Cavs fall at home to the Thunder 117-112

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 2: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 2, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

On a night when both teams were missing key rotational pieces, it was the Oklahoma City Thunder who found a way to win, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-112. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 40 points and hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 32 seconds to go to clinch the game. Donovan Mitchell and Maleek Thomas, who was starting for Peyton Watson, led the Cavs with 17 points apiece.

Cleveland was without Watson (hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (ankle), depleting an already thin wing room. Oklahoma City was without stars Jalen Williams (ankle) and Chet Holmgren (knee).

The Cavs had an exceptionally well-rounded effort with seven players in double-figures, but the Thunder had the better star down the stretch. All of Cleveland’s starters had at least 14 points, and Mario Hezonja and Tyrese Proctor had 12 and 10 points off the bench respectively. But while the box score looks good, the Cavs’ inability to finish defensive possessions ended up dooming them. In a tightly-contested game, the little things reared their ugly heads.

As has been the case to start the season, the Cavs’ inability to close out games in high-pressure situations continues to be a glaring issue. Cleveland briefly held the lead, but then gave up key buckets to Ajay Mitchell — who himself was thrust into a bigger role — and Gilgeous-Alexander. After Sam Merrill’s three-pointer tied things up with 91 seconds to go, the Cavs never scored again.

The Cavs trailed the Thunder by 11 at the break, but fought back hard in the third quarter and made it a game. But the difference ended up being determined by the the Thunder’s star point guard. James Harden’s last bucket came with 8:51 left in the third quarter, and his last points scored period were on free throws with eight minutes left in the game. The rookie Thomas attempted six more shots than Harden on a night the Cavs could have used boost.

Players like Gilgeous-Alexander are going to get their buckets, that’s why he is an MVP candidate and one of the best in the league. But the Cleveland fought back hard, had a solid team effort, and came up short at home because its stars were not able to get them over the hump in crunch time.

Sound familiar?

Panthers' Comeback Attempt Comes Up Short In 5-3 Loss To Visiting Red Wings

The Florida Panthers came up shot while in search of their first four-game winning streak of the season.

Playing in the second game of a three-game homestand, the Panthers never led while falling 5-3 to the visiting Detroit Red Wings on Monday night at Amerant Bank Arena.

After scoring the first goal in each of their past two games, the Panthers found themselves trailing early after surrendering an early tally to the Red Wings that came off the stick of Carter Mazur.

It took about ten minutes of game time, but Florida did eventually find the equalizer.

A quick backhand pass by Carter Verhaeghe found Sam Reinhart in the slot, and Reino’s quick wrister beat former Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov to knot the score at one with 5:41 left in the opening period.

Detroit went back in front shortly after the intermission, though.

Star forward Alex DeBrincat finished off an odd-man rush by sending a long wrist shot past a moving Jacob Markstrom, picking up his seventh goal of the season.

That’s how the score would remain until late in the middle frame, when a Red Wings power play led to Florida’s second tally of the evening.

With Lars Eller leading an odd-man rush despite the Panthers being down a man, Aaron Ekblad drove to the net and grabbed his own rebound, backhanding a shot from the side of the net that went off Tarasov and over the goal line.

Once the third period arrived, it didn’t take long for the Red Wings to give Florida a quick slap in the face.

Goals by Justin Faulk and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard 45 seconds apart had the Panthers facing a sudden two-goal deficit, with less than a period to attempt a comeback.

Sam Bennett gave Florida some late life, slamming home a great pass by Matthew Tkachuk to bring the Cats back within one with 3:20 to go.

Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Panthers would get.

Props to Tarasov, as the former Cats’ tendie came up with saves on seven of Florida’s eight high danger shots, per Natural Stat Trick.

To his credit, Markstrom stopped nine of the 10 high danger shots he faced, but he also allowed four goals on a night his expected goals against was 3.21.

Alas, on to the Blackhawks.

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Photo caption: Nov 2, 2026; Sunrise,Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (93) moves the puck againstFloridaPanthersdefenseman Seth Jones (3) during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Will Venable named AL Manager of the Year finalist

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 05: Manager Will Venable #1 of the Chicago White Sox walks to the mound for a pitching change during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game two of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 05, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Will Venable led the White Sox to a 24-game improvement from 2025. | (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Not only did he empower the youngest team in the American League to reach the playoffs, Will Venable made history with the way as he managed the Chicago White Sox this season, earning his nominee as a finalist for the AL Manager of the Year as announced today with the remaining BBWAA award finalists.

