ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates the third out against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning in game two of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field on October 13, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another brilliant start by Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen carried the Rays to victory in a decisive Game 5 in Cleveland that put the Rays in the driver’s seat as the series comes home to Tampa. The Guardians now face back-to-back elimination games, and while they should have ace Gavin Williams going on short rest on Tuesday, if they get there, the Guardians will be trying to piece together another bullpen game out of depth starters and their heavily taxed relief corps just to survive on Monday.
Tasked with taking them down will be right-hander Freddy Peralta, and it would be pretty fitting if it was Peralta carrying the Rays into a World Series matchup against the club he’s spent most of his career with, the Milwaukee Brewers. Peralta signed a free agent deal with the Mets last offseason, only to be moved to Tampa at the deadline after a rough first half. As they do, the Rays helped him clean up his mechanics and get back to form, producing a pretty strong finish to the season in September. Even so, Peralta is not fully back to being the strikeout artist he’s been his whole career. The Rays are unlikely to get seven innings of zero or one-run ball out of him against a very scrappy and desperate Guardians lineup.
RHP Shawn Armstrong (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (1-0, 0.79 ERA) at Tropicana Field, 8:08 p.m. ET on TBS.
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Teruaki Sato #7 of Team Japan celebrates after hitting a double in the first inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NPB’s Hanshin Tigers accepted Teruaki Sato’s posting request, ever-so-slightly increasing the likelihood of giving the third baseman a new home in the Bronx.
The Japanese Triple Crown winner is now officially available to pursue MLB contracts, and the Yankees are one of many teams interested in his talents. Sato finished the regular season batting .306 with a .383 OBP and .991 OPS. The slugger also recorded 39 home runs, just short of his career-high 40 last season, and totaled 106 RBIs. It’s hard not to dream about the lefty hitter’s swing in Yankee Stadium.
Envisioning the Yankees’ lineup for next season, Sato could make a great fit in the middle of the order. Keeping the power hitters at the top, including Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger (in no particular order), it’s easy to visualize Sato batting cleanup or at fifth. His tenacity could be just what the Yankees need to build off the heavy hitters’ momentum and be unstoppable at the plate. Too often last year, New York had to settle for the slumping Jazz Chisholm Jr. or rookies Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. in the five-hole. Even if he’s not chosen to be the primary cleanup hitter, Sato would slot in nicely there as well, easing the pressure on the youngsters and lengthening the lineup.
In addition to adding some power to the Yankees’ offense, Sato could solve the Yankees’ constant frustrations at the hot corner. Ryan McMahon, José Caballero, and Anthony Volpe are the current options. None really emerged as a reliable everyday starter, as Volpe shifted from shortstop to second base (before sampling third very late in the game) and the trio of McMahon, Caballero, and Amed Rosario alternated — often committing costly errors that put the Yankees in tough spots. McMahon’s offense was lackluster at best, finishing the regular season among the top 20 worst hitters in the league, batting .213 with a .279 OBP and 78 wRC+. A career lefty-killer, Rosario too often came up empty against southpaws, and likely won’t be back after becoming a free agent. Caballero occasionally managed to give the Yankees a boost offensively, but his defense gave Boone enough pause to bench him for the majority of the postseason.
It’s worth noting that while Sato won the NPB equivalent of Gold Glove at third in 2025, MLB.com’s Max Ralph noted that “there are some concerns about his long-term fit on the infield.” If Sato can even be acceptable there, that would be enough. His bat alone already makes him a much more enticing possibility than McMahon, Caballero, or Volpe.
The Yankees should try every avenue to bring Sato to New York, as he’d be a great addition to the middle of the order. They will surely need someone like Sato as another offensive weapon to supplement their core, in addition to the kind of defensive skills to keep any opposing teams at bay.
A final look at the Knicks’ magical playoff run by the numbers:
16-3
The Knicks’ playoff record, by far the greatest in their history, surpassing the 12-7 mark in 1969-70 and the 12-5 record in 1972-73
13
Consecutive Knicks playoff wins, just two shy of the NBA record. The streak consisted of three wins against the Hawks, four versus the 76ers, four over the Cavs and two more wins against the Spurs.
