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5 Vancouver Canucks Storylines At The 2026 Winter Olympics

Seven members of the Vancouver Canucks will be heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, with the first day of games beginning on February 11. Despite the NHL being on break during the Olympics, many storylines will follow these players as they prepare to compete on the biggest stage in the world. Here are five Canucks storylines that will take place at the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

Will A Solid Showing At The Olympics Increase Trade Interest In Teddy Blueger Or David Kämpf? 

Two of the Canucks’ pending UFAs will take part in the 2026 Olympics for their respective teams — Teddy Blueger for Latvia and David Kämpf for Czechia. This is especially intriguing as both players will likely be put in more-expanded roles than the ones they currently play in with Vancouver, with Blueger in particular potentially ending up in a more offensively-inclined role. With the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6 looming, there’s no doubt that management teams will be eyeing players at the Olympics as some to target as pick-ups for playoff runs, and Blueger in particular could be a strong piece for contending teams to add. Vancouver is one of those teams that looks like they’ll be making moves up until the deadline; if Blueger or Kämpf put on a show at the Olympics, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of the league’s top teams make a move to acquire them as a depth piece. 

Could A Strong Olympic Campaign Play Lukas Reichel Back Into An NHL Role? 

The Lukas Reichel experiment in Vancouver hasn’t quite gone the way management has planned. Not happy with his defensive play, the organization sent Reichel down to the AHL to play while seeking out trade fits for the young forward. Similar to Blueger and Kämpf’s situations, Reichel will likely end up with a bigger role when skating with Germany at the Olympics — the potential of playing with stars like Leon Draisaitl and Tim Stützle will only add to that. If Reichel can put together a solid Olympic campaign, one that shows he’s paying more attention to the defensive side of the game, he may be able to play himself back into an NHL role.  

Will Elias Pettersson Experience An Explosion In Offensive Output With Sweden’s Roster? 

Last year, many believed playing with a stacked Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Faceoff would greatly help Elias Pettersson’s offensive efforts. That clearly didn’t happen, as the forward was unable to register a point in Sweden’s three games during the tournament. A similar belief follows Pettersson into the Olympics nearly a year later, especially now that he seems to slowly be making a comeback on the defensive size of the game. While the 2025–26 season still has yet to see Pettersson return to his 100-point form, there have been some small flashes of the creativity he showed in the early years of his NHL career. If he brings out this creativity while skating with some of Sweden’s top talents, Pettersson could find himself enjoying a strong offensive effort during his first career Olympics. 

Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden forward Elias Pettersson (40) looks on in warm-up before the game against Team Canada during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden forward Elias Pettersson (40) looks on in warm-up before the game against Team Canada during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Could An Extended Role With Czechia Add To Speculation About Filip Hronek Becoming The Canucks’ Next Captain? 

Since the departure of former Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Filip Hronek has been the main player many have watched step-up into a leadership role. The defenceman now wears an ‘A’ for Vancouver and has been more present from a more public perspective. Hronek, who is the most-tenured Canuck when it comes to international play, has also taken on leadership roles for Czechia at times, wearing an ‘A’ in two different World Championships. With an extended role likely coming his way throughout Czechia’s Olympic campaign, Hronek’s position as a leader on Team Czechia may cause many to consider whether he could be the Canucks’ next captain or not. 

Will Fatigue Play A Role In Kevin Lankinen’s Olympic And Post-Olympic Play? 

Throughout the past two seasons, Kevin Lankinen has played in what feels like the most hockey of his career. Not only did he play in a career-high 51 games in 2024–25, he also took part in two games for Finland at the 4 Nations Faceoff. This season, he’s already up to 32 games played throughout Vancouver’s 57. With Thatcher Demko now shut down for the rest of the 2025–26 season, Lankinen will be taking on even more of a share of goaltending duties on top of what he may end up doing at the Olympics. Lankinen already showed signs of tiredness towards the end of last season; having him play even more in the final few months of the year may result in even more fatigue later on. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

Current Vancouver Canucks Under 25 Who Could Feature At The 2030 Winter Olympics

From The Archive: Gold Diggers

Vancouver Canucks At The 2026 Winter Olympics: Full Schedule

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Mets News: Here are the Mets on 2026 World Baseball Classic rosters

Sep 20, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The full rosters for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were revealed on Monday, featuring 17 different Mets players across the tournament’s 20 teams. It’s the most players the Mets have ever had rostered in a WBC, beating their previous record of 16 set in 2009 and matched in 2023. The following is a list of all 17 Mets, in alphabetical order:

  • Josh Blum (Israel)
  • Huascar Brazobán (Dominican Republic)*†
  • Alex Carrillo (Mexico)*†
  • Jamdrick Cornelia (Netherlands)
  • Daniel Duarte (Mexico)*
  • Jordan Geber (Israel)
  • Carlos Guzman (Venezuela)
  • Clay Holmes (United States)*†
  • Daviel Hurtado (Cuba)
  • Nolan McLean (United States)*†
  • Nick Morabito (Italy)†
  • Jose Ramos (Panama)
  • Benjamin Simon (Israel)
  • Juan Soto (Dominican Republic)*†
  • Robert Stock (Israel)*
  • Mark Vientos (Nicaragua)*†
  • Jared Young (Canada)*†

* = Has played at the major league level

† = Currently on the Mets’ 40-Man Roster

Notable former Mets participating in the WBC include Harrison Bader (Israel), Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico), Andrés Giménez (Venezuela), Amed Rosario (Dominican Republic), Luis Severino (Dominican Republic), Gregory Soto (Dominican Republic), and Taijuan Walker (Mexico). Francisco Lindor and former Met Javier Báez were planning to play with Team Puerto Rico for a third consecutive WBC, but Lindor was one of several players to face insurance issues while Báez was ineligible because he tested positive for marijuana use during the 2023 WBC.

