PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Lazaro Montes #99 of the Seattle Mariners rounds third en route to scoring during the fifth inning of the spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Friday! We’ve got a whopping seven games of Mariners Spring Training under our collective belts and it’s high time to foolishly prognosticate! Here are some prompts:
What is your favorite Spring Training story line that is emerging so far?
What player’s performance has surprised you so far? Who hasn’t thrilled you yet?
What player is your pick to unexpectedly make the Opening Day lineup out of camp, both position player and pitcher?
Who will lead the team in Spring Training dingers?
Who willl lead the team in Spring Training hits?
Are you going to any Spring Training games or have you been there already?
Sound off in the comments, make some BOLD and outlandish predictions, and let’s get ready for another 3 weeks of practice baseball.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: Pitcher Tanner Gordon throws a strike during game two of the 2026 Colorado Rockies spring training at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 21, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies’ offense continues to sizzle as they defeated the San Francisco Giants yesterday 11-3. The team is staying aggressive at the plate and on the bases, and pitching from the regulars hasn’t been too shabby either. Having defeated one National League West opponent, the boys in purple turn their sights on another as they take on the San Diego Padres.
Tanner Gordon makes his second start in spring training, having tossed a scoreless inning with three strikeouts his last time out. The Rockies are taking it slow with some of their pitchers, but Gordon should be primed to throw two innings depending on how things go. He has proven quite capable of throwing strikes, something the new coaching staff values, and is continuing his work on developing pitches. Look for him to mix in the new two-seam fastball he is working on. He’ll have the chance try it out against a Padres lineup full of regulars.
The Padres will send out Randy Vásquez for his second start in spring training as well. Vásquez tossed two scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last time out, allowing just one hit while striking out one and walking one. Baseball Savant recorded Vásquez throwing seven different types of pitches last season, which could be beneficial for the Rockies to see up close and personal in spring training as they try to model that kind of pitcher. Vásquez made 28 appearances last year, including 26 starts, posting a 3.84 ERA over 133 2/3 innings. Walks have been a bit of an issue in his young career at the big league level.
Peoria, AZ - February 22: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies, February 27, 2026, 12:10 p.m. PST
Watch: None
Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Scottsdale, AZ
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The NBA’s top offense takes on the league’s best defense when Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets (37-22) take on the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (45-15) at Paycom Center tonight.
The Thunder lineup gets a major boost with the return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is set to play after missing nine games with an abdominal injury. Losers of five of the nine games without the defending MVP, Oklahoma City also expects to have Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso back in the rotation after recent absences. Meanwhile, Denver continues to patch together a lineup minus Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) and a limited Jamal Murray (illness). Nikola Jokic will be counted on heavily to carry this team. The perennial MVP candidate is averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.4 assists this season.
The Nuggets knocked off the Celtics 103-84 Wednesday night in Denver. Jokic had yet another triple-double and Tim Hardaway Jr. came off the bench to score 14 for the winners. The Thunder lost in Motown to the Pistons, 124-116, Wednesday. Jaylin Williams scored 30 including five, three-pointers, and Cason Wallace added 23 in the win.
Lets take a closer look at the matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Nuggets at Thunder
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 9:30PM EST
Site: Paycom Center
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Network/Streaming: ESPN
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Game Odds: Nuggets at Thunder
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Denver Nuggets (+250), Oklahoma City Thunder (-310)
Spread: Thunder -7.5
Total: 233.5 points
This game opened Thunder -8.5 with the Total set at 230.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Nuggets at Thunder
Denver Nuggets
PG Jamal Murray
SG Julian Strawther
SF Christian Braun
PF Cam Johnson
C Nikola Jokic
Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG Cason Wallace
SF Luguentz Dort
PF Chet Holmgren
C Isaiah Hartenstein
Injury Report: Nuggets at Thunder
Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray (illness) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Julian Strawther (toe) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Spencer Jones (shoulder) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Jalen Pickett (knee) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Peyton Watson (hamstring) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Tamar Bates (foot) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Oklahoma City Thunder
Alex Caruso (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Isaiah Hartenstein (illness) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Chet Holmgren (back) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Isaiah Joe (lower body) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Branden Carlson (back) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Thomas Sorber (knee) has been ruled OUT of tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Nuggets at Thunder
The Thunder are 24-6 at home this season
The Nuggets are 21-11 on the road this season
The Thunder are 31-28-1 ATS this season / 15-15 at home
The Nuggets are 33-26 ATS this season / 20-12 on the road
The OVER has cashed in 37 of the Nuggets’ 59 games this season (37-22)
The OVER has cashed in 33 of the Thunder’s 60 games this season (33-27)
The Thunder have won and covered in their last 2 games against the Nuggets
OKC is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall
Tim Hardaway Jr. has scored at least 12 points in 6 of his last 8 games
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Nuggets and Thunder game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Thunder -7.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 233.5
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TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 10: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates on first base during the game between the Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada. (Photo by Michael Chisholm/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The team has made no significant new investment into an offense that was 21st in MLB last season.
