The Pittsburgh Penguins are almost through their gauntlet of a March schedule.
They're coming off an emotional 4-3 shootout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday and will return home to face the Dallas Stars on Saturday. This will be the second of two meetings between the Penguins and Stars this season after the Stars won 3-2 in a shootout back on Dec. 7.
The Stars are one of two teams to have already clinched a playoff spot and are among the best in the league. However, they're on a four-game losing streak coming into this game.
The Stars are set to get star forward Mikko Rantanen back from injury on Saturday after missing the last month. He was injured during the Olympics while representing Team Finland and has been awesome this year, scoring 20 goals and 69 points in 54 games.
Jason Robertson leads the Stars in points with 85 in 72 games and also has 39 goals. He's set to get quite the pay increase for his next contract since he's slated to be a restricted free agent this summer.
Wyatt Johnston leads the team in goals with 40 and also has 78 points in 72 games. He's the Stars' top-line center and does it all for them.
The Stars are blessed to have two top defensemen on their backend in Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley. Heiskanen is one of the five best defensemen on the planet and is elite in all three zones. He's also a one-man breakout.
Harley is a great puck-mover and can score fairly well. Coming into this season, he finished the last two years with at least 15 goals.
The Penguins' lines are up in the air for this game, as it's unclear whether Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will be available.
Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 6: Jacob Latz #67 of the Texas Rangers participates in a fielding drill prior to a Spring Training game against the Seattle Mariners at Surprise Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for March 28, 2026 against the Philadelphia Phillies: starting pitchers are Jacob Latz for the Rangers and Aaron Nola for the Phillies.
The Rangers look to win their first game of the year and get to a .500 record on a chilly day in Philadelphia this afternoon. Jacob Latz is filling in for Jacob deGrom, who is dealing with neck stiffness.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Langford — LF
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
Pederson — DH
Smith — 2B
Jung — 3B
Carter — CF
Jansen — C
3:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +125 underdogs.
There’s an “anything is possible” vibe to MLB’s Opening Weekend, and Saturday’s slate features several teams looking to derail the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bid for a three-peat.
That group includes the Toronto Blue Jays, and my MLB player props target a strong outing from Dylan Cease, as well as a wager on Fernando Tatis Jr. to kickstart his season.
Dylan Cease takes the ball for the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon, and he’s facing an Athletics' offense that managed just three hits last night against Kevin Gausman and the Blue Jays bullpen.
I expect Cease to settle in quickly after pitching five scoreless innings to wrap up his Spring Training prep, and he has strong numbers against the A's top hitters. Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, and Tyler Soderstrom are a combined 3-for-20 against the right-hander.
Cease will get some leeway to pitch through jams, and John Schneider would surely like to get six innings out of his newest weapon.
Tatis Jr. has an eye-catching 7-for-13 career record against Flaherty, including four doubles and two homers, and the Tigers starter could be vulnerable after posting a 4.64 ERA in 2025.
The Padres need a spark from their talisman, and Tatis's speed on the basepaths is a recipe for extra-base hits. I’ll take the even odds for him to deliver.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Detroit SportsNet, Padres TV
Matt Olson Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI [-125]
The Atlanta Braves are off to a winning start after a thumping 6-0 victory last night, and Matt Olson wasted no time padding his stat line. The lefty slugger had two hits and a run in the opener, and he’s poised for a similar impact today.
Olson has a .600 batting average in five at-bats against Kansas City Royals righty Michael Wacha, and he’s in a favorable spot in the Atlanta lineup, with Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies hitting ahead of him and Austin Riley looming behind.
I like this price for Olson to help the Braves keep the scoreboard ticking tonight.
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
It’s a Pacific Division showdown tonight at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Vancouver Canucks visit the Calgary Flames, with puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.
Matt Coronato is setting up goals left and right at the moment, and my Canucks vs. Flames predictions are eyeing him to keep it rolling.
Canucks vs Flames best bet: Matt Coronato Over 0.5 assists (+200)
Matt Coronato has been one of the Calgary Flames’ top producers, tallying 20 helpers. He’s cashed the Over in three straight appearances, and all of those games were at home. The 23-year-old has also hit the Over in assists in four of his previous six contests.
