last appeared in a game on November 23, with a sprained right knee sidelining him for Toronto's last ten contests. However, it was announced on Monday that he will begin "return-to-play" activities this week, so a return may not be too far away. Ja'Kobe Walter (one percent) was Barrett's replacement on most nights until Ochai Agbaji (one percent) stepped in for the last two games. Jamal Shead (eight percent) has provided superior value, even with Immanuel Quickley firmly entrenched as the starting point guard. Since November 24, he's the only one of these three providing top-200 value. That isn't good, but Shead should be the choice for those desperate for a fill-in with guard eligibility.

C Alex Sarr and F Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards

Sarr has not appeared in a game since November 28, missing Washington's last six games with a strained right adductor. Marvin Bagley (19 percent) has provided 11th-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats as Sarr's replacement in the starting lineup. While Tristan Vukčević (two percent) has enjoyed moments of success off the bench, there isn't much to gain from streaming him since Bagley is averaging nearly 28 minutes per game as the starter.

Middleton has missed Washington's last three games due to a sore right knee, leading to Justin Champagnie (eight percent) moving into the starting lineup. Since November 28, Champagnie is the lone Wizards player providing top-100 fantasy value. The issue is that he's doing this in 21.1 minutes per game, which leaves little margin for error. Rookies Jamir Watkins (less than one percent) and Will Riley (less than one percent) have averaged at least 19.6 minutes per game since November 28, and Tre Johnson (four percent) is also playing rotation minutes when healthy. There isn't one player to lock in on as a streaming option if Middleton continues to miss time, but it's a competition worth tracking with an eye toward the "silly season."

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The Knicks have a trophy and Wembanyama has a chip on his shoulder: Five NBA Cup takeaways

The New York Knicks won the third NBA Cup over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Photograph: Ian Maule/AP

The Knicks are the East’s team to beat

Related: In-form Knicks surge past Spurs to win NBA Cup for first trophy since 1973

After toppling the defending champion Boston Celtics in a shocking upset in the Eastern Conference semi-finals this spring, The New York Knicks immediately became the favorites to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers, a team that will no doubt go down as having one of the most compelling Cinderella stories in modern NBA history, had other plans.

But this year, the East is more open than ever (though Knicks guard Jalen Brunson insists he’s “not a fan” of the narrative of a wide open conference). The Detroit Pistons have made a remarkable turnaround from being at the bottom of the East standings a few years ago to the top of them, but the Knicks’ showing in Cup play, ultimately hoisting the trophy in the third year of the contest, has shown what many believed heading into this season: they’re the team to beat.

Brunson continues to be every bit the superstar his franchise needs, Mikal Bridges is having a fantastic season, and (knocks on wood) they’re as healthy as they’ve been in ages. New head coach Mike Brown appears to be just the breath of fresh air the doctor ordered after things had gotten stale with Tom Thibodeau, getting more creative with the offense and going deeper with rotations, and the NBA Cup champion Knicks will certainly be heard from come April.

F your dynasty

The stage was set for Oklahoma City this weekend: on a tear, bulldozing every team in the league, and practically yawning their way to a 24-1 record, they were poised to make that 25-1 on Saturday night in the NBA Cup semif-inals.

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs had other plans. Wembanyama, the 7ft 5in french wunderkind who possesses an all too rare combination of zenmaster off-court tendencies with a healthy dose of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan-esque psycho on the hardwood, clearly took being a heavy underdog personally heading into Saturday’s semi-final matchup. The game marked his first appearance in several weeks due to a calf strain, and the Spurs, presumably due to Wembanyama’s minutes restriction, sat him out the entire first quarter.

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The difference in the entire Spurs team as soon as Wembanyama checked into the game was staggering: it wasn’t just the renewed clarity of the offense, his unmatched defensive skill set, or his looming presence in the paint, which clearly spooked any Oklahoma player who dared to venture beyond the free throw line. It was the confidence: palpable, notable, and coursing throughout the entire Spurs roster. I remarked to the colleague sitting next to me during the contest that it felt like someone’s older brother had shown up to a fight at recess: suddenly chests were puffed out.

There was a moment in the second quarter of the Cup Championship where Wembanyama blocked four or five Knicks shot attempts at the rim in a row, and didn’t appear to even really break a sweat in the process. It’s hard to put a finger on what it is when it comes to the next face of the league, the next NBA superstar to carry the sport into the future. But whatever itis, Wembanyama has it in spades. It’s hard not to think about “greatest of all time” potential for the Frenchman if his body can cooperate, potential south-of-the-Mason-Dixon-line dynasties be damned.

