LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Jake Bauers #9 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in game four of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays — the top team in the American League — has held its own to achieve the third pennant in franchise history, and their second this decade.
The Milwaukee Brewers are back in the World Series for the first time since 1982, and they’re doing it as the National League’s best team. The 103-win Crew swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS and now host the Tampa Bay Rays in a matchup of two franchise-first title seekers. Game 1 is Friday at American Family Field.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the Brewers as they prepare for the Rays.
Catcher
William Contreras is the lead backstop for Milwaukee, and one of the most popular Brewers, as he has been one of the more reliable all-around catchers in the National League in recent years and in the playoffs, as his bat has stayed productive into October. He posted a strong 1.157 OPS with three homers through the NLCS while handling a staff that mixes elite velocity with a deep lefty presence.
At backup, the more familiar Gary Sánchez provides a power-oriented option off the bench.
Infield
The Brewers’ infield blends elite defense, speed, and opportunistic offense.
First base: Jake Bauers. The NLCS MVP has been the postseason story for Milwaukee. A well-known Rays prospect if you’ve read this site for any length of time, Bauers nearly retired but returned for what he considered one more season last year to keep his health insurance benefits after his wife became pregnant with their second child. Fast forward two seasons, and he has delivered lengthy at bats with power and timely hitting throughout October while providing solid enough defense at the corner. Veteran White Sox infielder Andrew Vaughn has also seen time at first and as a right-handed bat off the bench or at DH against lefties.
Second base: Brice Turang. One of the best all-around second basemen in baseball and the No. 2 hitter. Turang combines Gold Glove-caliber defense with improved power (21 home runs and 100 RBIs in the regular season) and baserunning. He’s a clear mismatch advantage and not to be trifled with.
Shortstop: Cooper Pratt. The 22-year old rookie shortstop has started the bulk of the postseason games. He’s shown a contact-oriented approach and improving glove work as the year has progressed, and pushing the previous starter Ortiz into a third base platoon.
Third base: Joey Ortiz / David Hamilton. This has been a platoon/mix-and-match spot. The right handed hitting Ortiz and left handed hitting Hamilton now split time depending on matchups. If we are drawing comparisons, neither matches Junior Caminero’s power, but both offer speed and defensive flexibility that fits Milwaukee’s style.
Outfield
Milwaukee’s outfield is built on athleticism, defense, and a rising star.
Left field: Jackson Chourio. This 22-year-old superstar has continued his rapid ascent in 2026. Already with multiple 20-20 seasons under his belt, Chourio brings power, speed, and improving defense. He’s the dynamic centerpiece of the lineup, their version of a Junior Caminero, and fun to watch.
Center field: Garrett Mitchell. Strong defensive center fielder who has delivered several big hits in the playoffs, including a go-ahead home run in the NLCS clincher. He gets on base and covers ground.
Right field: Sal Frelick. Elite defender with speed and contact skills. Luis Lara has spelled him against left-handers and provides another athletic option. The group ranks among the best defensive outfields in the league.
Technically also an outfielder, the Designated Hitter, Christian Yelich, remains in the lineup and was recently named club captain. While not at his peak production levels, his experience and ability to still impact games remain valuable, especially against right-handed pitching.
Rotation
Manager Pat Murphy has utilized short leashes and heavy bullpen support, but has a solid rotation heading into the World Series:
Jacob Misiorowski — The clear ace and yet to be crowned NL Cy Young winner (16-5, 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts in the regular season). He’s started Game 1 of both the NLDS and NLCS and will surely open the World Series. To say his high-velocity stuff that ranks among the best is an understatement. I half expected Misiorowski to mean fast in Polish, but apparently it’s something closer to bear.
Logan Henderson — The reliable No. 2. Solid second-half performer who has handled Game 2 duties effectively in his sophomore season as a homegrown talent.
Robert Gasser — Emerged as the preferred Game 3 option after strong late-season form and solid postseason outings (including shutout work in the NLCS). He was acquired in the Josh Hader trade with San Diego, over came a UCL surgery in 2025, and started the year in Triple-A, making his rise a bit unexpected. His dad’s best friend is evidently Vin Diesel.
Dustin May (with Shane Drohan as an Opener) — May has postseason experience but has been used carefully; Florida State alumni Drohan opened Game 4 in the NLCS, and the southpaw seems likely to get the nod again given how well that went last time.
No starter has gone particularly deep in October, which is by design. Milwaukee trusts its relievers to take over after four or five innings, limiting any time-through-the-order penalties.
Bullpen
This unit has been the difference-maker. The Brewers’ bullpen allowed just six earned runs across more than 40 postseason innings heading into the World Series and featured relievers earning the win in all four NLCS games during the sweep of Los Angeles.
Trevor Megill — 6’8” Closer. Reliable late-inning presence, and a bit of an invention by the Brewers, having been added for a PTBNL in April 2023.
Abner Uribe — Primary setup man. High-velocity right-hander who has been outstanding, despite blowing a save in Game 3 of the NLCS he’s been their best bullpen arm this month.
Aaron Ashby — Left-handed workhorse who has been nearly unhittable in October (multiple scoreless multi-inning outings) and got the save in Game 4 of the sweep.
DL Hall / JoJo Romero — Additional lefty depth options that each were credited wins in the NLCS.
Regular season starter Kyle Harrison will likely find his way into the mix as well. The group throws exceptionally hard on average and enters the series fully rested after the NLCS sweep and the Rays’ longer ALCS.
Conclusion
The Brewers’ formula is clear: elite defense, contact and speed on offense, an electric frontline starter, and a lights-out bullpen that can cover the middle and late innings.
Against a similarly constructed Rays team that also emphasizes pitching, defense, and small-ball elements, the series should be tight, low-scoring, and decided by the margins. Milwaukee holds home-field advantage and the deeper, harder-throwing relief corps—two factors that could prove decisive in a first-time-champion showdown.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco.
The 25-year-old’s two-year run with Los Angeles was tumultuous. Knecht, though, remained classy when addressing his now former franchise with a Facebook post after being released.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
“Thank you, Los Angeles. Thank you to the Lakers organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and especially the fans who supported me from day one. Wearing the purple and gold was an honor I will always cherish. Every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity helped me grow not only as a player but also as a person,” Knecht wrote.
“Things may not always go the way we expect, and sometimes life takes us in a different direction. Leaving this chapter behind is never easy, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. The love, the support, and the memories will always mean something special to me.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) dribbles the ball during a game against the Denver Nuggets, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
“To the Lakers fans, thank you for believing in me, cheering for me, and being part of this journey. Although my time in Los Angeles may be over, my passion for the game remains the same. This is not the end of my story. It is simply the beginning of another chapter.
