DETROIT (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder will be missing four starters for their matchup of conference leaders against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City won't have its four leading scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Jalen Williams (hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) and Chet Holmgren (back), along with sixth-leading scorer Isaiah Hartenstein (calf). The only player from the top six that will play in Detroit is Isaiah Joe, who averages 11.0 points, and the only regular starter will be Lu Dort.
The game was billed as a possible NBA Finals preview, with the Western Conference-leading Thunder at 45-14 and the Pistons leading the East at 42-14.
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets and Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks go up for the rebound during the game on February 24, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Egor Demin is still in the top ten of the NBA’s Rookie Rankings, at No. 9, one spot below where he was drafted. Still the second fastest player to 100 3-pointers in NBA history, behind only Kon Knueppel. And yes, he’s still averaging double figures. Still a winner in the All-Star Break’s Rising Stars Challenge.
But…
He is also in a slump. In his last three games, he is shooting 7-of-28 (25.0%) overall and 4-of-19 (21.0%). And after shooting 47.2% in the month of January from deep, he’s down to 31.0% so far in February. On Tuesday night, he didn’t score till the fourth quarter in what was an embarrassing loss to the Mavs. Moreover, the 6’9.5”, 210-pound rookie has had issues with NBA physicality and he knows it as he told Brian Lewis before the Mavs game.
“Yeah, that’s definitely one of the next steps,” Dëmin told The Post. “And that comes from the physicality in general. I think that the physicality part is the next step that as soon as I get there, it’s going to put me on a different level in my opinion. Right then obviously being able to contain shooting and just improve it.
“And from the physicality it’s going to be better defense, better athleticism, better paint touches, again just because I’m going to be stronger and bigger. Mentality is definitely a part of it too. Just trying to implement this into my game before it implements itself, I guess; really trying [to be physical] a lot. I think all of it. And it’s all about the work, pretty much; and the time.”
A refreshing self-assessment for the 19-year-old but as the Nets first lottery pick in 15 years, a lot is being asked of him.
“Obviously touching the paint, making the right play, cutting,” coach Jordi Fernández said of what he’d like to see from the teenager. “He’s going to keep shooting: I like all his shots. He made a big one in the fourth because he’s confident. Even if he misses five, he’ll shoot the sixth and make it. Other things are cutting, touching the paint, finding sprays, getting to the rim, getting to the [foul] line. One step at a time; but I want to see more of that.”
That level of patience is a big part of development and a luxury a team going nowhere has. He’s the only one of the first first round picks to avoid playing in the G League with the Long Island Nets — the other four have played 42 games, led by Ben Saraf’s 19, He’s been handed the reins, starting 43 of the 50 games he played for Brooklyn — at total of 1,255 minutes.
That load may also be a factor as it often is for rookies. At BYU last season, he played a total of 908 minutes, 25% fewer than his NBA total with 25 more games to go. Is it the Rookie Wall that’s giving him issues? He notes he’s put on 11 pounds since Summer League (then rehabbed for two months after he came down with a case of plantar fascia.) The Moscow native says he is getting help from team trainers to help him through the transition from college to pro. He admits there’s a mental aspect as well as physical.
“This is something I’m really trying to focus on a lot, just trying to get better at this, from the standpoint of toughness: mental, more than physical, because the physical part. I can’t really do more than I’m able, than my ability,” Dëmin explained to Lewis. “So this is something I’m working on in the lifting room; trying to get stronger, looking at my nutrition.
“[The trainers] make my body stronger. But right now, it’s really about my mental, physicality, where I can resist every single player on the court. And I’m looking for that state of mind where, ‘No, I’m not going to step away from you,’ which obviously it happens sometimes. Sometimes it’s not as good. And that’s a process.”
Nets fans along with the team staff have been happy with the pairing of Demin with his fellow rookie, Frenchman Nolan Traore, who had a similar transition earlier in the season. As Steve Aschbruner of NBA.com wrote this week in compiling the rookie rankings.
A 1-for-10 night against OKC, including 1-for-8 from the arc, dragged down Dëmin’s shooting percentage. But the emergence of teammate Nolan Traoré has Nets fans envisioning the two 19-year-olds as Brooklyn’s global backcourt of the future.
