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3 observations after Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt debuts in preseason loss to Knicks

3 observations after Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt debuts in preseason loss to Knicks originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Tyrese Maxey-VJ Edgecombe tandem now has one NBA (preseason) game under its belt.

Maxey and Edgecombe sharing the floor was the most significant Sixers item Thursday from the team’s 99-84 preseason-opening loss to the Knicks in Abu Dhabi. 

In his preseason debut, Edgecombe tallied 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Maxey had 14 points, four assists and four boards.

Key Sixers out with injuries included Joel Embiid (left knee), Paul George (left knee), Jared McCain (right thumb) and Trendon Watford (right hamstring). 

The Sixers’ second preseason game in Abu Dhabi is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. Here are observations on their defeat Thursday:

The Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt 

The Sixers paired Maxey and Edgecombe together to start the game alongside Kelly Oubre Jr., Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona. 

That unit played with good defensive intensity out of the gate, pressuring the Knicks and hunting for turnovers. An Oubre steal on Mikal Bridges led to a Maxey fast-break bucket.

Edgecombe and Maxey’s chemistry as a duo will take time to build. Maxey threw a pass out of bounds late in the first quarter when he expected Edgecombe to stay on the wing and the rookie instead started to cut. The two talked things over as the Sixers headed to a timeout.

Individually, Edgecombe in the first quarter showcased many of the talents that made him the No. 3 pick. He grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed the ball ahead and tossed up a lob that Bona finished in high-flying fashion. Bona got another alley-oop slam about a minute later courtesy of Maxey. 

Edgecombe displayed his passing instincts again when he received the ball on a backdoor cut and dropped off a dish to Johni Broome for an easy hoop. 

Edgecombe tried for a giant highlight in the second quarter, soaring high and attempting to dunk over Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. He didn’t quite pull it off, but Edgecombe drew a foul and knocked down both of his free throws. 

Meanwhile, Maxey was the Sixers’ top producer in the first quarter, running the show and scoring 10 points. He hit a smooth floater on the Sixers’ last possession of the period. 

A shooting day to forget

The Sixers’ outside shooting was about as bad as it possibly could have been in the first half at 1 for 20 from three-point range. The Knicks (8 for 39) were also very subpar in that area Thursday.

The final numbers for the Sixers were 34.6 percent from the field and 8.6 percent (3 for 35) beyond the arc. 

All teams have poor shooting days and preseason results deserve little scrutiny. Still, we’ll note that the Sixers went 34.1 percent from three-point territory last season, which ranked 27th in the NBA. 

They need stars like Maxey and George to have better shooting seasons, and for role players to sink a higher percentage of the open jumpers those stars create. 

No bench standouts  

As is the norm in the preseason, the Sixers used a long bench. The team’s first five subs were Justin Edwards, Jabari Walker, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Broome.

After that, the Sixers played Kennedy Chandler. The 23-year-old point guard on an Exhibit 10 contract scored 10 points. Chandler entered ahead of two-way contract player Hunter Sallis, who made a mid-range jumper soon after checking in and posted eight points and three rebounds.

No Sixers bench player had an exceptional outing and the Knicks’ second unit was superior, turning their win into a blowout in the third quarter.

Edwards struggled offensively Thursday, missing all eight of his field goals and committing three turnovers in 16 minutes.

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Do the Senators Need To Add Another Fighter Who Takes A Regular Shift?

As the Ottawa Senators continue their pre-season auditions, Tuesday’s 5-0 loss illustrated something clearly. When the Montreal Canadiens play the Ottawa Senators this season, they intend to try to intimidate them physically.

Who could blame them? Aside from Brady Tkachuk, who else on the roster can fight and win? This is not to question anyone's heart.

Zack MacEwen was signed a couple of years ago as a response to the Toronto Maple Leafs signing Ryan Reaves. MacEwen is a good fighter and always willing to answer the bell. But he hasn't fared well against the league's heavyweights.

Everyone answered the bell in the Habs game. The Habs, led by the Brothers Xhekaj, initiated the majority and, aside from Kirby Dach turtling against Donovan Sebrango, there really wasn’t a chest puff moment for the Senators.

As far as nuclear deterrents go, the Senators don’t have anyone in the system who can play regularly AND keep the other team in line.

Tyler Kleven has the size to suggest he could handle himself. However, his inaugural bout was against Adam Lowry of the Jets, and it soon became clear that Kleven played University hockey where he did not learn how to become a great fighter. 

Carter Yakemchuk had 120 penalty minutes in his draft year and another 82 last year, but didn't have much interest in fighting on Tuesday night. Gabriel Eliasson, the Senators' 2nd pick in the 2024 priority selection, was regarded as the meanest player in the 2024 draft. This is a reputation he tried to uphold in rookie camp this year.

Perhaps they will be a pair one day. This doesn’t solve the current dilemma.

Ridly Greig will take all comers and that isn’t necessarily a good thing. He irritates. He doesn’t intimidate.

Other teams may take note of what happened on Tuesday and try to replicate it. The risk is not only having liberties taken with your star players, but also having your captain taken out of the game defending people when he should be wreaking havoc in front of the opposing goalie.

