Get set for a key Atlantic Division showdown with our Knicks vs. Raptors computer picks!
Our data-driven system has crunched the numbers so you don't have to, delivering six NBA picks — three NBA player prop projections for each side — for Tuesday, March 3.
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Knicks computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points (-115)
Projection: 19.3
Our projections are calling for Karl-Anthony Towns to beat this line by nearly two full points for a +17.49% EV edge. Our computer believes rebounding ability will give Towns the help he needs.
"Offensive rebounds continue possession and produce more chances for scoring and assists, and the New York Knicks rank 4th-best in in the league with 13.1 offensive rebounds per game this year."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Towns Now at bet365!/span
Josh Hart Under 5.5 assists (-155)
Projection: 4.5
Our system's second four-star play for the New York Knicks has Josh Hart finishing one full assist Under his current betting line. Tempo, or a lack thereof, will tell the story of this wager.
"The Knicks have played at the 6th-slowest pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 25 games. The Toronto Raptors have played at the 9th-most lethargic tempo in the league over the last 5 games in their home city, which ought to decrease possessions for the Knicks."
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OG Anunoby Over 4.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 5.2
As alluded to in the Towns bet, the Knicks are a terrific rebounding team. OG Anunoby has been helpful in that area all year long, pulling down 5.3 boards per game.
The Toronto Raptors are 12th-worst in the NBA in defensive rebound percentage.
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Raptors computer picks
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes (-105)
Projection: 1.9
This is a four-star play carrying a +13.66 EV edge. Here's why our computer is calling for Brandon Ingram to hit two or more triples tonight:
"The matchup against New York is a favorable one for three-pointers; when the New York Knicks are the visiting squad, opposing starting SFs have posted the highest three percentage in the NBA this year (48.0%)."
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Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists (+115)
Projection: 5.8
Not only is Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.0 assists per game this season, but you're getting plus-money for him to match or better his season average tonight.
Our system calculates a 10.09% EV edge.
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RJ Barrett Over 1.5 threes (-112)
Projection: 1.8
Our computer is targeting another Raptors 3-pointer prop, this time with former Knick RJ Barrett. New York's defense has been vulnerable to the deep shot, surrendering an 11th-worst 13.7 per game, with shooting guards making hay, in particular.
"This year, the other team's starting SGs have shot 44.7% on threes (best in the league) vs. the New York Knicks."
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How to watch Knicks vs Raptors tonight
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, Sportsnet
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.
TORONTO — Mitchell Robinson isn’t going to shoot his free throws underhand. In his view, form isn’t the problem and granny style “is silly as hell.”
The issue, as Robinson laid out Tuesday, is the lack of outside shooting opportunities in practice, which negatively impacts his foul-shooting rhythm.
“I don’t get shots up like that [in practice]. I just do a lot of layups, hook shots, stuff like that,” Robinson, who is down to 39 percent from the charity stripe this season, said. “If you don’t get shots, you don’t know how it is. You’re not comfortable with it. So it’s just like — you’ve got to get some shots up. I do it in the summertime, and I’m straight. And I just get away from it.”
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson shoots free throws at practice on Jan. 6, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Robinson pointed at the proof of his rookie season, when he shot a career-best 60 percent and apparently there was more of an emphasis on his outside shot. His free-throw efficiency has been declining ever since.
“Like I said before, when I was getting up shots, rookie year, I was 60 percent,” Robinson said. “So if I get shots up, everything will be all right. Until then, it is what it is.”
To be clear, Robinson isn’t talking about practicing free throws. He does that plenty. He also slightly altered his shooting form before this season, believing that dribbling once before the shot instead of three would help with the mental aspect.
But the foul shots still aren’t falling — and Robinson believes it’s related to his offensive responsibilities being limited to rebounding, setting screens or putbacks.
The 27-year-old hasn’t attempted a field goal outside of the paint since the 2022-23 season. Almost all of his attempts are inside the restricted area. His workouts with the Knicks are geared toward that style, which isn’t the case when Robinson is training in the summer.
“If you’re not shooting shots — even if you’re not going to shoot them in the game, it’s still good to have that muscle memory like that,” Robinson said. “And also confidence [comes] with it, too. It goes hand in hand.”
Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Raptors, Robinson owned the lowest free-throw percentage, by far, among players with at least 80 attempts. Rudy Gobert was next at 50.2 percent. Robinson also spoke out in a recent Facebook post.
“If you ain’t comfortable with your shot you know what the result is gonna be,” Robinson posted recently. “When I’m not in New York in my offseason I get up shots not just layups all day. I make 10 in a row sometimes even 20 in a row but that’s after I get done running and shooting. It’s a big difference from just doing layups and also let’s face the fact usually it takes maybe 11-16 [times up and down the court] before I touch the ball. I’m not complaining about it. I expected it for what it is.”
The foul shooting became a hot-button topic in last year’s playoffs, when the Celtics and Pistons began intentionally hacking Robinson with regularity. Robinson becomes a liability if he’s not hitting his foul shots, especially in a playoff setting, so it could also limit his minutes.