At this point, Brooklyn believes in both and hopes that the two — the sixth and 11th youngest players in the league — can get back on track before the season ends. You don’t want to lose development time. Despite Demin’s shooting issues, the organization remains confident that Demin in particular will, that they did well picking the Russian in the 2025 Draft.
One former point guard who knows all about development is Jason Kidd, the Nets great and now Mavs coach. Kidd’s nickname as a young player was “Ason Kidd” because he had no “J” or jumper. He finished his career second in NBA history with 1,988 3-pointers, a number of course that’s been since surpassed. Lewis asked him which was tougher: a 3-point shot or finding your place on the floor.
“Getting where you want [on the floor] is what you want. The great players all get where they want: step-back 3, side-step 3, to the rim, Euro step. Shooting you can work on, sometimes it just takes time. If you can stay the course and have patience, it will come. If you can’t get where you want to go, there’s no way you can get the shot off,” Kidd said. “I’d take that package, and that young man has it.”
The Vancouver Canucks could be making a trade sooner rather than later. According to Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK TV, defenceman Tyler Myers will be held out of the lineup on Wednesday for "trade reasons". The Canucks take on the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena in what will be their first game back after the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Dhaliwal's report comes less than an hour after NHL Network's Kevin Weekes posted that Myers may be on the move. Weekes' post said, "I'm told Canucks are fielding plenty of calls on D Myers and he could be on the move shortly." Myers name had come up in trade rumours earlier this season but has not been mentioned recently as a player who would be moved.
Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) during a stop in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Myers has one more year left on his contract after this season and carries a cap hit of $3 million. The 36-year-old can choose his destination as he has a full no movement clause this year. In 57 games this season, Myers has eight points and is averaging 20:13 per game.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers goes to the basket against Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on February 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 115-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Date: February 26th, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM CST Location: Aspiration Dome Television Coverage: Prime Video, FanDuel Sports Network – North Radio Coverage: Wolves App, iHeart Radio
There are two versions of the 2025-26 Minnesota Timberwolves, and at this point I’m convinced they share custody of the same locker room.
Version A is the Sunday matinee squad that sleepwalks through games, forgets how to rotate defensively, and treats urgency like it’s an optional add-on package. That team got run out of its own building by Philadelphia.
Version B? That’s the feisty, ball-popping, defensive-snarl version we saw in Portland. The one that looks like it actually enjoys playing basketball. The one that remembers it has Rudy Gobert, a Defensive Player of the Year anchor, and the blossoming “face of the league” in Anthony Edwards.
Tuesday night in Portland, Version B showed up.
From the opening tip, Minnesota looked nothing like the half-asleep group that surrendered 135 points to the Sixers. The ball was humming. The defense had teeth. Gobert, fresh off his one-game suspension, returned to the paint like a bouncer who’d just been told someone trashed his club while he was away. He cleaned the glass, altered shots, and reestablished physicality.
The Wolves never blew the doors off Portland, but they controlled the tone. Even when the Blazers clawed back and the fourth quarter tightened into one of those familiar “are we really doing this again?” moments, Minnesota responded. They hit timely shots. They made defensive stops. They showed composure.
This is where we give deserved credit to Portland. That’s a young, scrappy team that doesn’t fold. But this game ultimately showcased the difference between a team learning how to win and one that’s been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. When it mattered, the Wolves executed.
And now comes the next test: the Los Angeles Clippers.
No More Sleepwalking
If you remember the last meeting with the Clippers, it was another one of those sleepy Sunday disasters. Minnesota looked disinterested. Kawhi Leonard looked like someone injected the 2019 playoffs into his veins, dropping 41 points en route to a complete evisceration of the Wolves.
This time, it’s a Thursday night road game in Los Angeles. No Super Bowl matinee. No brunch vibes. Prime time.
As was the case in the previous meeting, the post-trade deadline Clippers are in transition. James Harden is in Cleveland. Ivica Zubac is in Indiana. Darius Garland, newly acquired, isn’t ready to go yet. On paper, Minnesota has the clear talent advantage. But if this season has taught us anything, it’s that “on paper” means absolutely nothing to this Wolves team if they decide to nap through the first half.
