Get ready to use your frequent flyer miles! The NHL has announced the Kraken will face the Caroline Hurricanes in Helsinki, Finland next season as part of the NHL’s Global Series. Started in 2017, the Global Series’ goal is to grow the game of hockey internationally. Since 2017, the Global Series has brought NHL hockey to five countries and several different cities.
Courtesy of the NHL
The Kraken and Hurricanes will play at Veikkaus Arena on November 12th and 14th. The venue normally hosts Helsinki’s professional hockey team the Jokerit. Maximum capacity for a hockey crowd is 13,349 people.
Speaking of the opportunity to play at home, Kaapo Kakko said he is “real excited” about the chance to play in front of his family and friends, “I was always thinking that it would be fun to play there in Finland…” He went on to add that hockey is the most popular sport and Finland and he is excited for the Finnish audience to have a chance to see a game in person.
Besides Kakko, the Kraken have several other Finnish players and prospects including: Eeli Tolvanen, Jani Nyman,Julius Miettinen, Ville Ottovainen, Nikki Kokko, and Kim Saarinen. Tolvanen and Kakko most recently represented Finland at the Olympics, while Miettinen and Saarinen competed for Team Finland at the 2026 World Juniors Championship.
Thinking of planning a trip? Information about an all-inclusive tour and tickets can be found here.
Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will head to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Pistons tonight, and our NBA player prop projections have found plenty of high-value plays.
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Lakers computer picks
Luka Doncic Under 4.5 threes (-140)
Projection: 3.5 threes
Luka Doncic is the best scorer in the world right now, but that play has caused the books to push his 3-point total a little too high. He's surpassed this line in just two of his last five games, and even if he hits four, he'll still stay Under this line.
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Austin Reaves Under 4.5 assists (+115)
Projection: 4.4 assists
The Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons have been slowing down the pace in their recent outings, which will surely cut into the amount of possessions we'll see in the Motor City tonight.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic getting their fair share of ball handling, Austin Reaves will see his time with the ball cut down, leading to fewer assists.
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Deandre Ayton Over 9.5 points (-115)
Projection: 10.8 points
While the possessions may be cut down, Los Angeles has the fifth-best offense over the last 15 games. With Detroit trying to slow down Luka and Bron, Deandre Ayton will go to work down low.
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Pistons computer picks
Ausar Thompson Over 9.5 points (-125)
Projection: 11.4 points
Ausar Thompson is a monster on the boards despite his size, and the Pistons have grabbed the second-most offensive rebounds in the NBA over the last 20 games. Thompson will eat on the offensive glass, leading to easy second-chance buckets.
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Jalen Duren Under 21.5 points (-110)
Projection: 18.5 points
Our projections page sees this as a five-star play, projecting three points fewer for Jalen Duren's line tonight. A drop-off in possessions will hamper Duren's shot total, leading to a lower points total than we've seen from the big man in recent outings.
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Kevin Huerter Over 8.5 points (-125)
Projection: 9.6 points
No Cade means Detroit needs to find offense elsewhere, and that came from Kevin Huerter in his last outing. Huerter dropped 14 points, and our projections page has him pegged for nearly 10 points tonight.
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How to watch Lakers vs Pistons tonight
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Monday, March 23, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Spectrum SportsNet, FDSN-Detroit
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Just over a year removed from a deadline-day deal that saw him go from one of Toronto’s top prospects to an everyday NHLer with the Bruins, the 21-year-old Vancouver native has quickly emerged as one of Boston’s most trusted assets. Most recently, he has found himself slotted as the team’s top-line center, skating alongside superstar David Pastrnak.
With the Bruins battling for playoff positioning and the Maple Leafs mired in an unexpected race to the bottom of the NHL standings, to say the change of scenery has worked out for Minten would be a massive understatement.
“You want to be on the ice and having a first-hand impact on the game,” Minten told The Hockey News following Bruins practice at Warrior Ice Arena. “I’m happy to be getting the opportunity I am. I'm just trying to continue to work hard and make the most of it.”
