MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Dustin May #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates an out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in game two of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field on October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After two tightly contested games to open the 2026 World Series, Game 3 got out of hand as Milwaukee scored seven runs with two outs in the fifth inning on the way to a 10-1 victory. With a win tonight, the Brewers would clinch the first World Series title in franchise history.
On the mound for the Brewers will be right-hander Dustin May, who threw one scoreless inning in Game 2. His last bulk appearance came in relief of Shane Drohan during Game 4 of the NLCS. In that outing, May gave up a three-run homer to Shohei Ohtani, but bounced back and ate three innings in the Brewers’ pennant-clinching win. Through four appearances this postseason (three in relief), May has allowed eight hits and five earned runs in eight innings.
Tampa Bay will counter with righty Griffin Jax. Acquired from Minnesota at last year’s trade deadline, the former shutdown reliever moved into the rotation in late April and put up solid numbers. In 34 appearances (23 starts), Jax posted a 3.53 ERA with 9.29 strikeouts per nine innings.
Today’s lineup has just one change from yesterday’s: Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick swap spots. Mitchell, who hit sixth in each of the first three games of the series, drops to eighth. He’s just 2-for-11 in the World Series, though both hits drove in runs. Frelick, who’s 4-for-his-last-12 with a home run, a double, and two RBIs, moves up to sixth.
Meanwhile, Rays manager Kevin Cash is shaking up his lineup after Tampa Bay scored just one run last night. Jonathan Aranda is back for Tampa Bay, playing first base and hitting second, but Ryan Vilade gets his second straight start as Victor Mesa Jr. starts tonight’s game on the bench. Junior Caminero moves up to the third spot, and Chandler Simpson, who’d hit third in each of the first three games, drops down to sixth.
You can catch the game on FOX and the radio broadcast, as always, on WTMJ 620. Tonight’s first pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
It is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have been linked to disgruntled Detroit Red Wings star center Dylan Larkin for a while now. However, the Canadiens are still not among the teams on Larkin's trade list, even after he expanded it to 10 clubs.
Although this is the case, the Canadiens have not given up on their pursuit of Larkin. Furthermore, one of Montreal's top Atlantic Division rivals are also being connected to Larkin.
"He’s indicated a willingness to waive his no-trade clause for 10 teams and may yet have to expand that list further to facilitate a deal that nets Detroit the right mix of assets in return. The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are two teams not currently on his trade list that have interest," Johnston wrote.
Hearing that the Canadiens still have interest in Larkin is not difficult to understand. They need another star center, and he would form a perfect one-two punch with the currently sidelined Nick Suzuki if acquired by Montreal. Thus, it would not be surprising if the Canadiens continue to show interest in Larkin and hope that he eventually becomes open to a trade to Montreal.
It would certainly sting for the Canadiens to see Larkin get traded to the Sabres, though. The Sabres are one of the Canadiens' division rivals, so it would not be good for Montreal if they won the Larkin sweepstakes. However, as Johnston noted, Larkin does not have Buffalo on his trade list right now.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what will happen with Larkin.
Well, they never really had a chance to be cocky Tuesday night.
A brutal first period ultimately cost the Flyers as they fell to the Blue Jackets, 4-3, in overtime at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Kent Johnson scored the winner for Columbus on a 2-on-0 rush.
The Flyers erased a 3-0 deficit. Jamie Drysdale tied the game with 11 seconds left in regulation when the Flyers emptied their net for the extra attacker.
In the opening stanza, Tocchet’s club gave up more goals than it had shots. The Flyers were staring down a 3-0 hole with 6:16 minutes still left in the period. They surrendered the three goals in a span of just 2:46 minutes. They finished the period with only two shots.
The Flyers woke up in the middle stanza with a concerted push. Noah Cates tapped home a loose puck in the crease after Porter Martone fired a shot on net.
After the goal, Matvei Michkov had a couple of close looks right at the doorstep of the post. He couldn’t seem to corral the puck, though, for a deflection.
Trevor Zegras trimmed Columbus’ lead to one with 4:56 minutes to go in the third period.
The Flyers (3-7-4) have just 10 points over their first 14 games. Last season, Tocchet’s first as the team’s head coach, the Flyers had 17 points through 14 games (8-5-1).
This was the first of four matchups between the Flyers and Blue Jackets (5-5-0).
• Dan Vladar was unable to mask the Flyers’ mistakes like he has before. He made 11 saves on 15 shots.
He denied Columbus on a 2-on-0 rush in OT, but then had to face another one. The Blue Jackets capitalized on the second opportunity.
