“When we got on that plane I was telling Steph, like, ‘Man, Ja ain’t in it at all. It looked like something happened — like, it ain’t Ja,’” Green said. “He was giving the ball to Cam Spencer and kind of going to stand in the corner. And Steph was like, ‘Quiet protest going on, huh?’ And I was like, ‘That’s what it looked like.’”
A few days later, after Memphis’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Morant brushed off questions about his play, telling reporters to “ask the coaching staff” about his limited minutes. Morant then was suspended on Saturday for one game because of “conduct detrimental to the team” — a move that, according to Green, validated his instincts that something deeper was brewing in Memphis.
“When I saw [Ja’s] comments, I found those interesting,” Green explained, “but all they did was confirm to me what I was watching … and rightfully so, there was something going on.”
Green then reflected on the Grizzlies’ handling of the situation and how suspending a franchise cornerstone can backfire.
“What I will say is this: I am not a big fan of suspending your top guys,” Green said. “As a guy who has been suspended through the years, I don’t think it does much of anything outside of piss the guys off. When you’re talking your first and most important player and you’re suspending that guy, there’s always the possibility of like — there’s no coming back from that.”
Green, who’s been suspended six times across 15 NBA seasons, has built a reputation as one of the league’s most fiery competitors — and someone who understands better than most how quickly trust between players and teams can fracture. Whether the Grizzlies can move past the suspension — and keep Morant fully engaged — remains to be seen.
The 2025-26 NBA season on Peacock continues tonight as the Brooklyn Nets, seeking their first victory of the season after an 0-6 start, while playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3), who are without injured superstar Anthony Edwards. It's the first meeting between the teams since April 11 last season when Rudy Gobert tied a career high with 35 points to lead Minnesota to a 117-91 victory over Brooklyn in Minneapolis.
After losing their first two games since losing Edwards to a hamstring injury, the Timberwolves are coming off a 122-105 road victory Saturday over the Charlotte Hornets. Julius Randle scored 30 points while improving to 30 of 54 from the field in the past three games, and Gobert had 14 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in his second double-double this year while leading a Minnesota defense that suffers when the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is on the bench.
Edwards (25.7 points per game) has been sidelined since being hurt Oct. 26 during a 114-110 win over the Indiana Pacers. In his absence, Minnesota has filled the offensive void with Randle (27.2 ppg and 2.7 3-pointers per game), Jaden McDaniels (18.0 ppg) and Donte DiVincenzo (13.5 ppg, 3.0 3-pointers pe game), who had 18 points against the Hornets. Naz Reid also chipped in 18 against Charlotte and is averaging 11.3 points.
Brooklyn Nets storylines
At 0-6, Brooklyn is off to its worst start since losing the first seven games to open the 2015-16 season. Defense has been a sore spot for the Nets, who have rank last in field goal percentage allowed. In a 129-105 loss Sunday to the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn allowed an opponent to shoot at least 50% for the fifth time in six games this season. Coach Jordi Fernandez also has been seeking an answer at point guard, most recently starting Tyrese Martin (who went scoreless in 27 minutes against Philadelphia) in place of rookie Ben Saraf.
Brooklyn's offense primarily has been reliant on Cam Thomas, who is averaging 24.3 points per game and led the Nets with 29 points against the 76ers, Michael Porter Jr. (20.8 ppg) and Nic Claxton (13.3 ppg).
How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
Time: Pregame studio coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is mobbed after the Dodgers won the 121st World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Los Angeles Dodgers' thrilling 11-inning Saturday win over the Toronto Blue Jays was the most watched World Series game since 2017, according to Nielsen data.
The Fox telecast of the Game 7 contest giving the Dodgers their second consecutive world championship attracted an average of 25. 5 million viewers on Fox.
Viewers watching the Spanish-language telecast on Fox Deportes and Fox Sports streaming platforms brought the audience figure to just under 26 million.
The Dodgers' 5-4 win delivered the largest audience for a World Series game since the Houston Astros' Game 7 win over the the team in 2017, which had an audience of 28.3 million.
The figure was 10% over the last decisive World Series Game 7 in 2019, when the Washington Nationals defeated the Astros.
