First pitch against the Detroit Tigers is at 1:05 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and the Tigers will be providing radio coverage.
GDT: Anyone ever been to Detroit?
Nikola Jokic says he can't ever see himself leaving Denver, 'I really found peace here'
In theory, Nikola Jokic could become a free agent in the summer of 2027. In practice, nobody in league circles has been talking about that because nobody thinks it's going to happen. Nobody thinks he's unhappy and leaving Denver.
Jokic himself slammed the door on that in an appearance on the Serbian Podcast X’s and O’s, where the three-time MVP seemed more comfortable and opened up more than we often see from him. In that podcast, Jokic was asked if he could see himself playing anywhere other than Denver during his career.
"I wouldn't like to imagine that. Even if we never win anything else after this, an organic title, it means more to me than anything... I really found peace here. My two kids were born here. Everyone's here. Peace, home, I found my life here. And I like life here. I don't feel the need, I don't have the urge to. We built something here, together as a team."
Jokic is extension-eligible this summer, but whether he signs a new contract this offseason or next, it is expected to happen, and Denver will remain a title contender as long as he continues to play at an MVP level. This season, Jokic is averaging a triple-double of 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists a game, and he is seen as the only real threat to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander repeating as MVP.
The other Jokic comment during this podcast that has raised eyebrows in some quarters was his saying basketball is better today, being played at a higher level today than it was 30 years ago.
"But it would be stupid if basketball weren't better now than 30 years ago. It's like saying phones were better 30 years ago, and they weren't, because of technology, modernization. As everything modernizes, basketball modernizes too. And the same way, in 20 years basketball will be much better than it is now...
"And in other sports, it seems to me it's only in basketball that people show up and for some reason say: 'Man, that's nothing compared to my time, my...' That's... Why? Why only in basketball? I don't like it, why are they belittling today. I'm not saying it was bad back then. I'm just saying modernization... Just like everything improves, I think… I'm not saying it was bad, I'm just saying this is better."
Basketball is played at a higher level with better athletes across the board today than it was 30 years ago. Sure, the greats could have played in any era, but the average player in the NBA today is better than the average player 30 years ago. Some fans may appreciate the aesthetic of the game more from 20 or 30 years ago (although those fans should sit through a 1990s Knicks/Cavaliers slog with both teams scoring in the 80s, then get back to me), but the fact that the athletes and shooting are better now than they were then is not up for debate. Jokic is right about that.
Dominik Shine’s Long Road To The NHL Finally Pays Off With First Goal For Red Wings
Many expected career minor-leaguer Dominik Shine to have only a brief stint with the Detroit Red Wings when injuries began piling up on the roster. Instead, the 32-year-old forward has made the most of his opportunity, turning years of perseverance into a memorable NHL moment.
A native of Pinckney, Michigan, Shine appeared in his fifth NHL game Sunday night against the New Jersey Devils. Although he has yet to play more than 10 minutes in a game, the longtime grinder has continued to bring the same relentless work ethic that defined his professional career in the minors.
That effort was rewarded midway through the third period when veteran forward James van Riemsdyk spotted Shine sneaking behind the Devils defense with speed and threaded a delicate backhand saucer pass through a defender’s legs.
Shine met the puck at the back door and tapped it into the open net for his first career NHL goal, setting off an enthusiastic celebration on the Detroit bench. Shine became the oldest Red Wing at the time of his first NHL goal since Vaclav Nedomansky back in 1977.
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Shine spent 10 seasons in the AHL, appearing in 521 games and recording 96 goals and 125 assists for 221 points. This season with the Grand Rapids Griffins has been the most productive of his career, as the team captain tallied 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points in just 38 games and earned a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic. His call-up came during a scorching stretch that saw him score six goals and add two assists over his final six AHL games.
After Sunday’s game, Red Wings assistant captain Moritz Seider praised Shine’s impact on the team and said the goal was well deserved.
"He does so much for this organization, we're really happy to have him," Seider started off by saying "It was just a matter of time, obviously he really deserves it, guy who used to stand in the shadow, now, he gets a little bit of a spotlight, which he really deserves."
Seider also described the bench reaction after the goal, saying it was full of hugs and smiles. He added that it says a lot about the team and their early connection with Shine and what he brings early on to their lineup.
Head coach Todd McLellan also spoke about Shine’s impact in the smaller details of the game and was happy he got to experience the moment.
"He's done a lot for the organization, not just with our team, but in Grand Rapids over the years and he's hit, he's fought, he's blocked shots, he's done everything for for the organization, and now he's got a puck to put on his wall, and we're all happy for him," McLellan said.
"What It's All About": Back With Red Wings, David Perron Ready For Playoff Push The Detroit Red Wings re-acquired forward David Perron from the Ottawa Senators, who he helped to a postseason spot last season; now, he wants the same for Detroit.When asked about the kind words from his teammates and coaches, Shine explained "it means the world" and that he is just one of many players in the American League who sometimes do not get a chance. He also credited the goal to a strong play from van Riemsdyk.
"I learned from some of the best when I was just a kid coming into the American League, I had a ton of guys who are American League players never really got their shot but you know, they always believed in me and there's a ton of people through the Grand Rapids organization that have been there for me," the current Griffins captain said.
Shine also spoke about moments earlier in his career when he considered quitting hockey due to the lack of movement toward the NHL.
