Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Nick Castellanos’ days in Philadelphia appear numbered.
The veteran outfielder remains on the Phillies’ roster, “but there is no locker in the clubhouse for him,” per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.
The Phillies told the 33-year-old outfielder “not to report to the team’s complex this week,” Gelb added, as they look to get off his contract.
Castellanos is expected to be traded or released “in the next two days.”
Nick Castellanos of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 6, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
It’s been a long winter for Castellanos, who was reportedly on his way out of Philly in October shortly after the team was eliminated by the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
That was all but confirmed after the Phillies signed Adolis Garcia, leaving little room for a player like Castellanos on a roster full of other slow-footed sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
Last season, Castellanos, who turns 34 next month, posted full-season lows with a .250 average and an on-base percentage of .294.
The two-time All-Star also posted a career-worst negative-1.0 WAR.
He is due $20 million in 2026 in the fifth and final year of his $100 million pact with the Phillies.
Castellanos also appeared to be butting heads with manager Rob Thomson during the season.
Nick Castellanos of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
After Castellano was pulled from a late August game for the slick-fielding Harrison Bader, he appeared to call out Thomson, saying there was “no conversation” about the move.
In June, Castellanos was benched one game for an “inappropriate comment” to Thomson after getting taken out of a game against the Marlins.
Castellanos has consistently ranked as one of the worst outfielders in baseball, sitting in a tie for last with Schwarber in terms of outs above average (minus-39) over the past five seasons.
The Detroit Red Wings haven't had a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman since the days of Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom patrolling their blue line. Lidstrom won the award seven times, most recently in 2011.
However, that drought has a significant chance of ending this season.
Defenseman Moritz Seider has all the tools to firmly be in the conversation as one of the NHL’s best at his position.
Seider currently leads all Red Wings defensemen in ice time and points while contributing in every situation. He also carries a team-best plus-13 rating.
While the current odds-on favorite to be named the Norris Trophy winner is Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Seider is giving him a healthy dose of competition.
During a recent episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, hosts Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette were joined by Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and the conversation turned to Seider.
"We mentioned a month ago, the season he's having," Whitney said of Seider. "And I said, 'I don't know if there's been a defenseman as close to Chris Pronger the way Moritz Seider is playing right now....he's mean, he's enormous."
“Are you seeing some characteristics that you had in your game out of him?” Whitney asked.
Bissonnette followed up: “And is he a No. 1 at this point?"
"At this point, yes," Pronger responded without hesitation before delving deeper into the characteristics that he feels a top NHL defenseman should have.
The top defensive pairing of Seider and Edvinsson has been at the top of the NHL this season and has been a key part of Detroit's advantageous position in the standings at the time of the Olympic break.
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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman recently pushed back on the popular notion of "running it back" in 2026, arguing their latest roster -- fully stocked with familiar names and faces from a brief ALDS exit last season -- has the requisite makeup of a championship contender.
But the months-long argument about Cashman's architectural work and attitude means very little to Jazz Chisholm Jr. Whether or not the club is truly starting fresh with a rotten plan, he's on board with the group assembled and unbothered by the front office direction.
"We're running it back because, at the halfway point, we thought we built a team that was going to go to the World Series," the Yankees infielder said on Wednesday down in Tampa. "We still believe that, wholeheartedly. I don't see a problem with running it back with four MVPs on your team."
Not too long ago, Chisholm's future with the Yankees was somewhat in doubt. He was mentioned in base-level trade rumors during the offseason, and while he avoided arbitration last month with a one-year, $10.2 million contract, he's currently slated for free agency after the 2026 season.
It's still unclear if the Yankees envision a long-term relationship with Chisholm, but the two-time All-Star is coming off a highlight year. As their primary second baseman, he slashed .242/.332/.481 with a career-high 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 130 games, finishing as one of just seven players to produce a 30-30 campaign in 2025. He also earned Silver Slugger honors.
When asked about his personal goals for 2026, Chisholm set the bar rather high -- with his own twist on the "running it back" topic.
"Basically, the same personal goals I have every season. Go out there, win MVP, and go win a World Series," he said. "I can make as much money as I want, but if I don't have the MVP, I'm not going to be satisfied. That's more important than that."