The battle on Saturday will go down as one of the most memorable games in World Series history, with a number of spectacular plays in the field and a dramatic go-ahead home run by Dodgers catcher Will Smith.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto won his third game of the series with his strong relief outing, earning him the Most Valuable Player Award for the series.
The audience level peaked between 8:30 and 8:45 p.m. Pacific, with 31.5 million viewers tuned in.
The Dodgers became the first Major League Baseball team to win back-to-back championships in 25 years.
The 2025-26 MLB free agency period got fully underway at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, as free agents are now allowed to sign with a new team.
The opening of free agency came just days after the Los Angeles Dodgers successfully defended their crown by beating the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2025 World Series championship. But now, the chase for the 2026 title is on.
So, from the top players available to how the qualifying offer works and more, here’s everything you need to know about MLB free agency:
When does MLB free agency start?
Players scheduled to hit free agency officially became free agents the day after the World Series ended. At that time, teams were able to re-sign their departing free agents.
But players weren’t permitted to sign with a new club until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ended.
When is the MLB option deadline?
The exercising of a player, club or mutual option had to occur within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
Teams had five days after the World Series ended to extend qualifying offers to their departing free agents. A team could only extend a qualifying offer to a player who hadn’t received one before and spent the entire 2025 season on its roster.
The qualifying offer is a one-year deal with a value equal to the mean salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players, and a player has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept it.
Should a player reject the qualifying offer and then sign with a new club in free agency, the team who lost the free agent will receive a compensatory draft pick. A club that signs a rival player who rejected a qualifying offer is subject to the loss of at least one draft pick.
How much is the MLB qualifying offer worth?
This year’s qualifying offer is worth $22.025 million.
Which MLB players received the qualifying offer?
Here are the 13 players who were extended the qualifying offer, according to multiplereports:
Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Dylan Cease, RHP, San Diego Padres
Edwin Díaz, RHP, New York Mets
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Trent Grisham, OF, New York Yankees
Shota Imanaga, LHP, Chicago Cubs
Michael King, RHP, San Diego Padres
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies
Ranger Suárez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Gleyber Torres, 2B/SS, Detroit Tigers
Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston Astros
Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
When are the MLB Winter Meetings?
The Winter Meetings will run from Dec. 8-11 in Orlando, Florida.
Who are the top 2026 MLB free agents?
Here’s a look at the top players who hit free agency (listed alphabetically by last name, all contract details via Spotrac):
Josh Naylor, a trade deadline pickup from Arizona, hit three homers with a .967 OPS across 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
The 2025-26 MLB free agency period got fully underway at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, as free agents are now allowed to sign with a new team.
The opening of free agency came just days after the Los Angeles Dodgers successfully defended their crown by beating the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2025 World Series championship. But now, the chase for the 2026 title is on.
So, from the top players available to how the qualifying offer works and more, here’s everything you need to know about MLB free agency:
When does MLB free agency start?
Players scheduled to hit free agency officially became free agents the day after the World Series ended. At that time, teams were able to re-sign their departing free agents.
But players weren’t permitted to sign with a new club until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ended.
When is the MLB option deadline?
The exercising of a player, club or mutual option had to occur within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
Teams had five days after the World Series ended to extend qualifying offers to their departing free agents. A team could only extend a qualifying offer to a player who hadn’t received one before and spent the entire 2025 season on its roster.
The qualifying offer is a one-year deal with a value equal to the mean salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players, and a player has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept it.
Should a player reject the qualifying offer and then sign with a new club in free agency, the team who lost the free agent will receive a compensatory draft pick. A club that signs a rival player who rejected a qualifying offer is subject to the loss of at least one draft pick.
How much is the MLB qualifying offer worth?
This year’s qualifying offer is worth $22.025 million.
Which MLB players received the qualifying offer?
Here are the 13 players who were extended the qualifying offer, according to multiplereports:
Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Dylan Cease, RHP, San Diego Padres
Edwin Díaz, RHP, New York Mets
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Trent Grisham, OF, New York Yankees
Shota Imanaga, LHP, Chicago Cubs
Michael King, RHP, San Diego Padres
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies
Ranger Suárez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Gleyber Torres, 2B/SS, Detroit Tigers
Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston Astros
Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
When are the MLB Winter Meetings?