"For every you know, fourth line guy grinding out there, I just want them to know it can happen so just keep your head down and go to work," Shine said.
He also explained that he is excited to give the puck from his first NHL goal to his two-year-old son and share the moment with his family.
It is unclear how long Shine will remain with the Red Wings. Head coach Todd McLellan listed injured captain Dylan Larkin as day-to-day and he could return to the lineup soon.
However, if Shine can continue to find the back of the net and make an impact in limited minutes, he could force the team’s hand just like he did when he earned the call-up in the first place.
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Which Dodgers relievers are on your radar?
In the previous seven days, the Dodgers have sent a total of 23 players to minor league camp, including a dozen after Sunday’s game. All but two players from the two rounds of cuts have been non-roster invitees to camp, none of them unexpected.
What those cuts have done is thin the herd a bit, leaving only four non-roster pitchers still in big league camp. Cole Irvin is the veteran starting pitcher of the group, back from pitching in Korea and already built up to three innings this spring. He could potentially be an early option if the Dodgers feel the need for someone to fill bulk innings. After all, we know they will use a ton of starters.
Chris Campos is also still around. He’s been a starter since the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round in 2022, other than the times he’s been used in bulk relief (11 of his 13 appearances out of the bullpen the last two seasons lasted at least three innings). So far this spring he’s pitched exactly one inning in each of his three Cactus League appearances, and he’s done well, with three scoreless innings, no walks, and five strikeouts among his 12 batters faced.
Whether Campos will pitch in relief going forward or him sticking around a little longer in camp is a reward for his earlier appearances remains to be seen. But the other two non-roster pitchers remaining in camp are more traditional relievers.
Ryder Ryan is River’s older brother by four years. He’s allowed two runs in seven innings this spring with five strikeouts. His first three appearances were one inning apiece, and he’s pitched two innings in each of his last two times out.
Left-hander Antoine Kelly has gotten results this spring, allowing only two walks and no hits in his five scoreless innings, with seven strikeouts among his 17 batters faced. A second-round pick of the Brewers in 2019, Kelly hasn’t yet reached the majors, spending time in the Brewers, Rangers, and Rockies’ system over the last seven years. But he’s touching 99 mph this spring to go with a slider. Whether the Dodgers found a harder-throwing Anthony Banda remains to be seen, but Kelly has pitched his way onto the radar this spring.
There are other relief pitchers on the 40-man roster. Ronan Kopp, just added to the 40-man roster in November, was optioned on Sunday. Kyle Hurt is back from injury, Paul Gervase at 6’10 is literally hard to miss, Will Klein could parlay his World Series heroics into a spot in the bullpen, among the group.
For today’s question let’s ignore the expected arms in the back end of the bullpen for a moment. Which under-the-radar Dodgers reliever are you most looking forward to watching this season?
AL West Preview – Rangers Position Players, finding Nimmo
Years ago, it was this exercise that sent me down a road of becoming mildly Rangers-pilled. This year, there is no such risk.
If you are looking at the lineup and notable off-season moves and feeling lightly confused by the seeming absence of any clear strategy, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Led by beloved former Mariners legend Chris Young, Texas seems to have locked in on starting pitching and are employing the pop quiz style of light panic when it comes to their offense. Is this the baseball equivalent of the phenomenon where research has shown we are attracted to people who have similar features as us? Fortunately for Seattle, Jerry Dipoto does not seem to suffer as mightily from that affliction (although the bullpen has, of course, long been a strength). The Rangers have done little to refute the rumors that their 2033 World Series title was anything more than a fluke.
Notable Transactions
Out: OF Adolis García, 2B Marcus Semien, C Jonah Heim, UTIL Dylan Moore, 1B Rowdy Tellez, 1B/2B Donovan Solano
In: OF Brandon Nimmo, C Danny Jansen, OF Mark Canha, OF Andrew McCutchen, 1B Nick Pratto, UTIL Tyler Wade, INF Andrew Velazquez, INF Jonah Bride
Italics = Minor League Deals with Spring Training Invite
Texas caused a stir early on in the off-season when they traded infield staple and prized free agent star Marcus Semien to the Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo. It was a challenge trade to be sure but it remains to be seen what exactly either team was challenging. Their only other big league position player acquisition was Danny Jansen, who will slot into the distinctly sloping protrusion that was left by finally giving up on Jonah Heim. Danny, I’d sage the backstop if I were you. Finally free from the Lone Star State are a trio of ex-Mariners of mixed repute, and once-beloved slugger Adolís García. Two of those four are headed to the greener-ish (?) fields of Philadelphia, which doesn’t mean anything at all for this piece but damn am I excited to watch García absolutely molly-wop a baseball through the night air at Citizens Bank Park.
Old, and I do mean old, friends (or foes), Mark Canha and Andrew McCutchen are competing for play time in the outfield and/or at DH alongside a smattering of 30-something infielders looking for their feel-good storyline.