Yankees pitchers and catchers officially reported to camp on Wednesday, and the first full-squad workout of spring training is scheduled for Thursday.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Queens, NY. (Corey Sipkin...
Zack Wheeler appears to be a fan of spare ribs.
The Phillies ace and former Mets starter revealed Wednesday that he kept a rib that doctors removed during a September procedure on his right shoulder.
Wheeler missed the end of the 2025 season due to a blood clot and thoracic outlet syndrome. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The 35-year-old ultimately underwent two separate procedures.
“You have to do a bunch of stuff to [the rib], so I guess it doesn’t decay,” Wheeler told reporters at BayCare Park in Clearwater, Fla., noting that Phillies head trainer Paul Buchheit helped “preserve” the bone.
“I just have it sitting in the house.”
The first procedure was thrombolysis performed by Dr. Paul DiMuzio at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in late August. Weeks later, he underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery with Dr. Robert Thompson in St. Louis, per The Athletic.
The second surgery required the removal of his first rib near the right shoulder.
Wheeler, who spent his first five MLB seasons with the Amazin’s, was asked exactly where the rib resides now that he has it.
“It’s in my closet,” a laughing Wheeler said. “It’s just in a case.”
The right-hander said Dr. Thompson typically waits about a month before returning surgically removed body parts to patients, but expedited the process in his case.
“He gave it to me in a bag,” Wheeler added. “It was pretty gross.”
Wheeler has said he will retire at the end of his current contract. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The blood clot and subsequent TOS procedure were a scary ordeal, but Wheeler’s recovery is going well.
While Wheeler will not be ready by Opening Day, team president Dave Dombrowski expects the three-time All-Star to be ready soon thereafter.
“I don’t think it’s going to be long that he’ll be ready,” Dombrowski said Tuesday, according to The Athletic.
Before the injury, Wheeler was in the midst of another spectacular season, sporting a 10-5 record with a 2.71 ERA in 24 starts.
Wheeler will be vital to the Phillies’ postseason aspirations, but his days in Philadelphia appear numbered.
Months before the blood clot, Wheeler said he would retire at the end of the three-year, $126 million extension he signed in March 2024 — even if he’s still an elite pitcher.
“Doesn’t matter. No,” Wheeler said at the time. “It’ll be easy to walk away.”
There are dominant performances, and then there are alien invasions.
On Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, Victor Wembanyama didn’t just beat the Los Angeles Lakers — he dominated the game. Wembanyama, affectionately known as “The Alien,” a nickname given to him by LeBron James, scored 40 points in just 26 minutes while James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic watched from the Lakers bench.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama goes up for a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers. APJJ Redick stands on the court during a timeout against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
By the time the Spurs finished dismantling the Lakers 136-108, the only suspense left was whether Wembanyama would remain in the game long enough to go for 50. He wouldn’t.
Lakers head coach J.J. Redick didn’t bother with coach-speak afterward. He went straight to the truth:
“He’s one of the five best players in the world,” Redick said. “He’s put that stamp on himself. To me, it’s more than the counting stats with him because there’s such an avoidance of him defensively, and there’s an awareness you have to have with him defensively.”
That word — avoidance — says everything.
NBA defenses don’t guard Wembanyama. They orbit around him. They tilt entire schemes in his direction. He scored 25 in the first quarter alone, slicing through double-teams, stepping into threes, finishing above the square as if gravity were optional.
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At 7-foot-4 with guard skills and a defensive radius that swallows space whole, Wembanyama bends the geometry of basketball. He’s not just producing All-Star numbers; he’s reshaping the league as we know it.
The San Antonio Spurs no longer have a rising star. They have a global force. And after nights like this, even opposing coaches are forced to admit what the league already knows: the future isn’t coming.
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers will be shorthanded again on Wednesday night hosting the New York Knicks.
After being listed as questionable throughout the day, Joel Embiid has been downgraded to out for the contest due to right knee injury management. Embiid was also sidelined for this reason on Monday when the Sixers fell to the Portland Trail Blazers to close their road trip out west.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported on social media Wednesday evening that Embiid had reported soreness in the knee after the Sixers’ win over the Suns this past Saturday. He adds that the soreness has decreased but treatments would continue through the upcoming All-Star break.
Joel Embiid is out tonight against the Knicks due to right knee injury management, sources told ESPN.
