Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tyler Glasnow continued his march toward pitching in the Dodgers’ opening series, pitching into the fifth inning in a 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch.
Glasnow allowed a home run on his second pitch of the game, to Diamondbacks outfielder and leadoff batter Jordan Lawlar, but was otherwise stingy. He gave up only one more hit (a single) and a walk, and struck out five, and was so efficient that he even faced (and retired) one batter in the fifth inning to get to his pitch limit. Glasnow needed 60 pitches to complete his 4 1/3 innings, only nine more pitches than he used in 2 2/3 innings last Wednesday against Mexico.
He’s the first Dodgers pitcher this spring to pitch more than three innings in a Cactus League game.
Roki Sasaki is pitching in a B game today, where he'll build up to four innings. Dave Roberts expects Sasaki's performance to "continue to trend up" by the end of spring and reiterated: "I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break with us as a starter."
Also of note on Tuesday, Brock Stewart threw a bullpen session Tuesday morning at Camelback Ranch. After shoulder surgery in October, Stewart won’t be ready for opening day. But that he’s already throwing bullpen sessions at least puts him on the radar for potential addition to the roster at some point in early to mid-April, if all goes well.
The Dodgers have their first off day of camp on Wednesday (with another coming on March 19), then are back at Camelback Ranch on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds (6:05 p.m., SportsNet LA).
Cade Horton got cuffed around pretty good, serving up six hits, including three home runs. Horton worked 3.2 innings and threw 60 pitches. Was he working on mechanics or location? Maybe. Hopefully this is just a “let it all hang out” Spring Training outing and nothing more. Here’s some good analysis of Horton’s spring.
In case you care, here’s video of the other two homers, by Corey Seager and Josh Smith, though you can’t really see Horton’s pitches here nor, really, any Cubs:
Andrew McCutchen, who’s trying to make the Rangers as a non-roster invitee at age 39, doubled in a run in the fifth inning off Ryan Rolison, who’s not going to make the Opening Day roster.
The Cubs didn’t really do much against Jacob deGrom (but then, who does?), who threw three innings and struck out five, allowing singles to Kevin Alcántara and Michael Conforto. Here are deGrom’s five K’s [VIDEO].
The two singles were the only Cubs hits until Shaw’s homer. A sacrifice fly by Chas McCormick scored another run in the sixth.
Ethan Roberts threw a 1-2-3 sixth inning with a strikeout. Collin Snider threw a scoreless seventh with two strikeouts. The Cubs scored a third run on a double by Kade Snell in the eighth. The Cubs really like Snell, who was their fifth-round pick last year out of the University of Alabama.
The Cubs return to Sloan Park Wednesday afternoon for a matchup with the Royals. Colin Rea will start for the Cubs and Mitch Spence goes for Kansas City. Game time Wednesday is 3:05 p.m. CT and once again, there’s no TV or radio for this game, though I will be attending so will recap what I see in Mesa. Wednesday’s Cubs game is the last one this year that won’t have any broadcasts. All the rest of the spring games will have either a radio or TV broadcast or both.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards blocks a shot in the first quarter against Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena on February 08, 2026 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. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m. ET. Chat about it in the comments below!
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 7: Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles past Gui Santos #15 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at the United Center on December 7, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors return home after a 1-2 road trip to take on the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. The game will be played at 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
Golden State looks to rebound after a demoralizing 119–116 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night. As has often been the case for this version of the Warriors, the offense largely lives and dies by its perimeter shooting. That trend showed up again in this matchup, as 52 of their 99 shot attempts came from beyond the arc. Golden State knocked down just 16 of those threes, finishing the night at 30.8 percent from deep.
However, what continues to haunt them is their free-throw shooting. For a team that ranks sixth in the league in free-throw percentage, the Warriors struggled at the line, converting just 14-of-21 attempts on the night.
Making matters worse, the loss came against a Jazz team that entered the game with just two wins in their last 10 games and currently sits second-to-last in the Western Conference with a record of 20–45. Head coach Steve Kerr reflected on the defeat after the game.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Golden State never “got control” of Utah defensively. Highlighted the Jazz’s 27 free throws and said “our defense let us down” and that it was “fun” to see Seth Curry return.