The Lineup
| Order/Role | Player | Age | Position | Bats | PA | wRC+ | Fld | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandon Nimmo | 33 | RF | L | 630 | 110 | 2.3 | 2.4 |
| 2 | Wyatt Langford | 24 | LF | R | 644 | 125 | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| 3 | Corey Seager | 32 | SS | L | 560 | 129 | 0.6 | 4.2 |
| 4 | Joc Pederson | 34 | DH | L | 434 | 118 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
| 5 | Jake Burger | 30 | 1B | R | 588 | 104 | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| 6 | Evan Carter | 23 | CF | L | 476 | 105 | -1.1 | 1.9 |
| 7 | Josh Jung | 28 | 3B | R | 560 | 95 | 0.4 | 1.7 |
| 8 | Josh Smith | 28 | 2B | L | 504 | 101 | -5.0 | 1.4 |
| 9 | Danny Jansen | 31 | C | R | 352 | 100 | -5.6 | 1.3 |
| BN | Kyle Higashioka | 36 | C | R | 283 | 86 | 2.0 | 1.2 |
| BN | Ezequiel Duran | 27 | UTIL | R | 280 | 87 | -2.5 | 0.4 |
| BN | Sam Haggerty | 32 | UTIL | S | 259 | 92 | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| BN | Michael Helman | 30 | UTIL | R | 175 | 77 | 0.6 | 0.3 |
Thank goodness for Kyle’s brother, right? The new dad and late-August appendectomy patient will anchor the offense alongside homegrown outfielder and former first round pick Wyatt Langford in his third season in the bigs. Nimmo’s bat is a much-welcomed addition to the lineup and Evan Carter is looking to return to his historic 2023 postseason form. Everyone else in this lineup is projected to be under 2 fWAR (and we’re generously rounding up for Carter’s 1.9), and if you went “Hey wait, doesn’t that guy have some nagging injury issues?” about literally any of the names in this paragraph, yes. Yes they do.
Jake Burger is hard-pressed to have a season worse than last year, so I could see him returning to mildly competent form. Similarly, if The Joshes can stay healthy and/or avoid whatever noxious vat of goo Smith fell into in the second half of last season, it wouldn’t shock me to see them both outperform their projections. That said, all of these if-festooned fellas still ultimately really only add up to a decent team at best. And as you’ll see later on this week, there are no reinforcements coming from the minors to Dave the day. But, depending on how you feel about their pitching, decent could be enough to be competitive. I would be surprised if they surpassed that, but these Rangers have certainly surprised before.
Red Sox Spring Training Game Thread: Garett Crochet takes on the Phillies
Is it on TV?
No! It is not! And you better get used to that, because NESN isn’t showing the game tomorrow or Friday this week either and the Sox are off on Wednesday. I will never in my life understand this. Even if it’s “too expensive” to do a full broadcast, why not just stick a camera behind home plate and stream the feed on NESN360? I would watch it and I promise I’m not alone.
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch listen for?
It’s really too bad we won’t see this one, because only one of Crochet’s first three starts has been broadcast. It would be nice to get a look at how the Sox’ resident Cy Young contender is looking. Otherwise, this lineup has plenty of young guys with something to prove. This would’ve been a nice game to catch on New England’s first warm day of 2026.
MLB’s draft rules should shield it from NBA style tanking
OKLAHOMA CITY—Coming to you live this morning (as I write this, that is) from The 405, Oklahoma City, home of the reigning NBA champion Thunder.
I’m here with my wife, who’s here for a continuing education course in her field of study. I spent most of the day yesterday by myself, but at night, she and I walked 12 minutes to Paycom Center to watch the hobbled Thunder face the maimed Golden State Warriors.
It turned into quite the game!
There’s a reason for that. Even though both squads are banged up—no Steph Curry for GSW, no Chet Holmgren for OKC—both are in the thick of the playoff race. For the Thunder, they’re shooting for the No. 1 seed in the West, but are only up a few games on the surging San Antonio Spurs.
Things are much more dire for the Warriors, though. Without Curry and Jimmy Butler (out for the year), they’re just trying to reach the Play-In Tournament for a shot at facing either the Thunder or Spurs in the first round. Last night’s loss drops them to 32-31, only a game up on the Clippers for the No. 8 seed, with the Blazers not that far behind.
The Warriors don’t want to have to win two play-in games to make the playoffs, which means they need to finish No. 7 or No. 8.
And so, both teams came to play.
This is in stark contrast to many other NBA games this time of the season. While the Play-In tournament expanded the playoffs, theoretically, from eight teams per conference to 10 teams per conference, tanking—losing for a higher draft pick—runs rampant. This is also despite the changing of odds for landing that first pick. It’s an issue that’s plagued the league for years but has only increased this season due to a strong upcoming draft class.
Now, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has vowed to make even more changes to combat tanking. Fans await with bated breath.
But they could just look at how Major League Baseball works its draft.
Really, baseball has done such a good job with its recent draft changes that tanking makes little to no sense. This is a rare dubya for Rob Manfred (though one does wonder if this was his doing or someone else’s).
I often look for ways that MLB could borrow from other leagues (i.e., the NFL, NHL, and NBA) to improve its draft, but in this regard, the NBA might take a page out of MLB’s book.
For example, one particular issue promoting tanking in the NBA is trading draft picks with protections on them. (This also occurs in the NHL.) For example, Team A trades to Team B a draft pick that is top-four protected, meaning that Team B gets that pick only if it falls anywhere from picks #5-32. If Team A then starts to have a bad year a shot at the playoffs—or title—look grim, or there’s an especially deep draft class on the horizon, Team A might pivot to tanking to try to land within the top four spots and keep its draft pick.
