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3 Things To Watch: History On Golden Knights' Side In Season Openers As They Prepare To Host Kings

LAS VEGAS -- If history means anything, the Golden Knights will have no trouble in Wednesday's season opener at home against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Golden Knights enter the 2025-26 campaign 7-1-0 all-time in season openers, including 4-1-0 mark when opening their season at home.

Vegas has won six straight season openers, including four in a row at T-Mobile Arena.

"You come into the building and you feel the buzz, you feel the energy, you can feel that the fans have been kind of itching to get back into the building after a summer and I feel like we feed off that," said defenseman Shea Theodore, who has been with the Golden Knights since their inception into the league. "We always get good energy. I feel like it gives us that boost. ... I think just feeling off the crowd, the energy that it gives guys, you know, it's infectious."

During the winning run in season openers at home, the Golden Knights have outscored opponents, 27-16. And in their seven season-opening wins, the team owns an impressive goal differential of +18.

For coach Bruce Cassidy, opening night in his mind will last the entire month.

"I look at opening night as a stretch of probably October, 10 games," Cassidy said. "I've said this many times. I think it's easier if you don't have to chase the standings early in the year, by that I mean, get on on a bad run early so negativity creeps in and then you're constantly trying to get to that playoff spot, right?

"If you can get off to a good start pretty positive about yourself, the group. It allows you a little leeway later on. Cause nothing ever goes smooth a hole here, so you got yourself a little breathing room."

Here are three things to look for in the opener:

JACK AND MITCH

The addition of Mitch Marner to the lineup has everyone buzzing, from fans to the Knights, including linemate Jack Eichel. The two are hoping to find the same harmony Marner had with Auston Matthews in Toronto.

Marner is coming off his first career 100-point season, after scoring 27 goals and assisting on 75 others (102 points) in his final season with the Maple Leafs. Since he entered the league during the 2016-17 season, Marner has recorded the eighth-most points (741) and the fifth-most assists (520).

Eichel, meanwhile, is also coming off a career-best season, after registering 94 points (28 goals, 66 assists) along with an all-time high plus-32. Eichel finished fifth in voting for the Hart Trophy, and with Marner on his line, figures to be a candidate once again.

"I'm excited, it's gonna be great," Eichel said after morning skate. "The excitement for a new season, obviously, we bring a guy like Mitch in and we add some other pieces, there's some new faces in the room, some guys with excitement. It's great, I'm so excited for him for a lot of reasons. But, just having the opportunity to what is possibly a fresh start for him here in Vegas."

BLUE LINE

When general manager Kelly McCrimmon acquired Noah Hanifin at a bargain price, it was another example of Vegas' uncanny ability to land a sought-after player to fill a role. Heading into the season, it seems prophetic on McCrimmon's part, with the potential pressure the blue liners may feel without Alex Pietrangelo, who will miss this season. Plus, Vegas lost a key member from the blueline who helped win the organization the Cup, as Nicolas Hague was shipped to Nashville in a cost-cutting move. Nevertheless, the team has depth and experience with Theodore, Hanifin, Brayden McNabb, another charter member, and Zach Whitecloud, whose also been with the organization since it arrived but started with its AHL team. Jeremy Lauzon was part of the return for Hague, and will try to fit in as well.

"Depth is the strongest asset we have as a team," Hanifin said. "We got so many guys that can contribute in so many ways. When you lose a guy like Petro, it obviously hurts. He's a huge part of this locker. A huge piece of the team. I think it also opens the doors up for other guys to step up and try to fill that role the best they can. And we got guys in this room that are, I think, definitely ready to do that."

TOP OF THE HILL

Back as the No. 1 netminder, Adin Hill is the six-million-dollar man between the pipes and comes into the season after playing in a career-high 50 games last season. Since joining the Knights in 2022-23, Hill ranks fourth in the NHL among goaltenders who have played at least 100 games, with a 2.55 goals-against average. His save percentage in that same time frame ranks 10th, at .909.

