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NBA Christmas Day Predictions, Odds & Picks: New-Look 76ers Put on a Show in Hollywood

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You'd better finish opening your presents quickly because the NBA is bringing the heat early on Christmas Day, with the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden at noon ET in an NBA Finals rematch.

I had a strong stance on this matchup during the NBA Finals, and it hasn't changed. Let's dive into my early NBA picks for a loaded slate on Friday, Dec. 25.

NBA Christmas Day predictions

PickDraftKings
Knicks Knicks -1.5-105
Celtics Celtics -5.5-110
76ers 76ers +1.5 -115
Timberwolves Timberwolves +3.5-105
Nuggets Nuggets -3.5-110

The NBA delivered an incredible Christmas Day slate, starting with an NBA Finals rematch before LeBron James returns to Los Angeles to face Luka Doncic as a 76er. 

And while some questioned Golden State's inclusion, Stephen Curry vs. Nikola Jokic as the nightcap is the perfect way to end Christmas Day.

Spurs vs Knicks (12 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)

Spurs vs Knicks opening odds

Spurs SpursKnicks Knicks
-105Moneyline-115
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 228.5 (-115)TotalUnder 228.5 (-105)

Spurs vs Knicks early pick: Knicks -1.5

em-105 at DraftKings/em

The New York Knicks have the matchup advantage against the San Antonio Spurs, just as they did in the NBA Finals, so I'm backing them again on Christmas Day. 

Karl-Anthony Towns' spacing and the starting five's shooting limit Victor Wembanyama's ability to roam defensively. As long as nobody gifts De'Aaron Fox a jumper, New York should cover.

Heat vs Celtics (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)

Heat vs Celtics opening odds

Heat HeatCeltics Celtics
+154Moneyline-185
+5.5 (-110)Spread-5.5 (-110)
Over 229.5 (-110)TotalUnder 229.5 (-110)

Heat vs Celtics early pick: Celtics -5.5 

em-110 at DraftKings/em

The Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat matchup is fascinating with Giannis Antetokounmpo now in South Beach.

Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo give the Heat one of the NBA's most imposing interior defenses, but that strength doesn't align with Boston's Mazzulla-ball offense, which is built around bombing away from three rather than attacking the paint.

Give me the Celtics -5.5.

76ers vs Lakers (5 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)

76ers vs Lakers opening odds

76ers 76ersLakers Lakers
-105Moneyline-115
+1.5 (-115)Spread+1.5 (-115)
Over 235.5 (-115)TotalUnder 235.5 (-105)

76ers vs Lakers early pick: 76ers +1.5 

em-115 at DraftKings/em

I'm shocked to see the Philadelphia 76ers as underdogs. I wasn't a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers' free-agent moves, and by Christmas Day, Philadelphia should have plenty of games under its belt to establish roles and usage.

Jaylen Brown was a nightmare for Luka Doncic at the point of attack in the NBA Finals, and I expect more of the same.

Take the Sixers at +1.5.

Thunder vs Timberwolves (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)

Thunder vs Timberwolves opening odds

Thunder ThunderTimberwolves Timberwolves
-162Moneyline+136
-3.5 (-115)Spread+3.5 (-105)
Over 232.5 (-110)TotalUnder 232.5 (-110)

Thunder vs Timberwolves early pick: Timberwolves +3.5

em-105 at DraftKings/em

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost Lu Dort this offseason, a physical defender who has given Anthony Edwards problems in the past as his primary defender.

Not only did the Thunder lose perimeter depth, but the Minnesota Timberwolves added a major creator in LaMelo Ball. 

That matters here because the Wolves have often forced the ball to Edwards against the Thunder in matchups that aren't favorable for him. Ball can handle the Thunder's pressure and create open looks for the Wolves' secondary scorers. 

Nuggets vs Warriors (10:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)

Nuggets vs Warriors opening odds

Nuggets NuggetsWarriors Warriors
-155Moneyline+130
-3.5 (-110)Spread+3.5 (-110)
Over 238.5 (-105)TotalUnder 238.5 (-115)

Nuggets vs Warriors early pick: Nuggets -3.5

em-110 at DraftKings/em

I personally have high hopes for the Denver Nuggets next season. I think they caught a ton of bad breaks last season, as they had a hard time integrating Cam Johnson into the offense, while Aaron Gordon missed a ton of time with an injury.

When healthy, this is one of the best starting fives in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors feel like a deflated team heading into next season after missing out on LeBron.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Game Thread: Reds (56-61) at White Sox (61-56)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 25: Sean Burke #59 of the Chicago White Sox smiles in a game against the Houston Astros at Rate Field on July 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
Sean Burke holds a 1.74 ERA in his last seven starts, with 144 strikeouts on the season. | (Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)

After squeaking out an important series win against the Cleveland Guardians this past weekend, the South Siders look to carry that momentum into a new three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds. Ideally, the Sox can take care of business while holding down first place as the Detroit Tigers and the Guardians bat each other up over the next few days.