The Flyers were sloppy. The first 2-on-0 was a result of Michkov being stripped. On the second, Michkov, Cam York and Denver Barkey were all caught in deep.
Vladar had given up just four goals over his previous three starts. That was good for a 1.30 goals-against average and .953 save percentage.
But in the first period Tuesday night, Columbus struck three times.
The first goal was at 4-on-4. The Flyers lost Adam Fantilli in front when Noah Cates and Oliver Bonk both converged on Johnson.
Johnson added to the Blue Jackets’ lead with a deflection. Bonk committed a turnover in the defensive zone and the puck then found its way to Zach Werenski for a shot.
Fifty seconds later, Columbus made it 3-0. Denton Mateychuk skated into a shot after Drysdale and York lost a puck battle along the back boards.
Cam Talbot, the 39-year-old former Flyer, stopped 28 of 31 shots for the Blue Jackets.
• Hunter McDonald exited briefly with 5:54 minutes left in the second period. The rookie defenseman was favoring his shoulder after taking a hit behind the net from Mathieu Olivier.
McDonald, though, was able to return before the period ended.
He replaced Rasmus Ristolainen, who was out because of a reinjury to his left hand. More on his status here.
Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett remained out. Konecny has missed the last nine games because of a lower-body injury. Tippett has missed the last five with an upper-body injury.
• The Flyers are right back at it Wednesday when they visit the Capitals (7:30 p.m. ET/NBCSP+).
England’s record Test wicket-taker James Anderson was treated with disrespect when he was released by Lancashire, according to his former pace bowling partner Stuart Broad.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After sitting out Sunday’s game between the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves because of knee swelling, Kawhi Leonard “is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“MRI on Leonard’s knee showed no structural damage,” Charania said, “but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason.”
Toronto's Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee, sources tell ESPN. MRI on Leonard's knee showed no structural damage, but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason. pic.twitter.com/DBAgI3v38D
Leonard’s reportedly multi-week absence means he’ll miss the upcoming game Sunday between the Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. It also means he’ll miss his return to Intuit Dome against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, so their fans cannot greet him with boos (if they elected to) for his role in the organization’s salary cap circumvention, which will ultimately cost the Clippers five first-round picks. This is a very Clippers scenario. Rarely do things pan out for them throughout the course of NBA history.
Prior to his injury, Leonard had opened the season slowly. Through two games, he was averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 assists while shooting 32.4% from the floor and 28.6% beyond the arc. While Toronto will surely miss his impact and general presence, it’ll hope an extended rest helps him find his All-NBA groove once he’s back.
Despite Leonard’s struggles, the Raptors won their first two games by double digits before the Timberwolves routed them, 117-94, while Leonard sat. They’ll host the Paolo Banchero-less Orlando Magic on Wednesday and Friday ahead of a four-game road trip that kicks off Sunday against the Lakers.
TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 and George Springer #4 and of the Toronto Blue Jays hug after Scherzer was taken out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight could be the last game of the World Series. Which means the off-season could start tomorrow morning. If the Brewers win tonight, free agents could file at 9:00 am Eastern tomorrow. Come on Rays, win one.
There are several Jays who could declare:
George Springer: If he decides he’s going to play next year, or if he is undecided and wants to see what he would be offered. He made $24.17 million last year. He won’t make that next year, but a one-year, $10 million deal isn’t out of line. The question is, would that be enough to keep him away from his family for another year?
Jose Berrios is not going to opt out of his contract, since he has $48 million left on the table. He won’t be ready to pitch again at the start of next season after Tommy John back in May. Maybe he’ll be back mid-season next year?
Jameson Taillon is 35 in mid-November. He didn’t have a great 2026, with a 5.65 ERA in 18 starts. I can’t see any team offering him more than a one-year contract.
Max Scherzer: If he decides he’d like to give it another season, I’d be ok with the Jays passing on him.
Shane Bieber: With 17 starts over the last two seasons, I don’t know how much anyone would offer. He wasn’t bad when he could pitch, a 4.03 ERA in hits 96 innings in the two seasons.
Yimi Garcia: He pitched 60 innings over the last two seasons. He’s 37 now. Would you offer him $7 million for a season?
Myles Straw: He has team options for $8 and $8.5 million over the next two years. I expect the option to be declined, with the thought of getting him cheaper. Would you ask him back for $4 million?
Paul Sewald: He’ll be 37 next year and I don’t think I’d bring him back.
Patrick Corbin: Made $1 million this year, and threw 80 innings with a 5.51 ERA. I can’t see bringing him back.