“Nah,” Robinson said when asked if he’s ever tried underhand free throws. “I feel like that’s silly as hell.”
Mitchell Robinson prepares to shoot a free throw during the Knicks’ game against the Cavaliers on Feb. 24, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Other than his foul-shooting woes, Robinson has been a success story this season. He’s again leading the East in offensive rebounds per game despite averaging just 19.4 minutes. That presence under the glass has changed results into victories for the Knicks, like Robinson’s strong performance Sunday over the Spurs.
“That’s like my job. That’s my job on this team. Bring energy off the bench,” Robinson said. “That’s what I try to do every night when I play. So continue to do that.”
He’s also remained healthy for the first time in three years while adhering to a load management program. Robinson doesn’t play back-to-backs, which is why the center isn’t expected to play Wednesday’s home game against the mighty Thunder after Tuesday’s contest in Toronto.
Coach Mike Brown determines which of the two back-to-back games Robinson will play.
“It wasn’t my choice,” Robinson said. “I let coaches decide which game they want me to play.”
NEW YORK — Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar faces a 162-game suspension by Major League Baseball for a possible second failed test for a performance-enhancing drug, a person familiar with the issue told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the process, first reported by ESPN, was ongoing.
Profar intends to ask the players’ association to file a grievance to appeal any discipline to baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F, Scheinman, a second person familiar with the process said, also on condition of anonymity, because no announcement had been made.
Because this would be Profar’s second infraction, an appeal would take place after a suspension was announced.
An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
His agent, Dan Lozano, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Profar homered in his return from suspension on July 2 and finished with a .245 average, 14 homers, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games. He batted .280 in 2024, when he set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS.
Profar said at the start of spring training that he had sports hernia surgery in November, requiring a six-week recovery time. He has appeared in four spring training games this year, going 3 for 10 with three RBIs.
A native of Curaçao, Profar had been set to play for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
Under the suspension, he would be ineligible for the postseason.
Profar would lose his $15 million salary for this year as part of a $42 million, three-year contract through 2027. He lost half his $12 million salary in 2025 due to the initial suspension.
Four players have been suspended previously this year for positive tests, including free agent outfielder Max Kepler for 80 games under the major league program following a positive test for Epitrenbolone.
Following the offseason signing of left fielder Mike Yastrzemski to a $23 million, two-year deal, Profar had been targeted to be the Braves’ primary designated hitter.
When catcher Sean Murphy returns from a hip injury, perhaps in May, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin could fill in at DH when not behind the plate.
With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr. in the outfield, Eli White could be a DH option. The Braves also are without projected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a finger injury. Mauricio Dubon, expected to serve a utility role, is scheduled to open the season as the starting shortstop.
The loss of Profar could create an opportunity for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league deal on Feb. 17.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners swings during the game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on February 20, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a restful off-day, the Mariners are back in action today with another televised game. J.P. Crawford returns to the lineup today at DH for the first time since the opening game of spring training, while Bryan Woo makes his second start of the spring. This is also the first time the Mariners are seeing the Angels this spring, although this traveling lineup probably isn’t representative of the team they’ll see in Anaheim.
Lineups:
Scheduled to pitch behind Woo are Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo González, and Robinson Ortiz. Wilcox, Legumina, and Ortiz are three of the pile guys I’m most interested in watching, so that should be interesting.
No Trout for the visiting Angels. George Klassen, who was part of the return from the Phillies in the Carlos Estevez trade, gets the start for the Angels.
Old friend Tayler Saucedo is scheduled to appear for the Angels.
Game information:
Game time: 12:10 PT
TV: Mariners.tv
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports (delayed); listen live on the Seattle Sports app or Gameday
Looking ahead: Cooper Criswell will start tomorrow’s game at San Francisco; Luis Castillo will start Thursday’s game against the Padres.
Also of note:
There are some WBC scrimmages going on today. Of note for Mariners fans: Team Canada vs. Toronto is currently underway, as is Colombia vs. Pittsburgh. Sadly, the Cubs – Team Italy game featuring Dominic Canzone batting cleanup isn’t available, but you can tune in right now to Team USA scrimmaging against San Francisco on ESPN, or Team Mexico vs. Arizona if you have MLB TV. At 3 PT, you can see the Dominican Republic take on Detroit, Puerto Rico vs. Boston, or Venezuela vs. Houston. We could put up a separate thread for those later games if there’s interest; otherwise, feel free to use this one to chat WBC as well as Mariners.
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Ryan Bergert (38) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Is it Spring Training? Is it the World Baseball Classic? It’s both!
Today’s Royals game is an exhibition against Cuba. Which is fun! I like these contests; it’s not everyday that you get exhibitions against an entire country’s national team.
You’ll also notice who’s not in the lineup: Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Jac Caglianone. That’s because they’re elsewhere, with Team USA and Team Italy.
Royals 3/3 lineup
Meanwhile, Cuba will field a roster headlined by Yoan Moncada as well as multiple other big league players.
The Toronto Raptors have taken care of business this season, winning the games they’re supposed to, positioning themselves well in the East.
However, things have been a little less smooth against tougher competition. On top of that, tonight’s opponent, the New York Knicks, has owned them.