“Forever grateful for the purple and gold. / Thank you, Lakers Nation. .”
Dalton Knecht’s Facebook post after being released by the Los Angeles Lakers. (X/@lakeshowmnl).
Credit to Knecht for showing nothing but love to the Lakers’ franchise and fan base.
The No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will now look to carve out a role for himself in another organization.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks battle for possession on a jump ball during the second quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 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. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Isn’t it great to start the season with a loss in the standings…
…and a banner in the rafters?
Here’s what your Knickerbockers and Sixonians said after yesterday’s affair, one of 82 regular-season games. Breathe.
"I want to win, don't get me wrong. Don't get that twisted at all. I want to freaking win, but not at the expense of us skipping steps in the process."
On the Knicks’ championship ring ceremony and the organization’s efforts to organize it:
“I would like to give, and I don’t know who was behind it, but you know, obviously starting with Mr. Dolan and everybody else, you know, did a fantastic job with the ceremony.
“So I would like to acknowledge, you know, everybody else who was behind it. You know, okay, like you said, everybody, you know, you guys did a fantastic job; they weren’t mud like us, so thank you.”
On the Knicks’ performance in their season-opening loss to the 76ers:
“You know, what an ugly game. I want to give the 76ers, Nick Nurse and his team, a lot of credit. A long night for them, but they came out and they tried to do what they needed to do to get a win, so you give them credit first of all. But there were some things that we could have done better. Our transition defense was not good with our starting group in the third quarter. All throughout the game we looked like we were running in mud. Whether it was in the front court or it was in transition, we were not good getting to our spots and putting pressure on Philadelphia the right way… We talked about taking care of the ball. We did a little bit better job. But in a one- or two-possession game when you have 15 turnovers for 22 points, it makes it tough.”
On the Knicks’ slow movement and poor offensive spacing:
“Part of us looking like we were running in mud was our spacing wasn’t great. We were walking everywhere, which hurt our spacing.”
On the Knicks’ transition defense and the 76ers’ fast-break scoring:
“They had nine fast-break points in the first half [in how the Knicks track it]. And then in the second half, they had 19 fast-break points. That’s where the game was won and lost, especially in the third quarter when our starters were out there.”
On how difficult the Knicks’ opening-night performance was to watch:
“I don’t know about you guys, but that was a tough one for me to watch.”
On why a late Jalen Brunson comeback would not have satisfied him even if the Knicks had won the game:
“If Jalen Brunson hits those shots down the stretch and we win, for me personally as their coach, there’s going to be something inside of me that wished it wouldn’t happen. It’s almost like you’re playing with fire and you ended up winning that time without any water or one of them fire blankets to cover the fire.”
On why the Knicks must improve their execution instead of relying on Brunson’s late-game heroics:
“Is (Brunson) capable of making those shots? Yes. But if we played the right way, then it wouldn’t come down to that. But we put ourselves in a hole not doing the little things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And we have to watch the film and regroup and see how we can put a stretch of 48 minutes together.
“I want to win. Don’t get me wrong. Don’t get it twisted. I want to friggin’ win. But not at the expense of us skipping steps. So if he hits those shots down the stretch and we win, as a coach, there’s going to be something inside of me that wouldn’t be happy. Because it’s like you’re playing with fire, and you ended up winning that time without any water.”
On Andre Drummond’s debut:
“I thought that he played with a lot of bounce and energy. We probably ran him a little too long there because it looked like in the second half, not just him but all five of our starters too, ran a little bit out of gas.
“I have to keep getting to know him to see where the minutes may lie for him to be effective for us, but I thought that he was really really, really good on both ends of the floor during the first half.”
On the importance of the little things after the Knicks’ opening-night loss:
“We put ourselves in a hole not doing the other little things and, you know, sometimes it works at the end of the game, sometimes it doesn’t.”
On balancing the Knicks’ championship celebration with their opening-night responsibilities:
“It’s tough because, knock on wood, this could be a once in a lifetime thing. You never know. It’s hard. It’s hard to accomplish something like this.
“You definitely want guys to embrace it and celebrate it with each other because they went through a lot, with the fans, with the rest of the organization, and just with their families. So you don’t want to take that moment away from them. But in the same breath we obviously have a job to do tonight.”
On the Knicks’ slow start not defining their season:
“I keep telling myself that no matter what happens tonight — if we win by five, if we win by 20, if we lose by five, if we lose by 20 — there’s a lot of basketball left. Just because of whatever happens tonight is not going to define us. I would rather them enjoy the moment than me cutting it short or carving into their emotions based on their families and all that stuff being here. Like I said, it’s going to be hard to do, but that’s what we get paid to do so we’ll figure it out one way or another.”
On the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden and the uniqueness of Knicks fans:
“Opening nights are always exciting for everybody and anybody. It’s the start of something new for everybody. It’s fresh. Everybody is energized. You feel the buzz. I don’t care where you are, you feel a buzz. Obviously, here, with our fans, Knicks fans are just different. It’s as simple as that. They’re absolutely friggin’ different. And the buzz has been going on for a while. And you felt it today.
“I had a million texts coming. And usually during the course of the season, I have a couple texts coming before the game. But it was a boatload of them on the way. Couple of calls. … But you can feel it from the correspondence that get, which is different from a regular season game.”
On the Knicks raising a banner to commemorate their 2025 NBA Cup championship:
“I think it’s a recognition of what our journey was like last year. There were obviously a lot of ups and downs. Our guys rallied, found a way to win the NBA Cup and then (the) end-of-season final.”
"I think it's good for us to kind of get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check and see what's going to happen."
Jalen Brunson talks about the Knicks losing tonight and how it can help them improve: pic.twitter.com/sDFWPHE4Lh
On the Knicks needing to humble themselves after losing their season opener:
“I think it’s good for us to get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check. I’ve told you guys since day one, whatever happens the first couple of weeks of the season, I’m not sure that’s who we really are.”
On the 76ers’ performance and his own shooting struggles:
“They’re really good and they made things difficult for us. Obvious for me, shots weren’t falling. We can make all the excuses in the world. Like I said, I’m just happy we can move forward now.”
On what failed for the Knicks in Tuesday’s loss:
“Transition defense, yeah. Our offense, I think we were good in spurts. But it’s not good enough.”
On the challenges of defending a championship after receiving so much praise:
“It’s going to be difficult. You have everyone praising us about what we’ve done a couple months ago. It’s just human nature.”