Luis Urias: 30 next year. He seemed ok as a platoon player, until going on the IL. I could see a minor league deal, but then someone will likely offer better.
Michael Lorenzen: Turns 35 in January. He wasn’t good. If he really wants to continue to play, he’d have to take a minor league deal and prove himself. I doubt the Jays will want him back.
Eloy Jiménez: He turns 30 in a month. He’d be looking for another minor league deal if he wants to keep playing. Or maybe play overseas?
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 12: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards shoots a free throw during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 12, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
AJ Dybantsa was upgraded to questionable for Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, per the Wizards’ injury report.
Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has missed Washington’s first four games after spraining his left ankle in the team’s preseason finale.
The 6-foot-9 wing led all NCAA Division I scorers with 25.0 points per game as a freshman at BYU last season. His elite athleticism, 42.5-inch maximum vertical and efficient scoring at the rim made him the top prospect in a talented draft class.
Dybantsa is expected to start alongside Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr upon his return. Bilal Coulibaly, who started and played well in Dybantsa’s place, will move to the bench.
Champagnie injury update
Justin Champagnie suffered a “right foot injury” in the Wizards’ 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, per the team’s injury report.
Champagnie appeared to injure his foot late in the first quarter. He attempted to play through it, but the injury overruled that determination. The 6-foot-7 wing intentionally fouled to stop the game and hobbled to the Wizards bench, where Khris Middleton and a team staffer helped him to the locker room.
The Wizards quickly ruled him out with a right foot injury. Champagnie was one of Washington’s best players through the first three games. The Wizards were a +36 with him on the floor and a -30 with him off. He tallied 11 points and 14 rebounds and was a +18 in the team’s win over the Bulls.
“[Justin] is going to recover, and whatever he’s going through, we’re going to be right there with him, and he’s going to be right there with us throughout his recovery,” Trae Young said. “We’re going to make sure he’s right. We’ll hold down the fort while he’s gone.”
Davis not on injury report
Anthony Davis was not listed on the Wizards’ injury report after he was seen shaking out his right hand toward the end of the fourth quarter.
Brian Keefe said postgame he thought Davis got hit in the hand and had no update. Davis took a more sarcastic approach postgame when asked about the potential injury.
“Oh no, I was hitting too many shots, and I was just shaking it out — it was kind of hot,” Davis said.
Matthew Tkachuk might not be the most aesthetically pleasing player to watch. He doesn't burn you with blistering speed or routinely rifle pucks into the top corner, but he outsmarts almost everyone.
With deft hands, incredible vision, and the ability to read and process the play faster than any teammate or opponent, Tkachuk is always in an advantageous position.
When he finds himself in those positions, he's skilled enough to make a play that, more often than not, results in a goal for the Florida Panthers.
Through 12 games, the 28-year-old has scored four goals and 16 points. He's currently averaging an assist per game, ranking tied for seventh in the NHL. Ahead of tonight's matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, coach Paul Maurice was asked about what makes Tkachuk such a great playmaker.
“It's his hands," Maurice started his well-thought-out answer. "He is so good in that department. I would say his brain first, but as it kind of informs what he does with his hands. He's one of the rare people that doesn't tip pucks. And I don't know, I'm just going to use my words. He doesn't tip pucks. He directs them. Like he's putting them in a place, and I've seen him do it."
Tkachuk's game has evolved so much since he made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in the 2016-17 season. When he first started in the NHL, Tkachuk was used as a net-front presence, using his 6-foot-2, 202-pound frame to make plays around the net. He was extremely effective because he could make plays in tight areas.
Since coming to Florida, Tkachuk looks to play in other areas. On the power play, the team uses Tkachuk on the right flank. He continuously threads passes into high-danger areas, looking for deflections or one-timers.
"One thing about Matthew is he's better this year than he's ever been," said Maurice. "He's faster than he's ever been. So he's improved. It's also the first summer in four where he actually got to train, because he was injured on the two others. He rehabbed, but he didn't train.
And then he put a lot of good work in this summer, so a little quicker. And in the game of hockey, we're talking about five or six inches. If you can create that, if you can find it, you can make that. These guys can make that play, and that's what we're seeing from him."
Tkachuk agreed with Maurice's claim, and the NHL EDGE skating data backs that up. He's recorded the third-highest skating speed of his career, and although he still ranks below the 50th percentile in every skating statistic, he's made improvements.
The Panthers will need Tkachuk to maintain this elite level of play to compete in the Atlantic Division.