The rise of the Cup

Although it has been met with mixed reactions from fans and NBA players alike (and evoked plenty of confusion from both), the NBA Cup is clearly starting to find its stride. I mentioned in my takeaways from this event last year that it inevitably takes time for something like this to matter. Gravity doesn’t form overnight, and while the merits of throwing a wrench into the rhythm of the NBA regular season are debatable, the event is clearly starting to carry some level of gravitas and cache: the proof is in the highly competitive games all weekend long. There were bodies colliding while diving for loose balls, roughly a million offensive rebounds, and nary a blowout. It took a couple of years (and a hefty investment from Amazon) but the cup is here to stay.

The Oklahoma City avalanche

While the formidable freight train that is the 2025-2026 Oklahoma City Thunder was eliminated in a nailbiter against l’étranger and company in the Cup semi-finals, the loss only sent them to a still-staggering 24-2 on the season: and much of that record was accomplished with their second option, Jalen Williams, cheering on the bench with a wrist injury.

There were plenty of flashes throughout the game that showed why they are still, NBA Cup champion-lessness notwithstanding, in a class completely their own in the league. For starters, the nearly un-guardable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to be well on his way to a second consecutive league MVP award (and, potentially, a second consecutive Finals MVP, too). His whole offensive skill set was on full display in the Cup semi, from the gasp-inducing craftiness and control, to the slinky smooth footwork, to, yes, the foul grifting (one can hardly blame him when he’s so damned effective at it).

Related: Cooper Flagg sets NBA record for points by an 18-year-old, besting LeBron James

But the Thunder’s most impressive characteristic was their defense. It was, as always, swarming and overwhelming, tireless. I can’t imagine how demoralizing it must be to be on the receiving end of a flurry of steals and forced turnovers, looking up at a scoreboard that broadcasted a single digit deficit mere moments before, only to watch it swell to 12 or 13 in the blink of an eye. Oklahoma City is relentless: they keep coming, and they come in tidal waves. Just when you think it’s safe to go back in the water … the tenacious Thunder prove why you simply cannot catch your breath around them. Wembanyama and the Spurs certainly pulled off an impressive upset on Saturday night, but make no mistake: the Thunder should still strike the fear of God in every team.

Honorable mention: Keep an eye on the Magic

I couldn’t wrap up the weekend in Vegas without a quick shout out to the Orlando Magic, who are starting to really round into form as a formidable Eastern Conference dark horse. They had a gritty, impressive showing in the Cup semis, and Desmond Bane is finally starting to look worth the haul of draft picks he commanded.

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NHL Rumors: Flyers Center Makes New Trade Board

Philadelphia Flyers forward Christian Dvorak was among the 32 players featured on NHL insider Chris Johnston's latest trade board for The Athletic.

The Flyers center was given the No. 29 spot on Johnston's list. 

"Dvorak has had a nice start to his tenure in Philadelphia, where he signed a one-year contract as a free agent in July. That makes him a deadline asset for the Flyers to flip if they again become sellers," Johnston wrote.

There is no question that Dvorak has proven to be a solid pickup for the Flyers early. In 32 games so far this season, he has recorded seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points, and a plus-10 rating. With numbers like these, he has found himself a spot in the Flyers' top six.

If the Flyers were to shop Dvorak this season, there would likely be a good amount of interest in him given how good he has played this season. This is especially so with the trade market for centers not being the strongest right now. 

Yet, for the Flyers to actually end up being sellers and trade Dvorak, a lot would need to go wrong with their season from here. Right now, the Flyers have been one of the NHL's biggest surprises, as they have a 17-9-6 record and are third in the Metropolitan Division standings. If they continue to play this well as the season rolls on, they will very likely keep Dvorak around for the playoffs. 

Furthermore, given how well Dvorak has fit in, the possibility of him getting a contract extension later this season should not be ruled out. With Dvorak signing a one-year contract this summer with the Flyers, he is not eligible to sign an extension with Philadelphia until January. Once the new month is here, that could be something to keep an eye on.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what happens between the Flyers and Dvorak from here. 

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Steve Kerr reveals why standout rookie Will Richard isn't in Warriors' rotation

Steve Kerr reveals why standout rookie Will Richard isn't in Warriors' rotation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors’ rotation has been erratic in the first half of the 2025-26 NBA season, and a 13-14 record only brings more questions to how coach Steve Kerr is using his players.

Draymond Green was back in Golden State’s starting lineup for its 136-131 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday after a foot injury/excused absence, but his return was overshadowed by Stephen Curry’s historic 48-point performance. Will Richard, Jonathan Kuminga, and Seth Curry did not see any action on the court.

It was Richard’s second consecutive game without any minutes, and Kerr on Tuesday explained his decision to keep the rookie guard out of the rotation on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” show.

“Right now, frankly, he’s sitting because he’s a rookie and I’m honoring what the older guys have done over the years,” Kerr said. “I think that’s good for chemistry, I think this is kind of how it goes.”