"He's really solidified himself in that net. And as a D man in front of him, I think when we keep things to the outside, keep it simple, he's gonna make the stops. And then obviously, when there is breakdowns, it does happen in a game, he's had our back numerous times. He's a great goalie. I think in terms of his career, he's still building it. He has the potential to be a very good goalie in this league. The sky's the limit for him."

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NBA season 2025-26 preview: 10 players most likely to be traded

In-season NBA trades are alive and well.

Despite the impact of the second apron and the restrictions on teams trying to make deals, there were still 25 trades during the last NBA season — and 20 of them landed in February, just before the trade deadline (stat via Bobby Marx of ESPN). Maybe the blockbuster trades have to be put on hold until the summer now, but trades still happen. And there will be a flurry of trades this year as well.

Who are the players most likely to be traded this season? Let's break it down.

[Note: This list does not include the blockbusters that could come, mainly because they are unlikely. Giannis Antetokounmpo might finally get frustrated enough to ask out, but his $54.1 million salary makes an in-season trade for him very difficult to pull off. The same goes for the idea of trading Zion Williamson out of New Orleans. For those moves, stay tuned next offseason.] As for guys likely to be traded this season:

Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)

This is the low-hanging fruit in compiling this list, it's no secret he will be available via trade after Jan 15 (the first day he's eligible). Both Kuminga and Golden State are ready to part ways, and the Warriors played hardball with the restricted free agent this summer, pushing him into a very tradable contract construction (two years, $45.6 million, with the second year a team option).

Kuminga has skills and can get buckets — 15.3 points per game last season (but shot 30.5% on 3-pointers, pretty much in line with his career average) — but is not a comfortable fit on a Golden State roster where Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green play the four. Additionally, Kuminga's style of play is not a natural fit with Steve Kerr's ball-and-player movement system, which has led to friction between the two in the past.

Barring an unforeseen change, the Warriors likely will move on from Kuminga at the deadline. The only question is where he lands.

Anfernee Simons (Celtics)

Simons came to Boston as part of the Jrue Holiday salary dump trade with Portland, but he is not part of the long-term plan in Boston. Plus, if the Celtics want to get below the luxury tax line this season — and they do — trading Simons and his $27.7 million salary for someone making around $15 million does it.

Simons also brings value, averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game as a two-guard/wing in Portland last season. He's athletic and just 26. He will help Boston on the court this season with Jayson Tatum out, then help them get under the tax at the deadline (so the Celtics can reload next season with a healthy Tatum and make another title push).

Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)

Markkanen has made it clear: He likes Utah and would like to stay there. He's also a 28-year-old All-Star on a rebuilding team that doesn't really need him. Put Markkanen on an up-and-coming team that is a piece away — Hello Detroit! — and he can vault a team up to contender status. Utah is reportedly willing to listen to offers.

The challenge, and the reason Markkanen may get his wish to stay put, is his contract: Markkanen will make $46.4 million this season, the first year of a four-year, $195.9 million extension. For the same reason it would be tough to move Antetokounmpo during the season, a Markkanen trade will be a challenge to put together. Utah would just be more willing than Milwaukee to figure out how to get it done (although the Ainge family never makes it easy on the other side).

CJ McCollum (Wizards)

The Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, and both McCollum and Khris Middleton are veterans on the roster that the Wizards will look to send out to a team seeking veteran guard help, so long as it receives picks/a quality young player in return. McCollum, 34, averaged 21.1 points and 4.1 assists a game last season for the Pelicans and is a career nearly 40% shooter from beyond the arc. Other teams will call the Wizards to at least kick the tires on a trade.

Nikola Vucevic (Bulls)

The Bulls finally seem to have chosen a direction and are leaning into their youth (Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, etc) and with that, they are looking to move on from their veterans, which includes Vucevic.

Vucevic, 35, will still get a team buckets and rebounds at center, averaging 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 40.2% from 3-point range in 73 games last season. He's an expiring $21.5 million contract, and for a playoff team trying to add some depth for the playoffs, Vucevic is a quality pick-up.

