Cubs vs. Dodgers at Mesa preview, Sunday 3/15, 3:05 CT

MESA, Arizona — Sunday notes…

  • FORMER CUBS IN DODGERS CAMP: Kyle Tucker. That’s it.
  • CUBS vs. DODGERS: Today’s game is expected to draw a Sloan Park sellout of nearly 16,000 fans. The forecast high temperature is 90, before temps are expected to soar over 100 degrees beginning Wednesday.

Here are today’s particulars.

Cubs lineup:

Dodgers lineup:

Jameson Taillon, just back from the WBC, will start for the Cubs. The other Cubs pitchers scheduled today were not available at posting time.

Emmett Sheehan will start for the Dodgers. Other Dodgers pitchers scheduled today: Will Klein, Kyle Hirt and Antoine Kelly. As noted above, the Dodgers are a split squad today.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. There will be a radio broadcast on WSCR The Score.

MLB.com Gameday

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

Please visit our SB Nation Dodgers site True Blue LA. If you do go there to interact with Dodgers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 3 p.m. CT and 4:35 p.m. CT.

These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Build Your Winning Bracket!

SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)

Spring Training results matter in this one specific way

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 11: A detail shot of a Spring Training San Francisco Giants hat in the dugtou prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

With the best record and run differential in the Cactus League for the second Spring Training in a row, it makes a lot of sense that the San Francisco Giants fans are feeling pretty good about the team heading into the regular season. For the moment, let’s ignore what actually happened after last Spring Training’s triumph and stay on that positivity to examine the latest results of SB Nation Reacts poll. The question was straightforward: Where will the Giants finish in the NL West?

That’s a really strong poll, with just 40% of respondents believing the team won’t be vying for the division title or a Wild Card spot (thanks to those fans who took the time to cast a troll vote predicting they’d be worse than the Colorado Rockies). Yes, I’m perhaps prognosticating too negatively suggest that a third place finish won’t push the Giants into the postseason for the first time since 2021, but that seems pretty reasonable given a non-NL West field that will almost certainly include the Mets, Atlanta, Phillies, Brewers, Cubs, and possibly the Reds. There might be room for just one other team in the NL West to make the postseason or realistically scrap it out.

That’s if you believe San Diego and Arizona are too weak to be serious competitors (and, if you’re thinking about another division, the Reds) both within the division and that field. That might wind up being the case, but it’s still a massive prognostication that, to me, outweighs projecting a Wild Card field that might only include one NL West team. Yes, absolutely, the Giants could wind up being the second-best team in the division, but San Diego’s range of projections is so wide that while they could wind up in the 80 to 82 win range, they could also get to 88 or 90. The conventional wisdom all offseason has been that the Giants will be chasing the Padres in 2026. The consensus with the Diamondbacks is that they’ll almost certainly trail the Giants, suggesting a third place team at best (unless those trolls who cast the fifth place finish votes wind up being correct).

But that’s enough about the playoffs. That’s a six months from now problem. Today, it’s about basking in the positivity. If I were to have predicted the results of this prediction poll, I would’ve come pretty close to getting it right. The Giants are playing great and they’ve got just enough “new” in the mix to make the last three months of last season not only a distant memory, but in no way predictive for 2026. It certainly feels like there has been positive developments with the development section of the roster and that’s before you start thinking about Logan Webb, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Heliot Ramos, and Jung Hoo Lee.

Indeed, this poll demonstrates that Giants fans have looked at the bullpen and concluded, “You know what? Keaton Winn will be 7th inning guy when the team breaks camp. Gregory Santos is the Prodigal Son who will setup Ryan Walker who will be a top tier closer despite how last season went. Buster Posey’s spaghetti-at-the-wall bullpen makes all the sense in the world.” They’ve seen the first six weeks of the schedule — which goes Yankees, Padres, at Mets, Phillies, at Orioles, at Reds (then at Nationals), Dodgers, Marlins, at Rays, Padres, Pirates, and Dodgers again — and have concluded, “Hey, they go 22-22 and they’re in great shape the rest of the way.”