On thanking Knicks fans during the championship banner ceremony:
“Most importantly, I want to say thank you to you guys for not leaving Game 4. We really appreciate it. I mean, this is, as much as we won this, we wouldn’t have won this without you guys, I mean, this is unbelievable. This is really good. A dream come true.
“I know we’re all excited to get this season going. We’re ready to turn the page as a team. But one thing, I would like to say, the joy that this city had this summer we would love to replicate that again. Thank you, guys. Let’s raise this banner.”
On pursuing another NBA championship rather than defending last season’s title:
“Every year, it’s a new year to attack something. When people say we’re defending the title, I mean, that’s one way to look at it. But it’s something we won, we’ve put it in our past, and now we’re just trying to attack another.”
"It was super dope. A moment you dream of."
Josh Hart talks about getting his championship ring in front of the Knicks' fans at Madison Square Garden: pic.twitter.com/W9H9risFrk
On the Knicks’ mentality after losing their season opener:
“We play basketball for a living. If you can’t get up and get excited to play basketball, no matter who the hell we play, you got to do some soul-searching. It doesn’t matter if we’re defending champs, it doesn’t matter if we have the worst record in the league last year. No matter what we got to make sure we are professionals and do what our job is and at the end of the day, I don’t think anybody picked us to win the championship again.
“So nothing to it. We shouldn’t sit there and think we’re the champions because we’re not. We’re 0-1. We’re the worst team in the NBA as of right now. So we need to play like it.”
On the improved Eastern Conference and the Knicks’ need to dictate how they play:
“Obviously, they played well, and the East got shaken up a little bit. We have to make sure we’re prepared for what every team is going to try and do, and what we want to do. We can’t let them dictate what we want to do. For us, nothing changes. It’s the same ol’ process. We have to make sure we perfect it the best we can.”
"To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot. We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves tonight than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years."
On the Knicks failing to match the level of play of last season’s team:
“I just thought that we put ourselves too much in a deficit, and you know we’re not that Knick team yet from last year.”
On banner night:
“To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot. We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves tonight than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years.”
LeBron James was asked what it was like for the 76ers to come into Madison Square Garden and win on the Knicks' ring night and banner raising:
"It was a great night for New York fans. Obviously, it's something… 50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a… pic.twitter.com/6G6LuXYi2N
On the Knicks receiving favorable officiating on Tuesday after winning the championship:
“They getting that championship whistle. They win one chip, they get a championship whistle.”
On the 76ers’ defensive rebounding adjustments against the Knicks:
“I thought in the first half we played good first-stop defense, but we gave up some second-chance points. They got some threes off of us not closing with a defensive rebound so. I was really conscious about that [in the second half].”
On the satisfaction of spoiling the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“Yeah, I do (enjoy it). It’s pretty special.”
On the significance of the Knicks’ championship celebration and their 53-year title drought:
“I was a part of that at one point, where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, never forget that championship run. We’re happy that we’re just able to come play on such a historical night, in a historical building, and play the game that we love.”
On the 76ers’ execution in the fourth quarter:
“It’s still going to take some time. It’s one game, but obviously we can learn from the good things that we did, we can learn from the bad things that we did tonight. I thought, in the fourth quarter, we did a good job of executing. We did a good job of pressing the tempo when we got the lead. And when they cut the lead, we made some timely shots.”
On his early chemistry with the 76ers and their defensive performance:
“Obviously, just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad. But yeah, I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively.”
On his confrontation with a Knicks fan courtside:
“Ain’t nothing soft about the Midwest, I don’t know what the f–k you talking about. I’m not from the West Coast… I’m from Ohio, baby.”
Jaylen Brown on where the team is at right now:
“We got talent, we just gotta play four quarters uhh 48 minutes and see what happens from there” pic.twitter.com/EjSt6tNXHK
On defense being the foundation of the 76ers’ opening-night victory:
“Defense is what kept us in it. Defense is what we’ll have to continue to hand our hat on. If we keep a team within 100 [points], we’ll always give ourselves a chance to win. So, it’s non-negotiable. We gotta play defense.”
On spoiling the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“It’s good, what we wanted to do, be a little spoiler. The Knicks’ accomplishment is great, but it’s a new season, new year.”
On whether the 76ers sent a message to the NBA with their win over the reigning champs:
“I don’t think we sent a message. We’re just trying to win as many games as possible, stack days. It’s still early for us. We’re still figuring out a lot of stuff. We still have a lot to learn and grow, but it’s good to learn and grow and win at the same time.”
On the 76ers’ chemistry and potential for improvement:
“I think it was just OK. We got a lot of room for growth, room for improvement. We’re not even at the tip of the iceberg in terms of hitting chemistry … So it’s a good sign that we can win while still being at that early stage.”
On how different the 76ers felt against the Knicks with their new roster:
“I told Tyrese after the game, I was like, ‘We’ve been going against these guys for the last couple of years.’ And, tonight felt a little different.”
On his responsibility to improve the 76ers’ defense:
“I think just we have the talent. I think a lot of it falls on me. I put it on me. If I want to be All-Defense like I used to be, that changes everything for our team. So if I can play that way every single night, which I will, changes everything.”
Q: "LeBron, KD, Steph –– who are the next faces of the league?"
On Jalen Brunson emerging as one of the faces of the NBA:
“It’s hard not to start with Jalen Brunson. I’ll be down when they hang the banner tonight for the championship. Here’s a guy who was a second-round pick, was picked up as a free agent from Dallas, and nobody talked about him as the next superstar in the league, but look how he’s led that team to a championship.”
On the significance of designing the Knicks’ first championship ring in 53 years:
“This one is easily set apart from the other projects we’ve done because it’s New York City. The city have been waiting for a championship for 53 years. We’re felt the pressure to make sure we delivered something that’s iconic and historic in design, something to be remembered forever.”
On the emotional significance of creating championship rings:
“There’s nothing like a championship ring because it’s more than just a piece of jewelry, it’s a piece of history. I’ve never felt an energy like this before prior to a championship ring delivery. I’ve never felt energy like this before, ever.”
On the design of the removable top of the Knicks’ championship ring:
“We knew that we couldn’t do a feature that’s been done before, so we challenged ourselves to create something new, something different, and something New York would appreciate. New York City is arguably the greatest city on earth. It is the Mecca of basketball, and the arena that symbolizes all of this is Madison Square Garden. When you twist off the top, you see the lower bowl of Madison Square Garden with the court in yellow gold and seats in white gold. The inside of the cap is all hand enameled with the pattern and colors of the ceiling of Madison Square Garden when you’re looking up at the scoreboard.”
