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Rays release 2026 Spring Breakout game roster

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - MARCH 03: Theo Gillen (24) of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 03, 2026 at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

MLB’s third annual MLB Spring Breakout game is scheduled for March 19-22.

Growing in popularity, the four-day event features top prospects from every team in 16 exhibition games. Tampa Bay’s prospects will play Thursday, March 19 at the Mets (Clover Park — St. Lucie, FL) at 7:10 PM. The game will be broadcast for free in the MLB App, and will be carried by MLBN, SNY, and Amazon.

The Rays Preliminary 40-man player pool, with overall rankings via MLB Pipeline Rays Top 30 Prospects list, is as follows:

PITCHERS (11)
Anderson Brito, RHP, No. 6
Alex Cook, RHP
Michael Forret, RHP, No. 8
Gary Gill Hill, RHP, No. 27
Trevor Harrison, RHP, No. 16
Brody Hopkins, RHP, No. 3/MLB No. 85
Ty Johnson, RHP, No. 18
TJ Nichols, RHP, No. 7
Joe Rock, LHP
Santiago Suarez, RHP, No. 9
Jose Urbina, RHP, No. 17

CATCHERS (4)
Caden Bodine, C, No. 13
Nathan Flewelling, C, No. 11
Dominic Keegan, C, No. 20
Tatem Levins, C

INFIELDERS (15)
Jadher Areinamo, INF, No. 15
Andreimi Antunez, SS
Gregory Barrios, SS
Cooper Flemming, SS, No. 28
Taitn Gray, 1B, No. 30
Xavier Isaac, 1B, No. 14
Cooper Kinney, INF
Tre’ Morgan, 1B/OF, No. 19
Daniel Pierce, SS, No. 5
Emilien Pitre, 2B/SS
Narciso Polanco, INF
Adrian Santana, SS
Will Simpson, 1B
Brayden Taylor, INF
Carson Williams, SS, No. 1/MLB No. 63

OUTFIELDERS (10)
Slater de Brun, OF, No. 10
Homer Bush Jr., OF, No. 25
Theo Gillen, OF, No. 2/MLB No. 76
Brailer Guerrero, OF, No. 24
Mac Horvath, OF
Jacob Melton, OF, No. 4
Dean Moss, OF, No. 29
Austin Overn, OF, No. 26
Aidan Smith, OF, No. 12
Brendan Summerhill, OF, No. 21

How to watchall games:

3/19 Reds at Giants Scottsdale Stadium (Scottsdale, AZ) 4:05 PM MLBN, NBC Sports Bay Area, Amazon
3/19 Guardians at Angels Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe, AZ) 4:10 PM MLB App, MLB.com
3/19 Marlins at Astros* CACTI Park (Palm Beach, FL) 12:05 PM Space City Home Network
3/19 Phillies at Twins Hammond Stadium (Fort Myers, FL) 1:05 PM MLBN, MNNT, Amazon
3/19 Rays at Mets Clover Park (St. Lucie, FL) 7:10 PM MLBN, SNY, Amazon
3/19 Nationals at Cardinals* Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium (Jupiter, FL) 4:30 PM MLB App, MLB.com
3/20 Royals at Rangers* Surprise Stadium (Surprise, AZ) 4:00 PM Rangers Sports Net., Amazon
3/20 Mariners at Brewers American Family Fields of Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ) 5:10 PM MLBN
3/20 Red Sox at Orioles Ed Smith Stadium (Sarasota, FL) 6:05 PM MASN
3/20 Tigers at Pirates LECOM Park (Bradenton, FL) 7:35 PM MLBN, SNP, Peacock, Amazon
3/21 Rockies at Diamondbacks* Salt River Fields (Scottsdale, AZ) 8:00 PM COLR, ARID
3/21 White Sox at Dodgers* Camelback Ranch (Glendale, AZ) 6:30 PM MLBN, CHSN, Amazon
3/21 Padres at Cubs Sloan Park (Mesa, AZ) 9:05 PM Marquee, SDPA
3/21 Braves at Yankees George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa, FL) 6:35 PM YES
3/21 Blue Jays at Phillies BayCare Ballpark (Clearwater, FL) 1:05 PM MLBN, NBC Sports Phi., SportsNet, Amazon
3/22 Brewers at Athletics Hohokam Stadium (Mesa, AZ) 4:05 PM MLBN, Amazon

* – Traditional doubleheader with MLB Spring Training game

All games will stream live and for free in the MLB App.