Just a few weeks ago, Sporting News honored Venable with the publication’s award for AL Manager of the Year, and to be named a finalist in the BBWAA awards is hardly a surprise. The South Siders were coming off of three consecutive 100-loss seasons, and Venable led a team full of rookies — and roughly two total starting pitchers — to the playoffs, just shy of the AL Central title. In the history of MLB, no team has ever bounced back from two straight 100-loss seasons (let alone three!) the way the White Sox did this year. And they even swept the Wild Card series and took the Guardians to a winner-take-all Game 5 in the ALDS before succumbing to their fatigue and inexperience.

It’s not a secret that the Chicago White Sox clubhouse was radiating good vibes and positivity throughout the 2026 season, and this team of South Siders likely wouldn’t have been the same without Will Venable at the helm. While there were a few times that his inexperience was exposed (see the Noah Schultz five-batter incident), or his undying loyalty to the pitching matchup when building a lineup, Venable built a foundation of trust in the clubhouse that spilled into their performance on the field. In 2025, the South Siders finished the season at 60-102, and he managed to improve their overall record by 24-games (84-78).

Fifteen White Sox players made their major league debuts this season — behind only the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays — and even with a rocky April, Venable empowered the Good Guys to recover and be competitive. The coaches he has brought in have also been solid so far, and the South Siders wound up with one of the best offenses in baseball: They ranked first in the American League (fifth in MLB) in runs scored (776) and RBIs (740), while mashing 211 home runs as a team, second in the AL and fifth in all of baseball.

The other two managers listed as finalists alongside Venable were Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays and Chad Tracy from the Boston Red Sox, who are also solid candidates given each team’s season. Tampa Bay was the best team in the AL all year, and Cash led the Rays to the American League pennant before falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. As for the Red Sox, they fired Alex Cora and decided to overhaul the coaching staff not even 30 games into the season, and though they ultimately fell to the New York Yankees in the Wild Card, Tracy led them on an insane 15-game win streak in July while finishing with a 77-58 record after he took over. Stay tuned for next Thursday, November 10, when the award winners will be announced.


Who do you have winning the AL Manager of the Year? Let us know in the comments!

Lightning star Nikita Kucherov says trade request stems from disrespect and lack of communication

Philadelphia Flyers v Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 5: Right wing Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Benchmark International Arena on October 5, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)

Getty Images

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning because he feels disrespected by a lack of communication with general manager Julien BriseBois.

“It was never about the money for me,” Kucherov told reporters after practice on Monday. “More about poor communication and respect. Over the last four months, we only have had two conversations and Julien, in the end, made it clear that I’m free to walk on July 1.”

Kucherov will become an unrestricted free agent on that date. He’s in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018 before he helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup twice, led the NHL in scoring three times and won the Hart Trophy in 2018-19 and 2025-26.

Asked what the organization has meant to him, Kucherov said: “Everything. Got drafted here, played for, now this is my 14th year. A couple championships, met a lot of great people. You know, everything. My kids grew up here, and I’m forever grateful for this organization.”

Kucherov’s 1,142 points in 892 regular-season games since debuting in 2013 are third most among all players over that time behind only Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon. His 177 points in the playoffs are the most during that span.

The 33-year-old Russian winger became the franchise’s career points leader last month, passing former captain Steven Stamkos. Kucherov has four goals and 14 assists for a team-leading 18 points through 13 games.

The Lightning are 7-3-2. They’ve been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs four consecutive years after falling two wins shy of a three-peat in 2022.

“We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita,” BriseBois said in a statement last week.

BriseBois told reporters in mid-September that the goal was to get Kucherov signed to a new deal that keeps him around for years to come as part of a perennial contender. BriseBois said he and agent Dan Milstein would keep the lines of communication open to that end.

“For now, I’m part of this team, and I’ll do anything I can to help my teammates win,” Kucherov said.

He added that he personally informed his teammates of his trade request.

“They heard it from me first. Those guys are my family and this will never change,” he said.