On the ring’s miniature Madison Square Garden that rises from its center:
“The unique feature that’s never been done before, the feature that is historic and what New York City deserves, is a feature where you can twist the inner bezel counterclockwise. We have an engineering system that erects a miniature Madison Square Garden from the center of the ring. It literally comes out of the center of the ring and you have an entire Madison Square Garden to scale with the windows, all the architectural features, everything. My jaw dropped when we first finished it.”
On the blue sapphires and the ring’s Madison Square Garden-inspired design:
“There’s the small details that other people might not see. The blue sapphires, the way they’re set behind the Knicks logo on the face of the ring, it mimics the pattern of the ceiling of Madison Square Garden when you’re looking up at the scoreboard.”
On the ring’s concrete texture paying tribute to New York City:
“The background texture of the side of the ring is like a concrete texture, kind of paying homage to the concrete jungle that is New York City. It’s those subtle storylines that you don’t immediately notice, but give the ring a little more depth and meaning.”
On why the Knicks’ championship ring was intentionally extravagant:
“This is an over-the-top ring. It’s supposed to be, because it’s more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a testament to a moment in time. It’s celebrating a moment in history, something that New York City’s been waiting 53 years for. So, I think that we were able to deliver that.”
On his personal connection to the Knicks and Anthony Mason:
“When we got the call that we got (the business) for this ring, I had tears in my eyes. I can feel the energy of Anthony Mason over my shoulder as he looks down, proud of me, because he started my career by being my first client, and now it’s a full-circle moment where I’m making a Knicks championship ring.”
Victor Wembanyama just had the worst shooting night of his career:
Kristaps Porziņģis’ time with the Warriors could soon be over.
The veteran center, whom Golden State acquired at the trade deadline in February and played in just 15 games last season before signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the team this offseason, has not practiced or played with the team this preseason, and might not at any point during the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins for the Warriors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Porziņģis, who has no timetable for a return to the court as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
As Charania mentioned, Porziņģis now is seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to deal with the recurring symptoms from his autoimmune condition.
Porziņģis spent time in the Bay Area and at the Warriors’ facility throughout the offseason, and it appeared both he and the team were optimistic about his upcoming season, but shortly before Warriors media day started on Sept. 28, general manager Mike Dunleavy found out that Porziņģis would miss the start of training camp and remain away from the team because of the illness.
Then, on Oct. 13, Porziņģis returned to the Warriors’ facility for the first time since his absence, where he met with Dunleavy and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini and his staff.
In the days since, neither Dunleavy nor coach Steve Kerr provided any additional update or any other information regarding Porziņģis’ situation, but the veteran center himself did address his absence in a post on social media and cleared up some online speculation.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Kristaps Porziņģis’ time with the Warriors could soon be over.
The veteran center, whom Golden State acquired at the trade deadline in February and played in just 15 games last season before signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the team this offseason, has not practiced or played with the team this preseason, and might not at any point during the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins for the Warriors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Porziņģis, who has no timetable for a return to the court as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
As Charania mentioned, Porziņģis now is seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to deal with the recurring symptoms from his autoimmune condition.
Porziņģis spent time in the Bay Area and at the Warriors’ facility throughout the offseason, and it appeared both he and the team were optimistic about his upcoming season, but shortly before Warriors media day started on Sept. 28, general manager Mike Dunleavy found out that Porziņģis would miss the start of training camp and remain away from the team because of the illness.
Then, on Oct. 13, Porziņģis returned to the Warriors’ facility for the first time since his absence, where he met with Dunleavy and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini and his staff.
In the days since, neither Dunleavy nor coach Steve Kerr provided any additional update or any other information regarding Porziņģis’ situation, but the veteran center himself did address his absence in a post on social media and cleared up some online speculation.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Paul Goldschmidt was the ideal platoon first baseman for the Yankees in 2026: He mashed against lefties – more on that in a sec – and he was his usual reliable self defensively.
But the Yanks have a decision to make this winter on the 39-year-old Goldschmidt, who is headed into free agency and has indicated he’d like to continue his terrific career.
His dangerous right-handed bat would help balance a lefty-heavy position player group and the Yanks, as evidenced again in the playoffs, can always use a strong glove.
But are there already too many first-base types on their roster? Perhaps that makes Goldschmidt, a probable Hall of Famer, expendable.
Here’s a look at whether Goldschmidt should stay or go:
Why it could make sense to keep Goldschmidt
A sage veteran always fits on a team looking to win, especially when that vet fills his role so well. Goldschmidt destroyed left-handed pitching in 2026, notching a .967 OPS and slugging 11 home runs in 157 at-bats. His slash line against lefties was .299/.393/.573. Elite.
As a team, the Yankees hit 66 home runs against lefties and had a .733 OPS.
He hit more home runs against southpaws than famed sluggers such as Yordan Alvarez and Pete Alonso. Only eight MLB players had more homers against lefties than Goldschmidt, who made $4 million on a one-year deal.
Overall, Goldschmidt totaled 18 home runs with a .765 OPS in 345 at-bats. If he’s back, he’d loom as a pinch-hitting option with serious pop or a defensive replacement on the days he did not start.
Goldschmidt also had the most appearances (77) and starts (70) at first base for the Yankees. He was not charged with an error.
During his career, Goldschmidt has pocketed four Gold Gloves and is routinely among the best defenders at first base. It might be smart to keep someone like that, especially considering Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. are lesser gloves at first. Maybe Goldschmidt can help tutor both, a nifty investment in the pinstriped future.
Jun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt (48) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Why it could make sense for Goldschmidt to go
He’s 39 and the Yanks are clogged with options at first base and designated hitter. How would Goldschmidt fit on the roster?
Rice is such a good hitter that it’d be criminal not to play him every day and he’s too young (28 in February) to be pigeonholed already as a DH-only bat. So he’ll likely get time at first base, even when a lefty starts – he hit 11 home runs against lefties, too. Shouldn’t the Yankees see if he can improve defensively enough to be an everyday first baseman?
García rakes, but in his limited exposure to left-handers, his OPS was more than 200 points lower than it was against righties. García started at second base as recently as 2025 for the Nationals, which has led to some speculation that he could slide over there for the Yanks in ‘27 to replace a likely-gone Jazz Chisholm Jr. But that would be risky for a team looking to shore up its defense.
Giancarlo Stanton made it back from injury for the playoffs. He’ll likely take DH at-bats next year against lefties. Aaron Judge might need more time at designated hitter, too. And is it fair to wonder if the Yanks should consider moving Judge to first base at some point in the near future?
Heliot Ramos, still under control, is another right-handed bat for Aaron Boone to deploy.
Verdict
Go.
