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Fantasy Baseball 2025 Closer Breakdown: Aroldis Chapman’s resurgence and 2026 rankings

With the 2025 MLB regular season behind us, it’s time to review what we learned from a fantasy perspective and how we can apply it to next year.

In the coming days throughout October, we’ll be breaking down the standout seasons, the breakout candidates, the prospects to know, and our early 2026 rankings. You can see our catcher breakdownhere, and our first base breakdownhere.

In this edition, we’ll cover the 2025 closer position and take a look at some situations to monitor this winter, as well as some relievers on the rise.

2025 POSITION BREAKDOWN: RELIEF PITCHER

The closer position remains volatile as we chase saves in drafts and on the waiver wire. This season, about half of the top 20 closers by ADP failed to match their draft value. Emmanuel Clase, the top closer in drafts, finished with only 24 saves and was suspended in late July. Devin Williams, usually second drafted, managed just 18 saves for the Yankees before losing the job to Luke Weaver and David Bednar. Mason Miller and Ryan Helsley, other top-10 draft closers, were traded to setup roles.

On the other hand, Josh Hader had an incredible season despite missing the final two months. Edwin Díaz enjoyed a successful bounce-back season. Andrés Muñoz and Jhoan Duran elevated their game to new levels. And we got some incredible values from the likes of Aroldis Chapman and Emilio Pagán. With a total of 215 different pitchers recording a league-wide 1201 saves, securing the category early in drafts will always have its merits, while examples like Chapman and Pagán prove that waiting remains viable if you can identify the right situations.

2025’s Top Ten Closers

1. Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox)

61 1/3 IP, 1.17 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 85/15 K/BB, 32 SV

Year 16 in the majors may have, incredibly, been Chapman’s best yet. There was some ambiguity over who would emerge as Boston’s closer this season, and in the end, it was the 37-year-old left-handed veteran proving he had plenty left in the tank. Chapman was still averaging 98.5 mph on the fastball, still generated an elite whiff rate, and displayed some of his best control with a career-low 6.6% walk rate in a full season. The Red Sox rewarded Chapman with a one-year contract extension for 2026 at $13.3 million.

2. Andrés Muñoz (Mariners)

62 1/3 IP, 1.73 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 83/28 K/BB, 38 SV

Finally trusted with the full-time closer role, Muñoz enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign with a career-high 38 saves for the ALCS-bound Seattle Mariners. The 26-year-old right-hander’s skills have been incredibly consistent over the last three seasons. A secured role now makes him one of the top closers going into 2026.

3. Edwin Díaz (Mets)

66 1/3 IP, 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 98/21 K/BB, 28 SV

Díaz had a relatively disappointing 2024 after missing the 2023 season with a knee injury. Another year removed, he bounced back in a big way this season for the Mets, going from a 3.52 ERA to a 1.63 ERA with outstanding strikeout numbers. While his skills haven’t fully rebounded to otherworldly 2022 levels, mainly behind a 97 mph fastball that has lagged behind the 99 mph mark he was displaying pre-injury, he remains among the best closers in the game. He has the ability to opt out of the final two years and $37 million on his contract with the Mets and become a free agent, which most expect he will do.

4. Jhoan Duran (Phillies)

70 IP, 2.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 80/19 K/BB, 32 SV

Duran, much like Muñoz, excelled this season as he was trusted with the full-time closer role, posting a career-high 32 saves. The save total saw a boost after he was acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline, converting 16 of his 32 saves over the last two months in Philadelphia. The team has its locked-in closer over the next several seasons with three more years of team control, giving him the job security behind the elite skills that make him one of baseball’s top pitchers in the ninth inning.

5. Robert Suarez (Padres)

69 2/3 IP, 2.97 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 75/16 K/BB, 40 SV

There was some concern going into the season surrounding Suarez and the way he ended his 2024 season. He put those questions to rest with an excellent campaign, leading the National League with 40 saves while maintaining outstanding ratios and an improved strikeout rate. The threat of Mason Miller behind Suarez may keep his draft price suppressed once again, but there’s speculation that Miller could potentially be stretched out as a starter. Still, there’s little reason to believe Suarez’s role would be in any jeopardy unless the team decides to cash in on a trade this winter.

6. Josh Hader (Astros)

62 2/3 IP, 2.30 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 86/19 K/BB, 28 SV

Hader might’ve finished atop the rankings had he not suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the final two months, with his last appearance coming on August 8. Before that, he had converted 28 saves while displaying some of the best skills of his career, including a 7.8% walk rate and 21.1% swinging-strike rate.

7. David Bednar (Yankees)

62 2/3 IP, 2.30 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 86/19 K/BB, 27 SV

Bednar was briefly demoted by the Pirates early in the season before returning in mid-April and putting together a strong bounce-back campaign, following a 5.77 ERA in 2024. He converted 17 saves for Pittsburgh and was the best reliever for the Yankees after joining New York at the trade deadline, converting ten more saves. With another year of team control, Bednar is in line to open the 2026 season as the Yankees’ closer.

8. Trevor Megill (Brewers)

47 IP, 2.49 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 60/17 K/BB, 30 SV

After converting 21 saves for Milwaukee in 2024, filling in for Devin Williams, Megill opened the season as the team’s closer with Williams traded to the Yankees over the offseason. He ran with the opportunity, converting 30 saves with outstanding ratios before a right flexor strain landed him on the injured list in late August. Megill made just one more appearance on the final day of the regular season before Milwaukee’s postseason run.