On March 7, 2025, the Maple Leafs sent Minten and a top-five protected 2026 first-round pick to Boston in exchange for veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo. At the time, Minten was struggling to find his footing with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, stuck behind a veteran-heavy depth chart at center. While the haul for Carlo was significant, few expected the Bruins to see such immediate returns on the youngster.
The Leafs are currently on track to miss the postseason for the first time in a decade, snapping the longest active streak in the NHL. Meanwhile, Minten has defied every internal expectation in Boston.
How did the transition happen so fast? Simply put: Hockey IQ.
“There are a lot of things you can’t teach. That’s what he has, and that’s why he’s ahead of some other guys,” Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said of his center. “Even the teaching part, he gets it right away. He just has it. He’s lucky enough to be born with it.”
Sturm compares Minten’s development to Quinton Byfield, whom he coached in the Los Angeles Kings organization. That trust has allowed Sturm to deploy Minten in high-leverage minutes with Pastrnak. Minten’s cerebral approach has allowed the former Leafs’ second-round pick to thrive in a top-six role.
“It’s a lot of intentional placing of where he goes on the ice and how he’s able to find soft spots. His offense is very intellectual,” Minten explained of his linemate. “Obviously, he has tremendous skill, but he sees the ice so well. Playing on a line with him, you learn so much about the little details that make those guys elite.”
Although Minten’s ice time has averaged 15:16 this season, the usage has increased as the stakes get higher. He’s averaged well north of 17 minutes over the last 10 games and logged a career-high 21:09 in Boston’s most recent game, a much-needed 4-2 victory against a Detroit Red Wings team that, for the time being, has knocked them out of a playoff position.
While Minten hasn't kept a close eye on the wreckage in Toronto since his departure, he is aware of the standings. However, his focus remains on a dogged hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Through games played on March 23, 2026, the Bruins sit at 39-23-8, occupying the first Wild Card spot with 86 points, just two points clear of the cutline.
“It looks like every time you win, other teams win, and every time you lose, everyone gets a little closer,” Minten said. “It’s super tight. Every game is high stakes and fun, and that’s what makes it rewarding right now.”
Despite the rivalry, Minten maintains a connection to his former club through teammate and Easton Cowan
“I hear from him pretty much every other day. We check in through the highs and lows of being a first-year pro,” Minten said.
With Cowan currently struggling to find consistency in his rookie campaign, Minten acts more as a sounding board than a mentor.
“We’re just friends. I’m there to listen, but it’s not like we’re going too deep on that stuff.”
Cowan is also renting Minten’s place in Toronto this season. We’re told he’s a good tenant and has paid his bills on time.
In 70 games this season, Minten has 16 goals and 15 assists.
Lassi Thomson begins Act 2 on Broadway on Monday night.
After three different injuries on Ottawa's blue line this month, Thomson will step in for the Senators against the New York Rangers in his first NHL game since November 25th, 2022.
Thomson and Belleville teammate Dennis Gilbert were recently called up to fill the void left by Jake Sanderson (shoulder) and Nick Jensen (knee). Thomson has been serving as the seventh defenseman, but when Gilbert was felled by a hard hit into the end boards on Saturday night against Toronto, the Senators confirmed on Monday morning that the young Finn would be the next man up.
As he chatted with Sens host Jackson Starr on Monday morning, Thomson was lit up a like a Christmas tree.
"It's a pretty awesome opportunity," Thomson said. "Being around the boys for almost two weeks, seeing the group in the locker room after they're winning games. It's pretty awesome to check in right now in New York. I've never played here before.
"So it's a pretty cool moment for me."
Thomson leads all AHL defensemen in goal scoring (14) this season and the 2019 first-rounder certainly upgrades Ottawa's blueline from a skating and shooting perspective.
"Well, he's such a gifted skater, right?" Belleville interim head coach Andrew Campbell told TSN 1200 radio last month. "So the more we can get Lassi involved in the rush and involved in the offense, it not only benefits Lassi's style of play, but benefits us as a team.