The good news is that on top of the wizardry that Mike Vasil contributes to the team, the Good Guys can channel the Pope and those powers-that-be, as 38,000+ fans in attendance on the South Side will be sporting a “Pope hat” from tonight’s giveaway.

Standing room only at Sox Park? All for this glorious hat:

The South Siders have their ace on the mound, as righthander Sean Burke makes his 20th start of the season. Burke ranks 15th in baseball with 144 strikeouts while holding a 27.4% strikeout rate, ranking in the 81st percentile among MLB pitchers. Burke’s excellent extension while walking batters at a lower rate (7.4%) has helped maintain his dominance over the last several starts. In his last seven games, he’s posted an excellent 1.74 ERA across 41 1/3 frames with just a 0.92 WHIP, striking out 57 against just nine walks. The White Sox rank last in innings pitched for starting pitchers, so Burke going at least six innings in five of his last six starts has been helpful to keep a struggling offense in games.

With a lefty on the mound against the South Siders, Will Venable is calling on his right-handed hitters to hold it down at the plate tonight. Chase Meidroth is getting a second consecutive day of rest, so Sam Antonacci will slot in at second base, with Randal Grichuk batting cleanup and playing left. Colson Montgomery is also getting an off-day in the field, locking in as the DH with Luisangel Acuña subbing in at shortstop. Brenton Doyle will also continue to lead off with Meidroth out, and he wasn’t too shabby the other day, even tallying a couple of hits on Sunday with a stolen base and run scored.

Both Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas remain at the top of the order, and Mune has a 25-game on-base streak going, looking to extend that this evening.

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Chicago White Sox Lineup

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On the mound for the Reds is Nick Lodolo, making his 13th start of the season. Lodolo has floated on and off the IL this season, officially returning to the big league squad today after wrapping up a rehab assignment. The lefty hasn’t pitched since July 11 due to a blister on his throwing hand, so it’s possible he’ll be a bit rusty, which would be best-case scenario for the South Siders. Lodolo isn’t a big strikeout pitcher, only ringing batters up 17.9% of the time, and his 9.7% walk rate is quite high and favorable for a White Sox team that tends to walk 9% of the time.

Burke’s splits against righties and lefties are nearly identical, though opponents are slugging less from the right-handed side (.337 SLG) than when batting lefty (.392). The Reds are rolling with a righty-heavy lineup, though the power at the top of the order is still something to keep an eye on with Elly De La Cruz leading off. Elly has so far posted an .852 OPS on the season, leading the Reds in that category, but the young first baseman Sal Stewart has driven in 87 runs so far this season alongside 25 homers with a strong .807 OPS.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup

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Now that the storms have moved through, it’s a beautiful night for a ball game with the temperature handing around 80º at game time. First pitch will take place at 6:40 p.m. CT, and you can tune into the usual locations either on TV at CHSN or on the radio at ESPN Chicago AM 1000.

Now, it’s time for a White Sox win, because we certainly can’t disappoint the Pope.

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Braves vs Mets chat and discussion: Martín Pérez vs Nolan McLean

After a few rough games that have drawn some eyes to umpires, the Atlanta Braves are looking to bounce back and take game two against the New York Mets.

The game will feature Martín Pérez for the Braves as he continues his second best season of his fifteen year career against Nolan McLean a player emerging as a staff ace for the Mets. Pérez gave up four earned runs against the Mets in early July and in the same game McLean had a much better performance only giving up two.

A rematch is in place tonight, and hopefully Pérez and the Braves come out on top this time. Follow along in the comments.

First pitch was scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET but the tarp went on the field around a half hour before first pitch. The tarp is now off but in case there are any more updates, the rain delay thread is the place to go to. Otherwise, follow along with us below.

Lineup

Preview

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Premier League 2026-27 preview No 5: Brighton

Fabian Hürzeler has lost key players including Welbeck and Van Hecke with Brighton needing squad depth to cope with the demands of European football

Guardian writers’ predicted position: 9th (NB: this is not necessarily John Brewin’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position: 8th

Continue reading...
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The Athletic Projects Flames Losing Wolf's Backup in Mock NHL Expansion Draft

The NHL may have 32 teams heading into the 2026-27 season, but expansion talk resurfaces every offseason, and the league will inevitably feature 33 or 34 teams one day. Recently, The Athletic launched a series that produced a mock Expansion Draft for a fictional 33rd team, based on the 2026-27 rosters. 

