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Ranking MLB's best lineups for 2026 playoffs: Who's built for October?

The Chicago Cubs scored more runs than anyone in baseball this year and their offense is still the strongest in the field by both raw production and park-adjusted numbers. Even with Alex Bregman questionable after taking a foul ball to the face.

Milwaukee has the best record in baseball, but fewer home runs than any other team playing in October, and by a wide margin.

The Yankees have as much raw power as anyone in this field, and none of it will matter much if Aaron Judge isn't healthy enough to be in the lineup, and right now, there's no guarantee he will be.

The Dodgers have more star power in one lineup than anyone else in the sport, if Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith and Kyle Tucker are all healthy by the time it matters, which right now, they aren't.

And Houston might have the single best hitter of any team in this field, Yordan Alvarez, an MVP candidate having one of the best seasons in baseball, attached to a team still fighting just to make the playoffs.

1. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs led all of baseball in runs scored heading into the final week, with the best raw production and the best park-adjusted offense in the entire playoff field. Pete Crow-Armstrong is having an MVP-caliber season, hitting around .280 with 40-plus home runs, stolen bases and elite center field defense. Seiya Suzuki has been a steady power threat in the middle of the order all year. Bregman, one of the lineup's most productive hitters, uncertain at least for the wild-card series after suffering multiple facial fractures on a foul ball on Sept. 20. He's hopeful to play in the final weekend, but even a return for the NLDS if the Cubs advance would be remarkable. Even missing a piece of its lineup for at least the first round, this remains the most complete offense of the 13 teams playing in October.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers rank second in both raw production and park-adjusted offense, but the number that matters most right now is how many of their best hitters have played healthy together lately. Shohei Ohtani, having an MVP-caliber year at the plate, has been on the injured list with a right biceps issue since Sept. 8, with his return timeline still uncertain. Will Smith broke his hand on a foul tip and is doubtful for the rest of the regular season. Kyle Tucker, brought in on a massive free agent contract, has struggled this season and now has a knee contusion. Mookie Betts missed time early with an oblique injury and struggled out of the gate before rebounding over the second half. Freddie Freeman has hit well most of the year, but the Dodgers have been managing a knee issue with occasional rest days down the stretch. If the Dodgers get their top hitters back in the same lineup or October, it can be the best in baseball. If they don't, it's a different story.

3. Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee's lineup produces, ranking second among the league leaders in runs scored. What it doesn't do is hit home runs. The Brewers have the fewest as a team of any of the 13 playoff contenders, and by a wide margin. That's not a new problem. It's the same offense that got exposed in a four-game NLCS sweep last October, when the Brewers scored one run a game, and hit .118, the lowest average in a postseason series of at least three games in MLB history. Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang are legitimate table-setters, both with real power and on-base skills. Christian Yelich has been streaky but he caught fire in September. A league-best record covers for a lot. It hasn't fixed the power problem that ended last October.

4. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have the best team batting average in baseball at .259, but their power ranks in the bottom half of the league. Junior Caminero is the exception, a legitimate star with well over 40 home runs and one of the better OPS marks on the roster. Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda round out a solid top of the order. The bottom of the lineup is where this offense breaks down. Taylor Walls has struggled to get on base all year, and Jorge Mateo has been overmatched at the plate since Tampa Bay acquired him in August. A contact-oriented, low-strikeout approach has carried this offense to the best record in the American League. It won't matter is the bottom third of the order can't produce a run in October.

5. Houston Astros

Houston's raw numbers are strong, ranking among the top half of these 13 teams without the park inflation that flatters some of the offenses ranked above it. Yordan Alvarez is a legitimate MVP candidate, hitting over .300 with 40-plus home runs and one of the best OPS marks in the sport. Isaac Paredes and Jeremy Pena have both had solid seasons at the plate. The lineup's depth thins out fast beyond that group, and Carlos Correa's season-ending ankle surgery didn't help. Houston is fighting Texas for the AL West with the season almost over.

6. Boston Red Sox

Fenway Park is a good fit for hitters, and Boston's offense shows it. What looks like a top-half offense turns into almost exactly league average once the park adjustment strips it down. Willson Contreras, one of the best hitters on the roster, is the real deal regardless of ballpark. Wilyer Abreu has added real power to the lineup. Roman Anthony, one of the sport's top young players, missed nearly four months with a wrist injury and only returned in late August, a wild card for October readiness. Last year's trade that sent Rafael Devers to San Francisco left this lineup without a true middle-of-the-order force, and a full season and an offseason later, Boston still hasn't fully replaced it. Boston made the playoffs with this offense. It never got better than league average doing it.

7. Atlanta Braves

Matt Olson has been the engine for Atlanta all year, with 40-plus home runs and one of the better OPS marks on the team, but the offense around him tells a story similar to Boston's, a below league average unit once you adjust for park effects. Austin Riley is having down year following abdominal surgery, a real drag in the middle of the order. Ronald Acuna Jr. missed large chunks of the season to hamstring injuries but has been red hot in September. Atlanta clinched the division anyway. A below-average offense with a struggling third baseman doesn't leave much room for error once October starts.

8. New York Yankees

The Yankees have real thump, one of the best home run totals among these 13 teams, and among the best walk rates, and they built it largely without a healthy Aaron Judge. He fractured a rib in early June and didn't return until mid-September, then lasted barely a week before landing back on the injured list Sept. 18 with a right calf strain, an injury to the soleus muscle that's especially hard to play through. He's expected to miss the wild card series, maybe longer, with no guarantee he's back at all this postseason. Ben Rice has emerged as a legitimate offensive engine on his own and this lineup has already proven for most of the season is can produce without Judge in it. Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are complementary pieces, not lineup-carriers, and how much longer this offense can keep doing it without its best hitter is the real question entering October.

9. Chicago White Sox

Chicago's lineup is solid without being special, a bit above league average overall. Miguel Vargas and Chase Meidroth are both legitimately good complementary pieces. Colson Montgomery supplies real power, but strikes out more than almost anyone in the American League and was hit on the wrist by a pitch this month, his status uncertain for the stretch run, This offense performs about the same against left-handed and right-handed pitching, a rare balanced trait, but it doesn't have a true middle-of-the-order star to build around. A wild-card spot secured mostly on pitching and defense means this lineup will need to be better than its regular-season numbers suggest.

10. Texas Rangers

Texas ranks near the bottom of these 13 teams in raw production, though the underlying quality is a little better than the raw numbers show. The bigger issue is the profile, a high strikeout rate and a low walk rate, the kind of free-swinging approach that can get exposed against good bullpens. Corey Seager is a shell of the hitter he was a year ago after multiple injury absences. Marcus Semien is gone, traded to the Mets for Brandon Nimmo, a step down offensively. Josh Jung and Justin Foscue have picked up some of the slack. A division lead built mostly on pitching now has to hold up with a diminished lineup behind it.

