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Celtics blow past the Nets, 148-111

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 27, 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Nets had come into TD Garden losers of 6 in a row on Friday night, they left losers of 7 in a row. The Celtics beat the Nets in blowout fashion, 148-111 behind a big 28 point game from Jaylen Brown.

Only Jayson Tatum missed this one for the Celtics. They started the group that has become the usuals; Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta. Brooklyn, meanwhile, had no one missing on the injury report. They started Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton.

The Nets have beaten the Celtics once already and the last time these two teams played, it went to 2OT. Brooklyn had given Boston problems this year so it was important that the Celtics brought the energy for 48 minutes. Especially since it was the first home game back off of a west coast trip.

Spoiler alert: they didn’t give the Celtics any problems on Friday.

The Celtics were hot from there early, making their first 5 makes and going 8/10 from the field. However, Brooklyn was able to hang around because Boston could not get a stop as the Nets started the game 7/11 themselves.

Former Celtic Josh Minott checked into the game for the Nets in the first quarter. He had 4 points and a huge poster dunk on Hugo Gonzalez in the period.

The Celtics led 35-32 at the end of the first quarter. They went 6/7 from three point range with the only miss being a Gonzalez heave at the end of the quarter. Nikola Vucevic led the way with 10 points and 5 rebounds off of the bench.

Boston’s defense was lacking in the first half. Entering Friday’s game, the Celtics had the best defense in the league over the past 1o games.

However, Brooklyn was getting whatever they wanted throughout the half. Finishing with 32 points in the paint for the half.

The Celtics still led 66-57 after the half. Jaylen Brown led the team with 14 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists while Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Neither team could get a stop for a lot of the third quarter as well. The Celtic stayed hot from three as they were 16/26 from three for the game in the middle of the third quarter as they took their largest lead of the night.

They never looked back.

A 27-7 run gave the Celtics a 109-83 cushion at the end of the third quarter. Jaylen Brown led the team with 28 points while Nikola Vucevic had 24 and 10 off of the bench and was a +25 in the game.

The lead ballooned to 34 points in the 4th quarter as Payton Pritchard put in a nice layup leading to a Brooklyn timeout.

Jaylen Brown finished the game with 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. He was dominant throughout the game shooting 9/12 from the field and 4/4 from three. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds and Payton Pritchard scored 22 points and was a +40 for the game.

The Celtics shot an astronomical 67% from the field and 65% from three while Brooklyn shot 49% from the field and 41% from three. Boston’s next game is Sunday night at 8 EST against the 76ers from TD Garden.

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Rockies manager and players comment on a 3-2 Rockies walk-off win

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Colorado Rockies outfielder, Zac Veen walks back to the dugout after striking out during the first 2026 spring training game at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 20, 2026. The Arizona Diamondbacks went onto beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images

Earlier today, the Colorado Rockies walked off the San Diego Padres in a 3-2 win.

For game highlights, click here.

First, here’s manager Warren Schaeffer’s thoughts on the day’s performances:

Here’s the man of the hour, Zac Veen:

Starting pitcher Tanner Gordon weighed in:

Finally, please enjoy some game highlights, including that Veen bomb:

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

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JJ Redick says Lakers’ losses are ‘louder’ than other teams’ losses

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The good thing about the Lakers is that when things are going well, the attention the franchise receives is more than virtually anyone else in sports gets.

However, the other side of that coin is that when losses are piling up, the media frenzy is just as loud, perhaps even louder.

After the Lakers lost to the Suns, head coach JJ Redick discussed the negativity that comes with being the most popular basketball team on Earth.

Whether fair or not, the standard in Los Angeles is to win all the time, with no exceptions or grace allowed. So, when fans or the media can’t see the path towards a title, the blame game begins and that’s a contest no one can win.

Simply put, the Lakers, given the size of their fanbase and the amount of national TV games they play, aren’t allowed to struggle quietly. If something is going wrong in LA, it will be broadcast on every show, podcast and website imaginable.

It also doesn’t help that the Lakers are playing poorly.

