LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Luiza Moraes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As one Lakers player is set to return from injury, another gets added to the list.
Jaxson Hayes has been upgraded to probable for LA’s upcoming contest against Phoenix, but Rui Hachimura has now been downgraded to questionable with an illness.
Rui Hachimura is now listed as questionable to play vs. Suns on Thursday due to an illness. pic.twitter.com/l7QgT5ANcM
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Hayes was day-to-day after Monday’s practice. If he returns after just one game out, that aligns with the assessment of the severity of his injury.
The potential return of Hayes is a welcome one. Redick described him as the best vertical lob threat the team has before their game against the Magic.
Hayes is solidified as the backup big for the Lakers and is averaging 6.8 points and shooting a career-high 77% from the field.
On the negative side, the Lakers starting this brief road trip without Hachimura would certainly make beating the Suns that much harder.
Hachimura is a rotation player for Los Angeles. He is averaging 11.7 points per game and is one of their best 3-point shooters, converting on 44% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
While Hachimura’s role has shifted from starter to bench player, he is still playing a ton. On the season, he is averaging 29.5 minutes per game, and in LA’s loss against the Magic, he was part of the closing lineup.
If he is out, LA’s other forwards, such as Jake LaRavia, will have to step up in his absence.
On the plus side, considering that it’s an illness, there shouldn’t be much concern from Lakers fans that Hachimura will be out for an extended period of time.
Unfortunately, this season the Lakers have often had players unavailable, so Redick can and will adjust if either Hachimura or Hayes is unavailable for this game.
With only 25 games left in the year, every matchup, especially against Western Conference foes, has some added importance. So, regardless of who plays, the Lakers need to figure out how to come away with a win.
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 23: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche faces off against Barrett Hayton #27 of the Utah Mammoth at Ball Arena on December 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Olympic break is finally over!
After a three week pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the Colorado Avalanche kick off the next phase of their historic 2025 – 2026 campaign for one last(?) visit to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Mammoth.
Colorado Avalanche (37-9-9)
The Opponent: Utah Mammoth (30-23-4)
Time: 7:00 P.M. MST/9:00 P.M. EST
Watch: ALT, ALT+ (Avalanche Broadcast Area), KUPX-TV (Utah Broadcast Area), ESPN+, NHL Center Ice (Outside Regional Broadcast Areas – US), SN+, NHL Centre Ice (Canadian Broadcast Areas)
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Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche won’t have the luxury of easing their way into the swing of things as the NHL schedule resumes. They play five games in seven days right out of the chute, with four of those games coming in two back-to-back contests. Tonight’s game against Utah marks the first in those pairs of back-to-back games; the Avs will face the Minnesota Wild for the first time on Ball Arena ice on Thursday evening.
The Avs were one of three teams that sent at least eight (8) players to Italy to participate in the Olympic games. Martin Nečas was selected to play for Czechia. Having previously played in the Olympics (Sochi, 2014), Gabe Landeskog made his return to the Olympic stage, now representing Sweden as its team captain. Joel Kiviranta and Artturi Lehkonen were selected to the Finland roster, capturing the bronze medal. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews played for Canada, earning the silver medal. Brock Nelson, a third-generation Olympian, captured gold for the United States, adding the fourth Olympic gold medal to his family mantle, joining his grandfather Bill Christian and great uncle Roger Christian (Squaw Valley, 1960) and his uncle Dave Christian (Lake Placid, 1980).
While it will be a welcome sight to see a (relatively) healthy Avalanche lineup for the first time in nearly two months, there will be one notable absence on the roster. On Tuesday morning, the Avalanche announced that they had traded defenseman Sam Girard, along with their second round pick in 2028, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Brett Kulak. Kulak, 32, was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in the deal that sent him and goaltender Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh. During his brief tenure with the Penguins, Kulak scored one goal and added six assists for a total of seven points in twenty-five games. He had two assists in thirty-one games played with Edmonton earlier this season. This is a considerable drop off from his previous season with Edmonton, where he set a career best in goals (7), assists (18), and points (25).
Coach Jared Bednar said this of Kulak: “You’re getting a big, solid D that can skate, and defend real well, and move the puck. He does a lot of good things, a guy that has been to back to back Stanley Cup Finals, and was an integral part of [Edmonton’s] blue line, and what they were trying to do as a team. We like the player a lot, and so, we’re excited.”
He added, “This is a big, strong guy that defends really well. He’s got a ton of experience as well. It’s just a different look for us, right? I think Kulak’s a guy, that depending on how you’re matching up in the playoffs, that he can go up and play with a guy like Cale if I want to move [Toews] against another team’s top line. […] Maybe Kulak can go up and Toews can go down and he can take care of that matchup with a guy like Manson. It gives us flexibility there that I don’t think we necessarily had with [Girard].”
Bednar noted that Kulak, along with most of the Avs roster, would arrive in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, with some members of the team flying out this morning in order to get some extra rest.