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It was a devastating 24 hours in Oklahoma City. Everyone who saw Jalen Williams go down against the Clippers knew how bad it was, as Thunder GM Sam Presti put it, "This is an injury that generally we see more in football players." On top of that came the news that Cason Wallace has a torn labrum and will need to undergo surgery. Presti and OKC won't put a timeline on things, but history suggests neither player will touch the court again this season.
Now what?
What should we expect from the Thunder going forward? First: Expect a lot of wins. This team was without Williams for large chunks of last regular season and still won 64 games, most in the NBA. In their one game so far without their two starters (not to mention no Chet Holmgren or Alex Caruso), the Thunder still easily handled the Suns. The other change is that while the defense will still be good, it will not be elite. Instead, this is about to become an offensive team. That wins a lot of regular-season games.
But what about the playoffs? And what should we look for?
More Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain
The Thunder have a natural replacement for Wallace: Ajay Mitchell. In his first game in that role this season, Mitchell stepped up, showed off his physicality and midrange game, and dropped 30 on the Suns.
Mitchell is not the All-Defense-level player on that end that Wallace is, but he works hard and is a plus defender who fits within the system.
Williams is a more difficult role to fill, largely because there aren't other players like him. There will be more Alex Caruso, but coach Mark Daigneault and the Thunder know they can't overtax him. Jared McCain will get more minutes, but he is a guard, not a forward. Kenrich Williams may see the biggest jump in minutes, and he is rock solid, but he's not an All-NBA level talent like Williams.
Lean into center rotation
Oklahoma City has the best big man rotation in the NBA. Chet Holmgren — second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season while averaging 17.1 points per game — and Isaiah Hartenstein start at the four and five. However, what makes this work is the depth. Jaylin Williams is the kind of big off the bench every team could use, and rookie Aday Mara has proven he deserves a spot in the rotation.
Aday Mara MAKING PLAYS in his first NBA game
Big-time swat at the rim. Two-hand alley-oop slam.
Oklahoma City needs to lean hard into its strengths, and it has the best center rotation in the league.
Don’t expect big trade
When asked about what the injuries mean in terms of a roster move, Thunder General Manager Sam Presti said he hadn't thought about that yet. He was still processing the injuries.
However, the tea leaves suggest OKC is not likely to make a big move. First, this team is already good, has great locker-room chemistry and wins games. Why mess with that?
Second, this team made moves this offseason that Presti admitted weren't basketball moves but were about saving money, trading away Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. As constructed, the Thunder are expensive and about to get even more so in the coming years. Oklahoma City is already over the first apron of the luxury tax and is about $6.9 million below the second apron, a line they are very unlikely to cross during the season. While the Thunder have an open roster spot and can get a disabled player exception for Williams worth close to $15 million, no game-changing free agents are available for them to snap up. The Thunder could consider a trade depending on how the season plays out, but they don't want to mess up their chemistry or take on much more money.
The Thunder are going to stick with the players they have, and at the trade deadline they can make small adjustments as needed, but it's far more likely to be small moves, not a blockbuster.
What does all this mean for the Thunder in the playoffs? It's far too early to have a clear picture of the West, but Oklahoma City has gone from the early favorite in the West to a team that will enter the playoffs with matchups in mind. Who do they have now who can defend Luka Doncic or Kevin Durant?
The road for the Thunder back to the NBA Finals just got bumpier and steeper, but it's not closed off. Things will look different, but OKC could still win it all.
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 23: The sneakers worn by Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks on October 23, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The last time Dustin May started a World Series game against the Tampa Bay Rays, he went home with a ring.
Now the Milwaukee Brewers are handing him the ball on a night that could end with another one. May will start Game 4 on Tuesday at Tropicana Field. The Brewers are one win from the first title in franchise history. They lead the series 3-0 after a 10-1 rout Monday that turned in the fifth inning, when Milwaukee scored eight runs. All eight came with two outs.
Brandon Woodruff was supposed to open this game until manager Pat Murphy used him in the ninth inning Monday. That left May. Behind him, Aaron Ashby, Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill are rested. Lefties Shane Drohan and Kyle Harrison haven't thrown a pitch all series.
May went 7-9 with a 4.70 ERA in 31 starts this season for the St. Louis Cardinals and Brewers. After Milwaukee traded for him at the deadline, it got worse: a 5.65 ERA in 10 starts. May has a 5.63 ERA in eight postseason innings over four appearances.
He started Game 3 of the NL Division Series in San Diego and gave up two runs in three innings in a 4-3 loss. In Game 4 of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium, where he spent most of his career, he relieved Drohan in the second inning. Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer off him.
The Brewers won that night anyway and finished the sweep.
