In the pivotal Game 7, Muncy got things going when he hit a 373-foot solo home run in the eighth inning that cut their deficit to one. That breathed life back into the Dodgers, who at that point were floundering on the road.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy watches his home run hit against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning in Game 7 of baseball’s World Series, Nov. 1, 2025, in Toronto. AP
Known more for his defense than offense, Rojas became a folk hero of Dodgers lore when he hit a game-tying solo blast in the top of the ninth inning. He then followed that up with a game-saving defensive play in the bottom half of the inning when he snared a hard-hit ball and threw out Isiah Kiner-Falefa at home to keep the game tied at four.
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Will Smith would later hit a solo home run in the 11th inning as the Dodgers prevailed for their third title in five years with a 5-4 win.
As spring training gets underway at Camelback Ranch in Arizona, Dodgers fans gave a loud ovation when Rojas and Muncy walked by them toward the practice fields.
World Series heroes Miguel Rojas and Max Muncy were met with tons of love as they arrived to Spring Training today.
The Dodgers aren’t back to back World Series champions without these two and they made sure to bless them with new contracts pic.twitter.com/ELbgsvVk2H
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund beat Mainz 4-0 to extend its unbeaten league run to 15 games and close the gap with Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich to three points on Friday.
The result, anchored by three first-half headers, left Dortmund three points behind Bayern, which is at Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Although its European form has been poor, Dortmund has been the form team in the Bundesliga and came into the game having won its last five in a row; it showed precisely why by overwhelming Mainz from the kickoff.
Serhou Guirassy’s perfect header from a free kick on the right after nine minutes set Dortmund on the winning path and six minutes later it was 2-0.
Again, the damage came from a cross from the right and a header, Maximilian Beier meeting Ryerson’s delivery at the far post.
Guirassy rounded off a near perfect half of football when his header almost on the goalline made it 3-0 shortly before halftime.
Dortmund was able to take its foot off the gas in the second half but there was still time for a fourth when Ramy Bensebaini nudged a corner into the net nine minutes from time.
It was a rude awakening for a Mainz side that appeared to have put its early season struggles behind it over the last few weeks.
Last weekend’s win against Augsburg lifted it out the relegation zone for the first time since September. Friday’s defeat left it 14th, four points above the drop zone but only two clear of Wolfsburg and Werder, both of which have a game in hand.
CLEMSON, SC - JUNE 01: Clemson Tigers infielder Jarren Purify (23) during a NCAA Division 1 college regional baseball playoff game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Clemson Tigers on June 1, 2025 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Hello baseball fans, the hours are ticking down to the start of the 2026 baseball season. I haven’t covered baseball in several years, but it feels less gross than other college sports at the moment. While basketball and football are imploding, baseball keeps chugging along (don’t tell me if I’m wrong about this, I need to believe).
Let’s get after it.
Projected Starting Lineup
First Base
#16 – Luke Gaffney – 6’1”, 235 – Rs Jr.
Bats/Throws: R/R
2024 – 25 Stats
Team
ST
AVG
OPS
R
H
HR
RBI
Clemson
51
.271
.745
26
51
5
39
Info
The former Big 10 Freshman of the Year from Purdue struggled to find his groove at Clemson last season. There’s been buzz around Tiger Town this winter that Gafney looks like he’s back to his Boilermaker ways. He hit .359 with 13 home runs as a freshman. If he’s back in form, look for Gaffney somewhere in the middle of the Clemson lineup. In theory, he’s one of the scariest bats on the roster. Hopefully, that theory becomes a reality for the Tigers this season.
Gaffney is a solid athlete and can play right field or behind the plate if needed, but first base will be his initial station. Clemson’s infield is going to be extremely athletic.
Second Base
#23 – Jarren Purify – 5’10”, 190 – Jr.
Bats/Throws: R/R
2024 – 25 Stats
Team
ST
AVG
OPS
R
H
HR
RBI
Clemson
57
.298
.879
54
62
6
35
Info
As a returning team captain from the 2025 squad, much is expected of Purify this season. His game is built around speed and athleticism, and he’s got both in spades. He’s a line-drive hitter who knows what to do once he gets on the basepaths and should be a top-of-the-order hitter.