Gabe Vincent (Lakers)

Saying Vincent is "likely" to be traded is a little harsh to one of the only two UC Santa Barbara Gauchos in the NBA (Ajay Mitchell).

That said, the tone of Lakers GM Rob Pelinka changed at the start of training camp. Out is the talk of preserving cap space for 2027, in seems to be capitalizing now on having Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the same team now. If Pelinka sees a need that needs filling (wing defense?), he will dangle Vincent and his expiring $11.5 million contract. Some teams might like a solid rotation guard in a deal, and Vincent is that.

Kyle Kuzma (Bucks)

If things start slowly in Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo is getting anxious — something absolutely on the table — Bucks' GM Jon Horst's first instinct isn't going to be to trade the face of the franchise. It's going to be to make a bold trade, trying to upgrade the roster in Milwaukee.

That would mean testing the market for Kuzma. The problem is that Horst has been doing this for a while now, and there hasn't been much interest. Despite Kuzma averaging 14.8 points a game last season, he's a forward who doesn't space the floor and is not a great defender, making $22.4 million this season (but on a descending contract). Eventually, the market will be there. Horst will work to find it.

Terry Rozier (Heat)

Miami tried to trade him all summer, does anyone expect that to stop? Any trade talk is on hold until Tyler Herro returns from injury, but by the time we reach February, Erik Spoelstra will have showcased Rozier plenty, and the Heat are hoping the market heats up for the veteran guard.

Jusuf Nurkic (Jazz)

Much like Lauri Markkanen above, Nurkic is not part of Utah's long-term plan and they are betting on other teams that need depth at the five heading into the playoffs will give them a call. Nurkic is solid on both ends of the floor, averaged 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds a game last season in Charlotte, and is on an expiring $19.4 million contract. It feels like there is a deal to be done.

Kelly Oubre Jr. (76ers)

This would be a salary dump for Philadelphia, but it could help another team because Oubre can flat out play — 15.1 points a game for the Sixers last season. The 76ers enter the season $7 million into the luxury tax, if things start slowly (or maybe even if they start fast), ownership will likely want to get below the tax line. The easiest way to do that is a salary dump trade of Oubre, who is set to make $8.4 million.

Philly also could get below the tax line by trading Andre Drummond ($5 million) and someone with a veteran minimum contract. One way or another, expect a deal.

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Backs against the wall, Phillies must be patient and produce in elimination game

Backs against the wall, Phillies must be patient and produce in elimination game originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

LOS ANGELES – The plan is to slow down, be in the moment and go out and win a baseball game.

That’s the mindset that the team, the manager and everyone has around the Phillies organization as they prepared to stave off elimination in Game Three of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.

Everyone said the right thing, believes in it, and now must execute. Patience being a key part of it all.

“I think it’s just seeing pitches,” said Rob Thomson. “Stay as long as you can. We want to be aggressive in the zone. You just can’t be over aggressive where we’re chasing. Instead of trying harder you trust harder in this situation. You trust that your teammates are going to get it done so you pass the baton. Just keep the line moving as best you can.”

That hasn’t been easy, especially at the top of the order where Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper have combined to go 2-for-21 with 11 strikeouts. There has to be something done there in order for the Phillies to last another day.

“Like I said before the series started, nothing matters other than winning and losing,” said Turner. “You have to find ways, even on your worst day or you don’t feel your best, to compete, add value and make plays. I think we have a lineup of those guys.”

Perhaps, but they certainly haven’t shown much in this series yet. Thomson decided on going with Aaron Nola to start in Los Angeles, a surprising move being that Ranger Suárez hasn’t been called upon yet in the first two games. Suárez will be ready to come out of the bullpen whenever Thomson sees fit.