The Warriors did receive a pleasant surprise with the return of Seth Curry to the rotation. He made an immediate impact, knocking down an open corner three in the first quarter and finishing the night with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field. Having said that, he will be held out of tonight’s game as the team remains cautious with him on the second night of a back-to-back.
Seth Curry is OUT tonight after playing his first game in over 3 months last night @NBCSWarriors
Moses Moody remains out. Draymond Green, De'Anthony Melton and Quinten Post are questionable, and Gary Payton II is probable
Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis will be available
The Warriors will have Kristaps Porzingis available after a one game absence. Porzingis played 23 minutes in the Warriors’ game against the Thunder on Saturday, marking his first return since missing the previous six games due to an illness. His shooting and rim protection have been a welcome sight during his limited time with the team, and should be something to build on as they take on the Bulls who are 2-8 in their last 10 games.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 15: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers had plans for Adou Thiero this season that involved potential rotation minutes. But as the saying goes, even the best laid plans can go to waste.
The result has been a season with lots of stops and starts, little rhythm and effectively no impact on the parent Lakers.
However, there is a bit of good news as the season nears it’s end. A bit of an extended stint in the G League for Thiero has helped him find his groove, most recently with a 25-point outing, prompting quesitons about him to head coach JJ Redick at practice on Monday.
Lakers rookie Adou Thiero is coming off a 25-point game on 10-for-12 shooting (5-for-5 from 3) with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in the G League. Could there be minutes on the Lakers? JJ Redick: “Definitely want to get him opportunities. Those opportunities are not there right now.” pic.twitter.com/sYDzSlLyez
Thiero shined in South Bay’s game against the Santa Cruz Warriors on Sunday, scoring his 25 points on 10-12 shooting from the field and an especially eye-catching 5-5 shooting from three. He added six rebounds, a pair of assists and a pair of blocks.
— Laker Performances (@LALPerformance) March 9, 2026
While that was his most impressive line in recent outings, he has strung together some solid outings. Across his last four games in the last two-and-a-half weeks, Thiero is shooting 26-35 (74.3%) from the field. He’s only taken threes in two games, but has not missed any of his six attempts.
The most encouraging thing is how fluid he looks on the court. That’s the type of thing that only comes with time and he certainly looks back to his athletically overwhelming best.
The question the Lakers are facing now is whether it’s more valuable to have Thiero continue to get reps in the G League or bring him up to the parent Lakers for spot rotation minutes. Considering how well he’s playing right now and how inconsistent his minutes would be in the NBA, you can see the rationale for keeping him where he’s at.
This has already effectively been a lost season in many respects for Thiero. Let him finish things strong, carry some momentum in the summer and start things off with a big Summer League in July.
Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks with guard Amen Thompson (1) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets vs Toronto Raptors
March 10, 2026
Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00 CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
Feb 24, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus (76) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
From the moment the Detroit Tigers signed left-hander Enmanuel de Jesus to a minor league deal and camp invite back in December, it was clear they wouldn’t be able to stash him in the minor leagues and off the 40-man roster for long. As it turned out, interest from other teams forced the issue and so the Tigers added him to the 40-man roster on Tuesday, moving right-hander Troy Melton to the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move.
De Jesus’s deal was designed to pay the veteran $1.3 million if he played in the major leagues this season. Minor league deals like that are typically only given to players who have some interest from other teams, and they invariably come with a timetable. We expected that the Tigers would have until sometime in late April to decide to add him to the 40-man roster or De Jesus would be able to opt-out and sign wherever he chose. Those may still be the terms of the deal, but as it turns out, De Jesus also had the right to accept another deal this week. With offers coming in to pitch overseas after his outstanding showing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, the Tigers made the call on Tuesday to purchase his contract and add him to the 40-man roster.
The 29-year-old came up in the Boston Red Sox organization before briefly bouncing around with the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, the latter of which gave him his first major league cup of coffee back in 2023. Offers were not particularly compelling at that point, and so De Jesus moved to South Korea to pitch in the KBO in 2024 and 2025.
With the Kiwoom Heroes in 2024, De Jesus made 30 starts, compiling a 3.68 ERA. He came back to the KBO with the KT Wiz in 2025, making another 30 starts with a 3.96 ERA. Those two seasons had major league teams interested, but unlike Cody Ponce or the Tigers own Drew Anderson, two 2025 KBO standouts who got major league deals this offseason, De Jesus didn’t draw much the same level of offers. Instead the Tigers were able to bring him to camp on a minor league deal, and the southpaw did his part by showing out in Grapefruit League action and in the World Baseball Classic.