The Winter Meetings will run from Dec. 8-11 in Orlando, Florida.
Who are the top 2026 MLB free agents?
Here’s a look at the top players who hit free agency (listed alphabetically by last name, all contract details via Spotrac):
Josh Naylor, a trade deadline pickup from Arizona, hit three homers with a .967 OPS across 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
The 2025-26 NBA season on Peacock continues tonight as the New Jersey Nets, seeking their first victory of the season after an 0-6 start, while playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3), who are without injured superstar Anthony Edwards. It's the first meeting between the teams since April 11 last season when Rudy Gobert tied a career high with 35 points to lead Minnesota to a 117-91 victory over New Jersey in Minneapolis.
After losing their first two games since losing Edwards to a hamstring injury, the Timberwolves are coming off a 122-105 road victory Saturday over the Charlotte Hornets. Julius Randle scored 30 points while improving to 30 of 54 from the field in the past three games, and Gobert had 14 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in his second double-double this year while leading a Minnesota defense that suffers when the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is on the bench.
Edwards (25.7 points per game) has been sidelined since being hurt Oct. 26 during a 114-110 win over the Indiana Pacers. In his absence, Minnesota has filled the offensive void with Randle (27.2 ppg and 2.7 3-pointers per game), Jaden McDaniels (18.0 ppg) and Donte DiVincenzo (13.5 ppg, 3.0 3-pointers pe game), who had 18 points against the Hornets. Naz Reid also chipped in 18 against Charlotte and is averaging 11.3 points.
New Jersey Nets storylines
At 0-6, Brooklyn is off to its worst start since losing the first seven games to open the 2015-16 season. Defense has been a sore spot for the Nets, who have rank last in field goal percentage allowed. In a 129-105 loss Sunday to the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey allowed an opponent to shoot at least 50% for the fifth time in six games this season. Coach Jordi Fernandez also has been seeking an answer at point guard, most recently starting Tyrese Martin (who went scoreless in 27 minutes against Philadelphia) in place of rookie Ben Saraf.
Brooklyn's offense primarily has been reliant on Cam Thomas, who is averaging 24.3 points per game and led the Nets with 29 points against the 76ers, Michael Porter Jr. (20.8 ppg) and Nic Claxton (13.3 ppg).
How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Jersey Nets
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
Time: Pregame studio coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
The 2025-26 NBA season on Peacock continues tonight as the Brooklyn Nets, seeking their first victory of the season after an 0-6 start, while playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3), who are without injured superstar Anthony Edwards. It's the first meeting between the teams since April 11 last season when Rudy Gobert tied a career high with 35 points to lead Minnesota to a 117-91 victory over Brooklyn in Minneapolis.
After losing their first two games since losing Edwards to a hamstring injury, the Timberwolves are coming off a 122-105 road victory Saturday over the Charlotte Hornets. Julius Randle scored 30 points while improving to 30 of 54 from the field in the past three games, and Gobert had 14 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in his second double-double this year while leading a Minnesota defense that suffers when the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is on the bench.
Edwards (25.7 points per game) has been sidelined since being hurt Oct. 26 during a 114-110 win over the Indiana Pacers. In his absence, Minnesota has filled the offensive void with Randle (27.2 ppg and 2.7 3-pointers per game), Jaden McDaniels (18.0 ppg) and Donte DiVincenzo (13.5 ppg, 3.0 3-pointers pe game), who had 18 points against the Hornets. Naz Reid also chipped in 18 against Charlotte and is averaging 11.3 points.
Brooklyn Nets storylines
At 0-6, Brooklyn is off to its worst start since losing the first seven games to open the 2015-16 season. Defense has been a sore spot for the Nets, who have rank last in field goal percentage allowed. In a 129-105 loss Sunday to the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn allowed an opponent to shoot at least 50% for the fifth time in six games this season. Coach Jordi Fernandez also has been seeking an answer at point guard, most recently starting Tyrese Martin (who went scoreless in 27 minutes against Philadelphia) in place of rookie Ben Saraf.
