JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: New York Mets infielder Marcus Semien (10) prepares to catch the ball and tag out Miami Marlins infielder Maximo Acosta (24) at second base during a MLB spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
When the 2025 season ended, there was a narrative espoused by the Mets’ front office that one of the goals of the offseason was to focus on run prevention. This narrative more or less went out the window with the signing of Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette, but the concept endures in the trade of Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien.
The deal was a palatable one for both sides because it was a swap of contracts that have not aged well, and for players who filled organizational needs for their new teams. Semien, the reigning American League Gold Glove winner at second base, is entering his fifth year of a seven year, $175 million deal. His deal has two fewer years remaining on it than Nimmo’s does. His story is a well-known one: a former shortstop who excelled defensively when he switched to second and who, after a few boffo offensive seasons, has cooled off with the bat considerably.
All of that somewhat belies what a useful player Semien still is. Over his past two seasons, he ‘s been worth 7.4 bWAR with an OPS+ of 103 and 97, respectively. Obviously, much of his value came from his defensive skills, but he was still the 13th most valuable second baseman in baseball last year. And while, yes, Semien is entering his age 36 season, he’s just three years removed from a season when he came in third place in the AL MVP voting and when he slugged 29 home run and 100 RBIs. It wasn’t his best season (that would be 2019’s 8.4 bWAR season), but it was a very valuable one.
But let’s pretend that 2025 is more where he is offensively for the last three years of his contract with the Mets. If he can provide quality defense up the middle and hit 15ish home runs while playing just about every day, the Mets’ offense should be able to more than carry him at the bottom of the lineup. That’s still a trade the Mets likely make, even if Semien isn’t quite who he used to be.
But the change of scenery, protection in the lineup, and his underlying skills could come together in another 2022 season for Semien. And if it does, the Mets’ lineup will be truly formidable.
10 Oct 1996: Batter Darryl Strawberry of the New York Yankees swings to hit the ball during their 5-4 win over the Boston Orioles in their American League Championship Series game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx in New York, New York. Mandatory Credit: Si | Getty Images
There are many players to grace a professional baseball diamond who have also had controversy overtake their careers in Major League Baseball. Some have put on a Yankees uniform at different times in their careers, and some have even had their Hall of Fame chances ruined because of said off-field issues.
Darryl Strawberry’s career is no different, and while he didn’t spend the majority of his time in MLB donning white and navy pinstripes, he still made an impact for the Yankees during their glory ’90s years. But his terrific tenure in The Show also came with a large elephant in the room.
Strawberry didn’t have the easiest childhood, as his father Henry was abusive to both him and his mother, Ruby. The police took Henry away when Darryl was 10, and he soon flourished as an up-and-coming athlete in the LA area. He excelled at baseball, basketball, and football, and would sign a letter of intent to play college baseball at Oklahoma State University. That all changed when his star was so bright that the New York Mets selected him with the first overall pick in the 1980 MLB Draft.
It took three seasons for Strawberry to reach the Mets roster, and he was already receiving otherworldly comparisons. He debuted against the Reds on May 6, 1983, when the just-turned 21-year-old went 0-for-4 with two walks and a stolen base in a 7-4 Mets win. From there, the 6-foot-6, 190-pound outfielder’s extensive career was off and running.
Strawberry’s first season in the majors was a success, as he imposed his will on opposing pitchers. He played in 122 games for the Mets and slashed .257/.336/.512 for an OPS+ of 134, smashing 26 home runs along the way. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award with 18 of 24 first-place votes.
While Strawberry’s sophomore season wasn’t quite as dominant, he was still good enough to earn an All-Star nod, the first of eight-straight in his career. In 1985, he hit a career-high (to that point) 29 home runs and posted a career-high .947 OPS, but after tearing ligaments in his thumb while making a catch during a game, he missed a significant chunk of the Mets’ season and played only 111 games.
The Mets of 1986 were a juggernaut. There’s no other way to say it. And Strawberry was one of the heads of the beast, alongside catcher Gary Carter, first baseman Keith Hernandez, and Straw’s fellow young star, ace Dwight Gooden. In 136 games, he slashed .259/.358/.507 for an OPS+ of 139 and hit 27 home runs for his fourth straight season of 25+ bombs, good for an All-Star nod and a Mets franchise record 108 wins for the team. Strawberry played in 13 postseason games between the NLCS against the Astros and the infamous World Series against the Red Sox, recording multiple clutch hits, including a major home run in Game 3 of the NLCS and another in Game 7 of the World Series. He was a champion already at 24 years old, but he also already had a drug problem.