De Jesus had already impressed in camp with his excellent command of a solid though modest pitch mix. His outing for Team Venezuela on March 8 solidified his standing as a pitcher of interest. De Jesus struck out eight over five innings of one-run ball with no walks and just two hits allowed as Team Venezuela defeated Team Israel. That set a record in strikeouts for Team Venezuela, putting a stamp on the performance. While the competition wasn’t particularly tough, it was again De Jesus’s excellent command and ability to execute his game plan that really stood out. As a result, franchises in Asia were reportedly calling for his services this week, and the Tigers had to decide whether they were going to add him to the roster or not.
The decision was made easier by the fact that Melton, who was expected to be a force in the bullpen and perhaps swing back to a starting role if needed during the season, has been dealing with an elbow issue that has kept him off the mound since early in spring camp. Asked about his status over the weekend, manager A.J. Hinch mentioned only that Melton was doing “plyo ball stuff,” making it clear that his status and timetable remained uncertain. On the one hand, the fact that he was doing arm strengthening work was a positive sign that Melton may avoid surgery. On the other, it looked more and more like Melton would need more rehab time and then a slow progression to build up his arm, followed by rehab outings at the Triple-A level. As his timeline started to stretch into May, the Tigers realized they wouldn’t lose anything by moving him to the 60-day injured list to open a spot for De Jesus, making the decision a pretty simple one.
De Jesus is working with both fourseam fastballs and sinkers between 92-94 mph and showing outstanding command of both pitches. He backs the two fastball types with an 86 mph cutter, and a good circle changeup averaging 85 mph this spring. The changeup has late fade and seems to have plenty of deception, making it his best pitch of the bunch as hitters don’t seem to pick it up well off the same sightlines on which he’s throwing the fourseam and sinker. Less often he’ll break off a slower slider to try and get some chase down and away from left-handed hitters.
It’s not an overpowering set of pitches, and big league hitters will be the proving ground for his mistakes, but de Jesus learned how to really pitch in the KBO, and appears to be pretty deceptive as well. He’s worked the edges of all four quadrants of the strike zone with both fastball types, while consistently bending the changeup and cutter just off the edges to either side of the plate. His easy delivery and apparent lack of tells, along with that feel for his full set of pitches has allowed him to keep hitters off balance. There have been few good swings against him from anyone this spring.
Take a look at his highlights from the WBC. You’ll see little but paint.
For now, the Tigers just had to pick up de Jesus’s contract to prevent him from signing elsewhere. He still has to make the Opening Day roster, but that’s looking like a near lock right now. We’ll assume that de Jesus will be in the Tigers’ bullpen on Opening Day along with fellow lefty Tyler Holton. Between de Jesus and Drew Anderson, that would give them two depth starters working out of the bullpen, giving Hinch a lot of flexibility to help get his rotation through the early part of the season when most injuries occur. They could also choose to keep Brant Hurter in the bullpen as well, giving them three multi-inning relievers who can handle either-handed hitters.
That setup leaves Holton, Will Vest, Kenley Jansen, and Kyle Finnegan free to handle the late innings and high leverage scenarios. With two long relief style lefties in the pen of the quality of de Jesus and Hurter, the Tigers could have them follow right-handed starters Justin Verlander, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, forcing managers to decide if they want to replace left-handed hitters in the lineup with right-handers to try and get to the Tigers’ bullpen in the middle innings. If they choose to empty their bench to stack up their right-handed hitters against de Jesus and Hurter and fail to seize a lead, then that opens up the late innings for the Tigers’ right-handed high leverage arms. When Framber Valdez or Tarik Skubal start, then the Tigers can pivot to Drew Anderson to follow them, forcing the same type of decision on opposing managers.
It won’t always work out like that, but with Anderson, Hurter, and de Jesus all looking like guys who could win a fifth starter’s gig with a lot of lesser teams around the league, the depth of the Tigers’ pen would be in great shape. They’d also still have one spot left to rotate their best remaining arms through as they try to develop another reliever out of their prospects and minor league free agent signings. The Tigers could also choose to option Hurter for a while, and just use Anderson and de Jesus as the middle relievers, giving them two open spots in the pen for single inning relievers.