While there has been an obvious and understandable focus on pitching this offseason for the Houston Astros after being devastated by pitching injuries in 2025, it shouldn’t be ignored that this was not a good offensive team last season.
Injuries certainly played a part in that as well, as did underperformance from the expected norm from several players. So far, there seems to be a sense of expectation from the team and players that they will be healthier this season (because they can’t possibly be less healthy than last season, right?) and therefore more productive.
Jose Altuve expressed as much with Robert Flores and Cliff Floyd on MLB Network:
"We'll have Carlos [Correa] from day one, we'll have Yordan Alvarez healthy. We'll be good this year."
Is that enough to make this offense a legitimate threat again, or are there too many players who are slowing down or unproven to count on?
Last season Altuve pulled the ball more than ever. He also went up the middle less than ever. He played through a foot injury in September that hampered him as well. About 2 weeks ago, Chandler Rome of The Athletic spoke with Altuve, who said he found a flaw in his stance and intends to change it for this season and therefore he expects his production to return to previous levels.
Which Altuve performs this season is a big question for the Astros. Will he return to the high average, high on-base, high OPS player he was as recently as 2023, or is Father Time finally slowing down the Astros future Hall of Fame 2B and will he look more like the player who posted full season career lows in both average on on-base in 2025?
Jeremy Pena had a career year in 2025. Are those numbers going to be the new normal? Pena explained the changes he made that led to his breakout success:
Jeremy Peña put up career-high numbers in AVG, OBP, SLG and OPS in 2025!
The @astros shortstop discussed the team's motivation after missing the Postseason, adjustments that led to his offensive breakout and more.
Pena significantly outperformed his career metrics in AVG, OBP, SLG and OPS last season. Maintaining that improvement means he’s a perennial all-star. Regressing to the norm means he won’t be leading off very long and he will be back at the bottom of the order. It’s a big swing.
A healthy Yordan Alvarez is of course one of the biggest additions to the lineup. Alvarez played only 48 games last season, and 29 of those were essentially with a broken hand.
In the 19 games (18 starts) Yordan made when he returned from the hand fracture, he slashed .369/.462/.569. Those are numbers that make pitchers terrified.
A healthy Yordan is the one true elite bat in the lineup, a .300 hitter with a .400 OBP and a .950+ OPS. 30+ HR power and the ability to hit righties and lefties equally well, he’s a hitter with almost no weakness (other than injury).
Which Carlos Correa do the Astros get this season? Correa was clearly rejuvenated by returning to Houston last season, and he is both happy and excited to be back with Houston.
"I never thought it would be possible to come back. When we made it happen, we were very happy."
Correa played 144 games last season. He has played at least 135 games in 4 of the last 5 seasons. Correa has also had wild fluctuations in his performance.
In this snippet of Correa’s performance from baseballreference.com, Correa has put together some very strong seasons and a couple of clunkers as well. The production clearly ramped up last season once he returned to Houston, but expecting more than 18-20 HR from Correa may be expecting too much. If Correa can maintain the high average and on-base, and deliver doubles and clutch hits, that could be exactly what this offense – which has struggled in clutch situations the past couple of seasons – may need. It also fits in line with the Astros new focus on patience at the plate, drawing walks, and making opposing pitchers work.
Isaac Paredes is another interesting case. He was in the midst of arguably his best season before tearing his hamstring. He heroically tried to play through it at the end of the season to help the Astros in their playoff push, but it was plainly clear he was significantly compromised and his performance showed that.
Can Paredes match the career-high level of production he showed pre-injury last season? It’s a tall ask, because it’s a tall ask to expect any player to maintain a career-high level of performance. He’s also 27 years old, and it’s quite possible his best baseball is still to come.
How will Paredes fare early in the season returning from a very significant hamstring injury for which he did not have surgery? How will he handle playing multiple positions, including one that he hasn’t played in a long time? Paredes swing is practically designed for the Crawford Boxes, yet his home/road splits are not nearly what you’d expect:
Paredes was far more productive than I think people realize on the road last season. That bodes well for his ability to maintain his level of production. I am far more concerned with how well equipped he is to play physically following a significant injury and if the mental toll of constantly moving around the diamond (something new to him) has an adverse impact on his production.
Christian Walker came to Houston with people having high expectations. While he’s never been a high average or high on-base hitter, he has always been a strong power hitter and he was the winner of three straight Gold Gloves coming to the Astros. Then things went very sideways early on.
An oblique injury March 5 sidelined him for the rest of Spring Training, though he returned for Opening Day. Walker got off to a terrible start, but had a much better second half. However a further examination of that tells a somewhat different story.