With the NHL season paused through the Olympic break, MacKinnon will look to reclaim the NHL points lead; he trails Olympic teammate Connor McDavid (96) by three points. MacKinnon entered the Olympic break as the NHL’s goal scoring leader (40), the only player in the League to reach this milestone thus far. Nelson is one goal shy of reaching the thirty goal mark for the fourth time in his career. With Mackenzie Blackwood going 1-1 in both games before the break, expect Scott Wedgewood to start in goal this evening. Wedgewood last started on January 29, a 7-3 loss against the Montréal Canadiens at Bell Centre.
The Avs still remain the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings. A win today would give them a seven point cushion over second place Minnesota, and although they still have two games in hand over their division rivals, every point will matter even more as teams jockey for position ahead of the postseason. The Dallas Stars, who have a game in hand on Minnesota and sit one point behind them in the division, host the Seattle Kraken tonight, so one can bet that Minnesota will be keeping a close eye on both games.
The Avs currently lead the season series against Utah, winning two of the three games played. They have yet to win at Delta Center to this point in the season, but won the most recent matchup on December 23, a 1-0 decision.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas Gabe Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson Joel Kiviranta – Parker Kelly – Gavin Brindley
Defense: Devon Toews – Cale Makar Josh Manson – Brent Burns Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski
Between the Pipes: Scott Wedgewood Mackenzie Wedgewood
Utah Mammoth
Utah started out 2026 with a bang, going 12-5 since the start of January. They sit in fourth place in the Central Division standings, edging out the Anaheim Ducks by one point for the first wild card spot in the Western Conference. They won two of their previous three contests prior to the start of the Olympic break, a 6-2 defeat of the Vancouver Canucks, and a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Tonight’s game is the third of a five game home stand at Delta Center, where Utah has performed considerably well: they boast a 17-8-2 record on home ice.
Occupying a wild card spot may seem a bit surprising during this sophomore campaign for Utah, but those who followed the former Arizona Coyotes are familiar with this trend. While there have been some changes to the present-day roster, the current version’s performance has echoes of its previous incarnation, being competitive just enough to find themselves on the periphery of the postseason, only to fall short time and again. Utah GM Bill Armstrong, with the backing of his new ownership group in Ryan and Ashley Smith, has infused his team’s roster with some new life, acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning prior to their inaugural season, and right wing J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. Sergachev set a personal best in goals (15) in his first season with Utah and currently leads all defensemen in points (38). Peterka, who signed a five year, $38.5 million dollar extension as part of the trade with Buffalo, is tied with Sergachev in points, and ranks third in goal scoring (20). Armstrong may have a few more moves up his sleeve as the trade deadline approaches, so this could be the year that his squad bucks the trends of the past, which would be an incredible testament to the club’s performance since taking the ice in downtown Salt Lake for the first time last October.
Like Colorado, Utah sent multiple players to Italy to participate in the Olympics. Peterka was selected to the German Olympic roster, defenseman Olli Määttä joined Kiviranta on Finland’s roster, goaltender Karel Vejmelka joined Nečas to represent Czechia’s goaltending contingent, and captain Clayton Keller won gold with the United States alongside Nelson.
Keller leads all skaters in assists (37) and points (54). Dylan Guenther leads all skaters in goals (25), just two shy of his personal best (27). Nick Schmaltz is second in goals (23), equaling his personal best he set during the 2021-2022 season with Arizona. Vejmelka is tied for first place with Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy in goaltender wins (27), a personal best since entering the League with Arizona during the 2021-2022 season.
Tonight’s game wraps up the four game series against Colorado. Utah’s previous victory came on October 21, with Guenther scoring the game winning goal for the 4-3 decision.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Clayton Keller – Nick Schmaltz – Lawson Crouse J.J. Peterka – Barrett Hayton – Kailer Yamamoto Michael Carcone – Jack McBain – Dylan Guenther Brandon Tanev – Kevin Stenlund – Liam O’Brien
Defense: Mikhail Sergachev – Sean Durzi Nate Schmidt – John Marino Ian Cole – Nick DeSimone
If Carson Benge has more performances like he did Wednesday, then the Mets will have an easy decision come the end of spring training.
The 23-year-old, who is fighting for the starting right field job, went 3-for-3 against the St. Louis Cardinals in Grapefruit League action, recording all three hits with two strikes in the count against major league pitchers.
He singled in the first inning against Richard Fitts, had another in the third off Matt Svanson, and then finished his day with a 10-pitch at-bat against Chris Roycroft, resulting in the third baseknock. After the game, the top prospect discussed what he liked from his ABs and said he simply tries "to take it one at-bat at a time."
"I got to two strikes on all of them pretty quick, so being able to battle for my team and just find a way on base. Feel like that's pretty huge," Benge said.
He then showed how much he cares about working a good hitter's count and not giving up at the plate.
"A lot [of pride]. I hate striking out. That's one thing about me," Benge said. "Being able to fight for every pitch, scrap for it, is really good."
Manager Carlos Mendoza was also impressed with Benge's ability to fight through an at-bat and "find a way" to get on base.
"His ability to stay on the fight," Mendoza said. "Especially when he gets behind in counts. We saw it today, his ability to foul off pitches. And then just using the whole field and putting the ball in play. His bat-to-ball skills, we saw it today. He just finds a way. It was just good to see.