Considering how deep the Calgary Flames are in their rebuild, the writers opted not to select any players from the club, with many under 25. Instead, they selected goalie Devin Cooley, who just became Dustin Wolf's backup last year. The 29-year-old from California compiled a 10-10-6 record in 31 games, producing a 2.69 GAA and .909 SV%. In 2023-24, Cooley made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks, going 2-3-1 in just six games. 

Revisiting Cooley's Path to the NHL

Before earning a full-time backup role with the Flames last season, Cooley played parts of five seasons in the AHL, appearing in 112 games and posting a 53-41-13 record with a respectable .902 SV% and 3.07 GAA. Moreover, he has built a professional hockey career with stops in the USHL, the ECHL, and with Team USA at the recent World Championships. 

Calgary General Manager Craig Conroy signed Cooley to an extension on Dec. 30, 2025, giving him another two years at $2.7 million, the biggest deal of his career. 

After taking the long route to a regular NHL job, if Cooley ended up with the fictional 33rd NHL team The Athletic drafted, he'd be hard-pressed to find a spot in a stacked crease. The writers took five goalies in their mock draft, including Filip Gustavsson (Minnesota), Sebastian Cossa (Utah), Leevi Merilainen (Ottawa), Artur Akhyuamov (Toronto), and Cooley. 

Flames Recent History with Expansion Drafts

Because of the rules regarding the protection lists in Expansion Drafts, The Athletic decided to go with the 7-3-1 model, letting the Flames keep Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Backlund, Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, Joel Farabee, Morgan Frost, Yegor Sharangovich, Zach Whitecloud, Kevin Bahl, Brayden Pachal, and Wolf. 

When the Seattle Kraken joined the NHL in 2021, the Flames protected several superstar names, all of which have since departed the organization except Backlund. Calgary's last protected list also included Dillon Dube, Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk, Rasmus Andersson, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Jacob Markström. In the end, the Kraken selected Mark Giordano, who would go on to become the expansion team's first captain. 

Meanwhile, when the Vegas Golden Knights came into existence in 2017, the Flames' protection list included several names from the 2021 one, including Backlund, Gaudreau, and Monahan, but also featured Sam Bennett, Michael Ferland, Michael Frolik, Curtis Lazar, T.J. Brodie, Dougie Hamilton, Mike Smith, and then-captain Giordano. The Golden Knights selected Deryk Engelland, who helped the expansion team reach the Stanley Cup Final in June 2018.

Although there is no official Expansion Draft on the horizon, it won't stop fans and media from talking about the possibilities, if and when the moment comes to fruition. Given the youth movement in Calgary, it will be a fascinating time for the club, which will need to sort out their no-movement clauses with several of their core players, knowing that whoever they leave unprotected is someone they may have developed from the draft up to the NHL. 

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Canucks AHL-Affiliate Signs Former Penguins Draft Pick To One-Year Contract

A former Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick is making his way to the Abbotsford Canucks. 

23-year-old Isaac Belliveau, who was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, has been signed to a one-year AHL contract by Abbotsford. 

The 6-foot-2, left-shot defenceman has spent the past three seasons split between the AHL and ECHL. He skated for the Wheeling Nailers in 2023–24, putting up 14 goals and 24 assists in 70 games with the Penguins’ ECHL-affiliate. The 2024–25 season saw him play in more of a split, skating in 22 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and 25 with the Nailers. 

After being traded to the Buffalo Sabres in June of 2025 as part of a deal for defenceman Connor Clifton, Belliveau played for the Rochester Americans in the AHL. He skated in 36 games and scored a goal and five assists. 

Belliveau played out his junior hockey career in the QMJHL, spending around two seasons with Rimouski Océanic and nearly three with Gatineau Olympiques. He put up a career-high of 53 points in 62 games with Rimouski during his rookie QMJHL season in 2019–20.  

In 2023, Belliveau signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins, but did not end up playing for the team. After being traded to Buffalo, he did not receive a qualifying offer. 

Sep 25, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Isaac Belliveau (78) moves the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Isaac Belliveau (78) moves the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Nick Swisher relives best Yankees memories at Old-Timers’ Day

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 08: Former New York Yankees Nick Swisher is introduced during the Yankees Old-Timers' Day prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, August 8, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Pensiero/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

It is rare to have an opportunity to relive your glory days the way Yankees legends do at Old-Timers’ Day. As a key member of the 2009 World Series-winning team, Nick Swisher couldn’t ask for more.

Before the Yankees faced the Braves on Saturday, Michael Kay made introductions for all the former players participating in the Old-Timers’ Day game. Swisher, whose spirit and enthusiasm were never dimmed by his retirement, was introduced as “Swishalicious,” the nickname famously coined by former Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, who sadly passed away in May 2026.