They don’t have to make the final decision for another two weeks, but Enmanuel de Jesus has made a great case for himself so far. Barring any trouble, he appears destined for a spot in the Tigers’ pen on Opening Day. Hopefully, Troy Melton has avoided any major injury and will be able to join him sometime in May. A hard-throwing right-hander with a good breaking ball would really tie the whole relief corps together.
Just about everything Cameron Payne tossed up turned to gold Tuesday night.
Payne had a brilliant, career-high performance in the Sixers’ 139-129 win over the Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena. He scored 32 points on 9-for-10 shooting (8 for 8 from three-point range) and also tallied 10 assists.
The Sixers improved to 35-30 and Memphis fell to 24-40.
Four Sixers passed 20 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. posted 31, Quentin Grimes scored 22 and VJ Edgecombe added 21.
Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome scored 26 points and dished out eight assists. He was ejected with 1:18 left in the fourth quarter after picking up two technical fouls in quick succession.
The Sixers will face the Pistons on Thursday in Detroit. Here are observations on their Payne-led victory over Memphis:
Edgecombe in and at the point
Oubre scored the Sixers’ first five points with a top-of-the-key jumper and a pair of free throws.
There was otherwise nothing doing for the Sixers’ offense in the opening minutes. The team started 1 for 7 from the field and 1 for 8 from three-point range.
The Sixers’ defense also had minimal success. Memphis regularly beat the Sixers off the dribble in the first quarter and fired up comfortable jumpers. Jerome’s and-one leaner lifted the Grizzlies to a 17-7 lead.
Edgecombe started in the backcourt next to Grimes and served as the Sixers’ primary ball handler. The rookie returned from a three-game absence with a lumbar contusion.
The Grizzlies applied early full-court ball pressure. To Edgecombe’s credit, he wasn’t bothered much by it and the Sixers reduced their turnovers across the board following a few subpar games in that area. The team committed just four turnovers in the first half.
Payne’s got his jumper back
The Grizzlies had no traditional center available in Philadelphia.
With matchups presumably in mind, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse removed Andre Drummond from the rotation. Jabari Walker played center once Adem Bona subbed out. Later, starting power forward Dominick Barlow was the Sixers’ biggest player on the floor.
The Sixers’ second unit had a strong finish to the first quarter. A Walker put-back layup tied the game and Grimes’ and-one lefty layup gave the Sixers a 32-29 edge.
Payne caught fire off the bench in the second quarter and never cooled off.
Between the 10:06 and 8:09 mark of the second, Payne hit three long-range jumpers and scored 11 points. He wound up with 14 points and zero misses in the second period.
After signing with the Sixers in February and struggling as a shooter through his first 10 NBA games of the season, Payne was due to heat up. The veteran guard’s not the sort of player to be shaken by a rough patch. He’s weathered slumps over the years and understands that he needs to keep shooting through inevitable ups and downs.
Forced turnovers fuel comeback
The Sixers were down three points at halftime. To no one’s surprise, that deficit increased in the third quarter.
The team trailed by as many as 14 points in the third, although the Sixers had a high-energy close to the period and the Grizzlies only led by six entering the fourth.
Memphis had an unsurprising advantage in second-chance points (28-15). And, if it weren’t for Payne, the Sixers would’ve been dramatically outmatched from three-point territory. Everyone besides Payne combined to go 3 for 23.
The Sixers’ knack for forcing turnovers ultimately spurred their comeback surge in the fourth quarter.
Oubre converted a crowd-pleasing and-one layup after a Payne steal. Two more Memphis giveaways led to dunks by Oubre and Barlow. The young Grizzlies seemed rattled by the Sixers’ aggressive defense and the fact that their lead was disappearing. Payne’s seventh triple put the Sixers up 119-115, capped a 12-0 run and prompted a Memphis timeout.
Suddenly, with Payne the star of the show, the Sixers could do no wrong. The Grizzlies asked for timeout again after Payne drove and dropped off a pass to Barlow for an and-one bucket that gave the Sixers a double-digit lead.
Payne raced to his absurdly efficient career high and the Sixers celebrated with the lively lefty at the final buzzer.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jalen Celestine hit five 3-pointers and scored 19 points, including two clinching free throws with 29 seconds to go, and ninth-seeded Cincinnati held off No. 16 seed Utah 73-66 on Tuesday to advance to the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.