"He probably missed some good fastballs to hit. Even though he got behind in counts, he was able to stay on the fight, like I said, and put the ball in play."
Benge knows he still has a lot to learn, but isn't rushing or forcing results and is using his resources to help him get through the spring.
"Soak up every bit of information I can from all the veteran guys around here," Benge said. "Just take it day-by-day, be myself, nothing else."
He added, "I feel like I'm getting adjusted day-by-day. Kind of seeing how everyone's playing, like what it takes, seeing how good they are. Feel like I'm getting comfortable, really, day-by-day."
The potential Opening Day right fielder made it clear he'll do "anything not to strike out," and that type of mentality may be what helps him make it to Citi Field on March 26.
"I just try to and go in there and fight every AB, not trying to give something away by taking a dumb swing or anything like that," Benge said.
02/13/26: Former New York Mets relief pitcher and now Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz throws during day one of spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch Stadium in Glendale,...
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. –– There were no trumpets. It was not the ninth inning.
But a year removed from the Dodgers’ maddening search for a trustworthy closer, the appearance of Edwin Díaz still came as a welcome sight.
For the first time since signing a three-year, $69 million deal to become the Dodgers’ new closer over the offseason, Díaz made his spring debut in the team’s Cactus League contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields on Wednesday afternoon.
But a year removed from the Dodgers’ maddening search for a trustworthy closer, the appearance of Edwin Díaz still came as a welcome sight. JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
Even in his first spring outing, the right-hander was touching nearly 97 mph with his fastball and collecting a strikeout with a swing-and-miss slider. And though he allowed a one-out single and another deep fly ball that Hyeseong Kim had to track down on the run in center, he pitched a scoreless fourth inning in the 10-7 victory.
“Felt really good,” Díaz said afterward. “I was trying to throw strikes … and I think I did a pretty good job.”
Last year, the ninth inning was a nonstop headache for the Dodgers. Tanner Scott flopped as the team’s primary closing option, blowing an MLB-most 10 saves after arriving on his own lucrative free-agent deal. Most of the alternative options fared no better, especially after Evan Phillips went down with Tommy John surgery and Blake Treinen began battling elbow problems.
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Only at the end of the regular season did the Dodgers find some stability, when Roki Sasaki returned from a shoulder injury to anchor the bullpen through much of the playoffs.
On Wednesday, however, Sasaki was the Dodgers’ starting pitcher, beginning his long-planned return to the team’s rotation. Scott, meanwhile, was back at Camelback Ranch, continuing to rectify last year’s struggles in a live batting practice session.
Now, it is Díaz who has been fully entrusted with ninth-inning duties –– representing the Dodgers’ most established closing option since Kenley Jansen departed five years ago.
JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
In some ways, that role makes Díaz an even more critical addition than $240 million outfielder Kyle Tucker was this winter. The Dodgers are banking on the 31-year-old, three-time All-Star to remain arguably the best closer in the league.
Not that the pressure is getting to the nine-year big-league veteran.
After Wednesday’s outing, he talked at length about his excitement for the tournament, which will allow him to play on Puerto Rican soil (where group stage games will be held) for his first time as a professional.
“I think that’s the most important thing for me, pitching in front of my family and friends,” he said. “People from Puerto Rico, they don’t have the chance to travel and see us play in the big leagues. So the chance to play in front of my family and friends will be something I’m looking forward to.”
He also joked that, in order to dye his hair white to match his Puerto Rican teammates, he had to seek out some hairstyling help.
He talked at length about his excitement for the tournament, which will allow him to play on Puerto Rican soil. JASON SZENES FOR CA POST
“If I did it myself,” he laughed, “I’d maybe go bald.”
Díaz said he will make one more Cactus League appearance with the Dodgers before departing for the WBC. He will then try to get through the tournament healthy, after blowing out his knee while celebrating a win in the 2023 edition.
Once he returns to the Dodgers, the next challenge will begin: trying to shore up the biggest weakness from last year’s team and deliver on the reliever-record $23 million his new contract will pay per season.
But for now, Díaz was simply happy to be back in game action, and making his unofficial debut with a club desperate to see him succeed.
“I think I threw the ball really good,” he said. “(I’m feeling) ready to go.”
Díaz said he will make one more Cactus League appearance with the Dodgers before departing for the WBC. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Ryan returns: Beyond Díaz and Sasaki, there was another notable pitching outing in Wednesday’s game. For the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery as a rookie in 2024, right-hander River Ryan returned to the mound, tossing a scoreless inning in his continued pursuit of an Opening Day rotation spot.
“It was definitely nerve-racking,” Ryan said. Yet, he flashed his potential by hitting 98 mph with his fastball, and showing off what he feels is an improved six-pitch mix, describing his stuff as “just as good, if not better, than before I got hurt.”
“Just got to get feel back with them all,” Ryan added, after retiring two of his three batters and having a walk negated when the baserunner was caught stealing. “But I’m really happy with how the day went.”