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Strack ties career high with 33 points to lead Kentucky women over Georgia 76-61 in SEC Tournament

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Clara Strack made a career-high five 3-pointers in matching her career best of 33 points and No. 17 Kentucky defeated No. 22 Georgia 76-61 in the second round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday.

Strack, a 6-foot-5 center, was 5 of 7 from the arc, 12 of 22 overall and grabbed eight rebounds for the ninth-seeded Wildcats (23-9), who will play top seed and third-ranked South Carolina in a Friday quarterfinal.

Teonni Key added 14 points and 12 rebounds and Tonie Morgan also scored 14 points and had seven assists for the Wildcats, who shot 50% and were 14 of 20 at the line to 6 of 8 for the Bulldogs.

Dani Carnegie scored 18 points, Trinity Turner 14 and Mia Woolfolk 11 for Georgia (22-9), which was just 5 of 26 on 3-pointers.

Strack and Amelia Hassett scored all the points in 13-2 run that left Kentucky ahead by 15 with under three minutes to go.

A Strack 3-pointer early in the third quarter gave Kentucky the lead for good. The Wildcats hit six straight shots in the period and Strack scored nine points for a 54-49 lead.

After Georgia scored the opening basket, Kentucky took and held the lead the remainder of the first quarter with Strack hitting a pair of 3-pointers and scoring 13 points. Carnegie hit a pair of 3s and scored the Bulldogs' first eight points of the second quarter to tie the game with Georgia leading 36-35 at the break.

Up next

Kentucky will get another shot at South Carolina, which took a 60-56 road win over the Wildcats on March 1.

Georgia will wait to see where it lands in the NCAA Tournament field.

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

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Mia Moore scores 10 of her 19 in the 4th and Clemson women beat Virginia 63-50 in ACC Tournament

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Mia Moore scored 10 of her 19 points in the fourth quarter, Taylor Johnson-Matthews finished with 10 points and Clemson beat Virginia 63-50 on Thursday in the second round of the ACC Tournament.

Clemson (21-10), which reached 21 wins in a season for the first time since 2000-01, advances to play top-seeded and 13th-ranked Duke on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Hannah Kohn and Johnson-Matthews each made a 3-pointer in the final 80 seconds of the third quarter to give Clemson a 43-39 lead. Then Moore made Clemson's 10th 3-pointer — on just 20 attempts — early in the fourth to make it 50-41.

Moore banked in a shot in traffic to extend Clemson's lead to 60-48 late in the fourth. She made all four of her shots in the fourth to help the Tigers shoot 85.7% in the frame.

Clemson's lead did not drop below nine points in the final five minutes despite going 7 of 13 from the free-throw line in the fourth. Virginia was just 5 of 15 from the field in the fourth with three turnovers.

Virginia (19-11) was looking to collect 20 wins for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

Paris Clark scored 15 points and Kymora Johnson added 12 for Virginia. Sa’Myah Smith had 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Up next

Clemson, the No. 9 seed, edged Duke 53-51 in the only regular-season meeting on Feb. 22.

Virginia, which had 11 ACC wins in a season for the first time since 1999-00, awaits an invitation to play in a postseason tournament.

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

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Braves cut five more from camp, including Jhancarlos Lara and Alex Lodise

CORAL GABLES, FL - MARCH 22: FSU infielder Alex Lodise (1) hits a single in the first inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Florida State Seminoles on March 22, 2025, at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

More cuts. More cuts!

None of these guys really had much of a shot of making the roster, so this is mostly just procedural.

Jhancarlos Lara turned some heads in the low minors, but has really struggled in Double-A and Triple-A. He hadn’t any official Spring Training appearances this year. While he does have a bit of an inside track on an eventual bullpen spot due to being on the 40-man roster, his performance hasn’t really warranted any discussion of that sort for a while.

The Braves signed Austin Pope to a minor league deal in December. He’s made three Spring Training appearances so far, with a 4/1 K/BB ratio and a homer allowed. You could see him as a fill-in relief role for Atlanta at some point this season, but he’ll need to be added to the 40-man roster.