Strawberry’s best individual seasons came from 1987 to 1991. In 1987, he finished the year with a 5.5 fWAR, the second-highest of his career. He joined the 30/30 Club with 39 homers and 36 steals, tallied 104 RBI’s, and finished with a .981 OPS. All of this resulted in finishing sixth in the National League MVP voting, and in 1988, Strawberry hit a league-leading 39 home runs again with a league-leading .545 slugging percentage and .911 OPS. He also registered 101 RBI’s and was the NL MVP runner-up, only trailing Kirk Gibson of the Dodgers (who dispatched the Mets in a six-game NLCS). He also took home his first of two Silver Slugger awards in his career.
Following a 1989 campaign that saw another All-Star appearance (but a downgrade compared to his previous two years), Strawberry’s 1990 output was revitalized, bashing 37 home runs, tallying a career-high 108 RBI’s, and a career-high 6.5 fWAR. He finished third in NL MVP voting and was awarded another Silver Slugger. And 1990 was also the final season he would don a Mets uniform. In the offseason, he went on to sign a five-year $22.25 million contract with his hometown Dodgers, and while his 1991 season was still above average, it was the start of the downturn of a once-great power-hitter’s career.
In 1992 and 1993, Strawberry played a combined 75 games for the Dodgers and was released in 1994 by the team after failing to show up to a game. He then joined the Giants for the year, where he only played in 29 games.
Strawberry was suspended at the beginning of the 1995 season after testing positive for cocaine. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner decided to see what he had left, and Strawberry joined New York’s other team as a lefty DH/bench option. He posted a 112 OPS+ as the Yankees snapped their 14-year playoff drought with a Wild Card spot, but he got just two at-bats in the ALDS loss to Seattle and remained unsigned for the entire offseason.
Although that could have been the end of Strawberry’s life in baseball, he found new life in an unlikely locale. Given a shot with the Northern League’s St. Paul Saints, he obliterated Indy ball to such a preposterous degree—a .435 average and 18 homers in 29 games—that Steinbrenner couldn’t resist. He ended up re-signing with the Yankees in July 1996 and soon became the primary left fielder for the eventual champions.
Strawberry had a three-homer game, walked off the White Sox with the 300th bomb of his career, and while he was up-and-down in the playoffs, he slugged a trio of homers to help dispatch the Orioles in the ALCS.
Strawberry helped lead the Yankees to three World Series titles during his time in the Bronx, and also struck up a friendship with budding star Derek Jeter. Despite the limited playing time—outside of 1998, when he played 101 games and hit 24 home runs—he posted some excellent numbers in pinstripes and was beloved in that clubhouse. Strawberry’s career slash line of .255/.362/.502 and 119 OPS+ in 239 games was more than good enough to be an above-average piece off the bench.
In ’98, Straw even turned the cool trick of getting two pinch-hit grand slams in the same season.
For everything that happened in Strawberry’s turbulent life, he also always maintained that memorable buggy-whip swing.
Strawberry was unable to join the Yankees’ World Series run in ’98, as he was diagnosed with colon cancer in the middle of the ALDS. He recovered and prepared for the ’99 campaign before his old demons struck again. He was arrested for possession of cocaine and soliciting an undercover cop posing as a prostitute. MLB suspended him 140 days and he did not return to the Yankees until the final months of the season. Strawberry showed little signs of rust, hitting .327 in 24 games and belting apair of key playoff homers as the Yanks repeated as champions.
Strawberry’s off-field drug issues continued. He tested positive for cocaine in February 2000 while attending spring training. Commissioner Bud Selig demanded Strawberry leave the team while waiting for a decision on the suspension length. After the test news came out, Selig announced that Strawberry would be suspended for the entire 2000 campaign, and, as a result, his MLB career was over. It was a celebrated one, featuring four World Series titles, a Rookie of the Year, two Silver Sluggers, and eight All-Star nods. But for many fans, it felt like he left a lot on the table, too.
The first few years after Strawberry’s retirement were a journy through the wilderness and multiple more arrests. Thankfully, he did eventually find sobriety, and it has reportedly lasted over two decades. The Mets just retired his No. 18 in 2024, and he’s often attended Yankees Old-Timers’ Days and team reunions. Here’s wishing Darryl a happy 64th birthday.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
Oct 19, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners pitcher Matt Brash (47) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning during game six of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Hello everyone!