While Purify is an excellent hitter, he’s an even better fielder. He has great range for a second baseman and is slick in the double play.
Third Base
#4 – Tryston McCladdie – 5’11”, 190 – Jr.
Bats/Throws: L/R
Team
ST
AVG
OPS
R
H
HR
RBI
Clemson
27
.287
.903
23
27
5
19
Info
McCladdie is the Swiss Army Knife in the Clemson lineup. He’ll start at third, but he can play anywhere other than pitcher and catcher, and he’ll be deployed accordingly. He had the fewest starts of any infielder in Clemson’s 2026 projected starting lineup, but he did lead the Tigers in games off the bench last season due to his versatility.
Regardless of where he’s playing on the field, he’s a tough left-handed outfielder with decent power for his rather diminutive size. Like Lichtenberger, he could feature at either the top or bottom of the lineup because of his ability to get on base.
Short Stop
#8 – Tyler Lichtenberger – 6’0”,195 – So.
Bats/Throws: L/R
Team
ST
AVG
OPS
R
H
HR
RBI
App St.
53
.341
.879
40
70
3
37
Info
Tyler is the new addition to the infield after a stellar freshman season at Appalachian State, where he earned Sun Belt Conference Freshman-of-the-Year award and first team all-conference honors. He’s a solid contact hitter from the left side of the plate and could slot in at the top or bottom of the lineup, depending on what Coach Backich is looking for on any given day. He failed to reach base in only 6 games last season and has solid speed once he gets on.
He’s a plus defender and should give the Tigers solid defense up the middle of the field with Jarren Purify. Clemson could have one of the better double-play combinations in the ACC if everything works out according to plan, and Lichtenberger moves seamlessly into the lineup.
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Reserves
First Base / DH
#13 – Collin Priest – 6’3”, 260 – Jr.
Team
ST
AVG
OPS
R
H
HR
RBI
Clemson
57
.240
.887
36
41
12
52
Info
Priest is built like a tight end. When he hits the ball, the ball stays hit. Unfortunately, Priest didn’t make as much contact with the ball as he would have liked last season after transferring from Michigan. He hit .279 with a .578 slugging percentage as a freshman with the Wolverines. Hopefully, the ball finds his bat a few more times this season.
Third/First/DH
#10 – Jason Fultz Jr.- 6’0”, 215 – Fr.
Considered the 37th-best overall freshman in the 2026 class by Perfect Game and the 86th-best freshman in the nation by D1Baseball. He’s considered one of the best professional prospects on the team and has the type of power that could make a difference in the Clemson lineup if it’s calibrated to college pitching.
Fultz is the talent, and the one thing I know about coaching is you get your talent on the field. Look for him to displace the versatile McCladdie at third sooner, rather than later.
Infield
#44 – Dylan Harrison – 6’5”, 215 – Fr.
Harrison joins Fultz as one of the highest-rated prospects in the 2026 freshman class. Perfect Game Baseball considers him the 21st-best prospect in the 2028 draft. He’s considered more of a pro prospect in the field than on the mound, but Clemson will give him an opportunity to do both. Like Fultz, he’s got dynamite in his bat when he makes contact.
Second Base
#21 – Jay Dillard – 5’9”, 175 – Jr.
Heading into his third season in the program, Dillard is ready to make his mark in the 2026 season after playing in 18 games and starting 5 last season. I’m not sure about the rest of his game, but he’s patient at the plate, drawing 6 walks in 16 plate appearances. He’s a plus fielder who should provide solid depth up the middle for the Tigers.
Overall
I’m far from an expert on this roster (yet), but based on my research, I’m excited to see what the Tigers can do with these pieces. Can the veterans hold off the young bucks for their spot in the starting lineup? Harrison and Fultz are the future of the program, and the future could be now if any of the projected starters falter.
The defense should be elite; if they can get the power guys to produce, things could get exciting on the basepaths in Tiger Town.
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 11: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 11, 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game kicks off from the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Intuit Dome, on Sunday, the league is gathering for another rendition of All-Star Saturday featuring the Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Shootout.