During this losing streak, the Lakers have been blown out by the Celtics, lost to a Magic team missing key players, and failed to generate any stops in the fourth quarter against Phoenix.

When you have awful losses on the largest stage, it’s going to get people talking about your flaws ad nauseam.

As Don Draper said in the television show “Mad Men,” “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.”

The only way the Lakers can do that is by winning games. And the path towards that is fixing the defense, optimizing the offense and getting the trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves all playing well together.

Also, there are only 20-plus games left to get that done. So, yeah, the 2025-26 Lakers might be cooked.

But yes, Redick is right. It does get loud in LA.

Hopefully, one day, the noise is about the team going on a title run, and the conversation is about how the Lakers have one of the best run franchises in the NBA.

Right now, the dialogue is much darker. And no matter how loud the noise is, the play on the court warrants the criticisms.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto balances workload for WBC repeat, Dodgers three-peat

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Yoshinobu Yamamoto insists he has no concerns.

The Los Angeles Dodgers tell you, well, at least publicly, they have no worries.

And Dodgers fans will be at home watching with a knot in their stomachs, no sure how much success they want their ace to have in the World Baseball Classic, only that he returns fully healthy for the regular season.

Yoshinobu, after giving up five hits and two runs in three innings Friday against the San Franciso Giants in a 12-4 loss, is leaving for Tokyo where he will meet up with Shohei Ohtani and the rest of his teammates as Team Japan defends its WBC title.

“We’re going to miss him certainly when he’s away with Team Japan,’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “but we absolutely got what we needed.’’

Yamamoto, who threw 37 of his 52 pitches for strikes, with four strikeouts, is tentatively scheduled to pitch against Chinese Taipei on March 6 in his WBC opener, where he will be limited to 65 pitches.

“I’m looking forward to that game against Taiwan,’’ he said. “I understand the passion of Taiwanese fans and baseball fans. So I think it’s special.’’

Yamamoto could pitch again in the quarterfinals with a 75-pitch limit, or if Japan advances to the semifinals in Miami, he could pitch the semifinal or championship game with a 95-pitch restriction.

“Yoshinobu knows when he’s going to pitch for Team Japan,’’ Roberts said. “And we’re aligned as far as our organization and our pitching guys. He’s comfortable with it.’’

So just how much will he pitch?

“It’s a secret,’’ Yamamoto said, laughing.

Yamamoto did concede that last season, pitching 211 innings last season, including 37.1 innings during the postseason in which he won the World Series MVP, had an effect on him. It wasn’t so much the physical effect, he said, but the mental stress.

“Mentally, I was a little bit tired,’’ he said. “You know, fatigue. But physically, I was good.’’

Now, after being in Arizona for most of February, he says he’s ready physically and mentally, hoping to lead Japan to back-to-back WBC titles in March, and the Dodgers to a World Series three-peat in October.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will head to the World Baseball Classic.

“I do think when the bell rings,’’ Roberts said, “he’s going to be fine, but I could certainly understand [with] what’s he gone through the last couple of years. It’s a tax mentally, but you know he’s going to have to ramp up for the WBC.

“We’ll see how he is when he gets back with us.’’

Certainly, Yamamoto has done everything possible to prepare for the workload after the short winter. He worked out six days a week, sometimes for six hours at a time beginning in December, preparing for this moment.

“The dude is an animal,’’ Dodgers teammate Kiké Hernández said on the “Baseball & Coffee" podcast with Adam Ottavino. “Little guy, nicest guy in the world, but man ... when he’s on the mound, that stadium is his, and he’s shown it."

His value to the Dodgers can’t be understated. He not only is the Dodgers’ ace, but one of the select few Dodgers starters who are on schedule to open the season without restrictions.

Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ two-time Cy Young winner, has been bothered by shoulder fatigue and is still only playing catch at 90 feet. He certainly won’t be ready for opening day and is expected to open the season on the injured list.

Shohei Ohtani is healthy and scheduled to open the season in the starting rotation, but he didn’t pitch in a spring training game before leaving for Japan, and has no plans to pitch in the WBC either.

Emmit Sheehan missed a week with an illness, and is behind schedule.