A bad Spring Training record would not have engendered such optimism.

While there are probably fans who place a bet on the Giants winning the World Series every year no matter the odds, the Giants do appear to be a group with a lot more going on for it than wishcasting or “there’s always next year.” This is the second straight Spring Training where this basic roster core and executive group has looked competitive once assembled on a baseball field. Bob Melvin’s ancient staff of been there, done thats didn’t have any answers when that Spring Training success translated to regular season success but then floundered and you can bet that Tony Vitello and his coaching group won’t rest on “letting guys figure things out” if things go as terribly midseason as they did in 2025. The team’s makeup has changed with few changes to the team itself.


This week’s SB Nation Reacts report had two more questions included with the team-specific questions and came about because of the suspensions for Max Kepler and Jurickson Profar, who both tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in their system.

45% of MLB fans who voted in the SB Nation Reacts MLB polls this past week aren’t worried at all about PED usage in the sport. Only about 1/3 of fans see PEDs as, currently, a major problem and it’s a bit concerning that it’s so high. A major problem? I have a big smile on my face for the 20% result for “Only if it hurts my team.” Sometimes, that degree of lizard brained honesty is refreshing.

My lizard brain perceives the 35% thinking it’s a major problem as those who think the Dodgers are cheating and that the root of all evil is either the Dodgers or Yankees, because fans of a teams that usually stink must think that teams that try and win a lot must be the result of sorcery or some devil’s bargain. While it’s true that the Dodgers are The First Evil, the cause of all death and disaster in the universe, the histrionic segment of the US population that believes the key to “fixing” Major League Baseball is by constraining the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets via the annihilation of the players’ collective bargaining power is no friend of mine or genuine fan of the sport. They’re tribalists who are channeling blood lust through team sport. I don’t find relief in inflicting pain on others, but I might be in the minority on that. But there will always be a group of people who want to hurt a stranger as much as they can imagine. And on that note, the second national poll question:

The majority of fans who voted are basically fine with the current punishment system, but a not-insignificant group of 41% wants more. I wonder how many of the “I only care if it affects my team” wanted harsher punishments. If my lived experience as an American is instructive at all, there’s probably a lot of overlap.

Of course, another suspension could be a big story for the labor negotiations, as the owners — and fans — have a list of grievances against the players they think will be compelling enough to impose a dumb stupid salary cap and a pathetic salary floor. We’re not there yet, though, and back to the point of this post: we’re not at the point where we can forget how well the Giants are doing right now.

Yes, zero negative and zero positive outcomes during Spring Training are predictive or matter, but it’s fun when the Giants win. That they’ve so rarely won over the past decade when the games have counted can’t get in the way of how they look today.

European football: Raphinha hat-trick seals Barcelona win, Lazio beat Milan

  • Barça thrash Sevilla to restore four-point lead in La Liga

  • Isaksen damages Milan’s title hopes with first-half winner

Raphinha hit a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 5-2 to restore their four-point lead at the top of La Liga. After Real Madrid cut the gap by beating Elche on Saturday, the Spanish champions responded by romping to a comfortable victory.

Dani Olmo and João Cancelo also struck for Hansi Flick’s side, who host Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday. Fans streamed to the stadium to vote in the club’s presidential elections, with either Joan Laporta or Victor Font to be announced the new chief later on Sunday night.

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Chelsea beats Man United 2-0 to retain Women's League Cup

BRISTOL, England (AP) — Chelsea made it back-to-back Women's League Cup trophies by beating Manchester United 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

Sonia Bompastor's team successfully defended the trophy with goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones in each half at Ashton Gate.

Chelsea has been the dominant force in England over the past decade, with 18 major trophies over that period.

This was the fourth time it has won the League Cup.

“When you have the opportunity to win a trophy, you have to take it. When you are a winner, that’s what you do. My players deserved it,” Bompastor said.

James put Chelsea ahead in the 19th minute and Beever-Jones doubled the lead in the 76th.

Six-time defending Women's Super League champion Chelsea is currently third in the standings and 10 points behind leader Manchester City with a game in hand.