11. San Diego Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill give this lineup a genuine top of the order, both with real power and speed. The raw numbers actually undersell this offense a little once you adjust for pitcher-friendly Petco Park. Manny Machado is in real decline, his power intact but his contract and on-base skills collapsed. The bigger problem is depth. Luis Rengifo tore his ACL, Gavin Sheets and Ramon Laureano have both been out for weeks, and San Diego is filling its bench with September call-ups. Fighting for the final postseason spots, this offense doesn't have much margin to make up for its own injuries.

12. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have gone from a top-10 power team through July to one of the coldest in baseball since August, a real, documented power collapse. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, among the leaders in home runs, remain excellent. Trea Turner has been a different problem all together, mired in one of the worst slumps of his career the last few weeks. A team that spent most of the summer near the top of the National League in offense is now clinging to the last wild-card spot with a lineup that's cooling off at the worst time.

13. Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland's full-season numbers are the worst of any team in this ranking. The Guardians have been genuinely better lately, an above-average offense since early August, led by a resurgent Steven Kwan. Jose Ramirez, normally the offense's best player, is having the worst year of his career since returning from a hamate fracture. Cleveland is in first place on pitching and defense. A better recent stretch doesn't erase a season of being one of the least productive offenses in baseball.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking MLB's best lineups for 2026 playoffs: Who's built for October?

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NBA power rankings as training camps open for 2026-27 season: Who will compete for Finals?

It’s that time of the year.

A hectic NBA offseason full of blockbuster trades and player movement has concluded as training camps have started to slowly open. Teams playing international preseason games are already reporting to camps. Practices will soon follow, and then preseason games, and soon enough we will be tipping off the regular season openers in a month.

This also means that it’s time to turn the page on last season. So while the New York Knicks are indeed the reigning NBA champions, every team is starting with a clean slate, and last year’s results really don’t matter all that much. It’s all about who is set up to win the 2027 NBA Finals.

With NBA training camps opening within the next week, here are the USA TODY Sports NBA preseason power rankings:

NBA offseason power rankings: Nos. 30-21

30. Milwaukee Bucks, 32-50 (regular-season record in 2025-26)

What will life look like post-Giannis? Probably some early pain, but Milwaukee will need to see which of its young players are pieces for the long haul.

29. Sacramento Kings, 22-60

Sacramento still seemingly lacks a clear direction. It's not quite building for the future or in position to compete. And perimeter defense is still projected to be a nightmare.

28. Brooklyn Nets, 20-62

Julius Randle adds another veteran presence to a roster that badly needs it, but the Nets won’t compete unless young, recent draft picks take serious steps forward.

27. New Orleans Pelicans, 26-56

Another team that doubled down on its current roster construction, the Pels could take a jump … but they need health and cohesion to do so. And those, right now, are big ifs.

26. Memphis Grizzlies, 25-57

It’s a new day in Memphis, with culture-shifting moves now complete. This youth movement may take some time.

25. Los Angeles Clippers, 42-40

Now with the Kawhi Leonard drama behind them, the Clippers can move forward. But because they’ve been stripped of draft picks, it could be years before this team seriously competes in a tough Western Conference.

24. Washington Wizards, 17-65

The Wizards could see a bump this season, but they’re unconventionally constructed. A lot will depend on Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and whether they can complement the rising stars on the roster, namely No. 1 overall selection AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr.

23. Dallas Mavericks, 26-56

It’s Cooper Flagg’s team, and a full season of growth and stability at point guard with Kyrie Irving returning should elevate his game even further.

22. Charlotte Hornets, 44-38

The Hornets are a little tricky to interpret and project. They posted something of a breakout season last year, but traded away two of their top performers, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, in culture-shifting moves. They’re all-in on shooting, but they could potentially see a regression if attempts don’t drop.

21. Golden State Warriors, 37-45

The Warriors had a stagnant offseason, but they still have Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler should eventually return from his torn anterior cruciate ligament. Load management will be crucial for this team full of aging vets.

NBA offseason power rankings: Nos. 20-11

20.  Chicago Bulls, 31-51

This is a team that could surprise. New coach Tiago Splitter should inject plenty of speed and versatility into Chicago’s offense, which is suddenly balanced with Norman Powell offering some scoring punch, Josh Giddey anchoring creation and No. 4 overall rookie Caleb Wilson potentially emerging as a star.

19. Portland Trail Blazers, 42-40

What this team needs is stability. Three different coaches since the start of last season is not a recipe for success. But the Blazers are looking to revive the career of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard is a veteran presence.

18. Utah Jazz, 22-60

The Jazz are no longer in tank formation and have an intriguing blend of young talent and veteran leadership. Utah is a candidate to post the biggest differential in wins this year versus last, and No. 2 overall selection Darryn Peterson should bring plenty of play-making.

17. Phoenix Suns, 45-37

The Suns are flying under the radar and will hope to see the full benefits of a Devin Booker-Jalen Green backcourt, now that Green is once again healthy.

16. Orlando Magic, 45-37

New coach Sean Sweeney’s main task will be to revitalize an offense that struggled at times to cohere with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as its stars. Consistency with perimeter shooting is also paramount.

15. Atlanta Hawks, 46-36

Atlanta was the biggest surprise in the East last season. Now with an identity and core in place, a bump in perimeter scoring could be the key to go even further.

14. Indiana Pacers, 19-63

The team to watch here is the Pacers. They’re returning Tyrese Haliburton, will have Ivica Zubac anchoring the middle and should be plenty motivated. They could even rise to the top of the conference if coach Rick Carlisle allows the offense to flow with pace and efficiency.

13. Detroit Pistons, 60-22

They led the East in the regular season but collapsed in the playoffs because Cade Cunningham simply didn’t have help on offense. It doesn’t help that Jalen Duren’s contract dispute is stretching this deep into the offseason.

12. Toronto Raptors, 46-36

Toronto feels like a team that could creep into the top third of the East if Kawhi Leonard stays healthy. He and Scottie Barnes create an intriguing duo that excel on both offense and defense.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers, 52-30

The Cavaliers’ addition of Peyton Watson boosts their chances, but this feels like the last shot for this build to prove it can compete for a championship. The Cavs finally got out of the second round of the postseason but were swept in the conference finals. With jobs on the line, perhaps even including coach Kenny Atkinson’s, that alone won’t be enough.

NBA offseason power rankings: Top 10

10. Boston Celtics, 56-26

The Celtics took a calculated gamble. But there’s no way to spin that Jaylen Brown is a massive loss, even if Boston didn’t want to pay him long-term. Either way, the Celtics need Derrick White to bounce back from his down season.

9. Denver Nuggets, 54-28

Strapped for salary cap space, the Nuggets had to make some difficult choices. Losing Peyton Watson will sting, but Denver looked slow and old during the playoffs, when it was bounced in the first round. The Nuggets absolutely need Christian Braun to bounce back and players like Spencer Jones and Cameron Johnson to develop further. This is a window to win that may be shrinking — and quickly.