It’s a tough call, because there’s a baseball universe in which Goldschmidt-on-the-Yanks clicks again. He’d beat up lefties, play good defense for a team that needs it, and keep a high baseball IQ in house. It’s also difficult to believe the Yanks, so awash in lefty hitters, should move on from a righty bat.
But they need some roster flexibility as they reshape the club to try for that elusive World Series title. Goldschmidt’s bat speed slipped over the last year, according to Statcast, and he didn’t hit the ball as hard, either. While he nailed his specified role, he wasn’t great when he hit against righties (.590 OPS)
The Yankees might have to get more right-handed elsewhere (third base, perhaps?) and move on from Goldschmidt.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zack Gelof #20 of the Athletics celebrates a single in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park on September 26, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to Wednesday, A’s fans.
The 2026 World Series matchup is set. The National League champion Milwaukee Brewers and American League champion Tampa Bay Rays, who posted the best records in their respective leagues this season, will clash for the Commissioner’s Trophy. The winner of the best-of-seven series, which begins Friday in Milwaukee, will capture its first title, while the losing team’s drought will continue.
The small-market standard-bearers rely on stellar coaching, player development and analytically driven, cost-efficient front offices to compete against big-market opponents with higher payrolls. Milwaukee and Tampa Bay’s success has led other teams to poach baseball operations executives from these organizations in hopes of replicating their success.
For example, on Monday, the Athletics announced Taylor Smith as their new president of baseball operations. The 31-year-old began his career with the Rays before serving as an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox since 2024. The A’s are not the only team looking to these well-run organizations for their next general manager. Brewers Assistant General Manager Matt Kleine is one of the leading candidates for the Houston Astros’ general manager opening.
The prospect of an owner-imposed lockout beginning on Dec. 1 will likely affect the pace of the free-agent and trade markets, with some players signing early and others choosing to wait until a new labor agreement is in place. The Athletics have an offensive core capable of making a playoff run, but desperately need pitching help. If he declines his player option and hits the open market, starter Clay Holmes could be a particularly good fit for the Green and Gold, given his elite ability to induce ground balls.
However, it remains unclear whether owner John Fisher will give Smith the financial resources needed to make a splash in free agency. Players may also spurn the A’s once again because they understandably do not want to play at a minor league ballpark.
If that happens, the team should turn to the trade market. From established players such as Zach Gelof and Shea Langeliers to less-proven youngsters such as Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Tommy White and Max Muncy, the A’s have a surplus of hitters, some of whom could be traded for pitching in the right deal.
What should Smith do first as he looks to help the Athletics go from last to first in the AL West? Who is your dream A’s acquisition this winter?
The 2026 World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays has a chance to be an all-time classic. Who do you want to win their first title?
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays will face off in the 2026 World Series!
This is the 4th time since 2000 where the World Series matchup will be between each league’s top seed 👀 pic.twitter.com/pKErHt8mfj
Update on how some Athletics prospects are faring in the Arizona Fall League.
Checking in on how some Las Vegas Aviators players are doing so far in the Arizona Fall League: – RHP Jared Johnson: 3.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 3 K – C Davis Diaz: .318 (7/22)/.467/.500, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 5 K – C Cole Conn: .261 (6/23)/.419/.522, 1 RBI, 7 BB, 3 K, 3 SB#Athletics
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 11: Fans look on prior to Game One of the National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Sunday, October 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The World Series kicks off in two days. And some number of days after that, we will have debutant champion in Major League Baseball. Yes, for the first time since 1980, the World Series is being contested by two teams that have never won it before.
So who are you rooting for?
This is an easy decision for me. I’ve spent time in both Tampa and Milwaukee, and I’ve gone to games at both ballparks.
Milwaukee is one of my favorite mid-size cities in the whole country. It’s downtown is essentially a miniaturized replica of Chicago’s. It’s outer environs are dotted with great little neighborhood bars where patrons play a game called Stump, which entails nothing more than hammering a nail into a giant tree stump — it’s delightful. And, while it can feel way too dark and heavy on the grayscale, Miller Park is fun place to watch a game, thanks to fact that almost always filled to near capacity with fans who know baseball and are into it.
Tampa, on the other hand, is an overgrown strip mall with only one cool neighborhood that’s miles away from their perpetually empty dump of a stadium.
Let’s go Brew Crew.
Use this space to talk about the World Series, delightfully absurd bar gams, or whatever else you want and, as always, be good to one another.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 15: Manager Rocco Baldelli #5 of the Minnesota Twins looks on against the New York Yankees on September 15, 2025 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning everyone and happy Wednesday!
We’re still two days away from the start of the 2026 World Series, but we’ve got all of the latest news you need to know as you get your day started.
It occurred to me recently that while I’d done an article in this series about most of the Cubs who will be free agents or who have options, I hadn’t done one on Shōta Imanaga.
So, here’s that article.
The Cubs had a complicated five-year deal with Imanaga signed before the 2024 season which they opted out of after his mediocre, injury-plagued 2025 season, making him a free agent. Then they made him a qualifying offer. Reports after he accepted it said the Cubs were “blindsided” by that; they didn’t think he’d take it. Supposedly this helped prevent the Cubs from (for example) signing free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease.
Cease had a really good year. Granted and stipulated.
Imanaga had… well, a good year. It wasn’t as good as his 3.0 bWAR 2024 season, but it was better than his 2025 season. He is who he is: A “crafty” left-hander who doesn’t throw really hard, but pounds the zone and doesn’t walk hitters (5.2 percent walk rate in 2026, 4.6 for his three-year MLB career). Even without great velocity, he still strikes out a fair number of hitters (24.6 percent in 2026, 23.6 for his career).
The home runs are what makes him frightening every time he takes the mound. He allowed 35 long balls in 2026, far more than he did (27) in 2024 in almost exactly the same number of innings.
The thing is, Imanaga goes through times of dominance and times of suck.
Look at this:
First nine starts of 2026: 2.32 ERA, 0.902 WHIP, five HR in 54.1 innings Next four starts: 10.80 ERA, 1.523 WHIP, 12 (!) HR in 21.2 innings Next 10 starts: 2.06 ERA, 1.112 WHIP, eight HR in 56.2 innings Next four starts: 7.13 ERA, 1.528 WHIP, eight HR in 17.2 innings Last five starts: 2.25 ERA, 0.792 WHIP, two HR in 24 innings
Out of Imanaga’s 32 starts, 24 of them were really good. Like, Cy Young contender good. The other eight were just horrific.
How does this happen? How can a guy utterly dominate hitters two-thirds of the time and throw batting practice the other third?