May has faced Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero and Chandler Simpson once each in this series. Seeing those four one more time, then turning it over to a lefty, is the most likely script.
May was a 23-year-old rookie with the Dodgers in 2020. He opened Game 7 of the NLCS against Atlanta. Then he pitched in two World Series games against Tampa Bay, allowing three runs on five hits over three innings. Since then, his arm and his body have rarely cooperated. He had Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a flexor pronator strain in 2023. In July 2024 he had surgery to repair a tear in his esophagus.
He signed a one-year deal with St. Louis for this season. The Cardinals traded him and reliever JoJo Romero to Milwaukee at the deadline for prospects Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale.
On Aug. 26 at Citi Field, the first pitch he threw came back at him as a line drive and hit him in the upper back.
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JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 13: President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo of the Washington Nationals talks to media during the 2025 Grapefruit League Spring Training Media Day at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Thursday, February 13, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Jared Blais/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
When he was fired in July of 2025, I was curious to see what was next for Mike Rizzo. At the time, he was 64 years old, but he did not seem to have any desire to step away. After a year on the sidelines, Rizzo is in the mix for the Astros GM job. Yesterday, Bob Nightengale reported that Rizzo would get an interview.
Houston Astros interviewing World Series architect Mike Rizzo for open GM job https://t.co/jghLc6RrTp
We will see if he gets the job, but I would sure be curious to see how he would do in Houston. The Nats and Astros also have quite a few connections. Obviously, Houston was the team that Mike Rizzo’s Nats beat in the 2019 World Series. The two clubs also share a Spring Training site at West Palm Beach.
If Rizzo gets hired, we will be seeing a lot of him during Spring Training. It would be very interesting to contrast how the two teams do things at the same Spring Training site. Rizzo’s successor in DC, Paul Toboni, has changed a lot since he took over. The “I don’t care how hard you throw ball four” signs have been replaced by Traject Machines and other tech.
Despite Rizzo being an old school guy, I do not think it would be impossible for him to have success in Houston. He would have to adapt some, but a veteran Astros team that is not afraid to spend money would suit Rizzo better than a young, smaller budget club.
Rizzo may not be an innovator at this stage of his career, he still has an eye for a good trade and does a solid job with pro scouting. I still believe that he will have to lean into analytics more than he did, but maybe he has learned some lessons since being let go in DC. That is definitely something that will be brought up in his interview which is taking place today.
Source: Mike Rizzo, the former Nationals GM, is in Houston interviewing for the GM job with the Astros, confirming @BNightengale report.
Based on his past achievements, Rizzo would be a strong candidate. He turned the Nats into one of the best teams in baseball last decade. However, the 2020’s have been a different story for Rizzo. Bad drafting and an inability to adapt led to him losing his edge.
How much of this was his fault and how much was he hamstrung by the Lerner’s? If he gets the Astros job, we will be able to find out. He built a World Series championship team and won the NL East four times, but there is not a ton of recent success here.
It is also no lock that Rizzo gets the job either. He is one of several candidates in the Astros search. However, the interest he is getting for this job seems to be more serious than when he was floated as a candidate for the A’s gig.
If Rizzo gets the job, I will be rooting for him. Things did not end well in DC, but I appreciate the good times as well. For Astros fans sake, I hope you are getting 2010’s Rizzo and not the 2020’s version.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 27: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics defends Terance Mann #14 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the TD Garden on February 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brooklyn Nets (0-3) at Boston Celtics (2-1) Tuesday, October 27, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #4, Home Game #3 TV: NBCSB, YES, League Pass Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 101.9 FM, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets for their 3rd straight home game. This is the first of 4 games between these two teams this season. They will play again in Boston on January 16. They will meet twice in Brooklyn on December 13 and March 23. The Celtics were 3-1 against the Nets last season, with Brooklyn’s lone win in Boston. The Celtics are 148-75 overall, all time against the Nets. They are 78-35 all time in games played in Boston.
The Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games. This is the first of 16 back to back sets for the Celtics this season, which is the most for any team this season. The average is 14.2 back to backs. The Celtics early schedule is brutal with four stretches of three games in four nights before December. They had an easy win on Monday with no player going more than 27 minutes. Hopefully their depth will help them maneuver this stretch successfully.
The Nets have made several changes in the offseason. Their biggest addition is Julius Randle, who they got in a trade with the Timberwolves. They also added Moritz Wagner, Keon Ellis, and former Celtic, Josh Minott. They drafted Mikel Brown, Jr with the 6th pick and Joshua Jefferson with the 28th pick. They lost Malachi Smith, Ochai Agbaji, Tyson Etienne, EJ Liddell, Zaire Williams and Jalen Wilson.