As you can see from Walker’s splits on baseballreference.com, Walker performed much better in the second half than the first, giving hope for a 2026 resurgence.
However, when you break it down by month, Walker really only hit for any kind of average and on-base in July. While his power surged in August/September, his average and on-base were still below career norms in those months.
Walker turns 35 in a month. Is a rebound coming? It very well could be, but maybe it’s not as big a rebound as his gross second half numbers suggest and more closely related to his last two months of the season?
Will Yainer Diaz ever fulfill his offensive promise? Yainer has not shown any progression at the plate in terms of plate discipline. He still swings at everything, and while he doesn’t strike out a ton, the soft contact he makes rolling over pitches he should be laying off leads to a lot of easy groundball outs and a lot of double plays.
Yainer led the league in GIDP in 2024 with 22, and has bounced into 47 double plays in 3 seasons.
The power he displayed his rookie season hasn’t translated, mainly because he gives away too many AB swinging at pitches he should be laying off. His walk rate is atrocious, walking only 20 times in 567 PA last season. Diaz has 56 career walks in 1572 PA. That’s about 3.5% of his PA, just hideous.
The fact Yainer’s plate discipline has remained non-existent is very troubling for his production. It’s not just the batting average that’s dropped. His OPS has plummeted. With the Astros newfound focus on selectivity at the plate, Diaz is the one player who could most benefit from a change in approach. Simply being more selective in what he swings at could have a profound impact on his production, allowing him to square up more balls and generate more extra base hits.
Yainer could be a player with a nice uptick this season if he can embrace and execute the team’s new offensive philosophy and be more patient and selective. Or he can continue to be what he has become, which is a mediocre hitter whose power is the only saving grace in his offensive game – provided of course he hits the ball in the air.
Jake Meyers is also coming off a career year, at least for average and on-base. Meyers completely sacrificed any and all power for more contact, and with his speed it’s not necessarily a bad approach. He is also the most volatile player in the lineup as far as expected production.
With more thanks to our friends at baseballreference.com, Meyers produced at a rate he never approached in regards to average and on-base. His walk rate increased, he stole more bases (especially in regards to number of PA and number of SB), his hit rate exploded. Despite the total lack of any HR power, his SLG was still right in line with where it had been the previous two seasons, further underlying that for him, focusing more on contact was 100% the right move.
There are a couple of things that still should concern you about Meyers. This is the biggest one:
Those home/road splits are fantastically wild. Jake couldn’t hit at home to save his life last season, yet he was an absolute road warrior. His performance on the road last season is flabbergasting, considering his previous levels of production overall and his home production. Everything is better when he gets out of Houston. AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS, walk rate, SB rate, K rate – it’s like he becomes a totally different player.
The second concern is sustainability. How much of last year was a super hot streak and how much was a real change?
Meyers didn’t start the season well, but hit about .330 for 9 weeks from May through the first week of July when he suffered a calf injury that cost him 2 months of the season. Upon returning, he was absolutely awful, but it cannot be ruled out he was still not 100% during those final 15 games.
If Meyers can take his new approach of forget the HRs, make contact, draw walks, steal bases and continue it even close to his May-July production, he is a weapon at the bottom of the order. A player with that offensive profile in the 9 spot gives the team the ‘double leadoff’ look when the lineup turns over, and gives Pena/Yordan/Altuve more opportunities to drive in runs.
Teams that have good offenses get production at the bottom of the order. There is no set in stone dynamic for how that production comes. It doesn’t have to be HRs. Keeping the lineup churning works too, and sometimes it works better.
There is entirely too much unknown with Cam Smith or Zach Cole, but if either player (hopefully both) can be league average, it’s a huge boost for the bottom of the lineup. Cole is likely more advanced on the power profile right now, but both could be 20 HR, 20 SB players with regular playing time and league average production. Those are very strong profiles at the bottom of the order for two guys likely to bat between 7-9 in the lineup.
So what does this team’s production look like over the course of the season? How many players match or exceed expectation, how many fall below?
To me, it’s more than just health. It’s the progression of several players (Diaz, Meyers, Smith, Cole) as much as the health of others (Alvarez, Altuve, Pena, Correa, Paredes) even though it’s the bigger names that have the health and it’s the younger, supporting names that need to make the most progression. They can’t have the big guys at the top surrounded by easy outs at the bottom.
Do you think being healthy is the single biggest key for the offense to get back into the top-10 in runs scored?
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the first inning against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park on September 23, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Athletics nabbed their first win of the 2026 season yesterday in a 7-3 win over the Rangers. They scored more runs in the first few frames alone than they had in the previous four games combined, so maybe the bats are finally starting to wake up. Who’s ready for the second win now?
