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NBA’s Last Two Minute Report for Lakers-Magic was a mess

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game on March 21, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Considering that the Lakers beat the Magic in a dramatic game, the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report was destined to be the center of attention the following day.

Well, the results are in and their findings leave a lot to be desired.

For starters, there was a lot of heat brought on Deandre Ayton. He had three calls that the league claims they missed that would’ve negatively impacted the Lakers.

According to the NBA, he should’ve been called for a three-second violation on two separate occasions and a foul call on Tristan da Silva in the final seconds of the game shouldn’t have been awarded. That foul led to two free throws for Ayton, who unsuccessfully attempted to recreate Austin Reaves’ intentional missed free throw heroics.

However, the biggest question for most was going to be the ruling of Paolo Banchero’s foul on LeBron James’ game-tying layup attempt.

Well, they claim it wasn’t even a foul, stating he made initial hand-on-ball contact first and that any incidental contact occurred after the block.

The video they shared doesn’t exactly give a great look to agree with them, and regardless, Paolo slapped LeBron’s entire arm, so it’s hard to understand how even the day after that’s still not a foul.

This isn’t the first time the Lakers have received confusing officiating information.

Earlier this season, the NBA clarified that it’s not a goaltend if a player extends their entire hand through the net while a shot is being taken.

The only good news the Lakers got from this Last Two Minute Report is that LeBron didn’t touch the ball last on a late out-of-bounds play.

The NBA even brought out the Hawk-Eye camera during the initial challenge, which seems to be the LeBron Cam since it’s been used on him a couple of times now during key reviews. While the decision went against LeBron last year in the Lakers-Wolves playoff series, he was on the right side this time.

The NBA’s attempt to aim for transparency and accountability with these reports is a good thing, but there has to be a better way.

Not only does this report fail to change results, but it also leads to a confusing rationale for calls that still feel missed even after extended reviews.

It’s hard to see the point of this if teams on both sides will still be upset and unsatisfied with the ruling and reviews after the fact, even after the NBA has tried to clarify things.

The only solace Lakers fans have is that they still ultimately won the game, so it’s best to read the report, shake your head and move on.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Five Years Later, Tim Stützle Still Puzzled By Senators' Decision To Let Michael Amadio Get Away

To say that Ottawa Senators winger Michael Amadio has been a model of consistency in his NHL career would be a major understatement. As an example, Amadio has posted exactly 27 points in each of the past three seasons.

But this year is now officially a career year.

Just a few weeks shy of his 30th birthday, Amadio marked the occasion early by hitting the 30-point plateau and scoring a huge third-period goal in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sens winger Tim Stutzle is a member of the Michael Amadio fan club and wonders why the team ever let him get away.

Amadio is in year two of a three-year contract with the Senators, and for a player who can be trusted in all situations, his $2.6 million salary is outrageously team-friendly.

Tim Stützle is among his admirers. When asked about him, Stützle quickly recalled Amadio's first go-around in Ottawa near the end of the 2020–21 season. The Senators acquired him from Los Angeles for defenceman Christian Wolanin almost exactly five years ago (March 29), when Stützle was closing out his rookie season.

“Nothing against the (former) management, but (Amadio) was a pretty good player, and we traded him away," Stutzle told the media.

“I was able to play on his line when he came in. We actually had a really good game, and then the next day he was traded. So I was really excited for him coming back (in 2024).

“And he's really underrated. In my opinion, he has one of the best sticks in the league, killing penalties, too... playing in every situation. I think just the space he creates for his teammates, it’s been awesome to see, and I think that line has been going really well.”

Amadio was Nick Paul's junior teammate for three seasons as they helped lead the Brampton/North Bay Battalion, and he's brought the same kind of no-frills reliability that Paul had here in his last couple of years before Ottawa shipped him to Tampa Bay.

Coaches love reliability.

It’s often said the very best way to know what a head coach thinks of a player is not to directly ask him, but to check his ice time. As the Senators took down the New York Islanders in a crucial 3-2 win on Thursday night, the Sault Ste. Marie native led all Senators forwards with 20:13.

But just to be on the safe side, the Ottawa media directly asked Travis Green what he thinks about Amadio.

“Yeah, Ammo’s one of those players. He just quietly brings a good game a lot of nights. He’s very smart. He’s got a real good stick, he can intercept passes well, and he’s got good hockey sense.

“He’s a nice player for us to have for sure.”