The Classic will kick off with the first game of pool play on March 5 (the night of March 4 in U.S. time), and the Championship game is scheduled for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. The Mets will open their regular season nine days later against the Pirates at Citi Field.

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Penguins Send 2 Prospects Back To AHL

The Olympic break is here for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and they have made some roster moves because of it.

The Penguins have announced that they have assigned forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. 

Hayes was called up to Pittsburgh's roster ahead of their Thursday night contest against the Buffalo Sabres. The 23-year-old forward undoubtedly thrived in his NHL debut for the Penguins, as he scored two goals in the club's 5-2 victory over Buffalo. 

Now, with the Olympic break here, Hayes will be looking to build on his momentum down in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In 31 games this season with the AHL club, he has recorded 13 goals, 10 assists, and 23 points. 

McGroarty, on the other hand, has recorded two goals, three assists, and five points in 20 games so far this season with Pittsburgh. The 2022 first-round pick has also posted four goals, eight assists, and 12 points in nine games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. 

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Best NBA Player Props Today for February 6: Brown Bullies the Boards

Let’s tip off Super Bowl weekend by building your bankroll with some NBA player prop winners, and with six games on the board, there’s no shortage of options.

My favorite plays today include Jaylen Brown continuing to crash the boards, and, slump or no slump, Anthony Edwards is going to keep shooting. Those and more NBA picks for Friday, February 6, are below.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Celtics Jaylen BrownOver 7.5 rebounds<<+110>>
Timberwolves Anthony EdwardsOver 3.5 threes<<+120>>
Bucks Bobby PortisOver 8.5 rebounds<<+110>>
MORE NBA FREE PICKS

Prop #1: Jaylen Brown Over 7.5 rebounds

+110 at bet365

Jaylen Brown was just named the NBA Player of the Month for January and he’s carried that strong play into February. 

The Boston Celtics star averaged 29.2 points with 7.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 14 games, and today I want to focus on the rebounds.

Brown has been a beast on the boards, hauling down 9.8 per game over his last eight games, and tonight he faces one of my favorite rebounding fades, the Miami Heat.

The Heat’s high pace means a ton of shots, and in turn, a lot of rebounds. They surrender the second-most rebounds per game.

  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-SU, NBCSB

Prop #2: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 threes

+120 at bet365

The New Orleans Pelicans may think they have a playoff-calibre roster. But that’s not what the stats say at this point.

The Pelicans rank 27th in defensive rating, and they really struggle on the perimeter, surrendering the second-most attempted and made threes per game.

That puts them in a tough spot against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ant is in a bit of a slump. But he’s a shooter. And shooters shoot.

Ant is still shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc and has still drained four-plus threes in eight of his last 14 games overall.

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: GCSEN, FanDuel Sports Network-New Orleans

Prop #3: Bobby Portis Over 8.5 rebounds

+110 at bet365

The Indiana Pacers visit the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of two of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA.

The Bucks and Pacers rank 28th and 29th, respectively, in rebounding rate. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo still sidelined, the Bucks' only really reliable rebounder is Bobby Portis.

Portis is expected to return after missing a couple of games with a hip issue. Before that, he hauled down nine or more boards in three of his last four games.

Portis to record a double-double is worth a look, but Over 8.5 boards looks like a great bet tonight.

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-Indiana, FanDuel Sports Network-Wisconsin

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Knicks Roster, Salaries, Cap Space, Available Draft Picks and More

(Note: For more information on CBA terms and their impact, read this breakdown from June 2024.)

We’re midway through the 2025-26 season, and the Knicks are in a solid spot.

They woke up the morning after the trade deadline with a 33-18 record, fully recovered from the January swoon that nearly saw management press the panic button, and tied for second in the Eastern Conference. They even figured to bolster the bench by acquiring Jose Alvarado and opening up space to sign a 15th player in the buyout market.

It’s a lot of work exploring every nook and cranny of NBA business. Thankfully, SBNation is partnering with SalarySwish to use their data and help answer every question we have about the Knicks’ financial situation and what it might mean this offseason and going forward.

Below are the full, comprehensive details from SalarySwish, as well as an FAQ breakdown.

Knicks Roster, Salaries, Draft Picks, Cap Space and More

Here is a table with all of the Knicks’ salary information, courtesy of our friends at SalarySwish:

FAQ

Now, let’s answer some of your most frequently asked questions about the Knicks’salary cap and draft pick situations moving forward.

What is the Knicks’ cap situation?

According to Salary Swish, the New York Knicks have a projected cap hit of $206.7 million for the 2025-26 season with 14 players rostered, leaving them $52 million over the projected salary cap. They are $18.7 million over the luxury tax and $10.7 million over the first apron, but remain $1.15 million under the second apron with a hard cap at the second apron.

The team, prior to trading Guerschon Yabusele, was not able to sign a 15th player in the buyout market until early April. That changes now, as the team opened up an extra $1 million and can sign a player immediately, provided they made under the mid-level exception ($14 million) on their initial deal.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the Knicks already have over $200 million allocated next season, despite losing Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shamet to free agency. Jose Alvarado’s $4.5 million player option will also go a long way towards whether the team can stay out of the second apron. If he accepts, they have under $17 million in space.

Is the second apron inevitable?

For those living under a rock, here’s a second apron explainer. You do not want to be there.

