SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 10: Kerry Carpenter #30 of the Detroit Tigers is congratulated by Javier Báez #28 after hitting a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning in game five of the American League Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I touched on this in Monday’s question, but let’s get more direct. I want to know where you truly think the Twins stand among the worst division in baseball. I’ll once again reference you to FanGraphs’ playoffs odds page, which is updated after games and transactions.
Here’s my ranking:
Tigers
Royals
Twins
Guardians
White Sox
If we’re using groups or tiers, I would say that the Tigers are clearly a group on their own, especially after signing Framber Valdez. The Royals probably have a good gap between themselves and the Twins as long as their starters can be healthier than they were in 2025. Then the Twins and Guardians are in a “if they get 1 or 2 players to breakout” group. I put Minnesota above Cleveland simply because the Twins’ main weakness is the bullpen, which is much easier to fix or find new, reliable players, whereas the Guardians need to find 3-4 bats that can be above-average behind Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan. Also similar to the Twins, they have a few former top prospects that have yet to establish themselves (George Valera, Chase DeLauter, CJ Kayfus), so it’s definitely possible they somehow win the division yet again.
I also, briefly, want to give a shoutout to the White Sox who have gone from historically terrible to a dark horse division contender within two years. GM Chris Getz has nailed several big trades over the past two years, bringing in current or future mid-lineup bats like Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, and Braden Montgomery. They have some work to do on the pitching side, but they have a solid base and a clear path toward the future, which is much more than what they could say when Getz took over baseball ops.
So, what’s your AL Central ranking? Is this the Tigers’ division to lose, or are you higher on the Royals than I am?
EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Parker Wotherspoon #28 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on January 22, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leila Devlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
Are you watching the Olympic hockey tournaments? Here’s a reminder that the rules at the Olympics will be a bit different than those seen during a normal NHL game. [PensBurgh]
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas made several shrewd off-season transactions, including the signing of defenseman Parker Wotherspoon, who has seemingly flown under the radar alongside Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, but remains a vital part of the top-six. [Trib Live]
Goaltender Stuart Skinner has revitalized his game since being traded from the Edmonton Oilers to Pittsburgh, and his teammates, including fellow goalie Arturs Silovs, have certainly taken notice. [Trib Live]
Updates from around the NHL…
The Canadian Hockey League has unveiled its top 50 players to commemorate its 50th anniversary. [Sportsnet]
Neck guards are now considered mandatory at all International Ice Hockey Federation games, including these Olympic Games, and veteran NHLers who came into the league not wearing such protection are still getting used to the new rule. [Sportsnet]
Italy’s men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams at the Milan-Cortina Games include a mix of homegrown players and foreign-born athletes with Italian heritage, since the country chose not to recruit current NHL stars. The blend of backgrounds reflects both a “melting pot” pride in representing Italy and the nation’s effort to build its hockey program for the future. [Associated Press]
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 13: (L-R) Zach Randolph #50, Ruben Patterson #21 and head coach Nate McMillan of the Portland Trail Blazers look on against the Orlando Magic on January 13, 2006 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers won 113-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Manditory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Like most Tar Heels, Rasheed Wallace was not popular with Duke fans, but in the NBA, he emerged as an interesting and provocative figure.
Over a 16-year career, Wallace played for the Washington Bullets, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks.
In this video, Wallace explains “The Slam Heard Round The World,” which was what people started to call the locker-room fight between Ruben Patterson and Zach Randolph, both of whom were his Portland teammates during the Jailblazer era.
Patterson, by all accounts, was a bully and an unusually strong player and Wallace and Bonzi Wells sort of encouraged a fight between him and Randolph, who is also quite large. In the end, Patterson slammed Randolph to the floor and injured his back.
That wasn’t the end of the story.
We’ll let Wallace finish telling it because as it turns out, he’s a pretty good story teller. Just listen for the part where he compares Patterson to the Incredible Hulk. It’s a great story. It is, however, a bit salty and NSFW.