My Knicks vs. Raptors predictions break down why it could be a tough night in The Six for the home team.
That and more NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash, which is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Tuesday, March 3.
Knicks vs Raptors prediction
Knicks vs Raptors best bet: Knicks -2.5 (-112)
The Toronto Raptors sit in fifth place in the East, but are just 15-18 when facing teams above .500 this season.
They’ve also made a habit of going up by double-digits against good teams before blowing the lead late in games.
The New York Knicks are a good team. Not only that, but the Knicks have owned the Raptors. New York has beaten Toronto in 11 consecutive meetings dating back to 2023, covering the spread all but once.
Both teams are Top 10 defensively, but the Raps can’t match the Knicks offensively. New York’s dominance over Toronto continues.
Knicks vs Raptors same-game parlay
The Knicks blew out the Raptors when they last met back on January 28, 119-92.
Former Raptor OG Anunoby put up 26 points in that game, and has found his shooting rhythm again in the last two games. Take OG to burn his old team once again.
Another place the Knicks have an edge over the Raptors is on the glass. New York ranks fifth in rebounding rate, Toronto is 15th.
Take Mikal Bridges to go Over his rebounding prop of 3.5. It's a number he’s topped in eight of his last 12 games.
Jalen Brunson, averaging 26.7 ppg, is capable of going off at any time, like he did with 35 points vs. Toronto on Dec. 9 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Knicks vs Raptors SGP
RJ Barrett Over 17.5 points
Immanuel Quickley Over 17.5 points
OG Anunoby Over 15.5 points
Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points
Knicks vs Raptors odds
Spread: Knicks -2.5 | Raptors +2.5
Moneyline: Knicks -120 | Raptors +140
Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222
Knicks vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Knicks are 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 meetings against the Raptors. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Raptors.
How to watch Knicks vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, Sportsnet
Knicks vs Raptors 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.
The Chicago Blackhawks made a notable move on Monday, as they traded defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a second-round pick. The Blackhawks moving Murphy was not surprising, as he was the subject of trade rumors for quite some time due to his pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) status.
Now, with the Blackhawks trading Murphy, one of their promising young defensemen is getting another chance on the NHL roster.
The Blackhawks called up defenseman Ethan Del Mastro with Murphy being traded. Now, Del Mastro has a golden opportunity to show what he can do during his latest opportunity on the Blackhawks' roster.
After appearing in a career-high 24 NHL games last season with the Blackhawks, Del Mastro has only played in two games so far this campaign with Chicago. The Blackhawks' defensive depth made it hard for Del Mastro to crack the Blackhawks' roster this campaign, but with Murphy now gone, it has opened the door for him to get another look on Chicago's roster.
Del Mastro has certainly earned this latest call-up from Chicago, as he is having a solid year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. In 45 games, the 6-foot-4 defenseman has recorded two goals, 16 assists, 18 points, and a plus-1 rating. This is after he had nine assists in 47 games with Rockford last season.
Del Mastro is a solid prospect who Blackhawks fans should be excited to see back on the NHL roster. It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact he can make with Chicago, but there is no question that the 22-year-old has a great opportunity here.
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 29: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks waits for the rebound on January 29, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The careers of Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel will be inexorably linked throughout their time in the NBA. That’s bound to happen when you have two teammates who are close friends, college roommates, Top 5 picks, and both on the precipice of revolutionizing the NBA. Perception of these two players couldn’t have been more different when they were selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, but as we sit here in March it’s shaping up to be one of the the tightest NBA Rookie of the Year races in history.
Anointed for brilliance from the jump, Flagg was the most highly-touted U.S.-born prospect since LeBron James. A can’t-miss, generational talent, poised to transform a franchise, and there’s very little argument that he hasn’t lived up to the billing. The Mavericks are a mediocre team, still reeling from their disastrous Luka Doncic trade —but Flagg has been a bright spot. Dallas’ goal this season isn’t the playoffs, but rather having coach Jason Kidd throw so much usage at Flagg to get him the reps to be an even more complete player in the future.
Flagg would run away with the Rookie of the Year award without much resistance if this were any normal season, but the call is coming from inside the house. Kon Knueppel has been the NBA’s most surprising player, on the league’s most surprising team, changing the face of the Charlotte Hornets franchise in a way nobody expected. Instead of being the sidekick, a glue guy, or a plug-and-play shooter who would be additive, but not transformative, Knueppel has instead become a tone setter and culture changer for a Hornets team surging in the standings to find themselves in a play-in sport, with aspirations they could finish even higher and land a legitimate playoff series.
Kon Knueppel should be the NBA’s rookie of the year by every tangible metric. The only thing standing in his way is the weight of expectation placed on Flagg, and an unwavering belief that Flagg has to win the award as a building block of his eventual legacy. The reality is that while Flagg has been great, Kon has been better.
The raw numbers
If we remove all context from both players’ performances, it would be easy for a casual box score watcher to assume that Flagg has been ahead of Knueppel this season.