"He's probably one of the better skaters in in the whole league, so, yeah, he's driven our offense from the back end and he does lead the league in goals for defensemen. So, some really good stuff from Lassi."
However, just like 2024 first-rounder Carter Yakemchuk, the knock on Thomson the last time he was here was more the defensive side of his game, so it will be interesting to see if he's made some good strides in that area as well.
Thomson spent last season with the Malmo Redhawks in the Swedish league, leading all Malmo skaters in goals (17) and points (29) in 50 games.
Interestingly, while he was gone, the Sens ended up needing right shot help last season. With Travis Hamonic nearing the end, Belleville's Nikolas Matinpalo was the one who cashed in on the opportunity.
So, when Thomson opted to re-sign with the Sens last summer, he was probably thinking he had some real NHL opportunity. Case in point: Hamonic wasn't going to be extended, Nick Jensen was coming off major hip surgery, Yakemchuk is still a kid, and Thomson probably felt like he could compete with Matinpalo.
But a couple of weeks after Thomson signed, the Senators acquired defenseman Jordan Spence in a draft day deal with the LA Kings. Spence and Matinpalo both made the NHL roster, and the veteran Jensen was surprisingly ready for opening night.
The door may have slammed in his face last fall, but it's wide open right now.
With Jensen out for the regular season, and Sanderson at least another week away, it's a great opportunity for Thomson to get in one last audition for the Senators (or his next NHL team) as he heads into Group 6 UFA this summer.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was originally published at The Hockey News. For more Senators news, analysis, and features, visit the Ottawa Senators site at The Hockey News.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 22, 2026: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Leah King/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Yankees have wrapped up their 2026 spring training slate in Florida, as they prepare to begin the new season on Wednesday. However on their way out to San Francisco for Opening Day, they’ve made a little pit stop at the Cubs’ spring complex.
Today and tomorrow, the Yankees are in Arizona to wrap up their preseason play with a pair of games against the Cubs. Although it’s not unusual that team leave their normal environment in the finale days before the regular season starts, this is the first time that I can remember the Yankees playing exhibition games in Arizona. The Yankees actually trained in Phoenix in 1951 in a one-year swap of spring sites with the New York Giants, but aside from that, such spring visits have been rare.
As you might expect from the final days before they have to start playing for real, the Yankees’ lineup resembles one that we could see in a regular season game. Opposing a lefty pitcher, Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario are both in the lineup, but other than that, it’s basically the first choice player at every other position.
They’ll be backing up Carlos Lagrange on the mound. Lagrange probably won’t be in a MLB lineup in the next couple weeks, but this is a nice reward for him after he’s been very impressive this spring. He won the James P. Dawson Award as the best Yankees rookie in camp.
Said lefty that the Yankees’ lineup will face is Shota Imanaga. After a very impressive rookie campaign in 2024, Imanaga took a step back last season, and has been so-so in spring training so far. Like the Yankees, the Cubs’ lineup is pretty strong, including new addition Alex Bregman.
We won’t get much in the way of video from this game, as it’s a radio-only day, but thankfully, that’s something we won’t have to deal with when the regular season starts.
How to watch
Location: Sloan Park — Mesa, AZ
First pitch: 3:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: N/A
Radio broadcast: WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM or WSCR 104.3 FM/670 AM (Cubs)
DETROIT — The Lakers will be without one of their starters and a key bench player during Monday’s road game against the Pistons.
Starting guard Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) and Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness) were downgraded to unavailable against the Pistons after entering the game as questionable.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart reacts against the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesRui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Getty Images
Magic big man Goga Bitadze fell on Marcus Smart’s right foot after Smart drew a shooting foul on a layup attempt late in the first half of the Lakers’ Saturday win in Orlando.
Hachimura was seen on the bench with his right half wrapped up to start the second half of the game against the Magic. He played five minutes in the third quarter on Saturday but wasn’t seen on the bench to close out the game.
Reserve big man Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) is available for the first time since March 8.
Mets top outfield prospect Carson Benge entered 2026 spring training with a legitimate chance to win a spot on the Opening Day roster.