Brooklyn's offense primarily has been reliant on Cam Thomas, who is averaging 24.3 points per game and led the Nets with 29 points against the 76ers, Michael Porter Jr. (20.8 ppg) and Nic Claxton (13.3 ppg).
How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
Time: Pregame studio coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
All's well that ends well for the Detroit Red Wings, who collected their fourth win in their last five games with their 3-2 shootout triumph over the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Sunday evening.
After surrendering a late goal in regulation that knotted the score, the Red Wings secured the extra point in the standings thanks to an unsung hero in the shootout in veteran James van Riemsdyk, who was signed to a one-year contract during the offseason.
van Riemsdyk was the only player on either side to score during the shootout, and thanks to several key saves from goaltender Cam Talbot as well as a little help from the post, the Red Wings outlasted the Sharks.
Afterward, van Riemsdyk described just how big the victory was for the Red Wings, who have ensured that they'll have a winning record on their five-game road swing.
“A huge game for us to set ourselves up nicely to have a really strong road trip, just finding a way to get the extra point there was huge for us," he said. "We got to keep things rolling along here.”
He would also point to Detroit's ability to play a direct game as what helped them ultimately emerge with the W.
“That’s a recipe, to be honest, no matter what for us is just trying to play pretty predictable, direct straight forward, and just kind of let our abilities take over from that," he said. "I find that’s when we’re playing our best is when we’re all predictable."
Following Friday evening's disappointing 5-2 setback against the Anaheim Ducks, the Red Wings got off to a better start on Sunday, but didn't solve former Detroit goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic until Lucas Raymond fired a wrist shot bar-down near the end of the second period.
The Sharks managed to pull even early in the third period after a deflection goal from Jeff Skinner, only to have Moritz Seider respond midway through the frame with his first tally of the season.
The Sharks knotted the score late in regulation thanks to the first NHL goal (and point) in the career of Sam Dickinson, though neither team was able to score in overtime.
The Red Wings will conclude their road trip with a tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday evening before returning home to host the New York Rangers on Friday evening.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
After spending big there was optimism in Florence, but their season has been a mess that may get worse
Daniele Pradè had described Fiorentina v Lecce as a “question of life or death”, but as the occasion approached he remembered football’s third option: you can always just walk away. On Saturday, a little more than 24 hours before this game was due to take place, he left his role as sporting director of the Viola by mutual consent.
The timing was a surprise, but not the decision. Fiorentina had made a shockingly poor start to the season, collecting four points from their first nine games, and Pradè was adamant that he alone should shoulder the blame. “The club put €90m at my disposal to build the team,” he pointed out last month. “If anyone is responsible for the current situation, it’s me.”
In a new season that is just two weeks old, Towns is off to a slow start, averaging 18.3 points while shooting 38.0 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from the three-point line in six games. This includes a nightmare eight-point night on 2-for-12 shooting against the Milwaukee Bucks last Tuesday.
Towns has come under fire for his uninspiring launch to the season, but it’s early. With high expectations, there’s a strong external reaction to every loss. But there’s sure to be more highs and lows that the Knicks will have to navigate through the course of an 82-game season. Patience will be important throughout the entire campaign.
Towns is dealing with a grade two right quad strain and it’s likely a factor in his poor performance. Though he’s generally struggled to shoot from all over the floor, Towns’ offensive issues have been most noticeable around the basket -- where he has very little lift when rising up for a finish. The All-Star center is shooting just 47.4 percent in the restricted area according to NBA Stats, down from 66.9 percent last season.
Brown has looked to implement a new offense, wanting New York to move the ball via the drive and kick philosophy, launch more threes, and pick up the pace to create easier offensive opportunities. In the long run, that should be helpful for Towns as the pace and space should give him easier looks as a scorer and more room to operate.
So far, the results have been inconsistent.
New York Knicks center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden. / John Jones-Imagn Images
New York is 3-3 after six games. The perimeter shooting has had its ugly moments like when they made just 15 of 54 treys (27.8 percent) in a 115-107 loss to the Miami Heat last week. But in the win against Chicago, New York’s offense was elite, recording 31 assists and converting on 20 of 42 three-point attempts (47.6 percent).