Cooper Flagg: 20.4 pts, 6.6 reb, 4.1 ast Kon Knueppel: 19.3 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.5 ast
Its close, but Flagg’s numbers are higher, there’s no arguing that. There is a chance that Knueppel sees his overall totals rise further, but an even greater chance that Flagg pulls ahead even more — unless he’s sidelined due to injury, which is a real concern. The difference between these two players really shines when we get inside these basic numbers to contextualize each player’s performance.
What advanced stats say
It’s here that Knueppel blows Flagg out of the water, and they’re barely comparable as a result. Knueppel is shooting better in every area, with a 48.9 FG%, 44.0 3P%, and 87.8 FT% to Flagg’s 48.2/30.2/80.4 — but even more pronounced are the advanced metrics.
When it comes to true shooting percentage (TS%), which weighs threes, twos, and three throws to give an overall picture of shooting efficiency, there’s nobody like Kon Knueppel in the NBA this season. He is 14th in the NBA in TS% at 65.1. Cooper Flagg, for comparison, sits at 140th in the league at 51.5%.
In addition, Knueppel leads the NBA in 3P% among the 23 players who have attempted over 400 shots from beyond the arc this season. Only two other players in the league have shot over 40% on 400+ attempts: Collin Gillespie of the Suns (42.3%) and Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Pistons (40.3%). To put this in context Stephen Curry, the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, has only shot above 44% from three on over 400 attempts four times in his career — Knueppel is doing it as a rookie.
The three-point shooting is a mammoth part of Knueppel’s resume, because he broke the single-season record for threes made by a rookie and did in 59 games. At this point it’s his record to stretch until the end. The trap is to assume that the shooting is all there is to Knueppel’s game, which is painfully far from the truth. Not only is he putting up elite numbers, but he’s dramatically helping the Hornets win games.
Knueppel ranks 21st in the NBA in win share with a +6.1, having a profound impact that’s almost equal to Victor Wembanyama with the Spurs (+6.2), and above Anthony Edwards (+5.8). While Flagg is still having an impactful year, his +3.2 win share ranks 111th.
You can go down the list of advanced metrics and Knueppel is lapping Flagg this season. Flagg is getting far more touches per game as the Mavericks make him the focal point of their entire offense, but Knueppel is having much more of an impact on the game with the opportunities he’s given.
Player
TS%
WS
OFF +/-
DEF +/-
EPM
Efficiency Rank
Cooper Flagg
56%
3.2
0.1
-0.5
-0.4
198
Kon Knueppel
65.20%
6.1
3.1
0
3
30
What’s the argument against Knueppel?
The core argument on putting Flagg as Rookie of the Year over Knueppel circles back to the expectations entering this season. The Mavericks are routing their entire offense through Flagg, and while that’s giving him a lot of experience being “the guy” in the NBA, it’s also hurting his efficiency. Meanwhile, Knueppel is a piece is a larger puzzle in Charlotte. On any given night he’s the second or third scoring option behind Brandon Miller, and sometimes LaMelo Ball. It’s certainly true that the biggest difference between Hornets wins and losses is having Knueppel as that ancillary offensive option, but he’s still not being asked to carry the load.
That has an impact on perception, which is impossible to ignore. It’s part of the eye test when it comes to watching both players on the court without digging into the stats. Every advanced metric might prove that Knueppel has been the better player, but turn on a game and Flagg looks like the centerpiece of a team, while Kon appears to be a piece in the puzzle.
The race for the NBA rookie of the year is coming down to the wire. A midfoot injury has sidelined Flagg and could be the difference maker in the race, but when the dust settles the arguments for rookie of the year are tantamount to bragging rights for fans, and little more. The holistic view is that both former Duke teammates could be taking over the NBA in different ways very, very soon — one as the all-encompassing, do-everything superstar, while the other is laying the groundwork for a potential run at Steph Curry’s three-point record. We can appreciate the individual brilliance of both, and just be happy we get to see two young stard shine, without trying to pit them against each other or diminish either’s accomplishments.
Peoria, AZ - February 19: Nick Pivetta #27 of the San Diego Padres throws during a spring training practice on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
San Diego Padres at Chicago White Sox, March 3, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST
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A Nazem Kadri reunion in Colorado once felt like wishful thinking. Now, it feels possible.
As trade chatter intensifies around the Calgary Flames forward, the idea of him returning to the Colorado Avalanche is gaining legitimate traction. With the deadline approaching and contenders looking to separate themselves from the pack, Kadri is emerging as one of the most intriguing names potentially available — and Colorado suddenly checks every box as a landing spot.
Nazem Kadri could be useful in the shootout as well.
Reports of Kadri being available date back to training camp, but the noise has grown significantly after word surfaced that the 35-year-old would welcome a move to a Stanley Cup contender. That development alone changes the market. Kadri isn’t just a veteran scorer — he’s a proven playoff performer who can tilt a series.
Several teams have been mentioned as possible fits, including the Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, and Montreal Canadiens. But Colorado is the team generating the most traction — and for good reason.
After moving Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins last week, the Avalanche created roughly $9.8 million in cap space. That kind of breathing room gives them the ability to swing big without gutting the roster. If they want to add a true difference-maker down the middle, they can.