Yaxel Lendeborg shares steamy kiss with girlfriend Tacarra before Warriors game

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Golden State Warriors player smiling on the court with a headset around his neck, Image 2 shows A woman with curly brown hair wearing a leopard-print bikini relaxing on a beach lounge chair

The Golden State Warriors seem to have found something special with Yaxel Lendeborg.

The rookie has been extremely impressive in his brief Warriors tenure, averaging 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, and produced a career-high 37 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors speaks to the media after a game against the LA Clippers at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, Nov. 1, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

Lendeborg also appears to have found something special with his girlfriend, Tacarra.

These two met in the summer of 2025 and are still going strong. She has been a mainstay at Warriors games this season, and the two look to be collaborating with Dub5 apparel together, as they are constantly being posted together by the company.

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s girlfriend Tacarra poses for a photo at the beach. (Instagram/@tacarra.shyann).

The apparel brand posted another Instagram video of Yaxel and Tacarra over the weekend that showed they aren’t afraid to show public displays of affection.

The video showed Lendeborg holding his girlfriend beneath her thighs as she wrapped her legs around him and they look into each other’s eyes.

Then the couple leans in for a kiss moments later.

Yaxel Lendeborg kissing his girlfriend Tacarra. (Instagram/@dubfivee).

The caption (which doesn’t really fit the moment) is captioned, “bro came into the league and made it fun to watch ��”.

Lendeborg has a quick turnaround from his career-best performance, as the Warriors face the Phoenix Suns at home on Monday.

Mitchell Robinson injury update: Celtics center leaves game vs Rockets

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: Mitchell Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics shoots a free throw during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Mitchell Robinson exited in the first half of the Celtics game against the Houston Rockets with a left thumb sprain, but returned late in the second quarter after a stint in the locker room.

Robinson, who missed Sunday’s game to rest on the front end of a back-to-back, returned to the game off the bench for the first time this season. The team said he was probable to return shortly before he checked back in.

But Robinson scored on an alley-oop immediately after re-entering the game, off a feed from Jayson Tatum.

So far this season, Robinson is averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 minutes per game. He started the first 5 games of the season, and the Celtics went 4-1 in those games.

Aside from Robinson’s seemingly minor injury, the Celtics have had a healthy start to the season; Devin Carter missed the first 6 games due to illness, but no one else has missed time for anything other than rest. Robinson missed Sunday’s game, while Paul George sat on Monday on the second night of the back-to-back.

This story will be updated as more information is available.

LeBron James is having fun in Philly and one fan's wine can prove it

LeBron James is having fun in Philly and one fan's wine can prove it originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

LeBron James is one of kind in so many ways. What he did Monday night might be the cherry on top.

In the third quarter of the Sixers’ 126-107 victory over the Bulls, James decided he’d take fan interaction to a whole new level.

He helped himself to a fan’s red wine.

James looked for a transition pass from Tyrese Maxey, who snagged a rebound. James was behind the pass and his momentum took him into the stands, where he disappeared for a few moments.

It wasn’t until another angle was shown on replay that we could see what actually went down in the darkness of the seats. James didn’t hold back giving reporters a play-by-play.

“I spilled some of his wine,” he said postgame. “I crashed into him, spilled some of his wine. So I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm and how good it was. It was alright.”

Troy Clemons – the Sixers fan whose drink spilled – explained his perspective on the interaction with James to Kris Rhim of ESPN.

“[I was] walking to my seat … LeBron crashed into me, he grabbed me, he said ‘My bad,’ my drink spilled everywhere. He took my drink from me and he basically just took a sip of it, gave it back and ran back on the [court].”

Did he keep the cup?

“At the end of the day he’s another man like me,” Clemons said. “I mean he’s LeBron, but at the end of the day, I threw that cup in the trash. And it’s nothing up with him, I just got a fresh drink though.”

It should be noted that players are not supposed to drink from fans’ cups, but it’s rare for the NBA to fine someone for a spontaneous interaction such as this. In 2019, a similar thing happened when Mike Scott tumbled into the Bucks’ court-side seats. The Sixers star jokingly took a sip of a fan’s beverage and the NBA opted not to fine him. Time will tell if James has the same fate.