The Celtics went 4-0 in the preseason, winning with their starters in 2 of the games and winning two other games with their reserves and Exhibit 10 players. They beat Cleveland, Charlotte and Philadelphia twice. The Nets also had a good preseason, beating Charlotte, Philadelphia and Washington before losing to the Miami Heat.
After this game, the Celtics will play home against Chicago for the first NBA Cup game. They will then play at Orlando and Houston and then home against Milwaukee before a road trip takes them through Charlotte, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Toronto. They play Dallas and Orlando at home before a West coast trip that takes them through Denver, Sacramento, Golden State, and Washington.
The Nets will host Detroit before traveling to Indiana and New York. Then they have one game at home before playing at Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans and Memphis. Next they host Philadelphia, Chicago and Orland before games at Minnesota, Milwaukee, Toronto, and Charlotte. Then they have a home and home set against Oklahoma City before hosting Boston. Then they play at Detroit before a 6 game home stand against Dallas, Orlando, Washington, Portland, San Antonio and New Orleans.
The Celtics started Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson in the first 3 games and I have once again listed the same starters for this game. It’s also possible that Joe may change this up for this game, especially if the Celtics plan to rest Tatum, George, or Robinson on the second night of back to back games. I’ve listed the Nets starters from their last game, which are Egor Demin, Keon Ellis, Michael Porter, Jr, Julius Randle, and Day’Ron Sharpe.
The Celtics still have Devin Carter on the injury report due to illness. After missing the final 3 games of the preseason, Carter was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is without a timetable for a return. Derrick White has been added as probable with hip synovitis. As of this time, no players are being held out for rest due to the back to back games. For the Nets, Tyler Bilodeau, Joshua Jefferson, Grant Nelson, Drake Powell, and Ben Seraf are all listed as out due to G-League assignments.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Egor Demin
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesEgor Demin | Getty Images
SG: Jordan Walsh vs Keon Ellis
Jordan Walsh | Getty ImagesKeon Ellis | Getty Images
SF: Paul George vs Michael Porter, Jr
Paul George | NBAE via Getty ImagesMichael Porter, Jr | Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Julius Randle
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesJulius Randle | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Mitchell Robinson vs Day’Ron Sharpe
Mitchell Robinson | NBAE via Getty ImagesDay’Ron Sharpe | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley, Jr Luka Garza Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Baylor Scheierman Two Way Players Devin Carter Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams
Injuries/Out Devin Carter (illness) out Derrick White (hip) probable Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Nets Reserves Mikel Brown, Jr Noah Clowney Joshua Jefferson Terrance Mann Josh Minott Drake Powell Ben Seraf Nolan Traore Moritz Wagner Danny Wolf
Two-Way Players Tyler Bilodeau Chaney Johnson Grant Nelson Injuries/Out Tyler Bilodeau (shoulder) questionable
Head Coach Jordi Fernandez
Key Matchups Paul George vs Michael Porter, Jr Porter is averaging 27 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1 assist and 3.5 steals per game. He is shooting 51.3% from the field and 45.0% from beyond the arc. He is a threat from both in the paint and on the perimeter and the Celtics need to defend him wherever he is on the court. The Celtics also need to be careful handling the ball around him because he is averaging 3.5 steals per game. Although Paul George has said he plans to play in back to back games this season, it’s possible that Joe may sit him for rest in this one.
Jayson Tatum vs Julius Randle Randle is averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists per game. He is shooting 58.1% from the field and 55.6% from beyond the arc. As with Porter, he is a threat both inside and on the perimeter. He is strong and will be tough to stop in the paint. The Celtics need to defend him closely and play him for both the shot and the pass.
Honorable Mention Derrick White vs Ego Demin Demin is averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He is shooting 35% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. He is capable of having a big game so the Celtics need to guard him closely. The Celtics also need Derrick White to get back to being a consistent offensive threat. He is listed as probable with hip synovitis so hopefully he will be able to play at 100%.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is the key to winning this, and every, game. In the preseason, the Celtics were tops in the league with a defensive rating of 98.6. The biggest problem in the Celtics collapse against the Pistons was their failure on the defensive end. Likewise, one of the biggest factors in their win over the Knicks was their defense. They held New York to just 103 points and also forced 18 turnovers, leading to 19 points off turnovers. The Celtics need to continue to make defense their priority.