The Dunk Contest has fallen on hard times as of late, and once again there’s a disappointing field of participants. Mac McClung isn’t around to save the dunk contest this year, but there is one NBA All-Star in the field. Meanwhile, the Three-Point Contest features two top rookies, plus an aging superstar who hasn’t played a game this season because of an injury. Let’s make predictions for the dunk and three-point contests ahead of All-Star Saturday.
NBA Dunk Contest 2026 field and prediction
Here’s the field at the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest:
Jase Richardson, G, Orlando Magic: The son of two-time dunk contest champ Jason Richardson is a rookie guard for the Orlando Magic who was picked No. 25 overall out of Michigan State. He’s listed at 6’1, 180 pounds, and has never been known for his hops like his old man.
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons: Duren is a first-time All-Star for the Pistons and one of the best young bigs in the league. Listed at 6’10, 250 pounds, he’s about the same size as Dwight Howard when he won the the Dunk Contest in 2008.
Carter Bryant, F, San Antonio Spurs: A strong and athletic 6’8 wing, Bryant was chosen by the Spurs with the No. 14 overall pick in hopes of being a 3-and-D wing around Victor Wembanyama long-term.
Jaxson Hayes, C, Los Angeles Lakers: Athletic backup center for the Lakers.
Our pick: Jaxson Hayes. It’s hard for a big man to win the dunk contest, but I saw Hayes an under-the-leg in-game a couple weeks ago, so I figure he’s got a deep bag for a contest like this. He’s so long and bouncy that could produce some cool dunks.
Here’s the field for the 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest:
Kon Knueppel, G, Charlotte Hornets: Kneuppel is the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year. The No. 4 overall pick looks like a potential franchise player for the upstart Charlotte Hornets.
Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers: Lillard hasn’t played a game this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. It was shocking to see him on this list. He’s going for his third title in this contest after winning it in 2023 and 2024.
Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns: An All-Star and one of the best shooting guards in the league, Booker is the leader of a surprisingly feisty Suns team.
Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets: A first-time All-Star and NBA champion, Murray is a big shot taker and maker.
Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers: An All-Star guard playing at an All-NBA level, Maxey’s combination of speed and touch is one of the best in the world.
Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs superstar is arguably the best American-born player in the league right now.
Norman Powell, G, Miami Heat: A first-time All-Star at age-32, Powell can fill it up as a microwave scorer.
Bobby Portis, F, Milwaukee Bucks: A veteran forward and NBA champion, Portis is a cult hero up in Milwaukee who has always been a stretch forward.
Our pick: Jamal Murray. Murray always rises to the occasion. I think he’ll be looking to prove himself in his first ever All-Star Weekend, and that starts by ripping the nights on Saturday night.
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 8: The sneakers worn by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on February 8, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on December 18, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thanks to Luka Dončić’s best effort to recover from his hamstring strain, it appears likely that he will be representing the Lakers in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Luka dealt with a hamstring strain for more than a week that caused him to miss the last four Lakers games before the All-Star break.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, that workout went well and Luka playing this weekend is still the plan.
The Lakers’ Luka Dončić is indeed on course to play for a short stint in Sunday’s All-Star Game after a strong pregame workout Thursday, league sources tell @TheSteinLine. pic.twitter.com/nUvNyyN8Gf
Before the Lakers took on the Mavs, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Luka was expected to return after the All-Star break. It seems that timeline is accurate and Luka will even play in this weekend’s signature contest.
Also important to note that Stein reports Luka will play a short stint. Even in an All-Star Game that few take seriously, there is risk for injury. So, it’d be wise for Luka to take it easy and just play for a moment so fans can celebrate their local star.
This will be Luka’s first time participating in the All-Star Game as a Laker.
Dončić was the top vote-getter in the NBA, and with the festivities taking place in Los Angeles, he will be one of the biggest stars this weekend.
Luka is having one of the best years of his career, averaging a league-high 32.8points per game. He will represent and play for Team World in this new All-Star format.