45
Points Jalen Brunson scored in the NBA Finals Game 5 championship clincher. It was 47.8 percent of the Knicks’ total.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after hitting a three-point shot over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
33
Where Brunson was selected in the 2018 NBA Draft (third pick of the second round)
3.4, 7.7, 10.3
OG Anunoby’s scoring jump (16.7 ppg to 20.1 ppg), field goal percentage jump (48.4 to 56.1) and 3-point percentage jump (38.6 to 48.9) from the regular season to the playoffs
2
Karl-Anthony Towns’ triple-doubles in the Hawks series (Game 4 and Game 6), the first Knick to ever have two triple-doubles in the same playoff series
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) puts up a shot during the second quarter of Game 1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, April 18, 2026. Jason Szenes / New York Post
53
The Knicks lead over the Hawks after three quarters of Game 6 (117-64) — the biggest after three quarters in playoff history. At one point the lead was 61.
67.6
Landry Shamet’s 3-point percentage (23 of 34) across eight games, from Game 3 of the 76ers series, through the entire Cavs series and Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
25
Three-pointers the Knicks hit in the clinching Game 4 against the 76ers, tying an NBA playoff record. Miles McBride (7), Brunson (6), Josh Hart (4) and Shamet (4) led the way.
68.2
Mikal Bridges’ outrageous field goal percentage across 10 straight playoff games. He shot 73-for-107 during that span.
26
Josh Hart’s playoff career-high point total in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavs. Hart sank five 3-pointers.
29
The deficit the Knicks faced during their miracle Game 4 Finals comeback against the Spurs, the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
Knicks forward Og Anunoby is greeted as he walks off the court at the end of the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
1.2
Seconds remaining when Anunoby’s Flying Tip-In in Game 4 of the Finals stamped him as the owner of arguably the most important shot in Knicks history and one of the most significant plays in New York sports history
5
NBA Finals games — out of five — in which the Knicks trailed by double digits against the Spurs. They won four of them.
20.6 million
The average number of viewers for the five-game Finals series, the highest total in 28 years since Michael Jordan’s 1998 Bulls.
53
The gap in years between championships for the Knicks now that they’ve ended the five-decade-plus gap since the 1972-73 winners.
On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets announced that forward Walker Duehr is fully healthy and has been placed on waivers for the purpose of joining the Manitoba Moose in the AHL.
Duehr is not expected to be claimed as he spent the majority of last season with the Moose, apart from three games with the Jets. With Manitoba last season, the 27-year-old posted an identical 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 62 games.
He has spent most of his career at the AHL level, though he has shown himself to be a fringe NHL player. He has 21 points in 95 career NHL games with the Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets. In the AHL, Duehr has 112 points in 205 career games, and last season was his first with the Moose.
His assignment comes as Manitoba has gotten off to a 3-1-0 start, and Duehr's return should give the team added forward depth. He had been sidelined with an injury at the start of the season, and his recovery clears him to rejoin the lineup.
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The Mets are scheduled to speak with Kevin Long about a position on the coaching staff, according to a report Monday evening by the New York Post's Mike Puma.
Long, 59, was most recently spent 2022-26 as the Philadelphia Phillies' hitting coach.
His MLB hitting coach stints include the Yankees (2007-14), Mets (2015-17) and Washington Nationals (2018-21).
Among those tenures, he helped the Yankees (2009) and Nationals (2019) win the World Series.
With the Nationals, Long mentored a young Juan Soto, now the Mets' prized slugger, during the first leg of Soto's career in Washington (2018-22).
Long's time as the Mets' hitting coach was under former manager Terry Collins, who led the team from 2011-17.
New manager Andy Green's coaching staff was among David Stearns' talking points during the president of baseball operations' Sept. 28 news conference.
"Andy and I are going to have conversations on that this week, and we'll get to a decision point here over the next week or so," Stearns said last month when asked about building out Green's 2027 coaching staff.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 18: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians catches a fly ball off of a hit by Victor Mesa Jr. #25 (not pictured) of the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning in game five of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There is a little bit of baseball news:
Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato is entering the ‘posting system’ this off-season. The story I read says that the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Blue Jays are the likely landing spots. I don’t know how likely it is that the Jays will be after him, as he’s played mostly third base in his NPB career. He hit .306/.383/.609 with 39 home runs for Hanshin Tigers last year. The year before he had 40 home runs. Ok, sign him Rogers.