It’s not home vs. road. Imanaga posted a 3.90 ERA in 19 Wrigley starts and allowed 21 HR in 110.2 innings there. On the road: 3.53 ERA, 14 HR in 63.2 innings. He was somewhat better in day games (3.18 ERA, 11 HR in 68 innings) than night games (4.15 ERA, 24 HR in 106.1 innings). Those are more or less equivalent to his career splits.
So here’s the thing. If you have a guy like this on your staff and he’s the fourth or fifth starter, I think you could live with that. Personally, I think Imanaga (and Seiya Suzuki) help the Cubs’ profile in Japan and that’s not nothing; for one thing, it might help other NPB free agents choose the Cubs.
Imanaga’s original five-year deal was going to be worth $53 million, with incentives that could have brought it to $80 million — a $16 million annual average value. He has made $44.525 million over the three years he’s been with the Cubs. I would not be opposed to offering Imanaga a two-year, $36 million deal to return, an AAV of $18 million. That would bring his total Cubs earnings to just over $80 million, which I’d think would satisfy both parties. Imanaga was 100 percent healthy in 2026 and was the only Cubs starter who didn’t miss a start.
Roger Nelson, Kansas City pitcher, is bumped after beating Chris Chambliss, of Cleveland, to the bag for the out in 6th inning action. Chambliss hit grounder to first baseman John Mayberry who tossed ball to Nelson covering first. Indians won, 2-1.
I’ve written about former Royal pitcher Roger Nelson on several occasions. For some reason, I’ve been fascinated with his career arc.
He was originally signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1963. His minor league career with the Sox gave no clue to the magic hidden in his right arm. After five seasons moving through the Sox system, Nelson sported a 25-28 record with a cumulative ERA of 4.04, a record that hardly made him out to be a top prospect.
He made his debut on September 9, 1967, against the Detroit Tigers. He hit the first batter he faced, Bill Freehan, then retired Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews on an infield popup.
He made four more appearances that summer, the last coming on September 27 against the Kansas City Athletics in a game at Municipal Stadium. Once again, he hit the first batter he faced, pitcher Chuck Dobson, before retiring Ted Kubiak on a groundout to first.
In the offseason, Nelson was part of a six-player blockbuster trade with Baltimore, with the principals being Don Buford and Luis Aparicio. Future Royal John Matias went to the White Sox, while Bruce Howard, father of future Royal David, moved to Baltimore with Nelson.
Nelson got into 19 games with the 1968 Birds, throwing 71 innings, including six starts. He put up a sparkling 2.41 ERA, which was enough to catch the eye of Cedric Tallis. When Baltimore left him off its protected list, Tallis made Nelson the No. 1 overall pick in the 1968 expansion draft.
Nelson made the second start in Royals history, going five innings on April 9, 1969, against the Twins in what became a 4-3 Royals win in 17 innings.
Nelson was much better than his won-loss record indicated in 1969. Even though his record was only 7-13, he made 29 starts, throwing 193 innings to the tune of a 3.31 ERA.
Unfortunately, arm troubles beset Nelson, and he was only able to throw 43 combined innings in 1970 and 1971.
Nelson wasn’t even in the Royals’ plans for 1972 and had to make the team out of spring training. How long ago was 1972? Fifty-four years, if you’re counting.
Fifty-four years before 1972 would have been 1918, which marked the end of World War I. That makes me feel old.
The hit movies in 1972 were The Godfather and Jeremiah Johnson. The radio was playing “American Pie,” “Lean on Me,” “Candy Man,” and “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me.” Richard Nixon was president, and the U.S. still had troops in Vietnam.
Nelson had a strong spring training and made the team as a bullpen arm. He was outstanding, making 15 appearances and throwing 25 innings while striking out 23 batters with a terrific 1.44 ERA.
Manager Bob Lemon finally gave Nelson a start on July 4 in a game against Detroit at Municipal Stadium, and he responded by throwing a complete-game, four-hit shutout. Somehow, someway, Nelson’s arm healed enough for him to harness his enormous potential.
The Detroit win kicked off a pitching run as good as any in Royals history.
Nelson made 18 more starts in that magical summer and finished with 10 complete games and six shutouts. Nelson blanked the White Sox on July 27 and the Angels on July 31 with a three-hitter. This gave him three shutouts in July alone. He threw a three-hitter against Texas on August 11 and a masterful one-hitter against the Red Sox on August 23. The Red Sox game scored a 93, which remains one of the top-scoring games in Royals history.
He closed out his tour de force with a two-hit amputation of the Rangers on October 4 in a game that was notable for being the last ever played at Municipal Stadium and the last game for Ted Williams, who was manager of the Rangers.
Nelson lost eight games in that stretch, with four of the losses coming by one run and two coming by two runs. The Royals scored only 20 runs in those eight losses, despite Nelson pitching brilliantly.
Nelson set four single-season pitching records that summer that still stand today. His record of six shutouts in one season will probably never be broken. He’s also in the top 10 in several other single-season categories.
It remains, arguably, one of the best pitching seasons by any Royal, ever, which is saying something when you look at some of the guys who have pitched for Kansas City. Drago. Busby. Splittorff. Leonard. Saberhagen. Cone. Appier. Greinke. Big names, all.
In the summer of 1972, Roger Nelson, a guy who looked like your high school science teacher, was as good as or better than all of them.
In the offseason, Cedric Tallis shocked everyone by trading Nelson and one of his best hitters, Richie Scheinblum, to Cincinnati for Wayne Simpson, a pitcher with enormous potential but a bum arm, and Hal McRae, a utility player who was still recovering from a gruesome broken leg.
Thank God the internet didn’t exist in 1972, because Tallis would have gotten roasted. Like most of his trades, this one worked out just fine. Nelson’s arm problems resurfaced, and Scheinblum lost his hitting stroke. Simpson had a couple of good starts in Kansas City, but his Royals career lasted only 16 games. The real prize was McRae, who not only developed into one of the game’s best hitters but also infused the Royals with some much-needed toughness. McRae, of course, was one of the Royals’ all-time greats and ended up in the Royals Hall of Fame.
Nelson appeared in 28 games for the Big Red Machine between 1973 and 1974, toggling between starting and relieving.
He even threw 2 1/3 hitless innings against the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series in 1973.
Nelson had another excellent but short run of success in 1974. On May 15, he held the Giants hitless for seven innings. He ended up going 8 2/3 innings and giving up only two hits. In his very next start, six days later, he gave up only three hits in seven innings of work against the Dodgers. He closed out that stretch on May 26 with a complete-game, six-hit win against the Padres. Alas, the arm woes returned, and Nelson was only able to throw 21 more innings before the season ended.