Luka’s return is great news. It means he should be good to go once the Lakers begin regular-season play, and it’s another example of how much he loves the game and wants to give back to his fans.
He worked hard to return as quickly as possible, and barring a setback, it seems he’ll be on the court Sunday as the NBA celebrates its biggest stars.
The new format for the 2026 All-Star Game throws MVP betting into chaos. As much as betting on the best player, a smart gambler identifies which team is likely to win the event. Thus, before even pondering Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant, the round-robin format must be considered.
The "World" team should be a shoe-in for the championship game. Of the NBA's MVP candidates, the "World" team may feature ... all of them. Combining Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama is a bit of a cheat code, certainly in a 12-minute game where fatigue should not be an issue.
Of the two U.S. teams, the "Stripes" are veteran-laden. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard should capitalize on one last chance to team up. Favor the team heavy with Olympic gold medalists, all due respect to the "Stars" and Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker.
This may be LeBron James' last All-Star Game. The 12-minute games should allow him to run without tiring, and those runs should lead to a few highlight-worthy dunks.
Getting the chance to bet James at effectively 19-to-1 odds is too delightful a chance to turn down, particularly if trusting "Stripes" to reach the final.
2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP odds
2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP Award analysis
Victor Wembanyama may be the clear favorite, but everyone in the NBA will defer to King James if the vibe takes hold.
Betting on the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award at Kalshi is simple: If you want to wager on Victor Wembanyama to win, you'll "invest" in his stock at 23 cents in the hopes of winning $1 when the market is settled.
Each market is priced based on implied probability, which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter.
What is Kalshi and how does it work?
Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Eagles win this Sunday?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.
How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?
In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.
Why should I wager on the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
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Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
Bad Bunny offered to pay Carlos Correa’s insurance for the World Baseball Classic.
Major League Baseball, the Astros and his agent, Scott Boras, told the Astros infielder to think again.
“They all told me it was a bad idea,” Correa told The Athletic. “They all told me the insurance company that was proposed to me had cases where they were not paying players back. Since it was not approved by MLB, not approved by the organization and not approved by my agent, I could not sign my life away with something that three people that I trust are telling me not to do.”
Bad Bunny performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. Getty Images
Correa, one of several players not cleared to play in the tournament, still expressed his appreciation for Bad Bunny’s offer.
“It means a lot that he’s that involved,” Correa said of his countryman. “He tried to do everything possible … I’m deeply grateful that he tried that hard.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, offered to pay the insurance for Mets star Francisco Lindor, who was also denied by National Financial Partners, which is the insurer for the WBC.
Team Puerto Rico was hit hard by insurance issues, with Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos and Twins catcher Victor Caratini also not being cleared.
Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros looks on during the game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Anaheim, California. MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Mets made a low-risk addition last week, bringing in MJ Melendez on a one-year split contract.
Melendez was once among the top prospects in baseball and only sat behind Bobby Witt Jr. in the Royals’ system, but he hasn’t been able to find his footing in the majors to this point.
The former second-round pick hit just .083 last year before being demoted by the Royals.
He did, however, enjoy another strong offensive showing down in the minors, which is why the Mets believe he still has some upside left in that left-handed bat of his.
Melendez had 20 home runs, 20 stolen bases, 33 doubles, and a .813 OPS in 107 Triple-A games.
“I think there’s more in the tank,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s coming off a couple of down years, but I remember when he first came into the league he was a pretty good player -- he’s going to get an opportunity here.”
The best offensive showing of Melendez’s professional career came in 2021, when he hit 41 homers and drove in 103 runs between Double-A and Triple-A.
While he’s struck out a ton, he has shown flashes of that big-time pop in the majors.
The other big thing the Mets value about Melendez is the versatility he brings.
Melendez came up through the Royals' system as a catcher, but was forced to move to the outfield with veteran captain Salvador Perez holding down the position at the big-league level.
He's seen time at both corner outfield spots, first base, and third base over the years.
The 27-year-old does have a minor league option left, but if he's able to tap into some of that upside, he could provide the Mets with outfield insurance -- in case youngster Carson Benge isn’t ready -- or serve as an emergency third catcher in a pinch.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Bad Bunny really wanted to see Carlos Correa play for Puerto Rico at home in the World Baseball Classic.