The Mariners continued their run as the Cactus League’s sad sack losers, falling prey to the Rockies in an 11-7 slugfest. The good news is Matt Brash made his spring debut and appears to be on track for an Opening Day return.
If you were the Mariners, would you ever consider stretching Brash back out as a starter at any point? I highly doubt they’d consider it, to be clear — but would you?
In Mariners news…
In case you missed it, Bryce Miller exited a planned bullpen session as he felt some renewed discomfort in his oblique. The Mariners are not planning to shut him down from throwing at this time, but it seems unlikely he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
The Mariners announced their slate of new menu options at T-Mobile Park this summer. I’m jealous of all of you who live in the Seattle area and will get to try some of these delectables!
Former LL staffer Patrick Dubuque wrote about the Cal Raleigh-Randy Arozarena beef as if it were a Jane Austen novel in his latest post for Baseball Prospectus. ($)
Miles Mastrobuoni’s run with the upstart Italian squad appears to be at an end.
Italy infielder Miles Mastrobuoni is leaving the team after tonight to return back to the Seattle Mariners camp after injuring his calf muscle in their game against USA.
The dream tourney run for Team Italy rolled on with an easy 9-1 victory over Mexico, punching their ticket to the next round and securing the U.S. a spot there too.
Team Canada is advancing to the quarterfinal for the first time ever after a 7-2 win against Cuba gave them the top seed out of Pool A.
The Dominican Republic continued its dominant run in the tournament with a 7-5 win over a talented Venezuela squad, giving the DR the top seed out of Pool D.
For Team Venezuela, the World Baseball Classic is giving the team’s players a reason to celebrate and hope during a time of political upheaval.
Ian Cundall at Baseball America listed ten pitching prospects with intriguing velocity increases this spring, with Ryan Sloan headlining the bunch. ($)
Congratulations to fellow LL staffer Ryan Blake, who is now a contributor over at Fangraphs! In his first piece, he wrote about the slow, sad death of Mike Trout’s career amidst the apathetic Angels.
Ben Clemens at Fangraphs wonders how long it will be until someone other than Aaron Judge is the best hitter in the sport.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 09: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the United States hits a double in the eighth inning during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Arguably the most consistent debate in Kansas City sports over the last two years is about who should be the Kansas City Royals’ leadoff hitter. After shuffling around multiple guys in the spot in 2024, the Royals went out and acquired Jonathan India last season to explicitly fill the job. That didn’t quite work, and so now Matt Quatraro is mulling over five different players to be the team’s main leadoff guy.
Unfortunately, in addition to being the most consistent debate in Kansas City sports, this particular conversation is also, I think, the stupidest. There is one and only one answer to who the Royals’ leadoff hitter should be, and that person is Bobby Witt Jr.
I’m not going to go into extreme detail here, but let’s cover why this is the case. Most importantly, the first hitter in the lineup sees the most plate appearances; over the course of a full year, a team’s leadoff spot in the lineup sees about 760 plate appearances with each subsequent spot seeing about 18 fewer PAs. Secondarily, the first hitter in the lineup is the only hitter you can guarantee a clean base with no one in front of them.
As a result, there are three schools of thought with leadoff hitters. One is that your leadoff hitter should be the guy with the best on base percentage on your team because he gets a chance to get on base before anybody else; let’s call this the Alex Gordon School. Two is that your leadoff hitter should be fast to take advantage of open bases; let’s call this the Rickey Henderson School. Three is that your leadoff hitter should simply be your best hitter; let’s call this the Shohei Ohtani School.
The reason why Witt should lead off for the Royals is because it literally doesn’t matter what school of thought you ascribe to. Who’s got the best OBP ability on the team? Bob, no question. Who is the fastest player on the team? Bob, again. Who’s the most talented overall hitter on the team? Bob, by a rather huge margin.
Historically, Witt has hit second, which is the second-best place for him. Hitting second makes it so that he always has a chance of coming to the plate with someone on base. But Kansas City’s problem is that Witt is so much better than anyone else on the team that it just doesn’t make sense for him to lose out on those 18 plate appearances along with the other elite table-setting benefits that Witt provides. Remember: Witt does hit home runs, but he’s a doubles machine who leads all of Major League Baseball over the last two seasons.