If nothing else, an interaction like this just shows how much fun James seems to be having.

The 24-year veteran noted the importance of finding joy in the game as he grinds through the season.

“It’s a long marathon. And if you don’t find ways to have fun throughout it, even though you’re working and even though you’re locked in, then it could wear on you. So for me, especially at this point in my career, being able to just appreciate the moments, the small moments, these fans are great to us. We try to be great to them as well. By playing the game the right way, playing the game hard and then also just being showmen as well, it was a great game for us.”

Head coach Nick Nurse also weighed in on the 41-year-old’s mindset coming into the season.

“This summer I think he probably stated publicly that he wanted to go some place and have some fun playing. He loves the game, [it’s his] 24th year. It’s a group of guys, like I keep saying, that have been super focused in the intent of playing the right way. I think he’s a big part of that.”

The vibes are high. It’s difficult for them not to be.

With Monday’s win against the Bulls, the Sixers are 7-1 and lead the Eastern Conference. They’ve won four in a row and the only team they’ve lost to is the Pistons. The Sixers will face them on Wednesday to start a three-game road trip.

Mets’ Carson Benge named Rookie of the Year finalist after missing out on Gold Glove

New York Mets' Carson Benge adjusts his sunglasses in the dugout.
New York Mets' Carson Benge stands in the dugout during an MLB baseball game against the New York Yankees on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in New York.

Carson Benge may have missed on receiving a Gold Glove Award, but Monday he became a finalist for an even more prestigious honor. 

The Mets outfielder was named a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year along with Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart and St. Louis’ JJ Wetherholt.

The winner will be announced next week. 

Benge, 23, excelled offensively and defensively for the Mets. He produced a .282/.346/.430 slash line with 20 homers and 65 RBIs and led NL right fielders with 10 assists. 

Arizona’s Corbin Carroll received the Gold Glove for NL right fielders. 

Benge could join Tom Seaver (1967), Jon Matlack (1972), Darryl Strawberry (1983), Dwight Gooden (1984), Jacob deGrom (2014) and Pete Alonso (2019) among Mets who have won Rookie of the Year. 

New York Mets’ Carson Benge stands in the dugout during an MLB baseball game against the New York Yankees on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in New York. Noah K. Murray for NY Post

The Mets added organizational pitching depth with moves ahead of the deadline for teams to set 40-man rosters. 

Jack Anderson and Pierson Ohl, both right-handers, were claimed off waivers from the Twins and Rockies, respectively. 

Anderson, 26, pitched to a 2.19 ERA in seven relief appearances with the Red Sox and Twins last season. 

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Ohl, 27, spent last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He pitched in the major leagues for the Twins in 2025, when he appeared in 14 games (11 in relief) and posted a 5.10 ERA. 

Both Anderson and Ohl have ties to new senior adviser Derek Falvey, who was hired in September following a stint leading the Twins front office. 

The Mets had other moves: 

  • Infielder Christian Cairo was signed to a major league contract and designated for assignment to create roster space. 
  • Infielder Kyren Paris, who was claimed off waivers last week, signed a major league contract and was also designated for assignment. 
  • Right-handed pitcher Cameron Weston was claimed off waivers by the Marlins. 
  • Left-handed pitcher Philip Abner was claimed off waivers by the Orioles. 
  • Outfielder Cristian Pache (who was designated for assignment last week) was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. 
  • Infielder Eric Wagaman elected free agency rather than accept an assignment to Syracuse. 
  • Reed Garrett, Tylor Megill and Jorge Polanco were all reinstated from the 60-day injured list. Garrett and Megill missed last season rehabbing from elbow surgery. Polanco underwent ankle surgery late in the season after appearing in only 37 games. 

Giants round out cut day by designated Reiver Sanmartin for assignment

View from the front of Reiver Sanmartin throwing a pitch.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Reiver Sanmartin #48 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Oracle Park on September 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Monday always figured to be a big transaction day for the San Francisco Giants, and Major League Baseball as a whole. With the World Series having been five days ago, Monday was the date when teams had to reinstate their players from the 60-Day Injured List … and, for many teams, cut other players to accommodate said players.

No team was more impacted than the Giants, who went into the offseason with roughly 109 players on the 60-Day IL (or 17, who’s counting). So, even though they made a handful of moves over the past week, they had a lot to get to today.