Jim Jarvis was “acquired” in the Rafael Montero “trade” to Detroit last season. He had a really fun contest on both sides of the ball against his former team earlier this Spring, but has a really ugly line of just one single and no walks in 14 PAs, and hasn’t really done anything interesting in the minors either.

Alex Lodise struck out a bunch in his first taste of pro action after being drafted in the second round in 2025. He’s only had nine official Spring PAs, and has struck out three times there, too.

Luke Waddell’s been a Spring Training mainstay for a few years now, and has collected two singles, a double, and a walk in ten Spring chances so far this year. He’s never really figured out Triple-A pitching, so again, largely procedural here.

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BREAKING NEWS: Colton Parayko Invokes No-Trade Clause, Nixing Deal To Sabres

St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, who was rumored to be on the move to the Buffalo Sabres, as initially reported by TSN's Darren Dreger, has decided to invoke his no-trade clause and nix the trade:

As we reported here last night, two sources indicated that Parayko was reluctant to move to the Sabres, who appear set to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 15 years while the Blues (23-29-9) are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Parayko officially declined to waive:

So where do the Blues and management pivot from here? They have until 2 p.m. (CT) to make those decisions. But for now, at least, the Parayko to Buffalo deal has been squashed.

And in essence, we have the Torey Krug situation all over again, when the then-Blues defenseman nixed a potential deal to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023 for a package that included Travis Sanheim.

But it's obvious that Parayko, drafted by the Blues in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft and has spent his entire 11-year career in St. Louis, doesn't want to part with leaving -- at least for the moment. He is signed through the 2030, with the final two years of his contract falling to a modified 15-team no-trade list.

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NHL trade rumors: 6 players that are likely to move at the deadline

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 28: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers warms up before a NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on February 28, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This could be one of the busier NHL trade deadlines in recent memory. The Winter Olympics using NHL talent meant that a majority of teams that would have executed February deals decided to wait and see if injuries impacted their plans before committing to anything. As a result we now have a March 6 date looming, and lots of teams needing to make moves to set their rosters for a run at the Stanley Cup.

Today we look at some of the biggest names attacting attention on the market, as well as who might be buyers at the deadline.

Evgeni Malkin, RW — Pittsburgh Penguins

The writing is on the wall for the legendary Pens wing to skate for his final time in Pittsburgh on Thursday night. All signs are pointing to the Penguins making a deal at the deadline to send Malkin away, separating him from Sidney Crosby for the first time in his career.

President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas said Malkin was having a “fantastic season,” praised him as a franchise icon, and said his future was a “private internal matter.” It doesn’t take a lot of reading the tea leaves to see this one is coming to an end.

The 39-year-old wing is still a ludicrously effective playmaking forward who can offer a veteran presence for a team in need of a wing. At this stage in his career he’s no longer an elite goal scorer, but still has 13 goals and 34 assists in 45 games this season. It would be stunning if Malkin is still on the roster on Friday night.

Potential landing spots: Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers

Dougie Hamilton, D — New Jersey Devils

A strong start to the season has collapsed into mediocrity for the Devils, and they’re likely to be sellers at the deadline as a result. The prime name that keeps getting mentioned is Dougie Hamilton — who would offer a big boost as a veteran blueline presence, something there’s not a lot of on the market this year.

There are no shortage of teams who would be interested if Hamilton is dangled in front of them, especially for a forward the Devils can pair with Jack Hughes in 2026-27 and beyond.

Potential landing sports: Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs

Robert Thomas, C — St. Louis Blues

It’s unusual to see a former 80+ point center being shopped at the deadline when he’s only 26-years-old, but the Blues are being realistic about their future. Languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference, the Blues need a solid rebuild and are looking for draft assets or prospects to make that happen.

There have been strong links between the Buffalo Sabres and Blues on a deal for Thomas, but signs point to Buffalo balking at the demand the Blues have made from their prospect pool. This is interesting because now teams around the NHL know roughly the price on Thomas, which could lead to teams swooping in to make an offer at the deadline. Any organization needing a solid second line center will be keeping an eye on this one, though I suspect the Sabres still have the inside line.

Potential landing sports: Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes

Sergei Bobrovsky, G — Florida Panthers

I don’t think anyone saw the Stanley Cup champs falling apart as quickly as they have, but here we are. It’s gotten to the point where the Panthers are being realistic about their chances to compete, with only the narrowest beam of light reaching them in last place in the Atlantic Conference.