The A’s have left-hander Jeffrey Springs set to make his spring debut this afternoon, looking to get the 33-year-old ramped up for his second season in the Green & Gold. Springs bounced back from a horrid April to be one of the Athletics’ more consistent starters for the majority of the season and the club will be hoping he can skip that part and just get right into his groove from the get-go. That starts today.
The starting lineup this afternoon for our Athletics looks like this:
Shortstop Jacob Wilson is batting leadoff this afternoon, a spot he’ll hopefully see plenty of this coming season. There’s plenty of speculation that manager Mark Kotsay will make Nick Kurtz the leadoff man in 2026 but Wilson seems like much more of your prototypical leadoff guy.
We’ll also continue to see the third base battle play out this afternoon as Max Muncy and Darell Hernaiz are both in the lineup this afternoon, with Muncy at the hot corner and Hernaiz at second base. If position alignment is an indication of where the A’s are leaning then Muncy is looking like the option at third base to open the season. On the other hand, the team needs a backup at shortstop so Hernaiz might be playing himself into a job one way or another thanks to his versatility.
The Royals will be going with a left-hander in Bailey Falter to begin today’s game, though of course we can only expect to see him for so long before KC begins dipping into their other options.
Time for the second win of this spring. Let’s go A’s!
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
Only 13 teams play twice this weekend, including the Celtics, Nets, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pistons, Lakers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Pelicans, Knicks, Thunder and Trail Blazers. Prioritize those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played. The Suns are the lone team that doesn’t have a game on the schedule this weekend.
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
Absolute must-start: Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been able to stay afloat without Giannis Antetokounmpo available, and Rollins has been a big reason for that. In 25 games without Giannis this season, Rollins has averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 triples per game. He has enjoyed a breakout season overall, but he has been even better since the All-Star break and will look to carry that into this weekend.
On the schedule for the Bucks are matchups with the Knicks on Friday and the Bulls on Sunday. New York is a tough matchup, but Chicago should be a favorable one for Rollins.
Guards:
Javon Small, Memphis Grizzlies
Ty Jerome (thigh) is expected to remain out on Friday, which means Small should be in line for another start. Cam Spencer, Walter Clayton Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr. will also be part of the rotation in the backcourt, but Small has been red-hot recently and started the Grizzlies’ last game. He has averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.8 triples per game since the All-Star break and now gets matchups with the Mavericks and Pacers this weekend. Both teams have struggled defensively recently, so Small should stay hot.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
The return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal) may put a damper on Wallace’s recent run, but he’s been too good to not start him this weekend. Over his last three games, he has averaged 23.3 points, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.7 triples per game. They take on Denver and Dallas this weekend, with the Mavs putting together one of the worst defenses in the league 6over their last 10 games. Ride the hot hand with Wallace until he cools off. He should still get ample opportunities with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell still sidelined.
Dennis Schroder, Cleveland Cavaliers
With Donovan Mitchell (groin) and James Harden (thumb) sidelined on Wednesday, Schroder started and scored 26 points. Mitchell has already been ruled out for Friday’s game, and while Harden is still questionable, he is dealing with a fractured thumb, so there is a good chance they give him at least one more game to rest. They take on the Pistons on Friday and the Nets on Sunday, with Brooklyn being a far more favorable matchup. Schroder (ankle) is currently questionable as well, so if he is sidelined as well, Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. should be strong options.
Forwards:
GG Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies
Jackson has been the focal point of the Grizzlies’ offense since moving into the starting unit in early February, and that will continue this weekend. Since becoming a full-time starter on Feb. 4, Jackson has averaged 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 2.2 triples per game. As mentioned previously with Javon Small, Jackson will get to take on two struggling defenses this weekend.
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans
Coming off scoring a season-high 42 points against the Jazz on Thursday, Bey should absolutely be starting in lineups everywhere for Saturday’s rematch. While he likely won’t repeat that type of scoring performance, he proved what he can do against this team. A Sunday matchup with the Clippers won’t be an easy one, but he’ll get a second opportunity, which is a nice bonus. Still, he’d be worth starting even if it was just one game against Utah.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors
Though the Warriors only have one game against the Lakers this weekend, Santos has been too good to pass up. Los Angeles hasn’t been great defensively recently, and Santos has been on fire over the past month, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.9 triples per game. As long as Stephen Curry (knee) remains out, Santos should be streamed confidently.
Centers:
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
The big man didn’t take the production hit that many were expecting when Boston traded for Nikola Vucevic, and he should stay hot this weekend. Matchups with two mid-tier rebounding teams in the Nets and 76ers should allow Queta to dominate the glass. Plus, Brooklyn has struggled mightily on defense as of late, with Philadelphia ranking in the middle of the pack.
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks
Dallas takes on the Grizzlies and Thunder this weekend. OKC has been a subpar rebounding team all year, but Memphis has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league in February. Marvin Bagley (neck) is out for Friday’s game, which should mean extra minutes for Gafford to dominate the paint.
