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Jalen Duren ends standoff with Pistons, agrees to $200 million contract

The saga between the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren has finally ended as the disgruntled center agreed to a new five-year, $200 million contract to return to Detroit, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the terms of the deal and because it was not yet publicly announced.

The agreement came in ahead of Thursday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline to decide on a $9.6 million qualifying offer.

Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 games in 2025-26 and was named an All-Star for the first time in his four-year career.

DETROIT PISTONS SEASON PREVIEW: Lineup, roster, prediction and biggest question mark

Pistons center Jalen Duren grabs a rebound during the first half against the Cavaliers during Game 2 of their second-round matchup in the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on May 7, 2026.

After being named to the All-NBA third team, Duren was eligible to sign a five-year deal, worth up to around $287 million, or 30% of the salary cap.

But Duren's dreadful playoff performance made any team, especially the Pistons, reluctant to pay that much. Duren's per-game production dipped to 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on 51.4% shooting. The top-seeded Pistons were eliminated in the second round in seven games by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pistons had maintained they were not going to trade Duren, as few teams had the salary cap space available to take on the maximum contract Duren was seeking. He did not get the max, but is now set to make $200 million over the next five seasons.

Jalen Duren contract details

Duren became a restricted free agent this offseason upon completion of his four-year, $19.4 million rookie-scale contract. He could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he had accepted the $9.6 million qualifying offer from Detroit.

Agreeing to a five-year, $200 million deal, Duren is slated to be on the Pistons for the forseeable future.

Jalen Duren age

Duren is 22 years old. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after one season of college ball at Memphis. Duren was traded to Detroit in a three-way draft-night deal that also involved the New York Knicks.

Jalen Duren career stats

In four NBA seasons, Duren has averaged 13.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 65% from the field. During the 2025-26 season, Duren averaged a career-high 19.5 points, along with 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and shot 65% from the field.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Duren ends standoff with Pistons, agrees to $200 million contract

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Goalie goal! Rangers' Igor Shesterkin scores against Lightning

New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin did something Thursday night no NHL goalie did all of last season: score a goal.

Shesterkin sealed the Rangers' win over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning when he scored an empty-net goal at 17:26 of the third period. His length-of-the-ice goal made him the first Rangers goaltender with a score, MSG's Kenny Albert said on the Rangers' broadcast.

The goal gave the Rangers a 5-1 lead in what became their first win of the 2026-27 season.

Shesterkin, who captured the Vezina Trophy in 2022, stopped 24 of 25 shots in his full-time role.

The last goalie credited with a goal in an NHL game was Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders, who last touched a puck the Nashville Predatorsput into their own net during a game on March 1, 2025. Alex Nedeljkovic was the last goalie to shoot the puck in the net when he scored during a Jan. 17, 2025 game for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Despite happening more in recent seasons, a goalie goal is still a bit of a rarity. Shesterkin is just the 18th different goalie to score, and his was the 21st goalie goal in NHL history, per NHL.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Goalie goal! Rangers' Igor Shesterkin scores against Lightning

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Newly Acquired Forward Scores First Goal In Wild Debut

Blake Coleman didn’t have to wait long to make an impact with his new team.

Coleman scored his first goal as a member of the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night against the Nashville Predators, finding the back of the net in his first regular-season game with Minnesota.

The Wild acquired Coleman from the Calgary Flames during the offseason as part of an effort to add more scoring, experience and toughness to their forward group.

The 34-year-old winger entered the season coming off his fourth 20-goal campaign and his second with Calgary and has reached the 30-goal mark once in his NHL career.

He picked up a beauty of a goal in the second period on the power play from Bobby Brink and Danila Yurov.

Coleman is the 34th player to score a goal in his first game in a Wild sweater.

Coleman has also brought a championship pedigree to Minnesota. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021 before signing with Calgary.

It took just one game in a Wild sweater for Coleman to get on the scoresheet — and into the goal column.

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Josue De Paula ready to help Dodgers in playoffs after ‘crazy’ rise

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers players Josue de Paula and Mookie Betts chat during practice ahead of a baseball NL Division Series in Los Angeles, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers player Josue de Paula fields balls during practice

In an alternate universe, Josue De Paula would be at home right now, relaxing with his parents, reflecting on his breakthrough Double-A season as the Dodgers’ top prospect.