Against the Vancouver Canucks this season, Coronato has one helper in two meetings. He’s also been a mile better at Scotiabank Saddledome in 2025-26, registering 14 of his 20 helpers in 36 games.
The Canucks have allowed nine goals across their last two games. Coronato will play his part in setting up a goal.
Canucks vs Flames same-game parlay
Blake Coleman is averaging 2.51 SOG this season for the Flames, and he’s cashed the Over in back-to-back games. He had three shots on target against the Anaheim Ducks, and five against the Tampa Bay Lightning – two good teams.
The Canucks are 28th in the NHL in SOG allowed, and he’s notched five shots on net versus Vancouver across two meetings in ‘25-26.
The Flames have won four of their last five, beating the likes of St. Louis, Florida, and Tampa. They beat the Canucks 5-2 in their last meeting at Rogers Arena, and Vancouver is struggling, losing four in a row.
With Calgary still in the Wild Card race, every game is important right now. They will deliver.
The Calgary Flames have hit the Moneyline in 5 of their last 6 games at home (+5.65 Units / 92% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Flames.
How to watch Canucks vs Flames
Location
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
CBC
Canucks vs Flames latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
LOSING ISN’T EVERYTHING: Last season, in games following a loss, the Cubs were 46-24, a winning percentage of .657. Following a win, they were 46-45, .505. (There was no game following their season-ending win.) As the home team last year, following a loss, the Cubs were 19-12, .613, with one of the losses coming in Tokyo. On the road, following a loss, they were 27-12, .692. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
AGAINST THE NATS: The Cubs are 317-336 all-time vs. Washington (since 1969, including the franchise’s time in Montreal). That includes going 173-157 at Wrigley Field, including Thursday’s game. The Cubs are 11-5 vs. the Nationals since July 18, 2023, including a seven-game winning streak from July 18, 2023-Sept. 20, 2024.
ABS: There were two challenges in Thursday’s game, both by the Nats. They won one and lost one.
ALL-TIME CUBS: 2,281 men have played for the Cubs since 1876. That includes the four new Cubs who played for the first time in the uniform on Opening Day: Alex Bregman, Michael Conforto, Hoby Milner and Jacob Webb.
Cade Horton had a magnificent rookie season, especially his last 12 starts, in which he posted a 1.03 ERA and 0.783 WHIP. His only start vs. the Nats last year came before that 12-start run, June 3 in Washington. He still had a good outing, three runs (one earned) in 5.1 innings.
I daresay Horton is better than that now.
Hello, old friend Miles Mikolas!
I was almost certain Mikolas was going to retire after 2025, which would have meant his start Sept. 26 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field would have been it. Three Cubs (Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Michael Busch) homered off him that day.
But here he is, back for another go-around in MLB, this year with the Nats. Mikolas was also the guy who allowed six of the Cubs’ team-record eight home runs last July 4 at Wrigley, so of the 14 hits the Cubs got off him last year, nine were home runs. The 29 home runs he allowed last year were the fourth-most in the NL (two fewer than Shōta Imanaga).
Perhaps today is the day the Cubs can go deep at Wrigley Field. Plus, y’know… Mikolas makes such a good baseball villain.
The pitch selection charts below are from last year.
Please visit our SB Nation Nationals site Federal Baseball. If you do go there to interact with Nationals fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
The Phoenix Suns host the Utah Jazz tonight at Mortgage Matchup Center as the home team looks to get back on track in the win column.
The Utah Jazz are actively trying to lose games, but my Jazz vs. Suns predictions expect the visiting squad to keep the game somewhat close and cover a huge spread.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference matchup on Saturday, March 28.
Jazz vs Suns prediction
Jazz vs Suns best bet: Jazz +16.5 (-110)
Tanking has gotten so out of hand that spreads this large aren’t surprising anymore, and no team has refined the art of the tank better than the Utah Jazz. Utah’s young rotation players continue to play competitive basketball despite leading scorers, rebounders, and facilitators missing significant time.
Utah has either lost by less than 17 points or outright won eight of its last 10 games, including a close loss to the Nuggets on Friday. The Jazz are 18-17 ATS on the road and 16-16 as the road underdog. Utah is 3-1 ATS as an underdog of 10+ points on the road.