Embiid reported some soreness in his knee after the Suns win Saturday. The soreness has decreased, but he won’t play today, and will continue treatment through the break.
This is the first time since Dec. 19 and 20, 2025, that Embiid has missed two games in a row. He hasn’t missed a game other than to rest one leg of each back-to-back since Dec. 28 and has been playing tremendous ball in that time, averaging 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists across 18 games.
Before the game, head coach Nick Nurse said that he reported soreness in the right knee after their win over the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 7.
“It’s bothering him enough that he’s not playing, I think it is improving a little bit,” Nurse said, “but just not quite there enough to get out there tonight.”
Nurse also went on to say that there isn’t a ton of concern over this, but clumped Embiid in with the group of guys it will be good to have a week off with the impending All-Star break.
Quentin Grimes has also been downgraded to out for Wednesday after being listed as questionable throughout the day for illness. Dominick Barlow, however, is good to go after being listed as questionable for illness earlier alongside Grimes. Both Grimes and Barlow were sidelined for the loss to the Trail Blazers.
Another shorthanded one for the Sixers… this time against the no. 3 team in the Eastern Conference. Should be fun!
The Sixers and Knicks tip off from South Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. ET.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 09: Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves loses the ball as he drives against Gabe Vincent #4 of the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Target Center on February 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Hawks 138-116. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (26-29) look to turn around fortunes tonight against the Charlotte Hornets (25-29), who are missing two starters due to their involvement in fisticuffs.
Starting lineup:
PG Dyson Daniels
SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker
SF Zaccharie Risacher
PF Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSNSE)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network app, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
The desert sun hasn’t even fully stretched over Camelback Ranch yet, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto is already working on his follow-through.
Not on a bullpen mound. On a tee box.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during game two of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Center on October 25, 2025. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers player Yoshinobu Yamamoto tries his hand at golf. reddit/DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers player Yoshinobu Yamamoto tries his hand at golf. reddit/Dodgers
As Dodgers pitchers and catchers report to spring training this Friday, video surfaced of the 2025 World Series MVP taking smooth, deliberate cuts on an Arizona golf course. The right-hander’s swing—compact, explosive, balanced—looks eerily familiar. The torque through his hips mirrors the whip in his delivery. The finish is pure Yamamoto, and it put’s Charles Barkley’s golf swing to shame.
“Our MVP has an amazing golf swing as well!” one Dodgers fan raved on Reddit, summing up what the internet quickly decided—Yamamoto doesn’t really do anything halfway.
Los Angeles Dodgers player Yoshinobu Yamamoto tries his hand at golf. reddit/Dodgers
Of course, he’s not alone. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is a known golf addict. Catcher Will Smith and shortstop Mookie Betts can often be found chasing birdies from Scottsdale to Southern California when the schedule allows. A Yamamoto-Roberts-Smith-Betts foursome suddenly feels inevitable, a World Series-caliber scramble waiting to happen.
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Los Angeles Dodgers World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto holds his trophy as teammates celebrate their win in Game 7 of baseball’s World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. AP
Last October, Yamamoto owned the biggest stage in baseball. He went 3-0 in the 2025 World Series, allowing just two runs across 17.2 innings. He threw a complete game in Toronto in Game 2. He forced a Game 7 with a Game 6 victory. Then, on no rest, he delivered 2.2 scoreless innings of relief in Game 7 to secure the title—and his MVP trophy.
It finally appeared as if Othmann was building on momentum at the NHL level. After a hot stretch in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Othmann was called up and played in 10 consecutive games for the New York Rangers.
Sullivan was also giving the 23-year-old forward more opportunity, playing him in a third-line role while also slotting him on the second power-play unit.
In the Rangers’ final game leading into the Olympic break, Othmann was scratched out of the lineup.
At first thought, the wide sentiment was that Othmann was scratched due to CBA rules regarding his eligibility to be assigned back to Hartford during the Olympic break.
However, Mike Sullivan made abundantly clear that this wasn’t his reasoning for holding him out of the lineup.
Sullivan also didn’t shy away from the fact that Othmann’s play hasn’t necessarily met up to his standards thus far.
“I think there are elements of his game that have to continue to improve in order for him to establish himself as an NHL player,” Sullivan said of Othmann.