All of this has sort of made it frustrating to see JJ Picollo and Matt Quatraro waffle on who should be the leadoff hitter between Witt and literally any other inferior option. So far, I’ve chalked it up to Bob simply not wanting to hit leadoff. Baseball players are a superstitious bunch, and Lord knows that Witt has earned enough leeway to say that he prefers hitting second and stick to it.
But something rumbles, y’all. During the World Baseball Classic, Witt has been leading off.
Witt as Team USA’s leadoff hitter is significantly more up for debate considering the hilarious offensive firepower he’s paired with. If he didn’t want to hit leadoff, he wouldn’t have to. I mean, what are we gonna do, complain about Aaron freaking Judge hitting at the top spot of the lineup otherwise?
But Witt is indeed hitting leadoff. And it’s going well; he’s contributed on offense and on defense for Team USA.
So my hope, my prayer, is that Witt realizes his love of hitting leadoff for Team USA and brings that love of leadoff to Kansas City. Then, we might close this debate for good as long as Witt may reign with the Royals. Amen.
Mitch Marner is one of the most dynamic and productive playmakers in the NHL.
His production is especially impressive on home soil, and my Penguins vs. Golden Knights predictions and NHL picks expect him to build on his totals tonight.
Penguins vs Golden Knights prediction
Penguins vs Golden Knights best bet: Mitch Marner Over 0.5 assists (-115)
Mitch Marner has 47 assists through 64 games, tying him with Cale Makar for 16th among all players in helpers.
He’s done his best work in Vegas. Marner has recorded an assist in 65% of his home games and 69% following one day of rest.
Marner has been skating with Pavel Dorofeyev, who leads the team in goals. Bruce Cassidy gave him further weaponry to work with last time out, shifting Tomas Hertl to join that unit as well.
With such strong finishers by his side, Marner is poised to produce against a Pittsburgh Penguins team that has allowed 16 goals over the last four games.
Penguins vs Golden Knights same-game parlay
The Vegas Golden Knights deploy Pavel Dorofeyev in favorable matchups at home, helping him make more happen offensively. He's averaged 2.9 shots on goal and managed a 61% Over rate in Vegas. He should get plenty of looks playing on a line with Marner.
Without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins are likely to be overmatched against a very talented Golden Knights team desperate to get a win.
Penguins vs Golden Knights SGP
Mitch Marner Over 0.5 assists
Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots
Golden Knights moneyline
Penguins vs Golden Knights odds
Moneyline: Penguins +130 | Golden Knights -150
Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-180) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)
Penguins vs Golden Knights trend
Mitch Marner has assists in seven of his last 10 home games after one day off. Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Penguins vs Golden Knights
Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
SportsNet Pittsburgh, Vegas 34
Penguins vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Real Madrid left Erling Haaland marooned and picked off an unbalanced Manchester City in the Champions League
Pep Guardiola’s wry and serial observation is that only victory makes the head coach appear a sage of the tactical battle. If defeat is endured then, fair or not, it is open season on the man who lives and dies by results.
Cut to Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League last-16 hammering of Manchester City by Real Madrid and Álvaro Arbeloa emanated a seer-like cool in the post-first leg briefings, while Guardiola was forced into explaining why he sent out a 4-2-2-2 that crumpled so easily before Federico Valverde, who scored a memorable first-half, 22-minute hat-trick.
It’s often said in the NHL that one of the toughest games to play is the first one back home after a long road trip. But the Ottawa Senators can’t really use that as an excuse in this case, because the Montreal Canadiens had their own challenges to deal with.
Most notably, Montreal was playing the second game of a back-to-back. Top goal scorer Cole Caufield missed the game due to illness, and the Canadiens started a rookie goaltender who hadn’t played an NHL game in almost two months and had only 10 games of NHL experience.
That rookie, Jacob Fowler, called up earlier in the day from Laval, made 32 saves to lead the Canadiens past the Senators 3–2 at Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday night.
Ivan Demidov’s goal at 12:40 of the third period held up as the game-winner, snapping a 2–2 tie. It was one of the easier goals he’ll ever score. After a shot from Alex Newhook, Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark coughed up a perfect rebound. Demidov barged to the net and jammed the puck home.
The game got off to a controversial start in the opening minute. Dylan Cozens drove the puck to the net and bumped into Fowler, drawing a goaltender-interference penalty. Senators head coach Travis Green was livid about the call, and the Canadiens capitalized by scoring on the ensuing power play to take a 1–0 lead.