The Phoenix Suns haven’t played well enough as of late to be favored by 17 points. The Suns are 7-3 ATS across their last 10 games, but Phoenix is just 4-6 straight up and won only one game by 17 or more points.
Phoenix is just 10-11 ATS as the home favorite and 2-2 when favored by at least 10 points at home.
Phoenix has the rest advantage tonight, as the Jazz are playing the second leg of a back-to-back set. Bettors shouldn’t be concerned, as the Jazz are 8-6 ATS on no rest. I’ll take the shorthanded Jazz to keep this game within punching distance and cover a monstrously large spread.
Jazz vs Suns same-game parlay
The Jazz play at a fast pace and play very little defense. Utah has hit the Over in eight of its last 10 games, and Phoenix has done so five times in that span. The point total is set a bit low tonight, so I lean the Over.
Kyle Filipowski has averaged 13.2 points in 35 games as a starter, scoring 13+ 20 times. Over his last 10, he's averaged 14.5 points and hit the Over five times. In that 10-game span, the big man has corralled 8.6 rebounds, going for 8+ six times, including three of his last four.
He’s the last man standing in Utah’s decimated frontcourt, and he’s made the most of his opportunities as the team’s starting center.
Jazz vs Suns SGP
Jazz +16.5
Over 230
Kyle Filipowski Over 12.5 points
Kyle Filipowski Over 7.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Youth Gone Wild!
Utah's young scorers have stepped up in a big way down the stretch, and they'll need to continue scoring at a high level to stay competitive with Phoenix.
Brice Sensabaugh finished with just 13 points in Friday's loss to the Nuggets, but he scored 21+ in six straight games before that dud while averaging a robust 28 points.
Ace Bailey has averaged 25 points across his last five games, scoring 18+ three times in that span.
Jazz vs Suns SGP
Kyle Filipowski Over 12.5 points
Kyle Filipowski Over 7.5 rebounds
Brice Sensabaugh Over 20.5 points
Ace Bailey Over 17.5 points
Jazz vs Suns odds
Spread: Jazz +16.5 | Suns -16.5
Moneyline: Jazz +800 | Suns -1300
Over/Under: Over 230 | Under 230
Jazz vs Suns betting trend to know
The Phoenix Suns have only covered the 4Q Spread in 14 of their last 40 games (-16.55 Units / -35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Suns.
How to watch Jazz vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBA TV
Jazz vs Suns latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PARIS (AP) — Senegal players paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in front of thousands of fans on Saturday, despite the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip the country of the title and award it to Morocco.
Ahead of a friendly match against Peru at Stade de France, Senegal players led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly took to the pitch with the trophy as part of pre-game celebrations.
The Senegalese Football Association had announced it would present the Africa Cup trophy to its fans before the game in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Paris has a significant Senegalese community.
Earlier this week in the French capital, Senegalese FA president Abdoulaye Fall said Senegal was the victim of “ the most grossly unfair administrative robbery” in the history of soccer and pledged that the country would defend its players’ “honor” at the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Senegal is challenging CAF's surprise ruling last week to strip the team of the title won in a chaotic final in January and give it to host nation Morocco.
Senegal’s legal team said the country still considers itself the champion of Africa. The CAF ’s appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited the final” and its 1-0 win in extra time became a 3-0 default win for Morocco. The rationale was that Senegal players led by their coach had left the field in protest when Morocco was awarded a penalty, leading to a 15-minute stoppage.
Senegal’s appeal to be reinstated as champion was registered this week by CAS, which set no timetable for a likely long process toward a verdict. The appeal was promised by the Senegalese government, which also called for an international investigation “into suspected corruption” within CAF.
An appeal to CAS can typically take months to schedule a hearing then weeks or months more to announce a verdict. Senegal’s lawyers, however, will ask CAS to open an expedited procedure and hope the Moroccan federation and the CAF agree so that the case can be dealt with within two months.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Starting pitcher Jacob Degrom #48 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning of the spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jacob deGrom, scheduled to start in this afternoon’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, has been scratched due to neck stiffness, it has been announced. Jacob Latz will start in his place.