In 16 NHL games this season, Othmann has recorded just one point despite his slightly increased role.
As of right now, Othmann still hasn’t been sent down to the AHL, but it’s still entirely possible he does before the Rangers resume play on Feb. 26.
With the Rangers in the process of “retooling” the roster and more trades likely in the pipeline, Othmann should get another opportunity in the NHL this season.
There’s still a level of trust that Othmann has yet to build with Sullivan that may hold him back from earning a permanent spot in the lineup, even despite the Rangers’ emphasis to give young players a chance.
“You're still trying to earn, and you're still trying to build a little bit of trust from the coaching staff,” Othmann said. “I'm still trying to build trust. I'm still trying to learn.”
MADRID (AP) — Real Sociedad won 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao in a Basque Country derby in the first leg of the semifinals of Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Beñat Turrientes scored the winning goal from close range in the 62nd minute at San Mames Stadium. The return leg will be in March.
Sociedad, playing in its third straight Copa semifinal, is trying to reach the final for the first time since it won the competition in 2019-20 for its third title.
Athletic, playing in its sixth Copa semifinal in seven seasons, won the title in 2024 against Mallorca, and was runner-up to Barcelona in 2020-21 and to Sociedad in 2019-20.
Athletic hasn't won in its last four matches against Sociedad after having won two in a row. It has 24 Copa trophies, behind only the 32 of Barcelona. Real Madrid is third in the list, with 20 Copa titles.
On Thursday, Atletico Madrid hosts defending champion Barcelona in the first leg of their semifinal. Barcelona has reached the Copa’s last four in four straight seasons. Atletico is in the semifinals for the third straight season, having last reached the final when it won the competition in 2019-20.
Athletic made it to the semifinals thanks to Iñaki Williams's winner six minutes into stoppage time in a 2-1 at Valencia. Sociedad made it to the last four by winning 3-2 at Alaves.
The Dodgers have reloaded with Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker, but Mariners superstar Julio Rodriguez isn’t exactly shaking in his spikes over the way Los Angeles has retooled this offseason.
The Seattle outfielder chatted with The California Post during Super Bowl week, and while he said he admired the way the Dodgers approached free agency after winning their second-straight World Series title, he likes the Mariners’ chances against the MLB’s overwhelming 2026 favorite.
Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez spoke with The California Post while out in San Francisco during Super Bowl week. Getty Images for Fanatics
“I think we’re going to size up really well on the field,” Rodriguez said of how the Mariners match up with LA. “That’s where we’ll do all the talk.”
The Dodgers return almost every key player from their championship roster, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
On top of that, they opened up their wallet to lock in Diaz and Tucker, giving them a lineup that former MLB player Eric Chavez said “might be the best team ever constructed.”
Julio Rodriguez and the Mariners nearly played the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
But Rodriguez said out in San Francisco that he’s welcoming of the challenge, should the Dodgers ultimately stand in the way of the Mariners earning their own ring.
“I think they’re doing something good,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like they’re investing where they need to invest. They want to be able to compete. I think it’s going to be really exciting to face them this next season.”
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Burnley were dead and buried. Trailing 2-0 to the £48m striker Jørgen Strand Larsen’s first goals for Crystal Palace after half an hour, it looked inevitable that Scott Parker’s side would match their club‑record 17-match winless run in the top flight that dates all the way back to 1890.
Yet after all the misery since their last victory in October, everything changed in the space of seven scintillating minutes just before half-time. Burnley hit back through Hannibal Mejbri, Jaidon Anthony and an own goal from Jefferson Lerma to record only a second away win of the season since being promoted. It keeps alive their slim hopes of survival, although Parker will know it will take several more results like this to conjure up the greatest of escapes.
Manchester City’s week is moving along sweetly, this win closing the gap to three points to Arsenal, who travel to Brentford on Thursday. On Sunday, they defeated Liverpool at Anfield, on Wednesday they downed Fulham at home to reel off a 20th consecutive victory against them.
The rosiest moment for the title challengers was Erling Haaland’s 39th‑minute strike, a first in the competition from open play in nine games, though more concerning was his removal at the break, when City led 3-0.