So let’s get into it.
# 1: Actually Show Up This Time
It sounds absurd that this has to be said about a team with a legit aspiration (see what I did there?) to grab the 3-seed in the Western Conference, but here we are.
Effort is the swing factor with Minnesota. When they’re engaged, they can suffocate OKC. When they’re not, they can lose to anyone. After the Sixers embarrassment, the Wolves showed pride in Portland. The hope is that it wasn’t a one-night emotional spike. After all, Kawhi Leonard is not someone you casually “figure out” after falling behind 15.
This has to be a wire-to-wire effort game.
# 2: Don’t Get Caught in the Claw
To say Kawhi Leonard has been on a heater lately would be an understatement. He torched Minnesota in the previous meeting at Target Center. When Kawhi is healthy, he’s one of the most devastating two-way forces in the league. He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t emote much. He just calmly dissects you.
Jaden McDaniels, fresh off a monster game in Portland, will likely draw the primary assignment. That’s a good start, but leaving McDaniels alone on an island is not the solution. Kawhi will find his spots. This has to be collective defense for the Wolves. Force the ball out of his hands and make the Clippers’ role players beat you. If Leonard gets 30 on tough, contested shots, you tip your cap, but the Wolves can’t afford to make it an easy night for him.
#3: Let Rudy Be Rudy
In his two games since the All-Star break, Gobert has been on a tear, vacuuming rebounds, turning misses into putbacks, and reminding everyone why he anchors this defense. Against Portland, his presence was unmistakable. It’s amazing how different Minnesota looks when he’s active and emotionally engaged.
With Zubac gone, the Clippers don’t have a true counter for Gobert inside. This is a game where Minnesota should win the paint decisively. Pound the glass. Feed the lob. If Gobert dictates the interior, it changes everything defensively and creates easier offense on the other end.
# 4: Keep the Ball Moving
Portland was a good reminder of what this offense looks like when it shares. The ball movement unlocked Jaden McDaniels. It freed up Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid for clean threes.
The danger, as always, is hero ball. We saw flashes of it in the fourth quarter in Portland when Anthony Edwards briefly tried to don the cape again. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it stalls the entire offense. Against the Clippers, Ant and Randle need to be dual-threat scorers and facilitators to turn this team into a five-headed monster.
The Stakes
This is Game 2 of a critical three-game road trip. The goal from the jump was 3–0. Portland was Act One. The Clippers are Act Two. Denver looms as the finale.
If Minnesota handles business in L.A., they set up a massive showdown with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets with real standings implications. Minnesota is a half game behind Denver, and the Wolves haven’t beaten them yet this season. Win against the Clippers, and Sunday’s game in Mile High brings the potential of leapfrogging the Nuggets in the standings.
But the Wolves can’t look ahead. The Clippers, even reshuffled, are not going to roll over. Kawhi alone makes this dangerous, and Minnesota’s own inconsistency can’t be ignored.
We’re at Game 60 now. The final turn. The stretch run is here. February has been chaotic with flashes of brilliance, head-scratching losses, defensive lapses, and emotional swings. The Wolves have an opportunity to close the month on a positive note and start March with momentum.
The ladder is right there. Each game is another rung. Defeating the Blazers was a good step. The Clippers are the next grip.
Eyes forward. Eyes focused. The finish line is starting to come into view. The Wolves need to run with purpose and stay in their lane. Hopefully they don’t stray in L.A.
The future has been on the minds of Nashville Predators fans for two years.
After the flop that was the 2024-25 season, in which the Predators won just 30 games, the fansbase shifted toward what's next and how prospects can bring a Stanley Cup to Nashville.
General Manager Barry Trotz has built a rich prospect pool of college and junior stars, AHL standouts, and young guns already proving themselves in the NHL.
This year has been a massive example of what could be in store for the future, as seven prospects played in the IIHF World Junior Championship, another earned All-Star honors at the Spengler Cup and another is an AHL defenseman point leader.
In Nashville, a 24-year-old Luke Evangelista has a career-high 42 points (8G, 34A) in 56 games, and three players have scored their first career goals this season.