8. Miami Heat, 43-39

The defense will be the identity and the Heat should continue their emphasis of fast-break offense. But any time you add a top-10 player (top-5?) there are plenty of reasons to be excited. No team has been better at reinventing itself on the fly than the Heat, who have one of the game’s premier tacticians in Erik Spoelstra.

7. Los Angeles Lakers, 53-29

It’s now Luka Dončić’s team, and Austin Reaves will be the clear No. 2. But can the role players provide enough of a spark to keep the Lakers competitive?

6. Houston Rockets, 52-30

The Rockets are an interesting case; they’re getting Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams back from injury, and VanVleet is the key piece. Houston could not find consistent play at point guard, and he should fill that void instantly.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves, 49-33

Credit the Timberwolves for understanding that running it back simply wasn’t going to get it done. Now, Anthony Edwards has a sidekick who can create his own offense in LaMelo Ball. And with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota has enough to mask Ball’s defensive deficiencies.

4. Philadelphia 76ers, 45-37

The clear winners of the offseason, the 76ers suddenly have the best starting five in all of basketball. Getting LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to assimilate and the health of Joel Embiid will be the big priorities in training camp and beyond.

3. San Antonio Spurs, 62-20

They have all the talent in the world and are young enough to keep improving, provided they learn from their mistakes in the NBA Finals. Mistakes like relying far too much on the perimeter shot and taking their foot off the gas. But with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all 22 years old or younger, the future is incredibly bright in San Antonio.

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball between Julian Champagnie #30 and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 05, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

2. New York Knicks, 53-29

The Knicks are the kings of the NBA, but recent history shows how challenging it is to repeat; the last team to do so was the Warriors in 2018. New York does have its core in place, but the East got much deeper.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 64-18

Out West, the conference does feel top-heavy, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio as the clear, established threats. But the Thunder are entering the season healthy, after injuries derailed them in the Western Conference finals. While key role players like Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins have moved on, no team has been better than the Thunder at getting young players to step up.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA power rankings as training camps open for 2026-27 season: Who will compete for Finals?

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Who's on the NHL coaching hot seat during the 2026-27 season?

The 2025-26 NHL season showed that a coaching change could happen at any time.

The Vegas Golden Knights fired Bruce Cassidy with eight games left in the season and John Tortorella took the team to the Stanley Cup Final. He wasn't brought back after the run as the Golden Knights promoted American Hockey League coach Ryan Craig.

The New York Islanders fired Patrick Roy with four games and brought in Peter DeBoer, who will lead the team this season.

Tortorella, Cassidy (assuming the Golden Knights give permission), Kris Knoblauch and others are among the former coaches who could step in if a change needs to be made.

So which coaches could be on the hot seat this season? USA TODAY looks at four possibilities:

Todd McLellan, Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are still looking for a full-time general manager, and that person will determine McLellan's future. He has only been with the team for one-plus seasons of their 10-year playoff drought, but the Red Wings did fade down the stretch last season.

Sheldon Keefe, New Jersey Devils

New general manager Sunny Mehta kept Keefe on and gave him more scoring depth. As always, the Devils' success depends on Jack Hughes' health. Plus, is the goaltending strong enough? A slow start could spell trouble for Keefe.

Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets

Arniel has a built-in excuse for a slow start because award-winning goalie Connor Hellebuyck didn't report to the team amid a trade request. But the Jets, even with Hellebuyck, went from the 2024-25 Presidents' Trophy to out of the 2026 playoffs.

Andrew Brunette, Nashville Predators

Like Keefe, he has a new general manager (Chris MacFarland) who upgraded the team. Brunette showed an 18-point improvement in his second season, but he's in the final year of his contract.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who's on the NHL coaching hot seat during the 2026-27 season?

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Have Arsenal been figured out? Three big questions after Brighton’s upset

This week, we dive into the big questions surrounding the most surprising result of the Premier League weekend

Before this past weekend, Arsenal had not lost in the Premier League since April. Nine straight league wins had been enough to crown the Gunners as champions at the end of last season and firmly establish them as the team to beat early this season.

Against Brighton on Saturday, though, the team to beat were beaten. Thoroughly.

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Flyers Depth Chart 2.0: The Halfway Point of Training Camp

With two preseason games left to play, the Philadelphia Flyers have officially reached the halfway point of their 2026 training camp, and after the latest round of roster cuts, we have a pretty good idea of where everyone stands now.

Suffering back-to-back blowout losses to Washington and Boston on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, many of the bubble players did themselves no favors.

Many journeymen have already been shipped off to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms' training camp, and prospects like Ty Murchison and Hunter McDonald simply ran out of runway with the shortened training camp and preseason.

As a result, the Flyers' final roster, at least for opening night, is virtually set, with only the likes of Cole Knuble, Jett Luchanko, Oliver Bonk, David Jiricek, Helge Grans, Carl Grundstrom, Jacob Gaucher, and Nikita Grebenkin fighting for the last few spots.

With the roster now greatly reduced in size, we can take our first guess at some line combinations, too.

Forwards

Porter Martone - Trevor Zegras - Owen Tippett

Denver Barkey OR Alex Bump - Christian Dvorak - Matvei Michkov

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Travis Konecny

Nikita Grebenkin OR Denver Barkey - Sean Couturier - Noel Acciari

Carl Grundstrom - Jett Luchanko - Cole Knuble

Zach Aston-Reese - Jacob Gaucher - Noah Powell

Nolan Foote - Jack Studnicka - Danila Klimovich

Garrett Wilson - Riley Thompson - Devin Kaplan

Rationale

This is more or less what I expect opening night to look like, depending on Denver Barkey (lower-body) and Nikita Grebenkin (upper-body). Carl Grundstrom, with his speed and versatility, is very clearly the 14th forward if the Flyers choose to go 14-7-2 for their roster distribution.

I don't see a fit for Alex Bump in the bottom-six, so it's top-six or bust in my eyes. His shaky camp thus far leaves his grip on a roster spot tenuous at best, though the injury situation currently works in his favor.

Jett Luchanko has had a quietly strong preseason and training camp, and while he will probably never be a high-flying scorer, he has shown capable of supporting more dynamic wingers with his speed and style of play. Mikael Granlund could be an interesting high-end comparison for him. If any of the centers have to miss time, Luchanko will be on the roster.

In the event of injury, expect Cole Knuble to be one of, if not the first man up. The number of wingers the Flyers have makes it a hard cut, but it's to no fault of his own. I've wondered that, if Barkey has to miss time, the Flyers utilize injured reserve to make a roster spot and give Knuble a few games of experience.

Everyone below that fifth line has been mostly unimpressive or shouldn't see an NHL game short of a calamitous rash of injury, though Noah Powell has raised his stock considerably in the last few weeks. If Powell continues to follow this upwards trajectory, he could be an interesting future fourth-liner with a laser of a shot to contribute some offense.