“He knows what the plan is,” Thomson said of Nola.  As for Suárez, the manager said: “He is healthy. It’s been a couple days (since he’s been on the mound). I don’t even concern myself with rest for him. I think he’s been fine. His numbers the last month aren’t Ranger- type numbers, but I don’t think that’s from fatigue. I’d love him to start a clean inning, but I would never say never (as for Suárez coming in during an inning).”

Thomson also had to adjust his lineup as centerfielder Harrison Bader just wasn’t feeling well enough from his hamstring strain to man the outfield. He is available to pinch-hit, but whether he can run the bases is a game-time decision.

“Same situation,” Thomson said. “He is getting better but he doesn’t feel like he can cover the gap. “

Still, with all that, it comes down to what has been stated over and over since Monday’s loss – stay in the moment and win one pitch at a time.

“Because I’ve been through this a couple of times, I think you really have to focus, stay in the moment,” Thomson reiterated. “Focus on today. We don’t need to win three games; we need to win one. If you focus so much on the result, you forget what’s going on in the moment. Just stay calm and loose and be yourselves.

With the top of the order searching for something to get the team started offensively, had Thomson thought of tinkering, as he has with the bottom of the order throughout the season?

“I don’t think so, just because at any moment those guys can just break out,” he said. “We’ve seen it too many times. I trust that they’re going to do it.”

In Dodger starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Thomson sees similarities to another starter for Los Angeles.

“I would say if he’s similar to anybody it would be Ohtani because it’s power fastball, it’s really good split, uses the cutter against the lefties,” Thomson said. “We just got to keep him in the strike zone.

“You’ve got to try and stay positive and just try and push the right buttons and have the team prepared and I think we have. We’ve had a couple of tight games here. Hopefully, we can score a bunch of runs tonight and we shut them down.”

We’ll see.

NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Red October content is sponsored by Toyota.

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Devils PTO Goalie Signs With Different Team

Georgi Romanov (© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Goaltender Georgi Romanov was one of the multiple players the New Jersey Devils had at their training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). However, he has now landed a contract for the season with another team. 

The St. Louis Blues have announced that they have signed Romanov to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season. In addition, the Blues have placed Romanov on waivers in order to send him down to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

The Blues signing Romanov comes shortly after they lost goaltender Colten Ellis to the Buffalo Sabres on waivers. As a result of this, the Blues needed more goalie depth, and they added just that by signing Romanov. 

Romanov spent this past season with the San Jose Sharks organization. In eight games with the Sharks in 2024-25, the 25-year-old goaltender recorded a 0-6-0 record, a .877 save percentage, and a 3.89 goals-against average. He spent the majority of this past season down in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda, however, where he posted an 11-6-3 record, a 3.10 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage. 

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The Hockey News Big Show: Who's The Most Interesting Pending NHL UFA Left?

The Hockey News Big Show breaks down the opening day of the NHL season and more big storylines.

Who's The Most Interesting Pending NHL UFA Left? by The Big ShowWho's The Most Interesting Pending NHL UFA Left? by The Big Showundefined

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

01:05: Chicago Blackhawks @ Florida Panthers reaction

03:15: New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins reaction

06:55: Colorado Avalanche @ Los Angeles Kings reaction

10:50: Who were surprising names on the NHL’s opening day rosters?

14:00: Which youngster who made an opening day roster could make a big impact?

17:40: What are the expectations for Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who was called up?

21:00: The Maple Leafs claimed Sammy Blais and Cayden Primeau off waivers. Yay or nay?

22:10: Reacting to Alex Pietrangelo being on season-ending long-term injured reserve

24:30: Thoughts on Kyle Connor’s eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets?

27:45: Who’s the most interesting player left in contract extension talks?

32:50: How much pressure does Connor McDavid's contract put on other star players to leave money on the table to try and win?

37:40: Thoughts on Mattias Ekholm’s three-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers?

39:50: Stanley Cup predictions

43:00: Is Sidney Crosby the greatest captain of all-time?

45:20: Thoughts on the Boston Bruins going captainless to start the season?