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning. The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team and go after every rebound. In the preseason, the Celtics were 1st with 55 rebounds per game and 3rd with 16.8 offensive rebounds per game. So far in the regular season, they are 17th in rebounding with 43.3 rebounds per game. The Nets are 20th with 42 rebounds per game. Robinson and Queta are 2 of the best rebounders in the league and they need to be aggressive on the boards. The Celtics need to do what they do best and win the rebounding battle against the Nets.
3 Point Shooting – The Celtics are 5th, shooting 41.7 threes a game while the Nets are 8th, shooting 37.8 threes per game. The Celtics are 1st, shooting 42.4% from beyond the arc while the Nets are 8th, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc. Both teams shoot a lot of 3’s and make a good percentage of them. The Celtics can’t afford to have a drought from beyond the arc as they did in the 2nd half against the Pistons. They need to focus on taking and making good shots. If the 3’s stop falling, they need to take the ball into the paint. Be Aggressive and Play Hard – One of the hallmarks of the Nets in recent years is that they play hard. The Celtics have to be the team that plays harder. They need to be aggressive on the boards, in going to the hoop, in diving for loose balls, and just overall throughout the game. Talented teams can be beaten if they allow their opponents to play harder than them. I know that they are playing on the second night of back to back games, but they have to come out strong and play hard right up until the final buzzer.
Take Care of the Ball – Going into Monday’s game, the Celtics were best in the league at taking care of the ball with just 12.5 turnovers per game. Against the Bulls on Monday, they turned the ball over 24 times, which dropped them to 16th, averaging 16.7 turnovers per game. They have to clean that up and take better care of the ball. They need to be more careful with their passes and also focus on handling the ball without losing it.
X-Factors Home Game – The Celtics need to take advantage of home court and the boost their fans can give them. The Nets will face a hostile crowd and an unfamiliar arena along with travel which will hopefully give the Celtics the edge. The Celtics need to play hard and protect home court and use the advantages it gives to get a win. Back to Back – The Celtics could be facing fatigue from playing the night before. They do have the advantage that they didn’t have to travel after Monday’s game. They also were able to limit everyone’s minutes on Monday and that should help them in this game. The Celtics should use their depth to avoid a let down from tired legs. The Celtics have young players who should be able to give them a boost if the starters start to feel some fatigue from playing the night before.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The Celtics also have to be aware of the new points of emphasis for this season and try to avoid flopping, off‑arm push‑offs, reckless closeouts, delays before free throws, and illegal screens. Paul George was already fined for a flop in the first game.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Toyota Center on October 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Rockets couldn’t have gotten off to a better start to the season as they entered their rematch with the Atlanta Hawks at 3-0, and one of the four teams playing that night was still undefeated. The Rockets were without Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Marcus Smart on Saturday, with VanVleet the only one of the three not dealing with an injury.
We got word Sunday that both Smart and Adams would also miss Monday’s game, and before the contest SB Nation asked Ime Udoka if both players were more game-to-game or were they possibly longer-term injuries.
From Udoka’s response, it seems Smart could be back for Wednesday’s game, but Adams could be out for at least another week. Adams missed the last few months of the 2025-26 season as the Rockets plan on taking a more cautious approach with the veteran big man this season.
The Rockets got back VanVleet, which moved Reed Sheppard to the bench after one of the best games of his young career. The Rockets handed the Hawks their first loss of the season as they controlled the game from the tip to the final buzzer.
Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks
The Rockets knew the Hawks would try to come out of the gate with more purpose after the Rockets’ victory on Saturday. That made the Rockets’ start even more important as they got off to an early 7-2 lead, with Sengun making his sixth 3-pointer of the season.
After that hot start, it was a back-and-forth game as the teams traded baskets and leads to end the first quarter with the Hawks finishing the quarter strong and taking a 35-32 lead into the second quarter. The second quarter was more of the same as the Rockets briefly took the lead in the second before the Hawks took back control of the game with three baskets in a row.
The Hawks scored 31 in the second quarter and maintained their three-point lead into halftime. The Rockets finally were able to slow down the Hawks in the third quarter as the Hawks only had 10 points eight minutes into the quarter. The Rockets had their biggest lead of the game, 84-76, after a Sengun layup following a forced turnover. Rockets won the quarter 28 to 19 and took a six-point lead into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Rockets took over the game as they have done for most of the season. The Rockets continued their improved second-half defense as they pushed the lead to 20 points after a Sheppard 3-pointer following an offensive rebound.
The Rockets cruised to a 120 to 110 victory for their second straight win over the Hawks as they close out their regular-season matchup with Atlanta. The win moves the Rockets to 4-0 on the season, their best start in over a decade.