However, taking a closer look at how these prospects have been handled calls into question whether the Predators have been doing enough for their future.
Reassigning Fedor Svechkov too late
Milwaukee Admirals center Fedor Svechkov (40) waits for his turn in a drill during practice Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Fedor Svechkov, a 22-year-old center who was drafted 19th overall in 2021, is a player the Predators mishandled this season.
After the blockbuster signing in the 2024 offseason, Stamkos generated just 53 points in 82 games, not bad at all, but well below what he as averaging.
Svechkov struggled centering Stamkos in the first month of the season, as he had a point in 15 games played. Meanwhile, Stamkos had two points in the first 12 contests of the year.
While a move back to the center on the first and second lines benefited Stamkos, Svechkov continued to struggle in various combinations.
The decision felt like it was a month too late, as Svechkov was scoreless throughout January and was essentially benched in his final game before being assigned to Milwaukee, recording 3:05 minutes of ice time in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Jan. 27.
Scratch, play or reassign?
Dec 29, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood (71) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Predators haven't frayed away from scratching their young players, as Brady Martin, Matthew Wood and others have all had to sit at some point this season.
However, some of the scratches have been questionable. Martin, the Predators' 2025 fifth overall pick, played just three games before being sent to the Soo Greyhounds (OHL).
He was in Nashville for the season-opening game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 9 and their road matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 21.
That was a seven-game stretch, and Martin was scratched in five of those contests, including a "homecoming" game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
On Jan. 3 and 6, Wood was scratched in back-to-back contests before returning to the lineup. He'd return to the lineup, but struggle throughout the month before the Predators decided to reassign him to Milwaukee ahead of the Olympic break.
However, after three games with the Admirals during the pause, the Predators called Wood back up, casting doubt on the move and possibly being too early.
Joakim Kemell is another player who has sat more than he's played in Nashville. He's played in two games but has been scratched from six.
Making the right call-ups
Dec 29, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood (71) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Trotz has notably "stuck his neck out" for a handful of players, moving them onto the roster ahead of other stat leaders down in Milwaukee.
Reid Schaefer, who has logged just six points in 27 games, has made multiple stops in Nashville this season. He earned a call-up before seven other Admirals who are ahead of him in point totals.
Zach L'Heureux recently earned a call-up after averaging a point per game in 28 straight contests with the Admirals. He even said that he expected to be called up sooner.
Justin Barron, whom Trotz traded Alexandre Carrier for in 2024, has not moved from the Predators roster despite scoring 32 points and recording just five points.
Meanwhile, Ryan Ufko, who is second in AHL defenseman points with 42 in 47 games, has yet to be called up to Nashville this season.
Another piece was trading Spencer Stastney, a 26-year-old defenseman who had nine points in 30 games before he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 third-round pick.
The only defenseman the Predators have recalled for Milwaukee this year is Andreas Englund, a 30-year-old who was claimed off waivers by Nashville last season.
He's played in only three games and has been scratched in a handful of contests.
Too much or not enough?
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators incoming general manager Barry Trotz announces the twenty fourth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
While there is likely a reason behind the decisions to sit these younger players or have them wait a bit longer for their opportunity, the trends show that Nashville is struggling to put its younger players in the right situations.
Svechkov's elongated stay in Nashville may have hurt his game more than benefited it, as he could've spent a month or two down in Milwaukee instead of struggling with the Predators.
Down in Milwaukee, guys like Ufko and Jake Lucchini (38 PTS in 49 GMS) can only do so much to prove they deserve a shot with the Predators.
It's fair to say this could be part of "the process" of having younger players earn their time and place, but with the Predators being so gung-ho about their future, they're teetering on the line between development and wasting prospects' time.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jan 11, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images | Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings
February 11, 2026
Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network,
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00pm CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Mat Ishbia #15 of Team Anderson looks on during the game against Team Antetokounmpo during the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Kia Forum 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All-Star Weekend has drifted in recent years; it’s no secret. That magical energy just isn’t there anymore.
Ishbia appeared on Wednesday’s The Pat McAfee Show and said he would pay $1 million in prize money to the winners of the Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests (via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst).