Ottawa responded with a pair of goals from Drake Batherson, though neither came in convincing fashion.
The first came during a goalmouth scramble. Batherson appeared to fan on his attempt to jam the puck into the net. As he recoiled, he accidentally pulled the puck back out, but not before it had barely crossed the goal line.
His second goal came after Claude Giroux made a great effort to keep a clearing attempt in at the blue line. Giroux fed the puck to Batherson, who cut to the net and tried to stuff it in. Tim Stützle arrived late and appeared to score, but replays showed Batherson’s stick blade was the last to touch the puck, giving him credit for the goal.
Montreal tied the game in the second period on a wraparound by Alex Texier. As Texier and Nik Matinpalo went behind Ottawa's net, Ullmark got his stick tangled up in Matinpalo's legs as the two skaters went behind the goal, which served two purposes: it gave Texier the separation he needed for the wraparound and pinned Ullmark’s stick against the post, preventing him from pushing across to pinch off the post. Ullmark attempted to do the splits instead, leaving plenty of room for the puck to sneak under his pads.
For the third time in four games, Ullmark posted a save percentage well below .900, stopping 20 shots (.870) on the night. Meanwhile, the rookie Fowler made 32 saves for a .941 and was there when the Canadiens needed him at the end.
With the goalie pulled, the Senators did everything they could except score. Fowler stopped at least three great chances in the dying seconds, including an unreal save on Claude Giroux, who had a ton of open net to shoot at.
The loss represents a huge four-point swing in the standings. A win would have brought Ottawa within five points of Montreal. Instead, the Canadiens are now all but out of reach, nine points ahead of the Sens with just 18 games remaining.
So the Senators' only real playoff hope now lies with the Wild Card. With 74 points, they must find a way to leapfrog two of the following teams to get back into the playoff picture: the Columbus Blue Jackets (76 points), the (WC2) Boston Bruins (78 points), or the (WC1) Detroit Red Wings (79 points).
Ottawa will try to regroup on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. when they host the Anaheim Ducks.
Interestingly, the Ducks currently lead the Pacific Division despite having only two more points than the Senators, a reminder of just how tough the Atlantic Division has been this season.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was originally published at The Hockey News. For more Senators news, analysis, and features, visit the Ottawa Senators site at The Hockey News.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 14: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 14, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers are coming off a feel-good victory, defeating the tanking Memphis Grizzlies 139-129 in a game where they were without Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid. Now they’ll look to keep their playoff hopes alive in a much tougher game, traveling to Detroit to face the first-seeded Pistons.
As many know, the Pistons are having their best year in quite some time. They’ve already surpassed the 46-win mark, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 2007-08 season. The tip of the spear is Cade Cunningham, who is firmly in the MVP mix and in the midst of a stellar season. On the year, Cunningham is averaging 25.1 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 45.9/35/80.1 splits. Strong, well-rounded numbers for the former No. 1 overall pick.
But of course, with any winning team there are guys behind the guy, and the Pistons are no exception. Jalen Duren has been the other star beside Cade, developing into a double-double machine averaging 18.6 points and 10.6 rebounds on 63.1 percent shooting. Isaiah Stewart has also developed into a capable two-way player, one who can match up against most bigs and not only hold his own, but hit shots on the other end. Duncan Robinson has been strangely important for this team as a vital floor spacer. They also have no shortage of contributors, with Caris LeVert, Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland all offering a varying set of skills.
And of course, our old friends Paul Reed and Tobias Harris are there as well. For those curious, Harris has averaged 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 45.1/33/87.9 splits, while Reed has been excellent in a limited role, averaging 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds on 60.1 percent shooting in 13.1 minutes per contest. Even beyond all of those guys, the Pistons have even more players capable of giving quality minutes. Between the star power of Cunningham and Duren and their depth, it’s easy to see why this team has won so many games.
The Sixers and Pistons have faced off twice this year, with the Pistons taking both games. With two matchups remaining, Philadelphia will look to split the season series before it’s all said and done.
Despite the slew of injuries, there has been some recent positives with this team. You just have to squint. Really hard. VJ Edgecombe is back and playing basketball, which is wonderful to see. A silver lining of the Sixers being decimated by injuries is that Edgecombe will have the ball a lot more, and will have to stretch out those playmaking skills. The Sixers have frankly asked him to do way too much for a 20 year old rookie, and he’s answered the call almost every time.