Defense

Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen

Cam York - Jamie Drysdale

Nick Seeler - David Jiricek

Simon Benoit - Oliver Bonk

Hunter McDonald - Helge Grans

Ty Murchison - Spencer Gill

Cam Dineen - Andrew Perrott

Rationale

To this point, nobody has stood out enough, good or bad, to win or lose a spot. David Jiricek and Oliver Bonk have both been spotty defensively, but Jiricek has the superior physical tools and talent, and his inability to pass back and forth from the AHL without requiring waivers works in his favor.

Simon Benoit is, for now, the seventh defenseman, though he has not exactly been impressive this preseason at either end of the ice. Hunter McDonald could usurp him by the end of the season, if not earlier, with a strong run of form in the AHL.

Ditto for Ty Murchison, who had a rough turnover in the loss to the Bruins on Tuesday that lead to a goal. For now, the edge goes to McDonald, whose physicality is virtually unmatched, even at the NHL level.

Objectively, Helge Grans is still alive in the fight for a roster spot, though I feel that Spencer Gill has been the strongest performer of all of the bubble defensemen throughout camp.

Losing two years of development to injury has hurt his case, though the 2024 second-round pick has shown capable of holding his own.

In our last depth chart, I mused that the Flyers would have Gill stay the entire season in the AHL to develop, but I no longer think it's outright impossible for him to play an NHL game this season if the circumstances necessitate it.

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What changes can the Pirates make to get over the hump?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 12: Ryan O'Hearn #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 12, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates are about to complete their best season in a decade, but it’s still far short of their goals to compete for a World Series. Though this year is coming to a close for the Buccos, there are several things they can try to do next season to finally get them over the hump and back into the playoff picture.

Consider a pitching coach change

The rotation of the Pittsburgh Pirates was supposed to be their marquee position group in 2026, but instead it fell as flat a pancake on the griddle. There were too many stretches this season where the Pirates’ starters could not get things going. Ace Paul Skenes was uncharacteristically inconsistent, citing that his involvement in the World Baseball Classic may have hindered his outings during the year.

“Usually, that time of year, you’re kind of ramping up and it’s a little bit slow. You can kind of get onto the slope and find your body,” Skenes said. “One live [batting practice], you’re topping at 97 [mph], and then the next you’re 98, 99. And that wasn’t the case this year. … Looking back, I don’t think that really helped.”

The Carmen Mlodzinski saga did not help matters either, and when it was apparent that he wasn’t going to be in the rotation longterm, he too fell apart. Bubba Chandler did not effectively build on his experiences as a rookie last season to improve this season and was largely average for the Pirates, while veteran Mitch Keller looked outmatched and over the hill throughout the year before landing himself on the IL.

The bullpen of course was a disaster all year round too, and only got slightly better after some very aggressive moves at the trade deadline. However, that would prove to be too little too late as the pitching staff began to watch their wheels fall off. First year Pirates’ pitching coach Bill Murphy was not a welcomed addition to the Pirates’ staff, following the organization’s decision to not bring back Oscar Marin. Murphy’s squad blew 16 saves and was all over the place. This group, specifically the starters, is far too talented to have taken such a large step backwards since last season. Perhaps the Pirates would be best suited with another man at the helm of the pitching staff.

Find a consistent presence at catcher

The Pirates have tried, tried and tried again to find their every day catcher for years now. The writing should be more clear than it is, but they really need to think about cutting ties with someone like Henry Davis. Although he’s arguable the best defensive catcher on the team, he’s been and continues to be a liability on offense, to the point where part of the team’s strategy is to get him to bunt instead of pulling balls.

Despite the struggles, General Manager Ben Cherington envisions a future where Davis, Rafael Flores Jr. and Endy Rodriguez are all on the Pirates’ roster and being key contributors .

“We believe all three can be primary catchers on a Major League team,” Cherington said of Davis, Flores and Rodríguez. “The offensive side of Henry’s game hasn’t been at the level we anticipated it would be. It doesn’t mean it won’t get there. We see a guy who’s not striking out, who’s hitting the ball hard and generally making contact. Sometimes guys like that are only an adjustment or two away from putting up much better numbers. We all know the defensive side of his game is a strength.“Flo has come up and really looked like a big piece of the lineup offensively. He’s done some really good things defensively, too. … We see it as a strength going forward. I just hope that group of three continues to challenge each other.”

Now not every catcher is going to be hitting in the .300s like Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno, but Davis hitting .169 is a serious problem. There are enough talented catchers in Major League Baseball these days where there’s no need to keep an anchor attached to your roster. Undoubtedly the organization is trying to at least break even on the former first overall pick, but his defensive prowess might not be enough to keep Davis on as a Bucco.

Remain aggressive on the market

This team is close. At the very least, the Pirates are far closer than they’ve been in a long time. A lot of 2026’s success is a result of last winter. They made a splash trade for Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum with Tampa Bay. They signed Ryan O’Hearn to a multi-year contract. It is imperative that the front office keep their feet on the gas pedal and not dial back and settle into old ways.

The Pirates need to add one more above average hitter to their everyday lineup. If they can find another hitter in the trade market or free-agency that can deliver on a 20-25 home run season, that instantly puts the team in a far better situation moving forward. If they can add another veteran presence while also resigning Brandon Lowe, 2027’s squad could enter as one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball.

Not to mention this young core is already looking like one that with enough time can grow into something very exciting. Konnor Griffin could be a generational superstar, Esmerlyn Valdez has emerged as a serious power threat at the plate, and Nick Gonzales quietly performed far beyond expectations in 2026. This is not the time for the Pirates to blow things up or to stay stagnant. With one or two more pieces, this team can build off of this season accordingly and take this platform to the next level in 2027.

What do yinz think the Pirates should do to get over the hump? Let us know in the comments!



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Pens Points: Columbus Calling

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 22: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) smiles before the preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings on September 22, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Game three of the Pittsburgh Penguins preseason slate is scheduled for later this evening as they head west to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be the first of two road preseason games, with the second coming on Saturday in the preseason finale. Most importantly, the countdown to the regular season is now under a week with the Penguins set to take on the Philadelphia Flyers in just six days time. Until then, it’s roster battles galore as the preseason moves along.