And that's exactly what he's done.
Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Benge, the Mets' first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has made the Opening Day roster.
"We just told him that he will be playing right field on Thursday for the New York Mets, so he made the team," Mendoza said.
"A moment that he’ll never forget…. It’s a big day for the organization. A kid that gets drafted in 2024 and two years later here we are giving him the news that he’s going to be playing in the big leagues for us."
Benge, understandably, was ecstatic to hear the news.
“Joy over everything, I would say. Just knowing that I worked hard for it," Benge said. "Countless hours I spent, all my family members and friends that have sacrificed some time for me, that it’s all going to come true, my dream since I was little, it’s pretty cool.”
The 23-year-old Benge hit .366 with a .435 OBP, driving in five runs and stealing a base. And that doesn’t include a home run that he hit in an exhibition game against Team Israel.
He also more than held his own among a lineup filled with stars like Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor, and others, looking confident at the plate while playing a strong right field.
"He earned it," Mendoza said. "He had a hell of a camp, and we are all excited to watch this kid play."
"We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves here, but just how he carried himself throughout camp, you could tell with the way that he was interacting, the way he presented himself on the field and off the field, you could tell right away that there is something special about this guy," the manager added.
“I’d say I’ve always had a certain amount of confidence in myself," said Benge, "being able to compete with whoever it may be that I’m going up against. So I feel like I’ve always had a good amount of confidence in myself.”
The Mets will now travel from Port St. Lucie back to New York, with first pitch of Thursday's Opening Day matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates set for 1:15 p.m.
Benge will take the field with his teammates for the first time as a big leaguer, and should receive a rousing ovation from the Citi Field crowd.
“I’ve always thought about it since I was a little kid, thinking about that moment when you first take the field in the big stage for the first time," Benge said. "It’s going to be surreal. I’m going to try my best to take it in. Stay calm and play my game.”
The 2025-26 NHL campaign has been unforgiving for the Calgary Flames.
With several cornerstone players shipped out and GM Craig Conroy constrained by ownership on further trades, the franchise now faces the daunting task of rebuilding while keeping one eye on their highly anticipated new arena in a few years.
Conroy has already made waves, moving Mackenzie Weegar and Nazem Kadri ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, and there’s little doubt more roster maneuvers are on the horizon before the June draft. Here’s a closer look at two Flames who are almost certainly on their way out:
Jonathan Huberdeau – The Contract Catastrophe
DOH!
Jonathan Huberdeau’s tenure in Calgary has been, to put it mildly, a blazing disappointment. After a career-high 115-point campaign with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22, Huberdeau was packaged in the blockbuster Matthew Tkachuk trade, a deal that looked promising on paper but has largely backfired for the Flames.
This season, Huberdeau has tallied just 25 points in 50 games, including 10 goals and 15 assists, a far cry from the elite production Flames management hoped for. At an eye-popping $10.5 million AAV, his contract is widely regarded as one of the worst in the NHL, if not among the most burdensome deals of recent memory.
Financially, a buyout seems inevitable if Calgary wants to avoid being shackled to this albatross through 2031. The proposed buyout structure is steep: $10.3 million in the first two years, $7.8 million in the third, $10.3 million in the fourth, tapering to $5.8 million and finally $800,000 in the last two years. The math simply does not add up, and on-ice results haven’t justified the investment. Huberdeau’s Calgary experiment has been, in every sense of the word, a disaster—or perhaps more aptly, his tenure has gone up in… flames.
Blake Coleman – The Trade Deadline Survivor
Blake Coleman’s presence in Calgary past the trade deadline raised eyebrows, given the significant interest from other clubs for the versatile former Stanley Cup winner. Yet Conroy remained firm, refusing to lower his asking price.
Looking ahead to the NHL Draft, expect Coleman to be back on the market. Calgary will likely test the waters again, hoping to secure a valuable first-round pick for a player who, while effective, no longer fits the Flames’ long-term blueprint. His combination of experience, versatility, and leadership makes him a tempting target for contenders seeking a playoff-ready piece.