The second apron is currently causing everyone in Cleveland to panic about their timeline. Why do you think they traded for James Harden? The vaunted apron has already caused (rather successful) teardowns in Phoenix and Boston, and could come for teams like Orlando next.

As of right now, the Knicks will probably be a second apron team next year if they want to be serious about competing. Alvarado could very well decline his player option if he performs well, so he’ll need a raise. As will Shamet. We all know the value of Mitch, as well. Well, you not only have under $22 million in space to sign these three, but an additional minimum contract or two.

Now, this is assuming the Knicks don’t do anything seismic in the offseason, which could very well happen if they flame out in the playoffs. Say they trade Karl-Anthony Towns and his bloated $57 million salary, and that creates space; they’ll be able to stay under. What if they go after Giannis? That’ll likely hard cap them once again due to the rule of aggregating salaries.

How much will the Knicks pay in luxury taxes this year?

SalarySwish currently estimates about $40 million, which is a pretty penny.

This is the team’s second year in the luxury tax, so it’s not cataclysmic yet. It will be next year. It’s hard to project a luxury tax rate next year, but do not be surprised if the bill is nine figures, which will begin to test the mettle of James Dolan if the team isn’t bringing home a Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Who are extension candidates?

Mitchell Robinson is currently extension-eligible, but it is not going to happen in-season. He wasn’t dealt at the deadline, so we have to assume they at least have some interest in retaining him to a certain price point.

Two players become extension-eligible this offseason, and one became eligible in December. All three are intriguing.

Deuce McBride is already extension-eligible and can make up to $95 million on his next contract. While he’s signed through next season on a criminally cheap contract, the Knicks will eventually have to pay up for his services. With the second apron looming, do they really want to do that?

Josh Hart becomes eligible this offseason, but I don’t see that happening. He’s under contract through next season and has a $23 million team option for 2027-28. He’ll be 33 in 2028, so giving him a further extension feels unlikely, especially considering he might not play much longer than that.

Karl-Anthony Towns is eligible for a gigantic extension that he won’t receive. It’s nothing personal; it’s just not wise to give $260 million over four years to a player coming off his worst season in a good bit.

What draft picks do the Knicks have?

The Knicks were able to shed salary and make an upgrade, and it only cost them two inexpensive second-round picks. The picks they traded, specifically, were a (likely) Pistons 2nd this year and a convoluted pick from next.

Unless the Wizards manage to stumble their way out of the top eight, the Knicks will have their own first and seconds in the 2026 draft. If/when the Wizards pick doesn’t convey, the Knicks will possess Washington’s second-round pick in both 2026 and 2027, which could give them a pair of top-40 picks.

Aside from those two likely picks, the Knicks have six additional second-round picks through 2032. If you’re looking at the trade market, the team will be able to trade two unprotected firsts (2026, 2033) as soon as the NBA Draft occurs. They additionally have two pick swaps available due to the Stepien Rule in 2030 and 2032.

If you want to take the role of GM and mock up some trades, check out FanSpo or ESPN’s trade machine. And don’t forget to check your numbers with Salary Swish!

If you found this page useful, please bookmark it and/or share, and if you have any questions or information you’d like to see included, let us know in the comments below!

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Looking at the Washington Nationals ties to the upcoming World Baseball Classic

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Harry Ford #1 of Team Great Britain is is given a crown and robe after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning during Game 5 of Pool C between Team Colombia and Team Great Britain at Chase Field on Monday, March 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Last night, the World Baseball Classic rosters were released. Seeing that got me really fired up, especially considering how much fun the last one was. There are current and former Nationals players and coaches littered across the rosters. I wanted to take a look at some of the Nats ties to this amazing event.

The Nats current roster is not exactly littered with participants. Only two players will be leaving big league camp to play in the event. Harry Ford will be playing for Great Britain and Matt Mervis will suit up for Team Israel. Both players participated at the last WBC as well, so they are not new to this.

While both players are born in the US, they have ties to the countries they are representing. Ford has British parents and has represented the country for a while now. Mervis is representing Israel because of his Jewish faith. 

It is interesting timing for them though. Both Mervis and Ford will be leaving camp while competing for a roster spot. Mervis is part of a wide open first base competition. As a left handed bat, his main competition is likely to be Abimelec Ortiz. Mervis leaving camp could provide an opportunity for Ortiz to lock down a job. The same thing goes for Keibert Ruiz, who will get a chance to show what he has without Ford around.

Harry Ford is one of the biggest names on the Britain roster. He will co-captain the team along with Yankees star Jazz Chisholm. Ford was one of the breakout stars of the last competition. The event elevated his stock as a prospect, with Ford swinging a hot bat. He hit a key home run against Colombia, which was his signature moment.

However, these current players are not the only people with Nationals ties participating at the event. There are plenty of former Nats who are in the competition. Team USA has a couple of them, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Other big stars like Juan Soto will be playing at the event as well.

There are also some lesser known former Nats at the WBC. Cult hero Joey Meneses will be representing Mexico and Erasmo Ramirez will be with Nicaragua. Some of the coaches also have ties to the Nats as well. A pair of 2019 Nationals will be coaching at the event. Gerardo Parra will be the first base coach for Venezuela and Yan Gomes will be the catching coach for Brazil. Here is a list of all the former and current Nats at the WBC.

There are a lot of forgotten Nats on that list! The WBC is such a special event that I had so much fun watching in 2023. Hopefully this WBC is just as exciting as the last one. However, I am rooting for America to come out on top this time.

