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Premier League and Carabao Cup final: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Kobbie Mainoo needs a power boost, Everton revel in home comforts but Brentford must rediscover their buzz

One theory behind Manchester City’s subpar 18 months is that the end is sliding into view on Pep Guardiola’s glorious reign, and the fact that he may be considering life after City is transmitting itself to his players. Sunday’s Carabao Cup win goes some way to refuting that. Not only did he see off the challenge of his former apprentice Mikel Arteta, but it was vintage Guardiola on the touchline. He looked gobsmacked when decisions didn’t go his side’s way, produced a Chuck Norris tribute kick to an advertising hoarding when City took the lead then sprinted down the touchline, fists pumping, when Nico O’Reilly scored his second of a fairytale final for the club’s local lad. If Guardiola’s intense level of care has dropped, he’s disguising it well. Anybody writing off him – and City’s league title ambitions – would do well to remember just what level of manager we are dealing with here. Alex Reid

Match report: Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City

Player ratings: Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City

Match report: Tottenham 0-3 Nottingham Forest

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Fantasy Basketball: Matchups to exploit during the playoff semifinals

Navigating the fantasy basketball playoffs requires a sharp edge, and understanding the weekly NBA schedule can make all the difference. With most teams playing three or four games in Week 22, maximizing volume through smart streaming and lineup decisions is key. Identifying favorable matchups, pace environments and defensive weaknesses can help fantasy managers uncover hidden value and gain an advantage. This breakdown highlights the top streaming teams, players to target and schedule quirks to exploit, helping you optimize your roster and stay competitive as the fantasy basketball season reaches its most critical stretch.

These are dates to target players for streaming options from the following teams: 

Tuesday, March 24: SAC at CHA, NO at NYK, ORL at CLE, DEN at PHX

Thursday, March 26: NYK at CHA, NO at DET, SAC at ORL

Make sure to activate players and target weekly pickups from the following teams:

Draft your Yahoo Fantasy Baseball team for the 2026 MLB Season

Hawks (4), Nets (4), Hornets (4), Bulls (4), Nuggets (4), Pistons (4), Warriors (4), Rockets (4), Pacers (4), Clippers (4), Grizzlies (4), Heat (4), Bucks (4), Pelicans (4), Thunder (4), Magic (4), Trail Blazers (4), Kings (4), Raptors (4), Jazz (4)

Consider looking for streaming options if your roster includes players from these teams:

Timberwolves (2), Suns (2)

at DAL, vs. BKN, vs. WAS, at DEN

Talk about a great schedule for the Warriors. They begin the week facing three tanking teams. Over their last 10 games, the Mavericks, Nets and Wizards all rank inside the bottom 10 in the league in defensive rating. The Mavericks and Wizards also rank inside the top five in pace of play during that span. Another huge positive for the Warriors is that none of these games are part of a back-to-back set.

There was a recent report that Stephen Curry (knee) is expected to be re-evaluated Tuesday. However, that doesn't mean he will play in any of these four games. Even if he does return, it might not be until the end of the week. Continue to expect increased production from Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton. Considering there are no back-to-back games, we could also see four games from Kristaps Porziņģis, who recently torched the Wizards for 30 points.

at CHI, at MIN, at MEM, at NO

The Rockets begin the week with a terrific matchup against the Bulls, who play at the fourth-fastest pace and have the eighth-worst defensive rating in the league. The Timberwolves can shine on defense, but the Grizzlies and Pelicans also rank inside the bottom 10 in defensive rating. Like the Warriors, none of the Rockets' games next week will be part of a back-to-back set, which is especially important for the 37-year-old Kevin Durant.

The Rockets lean heavily on their starters. Amen Thompson averages 37 minutes a game, Durant 36 minutes, Jabari Smith Jr. 35 minutes and Alperen Şengün plays 33 minutes a night. The four-game week should also provide a boost for the likes of Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard. Sheppard continues to be a great source of 3-pointers, with him averaging 2.7 of them a night.

vs. BKN, vs. MIL, vs. DAL, vs. WAS

The Trail Blazers will face four teams that are looking on the outside of the playoff hunt. They also all rank inside the bottom 10 in defensive rating over their last 10 games. As good as the schedule is, the first game of the week against the Nets on Monday might be tricky. The Trail Blazers played Sunday in Denver, so we'll need to be mindful of possible rest days for some of their starters. The Trail Blazers are fighting for playoff positioning, though, so they might not sit anyone.

Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan could be fantasy forces with this favorable schedule. Jrue Holiday should also be started in all formats. Monitor for updates on Jerami Grant (foot), who did not play Sunday. As far as viable streamers go, Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson have upside. We might only get three games from Robert Williams III, who hasn't been playing both halves of back-to-back sets.

vs. MIL, vs. TOR, at IND, at MIL

Playing two games against the Bucks is a major boost for all players on the Clippers. The Pacers have also been awful, posting the worst defensive rating in the NBA over their last 10 games. The only negative matchup is the Raptors, who rank eighth in defensive rating for the season. Some more good news for Leonard and company is that none of the four games will be played on consecutive days.

No back-to-back games could be key for Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland. Leonard has battled an ankle injury lately, while Garland has been receiving rest days for his toe. They have the potential to play four games each. Bennedict Mathurin (toe) missed the team's recent road trip and has been ruled out for Monday, so at best, he will only play three times. John Collins should be started in most formats, while Kris Dunn can help fantasy managers with steals.

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Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket as Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat plays defense during the game on October 30, 2025 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Less than 2 weeks ago, Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat were the talk of the NBA. An 83 point performance that put Adebayo in the record books also happened to coincide with a 7 game win streak that’s kept them right in the thick of things out East as the season winds down. Since Adebayo’s historic night though they’ve gone a paltry 1-4, including two losses to two teams that they’re fighting for positioning with in the standings. Currently the 9th seed with 11 games left in the regular season, the Heat have just 1 less win than the current 5th seed Toronto Raptors.

Meanwhile for the Spurs, the possibility of 60 wins remains alive and well. Currently holding a 7 game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2nd seed and still just 3 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio might just be locked into that 2nd spot. Even with six of their next seven on the road, there’s a good chance they could wrap that race up very soon. Once that happens, the focus can be entirely on health and fine-tuning for the franchise’s first postseason run in a very long time.

San Antonio Spurs (53-18) vs Miami Heat (38-33)
March 23 2026 | 6:00 PM CT
Watch: Peacock, FDSS | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Stephon Castle, hip (day to day), Devin Vassell, hamstring (day to day), David Jones-Garcia, OUT

Heat Injuries: Andrew Wiggins, toe (day to day), Jaime Jaquez Jr, hip (day to day), Norman Powell, calf (day to day)

What to watch for

  • While he’s obviously not averaging 83 points a night, Bam Adebayo has nonetheless had a phenomenal season. He’s hit at least the 20 point mark in his last 11 games and is second on the Heat in scoring this season, behind only Tyler Herro. He’s coming off a 32 point, 21 rebound game in a loss to the Houston Rockets, a game in which he played 45 minutes. Adebayo is the bedrock of an elite Miami defense, shutting off driving lanes with his quickness and providing solid rim protection. With Victor Wembanyama playing some of the best basketball of his career, the potential for a classic confrontation is there.
  • No one plays faster than Miami, averaging nearly 104 possessions per game this year. They like to push the ball in transition while leaning on a defense that’s just outside the top 5 (6th in defensive rating) to stifle opposing offenses and force them into turnovers to fuel their offensive attack. San Antonio, who are no slouches themselves when it comes to pushing the tempo and playing elite defense, protect the basketball as well as any team in the Association, but there’s always a chance for things to get ugly on the road. Keeping turnovers down and cleaning the defensive glass will be key in limiting the Miami offense.
  • Dylan Harper took full advantage of his first career start, tying a career-high 24 points in Saturday’s win against the Pacers on a super-efficient 9/13 from the field. With Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell potentially out once again for this one, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mitch Johnson give the impressive rookie the starting nod once again tonight. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has more than a few great options to throw at San Antonio’s wings, but Harper and the rest of his teammates should be up to the task The 20 year old Harper has scored in double figures nine times since the All Star break.