“We have a really big month with a lot of games, so this is the best way to start the month,” Bompastor said.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Bobby McMann Has Monster 2-Goal Debut With Kraken As Maple Leafs Dealt At 2026 NHL Trade Continue To Make Big Impact With New Clubs

Bobby McMann’s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs was defined by the long road, an undrafted climb from the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers to becoming a fixture in the NHL’s most scrutinized market. On Saturday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, in his first game since being traded by Toronto, he showed the Seattle Kraken exactly why he was worth the wait.

After missing three games due to a visa issue following his March 6 trade from Toronto, McMann debuted on Seattle’s top line and promptly paced a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. With two goals and an assist, the 29-year-old made in immediate impact. Up until the trade, McMann had been clear about his desire to stay in Toronto, but as the Leafs shifted into seller mode as playoff aspirations waned, the player who fought his way onto the roster became one of its most valuable trade chips.

McMann is just one of several players dealt by the Maple Leafs making a huge impact at the NHL Trade Deadline.

Nicolas Roy, who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on March 5 for a conditional first-round pick, has been a revelation for the Stanley Cup contenders. Roy has already suited up for five games with the Avalanche, recording two goals, uncluding a power-play marker in a 5-1 win over these same Kraken last Thursday. In Colorado, Roy’s versatility has allowed him to jump between center and wing, providing the cup-contending depth Toronto originally brought him in for.

Similarly, Scott Laughton has wasted no time making an impression with the Los Angeles Kings. Since being dealt for a conditional third-round pick on deadline day, Laughton has recorded two goals and an assist in just five games along with a 58.3 percent success rate on faceoffs.

In Vancouver, McMann’s first goal in a Kraken sweater came with just 50 seconds remaining in the first period. On a power play, McMann threw a puck toward the net from the left circle that caught Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo off guard. It was McMann’s 20th goal of the season, marking the second consecutive year he has reached that plateau.

He wasn't finished. At 4:14 of the third period, McMann drove the far post with the same relentless intent that once made him a favorite of the Scotiabank Arena faithful, tapping in a cross-slot feed from Jordan Eberle for his 21st goal and a new career high. He also added an assist on a Matty Beniers goal later in the frame, finishing the night with three points and an 18:04 workload.

For the Kraken, the win snapped a four-game losing skid and moved them within one point of a wild-card spot. For McMann, Roy, and Laughton, the post-Toronto era is off to a flying start, leaving the Leafs to wonder if the assets they gained will ever outweigh the immediate production they lost.

Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets a month after surgery

The New York Mets' early-spring nightmare has ended: Francisco Lindor is back in the lineup.

Lindor underwent surgery Feb. 11 to repair a stress fracture in his left hamate bone, a procedure that figured to jeopardize his availability for opening day. Yet Lindor is leading off and starting at shortstop against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, March 15, a full 11 days before the Mets are scheduled to open the season at home against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lindor, the 32-year-old five-time All-Star, steadily worked through a rehab progression as spring training unfolded and appeared in three minor league games in the past week.

"He's ready to go," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida. "It's time for him to start playing for us after checking all the boxes and racking up good days."

Lindor, who struck out in his first plate appearance, debuted with new double-play partner Marcus Semien alongside at second base, and flanked at third by Bo Bichette, who will face his former Blue Jays teammates that made the trip from Dunedin to Port St. Lucie.

He was one of three prominent players who required hamate surgery at the outset of spring training. The hamate bone is typically removed or repaired, and can sideline players from six to eight weeks. Yet Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who underwent surgery Feb. 12 and reported his hand "felt fine," returned around the one-month mark.

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday underwent surgery Feb. 12 as well, but will open the season on the injured list and is expected back in mid-April.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets month after surgery

Phillies roster ruminations heading into the final full week of camp

Phillies roster ruminations heading into the final full week of camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Phillies have begun their final full week in Florida and team officials are bearing down on roster decisions.