In need of an evolution
The Knicks need more from Towns if they want to seriously contend for a championship.
Towns is a solid overall passer at the center position, but he needs to improve as a playmaker. Brown has tried to have Towns operate at the elbows or on the perimeter as a passer like he did with Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis. It has led to middling results. The big man is averaging more turnovers than assists this season.
One of Towns’ weaknesses is his ability to read the game and make adjustments on the fly. Once Towns puts the ball on the floor as he looks to barrel his way to the basket, he rarely passes out to shooters. Towns’ decision making was better on Sunday. The hope is that through trial and error, he makes better reads as the season rolls on.
With Mitchell Robinson back from a four-game absence to start the season, Towns’ role in the offense is much more iffy. He becomes a power forward, and is still effective because of his outside shooting ability, but it makes him less of a centerpiece. But Towns has proven capable of making it work. He played on the floor with Robinson in the playoffs last season, and with Rudy Gobert as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This season is critical for Towns and the Knicks. He’s turning 30 years old in November, and he is also eligible for a contract extension. How he adapts to the new system and style of play this season will shape his future in New York.
Another week has passed in the NBA, but the excitement certainly hasn’t died down. The Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers have surprised the Association with superb records, and the San Antonio Spurs look like they’re ready to contend for a title.
Injuries continue to pile up around the league, and “next man up” mentality has lent itself well to new opportunities and increased production. Role players and rookies have stepped up, and three first-year players are featured in this week’s column.
→ Watch the NBA on Peacock on Monday night, as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Nets in Brooklyn. The action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET!
Rollins was a recommended add last week, so hopefully you scooped him up when he was more widely available. Despite some monster performances, he’s still available in 57% of Yahoo! leagues. Rollins has averaged 24.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.0 triples across his last three outings. Even when Kevin Porter Jr. returns, Rollins has certainly done enough to remain in the starting five, and he’s the top fantasy pickup heading into Week 3. Through the first two weeks of the season, he’s provided second-round value, and this will likely be the last time you can acquire him so freely on the waiver wire.
DiVincenzo started the season with the first unit, and he should retain that role moving forward. For now, he’ll get a boost in production until Anthony Edwards is able to return. Minnesota has started Mike Conley in Edwards’ place, and while Conley has been serviceable, DiVincenzo is the preferred add. Over his last five, DiVincenzo has averaged 14.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.4 triples.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (36%), Atlanta Hawks
NAW has been a source of instant offense for the Hawks all season, finishing with a season-low 10 points in the opener and going for at least 16 in every other contest. He’s provided seventh-round value to fantasy managers thus far, offering 16.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.7 triples per contest. Poor FG% is the biggest hit to his fantasy value, but he’s been an otherwise strong option. The absence of Trae Young for the next four weeks could be a boon for NAW, making him a must-add.
Grimes has been excellent off the bench this season, and he could be in line for additional minutes and usage moving forward. Kelly Oubre Jr. posted a season-high 29 points on Sunday before an ankle injury forced him out of the matchup with Brooklyn early. Oubre Jr. is a great add (assuming he’s healthy), but Grimes has done enough in his own right to warrant consideration here. He’s scored in double figures in each game this season and notched his first double-double of the campaign against Brooklyn. Grimes posted a monstrous 22/7/13/1/1 line with four triples in the blowout victory over the Nets. According to Statmuse, his career-high 13 dimes are the most by a 76er off the bench since Allen Iverson in 2004.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (35%), Miami Heat
Jaquez Jr. is off to a phenomenal start, and he came away with his best game of the season in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers. In 35 minutes, he finished with 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists. He’s ranked 75th in per-game fantasy value thanks to strong contributions in points, rebounds and assists. Lack of the three-ball and defensive contributions caps his ceiling, but a guy averaging 19/7/5 who’s available in 65% of Yahoo! leagues cannot be ignored.
Making his return from a thumb injury, Coulibaly immediately joined the starting five, and he’s averaged a 13/5/4 line with a steal, two blocks and a triple over his last two contests. The third-year forward has logged just over 25 minutes per game thus far, and we can safely assume his playing time - and thus his production - will tick up. His versatility is intriguing for fantasy purposes, as he can stuff the stat sheet with valuable contributions on both ends of the floor.