Bob has had a down year, but he’s a brilliant goaltender who rises to the occasion when games matter the most, making him the ideal playoff goalie for a team in need of help. The question becomes: Who is willing to make a deal here? There are numerous teams who can plug him in as a part of a push, predominantly organizations who see their window being right now with lesser-established prospect systems.

Potential landing sports: Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres

Elias Petterson, C — Vancouver Canucks

It’s rebuild time in Vancouver, and the center of that has to be moving Elias Pettersson. The once-transcendent center who seemed poised to become a perennial 100-point player didn’t really take that next step, despite getting a contract to pay him like that guy.

This becomes the biggest sticking point in a Pettersson deal. Who is willing to pay him like an elite, $11.6M AAV player with a deal running until 2031-32, when he might be a 60 or 70 point guy at best? The key to that is believing there’s an element that can be unlocked, which had been stymied with the Canucks due to an inability to put a team around him.

It’s a major swing for the fences move, which could either net a team a player who returns to dominant form and brings them a cup — or be resigned to an eventual “worst trades of all time” column.

Potential landing spots: Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes

Vincent Trocheck, C — New York Rangers

It’s become clear that the Rangers don’t really know how to build a winning roster, and that has led to a lot of veterans reaching the end of their run, who should be on playoff teams, rather than wasting away. Vinny Trocheck leads this list, hot off a gold medal win with Team USA at the Winter Olympics.

At this point in his career he’s not a top-line center, even though he’s been forced to play like one in New York at times. The best spot for him is to play on a second line, master the face off, and be in a position where he doesn’t need to be overtly physical in the corners. A team needing a veteran boost at their center position makes a lot of sense, where Trocheck would be a low-risk move with potentially big upside.

Potential landing spots: Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes

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MMBets: The Dallas Mavericks visit the Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 1: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 1, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (21-40, 7-20 Away) continue their road trip with a Wednesday night matchup against the Orlando Magic (32-28, 18-11 Home) at 6:00 PM CST. Cooper Flagg is back in the lineup after missing eight games with a foot injury, but the cavalry isn’t riding in with him. Marvin Bagley is out. Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Brandon Williams are all game-time decisions.

Let’s scan the lines in search of value.

🏀 Fixture: Dallas Mavericks (21–37, 9–20 Away) @ Orlando Magic (38–20, 21–8 Home)
📍 Kia Center — Orlando, FL
🕢 6:00 PM CST, March 5, 2026
📺 KFAA-TV / MavsTV / NBA App

📊 DraftKings Snapshot (as of 11:30 AM CST, March 5)
Spread: ORL -8.5 (–115) | DAL +8.5 (–105)
Total: 230.5 (O –110 / U –110)
Moneyline: ORL –380 | DAL +300

📉 Game Side Lean: Magic -8.5

Orlando’s defense is suffocating. Dallas’ offense is broken. This is not a complicated equation.

The Mavericks have scored 108.9 points per game over the eight games without Flagg—dead last in the league during that span. Max Christie, who started the season shooting nearly 50% from three, has cratered. The scoring punch that made Dallas competitive earlier in the season has evaporated, and even with Flagg returning tonight, he’s fresh off an eight-game absence. Rust is real.

Orlando, meanwhile, boasts one of the league’s best defenses and a home-court advantage that is palpable versus weak offenses (18-11 Home). Paolo Banchero just dropped 37 on Washington and is averaging 24 points per game over his last ten. Desmond Bane is right there with him at 26 per game over this recent stretch. Franz Wagner is out, which thins Orlando’s scoring depth, but the Magic don’t need a deep rotation to handle a Mavericks team that might be without Klay, Naji, and Brandon Williams.

The bright spot for Dallas? They’re drawing 22.6 fouls per game and attempting 29.1 free throws in Flagg’s absence — both league-leading marks. That might keep this game closer than it should be for stretches, but it won’t be enough to cover 8.5 points on the road against a team this good defensively.

Magic win. Magic cover. The tank rolls on.

🔮 Total Lean: Under 230.5

This game won’t sniff 230.5.

Dallas’ offense is in shambles. They’re averaging 108.9 points per game without Flagg and have no consistent perimeter shooting with Max Christie slumping hard. Even if Flagg returns, he’s been out for eight games and will likely see restricted minutes as he shakes off the rust.