The world of soccer throws up no shortage of questions. In today’s column, we endeavor to answer three of them
Last season’s 17th place finish was meant to be rock bottom for Tottenham Hotspur; a nadir for the club in the Premier League era that was awkwardly offset by glory in the Europa League. There is, however, no glory in what Spurs are going through this season and no guarantee that rock bottom isn’t still around the corner.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on December 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, it’s Wednesday, February 11th. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 32-21 and host the Washington Wizards tonight. It will be James Harden’s home debut, and Rocket Arena is giving away a limited number of beard masks.
This is Cleveland’s third game of the season against the Wizards. They’ve gone 2-0 so far, despite a close 130-126 effort in December that required 48 points from Donovan Mitchell to get the job done. We’ll take it.
Today’s Game of the Day
Detroit Pistons at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM, NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network
The No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference takes on the Raptors, who are only one game behind the Cavaliers for fourth in the conference. Detroit is coming off the heels of an insane brawl that led to four players across both teams being ejected.
The Rest of the NBA Slate
Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM
Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic – 7 PM
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM
Indiana Pacers at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM
LA Clippers at Houston Rockets – 8 PM
Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8 PM
Miami Heat at New Orleans Pelicans – 8 PM
Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns – 9 PM
Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets – 9 PM
Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz – 9 PM
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors – 10 PM
We have a loaded schedule today. 14 games means that all but two teams are playing tonight. I don’t care to figure out who those teams are, but I’m sure someone else can figure it out.
South Africa won, then lost, then lost again before ultimately winning of the most ridiculous T20 World Cup matches ever in a second super over against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad.
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander will miss much of the upcoming season with a shoulder injury, manager John Schneider announced Tuesday at spring training.
Schneider said Santander will have labrum surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for five to six months.
It’s another disappointing turn for Santander, who had 44 homers and 102 RBIs with Baltimore in 2024. He signed a $92.5 million, five-year contract in free agency to join the Blue Jays last offseason, but struggled badly at the plate and played in just 54 games during an injury-plagued Toronto debut.
“Kind of had a setback when he started ramping up with his hitting earlier in January and came over to the complex, got checked out, and we kind of did everything we could to avoid this,” Schneider said.
There was more bad news for the Blue Jays on Tuesday: Right-hander Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, has forearm fatigue and won’t be ready for opening day.
Schneider said the team is being extra cautious with Bieber and expects him to be a major contributor this season.
Bieber was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery when he was acquired from Cleveland at the July 31 trade deadline last year. He made his season debut Aug. 22 and pitched 40 1/3 innings for Toronto during the regular season, going 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts. But he threw 18 2/3 innings in the postseason with a 3.86 ERA and helped the Blue Jays come within one win of a World Series championship.
“In talking to him and talking with our medical team, just decided that the best possible outcome would be this,” Schneider said. “Slow play it a little after going through what he went through in the postseason and the World Series.”
Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis will miss the entire season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery Wednesday.
A crucial hand by Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Ellis’ man of the match display kicked off Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign with a crushing 67-run victory against Ireland in Colombo.
Australian T20 captain Mitch Marsh is facing a major World Cup injury concern with Steve Smith being rushed across the Indian Ocean to join the squad as cover.
Jose Alvarado grew up playing the game in Brooklyn and starred at Christ the King HS in Queens.
So when he heard the ovation from the Madison Square Garden crowd when he checked in late in the first quarter in his home debut as a Knick, it hit him.
“It’s different,’’ Alvarado said. “Playing for the Knicks is a huge thing, but I’m literally a kid from the same streets the fans are, and to be part of everything here, it’s a blessing. It’s something I had to get used to and to get it out of the way, let’s get the ball rolling.”
Jose Alvarado celebrates after scoring a bucket in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 137-134 OT win over the Pacers on Feb. 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
As for the reaction itself, Alvarado said: “It was amazing. Being a kid from the city, for the city to show me love back, it’s one for the books. I really can’t explain it.”
Of course, the result was far from ideal, as the Knicks suffered their worst loss of the season, a 137-134 overtime dud against the awful Pacers. And Alvarado finished with just four points in 18:13, although he did have five assists.