One idea floating around is eliminating such draft pick protections, at least in the range of something like picks No. 5 through No. 14, which are the last picks of the draft lottery. Another option would be to eliminate draft pick protections entirely, though I don’t think that will happen.
MLB, of course, does not have this problem, because except for specific instances, draft picks cannot be traded. I used to hate this rule as I think that a GM or team President or Baseball Czar (did that title fade with La Russa?) should have handy every tool in the box, including trading draft picks. But watching the NBA deal with something like a dozen teams basically trying to lose their games in the 4-6 weeks of the season shows that MLB has it right with the strict limitations on trading draft picks.
The NBA could also learn from MLB’s handling of teams drafting in the lottery. Sure, the lottery is different between the two leagues—four teams in the NBA to six in the MLB—but it could be adapted.
In the MLB, a team cannot receive a lottery pick in more than two consecutive years. This is why the woebegone Colorado Rockies will pick 10th in the upcoming draft despite finishing with the worst record in baseball in 2025—they’d drafted in the lottery in both 2024 and 2025. They weren’t tanking their way to 43 wins. They just sucked.
The NBA could grow its lottery to, say, six teams, and add a clause that a team can’t pick X number of consecutive years in the lottery—could even be two consecutive years. That would dissuade teams such as the Kings, Wizards, Pelicans, Jazz, etc. from continually employing a destitute roster.
Obviously, I don’t know the answer(s) to fix the NBA’s tanking woes, but I’m confident in saying that it could look to the MLB for help. Before MLB instituted the draft lottery, tanking for the top pick was rare. Now, it essentially never happens. Major League Baseball got it right on its first attempt in implementing the lottery.
Mr. Silver, take a look at America’s pastime to solve your league’s tanking woes. You’ll be glad you did.
Spring Training Game Thread: Twins vs Braves
First Pitch (CT):12:05
TV: MLB.TV/ATL Video (via Braves)
Radio:Braves – ESPN 103.7/WIFN 1340
Know Yo’ Foe: Battery Power
What to watch: Zebby Matthews is on the mound in his fight to keep the 5th rotation spot. Mick Abel has had a flawless Spring, but it’s Zebby’s spot to lose.
Lineups
| Twins | Braves |
| SP: Zebby Matthews | SP: Carlos Carrasco |
| 1. Austin Martin, CF | 1. Jorge Mateo, 2B |
| 2. Royce Lewis, 3B | 2. Drake Baldwin, DH |
| 3. Luke Keaschall, LF | 3. Matt Olson, 1B |
| 4. Josh Bell, DH | 4. Austin Riley, 3B |
| 5. Trevor Larnach, RF | 5. Mike Yastrzemski, LF |
| 6. Eric Wagaman, 1B | 6. Eli White, RF |
| 7. Tristan Gray, SS | 7. Michael Harris II, CF |
| 8. Orlando Arcia, 2B | 8. Jonah Heim, C |
| 9. Alex Jackson, C | 9. Mauricio Dubon, SS |
Astros vs. Cardinals 3/9/2026 Spring Training Game Thread
The Houston Astros (4-8-3) host the St. Louis Cardinals (8-5-1) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Cristian Javier will get the start for the Astros opposite RHP Richard Fitts for the Cardinals.
TODAY’S STARTER: RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Spring and his first Grapefruit League start this year. He tossed 2.0 innings in his Spring debut last Tuesday in an exhibition vs. Team Venezuela.
In his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Javier made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA (19ER/37IP), 34 strikeouts and a .230 opponent average. In his career, Javier has held opponents to a .203 (397×1956) batting average. Among AL pitchers to toss 525.0-plus innings between the 2020-25 seasons, Javier ranks first in the AL in that category.
He’s also helped author several notable moments in his career, starting a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, as well as a combined no-hitter in June of that season at Yankee Stadium.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Peter Lambert, RHP Anthony Maldonado, RHP Ryan Weiss, RHP Amos Willingham.
ASTROS IN WBC: IF Zach Dezenzo started at right field in Team Italy’s 7-4 win over Team Great Britain yesterday at Daikin Park, going 1×3 with a double, two runs scored and a walk.
IF Shay Whitcomb got off to a fantastic start for Team Korea in their opener last Thursday vs Team Czechia, going 2×4 with two home runs and three RBI in an 11-4 win.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, March 9, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL.
TV: none
Streaming: HOU video livestream (astros.com)
Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2
Nazem Kadri: Carrying His Father’s Hockey Dream
DENVER — The dream of playing hockey in Canada did not begin with Nazem Kadri. It began with his father.
After fleeing civil war in Lebanon, Sam Kadri arrived in Canada as a young boy and quickly fell in love with the game. But like many immigrant families trying to establish themselves in a new country, his family simply could not afford the cost of organized hockey.
Rather than letting that missed opportunity turn into resentment, Sam Kadri chose a different path. If he never got the chance to fully pursue the sport he loved, his children would.
“I love the game,” Sam Kadri told 16:9 The Bigger Picture in 2010. “We played road hockey. I’d find a stick. Someone would throw it out, but I’d tape it together and play.”
“It stayed in my head. When my kids came along, I said it’s a sport I definitely want to put them in.”
A generation later, that dream found new life in his son.
When Nazem Kadri stepped onto the ice, it didn’t take long to realize he was different. With the puck on his stick, he was creative, confident and impossible to ignore. From local rinks to the international stage, Kadri stood out at every level he played.