A calf injury earlier in the season bumped Victor Wembanyama down the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds boards, but Wemby has rebounded to regain to the top spot. DPOY odds boards show Wemby with a -280 price to win the coveted award. Chet Holmgren (+270) is still firmly in the mix.
Find more NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds and analysis below.
🏀 NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds
Below is a look at NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (-280) is the current favorite.
Here are some trends to keep in mind when betting on NBA DPOY:
This is historically a big man's trophy. 18 of the past 21 winners, and 33 of the 43 overall, have been centers or power forwards. This includes last year's winner, power forward Evan Mobley.
No DPOY winner's team has ever missed the playoffs.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year history
Year
NBA DPOY winner
2024-25
Evan Mobley
2023-24
Rudy Gobert
2022-23
Jaren Jackson Jr.
2021-22
Marcus Smart
2020-21
Rudy Gobert
2019-20
Giannis Antetokounmpo
2018-19
Rudy Gobert
2017-18
Rudy Gobert
2016-17
Draymond Green
2015-16
Kawhi Leonard
2014-15
Kawhi Leonard
2013-14
Joakim Noah
2012-13
Marc Gasol
2011-12
Tyson Chandler
2010-11
Dwight Howard
2009-10
Dwight Howard
2008-09
Dwight Howard
2007-08
Kevin Garnett
2006-07
Marcus Camby
2005-06
Ben Wallace
2004-05
Ben Wallace
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 5: Anfernee Simons #2 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles up court during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 5, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chicago Bulls (24-29) at Boston Celtics (34-19) Wednesday, February 11, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #54, Home Game #27 TV: NBCSB, Chicago Sports Network, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 104.3 The Score, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Chicago Bulls for the third, and final, game between them this season. The Celtics won the first game in Boston 115-101 on January 5. They lost the second game 114-111 in Chicago on January 24. The Celtics won the series 3-1 last season. The Bulls haven’t won the season series with the Celtics since 2020-21. The Celtics have won 8 of the last 10 games against the Bulls. The Celtics are 138-111 overall all time against the Bulls and they are 79-40 in games played in Boston.
The Bulls didn’t change much in the off season, but they made 7 trades at the trade deadline so this Bulls team is very different from the one the Celtics faced in January. They traded Nikola Vucevic to Boston for Anfernee Simons. They traded Emanuel Miller for Dario Saric, who they traded with Kevin Huerter for Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley. They traded Conley and Coby White for Collin Sexton and Ousmene Dieng. They traded Dieng for Nick Richards. They traded Dalen Terry for Guerschon Yabusele. They traded Ayo Dosunmo and Julian Phillips for Leonard Miller and Rob Dillingham.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 5.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. By virtue of the Knicks loss to the Pacers, the Celtics are half a game ahead of 3rd place New York, 1.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 2.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 4 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 5.5 games ahead of 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 23-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 17-9 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They lost their last game after winning the previous 5 games.
The Bulls are 11th in the East. They are 16 games behind 1st place Detroit, 6.5 games behind 6th place Philadelphia, 3.5 games behind 8th place Miami and 1 game behind 10th place Charlotte. They are 1.5 games ahead of 12th place Milwaukee. They are 16-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 9-18 on the road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They have lost their last 5 games.
This is the 3rd game of a 3 game home stand. They beat Miami in come from behind thriller in the first game and lost the 2nd game in a lackluster effort against the Knicks on Super Bowl Sunday. This game takes them into the All Star Break. After the break, they will head out on a 4 game Western road trip through Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix, and Denver.
This is the Bulls final game before the All Star break also. After the break, they will have a 7 game home stand where they will host Toronto, Detroit, New York, Charlotte, Portland, Milwaukee and Oklahoma City. After the home stand, they head out on a 5 game Western road trip through Phoenix, Sacramento, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum remains out as he rehabs from the Achilles tear he suffered in last year’s playoffs against the Knicks. Sam Hauser missed Monday’s game due to lower-back spasms and is available for this game. Neemias Queta is also available after being probable due to a sprained ankle. I would guess that Baylor Scheierman would get the start at shooting guard unless Joe goes with the double bigs again.