Roki Sasaki struggled badly in his spring-training debut, and is no longer a lock to make the opening-day rotation.

Bobby Miller has shoulder tightness and still hasn’t pitched off the mound.

Brock Stewart is progressing well after shoulder surgery, but hasn’t pitched in a game, and will open the year on the IL.

Tyler Glasnow is healthy and pitched well in his spring-traiing debut, but he pitched just 90.1 innings last season with an assortment of injuries, and has pitched more than 100 innings just three times in his 10-year career.

And Clayton Kershaw is retired, coming back only to pitch in the WBC.

Needless to say, as deep and talented and rich as the Dodgers are, they badly need Yamamoto to be their ace again this season.

Yamamoto, who finished third in the NL Cy Young voting last season after going 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA and 201 strikeouts, struggled a bit with his command Friday, but was effective with all of his pitches, hitting 97 mph on his fastball. He gave up a leadoff homer to Willy Adames on a 3-2 curveball, and back-to-back hits to Matt Chapman and Heliot Ramos in the second inning, but finished his outing by not permitting the last seven batters to hit the ball out of the infield, with three strikeouts.

“After today’s game, I do feel I got the feeling I wanted,’’ Yamamoto said, “and was looking for, although there’s some more stuff I need to work on.’’

Certainly, according to the scouts on hand, he looks like he’s nearly ready for the season, and certainly the WBC.

So, inquiring WBC fans want to know, if Yamamoto is pitching in the championship game for Team Japan against Team USA, who will Dodgers fans cheer for in the potential matchup?

“That’s a great question,’’ Roberts said. “I would like to say the U.S., the ones that are U.S. citizens, but it’s probably going to be a split camp because there’s a lot of Yoshinobu fans, for sure.’’

Follow Nightengale on X @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yoshinobu Yamamoto hoping for WBC repeat, Dodgers three-peat

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Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt Injury Report: Kam Williams and Frankie Collins are out

Ahead of their Saturday showdown at Rupp Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats and Vanderbilt Commodores have unveiled their SEC Injury Report.

For Kentucky, you will be absolutely stunned and shocked to hear that Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Kam Williams all remain out. Williams is out of a walking boot, and Mark Pope is keeping the faith that the sophomore guard can return toward the end of this season, but it’s far from a certainty.

For the Commodores, starting guard Frankie Collins remains out, though he hasn’t played since December 17, so Vandy is plenty used to being without him.

Only one other player is on the injury report, and that’s reserve guard Mike James, who is doubtful to play. The former Louisville guard is averaging just 1.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 11.1 minutes per game.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt Injury Report

You want more A Sea Of Blue coverage? Then add us to your “Preferred Sources” on Google to get all the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. Be sure to check out our friends at Bleav in Kentucky for everything you need to know about the Cats packed into weekly podcasts. And Go CATS!

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'It goes!' Miami Ohio stays undefeated with buzzer-beater vs Western Michigan

Miami (Ohio) basketball's perfect season lives another night.

The No. 25 RedHawks survived a scare from Western Michigan on Friday, Feb. 27, at University Arena in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when Trey Perry hit a game-winning layup with 0.4 seconds remaining. Miami improved to 29-0 on the season with the win.

REQUIRED READING: How Miami Ohio became college basketball's most unlikely undefeated team

“Tough man, playing to win. He’s fiery. He’s a competitor. He’s built for those moments, man," Miami (Ohio) coach Travis Steele said of Perry in a postgame interview. "So we put the ball in his hands there at the end. I told him to try and get to the rim, not settle. Which he did. He got right to that left hand. He’s really good, he can finish with either hand equally as well.”

The RedHawks trailed by as many as nine points with 6:38 left in the game. They only led the contest for 4:43 of gametime, but were able to steal a victory at the end. Peter Suder led Miami with 18 points, while Almar Atlason added 16 points and Perry finished with 14, including the game-winner.

The Broncos tied the game at 67-67 with 12 seconds on a second-chance jumper from Justice Williams. However, Perry's layup kept the RedHawks quest for a perfect season alive. According to USA TODAY Sports' latest bracket projections, they are slated to be an 11-seed in the East Region as an automatic qualifier out of the Mid-American Conference.