Orlando’s defense is elite, and their offense—while effective—isn’t built to run teams off the floor. Banchero and Bane will get theirs, but without Franz Wagner, the Magic lack the secondary scoring to push the pace into shootout territory. This feels like a grind-it-out game where Dallas scraps to stay competitive by getting to the free-throw line and Orlando methodically pulls away.

The math points under. Two teams with offensive limitations, one elite defense, and a game script that favors physicality over pace.

🎯 Player Props We Like

Wendell Carter Jr. Over 7.5 Rebounds (–125)

Carter is averaging 7.6 rebounds per game on the season and 9.0 per game in March. With Franz Wagner out, Orlando’s frontcourt workload falls even more heavily on Carter’s shoulders, and Dallas is missing Marvin Bagley — their best rebounder since the Anthony Davis trade. The Mavericks are thin in the paint, and Carter should dominate the glass on both ends. He’s pulled down double-digit rebounds in multiple games recently, and against a depleted Dallas frontcourt, 7.5 feels like a gift. Smash the over.

Cooper Flagg Over 3.5 Assists (–114)

Flagg is returning to the lineup after an eight-game absence, and Orlando knows it. He’s the ROY candidate, the franchise cornerstone, the main reason to watch this Mavericks team right now. The Magic will double-team him relentlessly, forcing him to pass out of pressure and create for teammates. Flagg averaged 4.1 assists per game before his injury, and with the Mavs’ offense desperately needing playmaking, he’ll be looking to facilitate early and often. Orlando’s defensive scheme will gift him assist opportunities. The line at 3.5 feels low for a player this talented coming back against a defense designed to take the ball out of his hands.

💡 Summary:

The Magic are better, healthier, and playing at home. The Mavericks are limping in with Cooper Flagg returning from injury and half their rotation on the injury report. We’ll ride Orlando -8.5, lean under, and hope Wendell Carter cleans the glass while Flagg racks up assists against a double-team-heavy defense.

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Islanders vs. Kings Gameday: 2nd try in SoCal

You call yourself Doughty…? | NHLI via Getty Images

The Islanders’ Olympic-spanning win streak ended in a Husso in Anaheim Wednesday night, but they have another chance to pick up points from Southern California tonight vs. the Kings.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News

  • About last night: Shots, but too few threats and D. [LHH | Newsday | Post]
  • Previewing tonight vs. the Kings. [Isles]
  • The Islanders have apparently had talks with Vancouver about Conor Garland for some reason, but they have apparently stalled, thankfully. [THN]

Elsewhere

  • As a reminder: Corey Perry is a King now (and still) and intends to remain. [Sportsnet]
  • The Oilers are buying more Hawks. [Sportsnet]
  • Tyler Myers is emotional about leaving the Canucks for Dallas. [Sportsnet]
  • Buffalo agreed to send a 1st and a recent first for Colton Parayko, pending the Blues defenseman’s approval… [STLToday] …but he says no! [TSN]
  • Toronto sends Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche. [Sportsnet]
  • Washington sends Nic Dowd to Vegas. [NHL]
  • Newsflash: Mark Stone is on IR again, but this time Vegas can’t use that to stack their playoff roster. [TSN]
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Senators vs Flames Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Ottawa Senators roll into Cowtown to take on the reeling Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome tonight. 

My top Senators vs. Flames predictions and NHL picks expect Ottawa to cruise to a convincing win on Thursday, March 5.

Senators vs Flames prediction

Senators vs Flames best bet: Senators -1.5 (+155)

The Calgary Flames are 3-6-3 since trading defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Ottawa Senators are 7-3-2 during the same stretch.

Ottawa also ranks third in expected goals percentage at five-on-five with an overall plus-12 goal differential during the run, and Calgary checks in 17th in xGF% with a minus-14 mark.

The Flames appear to be mailing it in and could rest trade assets ahead of Friday’s deadline, so expect Ottawa to take advantage. 

Senators vs Flames same-game parlay

Sens winger Drake Batherson has marked the scoresheet in six of his past eight games and is up to an impressive 3.14 points per 60 minutes for the campaign. He also continues to skate with the top line and No. 1 power-play unit.

Ottawa defenseman Thomas Chabot rounds out the same-game parlay, and he’s recorded two or more shots in 19 of his past 27 contests. 