While revealing he would give another $1 million to charity in each event, he stated, “Let’s get the best guys in. Let’s make it awesome.”
Suns owner Mat Ishbia wants more star players participating in All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year — and is hoping to entice them by offering a $1 million prize to the winners of the slam dunk and 3-point contests. https://t.co/JPs2dMwtJ3
The idea is simple: if pride and legacy are not enough to draw the league’s top stars consistently, maybe meaningful financial incentive will. After seeing how much the recent Saturday night events have fallen, I’m all for it. It is a straightforward solution from an owner who has not been shy about spending since purchasing the franchise.
Phoenix, of course, will be hosting the 2027 All-Star Game almost exactly one year from now.
NBA All-Star 2027 is in Phoenix, Arizona! The 76th annual NBA All-Star game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 21, at Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns. pic.twitter.com/ZJb7eRcXX0
The dunk contest, in particular, has struggled to consistently attract marquee names in recent seasons. There have been flashes, sure. There have been viral moments thanks to Mac McClung. What it has lacked is sustained star power.
The 3-Point Contest has generally held up better, but even that event can benefit when elite names treat it as a priority rather than an afterthought. We already had Dame reach out to Steph and Klay to get them to join Book in what could be one of the most entertaining 3-point contests in recent memory.
Ishbia’s approach signals something larger than just a check. It speaks to competitiveness, which he also went on a rant about with the league’s tanking situation. The NBA is in the entertainment industry, and what better way to put on a show than by getting the biggest names involved in the contests we all used to love so much?
This move also fits Ishbia’s broader philosophy since taking over in Phoenix. He has shown a willingness to invest aggressively, whether in player salaries, infrastructure, or organizational resources. Offering prize money is not a publicity stunt. It aligns with his pattern of putting financial weight behind competitive outcomes.
From a Suns perspective, it also places Phoenix at the center of league dialogue in a constructive way. He is offering an incentive and letting players decide.
The NBA thrives when its showcase events feel competitive rather than ceremonial. All-Star Weekend has a history. It has the platform. What it needs is urgency. And some dolla dolla bills, ya’ll.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 2: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons are looking to rebound after a disappointing loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Facing Oklahoma City tonight might seem like being out of the frying pan and into the fire, but it actually does represent a bit of a reprieve and potential get right game for the Pistons. Because the Pistons aren’t playing the Thunder, the Pistons are playing the Thunders’ backups. Very good backups, mind you, but backups nonetheless.
Sitting out for the Thunder tonight are: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell. The Pistons will only be missing Isaiah Stewart, who remains out with his suspension.
It won’t be a cake walk — Cason Wallace is a great all-around player, Isaiah Joe is a heck of a shooter, and Lu Dort can defend anywhere. But the Thunder will be undersized, and Jalen Duren might be looking to feast after a hard-fought matchup against Victor Wembanyama. Cade Cunningham, too, is coming off a terrible game against the Spurs. I’d look for him to be active, particularly as a passer. There should be open driving lines and kick-out opportunities. I hope it’s a fun one at LCA.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Watch: ESPN, Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons -10.5
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Former New York Yankee CC Sabathia throws the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Get out your pens to mark your calendars, because there’s now an event at Yankee Stadium during this coming season that you won’t want to miss. Just a short while ago, the Yankees announced that this coming September 26th, they’ll be holding a ceremony to formally retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52 and give him a plaque in Monument Park.
Sabathia pitched for the Yankees from 2009-19, helping them to the 2009 World Series title and a number of other playoff appearances. He was a three-time All-Star in pinstripes and he finished top five in Cy Young voting three times while a member of the team. Last summer, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, and will forever don a Yankee logo on his plaque in Cooperstowjn.
During his 11 seasons with the Yankees, Sabathia was a stellar pitcher for the team, evidenced by what I’ve already cited and also ranking in the top ten in the franchise lists for wins, strikeouts, and more. However, he also became a revered clubhouse leader. When he first got there, he joined in a veteran heavy era, where the clubhouse was led by the likes of then captain Derek Jeter. While never officially named one, by all accounts he served somewhat of that role as the Yankees transitioned to an era led by now captain Aaron Judge. He also always had his teammates’ backs.