Looking within the division, the defending champion, Florida Panthers, are without a couple of key pieces in Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, who play the hard minutes, but the Panthers also have the likes of Sam Bennett, who can play it anyway you want or someone like AJ Greer, who can play hard minutes and fight.

The Leafs have said goodbye to Mitch Marner, and new faces like Nicolas Roy won’t replace his offence but will make them bigger and harder to play against. They also brought in Michael Pezzetta for nights when trouble is expected. Simon Benoit is a defenseman who brings both size and the ability to use it effectively to the table. Not the most intimidating roster in the division, but they are big enough not to get pushed around.

The Bruins have the likes of Nikita Zadorov who is as mean as they come, and they also doubled down on former Senator Mark Kastelic for another three years. Say what you will, but Kastelic can play a fourth-line role and can win a fight. He had 10 last year alone. The Bruins, as a team, had the second most fights in the NHL last season with 30.

The Bolts don’t have a lot of guys who fight but they have plenty of guys who can, and they are huge with the likes of former Senator Nick Paul, Victor Hedman, Erik Czernak, and the list goes on. Teams won’t intimidate them physically.

The Sabres don’t have a Matthew Barnaby type and haven’t in a long time. Adding Josh Norris didn’t make them tougher to play against. They also own the longest playoff drought in the league at 14 seasons. Coincidence? They had the eighth most fights in the league last year at 23. Fights at the end of games you are about to lose don’t add up to much in the standings.

The Detroit Red Wings don’t have anyone who would fit the description of an enforcer. They also have the second-longest playoff drought in the league at nine years. Coincidence? Mason Appleton is a gritty player, but as an off-season signing, he doesn’t really inspire fear, and nor do adding Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic. Hard to say where Stevie Y is taking this team.

Coming out of the last lockout, the competition committee sought to make the game faster and more entertaining with an emphasis on skill. This led to the near extinction of the dedicated enforcer. It also led to players who can both play harder minutes, be physical AND fight when needed, all the more valuable. Tkachuk is the Senators' only such player.

Teams don’t need a lot of pugilism to be effective, but they do need some, and aside from their captain, the Senators have a glaring gap in this department.

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
Reviewing Four Of The Nastiest Moments From Senators–Canadiens Game On Tuesday
Eight Former Ottawa Senators Placed On Waivers This Week
Brady Tkachuk On Starring In Prime Video Show: 'I'm An Open Book To Begin With'
Broadcast Frustrations Resurface For Senators Fans
Ullmark Says He Enjoys The Struggle
Former Senator Josh Norris Embraces New Opportunity To Prove Himself

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Islanders Conclude Preseason Slate: Lineup vs. Flyers & Notes

EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders conclude their preseason slate on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers at  Xfinity Mobile Arena. We will be chatting with head coach Patrick Roy and select players at 4 PM ET. 

Puck drop is slated for 7 PM ET and can be watched, exclusively, on ESPN+.

Forward Jonathan Drouin, who missed Wednesday's skate due to illness, did rejoin the team on Thursday but did not take part in line rushes. Roy didn't think he'd play when we spoke to the bench boss following Wednesday's skate. 

Drouin went pointless in three preseason games, but was clearly getting more comfortable with his new team in each passing game. 

Forwards Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri were on the ice but neither took part in line rushes. Both took part in penalty kill work. 

Goaltender Ilya Sorokin told us he wanted to play in two preseason games, and he'll get to do that as he'll start the finale. He stopped 23 of 26 in a 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils last Friday \\. 

Here's the lines:

Forward Maxim Tsyplakov, who wasn't available for the first four preseason games, did skate on Monday, but did so on the fourth line. He's focused heavily on going North and not as much East-West-South play that got him in trouble at times during his rookie season. 

We'll see what he can show alongside Barzal.

Forward Calum Ritchie also played on the fourth line last game, but we know he is a top-six forward once he develops to the level the organization envisioned. 

While making the Islanders' roster out of training camp is going to be tough despite his strong performance, Thursday serves as his final chance to show his worth, and the Islanders seem to be giving him an opportunity to do that, playing alongside Anthony Duclair and Emil Heineman. 

Here's how the Islanders lineup on the power play:

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Ex-Rangers Defender Lands Big Extension With Panthers

Niko Mikkola (© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

Former New York Rangers defenseman Niko Mikkola has landed a big payday, as he has signed an eight-year, $40 million contract extension with the Florida Panthers. His extension will kick in during the 2026-27 season. 

Mikkola first signed with the Panthers during the 2023 NHL off-season in free agency after finishing the 2022-23 season with the Rangers. Since then, he has become a key part of Florida's blueline and has won the Stanley Cup twice. Thus, it is understandable that the Panthers have locked him up to this long-term contract extension. 

Mikkola was acquired by the Rangers with forward Vladimir Tarasenko during the 2022-23 season from the St. Louis Blues. In 31 games with the Rangers that season following the trade, the 6-foot-6 defenseman recorded one goal, three points, 38 blocks, 55 hits, and a plus-4 rating. He also played in seven playoff games for the Blueshirts in 2023, where he recorded two assists, 12 penalty minutes, and a plus-2 rating. 