“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but I’ll tell you this, it was a blessing to be out there,’’ Alvarado said. “I can’t wait to continue growing and getting better.”
He had a large section of fans on hand. When asked the number of people in his group, Alvarado said, “A lot.”
“I was nervous today, for sure,” the point guard said. “There was a lot going on. I was glad I got it out the way. I can’t wait to come back and get better and win some games here.”
And while the former Christ the King star had some good moments, he was far from his best, as the Knicks couldn’t pull away.
Jose Alvarado gets off the floor during the first quarter of the Knicks’ overtime loss to the Pacers at the Garden. Robert Sabo for New York Post
After sparking the Knicks to a convincing win in Boston on Sunday, Alvarado didn’t check in until there was 2:05 remaining in the first quarter.
Coming out of a Knicks timeout, Alvarado entered to a loud ovation with the team trailing by one point.
It didn’t take long for Alvarado to make an impact, first saving Jalen Brunson from a turnover and then assisting on Brunson’s 3-pointer later in the possession. He also dove into the stands to save another possession.
But there were ultimately too many mistakes by Alvarado and his teammates.
Still, there will undoubtedly be better moments in his hometown for Alvarado.
“It was always great for him to come home,’’ Joe Arbitello, Alvarado’s high school coach at Christ the King said before the game of his former player’s days with the New Orleans Pelicans. “For it to happen as a Knick brings it to another level.”
Arbitello was among those in the crowd supporting Alvarado and it’s an atmosphere the coach believes Alvarado will thrive in, even if that wasn’t the case Tuesday.
“I think he’ll be great here, just like he always is,’’ Arbitello said.
But unlike some other players who might play with added intensity in front of their home crowd, Arbitello said it might be different for the New York native.
“He’s going to be the same player he’s always been,’’ Arbitello said. “He’s going to play with the same toughness we saw from him every day in every game and every practice.”
So the spotlight of the Garden won’t change his former star?
“It doesn’t matter where he is,’’ Arbitello said. “He could be at the Garden or at a rec game. He’s going to be the same guy and play as hard as he possibly can.”
Which is why Arbitello is among the people who believe he’ll excel as a Knick and draw praise from the Garden faithful.
“If he plays like he did in New Orleans or anywhere else he’s been before now and he does it here, I think he’s gonna be a fan favorite,’’ Arbitello said. “He brings what New York fans love: toughness, hard-nosed, winning basketball. We’ve seen it for years and for it to come here, it’s gonna be electric.”
England head coach warns against conceding penalties and intensity drop-offs before Six Nations visit to Murrayfield
England’s players normally look forward to a Calcutta Cup examination at Murrayfield with about as much enthusiasm as a trip to the dentist. At best it tends to be uncomfortable, at worst it’s grip-the-chair-and-pray time. And that’s before they are wheeled out into the freezing rain and the hygienist produces a set of bagpipes to enhance the experience even further.
So it was more than a little unnerving to listen to Steve Borthwick talking about his team’s genuine enthusiasm for what lies in store. Never mind all the recurring pain they have endured in Edinburgh in recent years, with three defeats in their past four visits. This time they are heading north in a strikingly different mood, flashing the kind of confident pearly white smile usually reserved for Love Island contestants.
Hull KR are the team to beat again, tough times are ahead for promoted trio and Leeds might be back to their best
The former Super League champions are back after a 12-year absence, and Bradford have had to rebuild their squad for a full-time return to the top flight after being a part-time operation in recent years. Most of that recruitment was done late in the day owing to promotion not being confirmed until October, meaning their first year back could be a difficult one.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 12: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs box out during the game on November 12, 2025 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s not like the Golden State Warriors haven’t tried at all to build a competent team around Stephen Curry in the latter stages of his special career. Though they managed to squeeze another title out of their big 3 in 2022, the Warriors were unable to hit on ready-now draft picks that would both pave the way for the end of Curry’s career and for as new era once he left the arena for good.