If the Yankees had historically been more selective in the numbers they’d retired in the past, you could argue that Sabathia would fall short of that cutoff. However, they haven’t, and CC is more than deserving, especially in light of his recent Hall induction. In addition to being an absolute gamer on the mound, literally going until he physically couldn’t, he’s an extremely likeably human. I personally cannot wait to see him get another day in the sun later this year.
Feb 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) takes a lead off second in the first inning against the against the Cleveland Guardians at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Despite giving up 12 runs on 11 hits — including three home runs — Milwaukee managed to escape with a thrilling walk-off win over the San Francisco Giants. Brice Turang’s two-homer day powered the Brewers to a second straight victory.
After Carlos Rodriguez retired the Giants in order to start the game, Turang crushed his first home run deep into left field. The solo shot put the Brewers on the board in the bottom of the first.
Turang’s home run gave Milwaukee a lead they would relinquish half an inning later, when Luis Matos — who gave the Brewers plenty of trouble in the 2025 regular season — sent a Rodriguez cutter into the left field stands to tie the game at one run apiece.
Garrett Mitchell worked a walk in his first at-bat of the spring after going down in the count 0-2. The red-hot Brandon Lockridge doubled to right field to put runners on second and third, but Jackson Chourio grounded out to shortstop to end the second inning. Rodriguez wouldn’t come back out for the top of the third, with manager Pat Murphy going to Peter Strzelecki. Strzelecki hit the first batter he faced, Christian Koss, before retiring the next two hitters. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t get out of the inning unscathed. Strzelecki’s second pitch to Bryce Eldridge was a 91-mph fastball up in the zone, which Eldridge sent 391 feet for the Giants’ second home run of the game.
San Francisco would tack on five more runs off of prospect Garrett Stallings in the top of the fourth. After a Harrison Bader home run and a Jung Hoo Lee triple, the score was 8-1, and the game looked out of reach for the home team — but only briefly. The bottom of the fourth saw Giants pitcher Carson Whisenhunt (in for starter Adrian Houser) absolutely melt down, walking the first three batters he faced. Joey Ortiz then ripped a bases-loaded single into left field, scoring Andrew Vaughn from third and Luis Rengifo from second. Whisenhunt then walked Brandon Lockridge, and Giants manager Tony Vitello had seen enough. Right-hander Tristan Beck entered the game to face Chourio with the bases loaded.
Chourio worked an 11-pitch walk to keep the bases loaded for Turang. Beck’s first pitch was a slider low and away, and Turang was ready — crushing a 425-foot grand slam to center field. All of a sudden, the game was tied at eight.
Turang’s first home run today left the bat at 106.5 mph, and the grand slam had an exit velocity of 108.2 mph. Neither home run was pulled. For a player who appeared to be tapping into more power over the second half of last season, that’s an incredibly encouraging sign.
In the top of the fifth, Brewers No. 1 prospect Jesús Made entered the game defensively for Turang and wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first at-bat, Made smoked a triple to right field. He scored one pitch later courtesy of a William Contreras home run, putting the Brewers ahead 9-8. Meanwhile, prospects Tyson Hardin, Brett Wichrowski, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Manuel Rodriguez blanked the Giants over the next four innings.
By the top of the ninth, the score was 10-8 Milwaukee (thanks to an RBI single from Made). Edwin Jimenez, in the game for Rodriguez, was unable to get the save. Jimenez gave up hits to Grant McCray and Daniel Susac to start the inning. Jerar Encarnacion then hit a ground ball to prospect Brock Wilken at third base, but Wilken was unable to handle it, allowing McCray to score. Jimenez couldn’t bounce back after the error, allowing the Giants to tack on three more runs wrapped around a pitching change (to Stiven Cruz) before the inning finally, mercifully, ended with the score now 12-10.