“If you look at our numbers since Jan. 1, we’re a top 60 team in defense in the country, analytically," Steele said. "We’re really trending in the right direction, when we get a little healthier, we’ll regain that offensive magic we had. But our guys figure it out. That’s what good teams do. They win when they didn’t play their best.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Ohio stays undefeated with buzzer-beater vs Western Michigan

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Charles Barkley tears into new NBA media rights landscape: ‘Disservice to the fans’

Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Spike Lee smile before the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Spike Lee smile before the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

Charles Barkley agrees with disenchanted NBA fans.

The Basketball Hall of Famer appeared on long-running ESPN show “Pardon the Interruption” on Friday to discuss current matters in the NBA, particularly ranting about how hard it is to simply find games.

The league’s new media rights deal sprinkles games throughout ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock and Amazon’s Prime Video.

Charles Barkley stands in the second tee box during the first round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 11, 2025 in Stateline, Nevada. Getty Images

Barkley isn’t a fan of the whole setup.

“It is so difficult for fans to find the games now,” Barkley told Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. “I think we’ve done a disservice to the fans and to the game. We’ve got to find a way to let the fans know. Because the fans are the backbone, and we want to support these networks.”

Barkley went on to say that people “don’t know” when games are on, and where.

“We’ve got to be very careful because we’ve got an 11-year deal, and it’s a team deal. The players are gonna be successful, but we want the networks to be successful also,” Barkley continued.

The new media rights deal, signed in July 2024, was inked for 11 years and $77 billion, and it kicked in this year.

Controversially, the deal didn’t include TNT, which didn’t appear to be keen on keeping the NBA product.

“Inside The NBA,” a long-running staple of TNT’s coverage, has since been moved to ESPN and will air more often now that football season is over.

Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Spike Lee smile before the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. NBAE via Getty Images

Previously, TNT and ESPN shared the bulk of the nationally televised contests, not including the in-house NBA TV.

Barkley, who continues to co-host alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, has been a vocal proponent of the league becoming more “fan-friendly” as it relates to this media deal.

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PWHL teams place Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Erin Ambrose on long-term IR

Olympians Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Erin Ambrose have all been placed on long-term injured reserve by their PWHL clubs after sustaining injuries during the Milan Cortina Games.

Knight, a five-time Olympian and captain of the United States team that won gold, will be out of the Seattle Torrent's lineup indefinitely after sustaining a lower-body injury in Italy, the team announced Friday.

Knight had three goals and three assists for the U.S. at Milan Cortina including a goal in the 2-1 overtime win over Canada in the final. She has three goals and seven assists during the current PWHL season.

“While we’re eager to be at full strength and recognize the anticipation of Hilary’s return, we’re focused on putting her and our team in the best position for a playoff push," Torrent general manager Meghan Turner said in a statement.

Minnesota Frost captain Coyne Schofield was placed on long-term injured reserve on Friday retroactive to Feb. 19 with an upper-body injury. Coyne Schofield scored three goals for the United States during the Olympics.

“I am incredibly proud of all our Frost Olympians who demonstrated true excellence on the world stage,” general manager Melissa Caruso said in a statement. “We are fully committed to supporting Kendall throughout her recovery, and our medical team will be working diligently to help her prepare for her return to the ice."

The moves by the Torrent and Frost came a day after the Montreal Victoire announced that Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 19 for a lower‑body injury suffered while representing Canada in the gold medal game. Ambrose had a pair of assists at the Olympics.

The Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin, Canada's captain in Italy, was listed as day-to-day with an Olympics-related injury.

Victoire general manager Daniele Sauvageau said of the team's Olympians "we are confident that they will be back in the lineup in the near future.”

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

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Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #8 vs. Seattle Mariners

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: A general view of Peoria Stadium following the cancellation of a spring training game between the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks due to field conditions on March 13, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last time I was at Peoria Sports Complex, I was getting a COVID shot. Wasn’t yesterday either. Weird what sticks in your mind. Anyway, tonight sees the D-backs heading over for a potential get-together with Josh Naylor, who signed a long-term contract – 5 year, $92,500,000 – with Seattle. Though it’ll be a little odd not seeing Eugenio Suarez, who is now a memebr of the Reds. It does feel like the Mariners and D-backs have been frequent fliers as trade partners over the past few years, and it has usually worked out quite well for both. But tonight, they face off against each other.