The Detroit Red Wings will head into what could be their biggest game of the season on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators with uncertainty surrounding captain Dylan Larkin.
According to multiple reports, head coach Todd McLellan said that Larkin will be a game-time decision, leaving Detroit fans anxiously waiting to see if their leader will be on the ice.
Detroit fell out of the playoff picture for the first time since December 1 after the New York Islanders defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-0 on Sunday. The Red Wings now sit just one point behind New York, while Ottawa is right on their heels, three points back. The Senators have been in scorching form recently, going 13-3-2 over their last 18 games, making Tuesday’s matchup critical for Detroit to maintain their playoff hopes.
With both the Islanders and the Boston Bruins facing relatively easier opponents, Chicago and Toronto respectively, Detroit cannot afford to drop any more games if they hope to stay competitive in the playoff race. Securing a win against Ottawa would not only keep the Red Wings close in the standings but also stop the Senators from closing the gap further.
Larkin’s potential return is seen as a key factor as the team’s captain and leading offensive presence, his presence could tip the balance in a game that might define Detroit’s postseason chances. With the stakes this high, Tuesday’s showdown against Ottawa is shaping up to be the Red Wings’ most important game of the season.
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The Atlanta Hawks will try to extend their home winning streak as they host the floundering Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
Atlanta is blowing out teams left and right, and I’m taking it to cover tonight in my Grizzlies vs. Hawks predictions below.
Read on for the full analysis in my free NBA picks for Monday, March 23.
Grizzlies vs Hawks prediction
Grizzlies vs Hawks best bet: Hawks -14 (-110)
The Atlanta Hawks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, winning 10 in a row at home and 12 of their last 13 overall.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies have lost 10 of 11 and are playing with a hobbled roster, with Ja Morant and many other notables out for tonight’s game.
Atlanta has a point differential of +12.8 over its last 10 games. The Grizzlies are coming off a 23-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets and have lost each of their last three road games by 16 points or more.
I’m taking the Hawks to cover at home.
Grizzlies vs Hawks same-game parlay
Dyson Daniels showed up big for the Hawks on Saturday without Jalen Johnson in the lineup, but the 23-year-old has been playing well recently, no matter who Atlanta puts on the court. I like Daniels to hit the Over on his scoring and rebounding totals, as he’s hit both in six of his last eight.
I’m also backing the Under tonight, as both teams have played below this total in almost all of their recent games.
For my long-shot SGP, I’m focusing on Onyeka Okongwu, another Hawks contributor who sometimes gets overlooked.
Over his last five games, Okongwu has dished out at least four assists on four different occasions. He’s also a capable 3-point shooter, averaging 1.9 makes per game from beyond the arc in 10 games this month.
Grizzlies vs Hawks SGP
Hawks -14
Under 240.5
Onyeka Okongwu Over 3.5 assists
Onyeka Okongwu Over 1.5 made threes
Grizzlies vs Hawks odds
Spread: Grizzlies +14 (-110) | Hawks -14 (-110)
Moneyline: Grizzlies +625 | Hawks -950
Over/Under: Over 240.5 (-110) | Under 240.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Hawks are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Hawks.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Monday, March 23, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Memphis, FDSN-Atlanta
Grizzlies vs Hawks latest injuries
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DENVER, CO - MARCH 22: Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 22, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While it isn’t ideal to want your team to lose, the Nets kind of did what they were supposed to last night against the Sacramento Kings. After a back and forth outing at the Golden 1 Center, Brooklyn lost 126-122, which means they are now one and a half games ahead of the Kings and only two games behind the overall No. 1 held at the moment by the Indiana Pacers. Perfect timing considering the fact that A.J. Dybansta and Darryn Peterson should now be all in to their NBA training at this point.
Tonight, the Nets will continue their West Coast road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland currently sit as the ninth seed in the Western Conference and a game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for playoff contention. If you ask me, both teams can definitely use each other’s help in this one if you know what I mean (wink wink).
Where To Watch
Catch the late night action tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App.