Senators vs Flames SGP

  • Senators -1.5
  • Drake Batherson Over 0.5 points
  • Thomas Chabot Over 1.5 shots

Senators vs Flames odds

  • Moneyline: Senators -170 | Flames +145
  • Puck Line: Senators -1.5 (+145) | Flames +1.5 (-170)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-130) | Under 5.5 (+110)

Senators vs Flames trend

Ottawa has covered the puck line in 12 of its last 20 road games (+7.10 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Flames.

How to watch Senators vs Flames

LocationScotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
DateThursday, March 5, 2026
Puck drop9:00 p.m. ET
TVTSN5, Sportsnet West

Senators vs Flames latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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The Celtics made the Jayson Tatum announcement we’ve all been waiting for

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 24, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Jayson Tatum could make his long-anticipated return when the Celtics face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, the team announced on Thursday via the official injury report. For the first time since he ruptured his Achilles tendon, Tatum is listed as questionable to appear in Friday’s game.

Tatum, who was first injured in May in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the New York Knicks, has been working toward his recovery all season, accompanying the team for nearly every practice, shootaround, and film session.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tatum has been participating in 5-on-5 workouts over the past few weeks. The Celtics also announced that he participated in a practice with the Maine Celtics earlier this month.

Without Tatum, the Celtics have held up better than most expected; they have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 41-21, and the fifth-best record in the NBA. They have won 7 of their last 10 games.

But his all-around prowess as one of the NBA’s best players should elevate Boston to another level.

Jayson Tatum’s return comes 10 months after the injury was first suffered

Last month at Celtics practice, Tatum said he still had no set return date. He said he won’t play until he’s 100%, and didn’t disclose what percent he was at.

“I feel like I’m beating a dead horse,” Tatum said. “I’m taking it one day at a time. This is something that’s very serious. The injury that I had is just a long journey. For me, it’s just easier to take it one day at a time and see how I progress from there.”

With Tatum cleared to return on Friday, he’ll make his return less than 10 months after the initial injury.

While the average return-to-play timeline is around 10 months, it’s varied significantly. Kevin Durant did not play in a game for 18 months. Miami Heat guard Dru Smith, who ruptured his Achilles tendon last season, was cleared for training camp just 9 months after the injury. On the flip side, Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles tendon a month before Tatum did, was almost immediately ruled out for this season. New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray missed 13 months with the injury before returning to the court last month.

By all accounts, Tatum has worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to get to this point. Xavier Tillman, who was traded from the Celtics to the Charlotte Hornets last month, praised Tatum’s work ethic this season.

“[His work] was pretty constant,” Tillman said. “He was here six days a week, getting it in, and always doing something to better his body. And it was actually pretty impressive to see somebody so dedicated. When I had those moments during games to just chop it up with him, he just talked about how much he just misses playing. Like, he misses being able to get a rebound, push it, talk crap to the other team, and just everything that comes with playing.”

On Wednesday night, Derrick White similarly said Tatum has looked good of late.

“Playing, moving, it’s been good to see him back and getting up and down,” White said. “So, you kind of see all the work he’s put in to get to this point, and it’s been great to see him be able to do what he loves to do.”

Now, for the first time in over a year, he could get to do what he really loves to do: suit up in an actual NBA game.

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‘Toughest’ Italy Test can be defining moment for England, says Jamie George

  • ‘Lack of hard work’ has undermined Borthwick’s squad

  • England off to Rome after successive Six Nations defeats

Jamie George is braced for England’s “toughest ever” Test against Italy but believes Saturday’s Six Nations clash can be the defining moment for a much-maligned squad.

George also admitted England’s Six Nations collapse, which has ruled them out of contention for the title for another year, has been down to a lack of “hard work” and “fight”, insisting the players owe it to supporters and Steve Borthwick to make amends in Rome.

Continue reading...
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The Suns handle their business when they should be

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 19: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at PHX Arena on March 19, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bulls 127-121. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns have had some great wins this season amid their surprising season. They beat the Oklahoma City Thunder after being down 18, stormed back against the Timberwolves despite being down eight with 50 seconds left, and manhandled the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers back-to-back nights, but the main reason the Suns are sitting 10 games ahead of .500 is because of how often they handle business against lesser opponents.

No matter who is in the lineup, whether they’re playing a tanking squad or a struggling one, they take care of business.