Correa, the infielder for the Houston Astros left off the WBC roster over insurance coverage, said Friday that the music superstar and fellow native of Puerto Rico had offered to pay for a policy.
“It means a lot that he’s that involved,” Correa told reporters at the Astros’ spring training complex. “He tried to do everything possible. I wanted to play and make sure that I was going to go out there and play for Team Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico. The fact that he did that means a lot in how much he cares for the country, how much he cares for the fans back home. I’m deeply grateful that he tried that hard.”
Correa, who has a $200 million contract through 2028, had surgery in 2014 to repair a broken right tibia and both San Francisco and the Mets failed to approve his physicals for a contract during the 2022-23 offseason.
While not providing the name of the provider Bad Bunny proposed, Correa said it was one that Major League Baseball, the Astros and Correa’s agent, Scott Boras, did not approve. The infielder said they all told him that it was a bad idea.
“I could not sign my life away with something that three people that I trust are telling me not to do,” Correa said.
Puerto Rico is hosting pool play games in the WBC next month.
Bad Bunny, who was born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most-streamed artists on the planet. He was the featured halftime performer at the Super Bowl last Sunday, a week after winning album of the year at the 2026 Grammys for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”, which is the first time an all Spanish-language album took the top prize.
Bad Bunny’s sports representation firm, Rimas Sports, and the MLB Players Association settled a lawsuit last year after the union disciplined the agency over violations of its agent regulations. It revoked the agent certification of Rimas’ William Arroyo and denied certifications of executives Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda, citing citing a $200,000 interest-free loan and a $19,500 gift. The union issued a $400,000 fine for misconduct. Arbitrator Ruth M. Moscovitch upheld the union’s five-year suspensions of Assad and Miranda and cut Arroyo’s suspension to three years.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA All-Star Break is not the exact halfway point of the season. Most teams have played in the ballpark of 53-55 games, meaning most squads have played nearly 65% of their season. Nonetheless, here we are. No NBA games for the next week as select players are in Los Angeles for the next few days for All-Star week festivities.
With players and coaches having a time to reflect and relax, it’s a fair time to look at the Phoenix Suns’ season so far holistically.
Sitting at 32-23, Phoenix has already surpassed the win total that many sports books and pundits projected for them going into the season, but what grade are you giving the team?
After having a strong start to 2026 and Jordan Ott winning Western Conference coach of the month, the Phoenix Suns have cooled down a bit, going 3-3 through their six games in February, and have continued to hover around the 6th and 7th seeds in the Western Conference standings.
The team hasn’t lost three in a row since October, so they’ve been able to avoid major down stretches. Conversely, the team has just one winning streak of more than five games since November, so while they’ve won more than they’ve lost, they haven’t had a chance to zoom up the standings.
While Devin Booker is heading to his fifth All-Star game, the team has been filled with many surprising performers. Dillon Brooks is having a career year and not just with technical fouls. His 21 points per game is the most he’s averaged in a season for his career, and his 44% shooting from the field is tied for his best percentage of his nine-year NBA resume. Collin Gillespie, who was on a two-way contract a season ago, has turned into a proven starter for the Suns, averaging career bests in points, assists, rebound,s and steals. With his 30-point, 10-assist game last week against the Portland Trailblazers, he joined Devin Booker and Steve Nash as the only Suns to have 8+ assists and 8+ threes in a game.
Mark Williams has already played the most games in a season of his career, and while his scoring is down from previous seasons, he’s shooting a career-high from the field. While Jalen Green and Grayson Allen have been in and out of the lineup, when Allen has played, he’s been having a career season, and Green has not played enough games to make a full assessment of his year on the court.
At the trade deadline, the team mostly stayed pat, trading away Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis in return for Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony, who has yet to report. The move was made to help the team get under the tax for the first time in four seasons. Neither of the players the team traded is playing a big role, and the players they acquired do not look to be typical contributors.
What grade would you give the Suns as a team through 55 games?