Beyond Edgecombe, Cameron Payne is coming off what might be the best game of his career. Payne put up 32 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and five stocks with zero turnovers, shooting a blistering 9-of-10 from the field and 8-of-8 from three. It would be unreasonable to expect that type of performance again, but Payne has quietly settled in nicely with the Sixers. It’s a shame we aren’t able to see his production alongside the bigger names.
Quentin Grimes has also picked things up as of late, coming off back-to-back double-digit performances.
Heading into this one, Maxey, Embiid, and George are all out, as expected. Kelly Oubre Jr., who was coming off one of his best games of the season, will also miss a few weeks with an elbow sprain, while Adem Bona is questionable due to back soreness. On the Detroit side, Thompson is out and LeVert is doubtful with a wrist sprain.
If the Sixers aren’t in free fall yet, they’re damn close. The margin for error is slim, and they’ll need everyone firing on all cylinders to get this W. Let’s see if they can pull off the impossible, or if this turns into yet another ugly one.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, March 12, 7:00 p.m. ET Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Watch: Prime Video Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
The Orlando Magic will be looking to extend their win streak to six tonight as they face the Washington Wizards at the Kia Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Paolo Banchero is torching his opponents right now, and my Wizards vs. Magic predictions are targeting him to make quick work of Washington.
Wizards vs Magic best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-110)
Paolo Banchero is having a solid campaign, averaging 22.3 PPG across 54 games. While that’s down a bit from last season's 25.9 points, the Orlando Magic forward also played just 46 games last season.
March has been solid so far for the former first overall pick. He’s averaging 26.7 PPG, and Banchero has hit the Over in points in three straight contests.
The Duke product just dropped 25 on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. He also showed out for 35 on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Back on March 3, Banchero erupted for 37 against the lowly Washington Wizards as well.
Wizards vs Magic same-game parlay
Desmond Bane is also doing his thing offensively right now. He’s cashed the Over in points in two of his last three, and both of those outings were 30+ performances. He dropped 30 against Minnesota and then 35 on Wednesday versus Cleveland.
The TCU product also scored 25 against the Wizards at the beginning of the month.
Orlando beat Washington by 17 points in their last meeting, and they’ve covered tonight’s spread in two of the last three meetings.
The Wizards are in the midst of a nine-game losing skid, with their last two defeats finishing as blowouts. The Pelicans beat them by 20 before Bam Adebayo’s 83-point win propelled the Heat to a 21-point victory.
Wizards vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Desmond Bane Over 21.5 points
Magic -15
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bane Damage!
Bane has cashed the Over in dimes in two straight, dishing out 15 assists combined.
Wizards vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Desmond Bane Over 21.5 points
Magic -15
Desmond Bane Over 4.5 assists
Wizards vs Magic odds
Spread: Wizards +13.5 (-110) | Magic -13.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Wizards +754 | Magic -1200
Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)
Wizards vs Magic betting trend to know
The Orlando Magic have hit the 4Q Game Total Over in 21 of their last 30 games at home (+10.65 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs. Magic.
How to watch Wizards vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
MNMT, FDSN Florida
Wizards vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
With a rough patch in the rearview mirror, the Los Angeles Lakers have found their groove as of late, and they’ll look to extend their current three-game win streak when they host the surging Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena tonight.
Fresh off the best scoring performance of his career, I expect Matas Buzelis to stay hot on offense, and my Bulls vs. Lakers predictions call for him to hit the Over on his points prop as he and Josh Giddey keep Chicago within striking distance on the road.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Thursday, March 12.
Bulls vs Lakers prediction
Bulls vs Lakers best bet: Matas Buzelis Over 18.5 points (-112)
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis posted a career-best 41 points on Tuesday, but I’m not chasing points after one big game. The second-year man has averaged 24 points across his last six outings, scoring 20+ in all five games in which he logged at least 30 minutes.
In 35 games with 30+ minutes, he’s averaged 19 points, compared to just a 12-point average in games with fewer than 30 minutes.
Buzelis averaged just 14.8 points across the first 50 games, but he’s averaged 19.4 in his last 14. The Los Angeles Lakers rank in the bottom third in defensive efficiency, giving Buzelis even more runway to clear this total.