Then, in 2009, the dream reached its defining moment.
Kadri was selected seventh overall in the NHL Draft by one of hockey’s most storied franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs. For his father, the moment felt almost surreal — the culmination of a dream that had begun decades earlier.
Fighting to Stay in the NHL
Making it to the NHL is only part of the battle.
Staying there can be even harder.
Kadri’s early career quickly showed how unforgiving the league can be. In his first season, he struggled to secure a permanent spot on the roster. The following year brought even greater expectations. Playing for a struggling Leafs team, Kadri was suddenly viewed as a young player who might help turn things around.
The pressure came quickly.
Just weeks after skating in front of sold-out crowds in Toronto, Kadri was sent back to the minors. The criticism followed just as fast. Some questioned his maturity. Others labeled him a disappointment.
But Kadri never stopped believing he belonged.
That edge — that grit — has defined his game since the first time he stepped on the ice. Whether he’s battling someone who’s 5-foot-7 or a towering 6-foot-7 like Lian Bichsel, Kadri fights for every inch.
Controversy, Criticism and Redemption
He proved it again during the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals run with the Colorado Avalanche — a postseason that showed he wasn’t about to be pushed around.
Kadri had already built a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor. Earlier in his career he served multiple playoff suspensions, including an eight-game ban during the 2021 postseason for an illegal check to the head of Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues.
That reputation came sharply back into focus the following season.
During Game 3 of the second-round playoff series between Colorado and St. Louis, Kadri and Blues defenseman Calle Rosén collided with Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington while chasing a loose puck in the crease. Binnington, who had been outstanding through the first five games of the postseason, suffered a lower-body injury that knocked him out of both the game and the remainder of the series.
The play immediately ignited controversy.
In the hours that followed — fueled in part by comments from then-Blues head coach Craig Berube — Kadri became the target of racist abuse and threats online.
Less than 48 hours later, he responded in the only place he could.
On the ice.
Kadri returned for Game 4 and delivered the best postseason performance of his career, scoring his first NHL playoff hat trick.
Playing Through Pain
But that was not his only test during the postseason.
Kadri’s toughness was tested again during the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers.
In Game 3, he was driven hard into the boards by Evander Kane, suffering a thumb injury that required surgery. Doctors initially projected a six-week recovery — long enough to sideline him for the entire Stanley Cup Final.
Kadri had other plans.
Determined to return and finish the job with Colorado, he shortened the timeline dramatically, returning in just two weeks.
Before Games 4, 5 and 6 of the Final, Kadri wrapped and froze his damaged thumb before forcing it into a specially modified glove for protection. Even then, the injury limited what he could do. Taking faceoffs was nearly impossible, and the quick, lively shot that normally defined his game turned into little more than a soft flutter toward the net.
Still, he refused to sit out.
“It was terrible. Terrible. I felt it every single shift, and it was tough,” Kadri told Sportsnet. “I turned a six-week (recovery) timeline into two weeks. Great medical staff helped me along the way. I couldn't even tie my skates before the game. I had the medical trainer tie my skates before every game. So, what a war. But nothing was going to stop me from being out here.”
Kadri ultimately proved that determination not with his words, but with his play.
He scored the overtime winner in Game 4, putting Colorado within one victory of the Stanley Cup. The Avalanche eventually defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6, securing the third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.
In the process, Kadri did more than silence critics.
He exorcised the doubts and controversy that had followed him for years — and became the first Muslim player to win the Stanley Cup.
The Backbone of His Journey
Now, after parts of four seasons with the Calgary Flames, Kadri is back with the team that helped him become a champion.
But throughout his journey — from childhood rinks to the Stanley Cup — one constant has remained: his father.
“Thinking back, there was definitely some hard times and some adversity we had to go through (as a family),” Kadri told The Hockey News. “I'm glad he gave me the shot and now I understand why he was so pissed when I didn't play well.”
“He's been my day-one supporter; he's always in my corner no matter what happens out there, and my whole entire family is like that. And that's what's (helped get me) here. To have that support, when things aren't going so well, to have them as a backbone — it's wonderful.”
World Baseball Classic 2026: Pool Play Day No. 6 thread
Game No. 1: Dominican Republic (República Dominicana) at Israel (מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
First Pitch: 10:00 AM MDT
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 2: Colombia (República de Colombia) at Panama (República de Panamá)
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
First Pitch: 10:00 AM MDT
TV: FS2
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 3: Brazil (República Federativa do Brasil) at Great Britain
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA
First Pitch: 11:00 AM MDT
TV: Tubi
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 4: Cuba (República de Cuba) at Puerto Rico
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 5: Venezuela (República Bolivariana de Venezuela) Nicaragua (República de Nicaragua)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: FS2
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 6: Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) at United States
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA
First Pitch: 6:00 PM MDT
TV: Fox
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 7: Czechia (Česká) at Japan (日本)
Venue: Tokyo Dome — Tokyo, Japan
First Pitch: 4:00 AM MDT (March 10th, 2026)
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
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WBC Wrap: Panama takes down Canada; Mexico, DR win big
After a day of terrific baseball, we only got one close game Sunday and that one was a minor upset.
Coming up today
We have three WBC Games late this morning and early this afternoon. Please use this as a discussion thread for those three games.