Amadio wasn't actually traded away by the Sens in 2021, so it didn't go down exactly as Stutzle described. Former GM Pierre Dorion just opted not to qualify him that summer, and Amadio eventually signed with the Leafs.

Toronto placed him on waivers in the first month, when he was snapped up by Vegas, where he eventually won a Stanley Cup in 2023. The following year, Ottawa signed him to the biggest deal of his career, a three-year pact worth $7.8 million.

Five years ago, under previous management, it's safe to say the Senators didn't know what they had. But today, in their fierce battle for a playoff spot, they'll take all the Ammo they can get. 

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

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Ducks Sign Herman Träff to Entry-Level Contract

The Ducks have signed Herman Träff, the prospect to a three-year entry level contract beginning in 2026-27. Träff will join the San Diego Gulls in the AHL for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Träff was acquired by the Ducks last season when they sent Brian Dumoulin to the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline. Playing for HV71 in the SHL at the time, Träff finished out the 2024-25 season with HV71 before signing a one-year deal with Oskarshamn in the HockeyAllsvenskan this past summer.

“I just feel like I’m gonna be at the place now (where I need to) play much, get more ice time and do my thing,” Träff said at Ducks development camp this past July. “I think it’s going to be good, in Oskarshamn, to do that. We will see. It feels good, and I’m ready for it.”

“He’s a big kid who has some nice skill,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said of Träff in his 2025 post-trade deadline conference call. “He has hockey sense. He plays with an edge and he’s a big kid. And I like that. He’s got an aggressive attitude when it comes to his physical game. Another piece that we can kind of look at to add to this team in the future.”

With Oskarshamn, Träff was able to utilize his shot more than he had before, becoming a power play weapon on the left flank and reaching the 20-goal mark for the first time in his juniors career.

Träff describes himself as a power forward who likes to shoot the puck and throw the body around. At 6-foot-3, he can certainly use his size to his advantage. The next step in his development, Träff says, is to be more direct when attacking.

“Sometimes, I can circle around (the offensive zone) a bit (too) much. I know the hockey they play here (in North America), it’s more against the net.”

The AHL is just the right place to hone in on that, with the style of play often being chaotic and resulting in several goalmouth scrambles every game. It will likely be a couple of seasons in the minors for Träff before he's ready to make the transition to the NHL, but his development path looks promising.

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Kings Vs Mammoth Game Preview: Kings Playoff Hopes Are In Danger

The Kings are on the second game of their back-to-back; they dropped their first game to the Buffalo Sabres 4-1. The Kings scored the first goal halfway through the first period, but after that, it was all Buffalo, as they scored 4 unanswered goals. The Kings have fallen out of a playoff spot, and with the Predators winning today, they are once again 3 points out. The Mammoth are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, so they will be looking to bounce back. 

Projected Kings Lines

Here are the projected lines for the Kings tonight: 

Artemi Panarin - Anze Kopitar - Adrian Kempe

Trevor Moore - Quinton Byfield - Alex Laferriere

Alex Turcotte - Scott Laughton - Joel Armia

Jeff Malott - Samuel Helenius - Mathieu Joseph

Mikey Anderson - Drew Doughty

Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke

Brian Dumoulin - Cody Ceci

Darcy Kuemper

Anton Forsberg

Projected Mammoth Lines

Here are the projected lines for the Mammoth tonight: 

Clayton Keller - Nick Schmaltz - Lawson Crouse

JJ Peterka - Logan Cooley - Dylan Guenther

Jack McBain - Barrett Hayton - Michael Carcone

Alexander Kerfoot - Kevin Stenlund - Kailer Yamamoto

Mikhail Sergachev - MacKenzie Weegar

Nate Schmidt - John Marino

Ian Cole - Sean Durzi

Karel Vejmelka

Vitek Vanecek

Injuries and Line Changes 

The Kings did not have a morning skate since they played yesterday. The Kings have scratched Jacob Moverare, Taylor Ward, Jared Wright and are still without Andrei Kuzmenko due to injury. The Mammoth are dressing the same 18 skaters they used in the loss against the Anaheim Ducks. 

Key Factors 

The Kings are in must-win mode, with only 13 games left this season. With them currently 3 points back, they need to make up ground, and this game is a great time to start. The Kings need to protect the lead when they have it and stay in the driver's seat. 