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz
With Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic all sidelined, it’s finally time for Filipowski to shine. He should be considered a must-roster player for the rest of the season, and he has an excellent opportunity this weekend with Saturday’s rematch against the Pelicans. He has averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.3 triples per game over his last four games as a starter and should remain productive against New Orleans, who has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league in Februrary.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 26: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 26, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Youth took center stage Thursday night when the Jazz met the Pelicans at the Delta Center, with four of the five Jazz starters aged 22 or younger. With multiple key players out of the lineup due to injury or season ending surgery, the game also provided second unit and bench players with extended minutes as they try to make their case for a roster spot next season. The Jazz fell to the Pelicans 129-118, due mainly to a disastrous second quarter and a stellar performance from Saddiq Bey, who finished with 42 points. It will be interesting to see what adjustments the coaching staff and players make when the two teams meet again tomorrow night.
Ace Bailey – A-
Ace bounced back from a difficult game against the Rockets with a career best 14 points in the first quarter. He made his mid-range jumper look easy as he curled off screens to get to his spot. He ended up with 23 points in 29 minutes and added 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and a block. His challenge is consistent scoring throughout the game. His production tailed off significantly in the second quarter as the Pelicans’ defense tightened.
Cody Williams – C-
Cody had the highlight of the night with a ferocious hammer dunk in the first quarter. But it was a tough night for the second year man, scoring only 6 points in 30 minutes and being outmuscled by Zion Williamson and Bey in the paint. He struggled from the free throw line (2-5) and at times tried to fight his way to the basket, instead of drawing the defense in and then kicking out to an open teammate.
Isaiah Collier – B-
One thing other teams are learning is that Isaiah is fast, really fast. And when he gets in the lane, he is like a bowling ball, bullying his way to the basket. He dished out 7 assists, including a cross court bullet to Brice Sensabaugh for 3. But his speed at times last night led to some questionable decisions and turnovers, and there were instances when he settled for a tough isolation possession instead of keeping the ball moving.
Kyle Filipowski – B-
Asked to play center again, Kyle is getting good at adapting his play to different positions. He is showing less hesitation driving to the basket and showed a variety of shot making skills, including a Dirk Nowitzki-like one-footed jumper. His screens opened up the floor for his teammates, with Ace Bailey being one of the main beneficiaries. Turnovers continue to be an area for improvement. He tied a team high with 4.
John Konchar – B+
The senior member of the starting five was ice cold from 3, missing all three of his attempts, but found other ways to impact the game, especially on the defensive end. He had a team high 5 steals, had 2 blocks, including one on Zion Williamson, and created extra possessions with 4 offensive rebounds.
Brice Sensabaugh – B-
Brice didn’t see action until the second quarter and it took a while for him to warm up. The Jazz really could have used his shot-making ability in that quarter, when they were outscored 41-23. He ended up with 20 points and was 3-8 from three, most of his output coming when the game was already out of reach. He did have some bright spots in other areas of his game: as a facilitator, unselfishly passing up a good short to find Svi Mykhailiuk for a better shot in the third quarter; and on defense, taking a charge to stop a Pelicans possession.
Elijah Harkless – A
With Keyonte George out, Elijah shared the point guard duties with Isaiah Collier and looked very comfortable bringing the ball up the court. He also showed his relentless defensive intensity, netting 4 steals and a block. Even when he made a mistake, he didn’t give up on the play, stealing the ball, then losing it, then stealing it right back in the second quarter. It’s unclear if Elijah has a future with the Jazz, but wherever he ends up his fire and competitiveness will be definite assets.
Oscar Tshiebwe – A
Oscar made the most of his 10 minutes on the court, scoring 8 points on 4-4 shooting and grabbing 2 offensive rebounds. It would be great to see him get some extended minutes in this final stretch of the season to see if he can reproduce some of his impressive output in the G League at the next level. He certainly looked the part tonight.
Blake Hinson – C-
A rough night for the sharpshooter, which is a shame as Blake was the first player off the bench and had the chance to make an impact early in the game. He managed only 2 points, going 0-4 from three.
Kevin Love – A-
What a luxury for Will Hardy, having a player-coach with NBA championship experience. Kevin had extended minutes tonight and showcased his ability to bring calmness and leadership to the game, set up his teammates with good looks and do the dirty work on both sides of the ball. He dished out some great dimes in the third quarter, including a full court pass to Isaiah for a dunk. He showed his strength and veteran savvy completing a one handed shot with the foul. His three turnovers to start the fourth quarter were unfortunate and can likely be put down to fatigue.
Svi Mikhailiuk – A
Svi has proved time and time again that he is always ready to play: as a starter, coming off the bench, in limited minutes, it doesn’t matter. He had an efficient 15 minutes last night, providing a spark when the Jazz needed it, scoring 14 points, including 4-7 from three, grabbing 2 offensive rebounds and doling out 3 assists.