Injury Report
Danny Wolf is out with a sprained ankle sprain and Noah Clowney with a sprained right wrist. Drake Powell is also unavailable for left knee injury management. Terance Mann is resting and three Nets remain out for the season: Michael Porter Jr. (left hamstring strain); Egor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management); Day’Ron Sharpe (left thumb surgery) — four if you want to count Grant Nelson (left knee tendinitis.) That means more minutes for the team’s three two-ways.
For the Trail Blazers, Shaedon Sharpe (calf) and Vit Krejci (calf) will be out of action tonight. Damian Lillard will not play of course He’s recovering from his left achilles surgery.
The Game
If there is a team to look out for in the future, it is the Portland Trail Blazers. Even though they have been plagued with injuries this season, the pieces around this team could shape this organization into a playoff contender very soon.
Starting with the guards, the Trail Blazers have a good group in the backcourt. Jrue Holiday is still a great piece at 35 years old. He is averaging 16 on 45.6% from the field. Scoot Henderson has shown promise after many thought he was a bust as a top 3 pick in his draft class. Newcomer Caleb Love has proved himself an NBA level scorer and shooter. And the best part of it all, the franchise’s best two players in Damian Lillard and Shaedon Sharpe will most likely be back at the start of next season.
Combining this with a forward who gives you 24 a game like Deni Avdija and a center like Donovan Clingan who gives you a double double in his sleep, Portland has much to be happy for.
For this game specifically, those certain players would be able to do a lot of damage against Brooklyn tonight, especially as Jordi Fernandez continues to lose players. Danny Wolf, who left the game last night against Sacramento due to a left ankle sprain, has become another Net who we will most likely not see for the rest of the year.
But all will be well soon, Nets fans. The tank will continue on, and before you know it, the Draft will bless the organization with something they have been looking for some time now, hope.
Player to Watch
A couple of years back, a lot of fans subscribed to the vague rumor that the Nets should trade Mikal Bridges to Portland for the rights to Scoot Henderson. Sean Marks & co. instead waited and got a haul from the Knicks for Bridges. Whether that rumor was real or not we don’t know, but his story remains a cautionary tale.
The Blazers took Henderson at No. 3 and although there have been patches of light seeping through, the picture remains cloudy. One of those patches took place last week and as Joe Moore of Blazer’s Edge, our sister site in Portland, admitted this is a time when some gaudy numbers come from unlikely names. That said, Moore wrote Henderson did indeed play well last week.
Henderson averaged 17.3 points, 2.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game in 22.8 minutes per game this week through the four games. The assist numbers were much lower than his season average of 4.0 per game, but that came as a result of him playing extended minutes alongside Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija who averaged 5.0 and 7.3 assists respectively this week.
In a role that was more off-ball, Henderson showed great improvement on his shot from deep. He made 14 of his 23 attempts from behind the arc, good for a blazing 60.9% mark. He shot 47.9% from the field overall.
Moreover, Moore noted that Henderson, 22, is playing less out-of-control basketball and perhaps just maturing.
His explosiveness was one of his best qualities coming into the 2023 NBA Draft, and he does not seem to have lost a step after coming back from injury. He still struggles with being out of control at times, as evidenced by his low two-point percentage and averages of 3.0 turnovers and 3.3 fouls this week, but his confidence is growing every game and he has been able to string together a group of good games showcasing a newfound consistency.
There’s no doubt fans are disappointed in Henderson’s progress. The organization may be more patient. He’s averaging 13.5 points but on mediocre shooting numbers: shooting splits of 41/32/81. For tonight’s purposes, it should also be remembered that it was a little more than a year ago that Henderson had his best game: a 39-point explosion vs. the Nets in same arena where they play Monday.
The cautionary tale(s) out of the Scoot Henderson experience is that even super-hyped players given the right situation don’t always make it or you have to be, yes, patient.
From the Vault
January 23, 1991 is not seen as a great date in NBA history, but it is. That was the day the New Jersey Nets traded for Drazen Petrovic in a three-team deal involving the Blazers, Nets and Nuggets. Petrovic had been stuck behind Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter and the knock against European players was that they were soft if skilled.