46:50: Reacting to the Los Angeles Kings’ new third jerseys

48:30: Is Gavin McKenna already the real deal in the NCAA?

Watch the full episode here 

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

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Former Flyers Forward Hanging Up The Skates

Cam Atkinson (© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Cam Atkinson is officially calling it a career. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they are signing Atkinson to a one-day contract on Oct. 16 so he can retire as a member of the organization.

Seeing Atkinson retire as a member of the Blue Jackets is entirely understandable. The 36-year-old had the most success of his NHL career with Columbus, as he recorded 213 goals, 402 points, and a plus-17 rating in 627 games over 10 seasons as a Blue Jacket. This included him setting career highs with 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points in 80 games during the 2018-19 season. 

The Flyers acquired Atkinson from the Blue Jackets during the 2021 NHL off-season in exchange for forward Jakub Voracek. In 143 games over two seasons with the Flyers following the move, Atkinson posted 36 goals, 42 assists, and 78 points. 

Atkinson's time with the Flyers ended when he was bought out by the Metropolitan Division club during the 2024 NHL off-season. From there, he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning and played his final NHL season as a Bolt in 2024-25. 

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Blues Sign Goaltender Georgi Romanov To A One-Year, Two-Way Contract

The St. Louis Blues have signed goaltender Georgi Romanov to a one-year, two-way deal.

The signing comes just days after the Blues lost goaltender Colten Ellis to the Buffalo Sabres on waivers. The Blues were very high on Ellis, but without space on the NHL roster, the only move was to place him on waivers and hope he makes it through.

Unfortunately, he was claimed, but the Blues organization are happy he gets a chance in the NHL, even if it isn't with St. Louis.

Romanov, Ellis' replacement, has played 10 NHL games in two seasons, recording an .888 save percentage and a 3.53 goals against average with the San Jose Sharks.

In 50 AHL appearances, the 25-year-old posted .904 SP and a 3.12 GAA. According to the Blues, Romanov will report to the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL.

Georgi Romanov (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Prior to his North American career, Romanov was a standout performer in the Russian junior leagues. He's struggled since making the transition, but the Blues require a third goaltender due to the shortened schedule because of the Olympics, and Romanov can move up and down from the minors and hopefully provide stability. 

Romanov attended the New Jersey Devils training camp on a PTO but did not agree to a deal with the Devils.

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Forward Nolan Burke Signs With Royals

The Reading Royals announced Wednesday that forward Nolan Burke has been signed to an ECHL contract with the club for the 2025-26 season.

The 22-year-old is entering his third professional season after a 55-game 2024-25 campaign, where he registered 31 points (13g-18a), 17 PIM and a +10 rating with the Wichita Thunder.

A native of Peterborough, Ontario, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound, left-shot forward was a Tryout Invite to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2025 Training Camp, on which he skated in two of Lehigh Valley's three pre-season games.

Across 103 professional career games, 102 of which coming in the ECHL between Atlanta (2023-24) and Wichita (2024-25), Burke has totaled 46 points (18-28-46) and 49 PIM. He made his lone American Hockey League game appearance with the Milwaukee Admirals on April 21st, 2024 at Grand Rapids.

Burke signed a three-year NHL Entry Level Contract with the Nashville Predators on Nov. 12, 2022 after parts of five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting. During his time with Sarnia, he accumulated 154 points (90-64-154) in 177 games.

At the time of his NHL signing in 2022, Burke was leading the OHL with 15 goals through 16 games. He finished the 2022-23 campaign with the second most goals in the OHL (50).

Additionally, Burke was teammates with the Philadelphia Flyers sixth overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Porter Martone, at Sarnia that season.

The Royals 2025 Training Camp roster now totals 28 players, including 17 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

All fans can attend Training Camp practice in the seating bowl area beginning at 10 Am on Thursday, Oct. 9. Fans must enter Santander Arena through the Lions's Den Team Store entrance on Penn St. and must depart Santander Arena through the Lion's Den Team Store following the conclusion of Training Camp practice at 12 Pm.