Cedric Coward (33%), Memphis Grizzlies
Coward - the 11th pick out of Washington State - has immediately made an impact for Memphis. He’s logged over 25 minutes a game as a reliable option off the bench, scoring in double figures in all but one contest thus far. The Grizzlies already need help at guard, but they could be particularly thin if Ja Morant continues feuding with Memphis’ coaching staff and finds himself on the bench. Don’t be a coward - add Cedric.
Josh Minott (23%), Boston Celtics
Minott is averaging just over 21 minutes per game this season, but he’s contributed 8.3 points, 6.8 boards, 1.5 dimes, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and a triple per game. That production has been good for per-game fantasy value inside the top-100, and managers in need of boards and swipes could certainly do worse, assuming they can deal with the poor shooting (42.5%).
Jeremiah Fears (19%), New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans absolutely stink this year, and the team seems committed to getting its young stud some meaningful playing time. The only downside with Fears is the capped ceiling due to negative game script. New Orleans has already played in multiple blowouts, and more are surely on the horizon, which could mean fewer minutes at the end of games. He’s averaged 16.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.7 triples across his last three outings.
Due to a number of key injuries, Walker has found a spot with the Pacers’ starting five, and he’s logging the most minutes of his career to kick off the 2025-26 campaign. He’s started each of Indiana’s last three, averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.7 triples across 31.3 minutes. Expect him to see big minutes moving forward due to the ongoing absences of Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin.
a career-high in points for Jarace Walker last night
Like Jarace Walker, Jackson has benefited greatly from Indiana’s multitude of injuries. The fourth-year man out of Texas A&M has started two straight, averaging a 20/5/7 line with a pair of swipes and 2.5 triples. He was instrumental in Indiana’s upset victory over Golden State on Saturday, turning in 25 points, 10 boards and six dimes, while hitting the dagger bucket in the final seconds of the game. He should continue seeing increased opportunities for the foreseeable future.
Collin Murray-Boyles (5%), Toronto Raptors
Jakob Poeltl (back) remains out, and it’s not yet known when he’ll return. Toronto’s lottery pick should stay heavily involved for as long as Poeltl is out or limited. CMB posted 15 points, nine boards, five dimes and three steals across 31 minutes in Sunday’s comfortable victory over the Grizzlies. He’s got matchups with the Bucks, Hawks and 76ers this week.
Brandon Ingram finds Collin Murray-Boyles for the jam!
Others to consider: Jabari Smith Jr. (42%), P.J. Washington (41%), Kelly Oubre Jr. (39%), Tre Jones (35%), Ajay Mitchell (33%), Collin Gillespie (22%), Kevin Huerter (14%), Simone Fontecchio (10%), Luke Kennard (6%), Jaylon Tyson (5%), Mike Conley (4%)
This year's free agent class is led by star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who will be entering his age-29 season in 2026 and could get a deal worth around $400 million.
Tucker, an All-Star the last four seasons who has a career OPS+ of 140, will obviously be highly sought after. And he would fit perfectly in the Mets' lineup.
But that would really only be feasible if Brandon Nimmo is traded. And that doesn't seem like something that's in the cards.
Here are the ones the Mets should be targeting, ranked:
10. INF Bo Bichette
Bichette had a huge bounce back season for the Blue Jays in 2025, hitting .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS.
Ahead of his age-28 campaign Bichette seems destined for a big commitment in terms of years. And with the Mets, he'd have to switch positions (likely to second base). As fun as it would be to have Francisco Lindor and Bichette up the middle for years to come, this one feels like more of a fallback option.
9. DH Kyle Schwarber
It's really hard to see Schwarber leaving the Phillies, which is why he isn't higher on this list.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts in the home run swing off tiebreaker during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Another reason why Schwarber isn't higher is because his presence would completely lock up the designated hitter spot, which the Mets could need some flexibility with if they re-sign Pete Alonso and/or get creative with how Nimmo is utilized.
8. RHP Michael King
King isn't getting nearly as much attention as Valdez or Suarez, probably due to the fact that he made just 15 starts in 2025 as he dealt with a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder and also lost time due to a knee injury.