Hearing that name brought back a massive wave of memories for the MLB All-Star. Sterling originally used another nickname when Swisher first joined the organization, but it never really sat right with him.

“I remember the first time I met John Sterling,” Swisher commented during an interview after Old-Timers’ Day. “The first home run call when I first showed up was ‘Jolly Ol’ St. Nick.’”

“When I caught him after the game, I said, ‘Hey John, do I look like Santa Claus to you? I am jolly, but I’m not old!’”

The former Yankees first baseman revisited old friends in the dugout, shared many stories of his favorite moments in the league, and discussed the current state of the franchise.

“We just have so much fun. You get right back in the locker room and everybody picks up right where they left off. Coffee starts flowing, the crossword puzzles are out, people are talking shop, it’s just an amazing opportunity to be a part of. ”

Swisher is still deeply involved with the Yankees organization and often provides analysis on what needs to get done to get another shot at a World Series title. You can likely find him either visiting old friends at Yankee Stadium, sharing his takes on YES Network, or spending time with his wife JoAnna and daughters Emme and Sailor.

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Canadiens Have Trade Target To Consider In 6-Foot-4 Defender

The Montreal Canadiens have not been very busy this off-season when it comes to bringing in new talent.

Although this is the case, the Canadiens still have some time to change that before the start of the 2026-27 season.

When looking at the Canadiens' current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another right-shot defenseman to improve their depth. Due to this, one player who could make sense for the Canadiens to bring in is Nashville Predators blueliner Nick Perbix.

If the Canadiens acquired Perbix, they would be adding a 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman who could work well on their bottom pairing. However, he could also be useful to have around when injuries arise during the season. 

Perbix would also be an affordable option for the Canadiens, as he has a reasonable $2.75 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season. Due to this, there would be no risk in the Canadiens bringing him in to improve their blueline depth. 

Perbix appeared in 79 games this past season for the Predators, where he recorded three goals, 13 points, 95 blocks. He also recorded at least 19 points in each of his three previous seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This included during the 2023-24 season when he recorded a career-high 24 points in 77 games. With that, he has shown that he has the potential to provide a little bit of offense from the point. 

Overall, if the Canadiens want to add another right-shot defenseman without needing to give up a lot, a solid blueliner like Perbix could make sense for them.

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Ranking 2026 NBA Christmas games: Where does LeBron vs. Bronny James land?

The biggest date on the NBA calendar, at least in the first half of the season, is undoubtedly Christmas Day.

And on Tuesday, Aug. 11, the league revealed the games that will be played December 25. The league historically preserves its best matchups and rivalries, offering a five-game slate that highlights some of the game’s biggest stars. LeBron James has been a fixture. So have Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokić, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and others.

This time, however, things will be a little different, as James will be playing for his fourth different team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Interestingly, their opponent on Christmas happens to be the team where his son and former teammate, Bronny James, plays.

Here’s a ranking of the 2026 Christmas Day NBA games, from worst to first:

MORE: Ranking NBA opening week national TV games from worst to first

NOTE: All games on ABC and ESPN and all times Eastern.

5. Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors

Game time: 10:30 p.m.

Stephen Curry has been a fixture on Christmas Day, but this feels more like a nod to past performance and what has worked in the past. The Warriors, with their age, injury concerns and lack of offseason additions, may struggle to compete this season in the West. Christmas Day can be an opportunity for the league to introduce casual fans to some of the game’s upcoming stars; think of Victor Wembanyama in 2024 at 20 years old, dropping 42 points at Madison Square Garden in a close loss. This felt like a missed opportunity to pass the torch.

4. Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers

Game time: 5 p.m.

The storyline is there: LeBron James is making his return to Los Angeles and will face off against Luka Dončić and the Lakers, presumably for the first time since he signed with the 76ers. His son, Bronny James may play, which would mark the first time a father and son have been opponents in the same game in NBA history. Yet, though James delivered a championship to Los Angeles, fans never held him in the same regard as franchise icons like Magic or Kobe or Shaquille. It should make for compelling theater but there are better basketball matchups out there.

3. Miami Heat at Boston Celtics

Game time: 2:30 p.m.

This was an excellent Eastern Conference rivalry in the early 2020s that lost its luster after Miami languished in recent seasons. The addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat should revive it. Both these teams are gritty and they’ll have contrasting styles; the Heat will look to push pace in transition, while the Celtics slow things down and launch 3s. They’re also superb on defense. This could end up being a low-scoring game more reminiscent of the early 2000s, but that should be taken as a high compliment.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves

Game time: 8 p.m

The Thunder may very well be the best team in the NBA, when fully healthy. And though they lost some key players like Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Joe, they remain deep and talented. The Timberwolves are intriguing because they took a risk in adding LaMelo Ball to give Anthony Edwards another ball handler and shot creator. The Thunder have been the best defensive team each of the last two seasons. What a way to test this new Minnesota offense.