THN.com released its first edition of its NHL Trade Deadline Board, which features four St. Louis Blues players.
The list comprises 25 players, ranked by speculation, likelihood of being traded, and effectiveness.
The four Blues players who appear on this list are center Brayden Schenn at No. 4, defenseman Justin Faulk at No. 12, right winger Jordan Kyrou at No. 17, and goaltender Jordan Binnington at No. 21.
Schenn and Faulk seem the likeliest to be dealt, as both veterans come with at least an additional year on their contract with plenty of playoff experience.
Schenn is in the midst of his ninth season with the Blues and his third season as captain. At 34 years old, Schenn has shown signs of offensive decline, but he remains a potent defensive presence and a physical presence with leadership qualities.
While he might not slide into most teams’ top six, he could be an effective third-line center.
While talent-wise, Kyrou and Binnington should be higher on the list, they drop down because of the likelihood of being traded is far lower than many of the players ahead of them.
Kyrou and Binnington demand a hefty return, and while the Blues have mentioned that everyone is available, they aren’t rushing to get them out the door like they are with Schenn and Faulk. There is a better chance they are moved in the off-season rather than before the trade deadline, but insiders say there is still a possibility.
Including the four mentioned Blues players, Robert Thomas, Oskar Sundqvist, and Pius Suter have garnered attention in the rumor mill. The NHL trade deadline is seven days away, and GM Doug Armstrong will have his hands full and could be the busiest GM.
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Additionally, the Houston Astros won the sweepstakes for the heavily sought out Japanese sensation, Tatsuya Imai, a right-handed pitcher who has drawn comparisons to 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Imai joined the Astros on a three-year, $54 million deal.
Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference do battle when Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons host James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With Cleveland banged up, Detroit is a 6-point home favorite, but my Cavs vs. Pistons predictions break down why the East’s No. 1 seed still deserves more respect.
Read more in my NBA picks for this matchup, set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Cavaliers vs Pistons prediction
Cavaliers vs Pistons best bet: Pistons -6 (-110)
It feels like people aren’t giving the Detroit Pistons enough respect. Cade Cunningham and Jaren Duren are stars, and the only team that has a better net rating than the Pistons this season is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
They’ve also been a great team at home this season, going 22-7 with an average margin of victory of 10.3 points.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of James Harden has been a home run for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, he’s questionable to play with a thumb injury while Donovan Mitchell is already out.
That’s too much to overcome against this really great Pistons team.
Cavaliers vs Pistons same-game parlay
Sure, the James Harden thing has worked for Cleveland so far. But he won’t help the fact that the Cavaliers allow the fifth-most points per game to opposing guards. Give me Cade to go Over 25.5 points, something he’s done in eight of his last 11 games.
The Pistons are also an elite rebounding team, ranking second in rebounding rate. Tobias Harris has hauled down six or more rebounds in seven of his last eight games, and with the Cavs potentially down their top two shooters, there could be plenty of boards up for grabs.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Pistons -6
Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
Tobias Harris Over 5.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Cade!
Cade is getting some MVP buzz down the stretch, and a big game against an East contender could bolster that case.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
Cade Cunningham Over 5.5 rebounds
Cade Cunningham Over 9.5 assists
Cade Cunningham Over 1.5 steals
Cavaliers vs Pistons odds
Spread: Cavaliers +6 | Pistons -6
Moneyline: Cavaliers +200 | Pistons -240
Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227
Cavaliers vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Pistons have covered the 1H spread in 28 of their last 45 games (+10.75 Units / 21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Cavaliers vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder when they host the Denver Nuggets tonight.
The reigning MVP is no longer on the injury report after missing nine games with an abdominal strain. The question now is how much SGA will actually play.
My Nuggets vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks are taking a measured approach to the reigning MVP's output on Friday, February 27.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with the game airing on ESPN.
Nuggets vs Thunder prediction
Nuggets vs Thunder best bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 28.5 points (-115)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t played since February 3, with the Oklahoma City Thunder going 5-4 SU in his absence, allowing the surging San Antonio Spurs to close the gap in the West.
SGA’s return is a major boost for OKC, but preserving his health is the top priority. He not only needs to meet the MVP qualifying threshold, but the Thunder have only a 1.5-game lead atop the conference.
While a full workload could yield 30+ points, most models range from 18.4 to 23.7 points if his minutes are capped. I expect OKC to play it safe against the Denver Nuggets tonight.
Nuggets vs Thunder same-game parlay
The Nuggets reminded the league they’re still a contender by blasting the Boston Celtics earlier this week, showing they rise to the challenge against the NBA’s elite.
After missing nine games, OKC will protect the MVP in his first outing back, and he’s unlikely to reach that scoring total.