11 a.m. Central: Dominican Republic vs Israel at Miami. Pitching matchup, Bello vs. Prager. TV: FS1
11 a.m. Central: Colombia vs. Panama at San Juan. Pitching matchup, Almeida vs. Espino. TV: FS2
12 noon Central: Brazil vs. Great Britain at Houston. Pitching matchup, TBD vs. TBD. TV: Tubi
Pool A (San Juan):
Cuba hit two home runs in the first inning and they never looked back, beating Colombia 7-4.
Colombia actually broke out to a 1-0 lead with an unearned run off of Cuba starter and Diamondbacks prospect Denny Larrondo. The run scored on a sacrifice fly by former Athletics infielder Jordan Diaz.
But Cuba roared back in the bottom of the first. Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Ariel Martínez went oppo taco with two men on to go up 3-1. [VIDEO]
Two batters later, former Dodger Erisbel Arruebarrena snuck a home run down the left field line to make it 4-1. [VIDEO]
Colombia cut the lead to 4-2 with another sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth. But Cuba struck back with three in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by this hit by Marlins minor leaguer Yiddi Cappe that left fielder Harold Ramírez misplayed into a two-run triple [VIDEO].
Colombia threatened to get back in the game in the top of the seventh. The pushed across one run on a Gio Urshela single and then scored a second run when former Mariners minor leaguer Tito Polo was hit by a pitch. But Cuba summoned former A’s minor leaguer Luis Romero from the bullpen with the bases loaded and two outs. He got an easy grounder back to the mound and flipped the ball to first base to end the threat.
Cuba is now 2-0 in pool play. Colombia is 0-3 and has been eliminated from any chance to advance to the single-elimination rounds.
Panama won for the first time in three tries in the 2026 WBC with a 4-3 win over Canada.
The Cubs’ Jameson Taillon got the start in this game and pitched well, allowing just one run on two hits over 3.2 innings. The one run he allowed came in the fourth inning after he left the game with a man on first and two outs. Reliever Antoine Jean let that runner in. Taillon walked two and struck out three.
Here are some Taillon highlights [VIDEO].
Abraham Toro, who is with the Royals this year, gave Canada a 1-0 lead with an RBI double in the second inning. [VIDEO]
After Panama tied the game in the top of the fourth, Canada retook the lead on three consecutive singles by Bo Naylor, Owen Caissie and A’s outfielder Denzel Clarke.
James Paxton, who retired after the 2024 season, came back to pitch for Canada one last time in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, his defense let him down. An error by Canadian first baseman Josh Naylor opened up a two-out, three-run rally. Panama veteran Rubén Tejada, who last played in the majors for the Mets in 2019, hit a two-run single to give Panama the lead [VIDEO].
Enrique Banfield Jr. then bunted for a hit, scoring Miguel Amaya [VIDEO].
Marlins teammates Owen Caissie and Otto Lopez teamed up to make this incredible play to keep Panama from scoring another run in the top of the eighth.
Caissie almost tied the game with a deep drive to center field in the bottom of the eighth, but he hit it to the deepest part of the park and it ended up as an RBI double [VIDEO]
There was a one-hour rain delay at the start of this game and a 23-minute rain delay in the top of the ninth. When the game resumed, former Pirates pitcher Dario Agrazal came in to get the save. Josh Naylor singled with one out and stole second when Tyler O’Neill struck out. But with the tying run on second base, former Cub Jared Young struck out to end the game.
Miguel Amaya was 1 for 4 and scored on that Banfield bunt. Christian Bethancourt was briefly down injured after sliding into third base in sixth. But he eventually stayed in the game. He was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Pool B (Houston):
Italy improved to 2-0 in pool play with a comfortable 7-4 win over Great Britain.
Great Britain jumped on Italy starter and Guardians minor leaguer Dylan DeLucia in the top of the first. Nate Eaton led off the top of the first with a double and the second batter, Jazz Chisholm Jr., singled. Both runners would score on wild pitches by DeLucia.
But Italy would tie the game up in the third with back-to-back home runs by Brewers minor leaguer Andrew Fischer and Diamondbacks farmhand JJ D’Orazio.
The home run by JJ D’Orazio [VIDEO]
Italy took the lead after scoring three runs in the bottom of the fourth off of Nick Wells, who played in the independent Atlantic League last year. The first one came on an RBI single by Fischer. Then former Cub Miles Mastrobuoni doubled Fischer home. [VIDEO]
Phillies outfielder Dante Nori drove in the third run of the inning on an infield single.
Italy’s final two runs came in the fifth inning on a “Little League home run” (a triple and an error) off the bat of White Sox infielder Sam Antonacci. [VIDEO]
Great Britain got two runs back in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by Chisholm, who later scored on a wild pitch. But that was it for scoring in the game.
Cubs farmhand BJ Murray went 0 for 3 with a walk for Great Britain.
Mexico 16 Brazil 0 (6 innings)
Mexico turned in the biggest blowout of the tournament when they put up 16 runs against Brazil, who managed just three hits over six innings before it was called on the mercy rule.
Blue Jays farmhand Eric Pardinho got the start for Brazil and he got rocked for eight runs over three innings. Four of those runs came in the first inning.