“Probably would’ve took a couple weeks off,” he joked, “doing something.”

The something De Paula was doing instead on Thursday: Going through an off-day workout with his new big-league teammates at Dodger Stadium, stepping up to the plate for an impressive round of on-field batting practice before the club’s pre-National League Division Series intrasquad game and preparing for what will likely be the next step in his rapid rise through the organization — a potential spot on the team’s postseason roster just weeks after being called straight up from Double-A for his big-league debut.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josue de Paula fields balls during practice ahead of the NL Division Series on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josue de Paula, left, and Mookie Betts chat during practice ahead of a baseball NL Division Series, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

No, the Dodgers have not announced any final playoff roster decisions yet.

For now, De Paula and Dalton Rushing ostensibly remain in competition for a left-handed-hitting role on the team’s bench in the NLDS, which will begin with Game 1 on Saturday afternoon.

At this point, though, it would be a surprise if the 21-year-old slugger wasn’t active for the best-of-five series.

“He’s just a special hitter,” manager Dave Roberts said last week. “[His skill set] lines up in the postseason. And no moment is going to be too big for that kid.”

Indeed, De Paula’s 11-game cameo in the big leagues last month wowed club officials and the team’s veteran clubhouse alike, as he hit .323 with one home run, five extra-base hits and seven RBIs while reaching base safely in exactly half of his first 42 MLB plate appearances.

More importantly, his first taste of The Show bolstered the already healthy self-belief he has in his abilities, as well.

“It’s crazy,” De Paula told the California Post. “I mean, I’ve always had super confidence. But I feel like this just gave me a little feel to it. To have the success here that I’m having, I just want to keep it going, man.”

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Josue De Paula (95) hits a triple during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

That didn’t mean De Paula was upset when he couldn’t keep it going last week, getting optioned to Triple-A for the final five games of the regular season upon Shohei Ohtani’s return from the injured list.

Quite the contrary, actually, with the rookie saying the club had communicated that plan to him as soon as he learned of his surprise promotion to the majors in mid-September.

“To be honest, when I first came up here, my original intention was never really to stay here,” he said. “I just wanted to have fun and do what I know how to do, take advantage of the moment.”

He did. And now, after a brief detour with the club’s Oklahoma City affiliate during its postseason run to a Triple-A title (which De Paula aided with a towering RBI double in its Pacific Coast League clincher), he’s ready for whatever comes next this October.

“We’re here again,” he said, while glancing around an empty Chavez Ravine.

Barring a twist, not for the last time this fall, either.

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See Ozzie Albies pile it on Phillies with electric home run in NL wild card

Ozzie Albies is doing his part to make sure the Atlanta Braves win the NL wild-card series over division rival the Philadelphia Phillies. In the bottom of the fourth inning of Game 3 of the series on Thursday, Oct. 1, he hit a two-run home run.

The switch-hitter approached the plate to swing left-handed. After getting a strike from Zack Wheeler, Albies took a pitch down the middle of the plate, swung hard and blasted the ball into right field.

The crowd at Truist Park knew it was gone as soon as he made contact and erupted in celebration. Albies let out a yell and lifted his arm with a finger pointed up as he rounded the bases. The hit was his fourth career postseason home run. Austin Riley, who was walked, also scored, giving the Braves a 5-0 lead.

In the first inning, Michael Harris gave the Braves a major boost early with a three-run home run.

The series is tied 1-1. The winner will go on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.

Atlanta is seeking redemption after losing back-to-back NLDS series to Philadelphia in 2022 and 2023.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See Ozzie Albies pile it on Phillies with electric home run in NL wild card

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Is Darryn Peterson’s hype reaching the point of disbelief?

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 28: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz speaks during the Utah Jazz media day at Zions Bank Basketball Campus on September 28, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I’ve got a really bad feeling about Darryn Peterson.

It’s nothing that he did — certainly not. When he lit the Salt Lake City leg of the Summer League ablaze, I thought I had witnessed the spirit of Kobe Bryant descend from the sky and possess the body of Utah’s highly touted youngster.

In all my life, I’ve never seen a more velvety shooting touch. A silent determination to put in the work and let the results follow. The defensive instincts and basketball intellect to impact the game within a variety of roles on the court.