Moustapha Thiam added 14 points and 10 rebounds while Baba Miller had 11 points, 14 boards and six assists for the Bearcats (18-14), who also gave their NCAA tourney hopes a big boost by earning a date with No. 8 seed UCF on Wednesday.
The Bearcats have won seven of their last nine games, a streak that began with a 20-point victory over the Knights in early February and includes a rare win by a road team over Kansas inside Allen Fieldhouse a couple of weeks ago.
Terrence Brown had 22 points and six assists for the Utes (10-22), who finished the season with five straight losses and 18 in their last 20 games. Keanu Dawes had 15 points and 12 rebounds while Seydou Traore scored 12.
Cincinnati closed the first half on an 15-2 run to take a 29-20 lead into the break, and it managed to extend the advantage to 48-33 by the midway point of the second half, when it seemed as if the Bearcats were about to put the game away.
Brown almost single-handedly kept the Utes in it.
He answered with back-to-back baskets as part of a mid-half scoring burst, then scored nine consecutive points for Utah down the stretch. The last of them was a three-point play that got the Utes within 66-61 with 3:07 to go.
Utah was still within 68-64 with a minute left, but Day Day Thomas and Celestine made free throws to put the game away.
Up next
Cincinnati split two games with UCF this season with each winning at home.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 12: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets celebrates his two-run home run with Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been 11 years since the Mets last won the division, coincidentally the last time they made it to the World Series, losing to the Royals in five games. A historic second-half collapse saw them plummet from division leaders to being dumped out of the playoff picture entirely with a loss to the Marlins on the final day of the regular season. Perhaps the embarrassment of that demise served as a spur in owner Steve Cohen’s side, because he authorized arguably the most significant roster upheaval of any team this past winter, but will it be enough to improve their fortunes in a tough NL East?
Following a three-game sweep of the Nationals in the second week of June, the Mets held a 5.5-game lead over the Phillies. The Queens outfit then proceeded to lose its next seven games, finishing the month with just three wins in a 17-game span. What once looked like a lock to make the playoffs evaporated in a moment, leaving the Mets needing a win against the Marlins on the final day of the regular season to sneak in as the final NL Wild Card ahead of the Reds. That did not come to pass.
Going from an 89-win team that pushed the Dodgers to six games in the 2025 NLCS to an 83-win team that missed the playoffs entirely did not sit well in Queens. Determined to avoid a repeat of such an ignominious finish, Cohen authored a veritable clearing of house over the winter, purging many of the Mets’ mainstays of the last decade.
That included allowing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz to depart in free agency. It was surprising to see the Mets decline to match the Orioles’ offer to Alonso, seemingly content to watch the franchise leader in home runs and fan favorite depart 200 miles south down I-95. The same can’t be said for Díaz, the Mets just about matching the Dodgers’ offer which ultimately proved enough to convince the three-time All-Star closer to switch coasts. Then there were the frankly stunning trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, the Mets swapping Nimmo for Marcus Semien from the Rangers in December before sending McNeil to the Athletics for a pitching prospect and cash considerations amid vague and since-refuted rumors of their roles in stirring clubhouse disharmony.
With the departures of Alonso, Díaz, Nimmo, and McNeil, the Mets subtracted their four longest-tenured players to usher in a new era built in the image of team president David Stearns. He chose a peculiar strategy of targeting poor-fielding middle infielders and asking them to learn new positions, starting with a two-year, $40 million deal for Jorge Polanco to take Alonso’s place at first. They followed this up by stealing Bo Bichette out from underneath the Phillies at the last minute, inking the longtime Blue Jay for three years and $126 million to be their new third baseman.
Those weren’t the only holes they needed to plug, the trades of Nimmo and McNeil and free agency departures of Cedric Mullins and Starling Marte creating a pair of vacancies in the outfield, while the exits of Díaz and Trade Deadline acquisitions Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, and Gregory Soto necessitated a bullpen rebuild. To that end, the Mets acquired perennial trade candidate Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox to man center, and look poised to hand top hitting prospect Carson Benge a legitimate opportunity to play left. Stearns then shifted his attention to the bullpen across town, signing 2025 Yankees closer and setup man Devin Williams and Luke Weaver for a combined $73 million.