They made most of them in a big chunk, which Bryan covered earlier in the day. In one fell swoop, the Giants announced the departures of eight players: Shay Whitcomb, Brett Harris, Zach Morgan, Duncan Davitt, and José Buttó were claimed by other teams; Tristan Beck was released; and Joel Kuhnel and Seth Lonsway were outrighted to AAA Sacramento.

That left the Giants with 41 players on the 40-man roster, and one final move was needed. A few hours later, that move was announced: left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin was designated for assignment. Sanmartin, a 30-year old from Colombia, appeared in 24 games for San Francisco this past season, his first with the team. He was fairly nondescript in those games, posting a 4.22 ERA and a 4.41 FIP, with 16 strikeouts in 21.1 innings. Given how many names the Giants had to clear, and that Sanmartin was out of options, his departure seemed inevitable.

In addition to DFA’ing Sanmartin, the Giants announced that they declined the option for right-handed reliever Rowan Wick. The veteran, who turns 34 in a week, remains on the 40-man roster, and is now arbitration eligible. It’s an interesting move, since Wick — who was signed a year ago to a one-plus-one deal while he rehabbed a season-ending injury — was owed less money than he will get if the Giants tender him a contract through the arbitration process. My bet is that they are planning on non-tendering Wick and re-signing him to a Minor League deal, which would allow him to continue rehabbing with the medical team during the impending lockout. Had they waived Wick, he would have been eligible to be claimed by a rival team, whereas non-tendering him will allow him to go straight to free agency, and re-sign with them if they have a handshake agreement.

The Giants are now down to 40 players on the roster, and can lay low for a while, but more moves are certainly incoming. The date to make Rule 5 protections is November 17, so the Giants will need to clear a few spots by then, and also for any free agents they plan to sign.

Preview: Warriors take on Suns in Chase Center with Curry, Green back

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns & Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shake hands after the game on October 24, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The last time the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors met, the Suns got the Warriors’ backups. Steve Kerr rested Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford and Brandin Podziemski on the second night of a back-to-back, and Devin Booker went berserk. He dropped 43 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a 131-122 Phoenix win that dropped Golden State to 0-3, its worst start in almost two decades. He set a Suns record for points in a home opener, a historic performance against a limping Warriors squad.

Let’s see what he does tonight. But for those who haven’t been following Suns basketball, here’s a quick refresher for you this season.

Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
When: November 2nd, 2026 | 7:00 PM PT
Where: Chase Center
TV: NBC Sports Bay Area
Radio: 95.7 The Game

  • Opening night was a disaster. Portland jumped out to a 21-0 lead and won 124-83, with Phoenix trailing by as many as 52. Damian Lillard scored 25 in his Blazers return. That’s the seventh-largest margin in opening-night history,.
  • Then came the big game against GSW. After scoring 43, Booker said the bench had more chemistry than his own starting group.
  • Since then, two more losses. Phoenix lost 125-114 in Oklahoma City and 127-120 at home to Denver. Through four games, the Suns rank dead last in defensive rating at 126.3 points allowed per 100 possessions. Their offense sits right in the middle at 15th. SI’s Suns site summed up the start in one word: consistency.
  • How they play. Phoenix runs at the fourth-slowest pace in the league and ranks near the top in pull-up points. Translation: lots of Booker and Green creating their own shots late in the clock. When those shots fall, the Suns can beat anyone. When they don’t, you get Portland. That’s a tough formula against Golden State, which leads the league in threes made and passes per game. The Warriors will move the ball until Phoenix’s league-worst defense breaks somewhere, while Booker has to manufacture tough looks possession after possession.
  • Who’s missing. Mark Williams is out after surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Oso Ighodaro, who missed the first meeting, is available this time.

On the other side, the Warriors (4-3) haven’t lost since Phoenix. Curry and Green sat Sunday’s 124-112 win over the Clippers and are expected back tonight. Curry scored 99 points over the three wins before that, and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg dropped 37 on the Clippers. Golden State is still without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Kristaps Porziņģis and Gui Santos, but this group has proven it can win while shorthanded.