After win against the Kings, the trend has continued. Now 20-5 against teams under .500, the Suns are 10 games above .500 for the first time since February 10th, after beating another inferior team they handled their business against, the Dallas Mavericks. The last time Phoenix lost to a team not currently in the play-in standings or better came all the way back before Halloween, on October 29th, vs the Grizzlies, when Ja Morant hit a game-winning floater with eight seconds left.

Even when the Suns have had their stars out, they’ve taken advantage of lesser opponents, beating the Portland Trailblazers last month without Devin Booker, and now recently taking care of Sacramento this week without Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin playing.

While the play-in and potentially the playoffs won’t be filled with teams trying to tank for better picks, and lineups littered with players younger than me (I’m 22), the wins have not only continued to give the Suns a cushion between them and the eighth seed (the Golden State Warriors have trailed them for more than half the season), but also keep them alive to finish as a top-six seed. The team sits just 1.5 games out of sixth.

Two teams ahead of the Suns in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers and Timberwolves, two teams the Suns won the season series against, have struggled against lesser opponents. Both teams have dropped many games they had no business doing so, which could be the difference between the two teams being in or out of the play-in, and Phoenix jumping them in the final standings. The Lakers recently lost to the shorthanded Orlando Magic and Suns, while before they started their four-game winning streak, Minnesota got embarrassed by the 76ers without Joel Embiid playing.

In order to build a culture in the NBA, consistency is needed. As good as the Oklahoma City Thunder are at facing the NBA’s best, they’re even better at handling their business against lesser teams, which is why they won 68 games last year, 57 the year before, and have the best winning percentage in the NBA this year. They’re 25-3 against teams under .500, and were 37-4 against the same type of opponents last year. Last season, they led the league in wins in the category, and are doing so again this year.

The Suns, as currently constructed, aren’t set up to be the Oklahoma City Thunder and compete for championships year after year. Phoenix isn’t even one of the front-runners to be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year, but just like the Thunder, they are building an identity, one that represents a team that takes care of the business against teams that they’re supposed to.

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Wisconsin Herd Weekly Recap: The end is near

SOUTHAVEN, MS - FEBRUARY 27: Mark Sears #19 of the Wisconsin Herd looks to pass the ball during the game against the Memphis Hustle on February 27, 2026 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Wisconsin Herd went 1-2 over last week’s slate of games as the Bucks filled their final two-way slot. With just ten games remaining in the season, the Herd is 5.5 games out of a playoff spot.

Wisconsin Herd 104, Windy City Bulls 112

Cormac Ryan: 43 minutes, 36 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 12/19 FG, 6/10 3FG, -3

Alex Antetokounmpo: 15 minutes, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 0/3 FG, -10

Pete Nance: DNP

The Herd continued their losing streak with an away loss to the Windy City Bulls. Led by new two-way player Cormac Ryan, the Herd established an early lead over the Bulls. However, the Herd went cold after the game’s first fiery moments and couldn’t fire back against the Bulls’ frequent scoring runs. Despite solid inside defense, their inability to stop Mac McClung (42 points) was the primary cause of their Tuesday loss.

Ryan’s 36-point outburst may have gotten him signed to the Bucks on Thursday. The North Carolina alum has steadily proved his worth for the Herd: averaging 21.8 points per game on .489/.434/.859 shooting splits. Yet, Ryan’s strengths extend outside of his shooting. He’s a solid rebounder, an imposing defender, and versatile on both sides of the ball. Although his fit with the Bucks remains to be seen, Ryan’s role with the Herd is well-known: to shoot the leather off the ball.

Wisconsin Herd 97, Memphis Hustle 117

Cormac Ryan: DNP

Alex Antetokounmpo: 21 minutes, 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5-7 FG, -11

Mark Sears: 35 minutes, 25 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 12-22 FG, 1-7 3FG, -21

With Ryan out, likely finalizing the terms of his two-way contract in Milwaukee, the Herd pushed their losing streak to nine games. The Herd continued their struggles of finding momentum. The Hustle started the game with a 24-7 run, and after the Herd fought back to close the lead to four, extended their lead to over 20 points in the second half. The Herd, who shot just above 22% from deep and were comprehensively outrebounded, ended their Thursday night game with a 20-point loss.