But King was tremendous for the Padres in 2024 as he made the transition from relieving to starting, and could be a very good option for New York on a shorter-term deal if his medicals check out.
7. INF Alex Bregman
Yes, Bregman is going to be 32 years old next season. But he is still a really good, consistent hitter. And he's a plus defender at third base. Additionally, Bregman is viewed as a strong clubhouse presence and a leader.
In a world where the Mets shake up their offensive core, Bregman at the hot corner could make a lot of sense.
But as a finishing piece of sorts for the starting rotation, Cease would bring the floor of a solid innings-eater and the upside of a Cy Young candidate.
And signing Cease would be especially shrewd if it only takes a three-year deal or so.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Petco Park. / Orlando Ramirez - Imagn Images
Cease had a relatively down 2025, posting a 4.55 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. But his FIP (3.56) suggests he was a bit unlucky, and his stuff -- he led all MLB starters with 11.5 strikeouts per nine -- can be filthy.
5. RHP Robert Suarez
Regardless of what happens with Edwin Diaz, the Mets should aggressively pursue Suarez, who will almost certainly opt out of the final two years and roughly $18.5 million of his contract with the Padres.
If the Mets lose Diaz via free agency, Suarez can replace him as the closer.
If the Mets retain Diaz, Suarez can fill an enormous need as a hard-throwing right-handed setup man.
Even with Suarez entering his age-35 season, it could take a three-year contract to land him. In a better scenario, perhaps he can be had on a two-year deal at a much higher average annual value than the one he's about to opt out of.
4. 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami
Murakami, who will be entering his age-26 season in 2026, has absolutely massive power.
His biggest power season came in 2022, when he slugged .710 and smashed a career-high 56 homers.
Murakami was limited to just 56 games in 2025, but he made the most of them, smacking 22 homers while slashing .273/.379/.663.
The elephant(s) in the room? Murakami strikes out a ton and is not a plus defender.
But if the Mets loseAlonso, they could do a lot worse than Murakami, who could be a true difference-maker if his power translates to the majors and is five years younger than Alonso.
3. 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto
Okamoto -- a six-time All-Star in Japan -- has led the Central league in home runs three times (2020, 2021, and 2023), and has an .882 OPS in 1,074 NPB games.
And he is a better fit than Murakami for two reasons, despite being 29 years old.
Mar 16, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto (25) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Tokyo Dome. / Darren Yamashita - Imagn Images
First, while there are some questions about how Okamoto's power will translate, he does not have the strikeout issues Murakami has.
Second, Okamoto is a plus defender, having won two Golden Glove awards (2021 and 2022).
Okamoto could be a replacement at first base if Alonso departs via free agency. He could also fit at third base if the Mets decide to go in a different direction there.
A year after Alonso hit free agency for the first time, resulting in a drawn out process that ended with him returning to the Mets, he will be a free agent again once he opts out of his two-year deal.
As was the case last offseason, the Mets' best fit at first base (and in the middle of their lineup) is Alonso, and Alonso's best fit is the Mets.
Is it possible a team like the Angels goes wild and offers Alonso a deal for five or six years? Sure. Is it possible the Mariners or Red Sox offer Alonso a four-year deal at dollars the Mets aren't comfortable with? Yes.
But the most sensible outcome here is Alonso returning to the Mets on a three-or four-year deal worth roughly $30 million annually.
Retaining Diaz should be the easiest decision the Mets make all offseason.
Diaz, fresh off a year where he had a 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings, is expected to opt out of the final two years and roughly $38 million of his deal.
The calculus here should be simple. To bring Diaz back, the Mets would likely have to in effect add two years at similar dollars to the deal he was already pitching under.
Diaz is showing no signs of regression. The Mets need a closer. Diaz has posted a 2.36 ERA and 0.97 WHIP since 2020 while striking out 14.6 batters per nine and pitching in the New York spotlight. Diaz wants to be here. There are no better options to replace him. Get it done.
Jake LaRavia drives against Miami center Bam Adebayo in the first half Sunday. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers called a timeout with 9:35 remaining in the fourth quarter Sunday in an attempt to slow down a Miami Heat team that had sliced a once 18-point Lakers lead to three points. Out of the time out, the ball wound up in the hands of, not Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, but Jake LaRavia.