The Suns have real talent and a star who can win a game by himself. But let’s see if he can put the team on his back again against a Warriors lineup that will be more fortified than in these two teams’ last battle. Phoenix got its only win of the season against a Warriors team without Steph and Draymond. Tonight it has to earn one against both of them, plus a rookie who’s been playing like a headliner since the last time these teams met.

Game Thread: Suns vs. Warriors

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 24, 2026 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the second time in this young season, the Suns will face the Golden State Warriors.

See you in the comment section!

Baker, Bochy, Maddon and Piniella among 8 men on Hall of Fame contemporary era committee ballot

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Retired managers Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon and Lou Piniella are among eight men on the ballot for the Hall of Fame’s contemporary era committee for managers, executives and umpires that meets on Dec. 6 at the winter meetings in San Diego.

Former general managers Sandy Alderson and Brian Sabean also are on the ballot along with the late Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner and former player, broadcaster and National League President Bill White, the Hall announced Monday.

The identities of the 16 voters will be announced closer to the meeting, and 75% of the vote is needed for election. Anyone chosen will be inducted into the Hall next July 25 along with players voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose balloting will be announced on Jan. 19.

Piniella received 11 votes in 2023, when Jim Leyland was elected, and 11 in 2018, when Harold Baines and Lee Smith were voted by the today’s game era committee.

The Hall in 2022 restructured its veterans committees for the third time in 12 years, setting up panels to consider the contemporary baseball era from 1980 on and classic baseball era from before 1980. The contemporary baseball era holds separate ballots for players and another for managers, executives and umpires.

Baker, 77, was a two-time All-Star outfielder who hit .278 with 242 homers and 1,013 RBIs for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta, the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants from 1968-86, then managed the Giants (1993-2002), Chicago Cubs (2003-06), Cincinnati (2008-13), Washington (2016-17) and Houston (2020-23). He had a 2,183-1,862 regular-season record as manager over 26 seasons, winning the 2022 World Series title. He was voted Manager of the Year in 1993, ’97 and 2000.

Bochy, 71, caught for the Astros, New York Mets and San Diego from 1978-87, then managed the Padres (1995-2006), the Giants (2007-19) and Texas (2023-25). He had a 2,252-2,266 regular-season record as manager over 28 seasons, winning World Series titles in 2010, ‘12, ’14 and ’23. He was voted NL Manager of the Year in 1996.

Maddon, 72, managed the Angels (1996, ‘99, 2020-22), Tampa Bay (2006-14) and Cubs (2015-19), leading the Cubs in 2016 to their first World Series title since 1908. He had a 1,382-1,216 regular-season record as manager over 19 seasons and won Manager of the Year awards in 2008, ’11 and ’15.

Piniella, 83, was 1969 AL Rookie of the Year and a one-time All-Star outfielder while hitting .291 with 102 homers and 766 RBIs for Baltimore, Cleveland, Kansas City and the Yankees from 1964-84. He managed the Yankees (1986-88), Cincinnati (1990-92), Seattle (1993-2002), Tampa Bay (2003-05) and the Cubs (2007-10), compiling an 1,835-1,713 regular-season record over 23 seasons. He won a World Series title with the Reds in 1990 and was voted Manager of the Year in 1995, 2001 and ’08.

Alderson, who turns 79 on Nov. 22, was Oakland’s general manager from 1983-97, helping the A’s win the 1989 World Series title. He was Major League Baseball’s executive vice president for baseball operations from 1998 to 2005, CEO of the San Diego Padres from 2005-09 and worked for the Mets as general manager from 2010-18 and as team president from 2020-23.

Sabean, 70, was head coach at the University of Tampa in 1983 and ’84, then joined the Yankees as a scout. He moved up to director of scouting in 1986 and vice president of player development/scouting in 1990, then joined the Giants in 1993 as assistant to the general manager and vice president of scouting/player personnel. He was promoted to senior vice president of player personnel in 1995 and was general manager from 1996-14, winning three World Series titles. Sabean was the Giants’ executive vice president of baseball operations from 2015-18.

Turner, who died on May 6 at age 87, bought the Braves in 1976 and led the team until 1996, when Turner Broadcasting System merged with Time Warner. He was a broadcasting innovator, turning WTBS into a superstation with national distribution. His Braves won the 1995 World Series title.