Now, nothing is cast in stone. Things can change in a hurry. Way back in 1997, the Phils sent a young pitcher named Calvin Maduro to Triple A as camp was winding down. Then, just before heading north, the team put five pitchers on the disabled list. Not only was Maduro brought back to big-league camp, he was named starting pitcher for the second game of the season.

So, knowing that things can always change, let’s take a look at where the 26-man roster might stand eight days before the Phillies break camp and 11 days before they open the season against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park.

STARTING ROTATION

Cristopher Sanchez will be named opening day starter when he returns from the World Baseball Classic later this week. Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Andrew Painter and Taijuan Walker are all locks with Zack Wheeler opening on the injured list. Wheeler is progressing well after surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome and could be activated as early as mid-to-late April.

BULLPEN

The Phils likely will go with an eight-man bullpen. Six spots appear to be locked up: Closer Jhoan Duran, Jose Alvarado, Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan and Orion Kerkering.

Side-arming lefty Kyle Backhus, picked up in an offseason trade with Arizona, has been impressive in Grapefruit League action. If he makes the club, the Phils would have a number of options for the final spot. Right-hander Zac Pop is on a big-league deal and out of minor-league options. Right-handers Chase Shugart and Seth Johnson are both on the 40-man roster with options. Zach McCambley is a Rule 5 pick who would have to be offered back to Miami if he doesn’t make the club. Veterans Lou Trivino, Tim Mayza and Trevor Richards are all in camp but on minor-league deals. Right-hander Max Lazar has been slowed by a sore oblique so he’s not a consideration for the opening day roster.

CATCHER

J.T. Realmuto will be backed up by either Rafael Marchan or Garrett Stubbs. There has been some talk of carrying three catchers but that might be a long shot. The Phils will risk losing Marchan or Stubbs on waivers to get them to Triple A.

INFIELD

Things look set with Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm and Trea Turner.

OUTFIELD

It will include rookie center fielder Justin Crawford, left fielder Brandon Marsh and right fielder Adolis Garcia.

DESIGNATED HITTER

Kyle Schwarber.

BENCH

The Phils are looking for four good men here.

Super sub Edmundo Sosa will get one spot. Marchan or Stubbs will get another. Stubbs got a brief look in left field on Sunday so that could impact the decision if he can add that type of versatility. The club remains intrigued by Otto Kemp’s bat, even though he’s had a slow spring. He could see platoon time in left field. If Kemp makes the club, the final spot could come down to Dylan Moore, a non-roster invitee who has significant major league time with Seattle and can play all over the diamond, and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, who has swung a productive bat this spring. Moore might have the edge because he has the versatility manager Rob Thomson covets. He also has an out in his contract on March 21. De La Cruz is on a minor-league contract and does not have an out until July.

Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League – as it happened

Dominic Szoboszlai’s free-kick gave Liverpool the lead, but Richarlison’s late equaliser earned Spurs a crucial point, their first under Igor Tudor

As for Tottenham, Tudor persists with the 3-4-3 formation that could barely suit his players less. Pedro Porro is plays on the right of the central-defenders, which might work better than Joao Palhinha – Terry Venables always liked a full-back there for their speed on the cover and ability to get forward. In midfield, meantime, Archie Gray – the only player not to shame himself in recent weeks – continues in his preferred position, finally doing what he was bought for while, up front, Solanke returns presumably because he couldn’t be risked in Madrid.

I’m really excited to see how Ngumoha does. I love what I’ve seen of him so far, in particular his desire to attack his man, something you can teach, and his timing, which you probably cannot. As we saw last evening, extreme talent is undeniable.

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Kawhi Leonard sets Clippers record, then leaves game early with sprained ankle

What was a historic night for Kawhi Leonard ended on a couple of ugly notes, including Leonard leaving the game with a sprained ankle.

Before his fourth quarter exit, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points, setting a franchise record by scoring 20+ points in 45 straight games he's played, passing a mark set by Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo in the 1974-75 season when the team was still in Buffalo and known as the Braves.

Then, with 9:27 left in the fourth quarter, Leonard rolled his left ankle while trying to defend DeMar DeRozan. He instantly limped off the court, soon went to the locker room and did not return to the game.