Right now, Colorado is relying on Jack Drury as its third-line centre. He’s been solid, but that spot feels like a clear area to upgrade before the playoffs. Kadri, who leads the Flames with 41 points, would be a major boost in that role — and head coach Jared Bednar knows exactly what he brings in high-pressure games.
Talks Picking Up
Momentum behind the talks appears to be building.
“Definitely, things are picking up with talks between the Avalanche and the Flames,” Chris Johnston said on The Chris Johnston Show.
“Right now, the way it looks is that Colorado could be at the front of list. We’re down to one phone call territory now, where everything could change at a moment’s notice.”
Kadri spent three seasons in Colorado and played a key role in the franchise’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, posting a career-high 87 points that year. The organization wanted to keep him at the time but simply couldn’t make the numbers work under the cap.
Now, the situation is different.
Kadri still has term remaining on his contract through the 2028-29 season, carrying a $7 million cap hit along with a 13-team no-trade clause. That long-term commitment is something Colorado would need to weigh carefully. While the cap hit is manageable now, it could create challenges down the road as other core players come up for new deals.
But windows don’t stay open forever.
Could we see this again? Credit: Geoff Burke
The Avalanche sit first in the NHL standings and look every bit like a legitimate Cup threat again. Adding a familiar, battle-tested centre who thrives in big moments might be the move that separates a contender from a champion.
If the Flames are serious about moving Kadri — and if Colorado is serious about maximizing this season — this reunion may not just be talk for much longer.
Adric and me immediately after Game 7 of the World Series at Rogers Centre. November 2, 2025. | Michael Elizondo / True Blue LA
A new year, a new Guide trailer. Please enjoy.
Once again, we have reached the time of year when I write out where I have been and where I plan to go in the coming year, for year five, the planned final year of field research for True Blue LA.
Wait. Final? Are you quitting?
Never, but there comes a moment where prudence is required.
If I could take a moment, I have had the adventure of a lifetime traveling to Dodger games since April 2021, and as a professional since January 2022. If you told me at the Oakland Coliseum that an evening out after being vaccinated for COVID, where Cody Bellinger broke his leg, would be the starting gun to an adventure that would take me all over the world, including Game 7 of the World Series, I would look at you as if you had gone mad.
For five years, the movements of my life have been dictated in part by the baseball schedule.
I will complete the circuit in 2026. Then, once I look out at the Philadelphia skyline after my visit, I anticipate a feeling of quiet accomplishment.
Once the entire baseball 2027 schedule is published, I will get to go where I want to go, rather than having my mindset be “where have I not been yet and how do I mark that location off my list?”
If and when baseball expands, I will return to the road, be it Las Vegas, Nashville, Salt Lake City, or Portland. But generally limiting myself to the Western divisions or wherever Mom wants to go (for as long as she wants to go) is a state of play that I am genuinely looking forward to.
But before we start our final run, let us check the final score of my visits during the Dodgers’ 2025 title run. The table will look best in landscape mode if you are reading this article from a mobile device.
The results of the 2025 itinerary of field research for the Guide
Date of Game
Opponent, Stadium, and City
Result
Overall Record
Starting Pitcher
March 18, 2025
Cubs, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
W, 4-1
1-0
Yamamoto
March 19, 2025
Cubs, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
W, 6-3
2-0
R. Sasaki
April 18, 2025
Rangers, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
W, 3-0
3-0
Yamamoto
April 19, 2025
Rangers, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
L, 4-3
3-1
R. Sasaki
April 20, 2025
Rangers, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
W, 1-0
4-1
Glasnow
July 13, 2025
Bonus – Giants, Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
W, 5-2/11
5-1
Yamamoto
August 15, 2025
Padres, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
W, 3-2
6-1
Kershaw
August 16, 2025
Padres, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
W, 6-0
7-1
Snell
September 2, 2025
Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
L, 9-7
7-2
Kershaw
September 3, 2025
Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
L, 3-0
7-3
Sheehan
September 4, 2025
Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
L, 5-3
7-4
Snell
September 5, 2025
Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
L, 2-1
7-5
Ohtani
September 6, 2025
Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
L, 4-3
7-6
Yamamoto
September 7, 2025
Bonus – Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
Woof. That September losing streak built character and honestly tested my sanity a little. Still, things worked out in the end.
Being present to watch the Dodgers in three countries and two continents in 2025 is the weirdest flex I will ever have as a Dodger fan. Honestly, I am surprised how often I saw Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Clayton Kershaw pitch in the last campaign. It’s not seeing Walker Buehler more often than his mother in 2021, but considering I try to halve my workload when compared to the 2021 amateur campaign, proportions matter.
Being at Kershaw’s actual regular-season farewell is something I do not think I will ever forget.
If one factors in the inaugural amateur year of 2021, the Dodgers are now 62-38 with me in attendance in 27 major league cities and Tokyo. The team is also 2-0 in postseason play with me in attendance. Admittedly, Game 7 of the 2025 World Series has infinitely more cachet than Game 2 of the 2021 National League Division Series in San Francisco.