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Jonathan Kuminga changes Warriors jersey number ahead of 2025-26 NBA season

Jonathan Kuminga changes Warriors jersey number ahead of 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jonathan Kuminga enters the 2025-26 NBA season with a new contract — and a new jersey number.

The young forward returned to Warriors practice Thursday after signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract with Golden State, and he appears to have exchanged his No. 00 jersey number to No. 1.

The contract agreement ended a summer-long standoff between Kuminga and Golden State.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters Thursday that Kuminga participated but scrimmaged for only half of the scrimmage time as the team continues to ease him back into action.

Kerr added that Kuminga “looked good” and “did a nice job” on his first day back.

As Kuminga seeks a clean slate with the Warriors after a drama-filled offseason, perhaps a jersey number is just one of the many changes he will encounter this season.

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Champions League review: PSG’s young guns, Valverde’s discontent and Qarabag shine

There was a compelling clash of heavyweights in Catalonia, some unhappy rumblings at Real and a legend of Azerbaijani football roared

• The viewers. Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain was the final many wanted last season. Wednesday’s group-stage meeting showed why. The fixture did not disappoint, even if, with red tape delaying the opening of the renovated Camp Nou, it was played in the less atmospheric Lluís Companys Stadium. Luis Enrique’s young Parisians staged a comeback in Catalonia, thanks to their coach’s expert use of his squad. Senny Mayulu, 19, upstaged Lamine Yamal by scoring the equaliser – Wednesday was the first match this season Yamal had failed to either score or contribute to a goal. Instead, the resurgent Marcus Rashford set up Ferran Torres’s opener for Barça. PSG were shorn of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the forward line that claimed last season’s crown. No matter: 23-year-old Bradley Barcola stepped up as the senior forward and ravaged Hansi Flick’s high-line, high-wire defence. The youngsters kept coming for PSG: 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was replaced by another teenager, Quentin Ndjantou, to play alongside the lively Lee Kang-in. In the end, Achraf Hakimi supplied the assist for Gonçalo Ramos, another sub, to score the 90th minute winner and inflict Barcelona’s first loss this season. “If you’re the best team, you have to show it on the pitch, and not talk,” said Ramos, who habitually scores late goals off the bench. “We are the champions of Europe.”

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The Saddest Thing Ever: Docuseries Reveals Why Sidney Crosby Hangs An Empty Frame On His Wall

There is a scene in the third episode of FACEOFF: Inside the NHL Season 2 that, depending on your view of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is either highly inspirational or the saddest thing ever.

In it, Sidney Crosby is sweating and grunting through a set of squats in a workout room that he has personally decorated with portraits of the past 16 Stanley Cup winners. He apparently started putting these pictures up in 2008, after the Penguins lost in the final to the Detroit Red Wings. That summer, Crosby hung a photo of Nicklas Lidstrom hoisting the Cup. He then hung up an empty frame next to it as motivation for the following season.

The Penguins went on to win the Cup in 2009. Since then, Crosby has continued the tradition.

“I always put the winning captain up,” Crosby said in the Prime Video docuseries. “When we lost in ’08, I just wanted as a reminder, so I started doing that. Kept putting them up and leave the empty one there.”

Here’s the thing: no one — and I mean absolutely no one — is picking the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup this season, let alone qualify for the playoffs. The Hockey News' Yearbook predicted that the Penguins, which finished last season in seventh place in the Metro, will end up dead last in the division. But even in what is being framed as a rebuilding year, he still believes that this could also be the year where he adds another one of his photos to the empty frame.

Call him an idealist, if you want. Or delusional. But you have to love the competitiveness fire that still burns brightly inside the veteran captain. You also have to wonder why Crosby is pushing towards a goal that seems so unrealistic and unachievable.

When asked by an off-camera producer what keeps him motivated at this stage of his career, the Penguins captain was succinct in his answer: “I think winning,” he said. “I don’t really know any different.”

FACEOFF: Inside the NHL Season 2 premiers on Prime Video on Oct. 3, with the six-episode docuseries featuring Crosby, the Tkachuk brothers, William Nylander and more.

Episode 3, according to NHL.com, “raises eyebrows and questions as Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, talk about his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins.”

“Sid and Pat were just amazing to us on this project,” director Daniel Amigone told NHL.com. “It’s hard to get that kind of access. It was certainly not guaranteed throughout. Hopefully, we represented it accurately, and we stand behind what we have in the show.”

Indeed, Crosby only knows one way. But that way is at odds with the path that the Penguins are forging.

GM Kyle Dubas is not trying to win a championship this season. He’s not even trying to make the playoffs. No, with an over-the-hill roster and a cupboard that is bare of top-end prospects, he’s trying to win the No. 1 pick in the draft. In order to do that, the Penguins need to lose. And they need to lose big — and probably for more than just one season.

So what is Crosby doing staring at a wall of portraits and squatting? It’s like the life-imprisoned convict who keeps his sanity by digging a hole to freedom, only to realize that he’s been digging towards the cell next to him. The goal is not only unrealistic, it’s unreachable.

That is, as long as he remains in Pittsburgh.