Petrovic, of course, proved that notion incorrect. He was both and he could lead an NBA team. Not only was the trade lopsided for the Nets (Portland and New Jersey also exchanged firsts) but more importantly, it broke down stereotypes and the league slowly but surely became more international. A year later, he led Croatia to the silver medal at the Olympics which became a huge milestone for a worldwide game.
And so, there is never a bad time for a look back at Petrovic’s career:
It’s been a tough couple of games for the Toronto Raptors. They couldn’t hold on to another double-digit lead against the Nuggets on Friday, which led to a predictable letdown against the Suns.
But they’ll need to refocus quickly as they play the second half of a back-to-back tonight against the Utah Jazz.
Toronto is a big favorite, but is the number too big? My Raptors vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks break it all down for this matchup set to tip off at 9 p.m. ET at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, on Monday, March 23.
Raptors vs Jazz prediction
Raptors vs Jazz best bet: Jazz +12.5 (-110)
The Toronto Raptors generally get the job done against weaker teams. However, I’m not sold on them covering a number this large in this spot.
The second half of a back-to-back at elevation in Salt Lake City. And the Utah Jazz haven’t been as bad as you might think.
While they’re just 3-8 straight up in March, they’re 6-5 ATS and rank 21st in net rating. Toronto is just 17th in net rating over the same stretch and is 1-4 ATS this season when laying double-digit chalk.
The Raps should pull out the win, but this is too many points.
Raptors vs Jazz same-game parlay
Ace Bailey is showing why he was a high lottery pick in last June’s NBA Draft. He's averaging 18.1 points while shooting 37.5% from 3-point range over 13 games since the All-Star break.
He’s hit three or more threes in four of his last games, and the Raptors perimeter defense has dropped off in March, ranking 28th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
For the Raptors, Immanuel Quickley has also been jacking up the treys. He’s hit three or more threes in seven of his last 14 games, and the Jazz allow the most made threes per game in the NBA.
Raptors vs Jazz SGP
Jazz +12.5
Ace Bailey Over 2.5 threes
Immanuel Quickley Over 2.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Make It Rain
The Raptors' heavy legs will be evident in this one, and defense will likely become an afterthought for both teams, leading to jacking up more shots from long range.
Raptors vs Jazz SGP
Ace Bailey Over 2.5 threes
Brice Sensabaugh Over 2.5 threes
Immanuel Quickley Over 2.5 threes
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes
Raptors vs Jazz odds
Spread: Raptors -12.5 | Jazz +12.5
Moneyline: Raptors -800 | Jazz +550
Over/Under: Over 231 | Under 231
Raptors vs Jazz betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Game Total Over in 29 of their last 40 games at home for +16.90 Units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Jazz.
How to watch Raptors vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Monday, March 23, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, KJZZ
Raptors vs Jazz latest injuries
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Forsberg, 31, ranked second in the NHL with four goals, five assists and nine points in four games to propel the Predators (33-28-9, 75 points) to a perfect week.
His terrific week also pushed the Preds into the final Wild Card position in the Western Conference.
He became the sixth Swedish-born player in League history to accumulate at least 350 career goals and currently sits second on the Predators in goals with 32 and points with 62 through 70 total games this season.
It is his third-straight 30-goal season and his sixth of his career.
The Predators are back home on Tuesday to take on the San Jose Sharks, who trail Nashville by five points in the standings.
BRADENTON, Fla. — Mike Clevinger’s career reset with the Pittsburgh Pirates is going to start in the minors.
The club reassigned the veteran right-handed pitcher to minor league camp. The 35-year-old, who agreed to a minor league deal with Pittsburgh in early February, went 1-0 with a 5.02 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings of work during spring training, starting in two games and serving as a reliever in two others.
Clevinger is 60-44 with a 3.55 ERA across nine seasons with Cleveland, San Diego and the Chicago White Sox. He has dealt with injuries in recent seasons and struggled with the White Sox last spring after being moved to the bullpen. He bounced back after returning to the rotation with Triple-A Charlotte. Clevinger went 7-3 with a 4.20 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 22 starts in the minors last summer.