The second run of the first inning came on this double by Alejandro Kirk. [VIDEO]
Mexico tacked on another run when Jarren Duran led off the second inning with a home run. [VIDEO]
Mexico scored six more runs in the fourth inning. Kirk hit a three-run home run in the sixth. [VIDEO]
Meanwhile, Mexico starter Taijuan Walker did not allow a hit over 3.1 innings, striking out three. [VIDEO]
Pool C (Tokyo)
Korea’s win by five runs gave them a spot in the quarterfinals because of a three-way tiebreaker:
As it turned out, Korea needed every one of its runs on Monday. Because the win created a three-way tie in Pool C among Korea, Australia and Chinese Taipei, the run quotient tiebreaker went into effect, awarding Korea a trip to the quarterfinals based on its number of runs scored and defensive outs collected. In other words, had Korea won by fewer than five runs in nine innings, Australia would’ve advanced despite the loss.
Tough loss for Australia, as Korea scored a run in the ninth inning for that five-run win. Otherwise Australia would have headed to the quarterfinals. Korea will play the winner of Pool D on Friday.
For Korea, Bo Gyeong Moon had four RBI and this two-run homer:
Here’s the sacrifice fly that gave Korea their final, tie-breaking run [VIDEO].
Pool D (Miami)
Dominican Republic 12, Netherlands 1 (7 innings)
The Dominican Republic had no problem with the Netherlands, winning 12-1 in a game that ended early on the mercy rule. Technically this game ended on a walk-off home run by Juan Soto.
Arij Fransen, who pitched in the Reds minor league system last year and is currently a free agent, started for the Netherlands and promptly gave up two runs. The first came off of an RBI single by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the second one was the result of an error by shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
The Netherlands only run came in the second inning on a home run by Didi Gregorius. [VIDEO]
Luis Severino started for the Dominicans and got the win, allowing just one run on three hits over four innings. Severino struck out five and walked no one.
Guerrero extended the Dominican lead to 4-1 with a two-run home run in the third [VIDEO]
The game turned into a rout when the Dominicans scored six runs in the fifth inning, most of which came off of Netherlands reliever Wendell Floranus, who pitched in the Orioles system from 2012 to 2015 and has been in the Mexican League ever since. Junior Caminero and Austin Wells each hit two-run home runs for the DR in the fifth.
Here’s every run scored in the fifth inning by the Dominican Republic [VIDEO]
Finally, we have that technical walk-off home run by Juan Soto [VIDEO], as the blast increased the Dominican lead to 11 runs, which brought about the mercy rule.
Five pitchers combined to complete a two-hit shutout as Israel won for the first time in this tournament, 5-0 over Nicaragua.
Dean Kremer made the start for Israel and allowed just two hits over 4.1 innings. He struck out four and walked one.
Here are Kremer’s four strikeouts [VIDEO].
Israel took a 1-0 lead when Cardinals farmhand Noah Mendlinger singled home Rockies prospect Cole Carrigg. They took a commanding lead in the fifth when the scored four runs on singles by Harrison Bader, Cardinals minor leaguer Zach Levenson and Carrigg.
Grizzlies vs Nets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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The Memphis Grizzlies head to Brooklyn tonight to face the Brooklyn Nets, with tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Memphis has found some success on the road lately, and I’m eyeing them to grab a victory in my Grizzlies vs Nets predictions.
Read more in my NBA picks for Monday, March 9.
Grizzlies vs Nets prediction
Grizzlies vs Nets best bet: Grizzlies -1.5 (-105)
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a three-game losing skid, but two of those losses came at home. The Grizzlies have won two of their last three away from FedExForum, easily covering the spread against the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers.
The Grizz have an 11-19 record on the road, and the Brooklyn Nets are just 8-22 at home. They’ve lost by a minimum of four points in each of their last four games at the Barclays Center.
Memphis has also won two in a row against the Nets, covering tonight’s spread in both matchups.
Grizzlies vs Nets same-game parlay
Jaylen Wells has been a clear bright spot in a rather disappointing campaign for the Grizzlies.
The youngster has cashed the Over in three of his last four appearances, and Wells dropped 24 points against the Portland Trail Blazers last week. He’s also hit the Over in two of his previous three road outings.
Oliver-Maxence Prosper isn’t exactly a sniper from downtown, but for the amount he shoots the three, the clip is impressive. He’s draining 0.9 triples on 2.1 attempts per game for a 40% clip.
Grizzlies vs Nets SGP
- Grizzlies -1.5
- Jaylen Wells Over 16.5 points
- Oliver-Maxence Prosper Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Memphis made
Memphis has cashed this Over in two straight, and Brooklyn is 27th in defensive rating.
Grizzlies vs Nets SGP
- Grizzlies -1.5
- Jaylen Wells Over 16.5 points
- Oliver-Maxence Prosper Over 1.5 threes
- Grizzlies team total Over 111.5
Grizzlies vs Nets odds
- Spread: Grizzlies -1.5 (-105) | Nets +1.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Grizzlies -120 | Nets +100
- Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5
Grizzlies vs Nets betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the team total Over in 30 of their last 45 games (+12.60 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Nets.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Nets
| Location | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Date | Monday, March 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SE-MEM, YES |
Grizzlies vs Nets latest injuries
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Who's No. 1 in new 2026 NBA mock draft? AI predicts first round picks
Who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft? AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer?
A lot of the draft experts were split heading into the college basketball season and they still aren't quite certain with the NCAA Tournament right around the corner. The same apparently goes for AI.