Even when he struggled with efficiency in Las Vegas, I felt confident chalking that up to needlessly aggressive defense (thank you, pointless 10-foul rule!) and a lack of competent help from his NBA-quality teammates (thank you, Cody Williams!). Even when his three-pointers didn’t fall, he reliably reached the foul line. He got his teammates involved, he made an impact on the defensive end, and looked like the most obvious superstar who has joined the Jazz since… Donovan Mitchell?

He’s the caliber of player the Jazz ushered in the tanking era in order to acquire.

He’s the caliber of player the Jazz ushered in the tanking era in order to acquire. He’s the final piece, now in place to shed Utah of their restricting shackles. Simply put, now that Utah has Peterson, the team has no use for losing. In the immortal words of Ignacio, “I don’t want to get paid to lose — I wanna win!”

And win they shall. Built upon a roster that includes veteran star power via Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., supplemented by the emergence of Keyonte George and the tantalizing talent of Ace Bailey, this is a team certainly capable of reaching the Play-In Tournament stages, if not arriving in the playoffs outright as a top-6 seed in the West.

If Darryn Peterson is as good as everyone says, perhaps home-court advantage could be in the cards in Utah’s first-round matchup.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

In fact, I think everybody might be getting ahead of themselves. Is there something in the water, because DP’s legend seems to grow with every passing day — and he hasn’t played a moment of true NBA basketball.

This is why I’ve got a bad feeling about Peterson — we’re already building emotional monuments to his legacy. Monuments so mammoth that they may have no chance but to topple through his long professional career.

At what point does the hype swell beyond the point of believability? Are we reaching the end of the line for Darryn Peterson’s hype train? Is this locomotive moving too fast to stay on the rails?

At what point does the hype swell beyond the point of believability? Are we reaching the end of the line for Darryn Peterson’s hype train?

Of Peterson, The Ringer’s Michael Pina said: “He could honestly be the story of the season—that’s how high Peterson’s year-one ceiling could be.”

He’s already being listed among the NBA’s best players, ranked 83rd overall in ESPN’s recent top 100 list.

During a media availability, Mo Bamba compared his rookie teammate to Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard — two of the defining superstars in the last decade of NBA history.

Perhaps instead of highlighting the rookie Peterson for what he could become, we should anchor our excitement to what he is today. Jusuf Nurkic shrugged off the comparisons Lillard, his teammate while in Portland. He instead insisted that he, as a 13-year NBA veteran, believes Peterson is the most mature young player he’s every shared a court with.

“I’ve never seen in my 13 years a kid coming into the league and be that mature for his age,” he said. “When I see a person like that and a player like that, I really want to help him. I think so far, he’s been nothing but great. … Everyone loves him.”

Will Hardy was quoted praising Peterson for his work ethic — a trait many of his Jazz teammates have been quick to recognize. “He’s competitive, tough, excited to be here and a great teammate. His transition to our Utah family has been pretty seamless.”

Get excited about Darryn Peterson — basketball is supposed to be fun, and he’s the player this community has been waiting to witness for what feels like eons — but don’t set your hopes too high. You’ll be delighted to have your hopes shattered in a positive way.

Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.

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MLB unveils Dodgers’ full NLDS schedule. Fans won’t be thrilled

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers grounds crew paint a postseason logo on the field prior to practice

Many Dodgers fans were already less than thrilled with the team’s start time for Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday.

And now, after Major League Baseball announced the club’s schedule for the rest of the NLDS on Thursday, more complaints are sure to come.

Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers grounds crew paint a postseason logo on the field prior to practice ahead of a baseball NL Division Series, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

When the team hits the road for Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-five series, fans back in Los Angeles might have to do some split-screen viewing at work. That’s because both contests will begin at 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday and Wednesday — regardless of whether they face the Braves or Phillies at the start of their quest for a World Series three-peat.

The Dodgers’ full NLDS schedule is as follows:

Game 1: Saturday, 1 p.m. at Dodger Stadium on Fox

Game 2: Sunday, 5 p.m. at Dodger Stadium on FS1

Game 3: Tuesday, 3 p.m. in either Atlanta or Philadelphia on FS1

Game 4 (if necessary): Wednesday, 3 p.m. in either Atlanta or Philadelphia on FS1

Game 5 (if necessary): Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. at Dodger Stadium on Fox

Saturday’s opener had already drawn the ire of the fan base after being moved into the earlier 1 p.m. time slot — right in the thick of what will be a close-to-100-degree afternoon at Chavez Ravine.