Whoever used a monkey paw wish on Latz being in the rotation needs to have their ass beat right now.
deGrom, who turns 38 in June, has had injury issues in the past, but this would at first glance to be the sort of one-off thing that happens occasionally. The beats are saying that this is not thought to be anything serious, and he could potentially start at some point in the six game road trip the team is currently on.
The good news is that Jacob Latz was stretched out this spring as part of his competing for a spot in the starting rotation, and with only three relievers pitching on Thursday and an off day yesterday, the bullpen should be fully rested with everyone available.
LOS ANGELES — The two biggest offseason acquisitions by the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are paying dividends already.
Edwin Diaz earned his first save in his debut and Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.
Diaz trotted out in the ninth to the sounds of trumpeter Tatiana Tate, who tooted from the stands next to the left field bullpen. Wearing Diaz’s No. 3 jersey, she played Timmy Trumpet’s “Narcos,” the closer’s entrance song that electrified New York Mets fans before the Dodgers lured the fan favorite away on a three-year, $69 million deal.
“It’s really cool because it’s another way to keep the fans involved in the game until the ninth inning because they’re all going to be waiting for that,” infielder Miguel Rojas said. “Having Sugar in the ninth is always going to be special.”
However, fans may be hearing a recorded version of Diaz’s music next time. Tate, who has played with Stevie Wonder and Doechii, isn’t expected to be a regular presence during the season.
Díaz struck out two and walked one. He converted 28 of 31 save chances for the Mets last season.
“I always get a little bit nervous when I come into the game, but at the end of the day I was excited, too,” Diaz said. “I come in a one-run game was really big for me. I want to set it down the second day of the season, help this team to win, get the save and keep going.”
The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series championships without a true closer, although at times it was a rocky road. The last pitcher to fill that role was Kenley Jansen, who twice led the National League in saves during his spell in Los Angeles.
Now, Diaz provides dependability, a track record and a level of trust at the back of the bullpen.
“It’s going to be a lot on Sugar because he’s going to have to be under a lot of pressure,” Rojas said, “but he’s done it before. He’s the right guy for the task.”
Manager Dave Roberts initially didn’t think the Dodgers had a chance to land Diaz in free agency after the right-hander opted out of the final two years and $38 million of his contract with the Mets.
Roberts got off a 45-minute video call with Diaz and front office executives, and told his wife, “We’re going to get him.”
“It was selling ourselves and talking about how much we valued him and the culture of the team and the ownership and how we’ll do anything to win,” Roberts recalled. “He talked to his wife and convinced her moving West was a good decision.”
Another factor that played in the Dodgers’ favor, Roberts believes, is that Diaz’s younger brother, Alexis, had joined the Dodgers last May as a reliever. He is currently in the Texas Rangers organization.
“Calling him up from the minors and us treating him like a superstar, I think that kind of helped make that decision and comfort going forward,” Roberts said.
The attraction for Diaz was simple: “A lot of good players here. Everyone stays healthy, this team has a chance to win a three-peat,” he said.
Tucker went 1-for-3 with the game-winning single and a stolen base. In his debut on Thursday, the right fielder notched his first hit and first RBI in an 8-2 comeback victory. He signed a four-year, $240 million deal to leave the Chicago Cubs.
“I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to play in this environment and feel part of the family,” Rojas said. “I’m pretty sure they’re looking closely at how fun it’s been.”
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 27: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 27, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jaden Coleman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks travelled to the northwest to take on the Portland Trailblazers Friday night. The Mavs have officially been eliminated from Playoff contention, while the Blazers have clinched a spot in at least the Play In tournament. Despite having nothing to play for, Dallas got the 100-93 win.
Let’s get to the grades!
Cooper Flagg: B+
24 PTS / 3 REB / 2 AST / 4 STL / 0 BLK – 38 MIN
Flagg nailed 9-of-17 overall and had sticky hands to net himself a whopping four steals. His rebounding and assist totals were lower than we normally see, but this was still a very solid game if not for a few turnovers (three).