1. San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks

Game time: 12 p.m.

It’s the early game but make no mistake: this should give us the best basketball. You have Wembanyama going back to the Garden, where fans will surely try to make him uncomfortable. You have a Spurs team that is presumably bothered about the way they closed out the NBA Finals. And you have the newly-crowned Knicks trying to prove that they were no fluke. And, if it happens to go down to the wire, expect fireworks because this Knicks team has shown it is no stranger to a good comeback.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking 2026 NBA Christmas games: Where does LeBron vs. Bronny James land?

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Canadiens Goalie Named Among NHL's Top Breakout Candidates

One of the Montreal Canadiens' most promising youngsters has received a big shout-out.

This is because TheHockeyNews.com has named Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler as one of the NHL's top goalie breakout candidates to watch for the 2026-27 season.

There is no question that Fowler has the potential to have a big year for the Canadiens next season. The 21-year-old goalie has big upside and has already shown a lot of promise early on in his NHL career.

Fowler proved that he was NHL-ready during the 2025-26 season, posting a 9-6-2 record, a 2.43 goals-against average, and a .908 save percentage in 17 appearances. Overall, he had a strong start to his NHL career.

Now, the Canadiens will be hoping that the 2023 third-round pick continues to head into the right direction this upcoming season. If he can put together a big breakout year and form a top-of-the-line tandem with Jakub Dobes, it would be massive for a Canadiens club that is looking to be among the NHL's best teams in 2026-27. 

It will be very interesting to see what Fowler can do as an encore this campaign. The young goalie has a plethora of potential.

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Bruises and Baskets: Building the Knicks’ Power Forward Mt. Rushmore

NEW YORK CITY - MARCH 26: Charles Oalkey #34 of the New York Knicks talks with a referee during a game played on March 26, 1997 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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 1997 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After carving out Mt. Rushmores for the floor generals and bucket-getters, it is time to move into the paint. The point guards gave the Knicks flash, tempo, and leadership. At the same time, the shooting guards and small forwards provided sheer scoring. However, if you truly want to understand New York Basketball’s DNA, you must look down low. It all starts with the power forward.

To put it simply, the small forwards gave New York the baskets, but the power forwards dished out the bruises.

As Knicks fans, we have grown accustomed to our bigs playing like bouncers at the MSG doors. If your blood isn’t blue and orange and you’re unwilling to dive headfirst into the hardwood or take a few borderline-flagrant fouls for the franchise, you do not belong. The 4-spot in Knicks history is a blend of legendary enforcers, championship glue guys, and offensive engines that pulled the organization out of the mud.

Leaving a few beloved fan favorites off the rock was tough. However, if we are talking about sustained greatness, hardware, and impact, these four names stand all on their own.

Harry “The Horse” Gallatin

To truly understand Knicks history, we have to respect those who poured the foundation. Long before Charles Oakley was throwing elbows, there was Harry Gallatin. “The Horse” was New York’s original iron man, playing 610 consecutive games through the grit and grind of 50s basketball.

A certified Hall of Famer, Gallatin was a seven-time All-Star as a Knick and earned an All-NBA First Team selection in 1954. An absolute terror on the glass, he set a franchise record with 33 rebounds in a single game against the Fort Wayne Pistons. Though he now shares the accolade with Willis Reed, the record still holds today.

The original blueprint for a tough, blue-collar big man, Gallatin proved you could dominate the paint with sheer willpower, a relentless motor, and refusing to be outworked by anyone. In building a mountain representing what it means to play power forward in New York, we have to start with the individual who defined the position. Without “The Horse” laying down the law in the 50s, there is no Oakley of the 90s. A true pioneer, Henry Gallatin deserves a place on our Rushmore.

Dave DeBusschere

The story of New York’s two 70s championships cannot be told without discussing Dave DeBusschere. When Red Holzman and the Knicks front office acquired him for Walt Bellamy during the 1968-69 season, they were receiving the missing piece. That single transaction transformed the team from a fun and highly competitive group to a legendary one that would ingrain itself into the NBA’s history book.

The hardware speaks for itself. During his time in New York, DeBusschere was a six-time All-Star and made the All-Defensive First Team for six consecutive years. Oh, and of course there were the two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973.

The ultimate glue guy, DeBusschere executed his role on a superstar level. Every game, Holzman tasked him with guarding the opposition’s best frontcourt player. Whether it was battling Elvin Hayes or Wilt Chamberlain, he absorbed physical punishment so Willis Reed didn’t have to. He grabbed heavily contested rebounds, sparked fast-break opportunities, and confidently knocked down open jumpers. A rugged player with a high basketball IQ, DeBusschere was an absolute winner and is the anchor of this mountain. If you try to argue against it, you are just flat-out wrong.