Which raises the question: if the only thing motivating Crosby is winning, then why not accept a trade to Colorado or even Montreal, where the chances at winning are much greater than they are in Pittsburgh?

After all, at the age of 38, it’s not like he has many more years of this.

“I mean, I understand it," Crosby said of the speculation surrounding his future while at the NHL/NHLPA Player Media Tour in September. "It's not something that you want to discuss. You'd rather be talking about who are we getting at the deadline, or where we're at as far as are we one, two or three in the division?

"But, you know, it's one of those things that's the hard part about losing. I think everybody thinks that losing is, the buzzer goes, you lose the game, and that sucks. But there's so much more. It’s the turnover, it's the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks. That’s the stuff that's tough, and it makes you appreciate all those years of we're competing and going after that big acquisition every single trade deadline. I don't think I took it for granted, but I definitely appreciate it that much more now."

Despite Turnover And Uncertainty, Sidney Crosby Remains Loyal To The Penguins For NowDespite Turnover And Uncertainty, Sidney Crosby Remains Loyal To The Penguins For NowYou can say many things about NHL icon Sidney Crosby.

You could argue that Crosby has won enough and done enough where chasing another Cup isn't that important on his to-do list.

Sure, Crosby’s already a three-time Stanley Cup winner and a two-time Olympic gold medallist who probably deserves to be placed next to Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest players to have laced up their skates.

But he’s also a player who finished in the top-10 in scoring last season with 91 points and who captained Canada to a championship at the 4 Nations Face-Off. In February, Crosby will participate in his third Olympics, where he’ll try to lead the country to its third gold medal.

In other words, he can still win. And he can still help a team, whether it’s a Colorado or Montreal, win. But what he can’t do is help the Penguins win, no matter the motivation and no matter how many squats he’s performing.

"It hasn't changed my approach," he said. "I mean, I still go out there trying to win every single game and try to be the best that I can be. I think that youth and having that energy around you isn't a bad thing, either. And we've got a lot of hungry guys, a lot of competition for spots. So, I think you just try to find different things that you can feed off of, and still continue to learn through it.”

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26 Preseason Top 200: Nikola Jokić, SGA lead the way; updated LeBron James ranking

While familiar names sit atop the preseason fantasy basketball rankings, the 2025-26 season has the potential to be a wild one, thanks to injuries that occurred either during the offseason or during last year's playoffs. Fred VanVleet's ACL tear means multiple players will be asked to do more in Houston, which may benefit Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, and Reed Sheppard. And Achilles tendon tears suffered by Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton will also be impactful.

While Lillard's on-court return to Portland will be delayed, this will be a critical season for Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, whether we're talking fantasy or "real" basketball. Boston lost multiple rotation players in the aftermath of Tatum's injury; how will this impact Jaylen Brown and Derrick White? As for the Pacers, the combination of Haliburton's injury and Myles Turner moving to Milwaukee raises the ceilings of Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, to name two. Below is our preseason top-200 ranking, led by Denver's Nikola Jokić.

NOTE: These rankings also reflect the news that LeBron Jameswill miss the start of the season with sciatica on his side.

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers-Media Day
2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