Pens Points…

Tonight’s roster in Columbus doesn’t feature any of the big names, but given who will be making the trip, it will make for some interesting position battles to keep an eye on. Sergei Murashov is the only goalie of note chosen for the game so expect him to get all 60 minutes of action. [Pensburgh]

A good chunk of the Penguins opening night lineup is already set, but there are a few spots still on offer with more bodies competing for those spots than are available. Through two preseason games, some players have made a better case than others to grab one of those openings. [Pensburgh]

A handful of players we know will not be making the roster were cut from camp on Wednesday, though none were a surprise. Six players, all defensemen, were sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton while fellow defenseman and 2026 draft pick Tomas Galvas was loaned back to his Czech club. [Pensburgh]

Another notable cut from the training camp roster was goaltender Taylor Gauthier. The longtime ECHL goalie with the Wheeling Nailers will be placed on waivers and assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. [Trib Live]

Kaeden Korczak will be one of the new faces in a Penguins uniform this season after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights. Still only 25 years old, Korczak is hoping to make an immediate impact with the Penguins and show he was worth taking the risk. [Penguins]

It’s starting to feel like now or never for Rutger McGroarty and he’s very aware the clock is ticking. Coming off a year where he battled injury but had a solid AHL campaign, the young forward is ready to prove he belongs as a full time NHL player. [PPG]

Another situation where you could say it’s now or never for the player is defenseman Owen Pickering. Drafted in the same first round as McGroarty, Pickering knows he has to make a statement and show he can play consistently at the highest level. [Trib Live]

NHL News and Notes…

One of the most controversial moves across the NHL this offseason was the Edmonton Oilers hire of Mike Babcock as the team’s new head coach. When asked his opinion on the matter, Oilers legend Mark Messier was not afraid to mince words on where he stands. [ESPN]

There’s going to be predictions made for every team as the season nears, some plausible and some going out on a limb. Doesn’t matter which team you are, they’re all hoping to make the good predictions come true. [Bleacher Report]

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Should the Yankees activate a recovering Aaron Judge in the playoffs?

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees looks on during the singing of the national anthem prior to Game 1 of the ALCS presented by loanDepot between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Monday, October 14, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

I do feel a little bad for Ben Rice and Ryan McMahon. Yes, Tuesday’s nightcap rendered yesterday’s Yankees/Rays game largely irrelevant, but these guys are still playing for pride out there. Rice zoomed into a tie for the American League lead in homers, joining a trio of others at 41, and McMahon showed signs of life with the bat for the first time in what’s felt like ages, driving in a run with a single before curling a grand slam around the right-field foul pole. The Yankees are so desperate for something from third base that they’re probably going to give the inexperienced Anthony Volpe a look in at least a one or two of these final few games; McMahon needed to show signs of life.

But no, none of the game stories from the Yankees’ 9-2 win on Wednesday matter much. So, Aaron Judge. On Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone said that he didn’t expect the captain to be available for the Wild Card Series. Pretty reasonable, considering that almost all calf strains take a few weeks to recover from and he only hit the IL effective September 17th. However, the man wants to play in the Wild Card Series even with a busted calf! In fact, he disputes that the strain that Boone described as “moderate” is not exactly, well, moderate. “What’s moderate for others is not moderate for me,” he essentially says.

In Yankee days of yore, conflict between players, managers, and the front office was far from unusual. They didn’t call it “the Bronx Zoo” because of Sparky Lyle’s sometimes-walruslike mustache (though it was luxurious). Compared to both then and what you occasionally see in other leagues, it’s nothing. In the post-Derek Jeter vanillassance days though, this is what passes for acrimony. And at minimum, it is a storyline to follow as Tuesday’s Game 1 of the Wild Card Series creeps closer.

The Yankees will have until early Tuesday to finalize their roster. So is there a world where it even makes sense to put Judge on there, even if he’s compromised? Despite the man’s insistence, I think that it is safe to say there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that he’s going to be in tip-top shape, let alone manning his customary right field. But could it still make sense to throw him on there?

It’s a tough situation because if this was another year, then there might be a possibility to hide him at DH, even if he can’t run (which: no, don’t try that Aaron). Even with his pal Giancarlo Stanton injured and trying for his own long-shot bid, the DH spot is occupied by a legitimate option. Ben Rice is tied for the AL home run lead and is fairly locked in there Luis García Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt sharing time at first base in a platoon-ish role. Rice is Rice, García has 27 homers against righties, and Goldy has a .990 OPS against southpaws. Obviously, healthy Judge is better than all of them, but that’s not who we have. As much as I like the guy, it’d be foolish to start the guy who most recently hit .174 off the IL with K’s in over half his at-bats over any of them. I really believe that.

There is one possibility where it could maybe work. Judge can’t start, sorry. He might have merit as a pinch-hit option, lurking in the background for the Red Sox to consider in any late-game moment. By the numbers, no, he wouldn’t be much of a challenge. And yet it’s extremely difficult for pitchers to square that thought with staring down No. 99 in the batter’s box. It’s harder than one would think to simply throw strikes, let alone when a three-time MVP is hitting. Even the threat of him looming on the bench could mess with the right coach’s strategy.

So suppose you buy into this. Is there roster space for him? I think it might get tight if we’re in later round, but one could squint and see it for the best-of-three Wild Card Series. You really don’t need that many pitchers if you have three real starters. And even if you throw in the three most reliable relievers (David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Brent Headrick) as well as both the fourth and fifth starter and some flyers on other arms, you’ll still be covered. The bench is bigger and teams sometimes even carry a third catcher for this. Is this wild card of Judge being intimidating in the box and on the bench worth the trade-off for a designated pinch-runner, extra utilityman, or a J.C. Escarra cameo? Maybe. Maybe.

The concern is that playing it too fast and loose with these gambles could have consequences on Judge’s 2027 if this turns into something really bad (and the soleus muscle is a tough one). The man’s not young at this point in baseball terms. The safest path is indeed probably just to tell him to take it easy. He won’t, but that’s why tough decisions have to get made. Although everyone wants to have their Kirk Gibson Pinch-Hit Moment, far more often than not, it’s just not in the cards.

What do you think?

Today on the site, Madison will run through the Rivalry Roundup as we officially bid farewell to one particular nemesis from last year. Nick will argue why potentially missing Judge for the Wild Card Series shouldn’t doom the Yanks, Jonathan will celebrate the birthday of a South Side fan favorite who closed out his career in the Bronx, and Peter will break down some excellent work from Carlos Rodón for his Sequence of the Week.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Time: 7:05 p.m.

TV: YES Network, Rays.TV

Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

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YouTube Gold: From Navy To San Antonio, David Robinson Was Brilliant

David Robinson #50, Center for the San Antonio Spurs prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on 2nd December 1994 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon, United States. The Portland Trail Blazers won the game 104 - 92. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Allsport/Getty Images) | Getty Images

David Robinson was never supposed to be a star. A high school nerd, Robinson was one of the last great sleepers. His college coach, Paul Evans, recruited him to Navy because he was 6-6 and had big feet.

Seriously. He thought Robinson’s feet suggested that he was going to grow some more, and at the time, Navy had a height limit. Getting a taller player in would have been a real coup.

He never expected to get a 7-1 Hall of Famer, but that’s what Robinson turned into.

He soon emerged as a surprise talent at Navy, and in 1986, only Duke kept the Middies from the Final Four, knocking Navy out in the Elite Eight.

In the NBA, he went toe-to-toe with players like Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Ultimately, he also played on the Dream Team and won two NBA championships before having his #50 retired by the San Antonio Spurs.

Later, his son Justin became a preferred walk-on at Duke, where he was a fan favorite and was emerging as a critical player for the Blue Devils just as Covid hit.

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The 2026-2027 NBA Season should be make-or-break for Rockets Ime Udoka

Do you have to play sports to understand them?