Who is your favorite former or current Nat at the event and who are some guys that you totally forgot about that are participating? Let me know down below. Also, who do you guys think will win the WBC this year? Can Japan repeat, or will Team USA or the Dominican Republic be too strong? The WBC starts in about a month and the final is on March 17th in Miami.

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News Circles That Blackhawks' First Round Pick From Panthers Is Top-Ten Protected

Ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Seth Jones and a fourth-round pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and Spencer Knight. 

Florida was able to retain the 2026 first-round pick by giving the Calgary Flames their 2025 pick to complete the Matthew Tkachuk trade. If they didn't, this pick would slide to 2027 for Chicago. That condition was met, and no other conditions were reportedly placed on the pick.

However, 11 months later, it is now confirmed that there were actually stipulations on this first-round pick. It is top-ten protected. Shockingly, the two-time defending champions are having a down year, and this pick falling into the top-ten is possible.

If the Panthers do retain this pick, their 2027 first will transfer to Chicago. That 2027 pick is already set to go to the Boston Bruins from the Brad Marchand trade, but it will slide to 2028 for Boston if the Panthers are forced to give it to the Blackhawks.  

Conditions on a pick are rarely misunderstood like this, but it can happen from time to time. Chicago's front office was always aware of it, but it was never reported properly. 

Frank Seravalli was the first one to put it out there that this was a top-ten protected pick for Florida on Friday morning. 

Image

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The Grizzlies are back to being the Lakers feeder team

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 8: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle during the game against the Miami Heat on November 8, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Order has been restored in the NBA universe.

After a weird time where it felt like we were in the upside down, the Lakers and Grizzlies are back to their rightful places.

For those unaware, many years ago, the former fearless leader of the site, Harrison Faigen, once expertly pointed out that the Grizzlies had become the Lakers feeder team. At the time, a string of players came through Memphis, were bought and eventually made their way to LA, including Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard.

That was flipped on its head early last year when the Grizzlies began turning former Lakers G League players into quality role players. Both Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff earned standard contracts in Memphis after failing to stick in LA while Colin Castleton had a brief stint on a two-way there as well.

At last, though, the Lakers are back where they should be after the last two transaction cycles. On Thursday, they acquired Luke Kennard via trade, a player who spent two-and-a-half seasons in Memphis. Notably, he was part of the Grizzlies team that played against the Lakers in the playoffs.

He joins a pair of players on the Lakers who he was already teammates with on the Grizzlies as well. Marcus Smart played a season-and-a-half in Memphis while Jake LaRavia was drafted to Memphis and spent two-and-a-half seasons with the franchise.

So, for the entire 2023-24 season and half of the 2024-25 season, all three players were teammates. Fast forward a couple of years and we’re right back at it with the three of them reuniting in much warmer weather.

“It was a pleasure to play with Luke in Memphis,” Smart said after Thursday’s win over the Sixers. “One of the better shooters in this league. He comes to work every day and I’m excited to see him out here with us again [with] me and Jake, and kind of keep going what we had in Memphis.”

Not only are the Lakers using the Grizzlies as a farm team again, but it’s predominantly guards throughout the years who have made their way through the pipeline. Fortunately, the Lakers already have a couple of prominent on-ball players, so there’s no Ja Morant tenure in purple and gold to worry about, but it’s never too early to start scouting for the next player to come to LA.

Cedric Coward has had a great rookie season and sure would look nice with the Lakers. Jaylen Wells is a promising young player, too. Or maybe we can create a full loop and bring back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Pippen Jr.

Whoever it is, it’s nice to know things are back in their rightful place in the NBA universe.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

After completing a blockbuster trade to send Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, the new-look Memphis Grizzlies travel west to face the Portland Trail Blazers.

Donovan Clingan is one of the NBA’s top rebounders, and my Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers predictions expect him to dominate the glass against a depleted Grizzlies frontcourt.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference showdown on Friday, February 6.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers prediction

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers best bet: Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds (-112)

Donovan Clingan ranks fifth in rebounds per game this season at 11.2, and he’s pulled down 11 on the road compared to 11.4 at home. He’s pulled down at least 13 rebounds just 15 times in 47 appearances this season, but five of those have come across his last eight games.

The Portland Trail Blazers big man has averaged 13.6 rebounds in that eight-game span, and he’s averaged just over 14 boards per game over his last three at home.

Over the last 10 games, the Memphis Grizzlies have surrendered the ninth-most total rebounds (46) and second-most offensive rebounds (14.1), setting Clingan up for a nice day on the glass.

An already-depleted Grizzlies frontcourt traded Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale, and Santi Aldama and Zach Edey are still sidelined. Clingan should feast tonight against the shorthanded Grizzlies and comfortably clear this rebound line.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Portland has dropped six straight, and they'll be hungry for a victory in front of the home crowd. The Grizzlies made a monster trade this week, and the new players are not yet in place.

Portland is 15-11 ATS at home, while Memphis is just 10-12. I'll take the home team to snap its six-game skid with a comfortable victory over the new-look Grizzlies.

Memphis is 7-15 to the Under on the road and 5-12 to the Under as the road underdog. Memphis will have a tough time scoring the ball with Jackson Jr., and Landale traded, and electric scorer Ty Jerome sidelined.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers SGP

  • Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds
  • Trail Blazers -8.5
  • Under 231.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Spencer on Fire!

Cam Spencer's role has taken a hit over the last three games since Jerome's return, but Spencer has still averaged 13.7 points and five assists.