9. Carlos Estévez (Royals)

66 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 54/22 K/BB, 42 SV

Estévez was a big regression candidate as he seemed to pitch well above his peripherals in 2024. Instead, he posted a nearly identical season, including a carbon copy 2.45 ERA on his way to leading baseball with 42 saves. Still, the red flags remain, as Estévez saw a sharp dip in his swinging-strike rate while issuing more walks, a ratio he’ll have to correct if he’s to repeat his success next season.

10. Kenley Jansen (Angels)

59 IP, 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 57/19 K/BB, 29 SV

The 2025 top ten is bookended by a pair of 16-year veterans. And like Chapman, Jansen proved he can still get it done with an outstanding 16th season. The 38-year-old right-hander should certainly get another chance to add to his 476 career saves in 2026.

2026 Rising Relievers

Braydon Fisher (Blue Jays)

Fisher had an outstanding rookie season for the Blue Jays, earning a call-up after posting a 1.62 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings in Triple-A. The 25-year-old right-hander made an impact in the Toronto bullpen, recording a 2.70 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 62/19 K/BB ratio across 50 innings. His 22.3% K-BB rate was the best in the Blue Jays’ bullpen. While Jeff Hoffman remains under contract for two more seasons, he doesn’t have the longest track record as a closer, and it would not be surprising to see Fisher in the mix for saves sometime in 2026 should Hoffman struggle next season.

Ronny Henriquez (Marlins)

The Marlins found a gem when they claimed Henriquez off waivers from the Twins before the season. The 25-year-old right-hander had a breakout season in Miami, posting a 2.22 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 98/27 K/BB ratio across 73 innings, earning seven wins and converting seven saves. His 23.4% K-BB rate was tops in the Marlins’ bullpen as he collected plenty of strikeouts behind a strong 16.7% swinging-strike rate. Henriquez worked his way into a share of saves in a closer committee and, at worst, should go into the season in the mix for saves once again.

Connor Phillips (Reds)

Phillips posted an 8.01 ERA across 19 starts in Triple-A in 2024 before reinventing himself as a reliever in 2025 after recovering from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. He posted a 2.84 ERA across 38 innings in the minors, earning himself a promotion on June 20. The 24-year-old right-hander went on to record a 2.88 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 32/12 K/BB ratio across 25 innings in Cincinnati. Flashing a 98 mph fastball and 15.4% swinging-strike rate, Phillips could be in line for a significant role in the back end of the Reds’ bullpen next season, especially if the team loses closer Emilio Pagán in free agency.

Matt Svanson (Cardinals)

Svanson is another name to watch for in 2026. The 26-year-old right-hander went under the radar this season despite a breakout performance, posting a 1.94 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and a 68/20 K/BB ratio across 60 1/3 innings for the Cardinals. Svanson has positioned himself for a pivotal role in the St. Louis bullpen in 2026. And while JoJo Romero and Riley O’Brien finished the season in a closer committee, neither has a large track record in the ninth inning, nor have they separated themselves from a skills perspective.

2026 Situations to watch

The main things to watch for over the offseason when it comes to closers are the vacant situations left by pending free agents and teams with ambiguous roles without established closers. The biggest name on the market will be Devin Williams. The 31-year-old right-hander had a disappointing season in New York, posting a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings while losing the closer role. Still, his underlying metrics remained strong while he maintained an elite strikeout rate. There’s a good chance he’s given an opportunity to close wherever he lands. Other big names to watch for include Emilio Pagán, Raisel Iglesias, Kenley Jansen, Luke Weaver, and Ryan Helsley. Robert Suarez of the Padres can also exercise an opt-out and enter free agency.

2026 Top 12 Closers

  1. Andrés Muñoz - Mariners
  2. Edwin Díaz - Mets
  3. Josh Hader - Astros
  4. Aroldis Chapman - Red Sox
  5. Jhoan Duran - Phillies
  6. David Bednar - Yankees
  7. Cade Smith - Guardians
  8. Robert Suarez/Mason Miller - Padres
  9. Trevor Megill - Brewers
  10. Raisel Iglesias - Free Agent
  11. Carlos Estévez - Royals
  12. Pete Fairbanks - Rays
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Warriors make NBA Finals in one of ESPN's random 2025-26 season simulations

Warriors make NBA Finals in one of ESPN's random 2025-26 season simulations originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

If the computers have their way, Warriors fans could have much to celebrate this upcoming NBA season.

Per an ESPN simulation of the 2025-26 campaign, Golden State will advance to its seventh NBA Finals under coach Steve Kerr but come up short of a fifth title, falling to the Orlando Magic.

While it’s important to note that the simulation is just one of thousands ESPN completed before the start of the season, the results speak to a retooled Warriors roster expected to make noise in the Western Conference this year. The Finals loss to Orlando is a sour ending to an otherwise impressive, simulated run that puts Golden State back among the NBA’s elite teams.

In the simulation, curated by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, the Warriors begin the 2025-26 season with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers and never look back, compiling the league’s top record by the NBA All-Star Break.

“As the NBA gathered from Feb. 13 to 15 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the Warriors were the talk of the league,” Pelton wrote. “[Draymond] Green and Jimmy Butler III joined Steph Curry on the West roster thanks to Golden State’s league-best 42-13 record at the break.”

From there, the Warriors secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference by season’s end, finishing with a 63-19 record, before dispatching the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers and reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs to reach the Finals.