Bulls vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Bulls are 12-8 ATS as the road dog and have covered the spread in four of their last five. The Lakers should win, but the spread is a tad high to bet against a visiting team that’s nearing full strength.
The Bulls and Lakers each sport Top-10 defensive ratings across their last eight games, and each team has hit the Under in eight of their last 10. The point total is set high enough to bet the Under as improved defenses collide.
Bulls vs Lakers SGP
Matas Buzelis Over 18.5 points
Bulls +11
Under 234.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Feelin' Giddey
Josh Giddey has averaged 18.5 rebounds+assists on the road this season, and he's averaged a whopping 21.8 across his last five games. Giddey has hit the Over on this line in 25 of 43 games overall, including 12 of 19 games on the road. Big games from him and Buzelis should keep the Bulls competitive tonight.
Bulls vs Lakers SGP
Matas Buzelis Over 18.5 points
Bulls +11
Under 234.5
Josh Giddey Over 15.5 rebounds + assists
Bulls vs Lakers odds
Spread: Bulls +11 (-110) | Lakers -11 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +450 | Lakers -600
Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
Bulls vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Chicago Bulls have hit the Game Total Under in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Lakers.
How to watch Bulls vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN+, Spectrum SportsNet
Bulls vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Boston Celtics fell to the Spurs on Tuesday, and the road ahead only gets tougher as the C’s head to Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key frontcourt injuries have opened up golden opportunities to crash the glass, and my Celtics vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks expect Neemias Queta to gobble up the boards.
Celtics vs Thunder prediction
Celtics vs Thunder best bet: Neemias Queta Over 8.5 rebounds (-110)
Neemias Queta is grabbing a career-high 8.3 rebounds per game, and he’s corralled at least nine in 23 appearances and exactly eight in 10 more. He's averaged just 7.5 rebounds against Eastern Conference opponents but a whopping 9.6 against the West.
Over the last four games with Isaiah Hartenstein out or limited, the Oklahoma City Thunder have surrendered the second-most rebounds. Hartenstein is out again, and Queta should stay hot in this advantageous matchup after grabbing at least nine boards in two of his last three outings overall and three of his last six on the road.
Celtics vs Thunder same-game parlay
Prior to his ejection in Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, Jaylen Brown recorded 7+ rebounds in eight straight games. Averaging a career-best 7.1 rebounds this season, Brown has recorded 7+ rebounds in 35 of 58 games, including 15 of 28 on the road. The potential absence of Jayson Tatum could force Brown to take on more rebounding responsibilities.
Betting on the Boston Celtics to cover is tempting, but Tatum and Derrick White are questionable, and Payton Pritchard may not be 100%. OKC has been tremendous at home, and I’m far more confident betting the total. The Celtics are 12-22 to the Under on the road, while the Thunder are 16-17 to the Under at home.
Celtics vs Thunder SGP
Neemias Queta Over 8.5 rebounds
Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds
Under 216
Our "from downtown" SGP: Board men get paid!
Over the first 32 games of the season, Chet Holmgren averaged just 8.2 rebounds, but he's averaged 10.2 across his last 24. In that span, the big man has grabbed 9+ boards 17 times. Hartenstein's absence opens up additional rebounding opportunities for Holmgren, and he should have no problem clearing this line.
Celtics vs Thunder SGP
Neemias Queta Over 8.5 rebounds
Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds
Under 216
Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Celtics vs Thunder odds
Spread: Celtics +6.5 | Thunder -6.5
Moneyline: Celtics +225 | Thunder -270
Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216
Celtics vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Celtics have cashed the Under in 29 of their last 40 games for +16.9 units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Thunder.
How to watch Celtics vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Celtics vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
All six of the Premier League’s last-16 teams have plenty of work to do in their second legs. Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, have eyes on a fairytale quarter-final
A rude awakening for the English Premier League, a week when European football reasserted itself; financial dominance need not mean dominance on the field. Real Madrid’s first-half destruction of Manchester City was chastening. This was a Madrid team shorn of Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham and yet City were soundly beaten 3-0. Arsenal’s drab 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen showed Mikel Arteta’s team will require more than set pieces to prevail in the competition.
Mar 11, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates with third baseman Manny MacHado (3), shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2), and right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) after hitting a home run against Venezuela during the third inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The San Diego Padres had a rare Spring Training off day before they host the Kansas City Royals at the Peoria Sports Complex on Thursday at 6:10 p.m. For many Padres fans that just meant their attention shifted to the World Baseball Classic where the Dominican Republic and Venezuela met in a game between two undefeated teams.