Max Christie: C-
5 PTS / 3 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 25 MIN
If it wasn’t for everything but scoring, Christie likely would have been a “D” Friday night. His 1-for-8 shooting was somewhat mind-boggling, especially after having found his rhythm over the past few games. Nice job doing some other things, including blocking shots.
Naji Marshall: A-
19 PTS / 3 REB / 3 AST / 5 STL / 0 BLK – 33 MIN
Marshall connected on 7-of-14 from the floor and had an insane number of steals, somehow outdoing Flagg’s exceptional performance in that category. This was a very nice, well-rounded game in which Marshall contributed to a long-awaited win.
P.J. Washington: C+
5 PTS / 5 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN
Washington no-showed this one to a large degree, which was more disappointing that it otherwise would have been, given how well he played last game. There just simply isn’t much to say about this one.
Dwight Powell: C+
4 PTS / 5 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 21 MIN
Powell was Powell, giving the team a solid effort in limited minutes, but he also had some slightly inordinate negatives on the ledger. His total assists stand out, and he was 2-for-3 from the floor, but he bricked his only two free throw attempts and had three turnovers and three fouls.
Marvin Bagley: A+
26 PTS / 9 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 27 MIN
Bagley had his highest scoring quarter of the season in the first, with 11 points, en route to his season high point total. He led the team in points, rebounds and assists (the latter of which he tied for the lead) and drilled 11-for-14 from the floor, including 3-for-5 from deep. Bagley was the best player on the floor and there is no chance the Mavs win without his efforts Friday night.
Final Thoughts
The Mavs don’t need to win, but they sure did need a win. It’s been a while since they’ve been on the positive side of an outcome and while it doesn’t help their draft position to win, it’s nice to see guys who work so hard every night get a taste of victory. Kudos to Flagg for a nice game, and to Bagley for serving as a one man gang.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 26: Ronald Holland II #5 high fives Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena on March 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves will be without their go-to options in tonight’s matchup. Detroit travels to Minnesota after torching the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jalen Duren (questionable) has done his part as the first option. He is averaging 26.5 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 86 percent from the charity stripe since Cade Cunningham’s absence. Duren has also picked up the slack in ways Cade flourishes.
Minnesota may be without Anthony Edwards, but this is a squad that just became the first team to overcome a 10-point deficit in overtime in the play-by-play era. Edwards didn’t suit up for that one. The Timberwolves don’t draw dead without their star.
Game Vitals
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
When: 5:30 PM
Watch: ABC/ Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-1.5)
Analysis
Duren has not just dominated in the paint. He showed off skill work against the Pelicans.
For starters, this modern-day step tap tap back is not in a lot of centers’ arsenal. Duren pulled this off against a past-his-prime defender, but this can be a good counter when teams pack the paint.
That is exactly what teams have done to combat Duren’s dominance. His playmaking for others has seen an uptick during this stretch as he has seen more bodies. Duren almost had a triple-double, notching a season-high seven assists in the last outing.
Kevin Huerter was one of the main beneficiaries of Duren’s passing. Huerter had his best offensive game as a Piston, knocking down four 3s. Huerter contributes doing the little things, but flame on shooting will keep him on the floor. It is hard to deny him when he is scrapping on defense, knocking down range shots, and making closeouts look silly.
Newly acquired Timberwolves combo guard Ayo Dosunmu would usually take a matchup like Huerter, but he is out with a calf injury. He has been a godsend for Minny. They have needed more ball handling around Edwards, and Dosunmu is more than solid.
The Timberwolves will be without Jaden McDaniels. He is their version of Ausar Thompson, who is questionable. Both are lanky, versatile, cream of the crop defenders who opponents hate to see coming. Ausar is more susceptible to blowing up plays off the ball, which takes his defensive value to another level. On the ball, Ausar is a different animal, too.
There is not a stickier on-ball defender than No. 9 in Detroit. The way he recovers to remain unscreenable is one of one stuff. Once you are in Ausar’s sight, you are his.
Julius Randle could see a lot of Ausar as Ausar just battled with a similar beast in Zion Williamson. Ausar takes on all archetypes.