Per the simulation, that is where Golden State’s luck runs out. Led by Finals MVP Paolo Banchero, the Magic claim their first NBA title in franchise history by outlasting the Warriors in seven games.

Kerr and company undoubtedly would accept a vast majority of these results in a heartbeat, but none of it matters when the real season tips off a week from Tuesday against the Lakers.

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Emma Raducanu slumps to third straight defeat after fresh injury scare in China

  • Briton went down 6-3, 4-6, 1-6 to Zhu Lin

  • Raducanu called for trainer twice for treatment

Emma Raducanu again struggled physically in a first-round exit at the Ningbo Open to China’s Zhu Lin, raising questions over the rest of her season.

The British No1 was back on court a week after retiring from her opening match in Wuhan with dizziness in hot and humid conditions. She posted a picture on social media from a doctor’s office and said she felt better but she faded after winning the opening set against Zhu and slumped to a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 defeat.

Continue reading...
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Stay or Go: Should Yankees re-sign Cody Bellinger?

The Yankees surprised the baseball world last offseason when they made a trade with the Chicago Cubs for former MVP Cody Bellinger.

Bellinger was a part of GM Brian Cashman and his front office's Plan B after Juan Soto signed with the Mets in free agency. Did they expect Bellinger, who rehabilitated his career in Chicago, to replace the offensive production Soto gave them in their World Series run a year ago? Of course not, but after a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Dodgers, run prevention and defense were the mantra and Bellinger provided that with his elite defense. 

It was a risky move. Bellinger's end in Los Angeles was not great, and after a very good first season on the North Side, he had a down 2024. But once Bellinger donned the pinstripes, he was a revelation, complementing Aaron Judge in the outfield perfectly and providing the defense the team lacked a season ago.

With Bellinger likely to opt out of his player option this offseason -- and no one would blame him -- should the Yankees pursue a reunion with the 30-year-old?

Aug 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates with designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) after they score on Bellinger’s two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field.
Aug 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates with designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) after they score on Bellinger’s two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. / Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Why Yankees should re-sign Cody Bellinger

Bellinger had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025.

He batted .272 (third-best in his career), had an OBP of .334 (fourth-best), slugged .480 (third-best) and had an OPS of .813 (fifth-best). His 29 home runs were the third-most of his career and his 98 RBI were the second-most. He was also the Yankees' most clutch hitter, batting .348 with runners in scoring position. Next season, Bellinger will enter his age-31 year, so it's not like he's aging and the production should not be expected to dip. Similar production in 2026 is not far-fetched.

On the defensive end, Bellinger made a number of game-saving plays this season. The catch and throw double play to salvage a game against the Mets this summer and his sliding grabs in the postseason are notable, and the Yankees haven't had an elite defender in left field in years. 

According to Baseball Savant, Bellinger was in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (OAA) this season and still has a solid arm -- ranking in the 83rd percentile. Runners were also only 31 percent successful in advancing to the next base against him. 

Depending on how Judge recovers from his ailing elbow this offseason -- or if he needs surgery -- and Trent Grisham testing free agency, the Yankees need all the defense they can get.

Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) reacts after flying out during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) reacts after flying out during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Why Yankees should not re-sign Cody Bellinger

The argument for letting Bellinger walk is two-fold. The first is tied to money.

Bellinger is walking away from a player option that would have paid him $25 million. With the very good season he had, Bellinger will look to get $30 million a year with a team. And while he's expressed that he's open to returning to the Yankees, the team will have to look long and hard to see if they are willing to give Bellinger the contract he's looking for.

The other side is the young outfielders the Yankees currently have. Jasson Dominguez is still looked at as a potential everyday outfielder. However, the youngster's inconsistent production, and Bellinger and Grisham's play in 2025 prevented Dominguez from seeing a lot of playing time. How the Yankees handle Bellinger and Grisham (who is also a free agent) in the offseason could keep Dominguez out of the loop. 

There's also prospect Spencer Jones, who seemingly out of nowhere began to be very productive in Double-A before his promotion to Triple-A. With the young slugger on the cusp of a call-up, the number of outfield spots on the Yankees is limited, especially if you bring back Bellinger.

Bellinger is a solid postseason hitter, but it's nothing to write home about. In his seven trips to the postseason, Bellinger has 10 home runs and driven in 37 RBI. He was the NLCS MVP back in 2018 with the Dodgers and was a powerhouse in Los Angeles' World Series run back in 2020 when he launched four bombs. 

But lately, he hasn't gotten the job done. This postseason, Bellinger was 6-for-31 with just one home run and four RBI. At times, it looked like he was incapable of lifting the ball. Whether that had to do with his foot injury is unknown, but he couldn't deliver for the Yankees behind Judge this time around.

 

Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) speaks to New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) after the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) speaks to New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) after the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Verdict

With the Yankees' perpetual win-now mentality, they need to bring in at least one veteran outfielder to pair with Judge. Bellinger's production made him a great No. 2 to the captain, especially when Giancarlo Stanton was on the injured list. His defense saved games and if New York is looking to give Dominguez a real shot, they'll need it to cover up the youngster's deficiencies.

Bellinger also gives the Yankees versatility, being able to play first base when needed. If the Yankees want to bring up Jones to get some time in the big leagues, Bellinger could slide over to first base to allow for that to happen in the outfield.

While this postseason's numbers weren't great, given another shot, Bellinger will likely deliver.

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Horford's reasoning for leaving Celtics is a perfect motivator for Boston

Horford's reasoning for leaving Celtics is a perfect motivator for Boston originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

In fairness to Al Horford, the writing was probably on the wall for his time in Boston.