Now, Games 3 and 4 will fall in the middle of a workday on the West Coast, as well, with the Dodgers getting earlier start times on the East Coast thanks, in part, to the Padres hosting Games 3 and 4 of their own NLDS in San Diego later on each night.

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Why the Phillies pulled Aaron Nola in the second inning vs. Braves

Aaron Nola lasted 38 pitches in the biggest start of the Phillies season.

Interim manager Don Mattingly pulled him with two outs in the second inning Thursday night, with Philadelphia down 3-0 to the Atlanta Braves in the deciding Game 3 of their National League wild card series. Nola allowed three runs on two hits, with two walks and one strikeout.

All of the damage came on 13 pitches in the first inning. With one out Nola walked Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson, then Michael Harris II hit a sinker 387 feet for a three-run homer.

Nola threw harder than usual, which is normal for pitchers amped up for a big start, but he could not find the strike zone. His four-seam fastball averaged nearly two miles per hour above his season average but only 32% of his pitches were in the zone. He threw his sinker 37% of the time, about double his season rate. His knuckle curve, which held hitters to a .177 average this season, was barely a quarter of his pitches.

He was chased after a single by Dominic Smith, who was in the lineup because of his past success against Nola. Left-hander Tim Mayza replaced him with Zack Wheeler in the bullpen.

Nola, 33, is the longest-tenured player on the Phillies. He went 7-12 with a 4.67 ERA this season, though he had a 2.45 ERA over 11 starts from late July to late September. He has four years and about $98 million left on the seven-year, $172 million deal he signed in November 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why the Phillies pulled Aaron Nola in the second inning vs. Braves

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Devils' Jack Hughes taken aback by AJ Mleczko's 'weird joke' about injuries

New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes was taken aback by an ESPN analyst's off-hand comment about his injury history, calling it a "weird joke."

Hughes, who cut his finger and needed surgery in November 2025, was being interviewed on the ice by A.J. Mleczko in the first intermission of ESPN+'s broadcast of the Devils-Philadelphia Flyers game on Thursday, Oct. 1.

After the U.S. Olympic hero answered some hockey questions, Mleczko said she was glad Hughes was healthy.

"Let's wrap you in bubble wrap and use plastic cutlery this year, that sound good?" she asked.

"I think that's a weird joke. Big game, but ...," Hughes said as he skated away.

Mleczko, a two-time Olympian, said on camera: "No sense of humor here in a big game, but I appreciate his time and he had a good start here this season."

Hughes would go on to score the overtime goal to beat the Flyers 3-2. He tossed his stick into the stands and it was caught by a fan wearing a Jack Hughes Team USA jersey.

The Devils' response to Hughes' goal on social media? "Can't keep him wrapped up."

Jack Hughes injury history

Hughes had started the 2025-26 season coming off shoulder surgery in the previous season and got off to a strong start. But he needed surgery after cutting his finger at a team dinner in Chicago.

He returned in time for the Olympics and scored the overtime goal in the gold-medal game against Canada. He had teeth knocked out by a Canadian high stick earlier in the game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Devils' Jack Hughes taken aback by AJ Mleczko's 'weird joke' about injuries

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Gerrit Cole relishing Yankees playoff return after long road back from Tommy John

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole follows through on a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium.
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) follows through on a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Gerrit Cole hasn’t pitched yet in this postseason, but that is certain to change against the Rays in the ALDS. 

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For Cole, who missed all of last season — including the playoffs — following Tommy John surgery, it will be worth the wait. 

“This time around, I have a different perspective,’’ Cole said in the celebratory clubhouse late Wednesday night. “Having missed it last year to now being right in the thick of it. To overcome the obstacles from the surgery and maintain my performance and be in this position after a lot of hard work, it means a little more this year.” 

Cole said of this postseason, “It’s 2.0. A second bite of the apple.” 

For Cole, who arrived in The Bronx with much fanfare in December 2020, the goal has always been to get the Yankees — his childhood team — another World Series title. 