Klein gets dinged: Right-handed reliever and World Series hero Will Klein had a less successful day on the mound, giving up a home run to Pavin Smith on a first-pitch fastball he left up in the zone.
Kim patrols center: Wednesday was Hyeseong Kim’s first time playing center field this spring, and he impressed with not only his running catch in the fourth inning to bail out Diaz but also a sliding grab coming in on a ball during the first inning to help limit the damage for Sasaki. While Kim will primarily play the infield this year, his outfield versatility could help him earn more at-bats.
Up next: Tyler Glasnow will make his first start of the spring Thursday, when the Dodgers return to Camelback Ranch to face the White Sox. At 5-0, they will try to remain the last unbeaten team in Cactus League play.
Happy birthday to Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski aka Young Podz. And honestly, just the fact that we’re celebrating his birthday as a current Warrior is worth acknowledging. Think about that for a second.
The Warriors have been one of the most difficult environments for young players in modern NBA history, not because the organization is cruel, but because winning now has always taken priority over developing later. Jordan Poole is in New Orleans (we just saw him last night). Trayce Jackson-Davis was sent packing at the trade deadline. Jonathan Kuminga is apparently the greatest player in Atlanta Hawk history after one game off the bench.
Eric Paschall, Patrick Baldwin, Jacob Evans, Nico Mannion. The list of youngsters who cycled through this organization and ended up elsewhere reads like a roster for a “What Could Have Been” exhibition game.
And yes, winning hella recent championships meant that the Warriors had to draft late. That’s the tax you pay for sustained excellence. When you’re perennially picking in the 20s, you’re not getting lottery talent, you’re hoping to find someone who fits the culture and earns their minutes against veterans who have championship rings on their fingers. That’s a brutal audition process.
But here’s where I’m sure someone who has high speed internet and notices things will crash through my wall like the Kool-Aid Man to breathlessly shout at me that the Warriors have had three recent LOTTERY picks. James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Kuminga. Three real shots at securing young foundational talent and two of them are already gone. So this isn’t purely a “late draft position” problem. Building through the draft while contending is genuinely hard, and even when the ping pong balls cooperate, there’s no guarantee.
"They had a shot at prolonging this. They had a couple bites at the apple, and they just got unlucky. They got the championship in 2022 but they just flopped on those [draft picks],"@SherwoodStrauss on the biggest mistakes the Warriors have made (@MorningRoast957) pic.twitter.com/Aj6WaIvGrG
Which brings us back to Podz, who was not a lottery pick, who was not handed anything, and who has spent three seasons quietly making himself indispensable.
His 2025-26 numbers tell a story of young guard finding his way in a league that is quite unmerciful: 12.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game across 58 appearances. His 44.9% field goal percentage matches his career mark exactly. The three-point shooting has actually dipped slightly from his career 37.4% to 36.6% this season, so there’s room to grow there. The free throw improvement, from 72.9% career to 76.5% this season, is a quieter indicator of a player who is learning to maximize those times when he gets beat up around the paint.
But the last two games? That’s the storyline that deserves the birthday spotlight.
Brandin Podziemski has recorded 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in back-to-back games.
He joins Kevin Durant, David Lee, and Andris Biedrins as the only Warriors to have such a streak in the last 20 years. pic.twitter.com/jjIMUNAuO7
Thirty rebounds in two games. Thirty!!!! He’s 6-foot-4 rebounding like a power forward! For context, that’s the kind of output that makes coaches involuntarily nod their heads and scouts pull up a player’s contract details. Podziemski has had some genuinely rough shooting nights this season, games where the ball just wasn’t going in, where another younger player might have sulked or disappeared. Instead, he went and grabbed every missed shot he could find like the basketball owed him money.
That’s the Podz thing. That’s what separates him from the guys who came before and didn’t last. He finds another way to matter when his primary tool isn’t working. The Warriors have had talented youngsters who didn’t or couldn’t do that.
He came into the league with grit that looked almost naive, this kid from who did his college hooping in Silicon Valley at Santa Clara. But he’s made sure to find some staying power on this roster this season. Happy birthday, Brandin. The fact that you’re still here, still grinding, still ripping down 30 boards in a two-game stretch when your shot is cold, is the whole story. Keep writing it.
DETROIT (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder will be missing four starters for their matchup of conference leaders against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City won't have its four leading scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Jalen Williams (hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) and Chet Holmgren (back), along with sixth-leading scorer Isaiah Hartenstein (calf). The only player from the top six that will play in Detroit is Isaiah Joe, who averages 11.0 points, and the only regular starter will be Lu Dort.
The game was billed as a possible NBA Finals preview, with the Western Conference-leading Thunder at 45-14 and the Pistons leading the East at 42-14.
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets and Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks go up for the rebound during the game on February 24, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Egor Demin is still in the top ten of the NBA’s Rookie Rankings, at No. 9, one spot below where he was drafted. Still the second fastest player to 100 3-pointers in NBA history, behind only Kon Knueppel. And yes, he’s still averaging double figures. Still a winner in the All-Star Break’s Rising Stars Challenge.