The Kings have also allowed 9 goals in their last 3 games, and that needs to change. This team has been solid defensively throughout the season, and they need to get back to that. As with Panarin, the offence has been better, but the Kings need to play better defensively. 

The Kings are likely to start Darcy Kuemper, and the Mammoth are likely to start Karel Vejmelka, so the goaltending matchup is a big one in tonight's matchup. The Kings have been relying on the Panarin-Kempe duo, and while that has been working well, the depth forwards have to start producing for the Kings. 

If the Kings can play stronger defence and get that depth scoring, they can capitalize on more mistakes, and with the Mammoth being a younger team, the Kings can use that to their advantage.

Overall, the Kings need to win this game to stay within a point of the last wildcard spot. My prediction for tonight's matchup is a 3-1 Kings win. 

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Cubs 12, Brewers 0: Cade Horton is ready for the season

Cubs right-hander Cade Horton, who shapes up to be the No. 2 starter after Matthew Boyd begins the season, had an excellent six-inning outing against the Brewers Sunday at Sloan Park.

Okay, so it was against a team of Brewers minor leaguers, as all the MLB Brewers had departed for Milwaukee Sunday, as they have exhibition games there against the Reds Monday and Tuesday.

Still, Horton was again dominant and the Cubs smashed the Double-A and Triple-A Brewers 12-0.

Horton threw 68 pitches (48 strikes). Here’s more on Horton’s outing [VIDEO].

As for the Cubs offense, most of the regulars played the first few innings of the game and hit those minor-league Brewers well.

Here’s an RBI double by Moisés Ballesteros in the second [VIDEO].

Ballesteros later doubled again. He’s a hitting machine, perfect for the DH role he’ll embody this year.

In the third, Alex Bregman homered [VIDEO].

Ian Happ followed that with a solo homer of his own [VIDEO].

Nico Hoerner had a pair of hits, including a two-run double. Dansby Swanson also drove in a pair.

So, yes, against minor leaguers. Still, it has to be good for these hitters to get into a rhythm before Opening Day on Thursday. After today the Cubs don’t face the Brewers until May 18.

Ben Brown threw two scoreless innings of relief, and was touching 97-98 consistently. I think this will be an excellent role for him this year, and it appears he’s going to make the Opening Day roster and serve in that precise role.

Attendance watch: 14,375 paid on another hot (96 degrees) day at Sloan Park. That pushes the season total over 200,000, at 202,927 for 16 dates. That’s an average of 12,683 per date. (This does not include the Spring Breakout game.)

One more note, ICYMI:

No surprises here. Jonathon Long might have had a shot at the Opening Day roster, but the injury he suffered early in camp set him back too far. I’m thinking he’ll get some chances in the big leagues later this year.

The Cubs will wrap Spring Training 2026 with two exhibition games against the Yankees at Sloan Park. Monday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. CT, Shōta Imanaga will face Carlos Lagrange. No TV Monday, there will be radio broadcasts on both WSCR The Score and the Yankees flagship WFAN 660.

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Forsberg Propels Nashville Predators Past Blackhawks In Overtime | Recap

Filip Forsberg netted his third game-winning goal of the season in the Nashville Predators' 3-2 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday at the United Center. 

The Predators are riding their longest winning streak of the season at four games, rattling off wins over Winnipeg, Seattle, Vegas and Chicago. 

Nashville now has a two-game lead on the Los Angeles Kings for the Wild Card 2 spot. with 75 points. Even if the Kings defeat the Mammoth on Sunday, they will still be a point behind the Predators. 

On the goal, Forsberg shoved Andre Burakovsky off the puck behind the Chicago net and pulled around front. From the right side of Spencer Knight, Forsberg beat him on the left corner for the win. 

It's Forsberg's 32nd goal of the season, nine points in four games. He finished with three points (two goals and an assist) against the Blackhawks. 

Juuse Saros returned to the lineup after missing the past two games with an upper-body injury. He made 26 saves on 28 shots for his 25th win of the season. 

The first period was scoreless before Nick Lardis put the Blackhawks ahead early in the second. 

Nashville responded off Forsberg's first goal of the game. He got a feed from Jonathan Marchessault into the slot and Forsberg on a snap shot. Marchessault's assist was his third point in three games. 

Connor Bedard gave the Blackhawks the lead back in the second period off his 29th goal of the season. 

Steven Stamkos tied the game in the third period, redirecting a feed from Forsberg into the net. Stamkos now has five points in the last three games. 