It’s a question at the center of too many bad internet debates. “I bet you don’t even play ball.”

Does that matter?

Where is the line? Is the worth of an opinion weighed by the level of basketball? A D1 rec league player is allowed to comment on the NBA, but D3 is out?

It’s an ad hominem. The opinion is independent of the opinion holder. Still, we plebeians ought to remember that we don’t always know. There’s something strange, optically, about a high school social studies teacher publicly declaring that an NBA head coach ought to have one more season to prove his worth. Yet, here goes:

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka should only have one more season to prove his worth.

Rockets’ Ime Udoka has been a strong coach

It won’t be an unpopular opinion in these quarters!

You guys really, really don’t like Udoka. Opinions vary, yes, but the consensus leans heavily in one direction.

Perhaps my eyes don’t work so well. I’m not as low on Udoka. I think he’s, at a minimum, a top-15 coach in the NBA:

But creeping into the upper half isn’t a sound approach to job security as an NBA head coach.

We should all agree that Udoka is a strong defensive coach. There’s been some dispute over the extent to which he relies on lineups to bolster that defense. It’s been argued that if he can’t scheme around Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard, his defensive success is less about acumen and more about putting good defenders on the floor.

It could also be argued that God his -or-her self could not design a scheme that protects Sengun and Sheppard at the same time. Udoka has proven his ability to maximize Sengun on that end of the floor. His inability to draw blood from a stone should not discredit his ability to smelt iron from one.

It’s Udoka’s offensive know-how that’s rightly questioned; however, the numbers do not support that line of questioning. In Udoka’s two seasons at the helm, the Rockets ranked twelfth (114.9) and eighth (117.5) in Offensive Rating.

So, on paper, the question becomes “What are we even talking about?” Udoka has hovered around a top-ten offense in two consecutive seasons, and a top-five defense in each (sixth in 2024-25, fifth in 2025-26). If that’s enough to get his seat hot, almost every coach in the NBA should be developing back problems from constantly standing.

So what are we doing?

Rockets’ Ime Udoka’s seat should be getting hot

For Udoka critics, it’s less about the offensive results and more about the process.

Last year’s 36.3% Offensive Rebounding % was the highest in the NBA by a country mile. The gap between Houston and the second-place Portland Trail Blazers (33.2%) was roughly the same as the gap between the Blazers and the eighth-ranked Charlotte Hornets (30.8%).

In 2024-25, the recipe was rebounding and turnover repression – in the vernacular of the youth, “possession maxxing”. Last year, Fred VanVleet was out, but Kevin Durant replaced Jalen Green offensively, so the recipe was tweaked – more turnovers, but better shots, and the same offensive rebounding dominance.

In theory, 2026-27 could combine the best of both worlds. The Rockets will be formidable:

But if they don’t escape the first round, it’s a moot point.

That’s the real reality of Udoka’s situation. If a coach is eliminated in the first round in three straight seasons, the “why” is less relevant than the “what” – you fire them.

Those process-focused critics will argue that Udoka’s approach is not playoff-viable. The data is on their side, although the causation is unclear. It could easily be argued that other variables have hurt the Rockets’ playoff success.

In 2024-25, it made sense for an aging dynasty to beat an unproven upstart. The Rockets ran into the Warriors, triggering PTSD for every Rockets fan who was not born roughly yesterday.

Last year was both simpler and more complicated. Durant played one game. That’s worth noting, but injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves mitigate that excuse. Getting beat by Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart was a bad look. At least Smart is a Rocket now:

So prepare yourself for his shooting regression.

What if everyone had been healthy? Could Houston have exploited Reaves defensively to such an extent as to offset his offensive ability? Would Doncic have carried the day, or would Durant overcome him down the stretch? We don’t know; we can’t know; we won’t know.

Here’s what we do know: Udoka has one more season. It doesn’t matter where you land on him. It doesn’t matter if his offensive approach has playoff viability.

Frankly, his iso-heavy approach, paired with an insistence that his team outworks the other team, feels more playoff-friendly than some kind of elaborate system anyway, but if it doesn’t yield playoff results, it doesn’t matter. When you lose in the first round for three consecutive seasons, you lose your job:

It doesn’t matter what any of us think.

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Golden State Warriors season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The Golden State Warriors enter the 2026-27 season as an afterthought to some but are one of the more profound sleeper teams in the league. Golden State returns with practically the same roster from last season, only adding their 2026 draft picks and a couple free agent signings.

The Warriors battled extensive injuries throughout the previous season and managed to sneak into the NBA Play-In Tournament, but failed to make the playoffs, losing in an elimination game for the No. 8-seed to the Phoenix Suns. It was just the second time since their 2022 championship that they missed the postseason which brought questions whether it was the last dance.

The only players remaining from their four-title dynasty that began in 2015 are Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr and all could have been gone this offseason after expiring contracts. Kerr contemplated retirement last year, but he's in for two more years. Green is back for another season and talks to ensure Curry retires a Warrior have already started. It might not be the last dance, but this is surely, the final act.

With an eerily similar roster, Golden State are putting emphasis on team-chemistry but they remain one of the deadlier threats on one contingency – maintaining health. Jimmy Butler missed 44 games with a torn ACL injury last season, while Moses Moody is recovering from a patellar tendon tear in his left knee that caused him to miss the final 22 games. Curry was out 27 games last year with jumper's knee. They answered questions at center by acquiring versatile big man Kristaps Porzingis in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, but he played on minute-restrictions as he recovered from earlier injuries and illness. Still, his natural fit, and the need to fill the position, was every reason for the Warriors to sign him to an extension this offseason.

Golden State has perennial "what-if" potential and there's belief within the organization that – if healthy – there is a path to a championship.

Here's a breakdown of the Golden State Warriors' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Golden State Warriors offseason review

  • Record last season: 37-45 (10th in Western Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Lost in NBA Play-In Tournament, No. 8-seed elimination game
  • Coach: Steve Kerr (13th season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +6600 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 41-41
  • Offseason grade : F

Key roster additions

  • G Brandon Williams (free agent signing)
  • F Georges Niang (free agent signing)
  • F Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
  • F Lajae Jones (No. 56 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)

Key roster losses

  • C Quinten Post (free agent, Warriors decline offer)
  • F Pat Spencer (free agent)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can the Warriors remain healthy enough to compete?

  • The Warriors have a variety of questions to answer: will rookie Yaxel Lendeborg have an immediate impact? will Brandin Podziemski get a new contract? how will new additions fit-in? how consistent can this supporting cast be? However none of those questions the Golden States faces are larger than the question of their health. Last year, despite all the setbacks, they managed to squeak into the Play-In tournament. The likelihood of aging superstars being 100% by April takes some luck, simply put. If the Warriors are healthy, you can place them on the court with anyone and there's belief they have a chance to win.