RANKPOSNAMETEAM
1CNikola JokićDenver Nuggets
2PGShai Gilgeous-AlexanderOklahoma City Thunder
3CVictor WembanyamaSan Antonio Spurs
4PG, SGLuka DončićLos Angeles Lakers
5PF, CGiannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks
6PF, CAnthony DavisDallas Mavericks
7PG, SGCade CunninghamDetroit Pistons
8PF, CKarl-Anthony TownsNew York Knicks
9PG, SGAnthony EdwardsMinnesota Timberwolves
10PG, SGDevin BookerPhoenix Suns
11PGTrae YoungAtlanta Hawks
12SF, PFKevin DurantHouston Rockets
13PG, SGDonovan MitchellCleveland Cavaliers
14SF, PFJalen WilliamsOklahoma City Thunder
15PG, SG, SFAmen ThompsonHouston Rockets
16PGStephen CurryGolden State Warriors
17PG, SGJames HardenLA Clippers
18CAlperen ŞengünHouston Rockets
19PGTyrese MaxeyPhiladelphia 76ers
20PF, CEvan MobleyCleveland Cavaliers
21CDomantas SabonisSacramento Kings
22SF, PFJalen JohnsonAtlanta Hawks
23PF, CPascal SiakamIndiana Pacers
24SG, SF, PFScottie BarnesToronto Raptors
25PGJalen BrunsonNew York Knicks
26PF, CJaren Jackson Jr.Memphis Grizzlies
27PG, SGJosh GiddeyChicago Bulls
28CMyles TurnerMilwaukee Bucks
29PG, SGLaMelo BallCharlotte Hornets
30PF, CChet HolmgrenOklahoma City Thunder
31PF, CPaolo BancheroOrlando Magic
32PG, SGDe’Aaron FoxSan Antonio Spurs
33SG, SFDesmond BaneOrlando Magic
34PG, SG, SFDyson DanielsAtlanta Hawks
35PG, SGAustin ReavesLos Angeles Lakers
36PG, SGDerrick WhiteBoston Celtics
37SF, PFFranz WagnerOrlando Magic
38PG, SGJamal MurrayDenver Nuggets
39CBam AdebayoMiami Heat
40PGDarius GarlandCleveland Cavaliers
41SF, PFLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
42PGJa MorantMemphis Grizzlies
43SG, SFJaylen BrownBoston Celtics
44SF, PFKawhi LeonardLA Clippers
45SF, PFTrey MurphyNew Orleans Pelicans
46CIvica ZubacLA Clippers
47CNikola VučevićChicago Bulls
48SF, PFDeni AvdijaPortland Trail Blazers
49SFCooper FlaggDallas Mavericks
50SF, PFLauri MarkkanenUtah Jazz
51CWalker KesslerUtah Jazz
52CJarrett AllenCleveland Cavaliers
53CKristaps PorziņģisAtlanta Hawks
54SF, PFZion WilliamsonNew Orleans Pelicans
55SF, PFOG AnunobyNew York Knicks
56SF, PFJimmy Butler IIIGolden State Warriors
57SF, PFMichael Porter Jr.Brooklyn Nets
58CJoel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ers
59PG, SGImmanuel QuickleyToronto Raptors
60PF, CJulius RandleMinnesota Timberwolves
61SFDeMar DeRozanSacramento Kings
62SF, PFMikal BridgesNew York Knicks
63SF, PFBrandon MillerCharlotte Hornets
64SF, PFAusar ThompsonDetroit Pistons
65PG, SGJordan PooleNew Orleans Pelicans
66PG, SGTyler HerroMiami Heat
67CMark WilliamsPhoenix Suns
68SG, SF, PFJosh HartNew York Knicks
69SF, PFCameron JohnsonDenver Nuggets
70PG, SGAnfernee SimonsBoston Celtics
71PG, SGZach LaVineSacramento Kings
72CJalen DurenDetroit Pistons
73PG, SGAndrew NembhardIndiana Pacers
74PG, SGCoby WhiteChicago Bulls
75SG, SFChristian BraunDenver Nuggets
76SG, SF, PFBrandon IngramToronto Raptors
77SF, PFMiles BridgesCharlotte Hornets
78SG, SFNorman PowellMiami Heat
79PG, SGJalen GreenPhoenix Suns
80SG, SFCam ThomasBrooklyn Nets
81PGKyrie IrvingDallas Mavericks
82PGPayton PritchardBoston Celtics
83SG, SFDevin VassellSan Antonio Spurs
84CDeandre AytonLos Angeles Lakers
85SF, PFTari EasonHouston Rockets
86SG, SF, PFPaul GeorgePhiladelphia 76ers
87CDonovan ClinganPortland Trail Blazers
88COnyeka OkongwuAtlanta Hawks
89SF, PFJaden McDanielsMinnesota Timberwolves
90PGD’Angelo RussellDallas Mavericks
91PF, CJohn CollinsLA Clippers
92CJakob PoeltlToronto Raptors
93CRudy GobertMinnesota Timberwolves
94CIsaiah HartensteinOklahoma City Thunder
95SG, SFBennedict MathurinIndiana Pacers
96PG, SGCJ McCollumWashington Wizards
97SG, SFBradley BealLA Clippers
98PF, CDraymond GreenGolden State Warriors
99SF, PFKeegan MurraySacramento Kings
100SF, PFAndrew WigginsMiami Heat
101SGMalik MonkSacramento Kings
102PG, SGBrandin PodziemskiGolden State Warriors
103PF, CNaz ReidMinnesota Timberwolves
104PF, CAlex SarrWashington Wizards
105SF, PFHerbert JonesNew Orleans Pelicans
106PF, CSanti AldamaMemphis Grizzlies
107PFTobias HarrisDetroit Pistons
108CNicolas ClaxtonBrooklyn Nets
109CDereck Lively IIDallas Mavericks
110CZach EdeyMemphis Grizzlies
111PG, SGCollin SextonCharlotte Hornets
112CDaniel GaffordDallas Mavericks
113PF, CBobby PortisMilwaukee Bucks
114CYves MissiNew Orleans Pelicans
115CMitchell RobinsonNew York Knicks
116PG, SGJaden IveyDetroit Pistons
117SG, SFShaedon SharpePortland Trail Blazers
118CBrook LopezLA Clippers
119PGScoot HendersonPortland Trail Blazers
120CWendell Carter Jr.Orlando Magic
121PF, CKel’El WareMiami Heat
122PG, SGCason WallaceOklahoma City Thunder
123PGDennis SchröderSacramento Kings
124PG, SGStephon CastleSan Antonio Spurs
125SG, SFBilal CoulibalyWashington Wizards
126SF, PFToumani CamaraPortland Trail Blazers
127SF, PFMatas BuzelisChicago Bulls
128SG, SFKlay ThompsonDallas Mavericks
129PF, CJabari Smith Jr.Houston Rockets
130SGVJ EdgecombePhiladelphia 76ers
131SG, SFDonte DiVincenzoMinnesota Timberwolves
132PG, SGKeyonte GeorgeUtah Jazz
133SG, SFKyshawn GeorgeWashington Wizards
134SFAaron NesmithIndiana Pacers
135PG, SGDejounte MurrayNew Orleans Pelicans
136CIsaiah JacksonIndiana Pacers
137PG, SGJrue HolidayPortland Trail Blazers
138PGChris PaulLA Clippers
139PFNikola JovićMiami Heat
140SF, PFTaylor HendricksUtah Jazz
141PG, SGKevin Porter Jr.Milwaukee Bucks
142PG, SGLonzo BallCleveland Cavaliers
143CJay HuffIndiana Pacers
144SF, PFDe’Andre HunterCleveland Cavaliers
145PG, SGReed SheppardHouston Rockets
146SF, PFRui HachimuraLos Angeles Lakers
147PG, SGDavion MitchellMiami Heat
148CKhaman MaluachPhoenix Suns
149CAdem BonaPhiladelphia 76ers
150PG, SGMarcus SmartLos Angeles Lakers
151CJonas ValančiūnasDenver Nuggets
152SGDylan HarperSan Antonio Spurs
153PF, CKyle FilipowskiUtah Jazz
154PF, CAl HorfordGolden State Warriors
155SG, SFJaylen WellsMemphis Grizzlies
156PGMike ConleyMinnesota Timberwolves
157SF, PFPJ WashingtonDallas Mavericks
158SF, PFKhris MiddletonWashington Wizards
159SF, PFRJ BarrettToronto Raptors
160SF, PFSam HauserBoston Celtics
161PG, SGScotty Pippen Jr.Memphis Grizzlies
162SF, PFJerami GrantPortland Trail Blazers
163PF, CAaron GordonDenver Nuggets
164PG, SGBub CarringtonWashington Wizards
165SG, SFGrayson AllenPhoenix Suns
166PG, SGJared McCainPhiladelphia 76ers
167SG, SFQuentin GrimesPhiladelphia 76ers
168PGTy JeromeMemphis Grizzlies
169SG, SFAlex CarusoOklahoma City Thunder
170PGCole AnthonyMilwaukee Bucks
171SF, PFBrice SensabaughUtah Jazz
172CMoussa DiabatéCharlotte Hornets
173PF, CChris BoucherBoston Celtics
174SG, SFKentavious Caldwell-PopeMemphis Grizzlies
175SF, PFRyan DunnPhoenix Suns
176PGTJ McConnellIndiana Pacers
177SG, SFGary Trent Jr.Milwaukee Bucks
178SG, SFAaron WigginsOklahoma City Thunder
179PF, CNoah ClowneyBrooklyn Nets
180SF, PFJonathan KumingaGolden State Warriors
181CJusuf NurkićUtah Jazz
182SG, SFDuncan RobinsonDetroit Pistons
183PFObi ToppinIndiana Pacers
184SF, PFDillon BrooksPhoenix Suns
185SF, PFNaji MarshallDallas Mavericks
186CYang HansenPortland Trail Blazers
187SFAce BaileyUtah Jazz
188PG, SGMiles McBrideNew York Knicks
189PF, CBrandon ClarkeMemphis Grizzlies
190SG, SFBuddy HieldGolden State Warriors
191SG, SFZiaire WilliamsBrooklyn Nets
192SF, PFZaccharie RisacherAtlanta Hawks
193PG, SGAnthony BlackOrlando Magic
194CNeemias QuetaBoston Celtics
195PG, SGIsaiah CollierUtah Jazz
196SF, PFRoyce O’NealePhoenix Suns
197PGRussell WestbrookFree Agent
198PGTyus JonesOrlando Magic
199SFKon KnueppelCharlotte Hornets
200SF, PFKelly Oubre Jr.Philadelphia 76ers
RankPosition(s)PlayerTeam
Table 1