The Predators head back home on Tuesday to take on the San Jose Sharks, who trail Nashville by five points in the standings. 

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Dodgers on Deck: Monday, March 23 vs. Angels

Los Angeles, CA - October 27: Relief pitcher Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning of game 3 of a World Series baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday, October 27, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

After one game in Anaheim, the Freeway Series shifts to Dodger Stadium with the Dodgers hosting the Angels for the first of two games in Los Angeles.

Roki Sasaki makes his final exhibition start, trying to land the plane after a very turbulent spring training. Sasaki starting this middle game of the Freeway Series lines him up to start the second series of the regular season, against the Guardians.

Left-hander Reid Detmers starts Monday for the Angels.

Monday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers at Angels
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Time: 6:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA, FanDuel Sports Network West (Angels)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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The Spurs should earn multiple end-of-season awards

SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 21: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after basket against Indiana Pacers in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 21, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, head coach Mitch Johnson had high praise for Keldon Johnson, who led the team with 24 points.

“We are a team with an MVP candidate, multiple All-Stars, multiple All-Defensive NBA candidates, and every single one of our players has said he’s the heart and soul of our team,” Johnson said. “For the team that he is on and the circumstances that I just laid out, with the record that we have, I would find it very hard-pressed to find a better candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.”

KJ is just one of the many members of the team who should be considered for end-of-season accolades. Victor Wembanyama could be the MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Castle could join him on the All-Defensive team, Dylan Harper should be in the running for an All-Rookie team, and Johnson himself is in the running for Coach of the Year.

SB Nation polled readers this week on who should win some of the NBA’s most important awards.

The most interesting finding was that Wembanyama was the favorite to win MVP based on the poll. Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3 blocks while shooting 50.4% from the field, 35.6% from three, and 81.8% from the free throw line. Wembanyama’s offensive numbers don’t quite stack up with other MVP contenders like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, but his defensive impact is immeasurable. There is no perfect defensive stat, but Wembanyama leads the league in individual defensive rating per 100 possessions at 102. The Spurs have a 106.9 defensive rating when he’s on the court and a 117 rating when he’s off. Teams have to change their entire offensive strategy to account for Wembanyama’s presence.

Wembanyama would be the first MVP to average under 25 points per game since Steve Nash in 2005-06. If he gets the votes, his all-around defensive dominance and team success will be leading factors for voters.

The poll also displayed what could be the tightest race for end-of-season awards. Johnson and Detroit Pistons’ head coach JB Bickerstaff are neck-and-neck for Coach of the Year. Both coaches have similar candidacies. They took good young teams to another level, overcoming preseason expectations to establish them as championship contenders. Both teams have two All-Stars in Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Cade Cunningham, and Jalen Duren, and similar talent to build out their rosters.

Currently, the Spurs hold a better record than Detroit at 53-18, while the Pistons are 51-19. San Antonio also swept the season series, going 2-0 against the Pistons. You could argue that those factors give Johnson the edge. Bickerstaff is more likely to win his conference, with the Boston Celtics 4 games back in second place, and the Spurs still 3 games back, chasing the Oklahoma City Thunder for best in the West. As the poll indicates, it’s tough to decide who will win the honors when the season ends.

San Antonio has one of the best records in the NBA, so it makes sense that they will be top of mind for end-of-season award voters. There is a real chance the Spurs could take home serious individual hardware before they make their push for the biggest award of them all: the Larry O’Brien trophy.

To see the betting odds for the awards, use this link: https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nba

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Brewers get thrashed in final spring training game, lose to Cubs 12-0

MLB: San Diego Padres at Milwaukee Brewers

Box Score

The Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up their Cactus League slate in Mesa, Arizona on Sunday afternoon, as they took a rough 12-0 loss at the hands of the Chicago Cubs.

Is this a worrying loss? Perhaps even less than other spring training games, which are already of very little concern. In this one, the Brewers had just about none of their regulars, as the major league squad is traveling back to Milwaukee for a pair of exhibitions against the Reds on Monday and Tuesday.

In fact, outside of starting pitcher Chad Patrick (27 career appearances), the only other players on the travel roster for Sunday with MLB experience were reliever Peter Strzelecki (77 appearances) and outfielder Jacob Hurtubise (83 career plate appearances over 41 games). Oh, and most of Milwaukee’s star prospects are over at Hohokam Stadium playing in the Spring Breakout game against the A’s, so we’re really talking about digging deep in the minors for today’s roster.