After Ryne Nelson’s start, it’ll be RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Juan Morillo, RHP Juan Burgos, RHP Joe Ross, RHP Taylor Rashi and RHP Daniel Eagen. I wonder if there’s a chance he will be the Opening Day starter for the D-backs, now that Merrill Kelly is out? After last season’s performance, it would seem like he deserves it, but there may be other factors at play. He’s younger and less experienced than everyone else bar Brandon Pfaadt, and while it doesn’t “matter”, there’s something to be said for Zac Gallen as well. Hopefully, we won’t see the same issues as last year with Corbin Burnes.

A few options to watch this one tonight. It will be the Mariners’ broadcast, but will be available on dbacks.tv, and is also scheduled to be broadcast on the MLB Network. They’ve additionally added the March 10th game at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers to their schedule (subject to change), so that’s nice.

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No. 25 Princeton women force 26 turnovers in a 97-47 rout of Dartmouth

HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — Fadima Tall, Madison St. Rose and Emily Eadie each scored 13 points to help No. 25 Princeton rout Dartmouth 97-47 on Friday night.

Princeton (22-3, 10-2 Ivy League) has won 19 of its last 21 games — with both losses coming against Columbia. The Tigers improved to 31-1 against the Big Green since the 2009-10 season.

Princeton pulled away by outscoring Dartmouth 32-12 in the third quarter. Toby Nweke and Grace O’Sullivan made back-to-back 3-pointers, and Skye Belker scored on two straight possessions to cap Princeton’s 25-4 third-quarter run for a 65-30 lead.

Princeton added a 13-2 run to begin the fourth for an 85-40 lead.

Belker and Nweke each scored 12 points and Taylor Charles had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Princeton, which did not have a double-digit scorer until the fourth quarter. Nweke made five of Princeton's 20 steals. The Tigers shot 57% from the field and outrebounded the Big Green 40-23.

Dartmouth (10-15, 1-11) was led by Zeynep Ozel and Jacalyn Myrthil with nine points apiece. The Big Green turned it over 26 times and attempted 29 less field goals than Princeton.

Up next

Princeton: Stays on the road to play Harvard on Saturday.

Dartmouth: Hosts Pennsylvania on Saturday.

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Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

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Mariners Spring Training 2026, Game #8: Thread

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19: Luis Castillo #58 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait at Peoria Sports Complex on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As Spring Training hits its stride and the Mariners move past their first week of games, Luis Castillo — La Piedra — takes the rock for the first time in 2026. Castillo, despite an up-and-down regular season, was an absolute hero during the postseason and we are all looking forward to seeing what he has in store in 2026!

Image

It’s an interesting-look starting lineup for the M’s tonight, with the only real MLB players being Victor Robles in center, Josh Naylor at first, Miles Mastrobuoni at third, and Leo Rivas at short. This writer is especially excited to see how Cole Young performs under the lights tonight at second base.

Likely pitchers to follow Luis on the mound include Casey Lawrence, Carlos Vargas, José Ferrer, Tyler Cleveland, and Josh Simpson.

Starting Lineup | 2.27.26 | 6:10 PM MT Diamondbacks at Mariners (logos) | Banner Health (logo) CF - Lawlar 2B - Tawa 1B - Smith C - McCann SS - Vargas LF - Waldschmidt DH - Vukovich 3B - Groover RF - Robinson SP - Nelson Watch: DBACKS.TV The graphic features an image of Pavin Smith smiling pregame. He is wearing a black Diamondbacks jersey, white baseball pants, and a teal Spring Training cap.

The Snakes are sending out Ryne Nelson (first Stanek now this guy? Someone has to teach pitchers how to spell “Ryan”) to the mound first tonight. Nelson has been a fixture for Arizona over the past three years, and set a career best ERA of 3.39 in 2025. It is also Nelson’s first start of the spring.