The Pistons will need to crack the Rudy Gobert code. He is quietly having another dominant defensive year. Kevin Durant thought Gobert was easy work in isolation, but he got put in a box in the clutch. Duren has the strength and skill to handle Gobert. That is a good test for the Pistons All-Star.
You can not discuss Detroit without acknowledging the work Daniss Jenkins is putting in. The fearless point guard from Dallas is averaging 20 points and eight assists while sporting a 61 true shooting percentage over the last five games. He buried five 3s as Detroit was scorching against the Pelicans (15-28 from 3).
I expect to see a lot of full-court pressure from Jenkins (and Marcus Sasser if he plays) on Timberwolves guards like Bones Hyland.
The Hyland resurgence has been cool to see. He’s rangy with certified handles. Accountability and defensive buy-in keep him on the floor, but he’s dealing with different types of defenders tonight.
Detroit does more than get stops; they’re trying to take your basketball soul and make you double-think if you belong in this league with their defensive tenacity. Detroit looks to keep that intensity up against the Timberwolves, who are 4-1 over the last five without Edwards.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 27, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz (3) leaves the bullpen to pitch the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES — Edwin Díaz has been one of the best closers in baseball for several years, and he has perhaps the most distinctive entrance in the sport.
When ‘Narco,’ the song long used by Díaz when he comes into games, played on Friday night at Dodger Stadium, in his first appearance with the Dodgers, the All-Star right-hander was accompanied by a live trumpet player playing along with the song.
“I heard a trumpet sound before I was coming out and said, ‘No way, they got a live trumpet,’” Díaz said after the game, after he worked around a one-out walk with a two-strikeout scoreless ninth inning to preserve the Dodgers’ 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“That was great,” manager Dave Roberts said of the trumpet-infused entrance for Díaz. “I was hoping to get him in there, and it worked out, and he performed.”
The trumpet player on Friday night at Dodger Stadium was Tatiana Tate, a musician based in Los Angeles. It’s unclear how often the Dodgers will have a live trumpet player accompanying Díaz’s entrances, but most likely it will be only occasional.
Four seasons ago, the Dodgers saw firsthand how electric the live music could be for one of Díaz’s entrances. Timmy Trumpet, co-writer and performer of ‘Narco,’ played live trumpet at Citi Field in 2022 in a New York Mets win over the Dodgers.
“It was fun, I enjoyed it, and I know the fans enjoyed it too,” Díaz said Friday night after his Dodgers debut.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 25: Julian Reese #15 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 25, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thank you for your responses to this week’s SB Nation NBA Reacts survey. Here are the results.
In our Washington Wizards survey, we asked you whether you believed the team would ultimately clinch an NBA record 29 game losing streak. If that were happen, that streak would have stretched into next season where Washington would have an 0-2 start. Only 22 percent of our respondents believed that the Wizards would sink that low.
Now, thankfully, the question is moot now. That’s because the Wizards won last Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
In our national survey, respondents were asked which NBA team should move to the Eastern Conference if the NBA expands. Thirty seven percent each selected the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves as the teams most likely to go to the Eastern Conference. The NBA is likely going to expand to Seattle and Las Vegas which would both be Western Conference teams. In a 32 team NBA, that would require one Western team to be placed in the Eastern Conference.
The Chicago Blackhawks have lost two straight games by a combined score of 11-2. They are 4-4-2 in their last 10, but the way they’ve been outplayed in these last two games has the team as a whole feeling down.
It’s a young group that must find a way to get out of the rut before the season ends. They have one more game on their East Coast swing before returning home to Chicago.
The one bright spot on this dark cloud has been Nick Lardis. He is not one of the first-round picks that had everyone excited in recent years, but his rise has been nothing short of sensational.
After turning heads with 71 goals in the OHL last season, he came to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs and continued to fill the net. That earned him a call-up when Connor Bedard injured his shoulder, but he was sent back down once the forward group returned to full health.
After the Olympics, Lardis was called up again, but stashed on the fourth line for a while. He wasn’t producing in that role, as expected.
In the middle of their game against the Colorado Avalanche last Friday, Jeff Blashill randomly decided to bring him up to the second line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Frank Nazar. That has turned out to be one of Blashill’s top lineup decisions of the season.