Spencer posted 25 and 21 points+assists across his last two games, and with Jerome out tonight, the former should be in line for strong numbers.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers SGP

  • Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds
  • Trail Blazers -8.5
  • Under 231.5
  • Cam Spencer Over 21.5 points + assists

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers odds

  • Spread: Grizzlies +7.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers -7.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Grizzlies +207 | Trail Blazers -250
  • Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

The Trail Blazers have hit the game total Under in 17 of their last 24 games (+9.30 Units / 35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers

LocationModa Center, Portland, OR
DateFriday, February 6, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN southeast-Memphis, KUNP

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

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Mike Conley plans to return to Timberwolves as free agent

It was the worst-kept secret in the league around the trade deadline.

Mike Conley is beloved by the Timberwolves organization and fans, and the feeling is mutual. The second he was traded from Minnesota to Chicago on Tuesday, as part of the three-team deal that brought Jaden Ivey to Chicago, the expectation was that the Bulls would trade him again, allowing Conley to return to Minnesota as a free agent. Sure enough, 24 hours later, Chicago traded him to Charlotte as part of the Coby White deal. Charlotte then announced it was waiving the 38-year-old veteran point guard.

Which clears the way for the news that Conley plans to re-sign with the Timberwolves as a free agent, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. To say this news was expected would be an understatement. The deal likely won't be consummated until after the All-Star break.

Conley returns to a Timberwolves team that will welcome him with open arms in the locker room, but he will not see many, if any, minutes on the court. Conley had been playing less than 20 minutes a game off the bench, and now those minutes (and some of Bones Hyland's minutes) are going to go to Ayo Dosunmu, one of the best pickups of the deadline. Conley will essentially be the last point guard on the bench.

But he will be in Minnesota, where he belongs.

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Despite Nikola Jokić's return, the Nuggets are struggling with rhythm and roles amidst injuries

It's been a little over a week since Nikola Jokić returned to the court for the Denver Nuggets following a month-long absence, but things have not gone as swimmingly as many in Denver had hoped.

The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended knee in a loss to the Heat on December 29th. At the time, the four-to-six week timeframe he was given for his recovery seemed like a potential death sentence for a Nuggets team that was already playing without three other starters: Christian Braun (ankle), Cameron Johnson (knee), and Aaron Gordon (hamstring). Yet, the Nuggets went 10-6 without their seven-time All-Star, thanks to the steady hand of Jamal Murray, the emergence of Peyton Watson, and a handful of other players who stepped into much larger roles.

When Jokić returned to put up 31 points and 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes against the Clippers on January 30th, it seemed like things would kick into gear for Denver. Instead, they've now lost three straight games, with Jokić averaging 23.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 7.3 assists but shooting just 45.5% from the field and 25% from three, both of which are well below his season-long marks of 59.4% from the field and 41.8% from the three-point line.

It's obvious that the Nuggets are better with Jokić on the floor, and three losses to the Thunder, Pistons, and Knicks aren't enough to start ringing alarm bells. Yet, this recent stretch has crystallized one of Denver's biggest struggles this season, which is the seemingly impossible task of being forced to endlessly redefine roles and chemistry in the wake of constant injuries.

“I think the complicated part is that everybody else had a rhythm, and then they come back," Nuggets coach Dave Adelman said about Jokić and also Christian Braun, who returned from his ankle injury earlier this week. "Now those guys, they demand roles, and they deserve them. Obviously, Jokić is one of the best players alive. So I think it's the growing pains for everybody. We’ve just got to find a rhythm together again. While you manage them, you really have to manage the others because those guys are the ones who have been playing and grinding, and now their games are changing a little bit."

Four of those players who have been really grinding during the recent string of injuries have been Peyton Watson, Jalen Pickett, Spencer Jones, and Jonas Valančiūnas.

Valančiūnas' role is the easiest to modify because he was signed to back up Jokić and will go back to doing that. Watson's situation is also, unfortunately, a bit easier to manage than it was when Coach Adelman made these comments before the Knicks game. The 23-year-old hurt his hamstring during that loss and will be out for "an extended period of time." It's a tough blow for Denver because Watson had emerged as a real driving force for the Nuggets, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on the season and had upped that to 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 15 games without Jokić.

Spencer Jones also played nearly 30 minutes a game without Jokić, averaging 6.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, but providing strong defense and doing a lot of the little things in the offense that go unnoticed. Jalen Pickett also played 27 minutes per game without Jokić, averaging 9.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 41.5% from beyond the arc. Now, in the four games that Jokić has been back, Jones is down to 25 minutes per game, and Pickett has taken a much bigger step back, playing just 10 minutes in Christian Braun's first game back and not seeing the floor at all in a double overtime loss to the Knicks on Wednesday.

"I think it’s just redefining roles," explained Adelman. "That's going to happen over the games we play. We're not going to [have time to] practice. We need it, and I'm not talking like running lines here, like just stuff where you actually have some chemistry, script, talk about defensive coverages. You know, different guys are doing different things right now than they were doing two weeks ago. So I think patience is important, competitive patience, if that makes sense. But we'll manage as best we can."

The Nuggets will have to manage that re-definition of roles now and then have to do it all over again in a few weeks.

"We'll redo it again when Cam [Johnson] and AG [Aaron Gordon] come back, so it's just going to be the process," said Adelman. "The bottom line is, we've got plenty of time here to find the right rhythm. Those guys who held things down this past month have put us in a position to have a little bit of leeway. Those guys are the heroes of the season. That's why we're where we're at, and we can have a little bit of a struggle and come out the other side.”