The pièce de résistance of their offseason saw the Mets acquire two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta to be their long-elusive ace, sending a pair of highly regarded prospects in shortstop Jett Williams and pitcher Brandon Sproat to the Brewers to complete the deal. Even with the addition of Peralta, there are still major question marks looming over the rotation. They have six players — Peralta, Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga — penciled into the starting staff, yet none are projected to be worth three wins as several models expect significant regression from Peralta and Peterson. Top prospect McLean impressed upon his call-up and could very well smash the over on his projections, and Peterson finally put it all together in his age-29 season, but outside of Peralta there is still a ton of downside and injury risk surrounding the other five starters.
Things look a lot rosier on the hitting side. Any roster built around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor is an enviable starting point. In Soto and Lindor, the Mets boast two of the top ten position players in baseball in terms of projected fWAR for 2026, Soto projected for a 163 wRC+ and 6.1 fWAR and Lindor a 123 wRC+ and 5.0 fWAR. Bichette’s addition should go a long way to replacing the production lost from Alonso’s departure, and on the whole this is now a team with improved infield versatility and outfield defense.
A peak at various projection systems confirms that these offseason moves should improve the Mets’ outlook for 2026. FanGraphs predicts the Mets to win the division with a 92-70 record, assigning them a 79.3-percent chance to make the playoffs. PECOTA agrees, tabbing the Mets for a division-leading 89-73 record and 82.3-percent playoff odds. The question is how much the disparity between the offense and pitching projections will play a role. The Mets are projected to field the second-best offense in MLB with 31.5 batting wins, but sits middle of the pack at just 15.6 pitching wins. You could easily see the offense carrying them in most of their wins. All eyes will be turned toward the pitching staff — how much will they drag down the offense and can they avoid a similar collapse to the one that doomed the team over the summer and down the stretch last season?
More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 8: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 8, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s a bummer that for the second straight March, draft positioning has been the only thing worth rooting for so far.
After losing four out of their last five games and injuries mounting, the Sixers have finally slipped out of the top-6 in the Eastern Conference, sitting firmly in the eighth seed at 34-30. Of course there’s no protection if the wheels completely fall off and they are unable to get out of the Play-In tournament as the Sixers owe their top-4 protected pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
At least Philadelphia does own a draft pick for the 2026 first round, acquiring that of the Houston Rockets in exchange for trading Jared McCain to the Thunder. There’s at least been some improvement on that front, with the Rockets moving up one spot in the draft after going 1-2 over their last week of games.
They had a tough overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors, as well as running into the red-hot San Antonio Spurs with a win over the Portland Trail Blazers sandwiched in between. That’s moved them from 25th to 24th in draft order. They are a game back in the loss column from the LA Lakers for the 22nd pick and two back in the loss column from the Denver Nuggets for 21.
They’ll see those Nuggets as a part of a tricky week upcoming for Houston. First they’ll take on the Toronto Raptors at home on March 10 before heading up to Denver for a nationally televised bout on the 11th. Things definitely get easier when they come back home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on the 13th, then they start a two-game set at home with the Lakers on the 16th. That’ll be two upcoming games with big impacts on the standings with the teams in the early to mid twenties so bunched up.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 03: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks talks with Dwight Powell #7 in the first half during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 03, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mavericks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Come back later in the week to see the results! And then we can talk about them
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 10, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (43-21) at San Antonio Spurs (47-17) Tuesday, March 10, 2026 8:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #65 Road Game #34 TV: NBC/Peacock, NBCSB, FDSN Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WOAI/KXTN, Sirius XM AT&T Center
The Celtics continue their 3 game road trip with a stop in San Antonio to take on the Spurs. They beat the Cavaliers 109-98 on Sunday. They will finish the trip on Thursday in OKC. This is the second, and final game between these two teams this season. The Spurs won the first meeting 100-95 in Boston on January 10. The Celtics won the series 2-0 last season. They are 47-59 overall all time against the Spurs and they are 22-30 all time in games played in San Antonio.
Unlike many teams, the Spurs stood pat at the trade deadline and did not make any trades. They did, however waive Jeremy Sochan, who was later signed as a free agent by the Knicks. They also signed Mason Plumlee to a 10 day contract After the 10 day contract ran out, Plumlee signed a rest-of-season contract with the Spurs. They also signed Emanuel Miller to a two-way contract.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 2.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 3 games ahead of 3rd place New York , 3.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 6.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 7.5 games ahead of 6th place Orlando and 7th place Miami. The Celtics are 15-7 against Western Conference opponents. They are 22-11 on the road and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 2 games.