Lardis didn’t score against Colorado late in that game, but he has scored in three of the last four, all on the new-look second line. His natural ability to score works well with two offensive-minded players like Nazar and Bertuzzi.
"He's been really good," Bertuzzi said of Lardis. "He battles hard. For a smaller guy, he's physical. He gets in on the forecheck, and he can score goals. I've been enjoying playing with him."
The wonder was whether Lardis' major junior/minor-league scoring ability would translate to the NHL, and it seems it has. That’s a major positive for the Blackhawks when they go to evaluate their team during the off-season.
Lardis has 8 goals in 32 NHL games played, which is a 20-goal pace over an 82-game slate. That would be an incredible total for a rookie once selected in the third round. With more development to his game, plus time with better players, the tools are there for him to reach next-level goal-scoring heights.
Having a great shot is the key to Nick Lardis’ goal-scoring, but he is proving he will add to his totals each year by being a smart player. His goal against the Rangers was an example of him getting to a goal-scoring area to take advantage of the work being done by his linemates.
With Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore, amongst others, ready to drive the bus in the coming years, Lardis is proving that he can be any one of their linemates who can score in bunches because of their playmaking.
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The Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies meet for the second time this season when the two teams collide at FedExForum.
Two fast-paced and defensively shy teams go head-to-head, and my Bulls vs. Grizzlies predictions expect the scoreboard to light up in Bluff City.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference matchup on Saturday, March 28.
Bulls vs Grizzlies prediction
Bulls vs Grizzlies best bet: Over 245 (-110)
Fast-paced game? Check. Lackluster defense? Check. Young teams constantly rotating players with monitored minutes? Check, check, and check.
Tonight’s matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies is going to be full of points, and I’m hammering the Over.
The Bulls have hit the Over in 21 of 35 road games, including a 7-4 mark to the Over as the road favorite. The Grizzlies are 18-17 to the Over at home. Chicago has hit the Over in three straight games, and Memphis has done so in two of its last three.
Over the last 10 games, the Bulls have allowed the third-most points per game at 128.1, while the Grizzlies have surrendered the fourth-most at 126.4. In that span, Chicago’s 120.7 defensive rating ranks 24th, and Memphis’ 125.1 defensive rating ranks 28th.
Chicago sports the fastest pace across the last 10 games at 104.8, while Memphis isn’t far behind in ninth with a 101.1 pace.
Injuries have decimated both teams, and both are playing the second legs of back-to-back sets, but fatigue isn’t something I’m worried about. Memphis players rarely sniff 30 minutes these days, and the roster is one of the youngest in the Association.
Chicago is going deep down the bench, so the available players should all have relatively fresh legs.
Bulls vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
The Grizzlies are just 9-12 ATS as the home underdog, but the Bulls are 1-10 ATS as the road favorite. This should be a competitive game, and the home team can keep it close.
Josh Giddey has dished 12+ dimes in six of his last nine games and three of his last four. He handed out 13 assists in his first matchup with the Grizzlies, who have allowed the sixth-most assists per game across their last 10.
Bulls vs Grizzlies SGP
Over 245
Grizzlies +3.5
Josh Giddey Over 11.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Giddey-Up!
Giddey has five triple-doubles across his last 12 outings, including one against the Grizzlies. He’s doing it all for Chicago right now, and another triple-double is within reach in this favorable spot.
Matas Buzelis has averaged 21.8 points and 7.1 boards across his last 10 games with one double-double to his credit. Over the last 10 games, Memphis has allowed the most rebounds at a whopping 51.1.
GG Jackson is averaging 22.5 points and rebounds in 12 March games. That number is up to 24.7 across his last three games, and he’s hit the Over twice in that span. Jackson leads the Grizzlies in points and is second in minutes over his last three.
Bulls vs Grizzlies SGP
Josh Giddey triple-double
Matas Buzelis double-double
GG Jackson Over 23.5 points+rebounds
Bulls vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Bulls -3.5 (-110) | Grizzlies +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls -170 | Grizzlies +145
Over/Under: Over 245 | Under 245
Bulls vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Chicago Bulls are 1-10 ATS as the road favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Bulls vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, FDSN SE-MEM
Bulls vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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