But…
He is also in a slump. In his last three games, he is shooting 7-of-28 (25.0%) overall and 4-of-19 (21.0%). And after shooting 47.2% in the month of January from deep, he’s down to 31.0% so far in February. On Tuesday night, he didn’t score till the fourth quarter in what was an embarrassing loss to the Mavs. Moreover, the 6’9.5”, 210-pound rookie has had issues with NBA physicality and he knows it as he told Brian Lewis before the Mavs game.
“Yeah, that’s definitely one of the next steps,” Dëmin told The Post. “And that comes from the physicality in general. I think that the physicality part is the next step that as soon as I get there, it’s going to put me on a different level in my opinion. Right then obviously being able to contain shooting and just improve it.
“And from the physicality it’s going to be better defense, better athleticism, better paint touches, again just because I’m going to be stronger and bigger. Mentality is definitely a part of it too. Just trying to implement this into my game before it implements itself, I guess; really trying [to be physical] a lot. I think all of it. And it’s all about the work, pretty much; and the time.”
A refreshing self-assessment for the 19-year-old but as the Nets first lottery pick in 15 years, a lot is being asked of him.
“Obviously touching the paint, making the right play, cutting,” coach Jordi Fernández said of what he’d like to see from the teenager. “He’s going to keep shooting: I like all his shots. He made a big one in the fourth because he’s confident. Even if he misses five, he’ll shoot the sixth and make it. Other things are cutting, touching the paint, finding sprays, getting to the rim, getting to the [foul] line. One step at a time; but I want to see more of that.”
That level of patience is a big part of development and a luxury a team going nowhere has. He’s the only one of the first first round picks to avoid playing in the G League with the Long Island Nets — the other four have played 42 games, led by Ben Saraf’s 19, He’s been handed the reins, starting 43 of the 50 games he played for Brooklyn — at total of 1,255 minutes.
That load may also be a factor as it often is for rookies. At BYU last season, he played a total of 908 minutes, 25% fewer than his NBA total with 25 more games to go. Is it the Rookie Wall that’s giving him issues? He notes he’s put on 11 pounds since Summer League (then rehabbed for two months after he came down with a case of plantar fascia.) The Moscow native says he is getting help from team trainers to help him through the transition from college to pro. He admits there’s a mental aspect as well as physical.
“This is something I’m really trying to focus on a lot, just trying to get better at this, from the standpoint of toughness: mental, more than physical, because the physical part. I can’t really do more than I’m able, than my ability,” Dëmin explained to Lewis. “So this is something I’m working on in the lifting room; trying to get stronger, looking at my nutrition.
“[The trainers] make my body stronger. But right now, it’s really about my mental, physicality, where I can resist every single player on the court. And I’m looking for that state of mind where, ‘No, I’m not going to step away from you,’ which obviously it happens sometimes. Sometimes it’s not as good. And that’s a process.”
Nets fans along with the team staff have been happy with the pairing of Demin with his fellow rookie, Frenchman Nolan Traore, who had a similar transition earlier in the season. As Steve Aschbruner of NBA.com wrote this week in compiling the rookie rankings.
A 1-for-10 night against OKC, including 1-for-8 from the arc, dragged down Dëmin’s shooting percentage. But the emergence of teammate Nolan Traoré has Nets fans envisioning the two 19-year-olds as Brooklyn’s global backcourt of the future.
At this point, Brooklyn believes in both and hopes that the two — the sixth and 11th youngest players in the league — can get back on track before the season ends. You don’t want to lose development time. Despite Demin’s shooting issues, the organization remains confident that Demin in particular will, that they did well picking the Russian in the 2025 Draft.
One former point guard who knows all about development is Jason Kidd, the Nets great and now Mavs coach. Kidd’s nickname as a young player was “Ason Kidd” because he had no “J” or jumper. He finished his career second in NBA history with 1,988 3-pointers, a number of course that’s been since surpassed. Lewis asked him which was tougher: a 3-point shot or finding your place on the floor.
“Getting where you want [on the floor] is what you want. The great players all get where they want: step-back 3, side-step 3, to the rim, Euro step. Shooting you can work on, sometimes it just takes time. If you can stay the course and have patience, it will come. If you can’t get where you want to go, there’s no way you can get the shot off,” Kidd said. “I’d take that package, and that young man has it.”
The Vancouver Canucks could be making a trade sooner rather than later. According to Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK TV, defenceman Tyler Myers will be held out of the lineup on Wednesday for "trade reasons". The Canucks take on the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena in what will be their first game back after the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Dhaliwal's report comes less than an hour after NHL Network's Kevin Weekes posted that Myers may be on the move. Weekes' post said, "I'm told Canucks are fielding plenty of calls on D Myers and he could be on the move shortly." Myers name had come up in trade rumours earlier this season but has not been mentioned recently as a player who would be moved.
Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) during a stop in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Myers has one more year left on his contract after this season and carries a cap hit of $3 million. The 36-year-old can choose his destination as he has a full no movement clause this year. In 57 games this season, Myers has eight points and is averaging 20:13 per game.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers goes to the basket against Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on February 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 115-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Date: February 26th, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM CST Location: Aspiration Dome Television Coverage: Prime Video, FanDuel Sports Network – North Radio Coverage: Wolves App, iHeart Radio
There are two versions of the 2025-26 Minnesota Timberwolves, and at this point I’m convinced they share custody of the same locker room.
Version A is the Sunday matinee squad that sleepwalks through games, forgets how to rotate defensively, and treats urgency like it’s an optional add-on package. That team got run out of its own building by Philadelphia.
Version B? That’s the feisty, ball-popping, defensive-snarl version we saw in Portland. The one that looks like it actually enjoys playing basketball. The one that remembers it has Rudy Gobert, a Defensive Player of the Year anchor, and the blossoming “face of the league” in Anthony Edwards.
Tuesday night in Portland, Version B showed up.
From the opening tip, Minnesota looked nothing like the half-asleep group that surrendered 135 points to the Sixers. The ball was humming. The defense had teeth. Gobert, fresh off his one-game suspension, returned to the paint like a bouncer who’d just been told someone trashed his club while he was away. He cleaned the glass, altered shots, and reestablished physicality.
The Wolves never blew the doors off Portland, but they controlled the tone. Even when the Blazers clawed back and the fourth quarter tightened into one of those familiar “are we really doing this again?” moments, Minnesota responded. They hit timely shots. They made defensive stops. They showed composure.
This is where we give deserved credit to Portland. That’s a young, scrappy team that doesn’t fold. But this game ultimately showcased the difference between a team learning how to win and one that’s been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. When it mattered, the Wolves executed.
And now comes the next test: the Los Angeles Clippers.
No More Sleepwalking
If you remember the last meeting with the Clippers, it was another one of those sleepy Sunday disasters. Minnesota looked disinterested. Kawhi Leonard looked like someone injected the 2019 playoffs into his veins, dropping 41 points en route to a complete evisceration of the Wolves.
This time, it’s a Thursday night road game in Los Angeles. No Super Bowl matinee. No brunch vibes. Prime time.
As was the case in the previous meeting, the post-trade deadline Clippers are in transition. James Harden is in Cleveland. Ivica Zubac is in Indiana. Darius Garland, newly acquired, isn’t ready to go yet. On paper, Minnesota has the clear talent advantage. But if this season has taught us anything, it’s that “on paper” means absolutely nothing to this Wolves team if they decide to nap through the first half.
So let’s get into it.
# 1: Actually Show Up This Time
It sounds absurd that this has to be said about a team with a legit aspiration (see what I did there?) to grab the 3-seed in the Western Conference, but here we are.
Effort is the swing factor with Minnesota. When they’re engaged, they can suffocate OKC. When they’re not, they can lose to anyone. After the Sixers embarrassment, the Wolves showed pride in Portland. The hope is that it wasn’t a one-night emotional spike. After all, Kawhi Leonard is not someone you casually “figure out” after falling behind 15.
This has to be a wire-to-wire effort game.
# 2: Don’t Get Caught in the Claw
To say Kawhi Leonard has been on a heater lately would be an understatement. He torched Minnesota in the previous meeting at Target Center. When Kawhi is healthy, he’s one of the most devastating two-way forces in the league. He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t emote much. He just calmly dissects you.
Jaden McDaniels, fresh off a monster game in Portland, will likely draw the primary assignment. That’s a good start, but leaving McDaniels alone on an island is not the solution. Kawhi will find his spots. This has to be collective defense for the Wolves. Force the ball out of his hands and make the Clippers’ role players beat you. If Leonard gets 30 on tough, contested shots, you tip your cap, but the Wolves can’t afford to make it an easy night for him.
#3: Let Rudy Be Rudy
In his two games since the All-Star break, Gobert has been on a tear, vacuuming rebounds, turning misses into putbacks, and reminding everyone why he anchors this defense. Against Portland, his presence was unmistakable. It’s amazing how different Minnesota looks when he’s active and emotionally engaged.
With Zubac gone, the Clippers don’t have a true counter for Gobert inside. This is a game where Minnesota should win the paint decisively. Pound the glass. Feed the lob. If Gobert dictates the interior, it changes everything defensively and creates easier offense on the other end.
# 4: Keep the Ball Moving
Portland was a good reminder of what this offense looks like when it shares. The ball movement unlocked Jaden McDaniels. It freed up Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid for clean threes.
The danger, as always, is hero ball. We saw flashes of it in the fourth quarter in Portland when Anthony Edwards briefly tried to don the cape again. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it stalls the entire offense. Against the Clippers, Ant and Randle need to be dual-threat scorers and facilitators to turn this team into a five-headed monster.
The Stakes
This is Game 2 of a critical three-game road trip. The goal from the jump was 3–0. Portland was Act One. The Clippers are Act Two. Denver looms as the finale.
If Minnesota handles business in L.A., they set up a massive showdown with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets with real standings implications. Minnesota is a half game behind Denver, and the Wolves haven’t beaten them yet this season. Win against the Clippers, and Sunday’s game in Mile High brings the potential of leapfrogging the Nuggets in the standings.