The 22-year-old has averaged 8.0 points per game in 23 of 27 contests played so far and brings a youthful burst of energy to an otherwise aging core.

“It’s been tough not playing him because I’m a huge fan and a believer,” Kerr said. “He offers us stability and decision-making, good shooting, so he’s just got to stay with it.”

Kerr emphasized relying on veteran expertise now that the team has fallen below .500 and acknowledged that Richard has what it takes to be a starter possibly later in the season.

“Guys have to earn their stripes,” he noted. “You give everybody a fair look, and you continue on through the season so he could very easily find himself back in the rotation. He’s obviously a good-enough player.”

Kerr mentioned how he relayed that to Richard during Wednesday’s press conference at Chase Center.

Richard started four of the five games Curry missed with a quad injury and averaged 5.2 points in 22.0 minutes per game in that span. Since Curry returned to action on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kerr reiterated he only can shape so many lineup combinations around the 37-year-old star point guard.

“There are times where you can only play 10 or 11, three or four guys are out of the loop, right now it’s Jonathan, it’s Will, Gary Payton’s barely played the last couple games,” Kerr concluded.

The Warriors are set to face the Phoenix Suns twice in three days starting Thursday night at Chase Center. Yet, the question looms whether Kerr will have the same players start for each matchup.

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NHL Rumors: 2 Blackhawks On New Trade Board

NHL insider Chris Johnston has made his latest trade board for The Athletic, and it featured two Chicago Blackhawks: defenseman Connor Murphy and goaltender Laurent Brossoit.

Seeing Murphy make Johnston's trade board is not necessarily surprising. The veteran blueliner is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), and the Blackhawks have a ton of young promising defensemen in their system. Due to this, it certainly is possible that the Blackhawks could shop Murphy as we inch closer to the trade deadline. 

Murphy should generate interest from contenders, as he is a big right-shot defenseman with who is reliable and has plenty of experience. In 33 games this season, Murphy has posted three assists, 29 hits, and 46 blocks. 

As for Brossoit, it is no secret that the Blackhawks have been working to find him a new home. The veteran goaltender recently cleared waivers, but Johnston noted that Brossoit still could generate trade interest, especially if the Blackhawks are willing to retain some of his $3.3 million salary. In three games this season with the Rockford IceHogs, he has posted a 2-1-0 record, a .900 save percentage, and a 3.39 goals-against average. 

Brossoit could be a nice pickup for a team that needs help at the backup position if he stays healthy. 

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Draymond Green addresses owner Joe Lacob's email to disgruntled Warriors fan

Draymond Green addresses owner Joe Lacob's email to disgruntled Warriors fan originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Joe Lacob’s viral email response to a Warriors fan has become a momentous part of the team’s lackluster season so far. 

Will it spark a big personnel change? Should anyone in the organization be concerned? 

Draymond Green is not; he explained on his podcast “The Draymond Green Show.” The strong response from Golden State’s owner is nothing out of the ordinary to Green. 

“Joe is passionate as hell. You’re either going to love his passion or hate it,” Green noted. “Whether you love his passion or whether you hate it, the one thing you do know is the most important thing to Joe — and you’ll understand that at every step of the way — is winning… 

“… If you’re not winning, he’s pissed, and that’s just how Joe rolls.” 

Green chalks up the seemingly angry and earth-shattering response to Lacob’s passion. That same passion has fueled the Warriors’ success during his ownership, according to Green. 

“That’s who he is. That’s a large part of the reason this organization became winners; because you’re run by a winner,” Green explained. “So, it is what it is. No one from our organization is cracking from it. 

Just as coach Steve Kerr told reporters Tuesday, Green does not see Lacob’s response as a big deal.  

“When you’ve worked so long with someone, you know how they are; you know what makes them tick; you know what pisses them off,” Green said. “I don’t think any of us are sitting there like, ‘Oh, Joe said this.’ Like, quite honestly, Joe will say these things to your face, and that’s just who he is.” 

If what Green says is true, the locker room probably already has heard, in-person, some variation of what Lacob wrote in that e-mail. 

Kerr agreed in his press conference Tuesday that he shared Lacob’s frustration. Green acknowledged that as well. 

“[Lacob] should be frustrated; We’ve f—king sucked so far,” Green said. “It is frustrating, and we’ve got to figure it out and we will figure it out, I have zero doubts about that.” 

Sitting in eighth place in the Western Conference standings through 27 games, the Warriors have yet to figure it out.

Lacob, Kerr and the rest of the Warriors have 55 more regular season games to do so. 

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Kirill Kaprizov Sets Minnesota Wild Franchise Power Play Scoring Record

ST. PAUL, Minn - The Minnesota Wild (20-9-5) returned to the ice on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals (18-11-4). 

There was a record that was broken in that game.

Kirill Kaprizov has now set a Wild franchise record in the win over the Capitals. He entered the game with zero goals and zero career points in five games against the Capitals but walked out with a record.