It was up to LaRavia to deliver in a pretty big moment, and he did so emphatically with a left-handed dunk over Heat 7-feet center Kel'el Ware.
The Lakers’ lead never dipped below four points the rest of the way.
“I have no idea,” LaRavia said when asked how he pulled off the dunk over a taller defender. “This was the first time I dunked, I think, in a long time with my left hand and I just saw an open lane. I was aggressively attacking it and he kind of jumped a little bit late. So, I went up to go dunk the ball for the first time because I was just trying to lay it up.”
It was yet another night in which LaRavia, who had 25 points, eight rebounds and four steals, was aggressive for the Lakers, playing a prominent role in the Lakers’ 130-120 win over the Heat on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena.
In his last three games, LaRavia has been on a tear.
He had 13 points on five-for-eight shooting and five rebounds at Memphis last Friday night and he had 27 points on 10-for-11 shooting, including going five-for-six from three-point range last Wednesday night at Minnesota.
“Yeah, I just happened to be scoring a lot of points recently,” LaRavia said. “I’m making a lot of shots, like, at the end of the day. The game against Minnesota I missed one shot. This game I missed three shots so obviously when I’m playing, shooting the ball 80% or higher, I’m going to score a lot. But again, I preach this every time I talk to the media, it’s very easy to play with Luka and AR. A lot of my buckets are running past the defense in transition, just running harder than the other team and getting those dunks or those layups, and then just shooting the catch-and-shoot threes when I get them.”
Even if fans don’t know his name, they are starting to recognize LaRavia for his scoring exploits.
During the game at Minnesota, fans yelled, “Who is No. 12?”
That is LaRavia’s number.
“I kind of put my hands up like this and I kind of agreed with them, ‘Who is No. 12?’ I kind of played into it a little bit,” LaRavia said. “I find that kind of stuff funny, cause I am not well known at this moment so I’m just head down, working hard. That’s all I do.”
Well, during Sunday night’s game, Lakers fans joked, “Who is No. 12?”
“I heard it about three times,” he said. “I think it’s good. Shout-out [to Minnesota’s] Anthony Edwards for allowing that clip to go viral. Yeah, I think it’s good. I think it’s funny.”
Jaxson Hayes stars in his role
Jaxson Hayes and Jake LaRavia share a moment during the second half Sunday. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Jaxson Hayes came to the post-game podium wearing a Dodgers jersey, one he had received with his name and the No. 11 on the back from throwing out the first pitch at a game.
Hayes talked about how “hyped” he was to see the Dodgers win the World Series over the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday night.
“I used to be a Reds fan, but then they canceled on me throwing out the first pitch a few times, so now I'm a Dodgers fan,” Hayes said. “And then, yeah, I was hyped. That game was crazy. I didn't really get into baseball until I moved out here and now I watch a lot of the Dodgers games. It was wild."
Hayes started at center for the Lakers against the Heat because Deandre Ayton was sidelined with back spasms.
Hayes was on his game, catching lob passes for dunks, being active running the floor in scoring 15 points and grabbing five rebounds. He made all seven of his shots.
“My guards give me good looks,” Hayes said. “I just do the same thing every night. It just depends on how the defense is. Sometimes it might just be them hitting me in the pocket, me hitting a corner. Other nights, it might be me getting dunks. Other nights, it's the guard coming off for layups. So, I mean, it's just really the guards get me going."
Hayes even drilled a three-pointer, his first of the season.
Bronny James plays important minutes
Bronny James dunks during the first half against Miami on Sunday. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Bronny James played almost seven minutes in the fourth quarter, a sign of the faith Lakers coach JJ Redick has in his second-year guard.
James played a little over 18 minutes overall, scoring just two points, but notching three steals.
“I thought he was really good on the ball,” Redick said. “He got a steal off the ball, but I thought he was really good on the ball.”
James’ basket came off a lob pass from Reaves on the fast break, a dunk that had the crowd on its feet and his teammates leaping off the bench, including his dad, LeBron, who is still out with sciatica.
Raphielle Johnson