With SGA limited, Chet Holmgren drew more defensive attention, and his numbers dipped. Even with Shai seeing reduced minutes, the 7-footer will benefit from extra space, with models projecting him for 20+ points tonight.
Nuggets vs Thunder SGP
Nuggets +8
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 28.5 points
Chet Holmgren Over 16.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Calling on Cam
Cameron Johnson has looked great since returning from a six-week absence (knee bruise), averaging almost 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the last seven games.
Johnson's player projections all sit north of these prop totals tonight.
Nuggets vs Thunder SGP
Nuggets moneyline
Cameron Johnson Over 12.5 points
Cameron Johnson Over 3.5 rebounds
Cameron Johnson Over 1.5 assists
Nuggets vs Thunder odds
Spread: Nuggets +8 (-110) | Thunder -8 (-110)
Moneyline: Nuggets +250 | Thunder -310
Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Nuggets are 38-25-1 ATS as underdogs over the past three years, including a 12-6 ATS mark when catching points this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Thunder.
How to watch Nuggets vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Nuggets vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
BIRMINGHAM, AL FEBRUARY 19: Malachi Smith #18 of the Long Island Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Birmingham Squadron on February 19, 2026 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A lot is going on in Long Island! Even before Friday morning’s moves that sent Grant Nelson to Brooklyn on a 10-day, returned Ben Saraf to the big club, and sent Drake Powell to the G League, the Nets’ G League affiliate lost a tight one, 119-116, to the Grand Rapids Gold Thursday night at Nassau Coliseum.
And in the midst of it all, Brooklyn may have found a new development prospect in Chaney Johnson.
Johnson is the newest and youngest two-way player on the Long Island Nets roster. At 6’8”, 225 pounds with a 6’11” wingspan and a max vertical approaching 40”, the 23-year-old Johnson has 3-and-D potential. Signed off the Cleveland Charge just before New Year’s, Johnson keeps making progress, and Thursday night, that progress reached a high point.
The Auburn product had his biggest game as a pro, scoring 29 points, one night after scoring 19! Johnson connected on 10 of his 12 tries, while hitting all three of his tries. The Alabama native also had seven rebounds, one assist, and two blocks … both in crucial moments for Long Island. He did everything he could to put the team in a position to win, but the Gold had their number.
Indeed, after a somewhat slow start, Johnson has taken off in the last nine games, averaging 15.5 points while shooting 77.7% from two and 32.0% from three and grabbing 5.5 rebounds. He was not the only Long Islander to impress on the back-to-back at Nassau Coliseum.
Complementing Johnson’s game, Saraf had another big game in what he no doubt hopes will be his 21st and final game in the G League.
Coming off his 12-for-19, 32-point shooting performance the night before, Saraf followed it up with yet another solid offensive output. He connected on nine of his 15 shots and connected on three of his six attempts from beyond the arc for 21 points, giving him 53 points in a little more than 24 hours. He also had two rebounds, two assists, and three steals, the most in the game.
However, one glaring issue with Saraf has always been ball protection. Saraf turned the ball over five times, Nolan Traore had the same issue in the early going of this season, and he turned his game around.
In his most recent assignment, Saraf has looked much better than earlier in the season. There were many times back then when he was a big question mark, as his Flatbush 5 counterparts took off. The 19-year old, the NBA’s eighth youngest player, has been showing flashes of why Brooklyn drafted him in the 2025 NBA Draft in the first place.
Malachi Smith had another performance. He finished with 18 points, shooting 60% overall. He hauled in seven rebounds, including five in the fourth quarter alone, and two steals. His big downfall came in the ball protection department, his Achilles heel since starting at the point a few weeks back. Smith turned the ball over seven times, leading the game. After the game, NetsDaily spoke with Smith about his performance…
“Obviously, those are good numbers,” Smith tells ND. “But the number that’s sticking with me right now is the seven turnovers. I pride myself on being a low-turnover point guard, and today it was just a lot of dumb ones that I wish I could get back. It’s not something I usually do. As I said, I pride myself on having low turnovers. I know it’s a game of possessions, and one play doesn’t ruin the game. Right now, it feels like those seven turnovers are a big reason we lost tonight, and that’s not a good feeling as a point guard. I have to just be better and learn from it.”
Putting aside the turnovers, since being named a starter for the first time, the Gonzaga product’s performances become quite common for Smith. When asked about what he attributes this to the most, Smith told ND, “I think just trusting my work, staying ready. I’ve played in a lot of big games in college and have contributed in multiple ways. So, I’ve always been the type to put the work in behind the scenes, and whenever my number gets called, the work will show. I think that’s just what you see. Credit to my teammates, the coaches for helping me develop, and my teammates for having faith in me, but just being ready whenever my number is called.”