And the Yankees say that Aaron Boone will return as manager next year. I didn’t think there was much doubt.
Rays are up 3-2 in the series. I don’t care who wins the series, but I’m cheering for Cleveland tonight, because I want a game seven.
Tonight’s lineup:
Today’s Lineups
GUARDIANS
RAYS
Steven Kwan – LF
Yandy Diaz – DH
Jose Ramirez – 3B
Jonathan Aranda – 1B
Chase DeLauter – RF
Liam Hicks – C
Jo Adell – DH
Junior Caminero – 3B
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Chandler Simpson – LF
Travis Bazzana – 2B
Victor Mesa – RF
Patrick Bailey – C
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Petey Halpin – CF
Richie Palacios – 2B
Brayan Rocchio – SS
Taylor Walls – SS
Tanner Bibee – RHP
Freddy Peralta – RHP
I’m going to post this early because I’ve got a couple of things to get done and odds are I’ll forget to post it.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 18: Taylor Walls #6 and Richie Palacios #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate their 3-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians in game five of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With three games decided by two runs or fewer, the ALCS series has been very competitive this season.
The outliers are Game 1, when the Cleveland Guardians won 7-3, and Game 4 when the Tampa Bay Rays won 7-3. The Rays are averaging 3.6 runs per game in this playoff round, while the Guardians are just behind at 3 runs per game.
So it’s no wonder the series is going on much longer than the Milwaukee Brewers four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rays will have the advantage of home field tonight for Game 6, and they feel so confident that Yandy Díaz said, “it all ends tomorrow. We’re going to win tomorrow,” after the Tampa Bay beat the Guardians 3-1 in Cleveland on Sunday evening.
For Game 6, the Guardians are turning to RHP Shawn Armstrong, who has yet to give up a run in 7.2 innings over six appearances with six strikeouts this postseason, including a one-inning start against Tampa Bay in Game 4. Freddy Peralta will be on the mound for the Rays. Peralta was very effective against the Rays in Game 2 when he threw six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and two walks, while striking out six in a 3-1 victory.
Cleveland Guardians (2-3) at Tampa Bay Rays (3-2) — 6:08 PM MDT
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 1: Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cleveland Guardians talks with bench coach DeMarlo Hale #30 during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on October 1, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The American League Championship Series returns to the gulf coast of Florida on Monday night as the Tampa Bay Rays look to complete the series flip over the Cleveland Guardians.
Tampa took both games over the weekend up in northern Ohio after entering the weekend slate trailing two games to one within the series. Now, they’ll take the field at home in the Trop with Freddy Peralta on the mound and once again pitching like an ace with the opportunity to make it to the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on the docket.
Righty ‘reliever’ Shawn Armstrong will start for Cleveland in what will very clearly be an all-hands-on-deck bullpen game as they look to stave off elimination. First pitch is slated to be chucked by Peralta at 8:08 PM ET down in Tampa, with coverage of the game carried on TBS/truTV.
Here is how both clubs will line up to start:
Do-or-die for the Guardians while the Rays have their sights set on the AL pennant pic.twitter.com/HVjcn7nAfr
Oct 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson (15), outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. (25) and shortstop Taylor Walls (6) celebrate a win against the Cleveland Guardians in game five of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Tampa Bay Rays enter Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians one win away from capturing their third AL pennant.
After the teams split the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Tampa Bay, the Rays won two of three in Cleveland. A third consecutive victory would send the Rays to the World Series, where they would face the National League champion Milwaukee Brewers. The Guardians, however, are looking to stave off elimination and force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Tuesday.
Rays at Guardians (5:08 PM PST)
Looking to clinch the pennant in front of their home fans, Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta will make his third appearance and second start of the ALCS.
Peralta is the latest pitcher to benefit from Tampa Bay’s well-regarded coaching staff. The team’s signature trade deadline acquisition was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for September after allowing three runs in 34 innings over his final six regular-season starts.
The right-hander’s late-season success has carried over into the playoffs. Peralta earned the win in Game 2 of the series after allowing four hits over six scoreless innings. Three days later, he came out of the bullpen in Game 4 and recorded two key outs, stranding an inherited runner. Will Peralta post another quality start, or will the Guardians’ offense wake up with their season on the line?