The Royals will host the Adirondack Thunder for their lone pre-season game on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 Pm at Santander Arena.

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Answering all your Mets offseason questions with a Mega-Mailbag episode | The Mets Pod

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo officially kick off their coverage of the Mets offseason by turning the show over to the fans and opening up a Mega-Mailbag

The guys take on questions about coaching staff changes, free agent targets, trade possibilities, the future of Pete Alonso (again), Edwin Diaz’s opt-out options, dealing away prospects, position changes, the Japanese market, and so much more.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov Potentially Unavailable For Season's Start

The Carolina Hurricanes are already dealing with a potential goalie injury and the season hasn't even officially started yet.

Netminder Pyotr Kochetkov's status is now up in the air for the season opener on Thursday after missing practice on Wednesday.

"He got nicked up the other day," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "Got through the game fine and so I'm not sure if it was in practice or what. I'm not sure what his status will be."

The Russian goalie missed various days of practice throughout training camp, but played in the team's final preseason game Saturday in Nashville.

As Brind'Amour inferred, the 26-year-old goaltender looked to be fine coming out of that game and practiced with the team following it, but it appears something new is now bothering him.

If he does miss time, the team will be relying pretty much solely on Frederik Andersen until he returns. 

The 36-year-old goalie is heading into his 13th NHL season and fifth in Carolina. 

The team would love to not have to to do that, as the Dane has dealt with a plethora of injuries throughout his career, most recently having had knee surgery after playing just four games into the 2024-25 season.

And if Kochetkov can't go, Andersen will have to have a new backup as well, which would be Brandon Bussi, who the Canes acquired off of waivers from the Florida Panthers.

"He looks good," Brind'Amour said after getting Bussi onto the ice with the main group for the first time. B"ig guy. Hopefully we're not going to be relying on that, but if we do, we have a lot of confidence in him."

Bussi has no prior NHL experience, but the 6-foot-5 netminder has 111 games of AHL experience, where he posted a 63-31-13 record with a 0.915 save percentage and eight shutouts.

The plan heading into the year was to have Cayden Primeau as the third, but he too was claimed off of waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Phillies vs. Dodgers NLDS Game 3 betting guide: Best bets and props

Phillies vs. Dodgers NLDS Game 3 betting guide: Best bets and props originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

It’s do-or-die for the Phillies in Game 3, down two games to none in the National League Division Series. With their backs against the wall in Los Angeles, here’s what looks favorable on the slate.

Odds as of 3:30 PM ET on FanDuel

Game 3 Odds

Philadelphia Phillies (+154): +1.5 (-137)

Los Angeles Dodgers (-184): -1.5 (+114)

O/U: 7.5

The Phils will turn to veteran Aaron Nola to make his 11th career postseason start in this must-win spot. Nola battled injuries and inconsistency during the regular season, posting a 6.01 ERA in 17 starts, but has looked sharper of late. Philadelphia will also have Ranger Suárez (12-8, 3.20 ERA) available out of the bullpen — giving them length and helping avoid their struggling middle relief.

For Los Angeles, it’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto — and he’s been as dominant as anyone. The right-hander finished with the fourth-lowest ERA in the Majors (2.49) over 30 starts, and he’s been untouchable down the stretch. Including his Wild Card Series start, Yamamoto owns a 0.53 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts over his last five outings. He hasn’t allowed a run in his past 24 innings.

Very rarely do the Phillies enter a game exceeding 3-2 odds on the moneyline, but the momentum makes this a unique opportunity. For the first time this series, they’re not starting a left-hander too. It’s hard to imagine a 96-win team getting swept — maybe it’s a gut feeling, maybe it’s variance — but I’m confident Philadelphia pulls this one out.