But it was nonetheless painful to see the veteran big man spell out why he decided to move on from the Celtics and sign with the Golden State Warriors in free agency.

“I think that where Boston was as a team, even though I called them my home and everything was there for me, they just weren’t in a position to offer me the opportunity that I wanted,” Horford told The Athletic’s Nick Friedell.

Horford cited two specific areas where the Celtics fell short: financially and competitively. And in his view, Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury in May changed everything, transforming the C’s from a legitimate contender that may need minor offseason tinkering to a team more focused on getting under the second apron of the luxury tax ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“I think the financial part was a component, but more than that, it was the winning part of it, trying to contend for a championship,” Horford told Friedell. “And I think there was a lot of things up in the air — and it just felt like they weren’t in the same, that same vision, obviously, because JT getting hurt, that takes a big toll.

“So I think at that point I really had to — up until then I was staying in Boston the whole time.”

That’s a fair take from Horford, who admitted the Celtics’ early-offseason trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis made it “clear” to him that Boston “had different priorities.” Even if Tatum supercharges his rehab, a C’s team without Holiday, Porzingis and Luke Kornet probably isn’t in the NBA championship conversation.

But here’s where the motivation factor comes in: In his quest to earn one more ring, Horford chose … the Warriors. While any team with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler shouldn’t be written off, Golden State has the NBA’s second-oldest roster (average age: 29) and currently has the 10th-best championship odds (+2200) on ESPN Bet.

The Celtics? They’re 12th, with +3000 odds.

So, if a Boston team that’s already being written off without Tatum needs another reason to overachieve, why not aim for being better than the Warriors?

Golden State is the better team on paper, but any injuries on a veteran-laden roster could send its season south in a hurry. The Celtics, meanwhile, can still roll out a starting five of players who were on the 2024 title team — Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta — and brought in energetic role players with chips on their shoulders such as Josh Minott, Luka Garza and Chris Boucher.

Horford is entitled to his decision, and he’ll always hold a special place in Celtics history for what he contributed over seven total seasons in Boston. But now that he’s in Golden State, the Celtics should do everything in their power to prove the beloved big man wrong.

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(10-13-25) Minnesota Wild Vs Los Angeles Kings: Analytical Recap

ST. PAUL, Minn - The Minnesota Wild (2-1-0) defeated the Los Angeles Kings  (1-2-1) on Monday by a score of 4-3 in a shootout. Here is the data I tracked from the Wild's win.

If you want to know what each stat means and why I am tracking these, read here.

Minnesota Wild vs Los Angeles Kings Power Play Data tracked by Dylan Loucks/THN.

Above is the power play data from the Wild's win. They scored three power-play goals in the 4-3 win. Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Jared Spurgeon had the goals.

Minnesota Wild vs Los Angeles Kings 5-on-5 Data tracked by Dylan Loucks/THN.

Above is the 5-on-5 data. As you can see, there weren't a lot of shot assists in this game. Only five total after having 12 in the last game.

Monday's game was the second consecutive game where the Wild did not score at 5-on-5. Luckily for them they scored seven power-play goals in that span.

Can they take the power play's shooting mentality and apply it to 5-on-5?

"Yeah, exactly. I think that's what we need," Wild head coach John Hynes said. "The power play, like I said, when you have that much talent on the ice, I think to me, they're so competitive on the puck, and then they do have a shot mentality. They're not overpassing or trying to play a little bit too cute. So that's why the power plays had success. And I think just five-on-five, we got to get a little bit more of that."

Rossi added: "Yeah, it was lacking, maybe. But I think it's important to keep going. We have chances a couple of times, but we just don't grind enough in the down low. Maybe a little more like smarter puck decisions, you know, especially on the wall, when there's a scrum. Don't force plays, maybe, just like a little rim out for a D and just like, try to win the puck battles. That's a huge thing. But overall, I think we can't really focus too much on that. Just keep playing and keep the confidence up."

Minnesota Wild vs Los Angeles Kings 5-on-5 Rush Data Against. Tracked by Dylan Loucks/THN

Above is the data for the Wild's defense pairs and what they allowed and didn't allow off the rush. It is a stat I tracked a bunch of last year but never used. I think it is super important and worth posting. Especially if the Wild keeps switching up the pairs.

Zeev Buium had been with Spurgeon the first two games but played with Zach Bogosian on Monday. That pair allowed four shots off the rush on nine attempts, which was the worst of any pair.

The best pair was Jake Middleton with Spurgeon. They only allowed two shots off the rush on 11 attempts but they did allow a high-danger chance which was one of only two off the rush at 5-on-5 that the Wild allowed.

"I think particularly, I thought we gave up some rush play that we normally don't do; just getting on top of people in the offensive zone when the puck transitions back to our own end," Hynes said before the game on Monday. "We let them skate a little bit too much through the neutral zone without having people above them. I would say that was probably the biggest area that we addressed coming into tonight's game."

Hynes talked about before Monday's game that the goal was to limit chances off the rush. They Wild allowed nine shots off the rush at 5v5 on 31 attempts that I tracked. They were 71% effective when it came to limiting shots off the rush.

It will be interesting to see how things change as the season goes on.

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.

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NBA on NBC opening night: How to watch, matchups, schedule for 2025-26 season

NBA on NBC opening night: How to watch, matchups, schedule for 2025-26 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The NBA is finally back on NBC.

For the first time since 2002, the league will once again broadcast games on the network.