Desperate to not entirely waste Curry’s final years, the franchise made a desperate move last year that brought 35-year old Jimmy Butler into the fold that actually paid some dividends before proving to be somewhat fool’s gold as this season has progressed. Things took a turn for the worst when the now 36-year old Butler, who has a long history of injuries, was lost for the rest of this year (and likely most of next) in mid January to a torn ACL, while Curry finds himself sidelined until at least after the All Star break with a runner’s knee diagnosis. Barely hanging above the .500 mark, the writing appears to be on the wall for what has been a generational run for this franchise and their superstar point guard.
Looking to make a name for themselves as the next dominant team, the San Antonio Spurs meanwhile have wildly exceeded expectations in Victor Wembanyama’s third season. Though the Warriors aren’t playing with a full deck of cards, every night is a chance to get better for Mitch Johnson’s squad. A win tonight on a road SEGABABA heading into the All Star break would put a nice stamp on the first half of the year for San Antonio. It only gets tougher from here on out.
San Antonio Spurs (37-16) at Golden State Warriors (29-25)
Spurs Injuries: Lindy Waters III, knee (OUT), David Jones-Garcia, OUT
Warriors Injuries: Jimmy Butler, ACL (OUT), Stephen Curry, knee (OUT), Seth Curry, back (OUT), L.J. Cryer, hamstring (OUT), Kriystaps Porzingis, OUT
What to watch for
As has been the case the last few years, the Warriors are pretty devoid of talent and depth at center, a huge advantage for Victor Wembanyama. When looking at their roster, Golden State is actually pretty small way across the board, with just 5 players taller than 6’6” and just one healthy player that’s taller than 7’0”, second year center Quinten Post. As could be expected fielding such a small roster, the Warriors are also extremely vulnerable on the glass, ranking a meager 24th in the league in total rebounds per game.
Regardless of this height and size disadvantages, Steve Kerr’s group has still been able to field a top 10 defense. Golden State ranks 7th in defensive rating with a 113.2 mark. For comparison’s sake, the Spurs rank 3rd in defensive rating with a 111.9 mark.
Draymond Green found himself in trade rumors last week when the Warriors were attempting to position themselves to somehow land Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nothing came to fruition, but the Warriors essentially let it be known that anyone not named Stephen Curry on the team is moveable for the right deal. Green continues to be the anchor for Golden State’s defense, providing veteran leadership and toughness on that side of the ball, but his offensive limitations are probably more glaring now than at any point in his career.
No team in the NBA has attempted or made more 3s than Golden State this season, with both Steph and Moses Moody both having broke the 100-mark and Brandin Podziemski fast approaching it. One would think that their success from behind the arc would be in jeopardy with Curry sidelined, but that hasn’t stopped them from getting 3s up. They’re shooting 34% in the 4 games they’ve played without Curry.
If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers’ home floor has long been a stage for stars. Tuesday night, it became Victor Wembanyama’s canvas.
With a performance that felt equal parts artistry and avalanche, the San Antonio Spurs rolled past a short-handed Los Angeles Lakers squad, 136–108, in a game that was effectively decided before halftime.
Wembanyama authored the kind of first half that turns heads across the league. The 7-foot-4 All-Star poured in 25 points in the opening quarter alone, scoring inside, outside and everywhere in between. Fadeaways over outstretched arms. Catch-and-shoot threes in rhythm. Swift drives that ended with soft finishes at the rim. By the time the teams walked into the locker room, Wembanyama had 37 points — finishing with 40 for the night — and the Spurs had posted 84 first-half points, the most ever surrendered by a Lakers team in a half.
The Lakers searched for answers and found none.
“I thought we started the game with the right amount of focus,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said.
San Antonio’s offense moved with purpose from the opening tip. The ball zipped around the perimeter, extra passes led to open looks, and turnovers quickly turned into transition buckets. The Spurs shot better than 50 percent from the field and collected 13 steals, repeatedly turning Los Angeles mistakes into easy points the other way.
While Wembanyama delivered the headline performance, the supporting cast ensured it became a rout.