First Pitch: 5:10pm PT

Watch: Mariners.TV, Mariners.com, and (if you’re outside the PNW like our esteemed Kate Preusser) MLB Network

Listen: Seattle Sports 710AM

As a reminder, we’re hoping to build our community before Opening Day for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season and we’d love to have you with us. If you haven’t yet, sign up (it makes the site function much better for you, as a bonus) and jump on in to the conversation! This is especially helpful on radio-only games to keep the conversation flowing. And don’t worry about making a mistake – it’s spring training for all of us.

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What Predators' Steven Stamkos said about NHL trade rumors

Predators star Steven Stamkos isn't ready to leave Nashville.

Stamkos denied a report from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun that he might be willing to waive a full no-movement clause in his contract to be traded to a legitimate contender.

"I haven't talked to (general manager Barry Trotz) at all about that," Stamkos said, adding there was "zero" chance he'd be willing to waive his no movement clause.

"Obviously there's stuff that gets reported," Stamkos said. "But what I'll say, with this group, we want to be together. I can only control what I can control, but I love being here."

Stamkos, 36, has drawn attention ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

In The Athletic's Feb. 26 report, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild were mentioned as potential trade partners.

The Predators (27-24-7, 61 points) are coming off a 4-2 win over the Blackhawks that puts them within two points of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. But even if Nashville makes the playoffs, they'd face a tough task going up against teams like Colorado, Vegas, Dallas or Minnesota in the first round.

That's fueled speculation that Trotz, who announced his retirement on Feb. 2, might be willing to sell off players like Stamkos to improve the team's future.

At least for himself, Stamkos doesn't see that happening.

"We want to play in meaningful hockey games and we're playing in meaningful hockey games right now," Stamkos said.

This season, Stamkos leads the Predators with 29 goals in 58 games, giving him 56 goals in two seasons with Nashville. The four-year contract he signed in 2024 includes an annual $8 million cap hit and runs through the 2027-28 season.

Prior to his arrival in Nashville, Stamkos spent 16 seasons with Tampa Bay after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. On Dec. 31, Stamkos scored his 600th NHL goal, becoming the 22nd player in NHL history to pass the milestone.

ROOKIE CONFIDENCE: Why Matthew Wood’s tying goal was 'biggest of the game' for Predators

Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Predators' Steven Stamkos has had 'zero' trade talks with Barry Trotz

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Mavericks vs Grizzlies Preview and Injury Update: Dallas is tired

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 22: Dallas Mavericks mascot Champ entertains before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on November 22, 2025 in Dallas, 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (21-37) host the Memphis Grizzlies (21-36) on Friday night. Dallas is coming off a rather shocking loss to the lowly Sacramento Kings. Memphis is locked in to their tank, losing three in a row recently, with losses to Miami, Sacramento, and Golden State. This is a match up between two teams racing towards the lottery.

Here’s the main things you need to know:

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies
  • WHAT: The second night of a home back-to-back
  • WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
  • WHEN: 7:30 pm CST
  • HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

It’s another brutal injury report for the Mavericks. They will be without so many players today. Starting with the obvious: Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively are still out. Cooper Flagg is missing another game due to his foot and Marvin Bagley is out after straining his neck in a fall against the Kings. Next there are four players listed as doubtful, which means they are out as well: Moussa Cisse, Ryan Nembhard, Klay Thompson, and PJ Washington. Caleb Martin is questionable with a back injury.

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The Grizzlies also have a ton of guys out. Let’s list them off! Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Cederic Coward, Brandon Clark, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Anderson, and Sani Aldama. Ty Jerome is doubtful. Before the game tips SIXTEEN players between both teams aren’t going to play. Ridiculous.

Dallas is tired. Naji Marshall is playing 100000 minutes. Memphis has at least had a day off, whereas the Mavericks played one last night. This might be an ugly game but I bet Dallas hangs around.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

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Game Thread: Knicks at Bucks, February 27, 2026

The Knicks (37*-22) visit the Bucks (26-31) tonight at Fiserv Forum with a chance to take the season series after splitting the first two meetings. Milwaukee has won eight of its last 10 and did so without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf). Things that make you go hmmm! Meanwhile, New York, with two days of rest, will want to take care of business tonight and get home to prepare for an early Sunday game versus San Antonio.