It all tips off on opening night Oct. 21, with a banner-raising ceremony in Oklahoma City followed by a classic California rivalry.

Here are all the details for the NBA on NBC:

When does the NBA on NBC return?

The NBA on NBC returns Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.

This is the beginning of an 11-year media rights deal between the NBA and NBCUniversal. The network will have two primetime windows during the week (Tuesdays and a Peacock exclusive doubleheader on Mondays), Sunday Night Basketball after football season ends and playoff games.

Who is playing on NBA opening night on NBC?

NBA opening night will feature four Western Conference teams in a doubleheader.

First, the Oklahoma City Thunder will celebrate their first championship in the city before facing former OKC star Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. After that, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will host Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock this season

Both opening night games will air live on NBC, with a streaming option on Peacock.

Every game for the NBA on NBC will air on both NBC and Peacock, aside from the Monday night exclusive doubleheaders on the streaming service. That means there will be basketball on NBC every Tuesday night, plus Sunday nights once the NFL season wraps up in February.

NBC and Peacock will also air the NBA Mexico City Game 2025 (Nov. 1), the first-ever quadrupleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19) and NBA All-Star Weekend (Feb. 14-15).

Who are the NBA on NBC broadcasters and announcers?

NBC has put together a loaded lineup for its NBA broadcasting team, including a handful of Hall of Famers — and even the GOAT.

Here’s a breakdown of the NBC team for the NBA this season:

In-arena game coverage

  • Play-by-play:Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Terry Gannon, Michael Grady
  • Game analysts:Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, Derek Fisher, Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrine, Robbie Hummel, Brad Daugherty
  • Sideline reporters: Zora Stephenson, Jordan Cornette, Ashley ShahAhmadi

Pre-game, post-game and studio coverage

  • Hosts: Maria Taylor, Ahmed Fareed
  • Analysts:Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrine

Insiders

  • Front office: Grant Liffmann
  • Breaking news: Chris Mannix

Special contributor

Music

NBA on NBC full schedule for 2025-26 season

NBC and Peacock are set to air 100 regular-season games.

Here’s a look at the full schedule for the 2025-26 season (all times ET):

  • Tuesday, Oct. 21: Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Oct. 21: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Oct. 27: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Oct. 27: Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28: New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Saturday, Nov. 1: Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons — 10 p.m. (Peacock, Mexico City Game)
  • Monday, Nov. 3: Minnesota Timberwolves at Brooklyn Nets — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4: Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Nov. 10: Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Nov. 17: Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 18: Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 18: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Nov. 24: Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Nov. 24: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 25: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock,NBA Cup Group Play)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 25: Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, NBA Cup Group Play)
  • Monday, Dec. 1: Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 1: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 2: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 8: Sacramento Kings at Indiana Pacers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 8: San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 15: (TBD) — Peacock
  • Monday, December 22: Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 22: Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 23: Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 23: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. ( NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 29: Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Dec. 29: Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 30: Philadelphia 76ers at Memphis Grizzlies — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Dec. 30: Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 5: New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 5: Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 5: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 6: Miami Heat at Minnesota Timberwolves — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 6: Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 12: Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 12: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 13: Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 13: Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 19: Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks — 1 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 19: Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers — 2:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 19: Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks — 5 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 19: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 20: San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 20: Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 26: Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 26: Portland Trail Blazers at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Jan. 26: Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 27: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 27: Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, Feb. 1: Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks — 7 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Sunday, Feb. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets — 9:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, Feb. 2: Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Feb. 2: Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Feb. 3: Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Feb. 2: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Monday, Feb. 9: Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Feb. 9: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Sunday, Feb. 22: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers — 6:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, Feb. 23: San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, Feb. 23: Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, Feb. 24: Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, March 1: Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, March 2: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, March 2: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 3: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 3: Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, March 8: Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, March 9: Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, March 9: New York Knicks at Los Angeles Clippers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 10: Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 10: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, March 15: Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, March 16: Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, March 16: Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, March 16: Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets — 9 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 17: Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 17: San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, March 22: Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, March 23: Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, March 23: Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 24: Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 24: Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, March 29: New York Knicks at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, March 29: Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, March 30: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Monday, March 30: Detroit Pistons at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 31: New York Knicks at Houston Rockets — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, March 31: Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Sunday, April 5: Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks — 7:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Sunday, April 5: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
  • Monday, April 6: New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
  • Tuesday, April 7: Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
  • Tuesday, April 7: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
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Fantasy Basketball Sleepers 2025-26: Gamble on These Upside Players

Winning your fantasy league starts with finding the best fantasy basketball sleepers—undervalued NBA players with breakout potential. In this guide, we highlight mid-round value picks and late-round steals you need to know heading into your 2025 draft. These NBA fantasy sleepers are flying under the radar based on current ADP, lineup shifts, and injury reports. Whether you're digging through NBA projections, keeping up with the latest NBA news, or targeting upside, these are the best NBA fantasy basketball sleepers to help you win big this season.

Mid-Round Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

These are players that will certainly be drafted but are worth the risk of grabbing a bit sooner than expected to secure their significant potential. 

Matas Buzelis, Bulls

The forward is a multi-dimensional player primed to take on a larger and more consistent role from last season. With the Bulls making a shift towards focusing on their younger core, he will have the green light on offense, while he also has the size and quickness to block shots on the defensive end. 

Keyonte George, Jazz

George may play off the bench, but his ability to score and distribute at a high level should result in him racking up the stats in what could resemble a sixth-man role. He has also shown a knack for contributing on the glass, which will help round out his overall production. 