The Spurs are 2nd in the West, 2.5 games behind first place OKC. They are 7 games ahead of 3rd place Minnesota, 7.5 games ahead of 4th place Houston, 8 games ahead of the 5th place LA Lakers and the 6th place Denver Nuggets, and 10 games ahead of 7th place Phoenix. They are 19-4 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 24-6 at home and are 9-1 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 4 games.
After this game at San Antonio the Celtics will complete their 3 game road trip at Oklahoma City. Then they host Washington, Phoenix and Golden State. Next, it is one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee.
This is the 4th game of a 6 game home stand for the Spurs. They will host Denver and Charlotte before playing at the Clippers and at Sacramento. Then it’s back home against Phoenix and Indiana. Next they play on the road at Miami, Memphis and Milwaukee. Then it is one game at home against Chicago before a 3 game road trip through Golden State, the LA Clippers and Denver.
For the Celtics, Nikola Vucevic will remain out after having surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger. Payton Pritchard is out due to spasms in his neck. It is only be his second missed game of the season. For the Spurs, Harrison Barnes is out with an ankle injury. David Jones Garcia is out with an ankle injury. Lindy Waters III is questionable due to illness. Mason Plumlee is available after originally being listed as questionable due to reconditioning.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Stephon Castle
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesStephon Castle | Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs De’Aaron Fox
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesDe’Aaron Fox | Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Devin Vassell
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesDevin Vassell | Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Julian Champagnie
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesJulian Champagnie | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Victor Wembanyama
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesVictor Wembanyama | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Baylor Scheierman
2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje
Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out Payton Pritchard (neck) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Spurs Reserves Bismack Biyombo Carter Bryant Dylan Harper Keldon Johnson Luke Kornet Jordan McLaughlin Kelly Olynyk Mason Plumlee
2-Way Players Harrison Ingram David Jones Garcia Emanuel Miller
Injuries/Out Harrison Barnes (ankle) out David Jones Garcia (ankle) out Lindy Waters III (illness) questionable Mason Plumlee (reconditioning) available Head Coach Mitch Johnson
Key Matchups Neemias Queta vs Victor Wembanyama Wembanyama is averaging 23.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.steals per game. He is shooting 50.5% from the field and 35.3% beyond the arc. In the first game against Boston this year, he finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks while shooting 47.1% from the field and 25.3% from beyond the arc. He is a monster on defense and is a threat to score from anywhere on the court. The Celtics can only hope to slow him down.
Jaylen Brown vs De’Aaron Fox Fox is averaging 18.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 48.6% from the field and 34.1% from beyond the arc. Against the Celtics on January 10, Fox finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal while shooting 56.3% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc. Fox is one of the fastest players in the league and the Celtics need to keep him from getting out on the break.
Honorable Mention Derrick White vs Stephon Castle Castle is averaging 16.4points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 46.8% from the field and 30.1% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals while shooting 18.8% from the field and 14.3% from beyond the arc. He is coming off a 145-120 win over Houston where he finished with 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 75% on threes. He can be dangerous if not defended well.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense will always be the most important key to winning games. The Celtics are 5th with a defensive rating of 111.6 while the Spurs are 3rd with a defensive rating of 110.2. The Celtics need to defend the perimeter because the Spurs shoot 37.6 threes per game and they shoot 35.6% as a team. They also need to defend the paint as the Spurs average 51.1 points in the paint per game. The Celtics need to make defense a priority and play tough team defense from start to finish and not let up. This game will be won on the defensive end.
Rebound – The Celtics can’t score if they don’t have the ball, and they will struggle if they give up second chance points to the Spurs. The Celtics and Spurs are tied for 3rd with both teams averaging 46.4 rebounds per game. The Celtics are going to have to work extra hard on the boards in this game with Wembanyama ready to snag every rebound. When the Celtics put in extra effort on the boards, that effort tends to spread to other areas of the game as well.