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Mets must transform the starting rotation for 2026, but the situation is complicated

As the Mets' 2025 season spiraled out of control, with the team falling from 45-24 in the middle of June to 83-79 and out of the playoff field, there were lots of things that went wrong.

But the main culprit was a starting rotation that didn't have enough depth to withstand the injuries that hit it, had most of its members underperform down the stretch, and wasn't seriously bolstered externally at any point during the season.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke the day after the season ended about run prevention (both pitching and defense) being a big reason for the team's downfall and a huge point of emphasis this offseason.

And as he took responsibility for things going wrong, Stearns was blunt about how he handled the team's in-season pitching woes. He also said one of the things he learned was that he needed to be more proactive.

"From a roster construction perspective, on the run prevention side of the ball, we didn't do a good enough job of fortifying our team when we had injuries midseason," Stearns said. "Clearly, that was a point in our season where on the run prevention side of things we went from a very good team to a team that wasn't good enough to maintain a sizable lead -- not only in the division, but in the playoff chase."

Stearns added:

"I think holistically as I look at our pitching staff, we needed to do more over the course of the season. That is very clear. What we were faced with at at the deadline? I think our fanbase would be perhaps even more upset if we had made some of those moves. But the entirety of our run prevention unit was not good enough this year."

While Stearns is well aware of what needs to change ahead of 2026, the Mets are in a tricky spot when it comes to maneuverability.

In other words, with so many starting pitchers already under team control for next season, how will New York make big changes while also incorporating some of their homegrown pitchers and adding help via trade and/or free agency?