My suggestion: Phillies moneyline (+154)

My favorite props (57% accuracy in NLDS)

Each Team to Hit 1+ Home Runs (-165)

The ball hasn’t been flying much in this series — small ball and pitching have been the key. Outside of Teoscar Hernández’s Game 1 homer, no other ball has left the yard. Still, Yamamoto has shown some vulnerability at home (7 HR in 68 IP), and Nola has allowed a 1.7 HR/9 rate this year after leading the league in homers allowed in 2024.

Nick Castellanos to record a hit (-145)

Castellanos has faced Yamamoto twice — and he’s picked up a hit. At home, the Dodgers ace is far more hittable for right-handed batters, posting a 4.09 ERA and .701 OPS against (compared to .539 overall). Castellanos is coming off a big Game 2 two-run double, and he feels due for another — possibly with an RBI (+260) if you’re looking for more value.

Aaron Nola under 2.5 strikeouts (+128)

Despite the decision to start Nola over Suárez, expect Rob Thomson to keep him on a short leash. His outs-recorded line (8.5) backs that up. If Nola runs into early traffic, the bullpen will be ready. This is a low total, but the key for Nola will be weak contact, not strikeouts. The value here makes this one of the stronger plays on the board.

My parlay

Two legs: Bryce Harper & Kyle Schwarber to record a hit (+138)

It’s not flashy value, but both lefty bats need to get right. If you use get a profit boost, this play clears +200. Harper is 1-for-7 and Schwarber is hitless in the series, but after the off-day reset, they’re the two most likely to break through. If you’re feeling aggressive, Harper & Schwarber each to record 2+ total bases is +362.

My long shot

Brandon Marsh to hit a home run (+800)

Yes, Marsh has struck out twice in his only two ABs against Yamamoto — but there’s something about him vs. right-handers. During the regular season, the Phillies outfielder slashed .300/.356/.482 against them, with 35 extra-base hits (nine homers). He’s one of the few bats capable of sparking the bottom of the lineup. If you like him for extra-bases, 2+ total bases at +210 is a smart secondary play.

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Jalen Brunson, James Harden among Rotoworld staff fades at current ADPs

For every player a fantasy manager deems worthy of reaching for in fantasy drafts, there's another they'll actively look to avoid, especially if their average draft position (ADP) is too high.

With that in mind, Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew each picked two players they are fading at ADP for this season. Check it out below.

On a more positive note, you can see some of our staff favorites for 2025-26 here.

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.

Cole Huff’s picks: G James Harden (LA Clippers) and C Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers)

This is not meant to be a knock on Harden — I trust that he will continue to lead the Clippers and could record one of his more efficient seasons shooting the basketball in quite some time, due to a presumably lighter load throughout the season. Given Kawhi Leonard's good health to start the season, the additions of John Collins and Bradley Beal as potential scoring boosts to the starting lineup, and an actual reliable point guard in Chris Paul now on the roster to prevent Harden from being overworked, the scoring and overall usage should probably come down a bit for the former league MVP.

This could all change quickly if age is a factor for this veteran team and Harden is forced to shoulder the load again out of necessity. But if health is not a concern, I'd expect The Beard to finish more closely to a top-10 point guard finish than a top-5.

As for Zubac, I'm not as high on him this season from a fantasy standpoint; I'm expecting his production to dip a bit, like Harden. He cracked 30.0 minutes per game for the first time in his career last season and set career-bests in points, rebounds, and assists per game by a comfortable margin. But context is essential — Zubac missed only two games all season and saw increased opportunities (which he took advantage of) due to the roster's clear lack of a second reliable big.

With Brook Lopez backing him up as arguably one of the best reserve centers in the NBA, and John Collins able to offer small-ball center looks, there's a good chance we see Zubac on the court less throughout the 82-game slate.

Noah Rubin’s picks: G Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns) and F DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento Kings)

I'm happy Green is getting the opportunity to start fresh in Phoenix. I think it is the best thing for his career. However, I don't know why anyone would expect a dramatic change in production in his first year away from Houston. According to NBA.com, Green's usage rate last season was 26.7, the highest mark on the Rockets. Sure, Devin Booker (28.5) and Kevin Durant (28.3) both boasted higher usage rates, and Green is set to replace Durant's touches, but do we really expect Green to get the same opportunities as KD? And even if he does see a bump in usage, does that mean he will magically get more efficient or impact the game in new ways?