That struggle has also come for Denver's best player. This recent stretch on the sidelines is the longest stretch Jokić has ever had with an injury during his NBA career. Sitting out for that long has not only impacted his rhythm and timing with his teammates, but it also impacted his ability to be himself on the court for an entire game.

“I think that the conditioning is one thing," suggested Adelman, "but I think the rhythm with conditioning, once you feel that and you feel good about the way you're moving, not just the fact that you're running with the game. I think those two different things, once you blend them together, then you'll see who he is. It's gonna take some time."

The Knicks game was a perfect example of that. The double overtime, back-and-forth nature of the game meant that Jokić played 44 minutes, and the coaches were happy with his conditioning, but the big man also couldn't get his shot to fall and was just 1-for-13 from beyond the arc.

“I couldn’t make a shot," said Jokić after the game. "Especially lately, it’s more off, but that's how the game goes. It happens. We’ll probably go back to the gym and work on it."

"I think the rhythm is going to come," echoed Adelman. "You know, the shooting rhythm.” Jokić himself is also not concerned about his ability to find his shooting stroke again: "I think we all have muscle memory. My body, and not just mine, but, like, we're used to it and how we play.” There is little question that the big man will get back to being the player that he was before the injury, but the process of getting back to that consistently is taking a bit longer than some, perhaps unfairly, expected.

"The expectations of him are so high that if he has an off shooting night, I think we probably take it too far," suggested Adelman. "It's coming, man. Everybody knows what this is and who he is, and he'll be what he is in time and with more games under his belt, more experience with the rhythm of the game, and playing with his new teammates, guys that are in and out, I think you'll see the best version of him soon.”

All-Star point guard Jamal Murray agreed. Despite the frustration with the team's third-straight loss and their inability to hold an early lead, Murray seemed confident in the team's ability to right the ship: “We have a great unit. Whoever is on the bench is ready to come into the game. They’ve obviously had experience this year coming in and playing, so there should be no hiccups...Plug and play, and be a bit more aggressive and try to see if we can have a better start."

With the injury to Watson, more guys are going to get a chance to come into the game, and the Nuggets will need that much more time to adjust to their new roles.

“It's just the next iteration," sighed Adelman. "We’ll have to reevaluate the starting lineup, reevaluate the rotation, get ourselves to the break, and take a long, long rest...I just feel bad for the guys in the locker room. It's deflating when you keep seeing people go down around you when you're trying to build towards something...But I'm excited for the whole group to get back. I think they've earned themselves a chance when things could have really gone the opposite way, and I think patience will be key with that.”

Patience with a coach tinkering with new lineups. Patience with players adjusting to new roles, and patience with a star making his return from a long layoff. While that patience could result in continuing to lose some games in the short-term, the Nuggets and their head coach believe that it will ultimately help lead them to where they want to go.

"You know, we got whatever 30 games to go," said Coach Adelman, "so I'll take the ugly times for the pretty ones. They're going to come.”

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Victor Wembanyama lit up the scoreboard in win over the Mavericks

Feb 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks the ball during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Spurs outlasted another short-handed opponent for their second win in a row. Victor Wembanyama led the team with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Harrison Barnes contributed 19 points, and De’Aaron Fox scored 17, while Stephon Castle chipped in 18 off the bench.

Congratulations to De’Aaron Fox on his 900th career 3. Here’s to 900 more and all hopefully with the Silver and Black.

You can’t teach vision and chemistry, but good thing Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have both in spades.

OK Carter Bryant, I was not familiar with your game. Apparently the rookie has been grinding tape of Chris Paul lobs. Speaking of which, CP3 is going to be a Spur right? I mean the good guys are the second seed in a stacked West, and maybe they could use the depth, basketball wisdom, and veteran presence—he’ll bring the same tenacity and accountability that the Clippers wanted no part of?

Discuss amongst yourselves. I’ll throw in a second subject to discuss: For the sake of random chaos, let’s bring back those synthetic basketballs the NBA tried to use 10 years ago and then subsequently ditched to go back to the old leather balls because the players complained (reasonably so) that it tore up their hands like paper cuts.

On Thursday night, you cannot stop Cooper Flagg, you can only hope to contain him. Dylan Harper did his best with this fresh and so clean block on the rookie big man. While Flagg has the unenviable task of shouldering the Mavericks franchise in the aftermath of Luka Doncic’s trade to L.A. and Anthony Davis’s trade to Washington, Dylan Harper has been afforded every opportunity to grow and develop his game with the Spurs.

The participants for the 2026 3-Point Contest have not been finalized with only Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel being the first confirmed player. To that point, I think we’re all waiting for Wembanyama’s invite. He could just casually step over each cart after coolly draining threes from each area behind the arc. I’m rather interested in him creatively finding a way to gain an advantage only for officials to step in and declare it “illegal,” similar to last year’s skills contest with Chris Paul.

You cannot spell so efficient planchettes without Stephon Castle. But you don’t need a Ouija board to have the clairvoyance to know that Castle made the most of his 21 minutes off the bench, scoring 18 points, pulling down 7 boards, dishing out 6 assists, and swiping 3 steals.

If you wonder how Castle could be so efficient in so little minutes, it’s due to plays like this where he has a steal and an assist in under 10 seconds flat.

Castle smartly turned down the invitation to reappear in the Slam Dunk Contest because you know they’re just going to unearth Mac McClung from the depths of space to come rumbling in at the last minute in front of a panel of biased and misguided judges? Yeah, I said it and am still salty over last year’s snub for Castle.