Without Ryan, we learned more about two-way player Alex Antetokounmpo and former All-American guard Mark Sears. Antetokounmpo found his shooting rhythm in a season where he has lacked it. His confidence surged on Thursday as he shot 2/4 from distance. His surprisingly solid shooting could inspire hope in Bucks execs worried about his poor long-range shooting and commitment to the three. In a limited time, Antetokounmpo has shot just over 24% from three on 2.6 three-point attempts per game.

Wisconsin Herd 134, Memphis Hustle 126

Cormac Ryan: 38 minutes, 28 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 8-16 FG, 3-9 3FG, 4 turnovers, +13

Alex Antetokounmpo: 23 minutes, 7 points, 2 rebounds, 3-6 FG, 1/4 3FG, -14

Mark Sears: 39 minutes, 30 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists, 10/15 FG, 2/2 3FG, 6 turnovers, +14

The Herd claimed their first win since January in the second game of a back-to-back against the Hustle. With Ryan back, the Herd shot well from downtown (14/30) while exerting their control over the glass through the efforts of Lacey James (8 rebounds), Kira Lewis Jr. (7 rebounds), and more. In a season where the Herd has struggled to string together scoring runs and summon momentum when they need it, they got it in the final minutes of Friday night’s game. The Herd used incisive drives to the basket and physical defense to string together several key baskets and pull away from the Hustle in the final moments.

Three Notes

Cormac Ryan signs two-way deal

Cormac Ryan signed a two-way deal with the Bucks, meaning he’ll be eligible for the Bucks’ second half of the season. It’s been obvious that Ryan would get the call-up; not only has he established himself as the team’s star, but he also helps address the team’s struggles on defense. Ryan likely won’t see a lot of minutes behind wings like AJ Green, Ousmane Dieng, Gary Trent Jr., etc., but his length and versatility could make him an appealing shot of energy off the bench.

Sears keeps scoring

Mark Sears has been the Herd’s most unlikely star in 2026. Since being waived by the Bucks in January and signing a full-time contract with the Herd, Sears has averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. The 6’0” guard has proven himself to be a polished guard with a natural scoring instinct and solid playmaking, and his 30-point outburst in the Herd’s Friday night win shows he can be a real game-changer. However, Sears still faces a long climb back to an NBA roster. He can be a streaky shooter, and his relatively small size makes him a liability on defense. Although the Bucks don’t have a present need for Sears’ role as an attack-minded floor general, he could be a G League player to watch as multiple teams close in.

Herd reveal Aztec-inspired jerseys

2014 LeBron, anyone? The Herd is auctioning off game-worn Hispanic Heritage Jerseys to help support the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Chicana/o & Latinx Studies Program. The “El Herd” jerseys are pretty sick; they feature Aztec-inspired designs, intended to “reflect and honor the indigenous roots of Hispanic heritage.” The Herd will wear the jerseys ahead of their back-to-back games against the Mexico City Capitanes on Friday and Saturday.

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Cubs vs. Diamondbacks at Mesa preview, Thursday 3/5, 2:05 CT

Wednesday notes…

  • FORMER CUBS IN D-BACKS CAMP: Michael Soroka, Ildemaro Vargas.
  • CUBS MINOR LEAGUERS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY: #48, RHP Tyler Beede; #12, INF/OF Darlyn De Leon; #19, INF Matt Halbach; #20, OF Kane Kepley; #25, OF Jordan Nwogu, #73 RHP Tyler Ras; #41 RHP Tyler Santana; #35 RHP Frankie Scalzo, Jr. #41, INF Karson Simas and #33 LHP Evan Taylor.

Here are today’s particulars.

Cubs lineup:

D-backs lineup:

Colin Rea will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner, Luke Little and Corbin Martin.

Ryne Nelson will start for the D-backs. Other D-backs pitchers scheduled today: Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson, Drey Jameson, Spencer Giesting, Shawn Dubin and Junio Fernandez.

No TV or radio today.

MLB.com Gameday

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit. If you do go there to interact with D-backs fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.

These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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St. Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Game Discussion

Feb 14, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (3) arrives for a workout during spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

As many players have departed for the World Baseball Classic, the remaining St. Louis Cardinals will continue their Spring Training schedule by taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates in LECOM Park today. According to MLB.com, Dustin May will get the start for St. Louis while Mitch Keller takes the mound for Pittsburgh. The Cardinals Spring Training Schedule shows this game will be featured on Cardinals.TV.