David Stearns
David Stearns / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image

As things currently stand, here are the starting pitching options who are under team control for 2026:

Sean Manaea ($25 million owed in 2026, under contract through 2027)
Kodai Senga ($15.4 million owed in 2026, under contract through 2027)
Clay Holmes ($13 million owed in 2026, under contract through 2027)
David Peterson (arbitration-eligible for the final time)
Nolan McLean
Brandon Sproat
Jonah Tong
Christian Scott

Frankie Montas will earn $17 million in 2026 in what is the second and final year of the deal he signed last offseason, but is expected to miss the year due to Tommy John surgery. Tylor Megill is arbitration-eligible for the second time, but -- like Montas -- is expected to be out for the season because of Tommy John surgery.

Of the veterans above, all but Holmes struggled badly this season. And aside from Holmes, they all have huge question marks attached to them.

Manaea missed the first half of the season and pitched the second half with loose bodies in his elbow. The results were ugly, as he posted a 5.64 ERA and was eventually removed from the rotation.

Senga was fantastic until hurting his hamstring in June. After he came back, he struggled so badly that he was sent to the minors. Once there, he was unable to get his mechanics right, and did not pitch again in the majors over the final few weeks of the year. Stearns said after the season that it would be "foolish" to count on Senga for 30 starts in 2026 given what's happened the last two seasons.

Peterson had a first half that got him an All-Star nod, but fell off in a big way late. From Aug. 6 through the end of the season, Peterson had an 8.42 ERA, though the 3.88 FIP he had during that span suggests he also got pretty unlucky on balls that were put in play.

As far as McLean, Sproat, and Tong, one of them -- at least for now -- is unlike the others.

McLean was mostly dominant in 48.0 innings over eight big league starts, posting a 2.06 ERA (2.97 FIP) and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 57 batters -- a rate of 10.7 per nine. His stuff was filthy, and his poise and mound presence was off the charts.

Aug 27, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field.
Aug 27, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images

Sproat and Tong both showed flashes, but it will be a surprise if either one enters spring training as a favorite for a rotation spot. In Tong's case, it seems likely he'll start the year with Triple-A Syracuse since he made just two starts there before his promotion to the bigs.

Scott, who should be healthy and ready to go after having Tommy John surgery during the 2024 season, is a nice depth option to have.

After dissecting all of that, it's easy to envision this kind of scenario:

Holmes (who stretched out to 165.2 innings and excelled while transitioning from reliever to starter), Manaea (who flashed serious potential in 2024 and had an uneven 2025), and McLean (who looks like a possible frontline starter) are earmarked to open the 2026 season in the rotation, with the two other members to be added via trade and/or free agency.

That would mean a decision on Senga, who is coming off two lost seasons and is under contract through 2027. It would also mean a decision on Peterson, who is out of minor league options and has shown the ability to excel in the bullpen.

Regarding who the Mets could target for those empty spots? 

It can be argued that they should be looking for one frontline level starter and another who can pitch in the middle of the rotation.

Looking at the free agent market, there are some intriguing top of the rotation options, including Ranger Suarez, Michael King, and Framber Valdez. But all of them are on the wrong side of 30, and only Valdez has had a real extended run of success pitching at an ace level. Dylan Cease is an interesting option and has an enticing arsenal, but he's had two down years out of the last three.

There's also the fact that Stearns has suggested he doesn't love making huge free agent commitments to starting pitchers.

So perhaps the Mets sign a middle of the rotation option and turn to the trade market for the top of the rotation guy.

With one of the best farm systems in baseball, the Mets should theoretically be able to trade for pretty much any starting pitcher who becomes available. And it's possible a bunch of really interesting ones are out there this winter.

That includes Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, Joe Ryan of the Twins, and possibly Tarik Skubal of the Tigers. Skubal is set for free agency after the 2026 season, and if Detroit determines that he's likely to walk after the year, they'll have an enormous decision on their hands this offseason -- and the ability to get a huge haul back for someone who will be coming off back-to-back Cy Young seasons.

In the event the Mets do add a frontline starter and a middle of the rotation arm to a group that also includes Holmes, Manaea, and McLean, the question becomes what they do when some of their young talent is ready to contribute. The answer, as the Mets found out this season, is that you can never have enough pitching.

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Tigers at Guardians Wild Card Game 3 prediction: Odds, expert picks, pitching matchup, betting trends, stats

The Cleveland Guardians managed just six hits off Casey Mize and four Tigers’ relievers, but they turned those base knocks into six runs and in the process evened their Wild Card series against Detroit at one game apiece with a 6-1 win Wednesday afternoon. Tanner Bibee and five Cleveland relievers put on a clinic escaping trouble time and again. They allowed seven hits and walked six but somehow wiggled their way out of trouble time and again stranding 15 Detroit baserunners in the game.

Cleveland’s Game 2 win sets up a winner-take-all Game 3 today. Slade Cecconi takes the ball for Cleveland in Game 3 against Jack Flaherty for Detroit. The winner moves on to the divisional round against Seattle.