Accordingly, it is time to complete this five-year mission. I plan to visit my final three MLB stadiums in 2026: Daikin Park (Houston), New Yankee Stadium (the Bronx), and Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia). Considering the Dodgers’ recent history in these venues, I will have my work cut out for me as a visiting Dodgers fan.
The 2026 itinerary of field research for the Guide
Behold — my travels to complete the circuit. Again, the table will look best in landscape mode if you are reading this article from a mobile device. In the grand scheme of things, I am well ahead of schedule this year compared to the past couple of years.
Stop Number
Dates of Games
Opponent, Stadium, and City
Comments, if Any
1a
May 2-3
Cardinals, Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
1b
May 4-6
Astros, Daikin Park, Houston, TX
Stadium 28
2
May 23-24
Brewers, American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Going for Bernie’s Slide
3
June 13-14
White Sox, Rate Field, Chicago, IL
First visit since 2024
4a
July 17-19
Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Stadium 29
4b
July 20-22
Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Stadium 30
5
August 17-18
Rockies, Coors Field, Denver, CO
Annual trip with Mom
I plan to attend 17 games in seven cities over five trips. I could take or leave going to St. Louis, but considering that weekend, I would just be sitting at home before flying to Houston, for a few hundred more, I would rather watch the Dodgers in person.
Admittedly, while it would be nice to return to Toronto (April), Minneapolis (May), or Cincinnati (September), sometimes there is valor in saying no. My funds are not infinite, as my tax return reminds me on a now-annual basis. Besides, I really should not press my luck (Toronto) or wait until the next cycle (Minneapolis).
I had originally planned to go to San Diego this season, but the Murakami signing in Chicago swayed me. Moreover, I get the chance to meet up with friends in Chicago, which also prompted my return to Milwaukee. Molly Knight is doing an event with her readers in three ballparks in Chicago and Milwaukee over Memorial Day weekend, and I figured it would be fun to tag along for the Milwaukee/Dodgers portion of the trip.
With that idea in mind, I am going to do something I once planned to challenge David Vassegh to do: I am going to challenge Bernie’s Slide in Milwaukee, while also ghost-hunting at the Pfister Hotel. Apparently, to do the Slide, I need a buddy, which was not the rule when I last visited. Am I going to be blasting the Ghostbusters Theme on a loop while in Milwaukee? Probably.
Mom did not want to go back to Dodger Stadium in 2026, and I do not blame her for that decision one bit. Accordingly, she has chosen Denver for our annual trip in 2026, which should be fun. There is a mostly-zero probability I conclude my 2026 shenanigans in Cincinnati, but for now, what you see above is the plan.
While I hope to achieve a goal I first set out to do in 2021 this year, by definition, it will not be as epic as completing the lifelong bucket list items I managed to complete in 2025, when I went to Japan. I am very much looking forward to completing my circuit of MLB ballparks this season.
“Home” Games
Since I have returned to the Bay Area, and with the now-Sacramento Athletics’ departure from Oakland, the closest ballpark to me is, once again, Oracle Park. Joy.
My general rule for Oracle Park remains: I do not go to games in San Francisco unless I am with friends and family, because I have been to Oracle Park far too many times for any novelty to remain. I covered Oracle Park in its Guide entry. It’s fine, even though I serve as a personification of the living bane of the San Francisco Giants, who are 8-15 in my presence at Oracle Park.
If folks wish to go to Oracle Park and invite me, here are the dates for the upcoming year:
April 21-23
September 25-27 (weekend series, regular season finale)
While Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA, is about an hour away, I will still not attend when the Dodgers are there for two reasons.
First, I still do not want to. Second, while the Dodgers will, unfortunately, visit Sacramento in 2026, I will write up what can best be described as an anti-Guide entry explaining why Dodgers fans should not give John Fisher their hard-earned money. Moreover, even the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets will visit Sutter Health Park while I am on the East Coast, completing the circuit.
Please holler if you wish me to tag along on any adventure to any of the above-listed ballparks.
If folks want to join me on the road, please reach out as soon as possible—the more, the merrier, as I always say. The meetups I had in Tokyo, Baltimore, and Seattle were great fun.
I have been at this long enough that I am getting recognized more often in the field, which is still both confusing and neat. As always, please say hello, unless I am in the bathroom or eating.
As for upcoming Guide entries, given that the Dodgers return to Detroit and Rate Field this year, you can bet I will have new or updated entries ready for potential travelers. Please look forward to it!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Pitcher Clayton Kershaw #22 of Team USA fields a ground ball during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Clayton Kershaw may be done with Major League Baseball, but as the World Baseball Classic nears, the greatest left-hander of our generation has one more box to tick. For the first time in his career, Kershaw will represent the United States of America in the World Baseball Classic, and in preparation for that assignment, Kershaw took the field at Papago Sports Complex in Arizona as part of a team workout.
Speaking to the media, Kershaw displayed a self-awareness of his current limitations: “I think for our country’s sake, it’s better if I don’t,” he said of a potential matchup with Shohei Ohtani. However, the competitor in him remains: “I can’t imagine, if it comes down to USA versus Japan, with the arms that we have, that I’ll be needed. But I’ll be ready.”