“I think the two areas where he is hard to get resistance is space and momentum,” Johnson said of the Spurs’ franchise player. “There’s things for him to learn and for us to learn with him. But I thought he did a good job tonight of playing clean offensive basketball.”
Rookie Carter Bryant knocked down shots with confidence, finishing with a career-high 16 points, while fellow rookie Dylan Harper added 15 points and six assists, attacking gaps in the defense and keeping the offense sailing with ease. San Antonio’s bench maintained the tempo, preventing any sustained Lakers push.
Los Angeles, playing without LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, and Austin Reaves, struggled to generate offense. The depleted lineup showed effort but lacked the firepower to match the Spurs’ early surge. Each brief Lakers run was met with another San Antonio response, the lead swelling past 20 — and eventually past 40 — before settling at 28 by the final horn.
By the fourth quarter, the only suspense remaining was the final margin.
“Playing against ‘bad teams’ who are missing players has been a problem,” Wembanyama said. “Tonight we had to make a statement and show our progress.”
For the Spurs, the victory was more than a lopsided score line. It was a statement of growth and cohesion, a young roster blending generational talent with developing depth. When Wembanyama ignites the way he did in Los Angeles, San Antonio’s ceiling rises dramatically.
On a night when the spotlight often shines brightest on the purple and gold, it was the Spurs who owned the stage — and they left it with one of their most emphatic wins of the season.
Game Notes
Stephon Castle went down with a pelvis contusion and did not return. While x-rays were negative, Mitch Johnson expects Castle to be “more than pretty sore” tomorrow. I think it’s a safe bet Castle will miss Wednesday’s matchup with Golden State.
Carter Bryant posted a career-high 16 points and continues to show why Coach Johnson has faith in him. What’s funny is the fans who wanted to trade for a good 4 or better wing player may already have that in Carter. The second half of the season will be huge for him.
Harrison Barnes had a good night off the bench, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He may not be able to start, but he is a solid player with the second unit.
The lone sore spot for the Spurs offensively may have been Julian Champagnie, who shot 28 percent for the night.
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
MILAN — Team Sweden is taking a cautionary approach with William Nylander.
The Maple Leafs forward was absent from Sweden’s practice at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Tuesday, which head coach Sam Hallam described as “a maintenance thing.”
“He’s done two full practices with us and felt after [Monday] a bit sore,” Hallam said after stepping off the ice. “Just give him an extra day and then we’ll see for [Wednesday night against Italy]. If he’s ready to go or it’s gonna be a pretty late situation.”
Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander controls the puck against the Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After missing seven straight games with a groin injury in January, Nylander competed in just three games for Toronto before the Olympic break.
The maintenance day is presumably to ensure Nylander doesn’t overdo it before the real competition begins after the round-robin format.
Without Nylander, Filip Forsberg skated in his place next to Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek.
“Not overly concerned at all,” Hallam said. “He’s been looking pretty sharp and good on the ice for two days. Thought that we’d give him today. It’s short term, but we’re still in the beginning of it, and bigger games coming up. So let’s keep our priorities and focus there.”
Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander during the third period against the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Sweden’s Rasmus Andersson joked that it was “boring” for the writers that he was traded from Calgary to Vegas before going to the Olympics.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for the defenseman, whose protracted trade saga ended just a few weeks ago when the Golden Knights dealt Zach Whitecloud, a first-round pick, a second-round pick and prospect Abram Wiebe to the Flames for his services.
“My family is still in Calgary and obviously I don’t get to see them for a little while,” Andersson said. “I’m fortunate enough that my wife is flying here in a couple of days. It sucks that I can’t see my kids for about six weeks. That part is tough.”
Hallam did not name his goaltender for Sweden’s opener on Wednesday against Italy.
“That question’s been up there pretty much all year, and I’ve said nevertheless which three goalies we’re going to pick to this group and to the Olympic squad, I’m confident playing either one of them,” he said. “That’s still the feeling, but of course we have made our decision. We’re not going to announce that until [Wednesday].
Team USA and Team Canada were both off Tuesday.
The Canadians were spotted attending short-track speed skating, where their country won silver in the mixed team relay.