For the Bulls, Zach Collins (toe) and Noa Essengue (shoulder) are both listed as out. Josh Giddey is doubtful for this game with a hamstring injury and will likely sit out his 8th straight game. Tre Jones is also doubtful for this game with a hamstring injury and will miss his 11th straight game. Jalen Smith is also doubtful for this game and is expected to miss his 3rd straight game with a calf injury. Isaac Okoro is questionable due to knee soreness.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Anfernee Simons
Derrick White | Getty ImagesAnfernee Simons | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Nikola Vucevic Jordan Walsh 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje
Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Neemias Queta (ankle) available Sam Hauser (back) available Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Bulls Reserves Rob Dillingham Leonard Miller Nick Richards Collin Sexton Patrick Williams
2-Way Players Yuki Kawamura Mac McClung Lachlin Olbrich Injuries/Out Zach Collina (toe) out Noa Essengue (shoulder) out Josh Giddey (hamstring) doubtful Tre Jones (hamstring) doubtful Jalen Smith (calf) doubtful Isaac Okoro (knee) questionable Head Coach Billy Donovan
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Anfernee Simons Simons returns to the TD Garden where just a week ago , he was playing for the Celtics. He is averaging 14.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. In his last game with the Bulls on Monday, he finished with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 block while shooting 58.8% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc. Hopefully he gets a nice welcome from the Celtics fans and then forgets how to play basketball.
Sam Hauser vs Matas Buzelis Buzelis is averaging 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1 block while shooting 56% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him well as he can get hot and put up points quickly. Honorable Mention Payton Pritchard vs Collin Sexton Sexton is a key player off the bench for the Bulls as Pritchard is key for the Celtics off the bench. Sexton is averaging 14.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc. He is coming off a game where he finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal while shooting 38.9% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. Pritchard struggled in Sunday’s game and he rarely struggles 2 games in a row.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always a key to winning. The Celtics are 10th in the league with a defensive rating of 112.7. The Bulls are 26th with a defensive rating of 117.4. The Bulls are 19th with an offensive rating of 113.6 while the Celtics are 2nd with an offensive rating of 120.0. The Celtics need to get a strong defensive effort from every player on the court and they need to make defense a priority for all 48 minutes with no slacking off. The Celtics need to guard the 3 point line as the Bulls attempt 40.1 threes per game (7th) and they make 14.7 threes per game (7th). The Celtics also need to defend the Bulls in the paint as they are 5th with 52.6 points in the paint per game.
Rebound – The Celtics must box out and crash the boards. They can’t score without the ball and it will take extra effort on their part to beat the Bulls on the boards. The Celtics are averaging 45.4 rebounds per game, which is 8th in the league. The Bulls are averaging 44.9 rebounds per game, which is 11th. The Celtics have to put out more effort to get to the rebounds before the Bulls and give themselves extra possessions and limit those possessions for the Bulls. Don’t Underestimate – The Bulls have a lot of new faces on their team and are working on building chemistry with their new players. They also will likely be missing 5 players and have lost their last 5 games and 8 of their last 10 games. However, the Celtics can’t underestimate them and expect to come into the game and coast to a win. They need to Play hard and stay focused and not expect to win without putting in the effort.
Three Point Shooting – The Celtics often shoot 3s at a historic rate but there are times when their shots just aren’t falling, like against the Knicks on Sunday. In that game, the Celtics shot just 7-41 (17%) from beyond the arc. The Celtics are 2nd in the league, taking 43.1 threes per game. The Bulls are 7th, taking 40.1 threes per game. The Celtics need to focus on taking good shots and they need to move the ball so as to get open shots. If the 3s aren’t falling, as they weren’t on Sunday, they need to get to the basket or take mid-range shots.
X-Factors Bounce Back at Home – The Celtics are at home and will have the crowd behind them to give them extra motivation. This is the final game before the All Star break and the Celtics should want to go into the break with a win to bounce back from that terrible game against the Knicks . The Bulls have all the distractions of playing on the road including travel, staying in hotels, playing in front of a hostile crowd and on an unfamiliar court.
Officiating – The officiating is always an x-factor. Sometimes a crew will call the game tight and blow a whistle on every play. Other times they will let them play and let the game get physical. Sometimes they will favor one team over the other and other times they will call it even. Sometimes they are just bad. The Celtics need to adjust to the way the game is called and not let missed calls or bad calls affect their focus. If the calls go against them, they just need to play harder to make up for them and not waste time arguing with the officials.