Meanwhile, Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams will not start on short rest. Cleveland will instead deploy a bullpen game, saving Williams for a potential Game 7.
Right-hander Shawn Armstrong will serve as the opener for the second time in three games. After Armstrong exits, Cleveland’s manager Stephen Vogt will likely rely on favorable matchups throughout the game, turning to his bullpen early and often to record the 27 outs needed to keep the Guardians’ season alive.
And Cleveland’s starting lineup for this anticipated contest:
The New York Rangers have signed veteran forward Luke Glendening to a Professional Tryout agreement.
Glendening reported to his first Rangers practice on Monday, but isn't allowed to play in any games until the 10 days of his PTO are up.
The Rangers will be without Joe Veleno for at least three months as he recovers from a lower-body injury and have been searching for a fourth-line center in the wake of his absence.
Glendening could be a possible replacement to fill Veleno’s position until he returns.
“Luke obviously has a significant body of work in the league,” Sullivan said. “The type of player that he is, he’s been a real reliable, conscientious player. Kills penalties. Really good in the face-off circle. He built a career on that element of his game and prides himself on that.
“Obviously, we've got a little bit of challenge with respect to depth at the center position, and I think Chris (Drury) and his guys thought that we'd bring him in and see if potentially he could help us.”
The 38-year-old forward has played for the Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers throughout his 13-season NHL career, recording 85 goals, 90 assists, and 175 points.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during the preseason NBA game at Fiserv Forum on October 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minutes before the 4:00 p.m. deadline to finalize their regular-season roster, the Milwaukee Bucks announced they waived Kevin Porter Jr. This brings the final roster to 15 after the weekend saw the Bucks waive several other players, including Pete Nance. The 26-year-old’s waiving comes after a snake-bitten year; in the 2025-2026 campaign, KPJ suited up for only 36 games, but he started all 36, averaging 17.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 7.4 APG.
An unfortunate outcome, this is another turn in the road for KPJ. In 2019, the Bucks traded their first-round pick (30th) and Tony Snell to the Detroit Pistons for Jon Leuer, and the following night Detroit flipped that pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for four future second-round picks. Despite a solid rookie season, Porter was traded the following season after returning from a leave of absence and getting into a locker-room fight upon his return. Houston sent a protected second-round pick for him, and the new franchise seemed like a better fit, as Porter showed major growth over the next few seasons.
Then, in 2022, Porter signed a four-year extension worth up to $82.5m, but only guaranteed for one year, $15.9m, due to ongoing concerns about volatility. Before the start of the 2023 season, Porter was arrested in New York and charged with felony assault following a domestic abuse altercation. The Rockets then traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who absorbed his contract and waived him immediately. Porter then spent a year playing in Greece, pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault. After his overseas stint, Porter signed a two-year veteran minimum deal with the LA Clippers, where he played the season before the Bucks traded him.
After opting into his player option this year, Porter will earn $5.39m before he becomes a free agent, despite being waived. While unfortunate, the guard-room logjam was well documented, and with the additions of Tyler Herro, Brayden Burries, and Kasparas Jakucionis—plus Ryan Rollins’s emergence last year as a Most Improved Player candidate—Porter likely would have seen fewer minutes this season. Despite the summer debate over who should start, Bucks fans would agree that wherever he lands, he will likely provide a strong offensive punch for his new team.
The NBA is back on NBC and Peacock after a triumphant debut that blended new-age drama with the nostalgia that helped define basketball's golden era. This season looks to build on the stars and storylines of the last with over 100 regular-season games across three marquee nights of the week: Sunday Night Basketball (beginning Jan. 24, 2027), Peacock NBA Monday (beginning Oct. 26) and Coast 2 Coast Tuesday (beginning Oct. 27).
From the return of "On the Bench" broadcasts and Coast 2 Coast Tuesday to a pair of quadrupleheaders, our schedule is set to capture rivalries re-written in real time, intergenerational battles, and perennial All-Stars squaring up in the chase for a championship.
See below for NBC Sports' full regular-season schedule rundown, including top matchups and live stream information.