Warriors forward Draymond Green, right, celebrates with guard Stephen Curry during the first half against the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Stephen Curry
  • G Jimmy Butler (ACL) - Expected by early 2027
  • F Yaxel Lendborg
  • F Draymond Green
  • C Kristaps Porzingis

Rotation players

  • G Brandon Williams
  • G Brandin Podziemski
  • G Gary Payton II
  • G De'Anthony Melton
  • F Gui Santos
  • F Georges Niang
  • C Charles Bassey
  • C Al Horford

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Warriors have potential to be in the mix for a Western Conference postseason berth on the strength of returning players and building on team chemistry. But first they have to get there through enduring a grueling 82-game season that's already starting without key guys, Butler and Moody. It expected that Curry will do what he's capable of doing, even still at 38. The Warriors will only go as far as Curry can take them but their focus will be on everyone else. How guys acclimate to Kerr's system, where else offensive production comes from and the little details defensively is how success will appear in the Bay Area. In the meantime, getting – and staying – healthy is the Warriors' No. 1 priority.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Warriors season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Minnesota Timberwolves season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

There’s something to be said about a team that understands a change, one potentially with risks, needs to happen.

The alternative would be stagnation, and the Minnesota Timberwolves went into this offseason clearly determined to avoid that at all costs.

The focus was on generating more offensive creation and shot opportunities outside of All-NBA shooting guard Anthony Edwards, who has been the face of the franchise. So Minnesota traded away Julius Randle and Naz Reid in separate deals, both clearing up cap space and adding former Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who will have to embrace efficiency in Minnesota.

Will that be enough for the Timberwolves to get over the hump?

Here's a breakdown of the Minnesota Timberwolves' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

TIMBERWOLVES: Sign free agent Jonathan Kuminga. What deal means

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Minnesota Timberwolves offseason review

  • Record last season: 49-33 (6th in Western Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Eliminated in conference semifinals (2-4, against Spurs)
  • Coach: Chris Finch (sixth season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +2500 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record: 55-27
  • Offseason grade: B

Key roster additions

  • G LaMelo Ball (trade)
  • F Jonathan Kuminga (free agent signing)
  • F Cody Williams (trade)
  • F Trey Lyles (free agent signing)
  • G Isaiah Evans (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

  • F Julius Randle (trade)
  • F Naz Reid (trade)
  • G Mike Conley (free agency)
  • F Kyle Anderson (free agency)
  • G/F John Konchar (waived)

Biggest question entering training camp

How will LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga reshape Minnesota’s offense?

In the past three seasons, the Timberwolves have reached the conference finals twice. Last year, they failed to get out of the second round. Each time, the opposing team did the same thing: they threw extra bodies and double teams at Anthony Edwards, forcing him to be more of a facilitator than a pure scorer. Minnesota’s other players, however, could never generate enough offense to propel the Timberwolves through. Now, Edwards will have other outlets who can create offense, most notably LaMelo Ball, who should take over ball-handling duties. Ball can also create his own shot, though he was a high-volume option in Charlotte. Here, he’ll need to be more selective, and free agent addition Jonathan Kuminga is another threat who can slash to the rim. Both players are defensive liabilities, though the Timberwolves have enough in Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels to mask those deficiencies. The big question, however, lies on offense, and whether Ball and Kuminga (and guard Ayo Dosunmu, who shined in the playoffs) can take enough pressure off of Edwards.

Guard Anthony Edwards (5) and LaMelo Ball (1), shown here during a March 5, 2025 game, are teaming up with the Minnesota Timberwolves after a blockbuster trade.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G LaMelo Ball
  • G Anthony Edwards
  • F Jonathan Kuminga
  • F Jaden McDaniels
  • C Rudy Gobert

Rotation players

  • G Ayo Dosunmu
  • G Terrence Shannon Jr.
  • F Joan Beringer
  • G Donte DiVincenzo (injured)
  • G Isaiah Evans
  • G Bones Hyland
  • F Cody Williams
  • F Enrique Freeman
  • C Rocco Zikarsky
  • F Jaylen Clark

What to expect in 2026-27 season

A team taking chances to break through. Look for Minnesota to scheme up ways for LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu to get easy offense. In theory, that should allow Anthony Edwards to both conserve energy and pick his spots. Furthermore, if teams continue to double Edwards, that should give him plenty of viable options to knock down shots. Minnesota’s defense may take a bit of a step back, but an increase in shooting productivity makes the Timberwolves an interesting team to watch. But with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and other teams looming in the West, the path won’t be easy. The Timberwolves do deserve some credit, however, for understanding they needed to make tweaks to stay competitive, especially if they were unwilling to pay Julius Randle. One role that remains up for grabs is sixth man, where Naz Reid had shined. Could that become a spot for Dosunmu? Or, perhaps Kuminga, if he becomes a reserve? Either way, the Timberwolves will need a spark off the bench.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Timberwolves season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Philadelphia 76ers season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

It’s a new era for the Philadelphia 76ers.

After making the playoffs eight of the last nine seasons — but failing to get past the second round in each of those trips — the Sixers overhauled their front office and roster to seriously contend for an NBA championship.

It started with the May 12 dismissal of former president of basketball operations Darryl Morey. Then came Morey’s replacement, Mike Gansey, who had plenty of experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was Gansey’s ties to LeBron James — and the team’s splash acquisition of Jaylen Brown — that lured James away from Los Angeles for the chance to compete for a title.

The Sixers were the clear winners of the offseason. What comes next?

Here's a breakdown of the Philadelphia 76ers' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

PHILADELPHIA 76ers SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Philadelphia 76ers offseason review

  • Record last season: 45-37 (7th in Eastern Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Eliminated in conference semifinals (0-4, against Knicks)
  • Coach: Nick Nurse (fourth season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +850 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 62-20
  • Offseason grade : A

Key roster additions

  • F Jaylen Brown (trade)
  • F LeBron James (free agent signing)
  • F Dean Wade (free agent signing)
  • G Anfernee Simons (free agent signing)
  • G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (free agent signing)
  • C Ariel Hukporti (free agent signing)
  • G Labaron Philon Jr. (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

  • F Paul George (trade)
  • C Andre Drummond (free agency)
  • G Quentin Grimes (free agency)
  • F Kelly Oubre Jr. (free agency)
  • C Johni Broome (trade)
  • F Trendon Watford (free agency)
  • G Dalen Terry (waived)

Biggest question entering training camp

Will this superteam gel, and is it built to win a title?