Which bears a legitimate thought exercise: The NBA should not announce who is participating in the dunk contest. What if we turned the All-Star Slam Dunk Contest into an unhinged, chock full of surprise, pro wrestling-style extravaganza? Imagine an over exuberant Kevin Harlan on his 5th cup of espresso losing his mind when he sees a mystery player come down the ramp, “OH MY GOODNESS I CANNOT BELIEVE IT . . . IT’S . . . ANTHONY EDWARDS!! AND HE’S WEARING A CAPE!! WHY DID HE JUST HIT RUDY GOBERT HIS OWN TEAMMATE IN THE BACK WITH A METAL CHAIR? WHO CARES?! HE’S ABOUT TO THROW DOWN A REVERSE, INVERTED, 360 BACK FLIP ONOMATOPOEIA BOOMSHAKALAKA DUNK OVER A WALL OF FLAMESSS! I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE!!”

If you missed the game because you were too busy cataloguing every Macho Man Randy Savage monologue, here are the full-game highlights:

Next up, the Spurs return to San Antonio for an immediate rematch with the Mavericks on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

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Yorman Gomez is our No. 18 Guardians prospect. Who should be No. 19?

Akron RubberDucks starting pitcher Yorman Gomez delivers to a New Hampshire batter during the first inning of a Minor League Baseball game at Canal Park, Aug. 21, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The people have spoken and right-handed pitcher Yorman Gomez is our No. 18 Cleveland Guardians prospect for 2026. Gomez snuck through in a tight race, earning 22.9% of the vote, defeating the likes of the likes of Andrew Walters (17.1%), Austin Peterson (12.9%), Josh Hartle (20%) and Petey Halpin (10%).

Not every path to becoming a top prospect is a straight line. Gomez was signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2019. Due to the lost COVID season, he didn’t make his pro debut until appearing in the Dominican Summer League in 2021, where he had a 3.58 ERA in 12 starts at age 18, striking out 23.3% of batters he faced.

Gomez made his stateside debut in 2022, posting a 3.76 ERA and a more impressive 3.49 FIP over 10 starts in the Arizona Complex League. The following season, he spent the entire year at Single-A Lynchburg where he made 25 appearances (22 starts) and had a 4.40 ERA. He repeated 2024 at Lynchburg, but earned a late promotion to High-A Lake County after 20 additional starts where he dropped his ERA to 3.81 and FIP to 3.75.

The talented right-hander took off as a prospect after adding some velocity this past offseason, which paid dividends across the board with all of his numbers. He began the year repeating at Lake County as a piggyback partner, pitching 4.0 or more innings of long relief after another starter began the game.

Gomez pitched so well out of the piggyback role that he was moved back to starting pitcher by early June and he continued to dominate. Over 17 appearances (six starts) at High-A spanning 76.0 innings, he had a 2.84 ERA and an elite 2.92 FIP. Gomez’z strikeout rate improved six percentage points to 27.3% while his walk rate was 9.5% with a rock solid 1.11 WHIP.

This earned Gomez a promotion to Double-A Akron for the final 1/3 of the season. He did not slow down while there, maintaining his improved strikeout numbers at 28.0% and not dropping his walk rate even one-tenth of a point, keeping it at 9.5%. Over nine starts spanning 45.2 innings, he had a 3.15 ERA and a career-best 2.50 FIP at Akron.

Gomez had been Rule 5 eligible for several years, but Cleveland protected him this past November by adding him to the 40-man roster. He’s now one of the team’s top starting pitcher depth options, although with two above average pitches and the ability to hit 97 mph, he could eventually be slated for the bullpen at the major league level.

Now, it’s time to determine who is number 19 in the Guardians’ loaded farm system and you now have a whopping 10 players to choose from! Your options are below:

Robert Arias, OF (Age 19)
2025 (ACL) 198 PA, .287/.389/.402, 2 HR, 29 SB, 14.6 BB%, 11.1 K%, 116 wRC+

A top Cleveland international signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2024, Arias has easily walked more than striking out and had a strong stateside debut last year in the Complex League.

Dauri Fernandez, SS (Age 18)
2025 (ACL) 176 PA, .333/.398/.558, 6 HR, 16 SB, 9.1 BB%, 12.5 K%, 147 wRC+
2025 (A): 24 PA, .273/.250/.318, 0 HR, 2 SB, 0 BB%, 12.5 K%, 57 wRC+

One of Cleveland’s top performers in the Arizona Complex League in 2025. Undersized, but makes solid contact and doesn’t strike out often. Earned a small taste of full-season ball at the end of the year.

Franklin Gomez, LHP (Age 20)
w/ Mets 2025 (A): 14 G, 82.0 IP, 1.85 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 21.4 K%, 11.7 BB%, 1.09 WHIP
w/ Mets 2025 (A+): 6 GS, 48.2 IP, 1.70 ERA, 3.65 FIP, 23.4 K%, 9.9 BB%, 1.83 WHIP

Acquired from the Mets in a trade for international bonus cash, Gomez lit up Single-A in his age-19 season, then improved his walk and strikeout numbers after being promoted to High-A.

Jacob Cozart, C (Age 23)
2025 (A+) 308 PA, .229/.344/.364, 7 HR, 0 SB, 13.3 BB%, 21.1K%, 106 wRC+
2025 (AA) 94 PA, .256/.330/.390, 2 HR, 0 SB, 8.5 BB%, 25.5K%, 113 wRC+

Selected as a defense-first catcher with some pop in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Cozart had above-average offensive seasons at both High-A and Double-A in 2025.