To 3 or Not to 3 – The Celtics are 3rd in the league, attempting 42.4 threes a game. When they fall, the Celtics are tough to beat. But, when they aren’t falling, the Celtics struggle. If the Celtics aren’t hitting their 3s, they have to go to Plan B and take the ball to the basket or shoot from midrange. If the 3s are falling, great!! If not, go to Plan B. The Spurs are a good defensive team and will try to chase the Celtics off the 3 point line and they need to be ready for that.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics play their best when they share the ball. They are 28-2 when they have 25 or more assists in a game and they are 14-0 when they have 29 or more assists. However, the Celtics need to take care of the basketball and limit turnovers. They have to make careful passes and also be aware while dribbling and not drive into a crowd or allow a defender to steal the ball since the Spurs average 17.5 points off turnovers per game.
X-Factors On the Road – The Celtics are playing in the 2nd game of a 3 game road trip after having to travel across country and across time zones. They have to sleep in hotels and play in hostile arenas. The Spurs are a very good home team, losing just 6 games at home this season. The Celtics have to overcome all the distractions of playing on the road and stay focused on playing the game the right way.
Officiating – Officiating is always an X-Factor. Every crew officiates differently and teams need to adjust to the way the game is called. Will they call the game evenly or favor the home team? Will they call it tight or let them play? Hopefully we get fair officiating and they let them play and the Celtics focus on playing and not on the officiating.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks guards Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 06, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bucks 114-106. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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The Phoenix Suns are fresh off a promising home win against the red-hot Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
Despite being short-handed, Phoenix’s guard trio of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Collin Gillespie all put on a show. That, plus the strong play from their rookies and an encouraging Haywood Highsmith debut, was enough to push the Suns over the hump.
This will be the first meeting between these clubs, with the two-game season series concluding in Phoenix in a couple of weeks. For the Suns, this is the start of a long, grueling 6-game road trip all over the country with a pair of back-to-backs sprinkled in.
This is a road test that should not go unnoticed by the Suns, despite their poor record in Milwaukee. Giannis is off the injury report, and they will be at (mostly) full strength on their home floor. This game caps off the end of a season-long five-game homestand for the Bucks, who have lost five of their last six contests.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain) has been upgraded to questionable for the Suns tomorrow against the Bucks.
Grayson Allen (right knee injury management) is questionable as well.
The Suns are going to be a bit undersized compared to a large Bucks team across the board. Between centers Myles Turner and Jericho Sims, along with Giannis, of course, and Bobby Portis, plus 6’9” forward Osumane Dieng stepping into a larger role of late.
Expect the trio of young guys in Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach, and Rasheer Fleming to get significant minutes in this one.
Milwaukee just gave up 130 points to the Orlando Magic in a loss on their home floor this Sunday. The Bucks are the 11th seed out East, and they are a full 4 games back from the Hornets (who Phoenix just beat) for the final play-in spot. The motivation will be there for them to put together one last run, especially with Giannis healthy, even if it looks to be an uphill climb.
Keys to a Suns Win
Contain the Freak
Giannis is still a freight train and will be a problem for a Suns team that struggles to defend physical, bruising forwards. I’d anticipate Oso Ighodaro, Rasheer Fleming, and Ryan Dunn, or even Khaman Maluach, being bodies they throw at him to disrupt him.
Beyond slowing Giannis down, the Suns will need to cut off “the others” on Milwaukee’s squad. Ryan Rollins can get buckets. Bobby Portis has killed Phoenix in the past, and you want to avoid an AJ Green, Cam Thomas, Gary Trent Jr., or Kyle Kuzma game. They have sneaky depth, but it’s an odd mix of guys who haven’t been able to stay on the court together much this season.
Contain the Bench
Portis led the Bucks with 18 points, and Cam Thomas chipped in with 17 off the bench in their loss to the Magic on Sunday. Phoenix’s bench is dependent on who actually suits up in this one, because if they get Allen and/or Goodwin, that provides a significant punch in either scoring or defense, depending on who can go.
Defense Wins
The Bucks have been held to under 100 points in four of their last six contests. The Suns will need to do what they do best to take this one, and that is to set the tone defensively.
Team defense will be the key. Pack the paint, help, and recover. Rinse and repeat. Giannis’s presence adds another element to this Bucks team, so the Suns’ depth and size will be tested early and often.
Prediction
The Suns are looking more connected, and a potential return of one (or both) of Goodwin and Allen could give them the jolt they need to just pull off a tough road win. I’m not holding my breath on this one.