After coming back from a seven-run deficit, it briefly looked like the Brewers were going to give this one away. That is, until Matthew Wood started off the bottom of the ninth with a double. Eddys Leonard then hit a bloop that dropped in for a single and the first run of the inning. Twenty-year-old Josh Adamczewski singled as well, putting runners on first and second for Luis Lara, who grounded into a force-out for the first out. The next batter, Freddy Zamora, lined a single into left field to tie the game at 12 and put the winning run at third. Outfielder Greg Jones lifted a fly ball to center that was deep enough to score Lara from third for the winning run, giving Milwaukee an exciting 13-12 spring victory.
Aside from Turang’s performance (2-for-3, two homers, five RBIs), Brewers fans have a lot to be excited about after this game. Made, who started last season in Low-A, looked the part today. Made went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored. Adamczewski, one of the biggest breakouts in the farm system last year, came up clutch with a single in the ninth. Ortiz is now hitting .273 this spring after his two-run (bases loaded!) single. Luis Lara scored two runs. Jackson Chourio worked an 11-pitch walk. The future is bright in Milwaukee.
The Brewers are back at it again tomorrow as they take on the Texas Rangers. First pitch is slated for 2:05 p.m. CT.
CC Sabathia salutes fans as he walks out to the field for introductions during Old Timerâs Day before a game against the Colorado Rockies, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Bronx, NY.
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TAMPA — CC Sabathia will enter Yankees immortality later this season.
The Hall of Fame left-hander will have his No. 52 retired by the Yankees and a plaque unveiled for him in Monument Park on Sept. 26, the team announced Wednesday night.
“From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park — this HOF journey has come full circle,” Sabathia wrote in a social-media post. “To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues.”
A key part of the 2009 World Series championship Yankees, Sabathia spent 11 of his 19 years in the big leagues playing in The Bronx, pitching to a 3.81 ERA across 307 games.
CC Sabathia salutes fans as he walks out to the field for introductions during Old Timers’ Day before the Yankees’ blowout loss to the Rockies on Aug. 24, 2024 at the Stadium. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
He recorded his 3,000th career strikeout as a Yankee and was also the ALCS MVP in 2009.
A strong presence in the Yankees clubhouse, Sabathia was revered by his teammates and pitched with a bulldog mentality. He retired after the 2019 season, having thrown his last pitch in the ALCS when he walked off the mound with a dislocated shoulder.
“When I think of him, I think of ‘teammate,’ ” said Aaron Boone, who played with Sabathia in Cleveland before managing him in New York. “He brought people together. He connected with a lot of different people from a lot of different walks of life, while having the presence of being a superstar. He made you feel welcome. And then between the lines, just a really great competitor. I loved playing with him because he was so intense.
CC Sabathia pitching during the 2009 World Series. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
“Just an awesome competitor and the best of the best in teammates.”
With the Winter Olympics break now officially behind us, the Ottawa Senators return to action on Thursday night (7 pm TSN5) at Canadian Tire Centre, hosting the Detroit Red Wings.
After the game, there's yet another long break in the schedule, at least as far as Senators home games are concerned. This is how the schedule looks starting Saturday.
Feb. 28 at Toronto March 3 at Edmonton March 5 at Calgary March 7 at Seattle March 9 at Vancouver
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss which player is more inspired to be great down the NHL stretch, the gold medal winner, or the one that came up short?
Meanwhile, right in the middle of their Western road swing, the NHL trade deadline will come and go on March 6 at 3 pm Eastern.
So if the Senators decide to be active in the trade market, Thursday night's game against the Wings may be the last time some players ever put on a Sens jersey at home.
This will be Steve Staios' third trade deadline as an NHL GM and the first two couldn't have been more different. In 2024, Staios was handcuffed by Vladimir Tarasenko's no trade clause and shipped the pending free agent to the Florida Panthers for what turned out to be a third rounder.
That was pretty much it, although he made some huge moves in the summer, acquiring Linus Ullmark, Nick Jensen, David Perron, Michael Amadio, and Adam Gaudette.
2025 was just the opposite. Staios went hard at the deadline, getting Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund, then went slower in the summer, acquiring depth players Jordan Spence and Lars Eller.
The trade deadline is usually about two types of teams.