On the other side, the Cubs rolled with most of their everyday players, including Michael Busch, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Carson Kelly, Moisés Ballestreros, Dansby Swanson, and Matt Shaw. Cade Horton also started on the mound.

So, rather than put you through the misery of going through a sad 12-0 loss to Milwaukee’s biggest rival, I’ll just give you a peek at a few key stat lines.

Patrick did not have a great game, as he went four innings, allowing seven runs on six hits and a pair of walks with four strikeouts to finish his spring with an 11.68 ERA. Concerned? Again, no. Strzelecki allowed two runs in 1 2/3 innings, and Garrett Hodges, Tanner Gillis, and Stiven Cruz also pitched in this one.

Offensively, six players finished with a hit today, including Dylan O’Rae, Jeferson Quero, David García, Mike Boeve, Eric Brown Jr., and Hurtubise. The only one of those of the extra-base variety was a double by Brown. Hurtubise and O’Rae both swiped a bag, while the offense as a whole went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Perhaps the coolest thing about this game was Prince Fielder’s son, Jadyn, entered the game late as a pinch-hitter for Marco Dinges. The 21-year-old second baseman struck out in his only at-bat.

The Brewers have the aforementioned exhibitions against the Reds on deck, as they’ll welcome them to American Family Field in Milwaukee for games on Monday and Tuesday. Then, it’s time for Opening Day, as the White Sox come to town beginning Thursday. Aaron Ashby will start in Monday’s game against Cincinnati, with Brady Singer starting for the Reds. First pitch in that one is at 6:40 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on 94.5 ESPN Radio and the Brewer Radio Network.

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Quick Recap: Jays Beat Rays

BRADENTON, FL - MARCH 21: Kazuma Okamoto (7) of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 21, 2026 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

That was a fun way to wrap spring training. The Blue Jays smoked Tampa Bay, 14-1, with most of the regulars getting in on the action. The highlights:

  • Dylan Cease went 5.0 innings, striking out six while allowing no runs on three hits and two walks. He had a little wobble in the fourth, accounting for both walks and a single, but he was still getting it up to 97 and looking easy in the fifth.
  • Louis Varland gave up the lone Rays run, on a deep Carson Williams solo homer in the seventh. It’s been kind of a rough spring for Louis, they’ll need him to sharpen up for the regular season.
  • The rest of the bullpen was good. Spencer Miles, Mason Fluharty and Braydon Fisher combined for three innings of perfect relief.
  • The offence was rolling, dropping six in the first and then seven more in the fourth.
  • George Springer was 2-3 with a homer and a walk
  • Vladimir Guerrero jr. was 2-2 with a homer and a walk
  • Addison Barger was 3-4
  • Alejandro Kirk was 3-3 with a homer, a double, and a walk
  • Jesus Sanchez was 2-4 with a homer and a double
  • Andres Gimenez was 1-3 with a double and a walk.
  • Eloy Jimenez had a pinch hit double

We also got some news. Angel Bastardo and Yariel Rodriguez have been told that they didn’t make the opening day roster. Rodriguez had a good World Baseball Classic, but he hasn’t looked great in MLB camp and was always facing an uphill battle after being waived back in December and so coming off the 40-man roster. For Bastardo, failing to make the team probably means the end of his time as a Blue Jay. As a Rule 5 draftee, he’ll have to be traded to a team that will roster him or offered back to the Red Sox. Selecting him in the 2024 draft, knowing he needed to rehab from Tommy John surgery through the whole 2025 season, was an interesting gamble. The Jays got to take a long look at him over the winter, and if he’d been ready he could have been a talented addition. He struggled a lot, though, walking seven and throwing four wild pitches in 7.2 spring innings, and he doesn’t look ready to step directly into an MLB bullpen. There will be one more pitching cut to come, as the Jays currently list 14 uninjured pitchers as active with 13 being the in-season limit. Most likely that will be optioning Chase Lee so that they can keep 2025 Rule 5 draftee Spencer Miles. Miles has looked effective this spring, striking out 11 of 46 batters faced and regularly running his fastball up to 98.

Now we enter the four day dead period before Sacramento comes to the Dome on Friday evening to open the season. I’m more than ready to watch some real baseball.

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Thunder's Jalen Williams not on injury report, set to return from hamstring injury Monday vs. 76ers

The team with the best record in the NBA and on an 11-game win streak is about to get its second-best player back.