As you know, the Cubs have added quite a bit of advertising to Wrigley Field since the recently-completed renovation.
This includes ads on the pads on the left- and right-field lines, on the doors on the outfield walls and behind the plate.
There are also two advertising signs on buildings on Waveland and Sheffield, as seen in this photo from last year:
As you can see, a Coca-Cola sign is on a building on Waveland, just past the left-field foul pole, and a Benjamin Moore sign is in essentially the same place on Sheffield, just past the right-field foul pole.
Now, per Ald. Bennett Lawson’s office in the 44th Ward, where Wrigley Field is located, the Cubs have proposed adding two more signs, one on Waveland, one on Sheffield, with locations as shown here (and at the top of this post):
As noted in that link, the addresses of the buildings where these new signs would be located are 3639 N. Sheffield and 1030 W. Waveland.
You can see more details of these proposed signs and how they would look here.
For those of you mourning some sort of “pristine” Wrigley Field without advertising, that ship sailed a long time ago. Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts once told me, “Wrigley Field is not a museum,” and that’s absolutely true. Now, it would be good if all the extra money brought in by these ads would be put toward player payroll, but deciding that is above my pay grade.
In any case, Wrigley Field still looks much as it did decades ago. The renovations were done in a way that is supposed to evoke the ballpark’s “Golden Age,” which was said to be the 1930s. I’d agree with that, as the team won four NL pennants between 1929 and 1938, and 1938 is also the first full year of the current bleacher configuration and ivy that give the ballpark its iconic “park-like” look.
While there’s some advertising in and around Wrigley Field, at least it doesn’t look like this, with ads plastered all over the place:
Or this, with even MORE ads:
I’m assuming these new advertising signs for Wrigley Field will be approved and likely installed on or around Opening Day. And they are easy enough to ignore if you’re paying attention to the action on the field.
On Saturday, the Kia Shooting Stars competition returns after an 11-year break, and the Knicks have some dogs in the fight.
The competition uses a two-round structure. In the first round, four teams compete one at a time, with 70 seconds to score points by rotating through seven designated shooting locations around the court. All three teammates shoot at each spot in a fixed order. The two teams with the highest scores advance to the final round, where they repeat the course head-to-head. The higher-scoring team wins the title.
Each team has two current players and one legend. For the Knicks, that legend is H20!
The lineup:
Team All-Star: Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, and Rip Hamilton
Team Cameron: Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel, and Corey Maggette (Dukies)
Team Harper: Dylan Harper, Ron Harper Jr., and Ron Harper Sr. (A family affair)
Team Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Allan Houston
Brunson is an Eastern Conference starter for the second-straight year. This will be the sixth All-Star appearance for Towns, a Team World reserve and one of the best shooting big men in the league.
And Houston, he of the silky smooth stroke? The former Knick made the All-Star team twice in his 12-year career and won the Shooting Stars event in 2012, alongside Landry Fields (Knicks) and Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty). These days, he serves as the Knicks’ Vice President of Player Leadership & Development.
The Shooting Stars event originally ran from 2004 to 2015 and often included a WNBA player per team before its hiatus. For some of us old guys, seeing Houston putting up shots again will be the highlight of the whole weekend.
The event occurs Saturday, during NBA All-Star Saturday Night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Tipoff is around 5:30 p.m. ET, right after the State Farm 3-Point Contest wraps up.
With much due respect to the legacies of Vince Carter, Jason Richardson, and Nate Robinson, the NBA 3-Point Contest has become the premier event of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
This year's field includes a two-time champion in Damian Lillard, and my NBA 3-Point Contest predictions expect the veteran point guard to run the table tonight.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 14.
The 3-Point Contest has gotten increasingly complicated over the years, with new modifications added almost annually. Familiarize yourself with the latest rules before wagering on the event.
Players are given 70 seconds to shoot 27 balls from five racks located around the arc.
Four of the five racks contain four NBA game balls and one tri-colored "moneyball." The fifth rack contains five tri-colored moneyballs. Players choose in advance where they would like to have the Moneyball rack positioned.
Regular game balls are worth one point, and moneyballs are worth two points.