White, 92, was an All-Star in five seasons as a first baseman and occasional outfielder, hitting .286 with 202 homers and 870 RBIs for the New York and San Francisco Giants, St. Louis and Philadelphia from 1956-69. He won a World Series title with the 1964 Cardinals, was a Yankees broadcaster from 1971-88 and NL president from 1989-94.

Each committee meets every three years. Classic baseball meets in December 2027 and contemporary baseball/players in December 2028.

Managers and umpires were eligible if they had 10 or more big league seasons and have been retired for five years, though people 65 and older are eligible six months after retirement. Executives must be retired for five years, but active executives 70 or older are eligible.

A candidate who does not receive at least five of the 16 votes is not eligible for the next ballot of that committee three years later. A candidate who does not receive at least five of the 16 votes on multiple ballots would no longer be eligible for that committee.

The ballot was picked by a historical overview committee that included Adrian Burgos of the University of Illinois, Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network, historian Steve Hirdt, La Velle Neal of the Minnesota Star Tribune, former The Athletic writer David O’Brien, José de Jesus Ortiz of Our Esquina Media, BBWAA secretary-treasurer Jack O’Connell, former Fort Worth Star-Telegram writer Jim Reeves, former San Francisco Chronicle writer Glenn Schwarz, San Francisco Chronicle writer Susan Slusser and former Southern California News Group writer Mark Whicker.

Buster Posey, Jon Lester and Ryan Zimmerman are among players eligible for the BBWAA vote for the first time. Holdovers include Chase Utley, Andy Pettitte and Félix Hernández.

Warriors vs. Suns injury report: Brandon Williams and Gui Santos out

Brandon Williams shooting a layup against Phoenix defenders.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandon Williams (12) drives between Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges (22) and forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Golden State Warriors are back in action tonight, as they host the Phoenix Suns. The Suns got the better of the matchup a week ago, but the Dubs were resting nearly all of their key players. That’s not the case in this game, though the Warriors are still missing some key players. Here’s the full injury report for both teams.

Warriors

Out — Brandon Williams (left quadriceps contusion)

A day after arguably his best game in a Warriors jersey, Williams will have to sit. The spark plug was electric in Sunday’s win over the LA Clippers, dropping in 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, with three assists. But it came at a cost. Hopefully the back-to-back off days after this contest will allow Williams to be back on the court on Thursday.

Out — Gui Santos (left knee tendinitis)

Santos has been on the injury report for a few games now, and it seems like the Warriors are having him take a step back and focus on getting healthy. He was a game-time decision on Sunday, and played, but was compromised and didn’t finish the game. We’ll see if he’s available on Thursday, or if he needs a longer stint to fully get back to health.

Out — Al Horford (bilateral low back injury management)

Nothing surprising here. Horford doesn’t play in back-to-backs to preserve his health, and was on the court Sunday. So we knew he’d be out tonight.

Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL repair surgery)
Out — Moses Moody (left patellar tendon repair surgery)
Out — Kristaps Porziņģis(not with team)

No new news to report with any of these three.

Suns

Out — Mark Williams (left shoulder surgery)

Williams was awesome in his first season with the Suns a year ago, but he had shoulder surgery in September and is a long ways away from returning. Phoenix is missing interior scoring and rebounding without Williams in the fold.

Enjoy the game, Dub Nation! It tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT from the Chase Center, and you can watch it on NBC Sports Bay Area.

Rangers primary CF Evan Carter has hip surgery and likely won’t be ready to start of next season

Texas Rangers primary center fielder Evan Carter had right hip surgery and is not expected to be ready for the scheduled start of next season.

Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, said Monday that Carter had surgery last week. Dr. William Robertson addressed a labral issue and hip impingement during the arthroscopic procedure.

Young said the hip likely affected Carter throughout the season, Carter played 141 games and made all 112 of his defensive starts in center field. He hit .194 with nine homers, 40 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

There is a likely recovery period of about six months, but Young said the Rangers expect Carter to play a majority of next season.

With a lockout looming when baseball’s five-year labor contract expires on Dec. 1, there will be uncertainty about spring training and the scheduled start of the 2027 season on March 24.