Kershaw’s importance to the US team may be more important than originally thought, as Bill Shaikin of the LA Times notes: what looked to be a stout rotation for the US team is taking several blows—Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, and Paul Skenes will all have certain limitations about how often they can pitch in this tournament—the reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young will only pitch once, for instance.
MLB even published a small clip of Kershaw warming up wearing the American colors.
Kershaw made an appearance on the Pat McAfee show as well, in which he discussed the process of his retirement. The left-hander emphasized the gradual decline of his fastball velocity, the challenges of rehabbing from surgeries, and the eventual realization that it was time to call it quits at the end of 2025.
Continuing the World Baseball Classic theme—despite being currently sidelined recovering from surgery—Kiké Hernández will soon leave the Dodgers facilities to join the Puerto Rico team, reports Jack Harris, who also notes Kyle Tucker’s current absence from Dodger camp, as he and his wife are expecting a child. Lastly, according to Harris, Tommy Edman has already started taking swings, a promising sign in his rehab, although he is unlikely to feature in any games this spring.
Some other Dodgers camp notes:
— Kyle Tucker is back home right now, with his wife expecting
— Kiké Hernández is gonna leave camp soon to be around Team Puerto Rico for the WBC (he obv won’t play, but has dyed his hair)
— Tommy Edman has started swinging in the cage, but is…
As a writer in the offseason, one of my jobs is to look at this roster and make predictions. That means sometimes we can be right on those and look like geniuses. Other times, you can predict something and look like an utter fool. That is what comes with the job, and looking back at my predictions from this offseason made me realize I was right on two of my main ones but completely wrong on one.
As someone who works in this media space, it is correct to ride that high horse when you predict something correctly, but it is even MORE important to recognize when you are wrong. To take that step back and admit that you can make a mistake evaluating something, and that is what we will do in this piece.
Now you may be wondering what that take may be? Well, it would be one that I have preached since writing here, that being the Suns should have traded Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen last offseason.
Yeah, I know, fire those boos at me, but this is how I truly felt in the summer months leading up to this year. With the team switching directions and pivoting to this youth movement, I expected them to be in the lottery this year. With this in mind, Royce and Grayson are not getting any younger, so move off them to fully reset into a soft rebuild.
I can confidently say I was one hundred percent wrong. Both of these veterans have been exactly what this team needs in role players. They step up when the team needs them most (especially late with injuries) and have both grown on the court this season, fitting this culture perfectly.
That is the best thing about bringing in Brian Gregory as the GM. From the beginning, with his press conferences, he always pushed the narrative of fit over talent for this new style of Suns team, and it has worked better than we all anticipated.
So, how have these guys truly shone this season and set themselves up to be great leaders for this new regime of Phoenix Suns basketball?
Well, first off, they both fit the culture perfectly. Truly, this team, top to bottom, represents an identity of hardworking effort and giving a damn on both ends of the basketball court, and it shows out there on the court. Regardless of whether it’s a close game, you can never count on this team, and a large part of that comes from these two veterans.
Regardless of whether it’s fighting through hard screens, pushing for aggressive steals, making last-ditch efforts to try and get a hand up to contest the shot, making plays on loose balls, or trying to create a play off one, they have embraced that. I can never count them out of doing the little things that do not get noticed on the stat sheet, but definitely impact games.
For example, take the game the other night against the Los Angeles Lakers. A late-game comeback at home that had every fan on their feet from the Royce O’Neale game-winner, but what about their offensive possession before that?
Well, after Austin Reaves tied the game at 108, the Suns had a minute left and had Grayson Allen trying to drive to the basket. Looking for a play where they could use some of their ball movement to free up a shooter, he continued to try to drive with attempts from Ryan Dunn to set a screen on his man. After Dunn got Jake LaRavia off Allen and switched Luka Doncic onto him, he drove, getting by Luka and forcing LaRavia to help. This allowed Allen to pass to Dunn, who then swung it back to Allen for the three. Yet while all this was going on, Royce O’Neale was at the three-point line, just waiting for a shot or an opportunity to crash the glass. With Allen taking the three and missing, O’Neale recognizes this and immediately runs to the basket with no rim protectors in sight. This gives him the easiest give-me rebound and points to give the Suns the lead once again. These types of plays, of just making smart winning basketball moves and knowing where to be or when to time the crash, are key with his veteran presence this year.
I also mentioned their steals and aggressiveness on that end, too. That comes into play with how they like to disrupt the opponent’s tempo and try to push it to their liking. Multiple times over the last few games, we have seen swings of 7 or 8-0 from the Suns generated from these turnovers created by both of these players. They both are also averaging career highs in steals, with Allen averaging 1.4 and O’Neale tying his best at 1.1 per game.
Then you look at the offensive side of the ball, where they have embraced the great three-point shooting that the team excels in. At the start of the year, both players were in the top 5 in 3pt% across the league. Even though they may not be in there at this moment, both have gotten hot at big times for the team this year and have won games single-handedly because of the big shots hit late. Let’s not all forget the game where Grayson Allen beat the record for most threes made in a game with ten. That game was electric, as he dropped 42 points, his career high, and broke not only a personal but also a team high.