Lets dive into Game 3 and see if we can find an angle or two to attack as bettors.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch the first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Tigers at Guardians

  • Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
  • Time: 3:08PM EST
  • Site: Progressive Field
  • City: Cleveland, OH
  • Network/Streaming: ABC

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Tigers at the Guardians

The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Tigers (+104), Guardians (-126)
  • Spread:  Guardians -1.5 (+178)
  • Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Tigers at Guardians - Game 3

  • Pitching matchup for October 2, 2025: Jack Flaherty vs. Slade Cecconi
    • Tigers: Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA)
      Flaherty's last 2 starts were both against Cleveland and both resulted in losses for the Tigers as he gave up 4 runs over 9.1 innings with 10Ks
    • Guardians: Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA)
      In 30 IP in September, Cecconi allowed 22 hits and 13 runs while striking out 26

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Tigers at Guardians - Game 3

  • Zach McKinstry has 1 HR in 3 ABs against Slade Cecconi
  • Spencer Torkelson has 2 hits including 1 HR in 6 ABS against Slade Cecconi
  • Steven Kwan is 4-16 against Jack Flaherty in his career
  • Jose Ramirez is 7-27 including 1 HR in his career against Jack Flaherty

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s Game 3 between the Tigers and the Guardians

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday’s Game 3 between the Tigers and the Guardians:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Detroit Tigers at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

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11 Days Until Opening Nights At NWA: The History Of Jersey #11

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 11 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #11. 

Let's take a look.

Kevin Dineen - 2001-2003 - Drafted by Hartford in 1982. 

A CBJ Original, Dineen played 129 games for the Jackets and had 29 points in the early days of the franchise. He appeared in only four games in the 2002–03 season with Columbus, and on November 5, 2002, he retired from playing. In 1188 career games, Dineen recorded 355 goals and 760 points while registering 2229 penalty minutes.  

After retiring, he joined the Blue Jackets front office as a Pro Scout and later as an assistant. General Manager. He was the head coach of the AHL's Portland Pirates for six seasons before being hired as the head coach of the Florida Panthers. After two and a half seasons in Florida, he was fired and hired as an assistant by the Chicago Blackhawks. He has since been a head coach for the San Diego Gulls and the Utica Comets of the AHL. After starting the 24-25 season 0-8-0-1, Dineen was fired on November 6th, 2024. 

Craig MacDonald - 2009 - Drafted by Hartford in 1996. 

MacDonald played eight games as a Jacket in 08-09 and had two points. He never played another NHL game after his time in Columbus. 

He left for Germany in 2009 and retired in 2013. 

Chris Clark - 2010 - Drafted by Calgary in 1994. 

Clark played 89 games for Columbus and had 20 points. He never played another NHL game after Columbus.

After retiring from the NHL, he was hired by the Blue Jackets as a Scout. He later moved into the position of Development Coach and did that for 8 years. In 2019, he was promoted to the positions of Director of Player Personnel for Columbus and General Manager of the Cleveland Monsters, and he still holds those positions today. In 2023, he was also named General Manager of Team USA for the World Championships. 

Matt Calvert - 2011-2018 - Drafted by Columbus in 2008. 

Calvert played 416 games as a Jacket and had 149 points. Known as a player who was not afraid to step in front of a puck or lay a huge hit, Calvert personified what it was to be a Columbus Blue Jacket. Calvert was loved by all fans for his toughness and for being a great person.

Forced to retire in 2021 due to medical issues, he co-founded CAL Sports Management, where he is the Director of Recruitment and Development. 

Kevin Stenlund - 2019-2022 - Drafted by Columbus in 2015. 

The big Swede played 71 games as a Blue Jacket and had 20 points. He is currently playing for the Utah Hockey Club, but last season won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers alongside former CBJ goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

Elite prospects described Stenlund as "An intelligent, big-bodied center with superb puck handling ability. His greatest asset is his mature mindset: he thinks the game at a high level. Plays a simplified, complete game and doesn't make low-percentage plays. Uses his edges well at a level that suits his style of play - physical and hard to play against; that being said, there is still room for improvement in his skating and first three strides. Protects the puck well."

Unfortunately, it didn't work out for Stenlund in Columbus, which is a shame.  

Adam Fantilli - 2024 - Drafted by Columbus in 2023.

After suffering a brutal skate cut in 2024, he was forced to miss the rest of the season. He scored 12 goals and totaled 27 points. 

Last season, Fantilli got off to a bit of a slow start but really turned it on as the season went on. He would finish the season tied for the team lead with 31 goals. He also chipped in 23 assists and totaled 54 points. 

This season, Fantilli is expected to take yet another step and become the dominating two-way player everyone thinks he can be. With the tutelage of Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan, he should be able to continue to grow into the face of the franchise. 

Luke Kunin - 2025 - Drafted by Minnesota in 2016.

Kunin played 12 games for Columbus after being traded from the San Jose Sharks at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. He failed to register a point in 12 games. 

As a free agent, Kunin signed with the Florida Panthers in August on a one-year deal.

There are 11 days until opening night at NWA. 

The pre-season schedule is as follows:

Saturday, Oct. 4 at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET

After that, the Blue Jackets will open the regular season on the road against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

Let us know what you think below.

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