They took a shot at it in 2024 before falling short to the Dodgers in five games, but now, after tearing his UCL the following spring training, the 36-year-old feels they have a good chance to keep this postseason run going. 

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) follows through on a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, Wednesday, September 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A big part of that is their rotation, which will be tested more in the best-of-five ALDS against Tampa Bay than in the two-game sweep at home over a Red Sox team that was gasping to the finish line. 

At various points during the season, nearly all of the Yankee starters dealt with at least some injury concern, whether it was Cole returning from Tommy John in May, Carlos Rodón also missing the beginning of the season following his offseason elbow surgery or Max Fried battling a bone bruise in his left elbow. 

But as the Yankees now head into the heart of the playoffs in the first week of October, their rotation is lined up as well as they could have planned. 

“The mix of all of us looks good,” Cole said. “We have four or five unique arms, with completely different stuff and it’s elite.” 

The Yankees didn’t announce their rotation order for the ALDS on Wednesday, but Cole and Rodón are in line to pitch Game 1, with Cam Schlittler potentially in Game 2 so he would be available for a Game 5 start. 

“However they draw it up, I think we’re in a good spot,’’ Cole said. “Carlos and I will just take the ball and we all have our own unique ways of doing it.” 

He believes the same is true of the rest of the team, which showed off some flexibility in the wild-card series, with multiple players playing first base, second, third, center field and right. 

For the two games against Boston, they hardly even seemed to miss Aaron Judge, who remains out with a strained calf. 

The 2023 Yankees were unable to overcome his absence and missed the playoffs when Judge suffered a torn ligament in his toe. 

“It’s taken all of us,’’ Cole said. “We found a way to thrive with a hand behind our back … [and] we have a lot of different ways to beat you.” 

Cole hopes he’s one of them in the next round, having last pitched a postseason game in the ugly Game 5 loss to the Dodgers two years ago.

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Watch Michael Harris ignite Atlanta with immediate home run vs Phillies

The Atlanta Braves made a major statement to start Game 3 of their NL wild card matchup.

Michael Harris II smacked a three-run home run in the bottom of the first on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Truist Park.

With a 2-0 count, the center fielder took a low pitch from Phillies starter Aaron Nola and swung at his ankles. He sent the ball sailing over Bryce Harper and into the stands in right field.

The home run also scored Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, who were both walked, and put the Braves up 3-0.

"Ball was a little low, but I was just trying to hit it out," the 2022 Rookie of the Year said on the NBC broadcast before the bottom of the second inning. "I did it."

The series is tied 1-1. The winner will go on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Michael Harris ignite Atlanta with immediate home run vs Phillies

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Dalton Knecht fighting for rotation spot amid Lakers’ roster crunch

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers player Dalton Knecht (4) is shown during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, September 28, 2026, in El Segundo, California, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center in Los Angeles, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

It’s no secret that the Lakers are facing a roster crunch ahead of the regular-season start in 2 ½ weeks. 

That doesn’t bode well for Dalton Knecht, who could find himself on the outside looking in.

Knecht, the third-year wing the Lakers selected with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made a big splash as a rookie. 

The Lakers’ roster crunch doesn’t bode well for Dalton Knecht. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He was in the rotation from the start of the 2024-25 season, stepping into the starting lineup in mid-November amid injuries — which produced the best stretch of his brief NBA career: Knecht averaged 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in the final nine games of November 2024 (nine starts). 

Even when he hit a shooting slump in January and December, Knecht was still getting consistent playing time as a part of the rotation. 

It looked like Knecht was going to come out of the slump after scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the Lakers’ win over the Clippers on Feb. 4, 2025. 

But his career hasn’t been the same since. 

The Lakers included Knecht in the trade for Mark Williams that was rescinded, and Knecht’s playing time for the Lakers wasn’t the same after he returned to the team. 

That was still true during Knecht’s second season with the Lakers in 2025-26: He played 553 total minutes during the regular season across 54 games after recording 1,494 minutes in 78 regular-season games as a rookie. 

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick commended Dalton Knecht for his approach to training camp. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But with a significant roster reconstruction around star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, there’s plenty of playing time to go around. 

“It’s a whole new opportunity for all of us,” Knecht said on media day this week. “Like [coach] JJ [Redick] said, there’s a lot of minutes open.”

But it’s unlikely Knecht will soak up those minutes. 