A new Suns franchise record in 3PM ✅ A new career-high ✅
Grayson Allen (42 PTS, 10 3PM) shot LIGHTS OUT from deep in Phoenix's victory tonight! pic.twitter.com/YK9xZiH1W6
Allen’s ability to take command of the offense alongside O’Neale and Collin GIllepsie as of late, with no Dillon Brooks or Devin Booker, is also key to his improvement. One of his struggles heading into this year was his ball handling, but Allen has polished that with more on-ball reps throughout the year. His 3.9 assists per game are his career high, showing that with those reps, he has developed as a playmaker, too. The big key, though, is his driving ability and how much attention he draws on those plays.
One of the Phoenix Suns media members and employees for PHNX, Stephen PridGeon-Garner, has harped on this all offseason and heading into the year. This is where I learned about the impact of Allen’s driving capability and what it brings to this Suns offense. After listening to his takes and watching more and more games, you can see the analysis is spot on. Having these different perspectives and understandings of the game sheds light on areas you might not naturally think about or pay attention to, leading to better basketball discussion. I appreciate Stephen for highlighting this specific part of Allen’s game and breaking it down to raise more awareness of the parts of basketball that are not always mentioned.
I've tapped the sign on the Grayson Allen drives being not just really good but impactful for the Suns, as well as his decisions off them, all season.
Gets the Doncic switch, gets the paint touch & the correct decisions made from there & it +1's to Royce O'Neale for what seals… pic.twitter.com/jTlIqj0Vfm
So in totality, I was completely wrong about Royce and Grayson heading into the year. I am willing to admit that, and I hope you realize how valuable these two can truly be for the roster this season and heading into the playoffs. I am happy that the Suns kept them post-deadline and did not make a massive switch to pivot this year. Ride this year out with this squad as it surpassed expectations, and evaluate in the offseason when the playing field is open.
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 26: Mike Moustakas #8 of the Kansas City Royals is congratulated by teammates Eric Hosmer #35 and Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Kansas City Royals after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 26, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals made some improvements to the roster in the offseason, but did not make the big move that fans may have wanted. Maybe that one big player wasn’t really available. But let’s imagine we aren’t just limited to players in the game right now. What if we could add a player to the roster from Royals history?
If you could pluck one former Royal at the height of his powers and drop him onto this team, who fits like the final puzzle piece? I’m not necessarily talking about the biggest star, although George Brett could certainly fit on any roster. I’m talking about a player who would be the perfect fit for right now for this roster.
Here’s your time machine – who are you bringing to 2026?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves during batting practice before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on September 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jurickson Profar missed essentially the entire first half of the 2025 season after he tested positive for using performance-enhancing drugs. Unfortunately for him and the Braves, it’s déjà vu all over again in the worst possible way.
Jeff Passan of ESPN is reporting that Profar has once again tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and is now facing a 162-game suspension. For those of you kids keeping track at home, that’s the full season.
BREAKING: Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time, sources told ESPN. News free at ESPN: https://t.co/Od2Cht2QUO
To keep it real with y’all, this is a hot mess. It’s one thing to get caught one time. In that case, you have the benefit of the doubt where it could’ve been a mistake or a brief lapse in judgment that led to a bad decision being made. A second time is absolutely inexcusable and there’s no way to wave this away. The Braves not having Jurickson Profar for the entire 2026 season is a pretty major blow to their current plans for their lineup and it’s absolutely dreadful that this is how they’ve lost him for another extended period of time.
The only silver lining is that this now means that Mike Yastrzemski is now an everyday player for this team but just like the Ha-Seong Kim injury forced Mauricio Dubón into everyday player status, it’s a silver lining but it’s certainly not ideal. The best way forward for this squad was to have Profar serve as a DH while Yaz started against right-handed since Yaz over the course of his career is a much better hitter against righties than lefties. Losing Profar for the entire season hurts their plans for DH and the outfield as well, so this just stinks all around.
The only other positive that comes out of this is that PED suspensions are unpaid suspensions as well, which means that that’s now $15 million that the Braves have freed up to use because Profar decided to be a big dummy and use PEDs again. It’s safe to assume that the Braves are going to dip their toes back into the outfielder/DH market but as you can imagine at this point in the baseball calendar, there’s not a lot of quality out there that could come close to replacing the level of production that Profar could’ve provided.
So once again, this is a hot mess. The Braves have now lost their starting shortstop until (hopefully) May, one of their primary catchers until (hopefully) May, one of their starting pitchers for who knows how long, one of the prime candidates for the fifth starting position for who knows how long and one of the key players in their lineup for the entire season. Opening Day isn’t until March 27 so let’s hope nothing else completely absurd happens between now and then! Good grief!
UPDATE [2:00 p.m. ET]: Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic is reporting that the MLBPA is planning to challenge Profar’s suspension and file a grievance on his behalf. I’d imagine that this is strictly procedural on the union’s part but there’s that.
The Players Association plans to challenge MLB’s intention to suspend Jurickson Profar for 162 games, source tells @TheAthletic
Knicks
Raptors