I'm not saying Green is going to take a step back, but the idea that he's worth a top-75 pick just because he's in Phoenix isn't something I'm on board with. He certainly has a stronger case in points leagues, but I'm not expecting a dramatic jump in production, and he finished 79th in Yahoo! standard scoring last season.

It might just be time for DeMar. He's been one of the more consistently available players in the league for the past decade, but his athleticism isn't where it used to be. That's entirely understandable for a 36-year-old, but it just means he isn't as effective as he used to be, and he's on a team with multiple ball-dominant players. One stat that showcases athleticism is rim attempts, and he only took 9.3 percent of his shots last year in the restricted area after being at 22.2 percent the year before and at least 18 percent each of the three years before that.

DeRozan is typically a player who creates most of his shots on his own. Still, he created his fewest shots per possession since 2015 and took more shots off passes from his teammates per possession than he has in any individual season for the past decade. That's basically nerdspeak for "DeRozan is getting old." I don't see a world where he's better than last season, especially with the lack of changes the Kings made, other than bringing in Dennis Schröder to take even more touches away from DeMar.

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Early ADP data shows that some players are potentially being overvalued by fantasy managers.

Raphielle Johnson’s picks: C Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) and F RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors)

Average draft position analysis can be tricky this time of year, as there isn't much data to rely on. However, Sabonis's first-round ADP in 12-team leagues is a bit concerning. While he's undoubtedly been a fantasy stud in the past, I think his value will take another hit this season. After last season's trade deadline, Sabonis averaged 16.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 three-pointers per game. While the Kings have addressed the point guard position by adding Dennis Schröder, Sabonis will still have to exist in a lineup that includes two ball-dominant perimeter players in Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. The Kings' center's rebounding production may not suffer, but the scoring is a concern.

As for my other pick, there are also ADP concerns regarding Barrett. As of Tuesday night, he had an ADP of 82.4 in Yahoo! leagues. Barrett has never been a top-100 fantasy player in totals or per-game value, and he's had just one top-150 season in his NBA career. For him to have an ADP comfortably within the top 100 at this juncture is wild. And even though Barrett looked good in Toronto's preseason opener on Monday, he's in a starting lineup that will include three other players who need to have the ball in their hands in Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Will there be enough touches available for Barrett to threaten top-100 value, much less finish within that threshold? I say no.

Zak Hanshew’s picks: C Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets) and G Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)

Şengün finished with 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks and 0.3 triples while shooting 49.6% from the floor and 69.2% from the charity stripe. Despite productive numbers as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator, the points, assists, steals and shooting percentages were all steps down from his 2023-24 numbers. With Amen Thompson expected to continue his ascension as a playmaker, Kevin Durant ready to come on board as a scorer and rebounder and guys like newcomer Clint Capela and breakout candidate Tari Eason on track to eat up minutes and usage, how can Sengun be expected to take a step forward in 2025-26?

He's Nikola Jokić and Domantas Sabonis lite, but he doesn't rebound as effectively as Sabonis, score as prolifically as Jokic, and pass as well as either. Sengun is being overvalued and overdrafted, and I won't be rostering him anywhere.

Brunson enjoyed another productive season in 2024-25, finishing with averages of 26 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.3 triples across 34.5 minutes. The superstar guard has offered elite scoring and strong playmaking in his time with the Knicks, though his big numbers have come at the cost of heavy minutes and high usage. With Tom Thibodeau out in New York and Mike Brown in, expect the Knicks to limit minutes across the board consciously.

Brunson finished 50th in per-game fantasy value a season ago, but there's no way he approaches that production level moving forward. With a new game plan and additional role players - Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon - look for Brunson's playing time and statistical output to decrease.