Young said the team thought during Carter’s exit physical that his discomfort was muscular and nothing major. The 24-year-old outfielder had further diagnostic testing after the soreness continued into the offseason, then saw two specialists who recommended the surgery.

“I do believe in light of what we’ve learned in this diagnosis for Evan, that it probably impacted him to some degree over the course of the season. It is impressive, his ability to play through this,” Young said. “I think it’s safe to say, given the extent of the surgery, that there was something in there.”

A championship-winning debut for Carter

Carter made an impressive MLB debut in 2023 as part of the Rangers team’s only World Series championship. After his call-up in September as an injury fill-in, he made his big league debut 10 days after his 21st birthday Carter hit .306 with five homers and 12 RBIs in 23 games and reached base in all 17 of the Rangers’ postseason games, hitting .300 with nine doubles and 10 walks.

He played in only 108 out of a possible 324 games the following two seasons due to injures. Carter missed most of 2024 with a lower back injury and had three injured list stints in 2025, for a right quadriceps strain, back spasms and a season-ending fractured right wrist.

A speedy outfielder who plays stellar defense, Carter has hit .215 with 24 homers and 92 RBIs in 272 big league games.

“He still is a young player with a bright career ahead of him. Our doctors anticipate that he will make a full recovery,” Young said. “But it’s going to be an offseason of rehabbing versus an offseason of training for next season.”

Ezequiel Duran, who Sunday was selected a Gold Glove winner for a utility player, started 14 games in center last season, and primary left fielder Wyatt Langford made 13 starts in center. Young wasn’t ready to say how the Rangers would cover center without Carter, and said that could be impacted by any potential offseason moves.

Some coaching changes for the Rangers

Alex Cintron will not return as full-time assistant hitting coach on the big league staff, but will remain to work in the hitting department for the entire Rangers organization. Young said that was a choice made by Cintron, and that the search is underway to find his replacement on the staff.

Assistant pitching coach Dave Bush also will not return, but Young said there are no plans to fill that vacancy.

The rest of manager Skip Schumaker’s staff is returning next season.

Japanese players Teruaki Sato, Kaima Taira and Hiromi Itoh enter MLB posting system

NEW YORK (AP) — Infielder Teruaki Sato of the Central League’s Hanshin Tigers and right-handers Kaima Taira of the Saitama Seibu Lions and Hiromi Itoh of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the Pacific League are entering Major League Baseball’s posting system and will be available to teams to sign as a free agent from Monday until Dec. 16.

Infielder Si-Hwan Roh of South Korea’s Hanwha Eagles is entering the posting system and can sign as a free agent from until Dec. 1.

Sato, a left-handed-hitting 27-year-old third baseman and occasional outfielder, hit .306 with 39 homers and 106 RBIs this year, winning the Central League’s Triple Crown. He was the Central League’s MVP in 2025, when he batted .277 with 40 homers and 102 RBIs. Sato was 3 for 10 with two RBIs for Japan in this year’s World Baseball Classic.

Taira, who turns 27 on Nov. 15, moved back into the starting rotation this season and was 12-5, leading the Japanese major leagues with a 1.36 ERA. He had 31 saves in 2025.

Itoh, 29, helped Japan win a a gold medal at the 2021 Olympics, pitching five scoreless innings over three games, and also pitched for the Samurai at this year’s World Baseball Classic. He was 10-10 with a 3.18 ERA and 159 strikeouts in 172 2/3 innings this year. He won the 2025 Sawamura Award, Japan’s version of the Cy Young Award.

Roh, a 25-year-old right-handed hitter, batted .283 with 25 homers and 96 RBIs this season.

While the posting period for players from Japanese clubs is 45 days, it is 30 days for players from South Korean teams. The deadline to sign is at 5 p.m. EST on the final day of the posting period.

MLB is likely to lock out the Major League Baseball Players Association when their collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1. During the lockout that began on Dec. 2, 2021, posted players were frozen during the work stoppage and signing windows continued after an agreement between MLB and the union was reached on March 10.

Under MLB’s posting agreements with Nippon Professional Baseball and the Korea Baseball Organizations, the posting fee would be 20% of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options. The percentage drops to 17.5% of the next $25 million and 15% of any amount over $50 million. There would be a supplemental fee of 15% of any earned bonuses, salary escalators and exercised options.