The Dominican Republic used the power of four home runs including the three-run shot from Tatis to win the contest 7-5 after Venezuela failed to complete a late comeback. Juan Soto, Ketel Marte and Vladamir Guerrero Jr. all joined Tatis with home runs as part of 11 hits banged out by the D.R. who finished 4-0 in pool play.
Padres News:
Joe Musgrove has had a tough road back to the big-league mound and it appears that road is not quite completed. Musgrove’s next start is to be determined after he was unable to bounce back from a start and a bullpen session. Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball believes the best course of action for the Padres is to take it slow with Musgrove as his ability to pitch in-season and in the playoffs is much more valuable.
Spring Training is all about position battles and the elite San Diego bullpen is no different. Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Wandy Peralta, David Morgan, and Jason Adam and Yuki Matsui (if healthy) are penciled into seven of eight potential bullpen positions. That means one spot remains and multiple players are looking to fill the role according to Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball.
The Padres bats have been heating up in Spring Training and Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball provides numbers to show that new hitting coach Steven Souza Jr. may have unlocked the power that was missing from the San Diego roster last season.
The Padres have known they need to address a hole at the back of the rotation and that hole could become larger if any of the four prospective starters already in place, Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove or Randy Vasquez, miss time with an injury. But assuming they are all healthy, Walker Buehler, German Marquez, Marco Gonzales, Triston McKenzie, JP Sears and Matt Waldron are all fighting for the final spot. The Padres Reacts Survey question to Gaslamp Ball readers for this week, is who takes the fifth and final rotation spot.
Corbin Carroll, who is returning from Hamate surgery, is using an axe-handle bat to help protect his hand now that he is returning to Spring Training action.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cubs have clearly built this year’s team to be a strong contender, adding Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera to the cast that won 92 games and took the Brewers to the limit in a division series.
Yes, Kyle Tucker’s gone, but the team will also have a full year of Cade Horton and hopefully improvements from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw, among others. The team is seen by many as a favorite to win the NL Central.
So with two weeks to go before Opening Day, how do you think this Cubs team is set for 2026? How many games will they win?
Fill out the survey below and I’ll have the responses later this week.
The Memphis Grizzlies look to make it eight straight wins against the Dallas Mavericks tonight.
Even with Dallas on an eight-game losing skid and wrapping up a gruelling six-game road trip, my Mavericks vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks have the visitors finally breaking a couple of lengthy slides on Thursday, March 12.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies prediction
Mavericks vs Grizzlies best bet: Mavericks -5 (-110)
The Dallas Mavericks have lost five straight on this trip, with double-digit losses in four of them.
It’s part of a bigger skid, where they’ve gone an NBA-worst 2-18 over the last 20 games, averaging just 109.8 points per game.
But road-weary bodies still beat unhealthy ones, and the Memphis Grizzlies, who’ve also dropped five straight, will be without their leading scorer, rebounder, and assist man, as Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Ja Morant are all sidelined.
Plus, Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., and Ty Jerome are all doubtful.
Dallas will avoid a four-game regular-season series sweep.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Rookie Cooper Flagg has scored just 12 points in each of the two games he’s played against Memphis and has scored sub-20 points in four straight since returning from a foot injury.
That hasn’t affected his rebounding effort, though, as he’s picked up at least eight boards in each of his last three games.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies SGP
Mavericks -5
Cooper Flagg Under 21.5 points
Cooper Flagg Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Flagg Bearer
Let’s stick with the rook as we build out a monster SGP that pays out at +2100.
Flagg has hit at least one triple in three of four games since returning from injury.
And while his scoring has been down, he’s been keeping his teammates well fed, doling out at least six assists in three of his last four games.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies SGP
Mavericks -5
Cooper Flagg Under 21.5 points
Cooper Flagg Over 6.5 rebounds
Cooper Flagg Over 0.5 made threes
Cooper Flagg Over 5.5 assists
Mavericks vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Mavericks -5 (-110) | Grizzlies +5 (-110)
Moneyline: Mavericks -205 | Grizzlies +170
Over/Under: Over 239.5 (-110) | Under 239.5 (-110)
Mavericks vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have only hit the Moneyline in 12 of their last 40 games (-20.45 Units / -38% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Mavericks vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, FDSN SE-Memphis
Mavericks vs Grizzlies latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