Jalen Williams is not on the Oklahoma City injury report and is set to return to the court on Monday when the Thunder face the 76ers. Williams has been out since Feb. 11 with a strained hamstring.

The Thunder's preferred starting lineup — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Lu Dort (also coming off the injured list), Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein — have played in just five games together this season, but are now getting healthy just in time for the playoffs.

Williams was an All-NBA player a season ago but has played in just 36 games this season due to injuries (he had wrist surgery last offseason). He has never found his rhythm this season and is averaging 17.5 points per game (the lowest since his rookie season), while shooting a 31.3% from 3-point range (a career low).

Oklahoma City will not be at full strength on Monday as reserve guard Ajay Mitchell is out serving a suspension for an altercation against Washington.

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Texas Tech vs Alabama live updates: Prediction, how to watch March Madness Round 2 game

Follow all of Sunday's NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports' live updates.

The last entrant into this year's Sweet 16 will either be Texas Tech or Alabama.

Both are dealing with major absences in their lineups -- for two very different reasons.

Texas Tech star JT Toppin, the 2025 Big 12 Player of the Year, tore his ACL on Feb. 18 and will miss the rest of the season. The Red Raiders went 3-3 entering the NCAA Tournament without him.

March Madness conference records: Big Ten leads at 12-2; How are SEC, Big 12 doing?

Alabama will be playing without its second-leading scorer Aden Holloway after he was arrested on two felonies on March 16, for possession 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his residence. The University of Alabama released a statement and said Holloway was removed from campus and won't return to the team until the university's office of student conduct finishes its investigation.

But even with those two missing, there's still a matchup of stars worth your attention: Texas Tech's Christian Anderson vs. Alabama's Labaron Philon.

The winner of tonight's game will advance to next week's Sweet 16 where it will face No. 1 Michigan in Chicago.

Here's what you need to know for tonight's game:

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

Texas Tech vs Alabama live score

TEAMS1H2HF
Texas Tech———
Alabama———

What time is Texas Tech vs Alabama?

  • Time: 9:45 p.m. ET, Sunday.

What channel is Texas Tech vs Alabama? How to watch, streaming info

  • The game is airing on TBS, streaming via Fubo.

Texas Tech vs Alabama prediction, odds

Odds provided by BetMGM, as of 4:30 p.m., Sunday.

∎ Nathan Giese, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech 82, Alabama 79

One thing Texas Tech has going for it is the plethora of offensive weapons beyond Anderson. Alabama, meanwhile, has to rely on Philon to carry much of the offensive burden without Aden Holloway. The Red Raiders do well when they can let one player do the damage and take everybody else out of the equation.

∎ Emilee Smarr, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 84, Texas Tech 80

  • John Leuzzi: Texas Tech
  • Jordan Mendoza: Texas Tech
  • Ehsan Kassim: Texas Tech
  • Blake Schuster: Texas Tech
  • Moneyline: Alabama (-110); Texas Tech (-110)
  • Spread: Texas Tech (-1.5)
  • Over/under total: 164.5

Why isn't Aden Holloway playing for Alabama? Latest arrest details on drug charges

Holloway was arrested on Monday, March 16 and charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp after the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his residence.

He was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail and was set with a $5,000 bond, according to The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. The University of Alabama later released a statement and said he was removed from campus and won't return to the team until the university's office of student conduct finishes its investigation.

Duel between Labaron Philon vs Christian Anderson will be must-see

Texas Tech's Anderson averages 7.5 assists to rank No. 3 in the country, trailing just Braden Smith of Purdue and Jeremy Fears Jr. of Michigan State. Meanwhile, Philon's 4.8 assists struggle to crack the top 75. That being said, Alabama had one more elite option to dish out the ball in its nationally-acclaimed backcourt prior to the arrest of Aden Holloway on Monday, March 16.

Both sophomores can shoot, too. Philon touts a field-goal percentage of better than 51% to average 22 points per game, but Anderson isn't far behind, shooting 48% from the floor to average 19 points per contest.

Where is JT Toppin? What happened to Texas Tech star?

Toppin, a first team All-Big 12 pick, started 25 games before his season-ending ACL tear against Arizona State on Feb. 18. At the time, Toppin was averaging career-highs in points (21.8) and rebounds (10.8) per game, shooting 54.8% from the field.