With his power-play goal in the second period, Kaprizov now has 70 career power-play goals. It was his 21st goal of the year and his eighth power-play goal this season. 

Since entering the NHL in 2020-21, Kaprizov and Alex Ovechkin were tied for the most goals by a Russian skater. Kaprizov broke that tie in a game against Ovechkin.

Kaprizov: 206 goals in 353 games

Ovechkin: 205 goals in 372 games

Since it was his 206th career goal, Kaprizov passed Mikko Koivu (205) for the second most in franchise history. He sits 13 back of Marian Gaborik (219) for the franchise record.

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Steve Kerr hints Jonathan Kuminga is set to rejoin Warriors' rotation

Steve Kerr hints Jonathan Kuminga is set to rejoin Warriors' rotation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – The next episode of the long-running soap opera depicting the estrangements and reconciliations of Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors was promoted Wednesday and is titled “Another Chance, Part XX.”

After three consecutive games in which Kuminga was healthy but reduced to spectating from the bench, coach Steve Kerr indicated after practice that the young forward will return to the floor Thursday night when the Warriors face the Suns in Phoenix.

“You definitely want to see how guys respond in practice,” Kerr said. “And I can tell you, JK, has been great this last week as he’s been out of the rotation. He’s working really hard, and I’m going to reward that.”

Kerr did not say whether Kuminga would start or come off the bench, but the latter seems more likely. The coach on Tuesday expressed a willingness to stay with a starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and Quinten Post.

The Warriors (13-14, eighth in the Western Conference) are coming off back-to-back losses in which they could not hold fourth-quarter leads, the most recent a 136-131 loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday in Portland. One startling element of that game was the Blazers’ decisive advantage in athleticism and quickness, which surely stood out in the team’s video review.

Kuminga, 23, is the most athletic player on Golden State’s roster.

After starting the first 12 games of the season, Kuminga was sidelined with bilateral knee tendinitis and missed the next seven games. Upon his return Dec. 2, he came off the bench for two games but was ineffective, scoring 17 points on 7-of-22 shooting from the field, with 13 rebounds, three assists and five turnovers.

Reinstalled into the starting lineup Dec. 6 at Cleveland, Kuminga sputtered. He snagged seven rebounds but scored only four points on 1-of-10 shooting from the field and dropped out of Golden State’s rotation for the next three games.

The Warriors lost two of the three games. 

“He needs to be back out there,” Kerr said.

Though Kuminga remains very much in potential trade scenarios – he can’t be moved before Jan. 15 – the Warriors for now hope to get a return on their investment, as he signed a two-year contract worth $48.5 million during training camp.

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Phillies ink two-year deal with Brad Keller to bolster bullpen

Phillies ink two-year deal with Brad Keller to bolster bullpen originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Middle relief was a clear area of need for the Phillies in 2025.

From innings six through eight during the regular season, Phillies relievers posted a 4.50 ERA — the fourth-highest mark in the National League.

On Wednesday, they addressed that need. Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the Phillies have signed right-hander Brad Keller to a two-year, $22 million deal, with details first reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

Keller, 30, broke into the majors in 2018 as a starter with Kansas City. Over his first three big-league seasons, he was steady, posting a 3.50 ERA across 360 1/3 innings. The next four years, however, marked a downturn. Between 2021–24, he recorded a 5.18 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP over 88 appearances (57 starts).

That trajectory changed last season.

In January, Keller signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, made the Opening Day roster, and quickly became one of Craig Counsell’s most reliable arms. In 2025, he was excellent, logging a 2.07 ERA across 69 2/3 innings with 75 strikeouts and 22 walks.

He was dominant in October for Chicago, making five postseason appearances with a 1.59 ERA and two saves.

The breakout was driven by improvements to his five-pitch mix. Keller leaned heavily on a sweeper–sinker–changeup combination, throwing the trio more than 40 percent of the time. Opponents hit under .190 against each pitch, and his sweeper emerged as a true weapon — batters hit just .067 with a .133 slugging percentage against it.

As expected, the performance was backed by the metrics. Keller ranked in the 86th percentile or higher in seven Baseball Savant categories, highlighted by a 30.6 percent hard-hit rate that placed him in the top two percent of the league.

The Phillies are betting that the improvement is real, particularly given his effectiveness against right-handed hitters, who posted just a .466 OPS against him.

Whether Keller settles in as a primary middle-relief option — he recorded a 1.59 ERA in seven appearances in the sixth inning — or slides into a higher-leverage role behind Jhoan Duran in the eighth (six earned runs allowed across 38 outings), he fits cleanly into Philadelphia’s bullpen plans.

With starting experience, swing-and-miss stuff and recent success in leverage spots, Keller profiles as a strong, under-the-radar addition.