After USA TODAY Sports initially queried Microsoft Copilot for its version of a 2026 NBA mock draft for the first round based on information and analysis currently available on the internet last month, we followed up now that March Madness is almost here. There were some variations, most notably at the top of the draft, and it's perhaps a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding Peterson's availability at Kansas this college basketball season.
The decision between Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer is likely to define this year's class, and could depend on which team is picking No. 1. That, of course, remains somewhat nebulous due to the varying odds offered by the NBA draft lottery system and the number of teams tanking this season in order to best position themselves in what's considered a deep draft class. For the purposes of this mock draft, team selections are based on NBA regular-season records as of March 9, 2026 and account for relevant trades, pick swaps and stipulations.
Here's Microsoft Copilot's 2026 NBA mock draft, version 2.0, as curated by USA TODAY Sports:
2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round
USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players who could be eligible this year.
Microsoft Copilot assigned the draft order based on current NBA records (as of games played before Monday, March 9), with the worst record getting the No. 1 pick and the best record getting the No. 30 pick. It used current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as team needs, prospect analysis and potential pick swaps/protections, to determine the first-round selections for each team in this exercise.
You can compare its picks to the latest USA TODAY 2026 NBA mock draft by clicking here. Here's a 2026 NBA first-round mock draft, according to Microsoft Copilot AI, as of March 9.
1. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa, BYU
2. Indiana Pacers: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer, Duke
4. Washington Wizards: Caleb Wilson, UNC
5. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings, Houston
6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Keaton Wagler, Illinois
7. Dallas Mavericks: Koa Peat, Arizona
8. Memphis Grizzlies: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
9. Chicago Bulls: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Aday Mara, Michigan
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
13. Charlotte Hornets: Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
14. Golden State Warriors: Thomas Haugh, Florida
15. Atlanta Hawks: Patrick Ngongba II, Duke
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Nate Ament, Tennessee
17. Miami Heat: Braylon Mullins, UConn
18. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
19. Toronto Raptors: Chris Cenac, Jr., Houston
20. Phoenix Suns: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
21. Los Angeles Lakers: Karter Knox, Arkansas
22. Denver Nuggets: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
23. Cleveland Cavaliers: Braydon Burries, Arizona
24. Houston Rockets: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
25. Minnesota Timberwolves: Labaron Philon, Alabama
26. New York Knicks: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
27. Boston Celtics: Hannes Steinbach, Washington
28. Detroit Pistons: Henri Veesaar, UNC
29. San Antonio Spurs: Cameron Carr, Baylor
30. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kwame Evans Jr., Oregon
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA mock draft 2026: AI makes first round picks for all 30 teams
Knicks vs Clippers Predictions, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight’s NBA Game
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The sunny California weather offers a stark contrast to the current state of the New York Knicks.
New York exits a bad loss to the Lakers on Sunday, and now faces the Los Angeles Clippers in the latter half of back-to-back road outings tonight, with tip-off set for 10:00 p.m. ET on Peacock.
My Knicks vs. Clippers predictions believe New York needs a gritty effort from power forward Josh Hart to escape La-La Land with at least one win.
Here are my best NBA picks for Monday, March 9.
Knicks vs Clippers prediction
Knicks vs Clippers best bet: Josh Hart Over 10.5 points (-105)
Josh Hart was limited to 22 minutes in Sunday's one-sided loss to the Lakers, finishing with just eight points on 4-for-8 shooting.
Hart is an engine for this New York Knicks offense, especially in tight turnarounds. His energy on the boards and dribble-drive attack lead to high-percentage looks.
Hart also bounces back from poor performances, averaging 13.5 points over his last 11 games following a sub-10-point effort.
Projections all sit north of 11 points with a ceiling closer to 12 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers, with Hart logging his normal workload and perhaps more minutes, with Mitchell Robinson doubtful.
Knicks vs Clippers same-game parlay
The Knicks are 15-8 SU coming off a loss and have held their own against Western Conference competition, with a 15-9 straight-up mark in non-conference games.
Hart is forecasted for 11+ points and should see more minutes than he did in Sunday's loss with Robinson sitting out. Over the past 11 games in which Hart failed to score double digits, he’s bounced back with 11 or more points in eight of those following contests.
Brook Lopez presents a problem inside for a Knicks frontcourt running a little thin. Some models have Lopez going for 11 points tonight.
Knicks vs Clippers SGP
- Knicks moneyline
- Josh Hart Over 10.5 points
- Brook Lopez Over 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hart Attack
The Knicks bounce back from yesterday's bad offensive effort, and Hart beats strong, not only topping his points total, but picking up the slack on the glass with projections as high as 7.6 rebounds.
Knicks vs Clippers SGP
- Knicks -2.5
- Over 220.5
- Josh Hart Over 10.5 points
- Josh Hart Over 6.5 rebounds
Knicks vs Clippers odds
- Spread: Knicks -2.5 (-105) | Clippers +2.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Knicks -135 | Clippers +115
- Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Knicks vs Clippers betting trend to know
The L.A. Clippers are 15-9 Over/Under vs. Eastern Conference foes, including 7-4 O/U in non-conference home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Clippers.
How to watch Knicks vs Clippers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Monday, March 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Knicks vs Clippers latest injuries
John Collins has been ruled out for a fifth consecutive contest for the Clippers with a neck strain. Mitchell Robinson is out for the Knicks due to load management as he continues to nurse a sore ankle.
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