Charles Oakley

For a decade, Charles Oakley provided pure terror in the paint. Not only a player for New York in the 90s, but he was also the Knicks’ bodyguard. Under Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy, Oakley became the physical embodiment of an era that defined a generation of fans.

Statistics back up the intimidation. Pulling down over 12,000 career rebounds, he earned one All-Star appearance in ’94 and was also named to the All-Defensive First Team. An absolute machine that never took a night off, Oakley demonstrated his durability during that ’94 Finals run, starting in all 82 regular-season games and a record-setting 25 playoff games.

His silky-smooth midrange jumper from the baseline will also have a place in our memories, but Oakley’s real legacy lived in his ability to play enforcer. If you planned on driving the lane, you had to prepare to pay a steep price. He consistently had his teammates’ backs through every brawl, hard foul, and intense series against the Bulls, Heat, and Pacers. When you picture a Knicks power forward, you picture #34 as the team’s beating heart, ripping down rebounds in traffic.

Julius Randle

This is where I start getting yelled at.

Julius Randle is undeniably a polarizing figure in Knicks basketball. But we have to take a step back for a second and recognize what he actually accomplished in New York. Before Jalen Brunson ascended to basketball immortality and provided us with our modern championship window, Randle pulled the franchise out of a two-decade joke.

The resume is quite staggering. Consistently providing 20-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist production, he made multiple All-NBA and All-Star selections while also winning the 2020-21 Most Improved Player award. Think about the dark ages of the 2010’s filled with characters such as Alexey Shved and Lou Amundson. Randle put the entire city on his back and took the Knicks out of that disaster, breaking the 7-year playoff drought and bringing New York back to relevancy.

Yes, the body language was frustrating when things didn’t go his way. Yes, the playoff shooting slumps were infuriating. But you cannot deny Randle’s talent and the heavy lifting he did for this franchise. He arrived in New York when the organization was a complete laughingstock and built a culture of accountability, toughness, and winning. Whether you like it or not, Julius Randle helped get this new championship era in motion and deserves a spot on our Power Forward Mt. Rushmore.

So there it is. The official Knicks Power Forward Mt. Rushmore includes the pioneer in Gallatin, the champion in DeBusschere, the enforcer in Oakley, and the catalyst in Randle. It is a perfectly balanced representation of what it means to play the 4-spot in New York City.

Now it’s your turn. To me, Gallatin, DeBusschere, and Oakley are complete locks. But how off-base was I including Randle on the rock? Let me know who makes your top four in the comments below.

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NBA Opening Night Predictions, Odds & Picks: Knicks Edge LeBron & Co. on Banner Night

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The NBA has announced its Opening Night schedule, and it did not disappoint. 

LeBron James makes his Philadelphia 76ers debut on ring night at Madison Square Garden, while several other marquee matchups round out a loaded three-game slate in my early NBA picks for Tuesday, Oct. 20.

NBA Opening Night predictions

PickDraftKings
Celtics Celtics +2.5 (-115)-115
Knicks Knicks -4.5 (-110)-110
Spurs Spurs -1.5 (-110)-110

The Celtics begin a new era led by Jayson Tatum. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James make their 76ers debuts, the Knicks raise their championship banner, and the nightcap features the two teams with the shortest NBA Finals odds. 

How's that for an opening night?

Celtics vs Pistons (3 p.m. ET, NBC)

Celtics vs Pistons opening odds

Celtics CelticsPistons Pistons
+105Moneyline-125
+2.5 (-115)Spread-2.5
Over 222.5 (-115)TotalUnder 222.5 (-105)

Celtics vs Pistons early pick: Celtics +2.5

em-115 at DraftKings/em

I'll gladly take the Boston Celtics as an underdog against the Detroit Pistons. The Jaylen Brown-for-Paul George trade raised eyebrows, but this matchup shows its value.

George gives Boston another versatile perimeter defender who can switch onto Cade Cunningham and hold his own, even if Detroit uses actions to get Derrick White off Cunningham. 

76ers vs Knicks (7 p.m. ET, NBC)

76ers vs Knicks opening odds

76ers 76ersKnicks Knicks
+145Moneyline-175
+4.5 (-110)Spread-4.5
Over 230.5 (-105)TotalUnder 230.5 (-115)

76ers vs Knicks early pick: Knicks -4.5

em-110 at DraftKings/em

The Philadelphia 76ers are stacked and rightfully among the favorites to win it all, but I'm not backing them on opening night. 

Too many high-usage players need to mesh, while the New York Knicks bring continuity and familiarity — which is exactly what helped them win the title.