There is no word yet on the severity of the injury, if Leonard will miss time, and if so, how much. If he misses more than three more games, he would no longer qualify for postseason awards (and he is very likely headed toward making an All-NBA team).

For the season, in 53 appearances, Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a couple of steals a game. He missed the first 10 games of the season due to foot and ankle issues, but has largely been available for coach Tyronn Lue since then.

The Clippers saw their four-game winning streak snapped by the tanking Kings (who have now won 3-of-4). After starting the season 6-21, the Clippers have bounced back to be above .500 (34-33) and sit as the No. 8 seed in the West. Doing that despite trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline has been an impressive run.

If Leonard misses time, expect newly acquired guards Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin to be asked to carry more of the offensive load.

World Baseball Classic Semifinals Open Thread

Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States second baseman Brice Turang (13) throws out Canada catcher Bo Naylor (23) on a ground ball during the second inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The World Baseball Classic is down to just four teams, as there is one semifinal on Sunday before another on Monday leading into the championship game on Tuesday evening.

Sunday’s matchup features Team USA battling the Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. CT on FS1, with Italy and Venezuela battling for the other spot on Monday at 7 p.m. on FS1. Both games will take place at loanDepot Park in Miami.

The Brewers have at least one player on all four of those rosters, as follows:

  • Dominican Republic: RHP Abner Uribe
  • USA: 2B Brice Turang
  • Italy: MLB Pipeline Team No. 6 prospect 3B Andrew Fischer
  • Venezuela: C William Contreras, OF Jackson Chourio, and LHP Ángel Zerpa

Tune into the action today and tomorrow, and feel free to weigh in in the comments with your takes.

George backs Borthwick to lead England at World Cup and takes aim at South Africa

  • Coach ‘the perfect person’ to lead side into World Cup

  • Springboks game ‘an amazing opportunity’ for players

Jamie George has insisted England can go toe-to-toe with South Africa when they lock horns with the world champions in July and believes his side will be among the favourites for next year’s World Cup if Steve Borthwick remains as head coach.

England are on a disappointing run of four straight defeats but, while Saturday’s 48-46 loss to France condemned them to their worst Six Nations campaign, the manner in which Borthwick’s side performed – scoring seven tries in Paris – has given rise to renewed optimism.

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Wilyer Abreu powers Venezuela to the semifinals with a bat flip for the ages

MIAMI, Florida — The party started before the game and spilled outside the park after Venezuela upset the defending World Baseball Classic champions from Japan in a back-and-forth game that thrilled more than 35,000 fans at loanDepot park. The MLB star-studded lineups from both countries played with an energy that matched October baseball, and maybe even put it to shame at times. After all when was the last time you got up for a drink and ran into a drum line with dancing fans at a playoff game?

The game began with a leadoff home run from Ronald Acuña Jr. to give Venezuela an early lead. Shohei Ohtani is not to be trifled with, however and matched that in the bottom of the first for Japan. According to Sarah Langs, no game in MLB history began the way last night’s action between Venezuela and Japan started:

It only got better from there with Gleyber Torres driving in a go-ahead run for Venezuela in the second before Japan chased Venezuela’s starter Ranger Suárez from the game in the third inning. It looked like Japan might put this away with this three-run home run by Shota Morishita, who replaced Seiya Suzuki in the game after Suzuki was injured trying to steal second base:

Venezuela was not to be deterred, however. Jackson Chourio led off the fifth inning with a walk to set up this two-run blast by Maikel García making it just a one-run lead for Japan:

The skip and hop as García rounds first when he knows it’s gone is everything. Or, at least was everything until Wilyer Abreu entered the chat and decided to see if a no doubt home run and bat flip for the ages could power a country of 30 million people:

Some things can only happen at the World Baseball Classic, like running into Daniel Palencia’s mom while browsing in the store and having her joyously pose for a picture of her wearing her son’s team jersey:

Palencia came on to close out the game and was all business as he threw pure gasolina:

Palencia struck out the first two batters before facing Shohei Ohtani. How could this game possibly end otherwise? The greatest baseball player on the face of the Earth had to be thwarted to end such a perfect game. Ohtani popped out to shallow center to end an absolutely wild baseball game:

If you thought the celebrations in the concourse during the game were elite, they had nothing on the energy flowing through loanDepot park after Venezuela won:

Your eyes don’t deceive you at the end of that video, a fan from Japan now decked out in a Venezuela hat borrowed a Venezuelan flag and joined the celebration. He was not alone. The after party spilled into a dance party outside the park where fans of both teams danced until the wee hours of the morning:

These fans may come from opposite sides of the world and speak different languages, but that’s all irrelevant at the World Baseball Classic in Miami. We all know how to dance. We’re all powered on bat flips and vibes. The common language is baseball and we all speak it fluently.

GameThread: Tigers vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees

Time/Place: 1:05 p.m., George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, FL
SB Nation Site:Pinstripe Alley
Media:MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Lineups

TIGERSYANKEES
Matt Vierling – CFTrent Grisham – CF
Kerry Carpenter – DHRandal Grichuk – LF
Colt Keith – 3BCody Bellinger – RF
Spencer Torkelson – 1BGiancarlo Stanton – DH
Riley Greene – LFPaul DeJong – SS
Dillon Dingler – CRyan McMahon – 3B
Javier Baez – SSMax Schuemann – 2B
Zach McKinstry – 2BErnesto Martinez – 1B
Austin Slater – RFAli Sanchez – C

Spring Training Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Washington Nationals

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: JJ Wetherholt #77 talks to Oliver Marmol #37 of the St. Louis Cardinals after beingn hit by a pitch during the third inning of a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 11, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals continue the push for the 2026 regular season with a Sunday Spring Training game versus the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium. According to the St. Louis Cardinals share on social media today, Richard Fitts will get the start for St. Louis. The pitcher for the Washington Nationals will be former Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NBA Game

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The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to complete a weekend home-and-home sweep as they host the Dallas Mavericks this afternoon.

Cleveland had its way with Dallas on Friday, and I’m expecting a similar result today in my Mavericks vs. Cavaliers predictions.

Read on to see how I think this matchup will play out in my NBA picks for Sunday, March 15.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers prediction

Mavericks vs Cavaliers best bet: Cavaliers -15 (-110)

The Dallas Mavericks hosted Friday’s meetings, and the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to cover as 13.5-point favorites on the road in a 138-105 rout. Cleveland was up 17 after the first quarter and never looked back.

Cleveland barely had to push its starters — nobody played as much as 29 minutes — and took advantage of a Mavericks team that has lost three of its last five games by 20+ points.

The Mavs are 0-5 in their last five games as double-digit underdogs. I’m taking Cleveland to cover easily again tonight.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers same-game parlay

Friday’s meeting finished with a total of 243 points, so I’m taking the Over again in my SGP today. I’ll also bet on James Harden to get Over 2.5 threes, as he's hit at least three shots from beyond the arc in each of his last four games.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers SGP

  • Cavaliers -14.5
  • Over 235.5
  • James Harden Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-double danger!

For my longshot parlay, I’m going to take two Cavaliers players to get double-doubles. Both Harden and Evan Mobley can put together double-doubles in different categories, so they won’t be getting in each other’s way.

Let’s round things out by backing Donovan Mitchell to go Over 1.5 steals, something he’s accomplished in five of his last seven games.

Mavericks vs Cavaliers SGP

  • James Harden to record a double-double
  • Evan Mobley to record a double-double
  • Donovan Mitchell Over 1.5 steals

Mavericks vs Cavaliers odds

  • Spread: Mavericks +14.5 | Cavaliers -145
  • Moneyline: Mavericks +750 | Cavaliers -1400
  • Over/Under: Over 235.5 | Under 235.5

Mavericks vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

The Cavaliers have covered the spread in three straight matchups against the Mavericks. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Cavaliers.

How to watch Mavericks vs Cavaliers

LocationRocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
DateSunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off3:30 p.m. ET
TVNBA TV

Mavericks vs Cavaliers latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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