Postgame
After the game: Ime Udoka, Kevin Durant, and Alperen Sengun spoke to the media and talked about their hot start to the season. Udoka spoke about the Rockets’ chemistry and how much more balanced the team is this season. Durant spoke about being able to sit the entire fourth quarter and also told SB Nation that his defense can have just as big an impact as his offense.
Kevin Durant finished with 4 blocks tonight in the Rockets win over the Hawks. I asked KD if sometime his defensive impact can be just as important as his offense even though his defense isn’t talked about as much.
Durant also talked about Sengun’s great start to the season.
Kevin Durant on Alperen Sengun great start to the season.
“Teams playing one on one down there in the post on the elbow they think they can stop him they must have read a bunch of bad articles this summer on him.” pic.twitter.com/tljU8HbHd0
The Ottawa Senators open a five-game road trip Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET on TSN5). The Senators (8-4-0) enter the game sitting second in the Atlantic Division with 16 points, while the Golden Knights (8-4-1) are second in the Pacific with 17 points.
As it was against the New York Rangers on Saturday, it's a battle of two teams off to good starts, but now dealing with the loss of their top goalie.
Travis Green looks ahead to Tuesday's game against Vegas after Saturday's win over the New York Rangers (Senators YouTube).
The Senators appear to have made an interesting decision about their temporary number-one netminder.
After making his first start of the season in Saturday's 7-4 victory over the New York Rangers, Jonas Johansson will get the call again Tuesday. Or as Travis Green put it, "JoJo will go."
Johansson needed all of one start to displace Sam Ersson in the pecking order, at least for the time being, while Linus Ullmark recovers from an injury suffered against Florida last Wednesday.
Ullmark is expected to miss at leats another week, and because Ersson hasn't been all that reliable yet as his backup, Travis Green is just going to ride the hot hand for now.
The Senators are coming off a Saturday win against the Rangers, highlighted by Drake Batherson's third career hat trick. Batherson also assisted on Dylan Cozens' first goal of the season.
Tim Stützle, Jake Sanderson and Michael Amadio also scored as the Sens bounced back from Thursday's 6-2 loss to San Jose.
Stützle continues his hot start with 16 points through 12 games, which is a 112-point pace. Batherson has also been producing, with six goals and 11 points over his last ten games.
On the injury front, Senators captain Thomas Chabot appears to be getting closer to returning. Chabot has resumed practicing in a regular jersey after suffering an injury earlier this month. William Eklund remains sidelined with an ankle injury suffered three weeks ago against Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are looking to snap a three-game losing streak where they've been outscored 14-5.
They're coming off Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tomas Hertl scored the Golden Knights' only goal before Adam Fantilli won it for Columbus on a power play in overtime.
Getting a point (and being able to defend a little) probably felt like a victory after they were clobbered in both of their previous two games, 6-2, by Tampa Bay and St. Louis.
Jack Eichel leads the Knights with 19 points through 13 games. Ex-Senator Mark Stone has 15. After missing two games, Mitch Marner returns to the lineup after his wife, Stephanie, gave birth to their second child last week.
Vegas had an unexpected development at Tuesday's morning skate when goaltender Carter Hart suffered an apparent injury. Just like Ullmark, Hart was hurt while making a save and slowly limped off the ice.
Knights head coach Ryan Craig confirmed that Adin Hill would start against the Senators. Hill was trampled Thursday in St. Louis, where he allowed six goals on 31 shots.
"No update. (Hart) left the morning skate. He’s being evaluated. He’s in good hands," Craig said. "We’ve got a plan here moving forward either way. We’ll be ready for tonight."
According to Jesse Granger from The Athletic, if the Knights have to call up a goalie it would likely be Cameron Whitehead, who grew up in Orleans and has never played in the NHL. In the AHL with Henderson this season, Whitehead has been popping in his first three games, posting a 1.72 goals against average and a .944 save percentage.
Project Senators Lineup
Fabian Zetterlund – Tim Stützle – Claude Giroux Warren Foegele – Dylan Cozens – Drake Batherson Ridly Greig – Shane Pinto – Michael Amadio Nick Cousins – Stephen Halliday – Andre Burakovsky
Jake Sanderson – Artem Zub Tyler Kleven – Jordan Spence Nikolas Matinpalo – Carter Yakemchuk
Jonas Johansson Sam Ersson
Projected Vegas Lineup (Credit: Hannah Kirkell, The Hockey News)
Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Mitch Marner Trevor Connelly – Tomáš Hertl – Braeden Bowman Marc Gatcomb – Nic Dowd – Jonas Røndbjerg
Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore Jeremy Lauzon – Noah Hanifin Ville Heinola – Rasmus Andersson