This isn't the JT Toppin show anymore, and it hasn't been for a while. Texas Tech has had to move on. While Toppin is still very much part of the team — he was on FaceTime with several Red Raider teammates in the locker room after the Akron game — it's unfair to the players still on the floor to make it about the guy who isn't there.

"It's tough because we all care for JT," Petty said. "I love him. He's my brother. It's tough."Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reporter Nathan Giese contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas Tech vs Alabama live score updates, highlights from March Madness Round 2

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Brett Baty caps promising Mets spring on a high note with utility role awaiting

New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty bats during spring training.
Brett Baty swings during the Mets' spring training game March 15.

Observations from Mets spring training on Sunday:

Baty delivers

Brett Baty completed a strong Grapefruit League season by going 1-for-3 with an RBI in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla.

Brett Baty swings during the Mets’ spring training game March 15. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Baty posted a .920 OPS this spring as he prepares for duty at three infield positions and right field.

Weaver wild

Luke Weaver walked three batters and recorded only one out before he was removed from the game.

The right-hander allowed one earned run.

Caught my eye

The Mets played their possible Opening Day lineup, with the exception of catcher: Ben Rortvedt started and Francisco Alvarez had the day off.

Monday’s schedule

The Mets will hold an intrasquad scrimmage at Clover Park before departing for New York.

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Phillies pitcher collapses during bullpen session in frightening scene

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Phillies pitcher Daniel Robert, Image 2 shows Daniel Robert Phillies pitcher
Phillies relief pitcher Daniel Robert is hospitalized and in stable condition after collapsing during his first bullpen session of spring training on Sunday.

Phillies relief pitcher Daniel Robert is hospitalized and in stable condition after collapsing during his first bullpen session of spring training on Sunday.

Medical staff rushed to the aid of Robert, 31, who stumbled off the mound amid a cardiac incident at the club’s camp in Clearwater, Florida.

Phillies pitcher Daniel Robert made his Major League debut in 2024. Getty Images

The training personnel used a defibrillator and transported him to the hospital, where he is “stable and alert,” the team said.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Robert maintained consciousness throughout the event and managed to leave the field under his own power.

Robert suffered a similar cardiac incident in October, after which the Phillies medical team resuscitated him with CPR and an external defibrillator. 

He then received an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which was “triggered” during Sunday’s event.

The device data was reviewed at the hospital, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.

Robert made 15 appearances for the Phillies in 2025. MLB Photos via Getty Images

Robert — who held a 4.15 ERA across 15 appearances with the Phillies in 2025 — returned to the franchise last month on a minor-league deal and joined the team as a non-roster invitee for training camp.

The right-hander told NBC’s Jim Salisbury that the driving factor in his return was the bond he’d forged with the organization and its medical staff, saying “I owe everything to them.”

“They stayed in touch all winter,” Robert added. “They were super accommodating. They knew exactly what was going on and had a plan for me. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to play this season, but if I was able to, I wanted it to be here because of the way the Phillies supported me. All the tests show I’m healthy. The Phillies helped me get to see some of the best doctors in the country.”

Further medical tests delayed Robert’s first bullpen of the season until Sunday.

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Dodgers at Angels spring training travel roster

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim during a spring training game on March 24, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers are back in Southern California on Sunday night to start the exhibition Freeway Series against the Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Much like Friday night against the Padres at Camelback Ranch, Sunday showcases another potential opening day lineup for the Dodgers, this time with Alex Freeland at second base after getting good news Sunday morning.

Lineup

Shohei Ohtani DH
Michael Tucker RF
Mookie Betts SS
Freddie Freeman 1B
Will Smith C
Max Muncy 3B
Teoscar Hernández LF
Andy Pages CF
Alex Freeland 2B

Tyler Glasnow starts on the mound.

Other pitchers

Non-roster pitchers Chris Campos and Antoine Kelly are active for the Freeway Series, as is the full major league bullpen. Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, and Ben Casparius are expected to pitch Sunday night.

Up from the minors are Ronan Kopp (wearing number 83), Cam Day (89), Antonio Knowles (92), and Cody Morse (90).

Other position players

Miguel Rojas, Santiago Espinal, Alex Call, and Dalton Rushing are active, as is catcher Eliézer Alfonzo, the last remaining non-roster position player in camp.

Up from the minors are Zach Ehrhard (99), James Tibbs III (98), Eduardo Quintero (87), Emil Morales (93), Chase Harlan (94), and Joendry Vargas (88).