On the one hand, you have playoff-bound teams eyeballing their final chance to bulk up their roster with good established players to try and go deep. On the other hand, you have teams who are already out of contention, who are looking to do business with the great teams that can give them the picks, prospects or young players so they can retool.
But the Senators are caught in between, and in a parity-filled league where the standings are so tight, they're not alone in feeling stuck in the middle.
If the last four games before the deadline go well, maybe Staios fancies himself a buyer and strengthens the roster like he did last year. This year's Senators actually have a better record right now (.553) than they did at last year's deadline (.549) but their Eastern standing is way different.
The Sens held the second wild card last year at the deadline, but right now they're six points out.
Their needs would include a right shot D, but since almost everyone needs help in that area, they won't come cheap. It might cost them a first-rounder next year or one of their good forwards who are still young enough to help a team in rebuild.
If the last four games before the deadline don't go well, and the Sens slip further in the standings, maybe they shift to seller mode and unload some of their older UFAs rather than lose them and get nothing in return. When they dumped pending UFA Vladimir Tarasenko, in 2024 they were 19 points out of a playoff spot, but the strategy is still the same.
The Senators' list of older UFAs on expiring contracts right now includes Claude Giroux, David Perron, Nick Jensen, Lars Eller, Nick Cousins, and James Reimer.
As a dark horse move, Giroux might be a candidate to be one of those rare springtime rentals that ends up back with the team that traded him. He could go for that Cup that's eluded him, and re-sign back home in Ottawa this summer.
But even if someone gave the Sens back a 2026 first round pick (the NHL probably won't), moving Giroux would be highly discouraging to a fan base that's all in on at least the attempt at a making the playoffs.
Moving one or two of their other thirty-something UFAs may be an opportunity to shore up their draft capital without fully giving up on their playoff hopes.
The only thing we know for sure is that we won't see the Senators pulling off the firesale deals we saw from 2018-2020. Some of those deals completely blew up in their face, but others helped build a core that's now in its prime. And while it remains to be seen if they can still salvage this season, or ever emerge as a true contender, the window for this group is now wide open.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published by The Hockey News. More headlines here:
Observations from Mets spring training on Wednesday:
Back in Action
Francisco Alvarez played his first game of the spring, going 0-for-2 as the DH. He is scheduled to catch in a simulated game on a backfield in Port St. Lucie on Thursday and make his spring debut behind the plate for the Mets on Saturday.
Francisco Alvarez and pitching coach Justin Willard confer in the bullpen during Spring Training at Clover Field, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
If At 1st You Don’t Succeed …
Mark Vientos went too far to his right on a grounder by Nolan Gorman in the first, but Grae Kessinger was there to make the play to end the inning.
Vientos also made a nice scoop on a long throw from Vidal Bruján in the fourth.
Caught by Eye
Juan Soto sat next to Eli Manning on Tuesday night at a TGL golf event and said it was his first time meeting the retired Giants quarterback. “He’s definitely a humble man,” Soto said. “It was cool to talk to a legend like that.”
The conversation, Soto said, focused mainly on golf — although they chatted about New York, as well.
Thursday’s Schedule
Nolan McLean will make the start for the Mets, who face the Astros in West Palm Beach, Fla., at 1:05 p.m.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper will miss the next two games after the death of his father, Robert.
Assistant Rob Zettler was the acting head coach for the Lightning's home game against Toronto on Wednesday night and will again do so at Carolina on Thursday night.
Cooper, who coached the Lightning to Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, was the head coach for Canada in the Milan Cortina Olympics. The Canadians left with the silver medals after losing 2-1 to the United States in overtime in the gold medal game.
“Thoughts and prayers, as always, to Coop and his family," Zettler said Wednesday before facing the Maple Leafs. “That was the No. 1 thing, that he takes care of business back home. He left this morning to go back to Vancouver. What I am in confident in is our guys. They've been excellent in so many ways this year, including in times like this where's Coop's missing or something happens to one of the guys."
The NHL restarted its season Wednesday after taking a break for the Olympic Games in Milan. Tampa Bay entered the day with a six-point lead in the Atlantic Division and the Lightning's 78 points were tied with the Hurricanes for best in the Eastern Conference.
They went 19-1-1 over the final 21 games before the break.