In October 1974, the Reds sold Nelson back to the White Sox, who released him in March 1975 before he ever appeared in a game. He hooked on with the Oakland Athletics but spent the summer with their Triple-A team in Tucson before being released.
He was out of baseball and driving a truck for UPS when the Royals called in March 1976 and gave him another shot. He started the 1976 campaign in Omaha, appearing in 52 games and racking up 16 saves before the Royals called him back to the big league club.
After all he had been through, it was a heartwarming reunion. The Royals were on their way to their first Western Division crown, and Nelson made three September appearances. The best came on September 19 at Royals Stadium, when Nelson threw 5 2/3 innings against the White Sox, allowing only three hits and one run. At one point, Nelson turned back the clock and retired 14 consecutive hitters. After the game, Nelson told Kansas City Times sportswriter Sid Boardman, “I ain’t that old. I can still throw it. When you’re 32, you’re not ready for the grave. I’m just glad I was able to contribute to a club going for the pennant. I felt I could pitch longer today, but why try to be a hero? My longest outing before was four innings in Omaha in May. I could feel myself losing something. Why mess around when you got guys like we have in the pen?”
Unfortunately, that game was the high point of Nelson’s reunion with the Royals. A few days later, his car caught fire in the Truman Sports Center parking lot. Then, on Sunday evening, September 26, the Royals flew to Oakland for a critical series against the A’s.
Nelson was mugged outside the team hotel, thankfully losing only his watch to the miscreants. Nelson did take a spill and sprained both wrists during the attack.
The injury ended Nelson’s 1976 comeback, as the Royals left him off their playoff roster.
Nelson returned in 1977 but spent the season in Omaha, making 58 appearances and recording 16 more saves. He never made it back to the majors.
After being released by the Royals, he signed with Pittsburgh and pitched for its Triple-A team in 1978 and 1979.
He called it a career after the 1979 season at the age of 35.
It’s easy to wonder what the Royals’ past might have looked like had today’s surgical techniques and rehab been available. What would the careers of guys like Nelson and Steve Busby, possessor of another electric arm, have looked like? Would Busby have thrown a couple more no-hitters? Would Nelson have remained a Royal for life, which would have meant no Hal McRae as a Royal?
With a healthy Busby and Nelson, would the Royals have displaced the Yankees in 1976, 1977, and 1978? Life is always a series of what-ifs.
There’s an old saying that goes: Life gives us children so death won’t be such a disappointment. I’m not sure I agree with that sentiment, but I do wonder what someone like Nelson feels about being so close to stardom, only to have it dashed by an injury. He’ll always have the summer of 1972, though.
Teenager produced man-of-the-match performance against Villarreal and has learned from Salah, says Reds captain
The shot sailed wide of Peter Gulacsi’s top corner and into the Kop, affording Villarreal much-needed respite at 4-2, but for Andoni Iraola it was a standout moment in a scintillating Champions League display from Rio Ngumoha. To a coach that called for versatility from all of his wingers this summer, here was a significant step forward among many from the 18-year-old at Anfield.
There were questions over how Ngumoha would adapt to playing on the right even before Liverpool increased the likelihood by signing Bradley Barcola for £123m from Paris Saint-Germain. On his fifth start under Iraola on Tuesday, which his side ultimately won 4-3, Liverpool witnessed an answer: quickly, incisively and confidently. The teenager’s willingness to cut inside from the right and shoot from distance with the left foot captured Iraola’s imagination as much as the devastating run that created Alexis Mac Allister’s second goal of the game.
Former world No 1 vows to show ‘fighting qualities’
‘I see the light now that I couldn’t see before’
Mark Allen has revealed he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before discharging himself to play in this week’s Northern Ireland Open. In a long statement posted on X, the 40-year-old said he was “not OK” but vowed to show his renowned “fighting qualities” as he continues his recovery.
Allen’s 4-2 defeat by his friend and compatriot Jordan Brown on Tuesday was his first match since his world championship semi-final loss to Wu Yize in April, when he missed a black off its spot that would have given him the win.
NEW YORK — Late in the night, there was a moment of honesty – vulnerability? – from Joel Embiid.
The Philadelphia 76ers locker room had all but cleared out, and Embiid was the last player fielding questions from an atypically large horde of reporters. With a 106-100 victory, the Sixers had just wrecked the coronation of the New York Knicks, who raised a banner here in Madison Square Garden for the first time in 53 years and who, prior to tipoff, had wedged championship rings the size of golf balls onto their fingers.
There were plenty of reasons why the 76ers won their regular season opener Tuesday, Oct. 20. But it was a small, in-game proposal from Embiid that proves the experiment that is the 76ers might just work.
Late in the second quarter, Embiid had picked up his third foul, which came during a four-minute span late in the period. So, at some point over halftime, Embiid told the 76ers coaches that it should be the newly-acquired LeBron James to guard Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, a six-time All-Star.
This would free up Embiid to play unencumbered. And it shows how dangerous this team can be.
"It changes everything," Embiid said after the game. "I had three fouls. I suggested that to the guys, the coaching staff, cause I just felt like the way that they were coming, I wasn’t – I was just being honest – I wasn’t going to be as aggressive as I should be on defense having three fouls. I wanted to stay on the floor."
LeBron James was superb in his role
LeBron used his size and strength – James actually outweighs Towns by two pounds – to body Towns and jam up the timing and rhythm of New York’s pick-and-rolls. The move gave the 76ers tremendous defensive versatility and stifled the Knicks’ ability to scoop up offensive rebounds, which allowed Philadelphia’s transition offense to flourish.
Towns, in the third quarter, took just one field goal attempt and scored only four points; the Knicks shot 5-of-21 (23.8%) in the period.
This is not unfamiliar for James, who can play every position on the floor. It’s also a tactic Team USA employed during the 2024 Paris Olympics, when James guarded Serbian all-world center and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokić.
Embiid was also a player on that gold medal squad, and it was Embiid’s foul trouble in the fourth quarter that prompted coach Steve Kerr to deploy the strategy.
"It was great," Embiid continued. "Another big body to guard the post. (Former 76er) P.J. Tucker was the last one we had where we could do that, that could switch off and guard those bigger guys in the post. Last year we had (Paul George), but you know PG, he did a great job, but he’s a little lighter. Having ‘Bron do that in the Olympics. We’ve done that in the past. That’s a good place to change (things) a little bit."
Vibes high in revamped 76ers' first impression
No team had a bigger offseason than Philadelphia, which also landed Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster deal with the Celtics. And the first impression of the revamped Sixers was mostly positive; the shot distribution was balanced, defensive intensity ramped up when it mattered most and the team committed just 10 turnovers, which had been an issue during the preseason.