But the Wolves can’t look ahead. The Clippers, even reshuffled, are not going to roll over. Kawhi alone makes this dangerous, and Minnesota’s own inconsistency can’t be ignored.
We’re at Game 60 now. The final turn. The stretch run is here. February has been chaotic with flashes of brilliance, head-scratching losses, defensive lapses, and emotional swings. The Wolves have an opportunity to close the month on a positive note and start March with momentum.
The ladder is right there. Each game is another rung. Defeating the Blazers was a good step. The Clippers are the next grip.
Eyes forward. Eyes focused. The finish line is starting to come into view. The Wolves need to run with purpose and stay in their lane. Hopefully they don’t stray in L.A.
The future has been on the minds of Nashville Predators fans for two years.
After the flop that was the 2024-25 season, in which the Predators won just 30 games, the fansbase shifted toward what's next and how prospects can bring a Stanley Cup to Nashville.
General Manager Barry Trotz has built a rich prospect pool of college and junior stars, AHL standouts, and young guns already proving themselves in the NHL.
This year has been a massive example of what could be in store for the future, as seven prospects played in the IIHF World Junior Championship, another earned All-Star honors at the Spengler Cup and another is an AHL defenseman point leader.
In Nashville, a 24-year-old Luke Evangelista has a career-high 42 points (8G, 34A) in 56 games, and three players have scored their first career goals this season.
However, taking a closer look at how these prospects have been handled calls into question whether the Predators have been doing enough for their future.
Reassigning Fedor Svechkov too late
Milwaukee Admirals center Fedor Svechkov (40) waits for his turn in a drill during practice Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Fedor Svechkov, a 22-year-old center who was drafted 19th overall in 2021, is a player the Predators mishandled this season.
After the blockbuster signing in the 2024 offseason, Stamkos generated just 53 points in 82 games, not bad at all, but well below what he as averaging.
Svechkov struggled centering Stamkos in the first month of the season, as he had a point in 15 games played. Meanwhile, Stamkos had two points in the first 12 contests of the year.
While a move back to the center on the first and second lines benefited Stamkos, Svechkov continued to struggle in various combinations.
The decision felt like it was a month too late, as Svechkov was scoreless throughout January and was essentially benched in his final game before being assigned to Milwaukee, recording 3:05 minutes of ice time in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Jan. 27.
Scratch, play or reassign?
Dec 29, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood (71) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Predators haven't frayed away from scratching their young players, as Brady Martin, Matthew Wood and others have all had to sit at some point this season.
However, some of the scratches have been questionable. Martin, the Predators' 2025 fifth overall pick, played just three games before being sent to the Soo Greyhounds (OHL).
He was in Nashville for the season-opening game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 9 and their road matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 21.
That was a seven-game stretch, and Martin was scratched in five of those contests, including a "homecoming" game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
On Jan. 3 and 6, Wood was scratched in back-to-back contests before returning to the lineup. He'd return to the lineup, but struggle throughout the month before the Predators decided to reassign him to Milwaukee ahead of the Olympic break.
However, after three games with the Admirals during the pause, the Predators called Wood back up, casting doubt on the move and possibly being too early.
Joakim Kemell is another player who has sat more than he's played in Nashville. He's played in two games but has been scratched from six.
Making the right call-ups
Dec 29, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood (71) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Trotz has notably "stuck his neck out" for a handful of players, moving them onto the roster ahead of other stat leaders down in Milwaukee.
Reid Schaefer, who has logged just six points in 27 games, has made multiple stops in Nashville this season. He earned a call-up before seven other Admirals who are ahead of him in point totals.
Zach L'Heureux recently earned a call-up after averaging a point per game in 28 straight contests with the Admirals. He even said that he expected to be called up sooner.
Justin Barron, whom Trotz traded Alexandre Carrier for in 2024, has not moved from the Predators roster despite scoring 32 points and recording just five points.
Meanwhile, Ryan Ufko, who is second in AHL defenseman points with 42 in 47 games, has yet to be called up to Nashville this season.
Another piece was trading Spencer Stastney, a 26-year-old defenseman who had nine points in 30 games before he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 third-round pick.
The only defenseman the Predators have recalled for Milwaukee this year is Andreas Englund, a 30-year-old who was claimed off waivers by Nashville last season.
He's played in only three games and has been scratched in a handful of contests.
Too much or not enough?
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators incoming general manager Barry Trotz announces the twenty fourth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
While there is likely a reason behind the decisions to sit these younger players or have them wait a bit longer for their opportunity, the trends show that Nashville is struggling to put its younger players in the right situations.
Svechkov's elongated stay in Nashville may have hurt his game more than benefited it, as he could've spent a month or two down in Milwaukee instead of struggling with the Predators.
Down in Milwaukee, guys like Ufko and Jake Lucchini (38 PTS in 49 GMS) can only do so much to prove they deserve a shot with the Predators.