Thunder vs Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET, NBC)

Thunder vs Spurs opening odds

Thunder ThunderSpurs Spurs
+100Moneyline-120
+1.5 (-110)Spread-1.5 (-110)
Over 230.5 (-110)TotalUnder 230.5 (-110)

Thunder vs Spurs early pick: Spurs -1.5

em-110 at DraftKings/em

The San Antonio Spurs are a brutal matchup for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and nothing this offseason changed my mind. 

If anything, San Antonio widened the gap by adding Tobias Harris for depth, while Oklahoma City had to sacrifice key role players like Isaiah Joe, Lu Dort, and Aaron Wiggins to create cap space.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Former Red Wings Defenseman Raises Possibility Of Dylan Larkin Starting Season In Detroit

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It's been over two months since the trade request of Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was made public by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman. 

Larkin's trade request was confirmed by now-former GM Steve Yzerman in late June following the 2026 NHL Draft; Yzerman said Larkin's agent requested the trade shortly after the season ended, and he made it clear that there was no guarantee the request would be granted. 

Since then, the Red Wings not only experienced a major leadership transition with Yzerman vacating his role, but they also lost UFA forward Patrick Kane, who chose to return to the Chicago Blackhawks. 

In the meantime, whoever takes over Detroit's GM position will have to deal with the pressing Larkin situation. 

Former Red Wings defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo, now an NHL insider for TSN, believes a deal between Detroit and the Florida Panthers would have already materialized if one were going to happen, given that Florida was reportedly on the very short list of teams Larkin would accept a trade to.

“We're halfway through the month of August. If this deal was going to get done, it would be done by now," he said this week on First Up on TSN Radio 1050. "What Detroit wants and needs is someone to replace Dylan Larkin if they were to trade Dylan Larkin. And you look at his list of teams he’d be willing to go to, unless Florida’s like, 'Yeah, we’ll give you Anton Lundell and this and that', then maybe. But we know Florida wasn’t willing to do that at the time, which makes sense now considering some of the other moves they’ve made.”

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Colaiacovo concluded by acknowledging the growing possibility that Larkin could begin the season in Detroit while also pointing to an obvious obstacle to trading him: the Red Wings are currently searching for Steve Yzerman’s successor.

Red Wings' Offseason Stuck In Neutral As Big Questions Remain UnansweredRed Wings' Offseason Stuck In Neutral As Big Questions Remain UnansweredThe Detroit Red Wings have made headlines more than once this offseason, but they remain in limbo amidst their leadership transition.

"Yeah, Larkin's probably going to have to start in Detroit," he said. "They also don't have a GM right now, which is another problem in trying to trade him." 

Colaiacovo, a 470-game NHL veteran, spent the 2012-13 season with the Red Wings after signing a two-year deal in September 2012. Injuries limited him to six games during the lockout-shortened regular season, though he appeared in nine playoff games. Detroit then bought out the final year of his contract.

The Red Wings are set to open Training Camp in Detroit on September 17, followed by their first preseason game on September 21 in Columbus against the Blue Jackets.

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Top seven NBA free agents still available: Where things stand with Peyton Watson, Jonathan Kuminga, more

We have reached the summer doldrums in the NBA — there is no wind filling the sails of teams pushing them toward completing. Put another way: There is no immediate deadline.

For restricted free agents, the real pressure comes when training camps start at the end of September, that's when teams and players have to have a deal. Teams also look at the remaining free agents out there and think, "Why do I have to commit to a deal now? Let's see what the market looks like closer to the start of camp." So we wait. Here is where things stand with the nine biggest-name free agents on the board.

1) Jalen Duran (restricted)

Jalen Duren's situation remains unchanged. He is the best free agent on the board — an All-NBA and All-Star player last season who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while playing elite defense in the paint — but he and the Pistons remain well apart on a contract extension.

The Pistons are not considering sign-and-trade options, something league sources have told NBC Sports all offseason. ESPN's Anthony Slater echoed that sentiment on the Hoop Collective Podcast: "Detroit has nixed that idea completely."

The question now is money. After a rough playoffs, Duren cost himself money. Detroit reportedly opened with an offer in the mid-$30 million-a-year range (maybe something like five years, $180 million), while Duren is looking for something closer to the same deal Victor Wembanyama just signed (five years, $251 million, a $50 million a year average). Right now, there is little pressure for either side to compromise, but as we move into mid- and late-September, that changes.

Duren can play for the $9.5 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, but that is a massive risk, leaving maybe a couple hundred million dollars on the table.

2) James Harden

Harden opted out of his $42.3 million player option to give the Cavaliers more cap flexibility to upgrade the roster, or more specifically, chase LeBron James. That didn't exactly work out. Now the two sides will eventually come to a deal that sees Harden take a haircut next season but get a longer-term deal worth more total money.