The Lakers still have time before they need to make decisions on trimming their roster. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Until Thursday, Knecht wasn’t mentioned — directly or indirectly — by Redick or president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka during any of their media availabilities.

Other wing players such as free agent additions Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, second-year forward Adou Thiero or rookie wing Cameron Carr had gotten significantly more attention as discussion points. 

Not a good sign for Knecht, whom multiple rival executives expect to be the odd man out as the Lakers look to trim their roster from 16 players on standard NBA deals to the league maximum of 15. 

“First of all, he’s been a pro,” Redick said of Knecht on Thursday. “He’s been in the gym. Like he has since Day 1, he has worked his butt off all offseason. And he’s had a good three days of practice. So I don’t think his approach changes. I know he’s hungry to play and hungry to earn a spot in the rotation.”

The Lakers still have time to sort out the roster crunch.

As Pelinka pointed out, they don’t have to make a decision until the regular season starts. Remaining practices will determine who’ll stay with the team. And it will give the team time to survey the NBA landscape for consolidation trades.

Even with the minimal things the Lakers have said about Knecht, it’s been what they haven’t said that’s stood out the most.

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When do the ALDS and NLDS start? Full schedule, times, TV info for MLB playoffs' next round

Jacob Misiorowski held hitters to a .157 batting average this season, the lowest by any pitcher with at least 100 innings since 1990. The San Diego Padres get their first crack at him at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday in Milwaukee. It's the last game of the four on the Division Series' opening day, MLB announced Thursday.

The Cleveland Guardians host the Chicago White Sox at 1 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at 4 p.m. ET against an opponent they won't know until late Thursday night. The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are the undercard for Misiorowski at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Every series is best of five. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and 5.

American League games are on TBS and truTV and stream on HBO Max. National League games are on FOX or FS1 and stream on FOX One.

The Dodgers' opponent comes out of Atlanta. The Braves defeated the Phillies in Game 3 of their wild-card series at Truist Park.

Here's when every Division Series game starts and where to watch:

ALDS and NLDS schedule for Saturday, Oct. 3

All times are ET and schedule subject to change.

  • Game 1: White Sox at Guardians, 1 p.m., TBS/truTV/UniMas/HBO Max
  • Game 1: Braves at Dodgers, 4 p.m., FOX/FOX Deportes/FOX One
  • Game 1: Yankees at Rays, 6:30 p.m., TBS/truTV/UNIMas/HBO Max
  • Game 1 Padres at Brewers, 8:30 p.m., FS1, FOX Deportes/FOX One

NLDS schedule for Sunday, Oct. 4

  • Game 2: Padres at Brewers, 4 p.m., FS1
  • Game 2: Braves at Dodgers, 8 p.m., FS1

ALDS schedule for Monday, Oct. 5

  • Game 2: White Sox at Guardians, 5 p.m. TBS
  • Game 2: Yankees at Rays, 8 p.m. TBS

NLDS schedule for Tuesday, Oct. 6

  • Game 3: Dodgers at Braves, 6 p.m., FS1
  • Game 3: Brewers at Padres, 9:30 p.m., FS1

ALDS and NLDS schedule for Wednesday, Oct. 7

  • Game 3: Guardians at White Sox, 4 p.m., TBS
  • Game 4 (if necessary): Dodgers at Braves, 6 p.m., FS1
  • Game 3: Rays at Yankees, 8 p.m., TBS
  • Game 4 (if necessary): Brewers at Padres, 10 p.m., FS1

ALDS schedule for Thursday, Oct. 8

  • Game 4 (if necessary): Guardians at White Sox, 5 p.m., TBS/truTV/HBO Max
  • Game 4(if necessary): Rays at Yankees, 8 p.m. TBS/TruTV/HBO Max

If only one ALDS Game 4 is needed, it starts at 8 p.m.

NLDS schedule for Friday, Oct. 9

  • Game 5 (if Necessary): Padres at Brewers, 4:30 p.m. FS1/FOX Deportes/FOX One
  • Game 5 (if necessary): Braves at Dodgers, 8 p.m. FOX/FOX Deportes/FOX One

If only one NLDS Game 5 is needed, it starts at 8 p.m. on FOX.