There are two additional "Starry Range" ball pedestals, one between racks 2 and 3, and the other between racks 3 and 4. These shots are 29 feet and 9 inches from the basket (six feet behind the arc) and are worth three points each.
The order of the competition is determined by a random draw, except for the previous year's winner, who automatically goes at the end of the opening round.
The three players with the highest scores in the opening round will advance to the championship round. If there is a tie to determine the championship round participants, a 30-second tie-breaker round will take place between the tied players.
The order for the Final Round will be the inverse of the opening round scores (i.e., the player with the lowest score shoots first). If a tie occurs in the final round, a full 70-second tiebreaker round will be used to determine the champion.
NBA 3-Point Contest favorites
Kon Knueppel (+260)
Shooting 43.1% from deep in your rookie year warrants a bounty of praise. Doing so on nearly eight attempts per game turns Kon Knueppel into something far more intriguing for the Charlotte Hornets.
And by no means has Kneuppel cooled off of late. The sharpshooter has shot 45.7% in February while taking 9.2 threes per game over five games.
The biggest question for Knueppel may be how he handles the Los Angeles nightlife this weekend. Then again, he is only 20 years old.
Damian Lillard (+450)
Damian Lillard tore his Achilles on April 27 of last year, nearly 10 full months ago. His surprise return to All-Star Weekend should be less of a shock than it has been.
The Portland Trail Blazers veteran is a two-time 3-Point Contest champion, and including Lillard in this field adds a compelling storyline.
No, Lillard has not taken a shot in a game this season. Then again, this is not a game either.
Jamal Murray (+600)
Jamal Murray has spent most of this season single-handedly carrying the Denver Nuggets amid injury after injury after injury to the starting lineup, including some nagging worries for Murray.
It has been merely human nature that he has lagged a bit since Nikola Jokic returned to the lineup; Murray could finally relax.
But Murray has shot just 14-of-50 in his last six games, a 28% showing that should cause concern if thinking about backing the Denver guard this weekend.
NBA 3-Point Contest pick
A skeptic might wonder if Lillard will be rusty. The better thought is to expect Lillard to be peaking.
No one else in this contest has as much experience in it as he does, and no one else has circled this Saturday night as the highlight of their season. Achilles recovery allows for catch-and-shooting nearly from the start; players cannot jump early on, but they can shoot.
Lillard has been training for this contest for months. This is not simply a bet on a storyline; it is also a bet on value.
Best bet: Damian Lillard 3-Point Contest winner (+450 at bet365)
Past 3-Point Contest winners
Year
Player
2025
Tyler Herro
2024
Damian Lillard
2023
Damian Lillard
2022
Karl-Anthony Towns
2021
Steph Curry
2020
Buddy Hield
2019
Joe Harris
2018
Devin Booker
2017
Eric Gordon
2016
Klay Thompson
2015
Steph Curry
Players who have won multiple 3-Point Contests
Player
Years
Larry Bird
1986, 1987, 1988
Craig Hodges
1990, 1991, 1992
Peja Stojakovic
2002, 2003
Jeff Hornacek
1998, 2000
Mark Price
1993,1994
Jason Kapono
2007, 2008
Steph Curry
2015, 2021
Damian Lillard
2023, 2024
Larry Bird added to his legacy by winning the first three 3-Point Contests from 1986 to 1988 before retiring from the event with nothing left to prove.
A master of the mental arts, the "Hick from French Lick" famously psyched out his opponents in his final 3-point shootout by walking into the locker room and casually asking, "Who's coming in second?"
The answer, as it turns out, was Seattle's Dale Ellis, who could only watch in awe as Bird cooly eliminated him in the final round while still wearing his warm-up jacket.
3-Point Contest trends
Dirk Nowitzki (2006) and Karl-Anthony Towns (2022) are the only 7-footers to win the contest.
No one had won the contest in back-to-back years since 2008, until Damian Lillard accomplished the feat in 2023-24.
No one has ever won the contest on their own home court.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Ron Harper Jr. #13 of the Boston Celtics and Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs high five after the game on January 10, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — In a crowded room at the Intuit Dome, dozens of reporters from across the globe surrounded Ron Harper Jr.