Tip-off is 8 pm EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Brew Hoop. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the Cup Final was a trick of the eye.

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A’s Drop Another Spring Game, Fall To Royals 7-6

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics delivers a first inning pitch against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The A’s can’t seem to get many wins this spring but luckily these games don’t count just yet. Still would be nice to see another win sometime soon as the Athletics dropped another game on Friday afternoon, losing to the Royals 7-6 and dropping their meaningless record to 1-5.

The A’s jumped out to an early lead this afternoon. A pair of walks put two runners on for Max Muncy. Looking to put some distance between himself and Darell Hernaiz for the starting third base job, Muncy took a fastball down the middle and drove it into center field for a double and bringing in both runs, giving the A’s the first lead.

Left-hander Jeffrey Springs got his first action today, taking the ball to start against KC today. While the stats don’t matter today still wasn’t a great first outing for the 33-year-old considering his early-game struggles last year. Springs had an easy first inning but got hit hard in the second, allowing four runs to score capped by a Bobby Witt Jr. three-run home run that wiped away the A’s early lead. That would chase him from this game after getting up to 39 pitches, which is probably around where the coaching staff wanted him as they slowly ramp the veteran lefty up for the long season ahead.

The A’s got one of those runs back in the next frame thanks to a Carlos Cortes double and a pair of productive groundouts to bring him in. Then the A’s got the big hit they were looking for in the fourth. Shortstop Jacob Wilson came to the plate with a runner on first and blasted a 429-foot home run to left field, his first long ball of spring and one that tied this game up a 5 apiece. The A’s would then take the lead the very next inning, courtesy of Muncy’s first home run of the spring.

The Royals would battle back late however. Lefty Brady Basso began the seventh and didn’t have his best stuff today. A double and a pair of walks loaded the bases and while he was just one strike away from getting out of the jam, a two-run double bit him and gave KC back the lead.

The A’s put together a scoring threat in the eighth thanks to a couple hits from some prospects (including Leo De Vries!), but couldn’t manage to knot this game up, falling 7-6 to finish the afternoon off.

Not great but the offense has really picked it up after a slow start to spring. We do this all again tomorrow, with the San Francisco Giants coming to Hohokam Stadium for another afternoon matchup with our A’s. Right-hander Luis Morales is set to get the ball for his second appearance this spring. He allowed a run on a couple hits in a couple innings of work earlier this week but will be getting his first starting nod. The Giants will go with veteran righty Tyler Mahle for his first appearance of camp. Hopefully the A’s can get another one of those currently-meaningless wins.

Notes:

  • Muncy finished the day 2-for-3 with three RBI’s. It’s a super small sample but he’s 4-for-10 so far with one walk and one strikeout.
  • Hernaiz isn’t making the coaching staff’s job easy though. He went 0-for-1 today but also drew a pair of walks. He’s 5-for-11 this spring. Does a big showing in the upcoming WBC do him any favors with the coaching staff?
  • Jamie Arnold sighting! The A’s most recent first-round pick made it into his first game action for the A’s. He pitched a scoreless inning, allowing a hit and a walk while also collecting two punchouts. A nice little spring debut for the left-hander.
  • Center fielder Denzel Clarke has had a rough go of it at the plate to start camp, but he finally collected his first hit this spring today. He doesn’t need to do much offensively to have value for the A’s this coming season but he also can’t be a complete black hole in the lineup.
  • Top prospect Leo De Vries went 2-for-2 today, a positive showing for the young shortstop who is nearly in the big leagues. He won’t be breaking camp with the club but a strong showing in front of the coaches during camp doesn’t hurt.
  • Righty reliever Elvis Alvarado had a second scoreless appearance this afternoon, while fellow relief pitcher Michael Kelly gave up a run in his inning of work. These two could be closer options for Mark Kotsay this coming year.