Dennis Schroder, Kings

The point guard has bounced around the league over the last few seasons but has made impressive statements on the international stage in recent summers, leading Germany to a FIBA World Cup and a EuroBasket championship. He is set for a fresh start with the Kings, where he is surrounded by top-tier offensive talent that should help his own production.

Ace Bailey, Jazz

The rookie is set to take on a starting role with the Jazz and has already turned heads with a couple of notable preseason performances. His six-foot-eight frame stacks up very well against competition at the wing, and he could quickly become a top scoring option for his squad. 

Isaiah Jackson, Pacers

Jackson was limited to just five games due to injury last season, but with the departure of Myles Turner, he is in line to take on the starting center job for the Pacers. He should fit in well with their fast-paced style of play and could take a major leap in production in a much more significant role compared to his first four seasons. 

Quentin Grimes, 76ers

Grimes stunned the league by pouring in impressive point totals after being traded to the 76ers last season. He is back for his second campaign with the squad and will have the opportunity to pick up where he left off. He would also be right back in position to take on a leading role in the offense should either Paul George or Joel Embiid become unavailable. 

Ayo Dosunmu, Bulls

The well-rounded wing may find himself mostly in a bench role after the Bulls' acquisition of Isaac Okoro. However, he is a tough competitor with a proven ability to contribute across the stat sheet and will certainly see significant action. He could also work his way back into a role as a starter, which he earned last season, before injuries took him out of the loop. 

Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers

The 2022 No. 6 overall pick is set to take on a starting role following a shift within the Pacers' lineup due to the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. He has proven able to provide an impact across the board through his first three seasons but has not had the chance to break out while mostly limited to a bench role. He could be up for a career season and take his game to new heights as a result of the increased opportunity. 

Late-Round Steals: Deep Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

These are players who are likely to slip to the final rounds or not be drafted at all in many leagues but who may become highly sought-after targets off the waiver wire.

Nikola Jovic, Heat

The recently-extended Jovic has all the tools to be a strong contributor across the board but has not been able to achieve much consistency over his first three seasons. However, he showed solid production in relation to his playing time last year, and he remains in position to handle a key part of the Heat's frontcourt rotation. 

Chris Boucher, Celtics

A veteran big, Boucher has a new home with the Celtics. Although he is expected to begin the season in a bench role, he could potentially make a case to move up as a starter, especially considering the squad does not have any clear-cut standouts in the frontcourt. His long-range shooting, ability to run the floor and shot-blocking provide many opportunities for him to rack up stats. 

Adem Bona, 76ers

Bona elevated his game towards the end of last season, showing that he can score, rebound and block shots at an impressive rate. With Joel Embiid's ability to remain available in question, Bona could find himself thrust into a major role at any time. Nonetheless, he should be able to deliver notable production even from a bench role. 

Brice Sensabaugh, Jazz

The wing could find himself in a starting role for the Jazz in his third NBA season. He has shown flashes of potential to be a 20-point-per-game scorer, including knocking down shots with efficiency from long range. While his squad is not beholden to any major expectations, he should have the opportunity to carve a path as a high-volume contributor. 

Cam Whitmore, Wizards

The talented scorer was unable to find a consistent role among the Rockets' lineup, but it was less due to his ability and more a result of their many options at the wing. He should have a much better opportunity to take ownership of a place in the rotation with the Wizards and could even break into the starting lineup if there is a time when the veteran Khris Middleton is unavailable. 

Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers

Grant could find himself in a bench role for the Trail Blazers, behind Toumani Camara. However, he will likely still see significant playing time and could end up on the floor to close games with regularity. He averaged over 19 points per game for four straight seasons before injuries limited his usage in 2024-25.  

Jared Butler, Suns

Butler is set to debut for the Suns, where he is expected to take on a backup role behind Devin Booker at point guard. He has shown flashes of an ability to rack up significant numbers in points and assists, but inconsistent opportunity has limited him. However, with the makeup of the Suns roster, his services should be required on a more steady basis, which could result in a career season.

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'If You Stick With It, Good Things Will Come': What Easton Cowan Will Remember About His NHL Debut With Maple Leafs

As Easton Cowan skated onto the ice ahead of his NHL debut, the crowd started cheering. Within all the noise, a song blared inside Scotiabank Arena: "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)".

"Yeah, that was definitely special," Cowan smiled. "It was very cool, and I saw all my friends and family, so it meant a lot."

It's been a rather short but quick road to the NHL for Cowan. He was in Junior B with the GOJHL's Komoka Kings in 2021, before joining the OHL's London Knights towards the end of the 2022 season.

Four years later, and after a strong training camp, Cowan skated in his first NHL game, alongside two of Toronto's top players, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.

"Yeah, it's pretty crazy," Cowan said following Toronto's 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Monday afternoon. "About five years ago, I was playing Junior B, so it just shows if you stick with it and work hard, good things will come. So just going to keep doing that. Felt good today, but back at it tomorrow and hopefully get the two points."

Cowan finished Monday's game with one shot and three hits in 14:05 of ice time. There were plenty of chances created by Cowan, and it seemed like he worked well playing with Knies and Matthews. The rookie even found himself on the ice during a 6-on-5 late in the third period while Toronto was down by a goal.

"I thought he had a great game. He made a lot of good plays with the puck. And he made a good one at six on five, too. So that's why he was out there," said Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

"I think it means a lot, the trust he has in me, but I felt good today," added Cowan. "I felt like I created a lot, so it was good to get out there and create a couple more chances there, too, at the end. But those got to go in, and unfortunately, they didn't today."