But it was James who – as he has throughout his career – did a little bit of everything. He finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. He handled the ball and zipped passes to his teammates. He sprinted out in transition and got to the line. And he was instrumental in helping the 76ers retain their small lead throughout the fourth quarter.
It’s still so very early, and the 76ers didn’t play explicitly well; they hit just 27.5% of their 3-pointers and were outrebounded on the offensive glass by a margin of 14-6.
"I mean, it’s still going to take some time," James admitted. "It’s just one game, but obviously we can learn from the good things that we did, we can learn from the bad things we did tonight."
Though it was but one game, the vibes are high. And as far as first impressions go, these 76ers proved they should have lasting power in a loaded Eastern Conference.
It’s their versatility and adaptability that can make them a legitimate title contender.
The Boston Bruins wrapped a successful road trip Tuesday night with an overtime defeat to the Dallas Stars. They went 3-0-1 on the trip and entered Wednesday sitting atop the Atlantic Division and in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 7-2-1 record.
The B’s rank seventh in goals scored per game and fourth in goals allowed per game. The notable offseason additions (JJ Peterka, Will Borgen) and most of the young players have made a positive impact.
The schedule has been a little soft, but the Bruins, to their credit, have taken full advantage of it. They have scored four or more goals in six of their 10 games. They’ve led for almost 238 minutes — ninth-best in the league.
Let’s look at six key takeaways from the Bruins’ first 10 games of the 2026-27 NHL season.
The kids are alright
The Bruins have fully committed to giving their young players a chance to not only prove they belong in the NHL full time, but also be important contributors.
So far, the kids have played fantastic.
Six of the Bruins’ top 11 scorers are age 25 or younger. Nineteen of the team’s 35 goals have been scored by players 25 years old or younger.
Fraser Minten and Matthew Poitras are tied with David Pastrnak for the team lead in goals with four. Minten’s eight points are tied for second on the B’s. He’s on pace to shatter his career high of 35 points set last season. James Hagens has seven points (three goals, four assists) in 10 games. No rookie in the entire league has more points than him.
Hagens and Poitras both scored in Tuesday night’s overtime loss to the Dallas Stars.
James Hagens continues his hot start to the season with a goal 🚨
Frederic Brunet has been a steady, reliable presence on the blue line and ranks fourth among rookies in blocked shots. Mason Lohrei has made an impact offensively with five points to lead all Bruins defensemen.
The most encouraging part of the Bruins’ early-season success has been the performance of their young players. There will be ups and downs throughout the campaign, but the returns so far have been very impressive.
Elite goaltending
Jeremy Swayman was a Vezina Trophy finalist last season and he’s well on his way to repeating that feat. His .928 save percentage is the second-highest in the league, and his 7.7 goals saved above expected is tied for the third-best, per MoneyPuck. He also ranks fourth-best in wins above replacement (1.28) for goalies.
Michael DiPietro has played only two games in the backup goalie role, but he’s posted a solid .912 save percentage and a positive goals saved above expected. He made 26 saves against the Ducks last week for his first career NHL win.
Overall, the Bruins have allowed 7.13 fewer goals than expected — the best mark in the league and proof that Swayman and DiPietro are consistently erasing the mistakes in front of them.
Swayman is on pace to exceed the career-high 55 starts he made last season. That’s fine, especially if he continues to play at an elite level. But at some point, DiPietro needs to get in a few more games. The Bruins need Swayman to be fresh for the playoff race and any postseason matchups the team earns.
Elias Lindholm bounce back?
The Elias Lindholm signing — a seven-year, $54.25 million contract in 2024 free agency — has not delivered the desired results so far.
However, the veteran center has made much more of an impact this season.
Lindholm has seven points (three goals, four assists) in 10 games. He picked up the primary assist on David Pastrnak’s tying goal in the third period against the Ducks last weekend, and five minutes later he scored the game-winner.
Elite puck movement from the Bruins leads to an Elias Lindholm goal! 👀
Lindholm has taken the fourth-most faceoffs (190) in the league and has won an impressive 58.9 percent of them. He’s also played well defensively and has proven to be a good fit with Hagens on the third line.
It’s unlikely Lindholm will perform at the level of a typical top-six center. But could he be a very good No. 3 center who makes a positive impact in all situations? For sure.
Power play must improve
The Bruins have the 15th-ranked power play with a 21.1 percent success rate. On paper, that doesn’t seem too bad. But all six of their power-play goals have come in two games — three against the Utah Mammoth on Oct. 8 and three against the Ducks on Oct. 16.
In the other eight games, the B’s have not found the back of the net a single time with the man advantage.
The Bruins have generated only two shots in their last six minutes on the power play over the last two games.
Not only are the Bruins failing to score on the power play, they aren’t earning many chances, either. The B’s rank 23rd in total power-play opportunities and 30th in power-play ice time per game.
The Bruins had the ninth-best power play last season. This year’s roster is better. There’s no reason why the power play should be so inconsistent.
Balanced scoring
The Bruins have relied on David Pastrnak far too much in recent seasons. He’s delivered on his end with four straight 100-point seasons, but no one else on the Bruins has tallied more than 68 points during that span.
The scoring depth has been far better for Boston this season. Six players have scored three or more goals. Ten players have at least two goals. Eleven players have tallied five or more points.
Sturm wanted more offense from his defensemen this season. That group already has six goals.
The Bruins are getting meaningful scoring contributions up and down the lineup. That is perhaps the most important aspect of the team’s hot start and why it ranks seventh among 32 teams in goals scored per game.
Bruins need more goals from Pastrnak, Geekie
James Guillory-Imagn Images
Pastrnak and Geekie have combined for one even-strength goal so far.
David Pastrnak tallied 100 points last season, but his 29 goals were the fewest in any season in which he’s played 55-plus games. Three of his four goals this year have come on the power play. The B’s need much better offensive production from him at 5-on-5.
Morgan Geekie scored a career-high 39 goals last season. He has one goal this year, and it came on the power play. Geekie also has tallied just 10 shots on net in 10 games. He has one game with multiple shots.
For a player with such a great shot, one per game is nowhere near acceptable. Geekie has never been a huge shot quantity player, but he still needs to be much more aggressive in looking for his own offense.
The Bruins have not suffered much from Pastrnak and Geekie’s lack of 5-on-5 goals because the young players have exceeded expectations offensively. But for this team to reach its maximum potential, veterans like Pastrnak and Geekie must lead the attack.
/ Thank you, Lakers Nation. 
.”
James Guillory-Imagn Images