ALDS schedule for Saturday, Oct. 10

  • Game 5 (if necessary): White Sox at Guardians, 5 p.m., TBS/truTV/HBO Max
  • Game 5 (if necessary): Yankees at Rays, 8 p.m. TBS/truTV/ HBO Max

If only one ALDS Game 5 is needed, it starts at 8 p.m.

How to watch and stream ALDS and NLDS

Every ALDS game airs on TBS. Some are simulcast on truTV, and all stream on HBO Max. UniMas has Saturday's Game 1s in Spanish.

NLDS games air on FOX or FS1 and stream on FOX One. FOX Deportes carries them in Spanish.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When do the ALDS and NLDS start? Full schedule, times, TV info for MLB playoffs' next round

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Simon Edvinsson Saga Is Latest Missed Chance for Red Wings to Change the Conversation

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On Wednesday morning, news broke that Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who remains a restricted free agent without a contract, had returned to his native Sweden and is training with Frölunda of the SHL. 

Perhaps the most startling element of this saga is not only that Edvinsson is now on the other side of the world with the start of the regular season on deck, but that the club wasn't able to hammer out a new contract with him despite his reporting to Training Camp.

Edvinsson skated with his teammates during camp, taking part in non-scrimmage drills, but he did not appear in any of the team's four preseason contests.

The Swedish defenseman, whom the Red Wings selected in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, gave every indication that he wants to be part of the club, making his feelings clear by reporting to camp without a contract.

But for reasons that remain officially unknown, what appeared to be a layup for Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has now turned into an extremely precarious situation for a club already facing more questions than answers. 

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There have been unconfirmed reports that the Red Wings would like to sign Edvinsson to a bridge-style contract, which could prove to be a considerable miscalculation given that the salary cap is expected to rise in the near future, potentially making Edvinsson's next contract even more expensive.

For a club that needs to rebuild some goodwill after a turbulent offseason, this was an unfortunate missed opportunity to build positive momentum.

Dylan Larkin wouldn't confirm whether he still wants to be traded, and he won't play in either of Detroit's first two games of the season.

Meanwhile, the club still doesn't have a permanent general manager, having spent two months before naming Horcoff, its former AGM, as interim GM, following Steve Yzerman's departure from the role on July 15. 

Additionally, there has been no update on a contract extension for goal-scoring forward Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season. 

All of that is on top of the NHL's longest current postseason drought, 10 years and counting. 

Dylan Larkin Officially Ruled Out For First Two Red Wings Games of 2026-27 Dylan Larkin Officially Ruled Out For First Two Red Wings Games of 2026-27 Former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will not play in either of the club's first two games of the regular season, as confirmed by head coach Todd McLellan.

Short of boarding a defunct Concorde jet, Edvinsson won't be in Detroit on Friday evening when the Red Wings open the season against the visiting New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena.

For now, that means the Red Wings will have to make do without their second-best defenseman, who made it clear he wanted to be with the team by reporting to Training Camp despite being unsigned in a show of good faith. 

Unfortunately, this only adds to the mounting uncertainty surrounding the Red Wings as they begin their 101st NHL season, with the expectation of legitimate Stanley Cup contention now feeling like a distant memory and the organization facing increasingly pressing questions about where it goes from here.

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Who is Derrin Horton? Lakers name new public address announcer

Derrin Horton has been hired as the Los Angeles Lakers' next public address announcer on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Horton will take over the role at the Lakers’ home games at Crypto.com Arena. He will be a familiar face to some, having worked as a sports broadcaster for more than 35 years.

Horton has served as an anchor, reporter, host and play-by-play announcer covering a variety of sports during his career.

He will announce his first Lakers’ game – a preseason contest against the Sacramento Kings – on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Horton will be replacing Lawrence Tanter, who passed away on Sept. 23.

NFL Network reporter Derrin Horton interviews San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson after a victory over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sept. 28, 2008.

“There’s no way you can fill his shoes,” Horton told the media. “And so you just come here with a passion and a goal to be informative and entertaining and be a part of Showtime.”

Tanter spent more than 43 seasons with the Lakers. He suffered a stroke on March 17 and missed the last six regular-season home games and the postseason.  He announced his retirement in June and was expected to transition to a game-day advisory role.

MORE: Previewing each NBA team as 2026-27 season approaches

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Derrin Horton? Lakers name new public address announcer