It's fair to say this could be part of "the process" of having younger players earn their time and place, but with the Predators being so gung-ho about their future, they're teetering on the line between development and wasting prospects' time.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jan 11, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images | Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings
February 11, 2026
Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network,
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00pm CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Mat Ishbia #15 of Team Anderson looks on during the game against Team Antetokounmpo during the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California. 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All-Star Weekend has drifted in recent years; it’s no secret. That magical energy just isn’t there anymore.
Ishbia appeared on Wednesday’s The Pat McAfee Show and said he would pay $1 million in prize money to the winners of the Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests (via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst).
While revealing he would give another $1 million to charity in each event, he stated, “Let’s get the best guys in. Let’s make it awesome.”
Suns owner Mat Ishbia wants more star players participating in All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year — and is hoping to entice them by offering a $1 million prize to the winners of the slam dunk and 3-point contests. https://t.co/JPs2dMwtJ3
The idea is simple: if pride and legacy are not enough to draw the league’s top stars consistently, maybe meaningful financial incentive will. After seeing how much the recent Saturday night events have fallen, I’m all for it. It is a straightforward solution from an owner who has not been shy about spending since purchasing the franchise.
Phoenix, of course, will be hosting the 2027 All-Star Game almost exactly one year from now.
NBA All-Star 2027 is in Phoenix, Arizona! The 76th annual NBA All-Star game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 21, at Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns. pic.twitter.com/ZJb7eRcXX0
The dunk contest, in particular, has struggled to consistently attract marquee names in recent seasons. There have been flashes, sure. There have been viral moments thanks to Mac McClung. What it has lacked is sustained star power.
The 3-Point Contest has generally held up better, but even that event can benefit when elite names treat it as a priority rather than an afterthought. We already had Dame reach out to Steph and Klay to get them to join Book in what could be one of the most entertaining 3-point contests in recent memory.
Ishbia’s approach signals something larger than just a check. It speaks to competitiveness, which he also went on a rant about with the league’s tanking situation. The NBA is in the entertainment industry, and what better way to put on a show than by getting the biggest names involved in the contests we all used to love so much?
This move also fits Ishbia’s broader philosophy since taking over in Phoenix. He has shown a willingness to invest aggressively, whether in player salaries, infrastructure, or organizational resources. Offering prize money is not a publicity stunt. It aligns with his pattern of putting financial weight behind competitive outcomes.
From a Suns perspective, it also places Phoenix at the center of league dialogue in a constructive way. He is offering an incentive and letting players decide.
The NBA thrives when its showcase events feel competitive rather than ceremonial. All-Star Weekend has a history. It has the platform. What it needs is urgency. And some dolla dolla bills, ya’ll.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 2: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2025 NBAE(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons are looking to rebound after a disappointing loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Facing Oklahoma City tonight might seem like being out of the frying pan and into the fire, but it actually does represent a bit of a reprieve and potential get right game for the Pistons. Because the Pistons aren’t playing the Thunder, the Pistons are playing the Thunders’ backups. Very good backups, mind you, but backups nonetheless.
Sitting out for the Thunder tonight are: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell. The Pistons will only be missing Isaiah Stewart, who remains out with his suspension.
It won’t be a cake walk — Cason Wallace is a great all-around player, Isaiah Joe is a heck of a shooter, and Lu Dort can defend anywhere. But the Thunder will be undersized, and Jalen Duren might be looking to feast after a hard-fought matchup against Victor Wembanyama. Cade Cunningham, too, is coming off a terrible game against the Spurs. I’d look for him to be active, particularly as a passer. There should be open driving lines and kick-out opportunities. I hope it’s a fun one at LCA.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Watch: ESPN, Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons -10.5
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Former New York Yankee CC Sabathia throws the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Get out your pens to mark your calendars, because there’s now an event at Yankee Stadium during this coming season that you won’t want to miss. Just a short while ago, the Yankees announced that this coming September 26th, they’ll be holding a ceremony to formally retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52 and give him a plaque in Monument Park.
Sabathia pitched for the Yankees from 2009-19, helping them to the 2009 World Series title and a number of other playoff appearances. He was a three-time All-Star in pinstripes and he finished top five in Cy Young voting three times while a member of the team. Last summer, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, and will forever don a Yankee logo on his plaque in Cooperstowjn.
During his 11 seasons with the Yankees, Sabathia was a stellar pitcher for the team, evidenced by what I’ve already cited and also ranking in the top ten in the franchise lists for wins, strikeouts, and more. However, he also became a revered clubhouse leader. When he first got there, he joined in a veteran heavy era, where the clubhouse was led by the likes of then captain Derek Jeter. While never officially named one, by all accounts he served somewhat of that role as the Yankees transitioned to an era led by now captain Aaron Judge. He also always had his teammates’ backs.
If the Yankees had historically been more selective in the numbers they’d retired in the past, you could argue that Sabathia would fall short of that cutoff. However, they haven’t, and CC is more than deserving, especially in light of his recent Hall induction. In addition to being an absolute gamer on the mound, literally going until he physically couldn’t, he’s an extremely likeably human. I personally cannot wait to see him get another day in the sun later this year.