According to NaturalStatTrick, the Knies, Matthews, and Cowan line had a team-leading 80.33 expected goals-for percentage at five-on-five. Right off the hop, though, Cowan looked like he fit in.

If you didn't know it, you wouldn't think it was his NHL debut.

"I thought he was great. I think he just carries himself with such good confidence in himself in the way he can play and compete," Matthews said. "I thought he played really well tonight. Easy guy to play with. He made plays. Made smart plays with the puck.

"When the simple play was there, to just get the puck deeper or whatnot, I thought he made it, so I thought he was really good tonight."

One moment Cowan will remember most was during warmups when he scanned the crowd and found his old Knights teammates during warmups.

"They had all my old jerseys on, switched around backwards so you could see my name, and just big smiles on their face," Cowan grinned. "It meant a lot that they came all the way here."

Despite not tallying a point in his debut, there's a lot to be excited about with Cowan's game. The fact that he fit seamlessly with Matthews and Knies says what you need to know about the type of player Cowan can be.

This is only the beginning of what's likely a long pro career for the young forward from Strathroy, Ontario.

"I felt good. I felt like a good player. I feel like I generated a lot and didn't give up a lot, so I just keep getting better each and every day. Just keep working on finishing my chances."

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'We FaceTimed The Next Night': Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Reacts To Fraser Minten's Overtime Winner With Bruins

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Is Rangers' new head coach 'staring them in the face'?

Danny Rohl and Derek McInnes
[Getty Images]

Rangers' hunt for a new head coach to replace Russell Martin is still ongoing, with more than two candidates on the shortlist after Steven Gerrard withdrew from the process.

But is the solution to their problems "staring them in the face"?

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl appears to be one of the candidates on the list after he reportedly held talks with the the club's hierarchy last week.

Yet Daily Record sports writer Scott McDermott and former Rangers striker Rory Loy both believe the 36-year-old, who has had spells as an assistant with RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and the German national team, is not the answer for Rangers.

Instead McDermott thinks current Hearts boss Derek McInnes would make a better replacement for the departed Russell Martin, who lasted just 17 games after being appointed in June.

"We know Rangers have spoken to Danny Rohl, they spoke to him before they appointed Russell Martin, so he's obviously been on their radar for a while," McDermott told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Is he the right guy for Rangers? Not for me, not for what Rangers need at the moment.

"He's a very highly rated young coach. Sheffield Wednesday is the only managerial gig so far, but he has worked at a high level with Germany and Bayern Munich.

"In Rangers' situation at the moment, the predicament they find themselves in both in the league but also just historically with lack of success and trophies in the past 10 to 15 years, they need a specific type of manager.

"With all due respect, I'm not sure a 36-year-old coach coming from the English Championship is exactly what they need.

"For me, the answer is staring Rangers in the face. The answer for Rangers is Derek McInnes at the moment."

Loy says there are parallels that can be drawn between Martin and Rohl and feels Rangers fans would want to steer clear of a repeat of the last four months.

But the right person for the job remains unclear to him.

"There are some similarities in that Martin and Rohl have both managed in the English Championship," Loy told the podcast.

"But Barry Bannan saying he's the best coach he's ever worked with, I just don't think Rangers fans want to hear that again.

"It's good for players to be saying that but that's one thing the board said about Russell Martin before appointing him and those words haunted him.

"Rohl and Martins' backgrounds are so similar so you don't need to have experience and understand the club to know that that profile of manager isn't going to work.

"You need a manager that's going to come in, win trophies, have this aura, have this presence first and foremost away from being a coach.

"But who is that? Where do you get him? Can you afford him? And does he want the job?"

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Shaikin: Blake Snell replicating what Sandy Koufax achieved for the Dodgers 60 Octobers ago

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell.
Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell delivers during a 2-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NLCS at American Family Field on Monday night. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Sixty years ago, the only pitcher with a statue at Dodger Stadium delivered the most dominant postseason performance in franchise history.

Sandy Koufax, meet Blake Snell.

With apologies to Orel Hershiser and his classic run in 1988, the three postseason starts put up by Koufax in 1965 practically mirror the three postseason starts put up by Snell so far in 2025.

Koufax: 24 innings, 13 hits, two runs, five walks, 29 strikeouts.

Snell: 21 innings, six hits, two runs, five walks, 28 strikeouts.

Koufax won the Dodgers a World Series, at a time the World Series was the entire postseason. Hershiser won the Dodgers a World Series at a time the postseason was two rounds.

Read more:Blake Snell gem helps Dodgers overcome double-play chaos in NLCS Game 1 win

For this year’s Dodgers, winning the World Series would require four postseason rounds, which could allow Snell to deliver the most sustained streak of October dominance in the history of a franchise built upon a foundation of pitching.

Snell shut out the Milwaukee Brewers for eight innings on Monday, the undisputed star as the Dodgers opened the National League Championship Series with a 2-1 victory. If the Dodgers win the World Series, Snell figures to have two or three more starts.

If you are a free agent that wants to play in the postseason and measure yourself against the best, as Snell did, you sign with the team that has made the playoffs 13 years running.

“I wanted to be a Dodger and play on that team,” Snell said. “To be here now, it’s a dream come true.

“I couldn’t wish for anything more. I’m just going to do the best I can to help us win a World Series.”

There was only one thing Snell failed to do Monday, and the failure was on the Dodgers, not on him. The failure very nearly cost the Dodgers the game.

Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles Dodgers southpaw pitcher, is seen in action.
Sandy Koufax pitches for the Dodgers in Game 2 of the 1965 World Series against the Minnesota Twins. (Associated Press)

In the 1965 postseason, Koufax pitched two complete games. In 1988, Hershiser pitched three.

Snell could have pitched one Monday. He could have pitched the ninth, he said, but he trusted his manager to make the call.

He is a victim of the modern game. The Dodgers had no complete games this season. In 222 regular season starts, Snell has one — and he had to throw a no-hitter to do it.

On Monday, he faced the minimum 24 batters over eight innings, giving up one hit and then picking off the runner. The last pitcher to face the minimum over eight innings of a postseason game: Don Larsen of the New York Yankees, in his 1956 perfect game.

Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ manager, called Snell’s outing “the most dominant performance against us” in the 10 years he has coached or managed here.

Milwaukee scored more runs than any NL team besides the Dodgers.

The Brewers are terrific at putting the ball in play — only two NL teams struck out fewer times than Milwaukee — and yet Snell struck out 10. His other 23 outs: 11 ground balls, a fly ball, a foul out, and that pickoff.

No other Dodgers pitcher — not Koufax, not Hershiser, not Clayton Kershaw — has pitched at least eight innings and given up one hit or fewer in a postseason game.

“We’ve all known this: Blake, when he’s right, is the best pitcher in the game,” Kershaw said. “It’s pretty fun to watch.”

Snell had made 103 pitches through eight innings. His season high was 112. The Dodgers led, 2-0, with the bottom of the Brewers order coming up.

“Tough one for me,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

Snell had not pitched into the ninth inning since that no-hitter 14 months ago. The Dodgers plan to use him on regular rest in Game 5 of this series. Roberts summoned the closer of the moment, Roki Sasaki.

“I thought it was 50-50,” Roberts said. “Roki has been throwing the ball really well.”

Read more:It took some luck, but good things finally happen to Dodgers' Blake Treinen

Sasaki faced five batters, retired two, and gave up one run. Blake Treinen picked up the save, and so Snell recorded the win.

The rap that has dogged Snell throughout his career: peerless stuff with erratic control, leading to him too often making 90 to 100 pitches in five innings rather than seven or eight. In 2023, the season in which he won his second Cy Young award, he led the NL in walks.

In the nine regular-season starts since the Dodgers activated him from the injured list in August, Snell made two starts of five innings and 90 pitches. In the other seven starts, he posted a 1.28 earned-run average.

In his past six starts, postseason included, he has pitched at least six innings each time. His record: 5-0, with a 0.68 ERA.

“My last three years, I’ve been pretty consistent,” Snell said, “and I could throw the ball, do what I want with the ball.

Read more:Hernández: Dodgers' Game 1 NLCS win shows financial might can make things right

“But the narrative has always been, ‘He’s a wild pitcher, he walks a lot of guys.’ I laugh at it because I know it’s not true. I know that because I’m the one throwing the ball.”

He is throwing the ball as well as he ever has, on the biggest stage, where Dodgers legends are made.

“Postseason, if you dominate and you do great,” Snell said, “no one can say anything.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Sporticast 491: Penn State’s Rapid Descent From White Out to Buyout

On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including Penn State’s decision to fire football coach James Franklin after the Nittany Lions lost two games in which they were heavy favorites. Penn State will reportedly owe Franklin a buyout of roughly …

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Brandin Podziemski aims to become household name, long-term leader for Warriors

Brandin Podziemski aims to become household name, long-term leader for Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Brandin Podziemski is entering his third NBA season determined to make an even bigger impact for the Warriors.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on “Dubs Talk,” the 22-year-old guard reflected on his growth and how he is preparing to take another step forward — potentially into a full-time starting role.

“Yeah, I think so,” Podziemski said when asked if he’s making a case to start. “I think selfishly, everybody wants to be a starter, but it comes down to what’s best for the team at that moment and in that game, so I think I work and prepare and do those things in the summer to showcase that I am a starter and that I belong and that I can be a household name for the Warriors, and that’s always my goal and what I look forward to. But like I said, the team comes first. Whatever Steve [Kerr] and the team thinks is best is what we do and that’s what I’ve been ok with.”

Podziemski appeared in 64 regular-season games last season, starting 33 of them, and averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from 3-point range. He also started 10 of 11 playoff games despite playing through an injury, showing poise well beyond his years.

The 2023 first-round draft pick knows earning that starting spot means complementing the Warriors’ biggest star: Steph Curry. Playing alongside the 16-year veteran requires constant motion and chemistry — two things Podziemski believes he steadily has mastered.

“I think a lot of people make it a lot more complicated than it is,” Podziemski said about learning to play with Curry. “It’s a unique thing, he is a unique player that kind of runs around the floor, so it’s a little bit unique, but once you get the hang of it, like anything, the more you do something the easier it becomes, so I think I’ve developed a great connection with him, with Jimmy [Butler], with Draymond [Green], so I think I fit perfectly for that spot next to him.”

Podziemski spent his first two seasons learning from Curry and Green, players whose leadership defines the franchise. He even hopes to one day help carry that torch when they retire — though for now, he’s content to learn from the ones still holding it.

“Obviously, like I said, it comes down to whatever they think too, so I’m just ready for whatever is presented and given my way,” Podziemski added.

That mindset — trusting the process and staying ready for whatever’s presented — has defined Podziemski’s rise so far, and it might just carry him into a permanent role.

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