The Cavaliers are currently $35.5 million below the second apron with 13 roster spots filled. Harden will make 14, but again there is no rush as the Cavaliers have poked around a sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga — or just outright signing him for the taxpayer midlevel exception of $6.1 million — which would impact what Cleveland can offer Harden. (Cleveland also was tied at points to a Peyton Watson sign-and-trade but that seems to have cooled down.)

So this is dragging out, with no real pressure to get a deal done.

3) Peyton Watson (restricted)

Denver is stuck, in part because they paid Christian Braun five years, $125 million last summer, then matched the Spencer Jones offer sheet from Oklahoma City. The real issue is that Braun didn't live up to his new deal last season, Watson stepped in and outplayed him, and is now looking for a contract in the same ballpark. Watson earned that, but the Nuggets are currently the only team in the league over the second apron — with an ownership group not known for paying that level of tax — and giving Watson a similar deal would lead to a massive tax bill.

Which is why a sign-and-trade of Watson may be the final outcome, and Denver is open to it. Atlanta, Cleveland, Milwaukee and the LA Clippers are the teams that have reportedly expressed interest. However, the Hawks and Cavaliers have cooled of late because of the asking price (both from Watson and the Nuggets), reports Brett Siegel at ClutchPoints.. The Bucks are hesitant to throw in a first-round pick to get the deal done, reports Eric Nehm of The Athletic. Complicating matters is the second apron. With the Nuggets currently over that line they are limited in what they can take back (it has to be less salary, players can't be aggregated and more). The Clippers reportedly want to offer Derrick Jones Jr. to Denver in a trade, but the apron makes that very difficult.

It's possible Denver just signs Watson, but that means it will have found a trade partner to take on Braun and his contract, or Cameron Johnson and his larger $23.1 million contract.

4) Jonathan Kuminga

Didn't we just do this extended free agency with Jonathan Kuminga last summer?

Atlanta didn't pick up the $23.4 million team option on Kuminga, and he originally was hoping to make in that ballpark again with a new team, but that's not happening. He's going to make considerably less, very possibly on a short-term deal where he will have to prove his worth — not just as a scorer, but as a guy who can fit into a team system and play a role. That was at the core of his clashes with Steve Kerr in Golden State.

Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers have been regularly mentioned as the primary suitors for Kuminga, but neither is offering near what Kuminga wants per year in a new deal, and any sign-and-trade contract has to be for at least three years under the CBA. Which is why Kuminga taking less — maybe the $6.1 million taxpayer mid-level exception from Cleveland — to get a shorter deal that gets him back on the market more quickly might be the answer. Kuminga's athleticism, defense and scoring would help the Lakers or Cavaliers — as long as he played a role.

It feels like next summer, or the one after, we could be right back here with Kuminga.

5) DeMar DeRozan

This is one of those veteran signings that likely happens closer to the start of training camp. There is no urgency now, as teams will choose to keep their options open and not commit until they have to.

Miami and DeRozan have mutual interest, according to multiple reports. Cleveland has been mentioned as another landing spot, as have Denver and Washington. Other teams could jump in the mix close to the start of camp. DeRozan, 36, can help a team off the bench, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per game in Sacramento last season.

6) Bennedict Mathurin (restricted)

Mathurin and the Clippers remain apart on a contract, but a lot of things feel up in the air with the Clippers right now as everyone waits for the Aspiration/Kawhi Leonard investigation to take a next step (and the Leonard trade to Toronto to go through). LA wants to re-sign Mathurin, who averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in the 26 games he played for them last season after coming over in the Ivica Zubac trade.

The Clippers are open to a sign-and-trade. Detroit called and talked to the Clippers, but that is now dead, reports Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. New Orleans is known to have called. The Clippers would be open to a deal with the Bulls (Isaac Okoro and some second-round picks, Siegel reports), but those talks also seem cold.

Mathurin may just re-sign with the Clippers, the question is the money and years. Mathurin could play for his $8.8 million qualifying offer and become a free agent next offseason, but he'd be leaving money on the table and teams want to pay him. Eventually. This is likely wrapped up closer to training camp.

7) Russell Westbrook

Does Westbrook get signed before the start of training camp? Or is this a case where a team goes into camp and realizes it needs point guard depth (or gets hit with an injury) and reaches out to the future Hall of Famer?

Wherever he lands, Westbrook very likely would be asked to come off the bench (something he did not do in Sacramento a year ago) and play for the minimum, but if he's willing to do that, there will be teams calling. Eventually. Last season with the Kings, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game, although he is not efficient, is inconsistent and is limited defensively.

The Kings would be open to a reunion, reports ESPN’s Anthony Slater, but rookie Darius Acuff will be the starter in Sacramento and Westbrook would be his backup and play more of a mentor role.