  • If there was one team that went all-in this offseason, it was the 76ers, who made massive splashes with their trade for five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown and their signing of NBA icon LeBron James. And with that, suddenly, the Sixers have the best starting lineup in the Eastern Conference, from top to bottom. The issue with superteams is that players are forced to sacrifice and alter their traditional styles of play. That might mean Brown taking on a far smaller usage share, or James limiting his jumpshot attempts in favor of play-making. The reality is that there may be a learning curve and period of assimilation. To be clear: this is a good problem for coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers to have. But expectations — both internal and external — will be sky-high, as these moves were clearly made to deliver a championship, which would be Philadelphia’s first in 44 years. The other question lingering within this larger question is whether star center and former MVP Joel Embiid, who has played just 96 of a possible 246 games (39%) across the last three seasons, can stay healthy.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) passes the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Dec. 25, 2024.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Tyrese Maxey
  • G VJ Edgecombe
  • F Jaylen Brown
  • F LeBron James
  • C Joel Embiid

Rotation players

  • F Dean Wade
  • G Anfernee Simons
  • G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • G Labaron Philon Jr.
  • C Adem Bona
  • C Ariel Hukporti
  • F Dominick Barlow
  • F Justin Edwards

What to expect in 2026-27 season

A team that is making a push for a championship. The 76ers are all-in and will have to incorporate new star players Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. It will also be interesting to see how Tyrese Maxey’s role changes with all this; in the games Embiid missed last season, Maxey took on a massive offensive responsibility. As long as the Sixers embrace movement and sharing the ball, the offense should prove to be incredibly difficult to defend. The issue for Philadelphia will be on the other side of the court; the 76ers may struggle to defend opposing offenses. Another thing the 76ers should do is limit the regular-season workloads of James and Embiid, the latter of whom seemingly has worked to get in excellent shape this offseason. Philadelphia may very well end up with the top seed in the East. The real test will be what the Sixers do in the postseason.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Philadelphia 76ers season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Detroit Pistons season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The Detroit Pistons were an overwhelming success last season, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference. But a discouraging playoff exit in the conference semifinals and an unnerving offseason have tempered expectations heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.

Cade Cunningham is back as a legitimate MVP candidate capable of carrying the Pistons to another strong regular season. The front office also tinkered with his supporting cast while embroiled in a prolonged contract standoff with All-Star center Jalen Duren. Detroit addressed its lack of outside shooting by trading for former Oklahoma City Thunder sharpshooter Isaiah Joe and added forward John Collins as a replacement for veteran Tobias Harris.

There are lingering questions after the Pistons couldn't replicate their regular-season performance in the playoffs as to whether the roster is good enough to match or even approach what they did a season ago, reaching 60 wins for the first time in 20 years. Duren's status looms large for the franchise's trajectory, but Detroit should remain a dangerous threat in the Eastern Conference as long as Cunningham is healthy.

Here's a breakdown of the Detroit Pistons' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

DETROIT PISTONS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Detroit Pistons offseason review

  • Record last season: 60-22 (1st in Eastern Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers in conference semifinals
  • Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (3rd season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +3000 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record: 45-37
  • Offseason grade: B-

Key roster additions

  • G Ebuka Okorie (No. 17 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
  • G Isaiah Joe (trade)
  • G Gary Harris (trade)
  • F John Collins (trade)
  • F Taurean Prince (trade)
  • C Ugonna Onyenso (No. 53 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)

Key roster losses

  • G Caris LeVert (trade)
  • G Marcus Sasser (trade)
  • F Tobias Harris (free agent)
  • F Isaiah Stewart (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can the Pistons find common ground with Jalen Duren?

  • Jalen Duren's playoff performance last year failed to match his breakthrough 2025-26 regular season and that dynamic has complicated contract extension negotiations with the Pistons. Duren is a restricted free agent who, as of Sept. 17, had yet to even sign a qualifying offer from Detroit, with reports indicating mutual interest with the Sacramento Kings. The Pistons are taking an understandable approach with Duren given his limitations, but their ceiling this season and beyond is considerably lower without their All-Star center.

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons during Game 3 of their NBA playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 9, 2026.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Cade Cunningham
  • G Isaiah Joe
  • G Ausar Thompson
  • F John Collins
  • C Jalen Duren

Rotation players

  • G Daniss Jenkins
  • G Duncan Robinson
  • G/F Kevin Huerter
  • F Ron Holland III
  • F Taurean Prince
  • C Paul Reed

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Pistons have the fifth-best NBA title odds among Eastern Conference teams entering the preseason, but there remain doubts about whether their offseason moves improved the team enough. Cunningham's emergence as one of the league's best players gives this team a high floor and should keep Detroit among the top six in the East. Advancing past the conference semifinals this year will depend on how the front office sorts out its differences with Duren and whether Joe or Collins emerges as a viable third option.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Pistons season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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Orlando Magic season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Paolo Banchero hit an overtime game-winner in Brooklyn in January. Three months later he dropped 38 points on 14-for-25 shooting in a Game 7, and the Orlando Magic still lost by 22.

That gap, between what Banchero can do alone and what happens when nobody else shows up, cost coach Jamahl Mosley his job.

Orlando let Mosley go in May and hired Sean Sweeney, who arrived with a defensive reputation and a mandate to fix an offense that has finished 19th or worse in efficiency three consecutive years. Then the Magic did essentially nothing else. President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said in the spring that the summer would be quiet, and it was. Nikola Vucevic came back on a minimum deal. Jonathan Isaac and Jevon Carter re-signed on minimums. Moritz Wagner left. That's the offseason.

Weltman's position is that Orlando was a top-five defensive and top-10 offensive team when healthy, and that the roster already contains everything it needs.

Here's a breakdown of the Orlando Magic's offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

ORLANDO MAGIC SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Orlando Magic offseason review

  • Record last season: 45-37 (8th in Eastern Conference)
  • Playoff finish: Eliminated in the first round (4-3 by Pistons)
  • Coach: Sean Sweeney (first season)
  • 2026-27 title odds: +8000 (per BetMGM)
  • Projected record : 36-46
  • Offseason grade : C-

Key roster additions

  • C Nikola Vucevic (free agent signing)
  • Izaiyah Nelson (trade)

Key roster losses

  • F Moritz Wagner (free agency)
  • G Jett Howard (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can a new voice fix the shooting?

  • Orlando shot 39.7% from the field across seven playoff games against the Pistons and scored 97.7 points per game in that series. Five players in the rotation were top-eight draft picks, and Banchero's 53% career effective field goal percentage is lower than every top-five pick taken since 2018 except Cooper Flagg. Sweeney inherits the best young defensive personnel in the East and a shot diet that has never once worked in a playoff game. He has one summer of tape and no new players to blame.

Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot against Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons during the second half in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

  • G Jalen Suggs
  • G Desmond Bane
  • F Franz Wagner
  • F Paolo Banchero
  • C Wendell Carter Jr.

Rotation players

  • G Anthony Black
  • G Jase Richardson
  • F Tristan da Silva
  • F Noah Penda
  • C Goga Bitadze
  • C Nikola Vucevic

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Health is the bet. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have each missed significant time in back-to-back seasons, and Suggs has admitted his playing style is part of why. The Suggs-Bane-Wagner-Banchero-Carter group was a plus-13.5 in 272 minutes last season, including the postseason, which is both encouraging and a reminder of how rarely they were all upright at once.

Vucevic gives Sweeney a backup center who can shoot, which Orlando badly needed and got for the minimum.

Nothing else about this team changed. The Magic are running back a 45-win roster with a rookie head coach in a conference that added two former NBA Finals MVPs during the summer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Orlando Magic season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.