The Pirates have a young rotation led by reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, veteran Mitch Keller and rookie Bubba Chandler, who went 4-1 during a stint in the majors at the end of last season.
Clevinger was eyeing a spot either at the back end of the rotation or as a long reliever. Pittsburgh instead went with Carmen Mlodzinski as their fifth starter and Jose Urquidy and Hunter Barco in middle-inning relief roles.
Clevinger’s best days came with Cleveland from 2017-19, when he was 38-18 with a 2.91 ERA.
After picking up another overtime defeat on Sunday against the Utah Mammoth, the Los Angeles Kings have lost some ground in the wild-card race in the Western Conference.
Though the Kings picked up a point in comeback fashion, the Nashville Predators are coming off four straight wins and pulled ahead with a two-point cushion.
The opportunity for Los Angeles to make the post-season is still very much alive with 12 games remaining on the schedule, and many are winnable. But over the course of this season, multiple hiccups have handicapped this team from putting together the campaign they were expecting and prepared for.
If the Kings end up missing the playoffs, here is what they'll regret the most.
Not Capitalizing In Overtime
Sunday night was just one of several instances in which the Kings couldn't capitalize on the opportunity to earn the extra point.
Their loss to the Mammoth was the 17th occasion on which the Kings were defeated beyond regulation. Owning 17 overtime and shootout losses is the most in the NHL currently, ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have 16.
Of those 17 defeats in extra innings, 10 of them were in overtime, and the remaining seven were in the shootout.
Looking back, if Los Angeles had been able to get on the right side of these overtime frames at least a handful more times than they have, the team may be in a much more comfortable position at this point in terms of pushing for the post-season.
Waiting To Make Coaching Change
On March 1, GM Ken Holland and the Kings' front office decided it was time for a coaching change. Jim Hiller was fired, and D.J. Smith was made the interim head coach.
Holland's decision came to fruition based on various moments throughout the season, but when Los Angeles lost to the Edmonton Oilers 8-1 in the second game back from the Olympic break, his mind was made up.
The Kings haven't made a big surge since the coaching change by any means, with a 4-4-3 record since Hiller's dismissal. However, the change was much needed.
The team has found a new purpose and sense of motivation with each game under Smith. One example is that before Smith became the interim bench boss, the Kings were 26th in the league in hits. Since his promotion, Los Angeles is first in the NHL in hits.
Hits don't necessarily win hockey games, but they're certainly a factor and evidence that the team is more engaged and responding to a new voice behind the bench.
Now, 'if ifs and buts were candy and nuts,' Smith could've had more time to put his imprint on this roster if Hiller had been relieved earlier, and who knows what the results would say at this point in the season.
Off-Season Acquisitions
Kings fans will be banging this drum for a long time, until they're given a reason to believe otherwise, but the acquisitions of defensemen Brian Dumoulin and, specifically, Cody Ceci will always be questioned.
Now, Holland should be credited with the additions of right winger Joel Armia and goaltender Anton Forsberg, who both have had respectable campaigns for the Kings this season. But there are many different concerns surrounding Dumoulin and Ceci.
Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
First, the two blueliners have been a defensive pairing for the majority of this season, playing over 600 minutes together, according to moneypuck.com. And against the Mammoth on Sunday, Ceci and Dumoulin were on the ice for every conceded goal during regulation.
The pair finished the game with a minus-three rating each and played a part in Utah's third goal that gave them a 3-2 lead over Los Angeles in the third period.
Not only is the duo of veteran defensemen having a relatively forgettable season, but they're also under contract for the long term.
Ceci, 31, signed a four-year deal with the Kings and is earning $4.5 million against the salary cap. Not to mention, he has a 10-team no-trade list for the duration of this deal. His contract expires following the 2028-29 season, and he'll be 35.
As for Dumoulin, the 33-year-old earns $4 million against the cap through 2027-28. He also has a 10-team no-trade list for the entire length of his contract.
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