The 26-year-old picked up 13 assists, continuing to showcase himself as a playmaker and cementing yet another double-double. Smith told ND after the game, “I think as a point guard, making sure your teammates get to their spots and helping them get to their spots, gives them confidence, but also opens up my game. If I’m spreading it, when I drive, they might fan out and let me finish. I try to make the right play at the end of the day. Whatever the right play is, I just want to make it. I do a lot of film and stuff. So, I try to know what the defense is going to do and try to find my teammates where they’re most comfortable.”
Nelson remained on a minutes restriction, being the only starter to not reach 30 minutes, but in his last game before being called up. Nelson finished with just over 26 minutes, but once again continued to make the most of every second on the court. He finished with 17 points, on 47% shooting. There was a big difference in Nelson’s game on Thursday. He took many more three-point attempts than normal.
Nelson connected on just one of his six shots from deep, the most he’s put up this season and likely something Brooklyn has encouraged. Nelson is trying to expand his game from beyond the arc in hopes of reaching the NBA. In today’s NBA, if you hope to not just thrive but survive, you have to know how to shoot from deep, even as a big man. Nelson showed himself to be a solid three-point shooter in college, so if he can get back to this, it’s just one more tool Nelson will have working for him.
Tyson Etienne finished with 18 points, having one of his better shooting performances as of late, connecting on seven of his 11 tries, including four-for-seven from deep. EJ Liddell had four points, his lowest output in weeks, connecting on two of his nine attempts. Liddell shone in other aspects of the game, including hauling in nine rebounds and finishing with a team-leading three blocks.
The Gold went on an 8-0 run in the first quarter before Long Island responded with a 22-4 run over the final 5:36 of the first. The Nets closed the first frame with a 30-22 advantage after scoring 18 points in the paint and shooting 57.9 percent (11-for-19) from the field in the first. Grand Rapids went on a 17-7 run from 11:19 to 5:45 in the second quarter to close the gap, but Long Island entered the break with a 55-51 lead. Johnson led all scorers with 16 points in the first half, shooting 83.3 percent (5-for-6) from the field and 100 percent (2-for-2) from deep before halftime, and the Nets held the Gold to just 27.3 percent (3-for-11) shooting from long range in the first half.
Long Island entered tonight’s game with a +19.5 net rating in third quarters, the best differential by an NBA G League team in any quarter this season, and the Nets continued that success by limiting the Gold to 38.5 percent (10-for-26) shooting from the field and 11.1 percent (1-for-9) shooting from deep in the third. After Grand Rapids started the fourth on a 15-7 run from 11:48 to 9:21 to regain the lead, both teams traded the lead over the final nine minutes. Johnson hit a layup to tie the game at 116 with 5.1 seconds left in regulation, but Grand Rapids made three free throws to secure the 119-116 victory. Long Island scored 60 points in the paint for the second consecutive game and dished out 31 assists.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (15-11) return to the court on Sunday for a game against the Westchester Knicks at the Nassau Coliseum. The game tips off at 3:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League website and the Gotham Sports app.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) rounds the bases to third base in the ninth inning of a Cactus League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Reds continue their quest to play only in Goodyear Ballpark on Friday, as they’ll take the field at their home stadium for the fifth time through six Cactus League games played so far this spring.
When they do so, they’ll be up against a former teammate, too. Brent Suter will lead the charge for the Los Angeles Angels on the day, and with a lefty on the mound manager Terry Francona has tweaked his lineup to account for it.
Noelvi Marte, whose struggles against southpaws last season have been noted publicly by Francona already this spring, will bat leadoff to presumably give him the chance of maybe getting a pair of PA against southpaws out of his day. Of note also is that Sal Stewart will start at 2B on the day as his work all around the infield gets put further to the test, while Rece Hinds will spend at least part of the day manning CF.
Rhett Lowder will start for Cincinnati for the second time in this Cactus League campaign. He fired a pair of innings in his first outing, and I’d expect the Reds to ask him to get through 3.0 IP today (assuming he’s cruising along efficiently). Though with Julian Aguiar and Jose Franco both starters who are listed on the above roster for the day, there’s plenty of long relief available should that not be the case.
First pitch is once again slated for 3:05 PM ET, and – you guessed it – it’s not televised anywhere. To follow along with the action you’ll need to tune into 700 WLW’s coverage, or at least track down where said coverage is being streamed should you not have access to an old-timey AM radio.
The New York Islanders will participate in the NHL’s first-ever “Hockey Day” when they host the Florida Panthers at UBS Arena on March 28.
The events will take place throughout Finland on March 27 and 28, with a focus on fan activities and a prime-time viewing party for an 8:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time) puck drop.
The Panthers’ roster consists of strong Finnish players, including Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola, as well as their injured captain, Aleksander Barkov.
The Islanders-Panthers matchup will be the fourth and final game in the NHL’s European “Hockey Day” initiative.
Prior games include the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers on February 27–28 in Sweden, the Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins on March 6–7 in Czechia, and the Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators on March 13–14 in Germany.