Petey Halpin, OF (Age 23)
2025 (AAA) 553 PA, .249/.321/.414, 14 HR, 15 SB, 9.2 BB%, 28.2 K%, 95 wRC+
2025 (MLB): 8 PA, .333/.500/.333, 0 HR, 0 SB, 25.0 BB%, 25.0 K%, 157 wRC+

Earned a cup of coffee in Cleveland last season after an average year at Triple-A at age 23. Impressed with five runs scored in just six games played with the Guardians.

Josh Hartle, LHP (Age 22)
2025 (A+): 22 GS, 103.1 IP, 2.35 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 24.0 K%, 8.9 BB%, 1.05 WHIP
2025 (AA): 2 GS, 10.0 IP, 4.50 ERA, 2.79 FIP, 16.3 K%, 4.7 BB%, 1.50 WHIP

Acquired from Pittsburghin the Spencer Horwitz trade, Hartle was one of Cleveland’s most successful starting pitchers in its minor league system in 2025. Stands 6-foot-6, but doesn’t have a ton of velocity.

Austin Peterson, RHP (Age 26)
2025 (AA): 11 GS, 55.0 IP, 1.47 ERA, 3.29 FIP, 23.9 K%, 4.9 BB%, 0.84 WHIP
2025 (AAA): 15 GS, 90.2 IP, 4.27 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 20.2 K%, 7.8 BB%, 1.37 WHIP

Absolutely dominated Double-A to begin 2025 looking well on his way to repeating his tremendous 2024 season, but then struggled after an early-season promotion to Triple-A. Remains on the 40-man roster.

Gabriel Rodriguez, SS (Age 18)
2025 (ACL) 122 PA, .294/.393/.402, 1 HR, 11 SB, 12.3 BB%, 18.9 K%, 116 wRC+

One of Cleveland’s top recent international signings, Rodriguez put up strong offensive numbers in his stateside debut in his age-18 season in 2025. Expected to transition to full-season ball this year.

Andrew Walters, RHP (Age 25)
2025 (AAA): 12 G, 12.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 1.91 FIP, 46.0 K%, 18.0 BB%, 1.17 WHIP
2025 (MLB): 2 G, 1.1 IP, 13.50 ERA, 9.89 FIP, 33.3 K%, 0.0 BB%, 1.50 WHIP

Walters maintains his rookie status due to limited MLB appearances because of an injury in 2025. If he returns at 100%, he’ll once again be a factor in the back end of Cleveland’s vaunted bullpen.

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Our list so far:
1. Chase DeLauter, LHH OF
2. Travis Bazzana, LHH 2B
3. Parker Messick, LHP
4. Ralphy Velazquez, LHH 1B/RF
5. Angel Genao, SH SS
6. Braylon Doughty, RHP
7. Cooper Ingle, LHH C
8. Khal Stephen, RHP
9. Juan Brito, SH 2B/1B/RF/3B
10. Jaison Chourio, SH OF
11. Kahlil Watson, LHH OF
12. Daniel Espino, RHP
13. George Valera, LHH OF
14. Jace LaViolette, LHH OF
15. Joey Oakie, RHP
16. Alfonsin Rosario, RHH OF
17. Juneiker Caceres, LHH OF
18. Yorman Gomez, RHP

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Legendary Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez retiring — months after Yankees rant

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Buck Martinez, sportscaster for the Toronto Blue Jays, wearing a suit and smiling during Game 3 of the ALDS, Image 2 shows Pat Gillick, general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, watches the game with his arms crossed

Legendary Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez’s career ends in the World Series.

Martinez announced his retirement Friday in a statement, citing that he and wife Arlene came to the decision that he should step away from the booth through conversations after the season.

He went on to thank the Blue Jays and their fanbase, along with Sportsnet, Toronto’s broadcasting partner. He added that he will miss taking selfies, shaking hands and seeing the smiles of fans everyday.

“I had hoped to be part of the 50th year of the Toronto Blue Jays but it’s time to pass the torch. Enjoy 2026 and beyond, I will see you down the road,” Martinez wrote at the end of his statement.

Before getting into broadcasting, Martinez enjoyed a 17-year MLB playing career.

From 1969-86, he batted .225 with 58 homers and 321 RBIs. His final six seasons were spent in Toronto after a trade to the Canadian franchise, which Martinez referenced in his statement.

“It’s hard to believe I came to Toronto in a trade in May of 1981, thinking that would be the end of a very good career,” Martinez said. “Little did I know that I still would be associated with the Blue Jays through the 2025 season.”

After retiring in 1986, Martinez immediately turned to the mic as the Blue Jays’ color analyst in 1987. He then spent a few years as the color commentator for the Baltimore Orioles’ broadcasts, even winning a Sports Emmy Award for helping broadcast Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st straight game.

In 2010, he returned to the Blue Jays and remained with the team before taking a leave of absence in 2022 to undergo treatment for cancer.

Buck Martinez began broadcasting for the Blue Jays in 1987, and his last year with the team will be in 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Last year, he came under fire for comments he made about the Yankees on a Blue Jays broadcast.

Following New York’s 10-run loss to the Detroit Tigers, Martinez eviscerated the Bronx Bombers’ playstyle, ultimately foreshadowing their eventual loss to Toronto in the playoffs.

“The Yankees — they’re not a good team,” Martinez said. “I don’t care what their record is. They have a lot of wild pitches, they make a lot of mistakes in the field, they don’t run the bases very well. If they don’t hit home runs, they don’t have a chance to win.”

Martinez’s career with the Blue Jays ended in nearly the best way it could have.

Toronto made the World Series for the first time this century and fell one win — and two outs — away from downing the Dodgers in Game 7.

Now, Martinez will watch from the stands as Toronto tries to finish the job.