Several were from the Philippines, inquiring about whether the 25-year-old Celtic would ever consider eventually playing for the Philippine national team (he would).
Others hailed from Portugal, eager to know what it was like to share the floor with Neemias Queta, the nation’s first-ever NBA player (the two have long been close friends).
For Harper, this kind of media frenzy — being the main event — has not been the norm for a very long time.
For the last few years, he’s bounced around in the G League, fighting for a spot in the NBA. He’s been on four two-way contracts in three different cities, been waived multiple times, and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury two years ago that hindered his confidence — and, for a stretch, his career.
Now at All-Star weekend for the first time, and on the heels of his best-ever stretch in the league, he is eager to show that he belongs.
On Friday, he’ll participate in the Rising Stars game as a member of the G League team; the Celtics guard was selected to represent the Maine Celtics as one of the G League’s best players after averaging 24.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season. He’ll share the floor with other G League standouts, a list that includes Alijah Martin, Yang Hansen, Jahmir Young, and Sean East II, among others.
“We were talking a little bit in the locker room before we came out here — I think we were all really excited to compete and represent the G League and be able to go out there and show people that we can compete on the grandest stage,” Harper Jr. said. “So I feel like we all got a common understanding that we are gonna go out there, play the right way, play as a team — and we’re ultimately trying to get a win.”
Then, on Saturday, he’ll lace up in the NBA’s Shooting Stars competition as part of a three-person team that also includes his father, former NBA Star Ron Harper, and younger brother, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
That plan came together at the last minute, and Harper couldn’t turn down his brother and father once he was presented with the ask.
“They had both agreed to it, and they asked me to do it,” he said. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, why not?’ I wasn’t gonna stick them in with some random on the team. And, it made sense. I knew I was gonna be here already for the Rising Stars game. It was just gonna be a great opportunity to create some lifelong memories with family.”
The timing of the high-profile weekend is fortuitous; this month, Harper has begun to break into an NBA rotation for the very first time.
In fact, he’s played nearly as many NBA minutes in February (70) as he has in his entire NBA career before that (105).
His breakout game came earlier this month, when he started in a game against the Houston Rockets and tallied 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists — all career-highs. Most notably, he got the Kevin Durant assignment on defense — and held the Rockets’ star to one of his worst games of the season.
On Friday, Harper deemed guarding Durant his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
“A dude like that, you don’t want to let him catch the ball,” he said. “And then sometimes he gets to the spot, and you can’t do nothing about it.”
Ron and Dylan Harper join forces at NBA All-Star Weekend
One of the cool elements of the weekend for Ron Harper is the opportunity to spend time with his brother, Dylan. The two will face off against one another in Friday night’s Rising Stars challenge and team up on Saturday night.
The brothers, who are six years apart, grew up battling each other in 1-on-1 basketball games in the driveway.
“I had a very strict older brother philosophy where — you got to earn it, I’m not gonna let him win,” Ron Harper said. “I used to tell my parents every time — he used to get mad at me because of it — that he’s gonna do it to somebody else one day.”
While both have had very different journeys to the NBA, they’re similarly in position to impact winning on elite NBA squads.
Both brothers are on the second-best teams of their respective conferences; the Celtics hold a 35-19 record, while the Spurs are 38-16.
Dylan was a lottery pick with expectations to come in and contribute to the Spurs right away; he’s averaged 10.9 points in 21.7 minutes per game this season.
Ron’s only averaging 10.7 minutes across 10 games this season, but his production and on-court opportunities have trended up, particularly in the wake of the midseason trade that sent Anfernee Simons to Chicago and created a larger opportunity in the Celtics backcourt.
And, Ron still likes his chances against his younger brother.
“If we play tomorrow in the driveway, ain’t no refs out there? I’m winning.”
pic.twitter.com/ELbgsvVk2H
Charlotte Hornets
Portland Trail Blazers
Denver Nuggets
Cleveland Cavaliers
Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard
Karl-Anthony Towns
Steph Curry
Buddy Hield
Joe Harris
Devin Booker
Eric Gordon