2026-27 NBA on NBC and Peacock Full Schedule
Week 1
Oct. 20: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (3 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Oct. 20: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Oct. 20: Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 2
Oct. 26: Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets (10 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
Oct. 27: Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Oct. 27: Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 3
Nov. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
Week 4
Nov. 9: Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
Nov. 10: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Nov. 10: Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 5
Nov. 16: Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
Nov. 17: Detroit Pistons at San Antonio Spurs (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Nov. 17: Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 6
Nov. 23: Brooklyn Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
Nov. 24: Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Nov. 24: Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets (10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 7
Nov. 30: Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets (7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
Dec. 1: New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Dec. 1: Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
Feb. 28: Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves (7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Feb. 28: Miami Heat at Houston Rockets (9:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
Week 20
March 1: Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 1: Washington Wizards at Phoenix Suns (9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 2: Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 2: Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 7: New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
March 7: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 21
March 8: Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 8: Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder (9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 9: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 9: Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 14: Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 14: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
Week 22
March 15: Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 15: Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks (9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 16: Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 16: Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 21: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
March 21: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
Week 23
March 22: Indiana Pacers at Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 22: Detroit Pistons at Minnesota Timberwolves (9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 23: Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 23: Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 28: Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 28: Philadelphia 76ers at Denver Nuggets (10 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
Week 24
March 29: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 29: Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
March 30: New York Knicks at Orlando Magic (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
March 30: Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
April 4: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
April 4: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo)
Week 25
April 5: Miami Heat at Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN)
April 6: New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks (8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
April 6: Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors (11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock)
What are the top NBA on NBC games to watch this season?
The NBA on NBC season features a handful of tentpole events across its regular-season schedule. The season opens in historic fashion with the first-ever American Express NBA Tip-Off tripleheader on Oct. 20.
This holiday season features an elite lineup of seven games across four nights Dec. 21-29, headlined by a rematch of the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers on Dec. 21.
For the second consecutive season, NBC Sports will host a quadrupleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 18, 2027), including explorations of Dr. King's impact and connection to the NBA. Presidents' Day (Feb. 15, 2027) also will feature a quadrupleheader this season, with the likes of Minnesota, Dallas, Miami and Golden State all in action.
How to sign up for Peacock
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
Lakers fans thought they had a steal. For the first 19 games of Dalton Knecht's NBA career, in the 2024-25 season, the rookie out of Tennessee thrived on the LeBron James/Anthony Davis Lakers, averaging 12.2 points per game, shooting 43.9% from 3-point range, and he already had started seven games.
Things looked very different that season after Luka Doncic's arrival changed the Lakers' dynamic. Knecht's defensive struggles were an issue, and after the All-Star break he averaged 8.4 points a game as his minutes dropped. Last season, in 54 games, he averaged 4.2 points a night and he shot 34.2% from beyond the arc.
Facing a roster crunch to get down to 15 players before the start of the season, the Lakers waived Knecht on Monday. He is now a free agent.
Knecht deserves a chance elsewhere in the league, somewhere he can regain the swagger he had early. Redick talked this preseason about how Knecht has improved each season with the Lakers, but with the offense built around Doncic and his strengths, the team's wing needs have changed.
Two other players of note waived on Monday at the roster cutdown deadline:
• Milwaukee waived guard Kevin Porter Jr., who averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game last season, playing 38 games. • Memphis waived Walter Clayton Jr., the Florida star who was the No. 18 pick in the 2025 draft. In 69 games split between Utah and Memphis as a rookie, he averaged 7.8 points and four assists per game, while shooting 30.7% from 3.
The Atlanta Braves season may be over, but there is still a lot of baseball yet to be played. The Cleveland Guardians are on the brink of elimination in their hope of winning their first World Series since 1948 and they will be facing the Tampa Bay Rays in search of their first ever World Series win.
Regardless of who moves on, we will see at the very minimum a World Series winner that has not won in seventy-eight years since the Brewers also have never won a World Series and have not appeared in one since they were in the American League back in 1982. Is it a bad time to be a salary cap fan? That can be debated in the comments.
For the game this evening, the Rays will be bringing the resurgent Freddie Peralta who sports a 0.79 ERA in the postseason thus far in 11.1 innings with three appearances to include two starts. Shawn Armstrong appears to be set to be an opener for the Guardians. He has already made six appearances this postseason and has a sterling 0.00 ERA and 0.26 WHIP.
Follow along in the comments. First pitch is at 7:00 EDT.
Kurt Helin