If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!

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Booker and the Suns host conference foe Denver

Denver Nuggets (44-28, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (40-32, seventh in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Tuesday, 11 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets visit Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns in Western Conference action.

The Suns are 25-20 in Western Conference games. Phoenix is at the bottom of the Western Conference scoring 42.5 points per game in the paint.

The Nuggets have gone 26-16 against Western Conference opponents. Denver is fourth in the Western Conference with 33.8 defensive rebounds per game led by Jokic averaging 9.7.

The Suns average 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 13.4 per game the Nuggets allow. The Nuggets score 9.8 more points per game (120.8) than the Suns give up to opponents (111.0).

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Nuggets won 130-112 in the last meeting on Nov. 30. Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, and Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 27 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Booker is scoring 25.5 points per game with 3.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the Suns. Jalen Green is averaging 23.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 45.6% over the past 10 games.

Jamal Murray is averaging 25.1 points and 7.1 assists for the Nuggets. Jokic is averaging 25.0 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 5-5, averaging 113.7 points, 39.7 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points per game.

Nuggets: 6-4, averaging 123.0 points, 43.7 rebounds, 31.4 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.3 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Grayson Allen: day to day (knee), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot), Haywood Highsmith: day to day (knee), Royce O'Neale: day to day (knee), Amir Coffey: day to day (ankle).

Nuggets: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Charlotte takes home win streak into matchup with Sacramento

Sacramento Kings (19-53, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (37-34, 10th in the Eastern Conference)

Charlotte, North Carolina; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte hosts Sacramento aiming to extend its three-game home winning streak.

The Hornets have gone 17-17 in home games. Charlotte is eighth in the league allowing just 112.1 points per game while holding opponents to 46.7% shooting.

The Kings are 6-28 on the road. Sacramento has a 3-4 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Hornets are shooting 46.0% from the field this season, 3.4 percentage points lower than the 49.4% the Kings allow to opponents. The Kings average 10.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.6 fewer made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Hornets allow.

The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Hornets defeated the Kings 117-109 in their last matchup on March 12. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 30 points, and DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 39 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ball is averaging 19.7 points and 7.1 assists for the Hornets. Kon Knueppel is averaging 18.2 points over the last 10 games.

Maxime Raynaud is averaging 11.9 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Kings. DeRozan is averaging 17.6 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 7-3, averaging 116.6 points, 45.1 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.1 points per game.

Kings: 5-5, averaging 115.7 points, 45.5 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.6 points.

INJURIES: Hornets: Tidjane Salaun: day to day (calf).

Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Russell Westbrook: day to day (foot), Killian Hayes: day to day (toe), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Drew Eubanks: out for season (thumb), Isaiah Stevens: day to day (ankle), Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Daeqwon Plowden: day to day (foot).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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New York puts home win streak on the line against New Orleans

New Orleans Pelicans (25-47, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (47-25, third in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: New York will try to keep its three-game home win streak alive when the Knicks play New Orleans.

The Knicks are 26-9 on their home court. New York is 8-4 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Pelicans have gone 9-25 away from home. New Orleans is 14-21 when it wins the turnover battle and averages 13.5 turnovers per game.

The Knicks score 117.2 points per game, 2.0 fewer points than the 119.2 the Pelicans allow. The Pelicans average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.5 fewer made shots on average than the 13.8 per game the Knicks allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Knicks won the last matchup 130-125 on Dec. 30, with Jalen Brunson scoring 28 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20.2 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 20.4 points over the last 10 games.

Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 7-3, averaging 117.6 points, 48.7 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.3 points per game.

Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 117.9 points, 45.3 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.7 points.

INJURIES: Knicks: Landry Shamet: day to day (knee), Miles McBride: out (ankle).

Pelicans: Bryce McGowens: day to day (toe).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Brooklyn plays Portland, looks to stop road losing streak

Brooklyn Nets (17-54, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (35-37, ninth in the Western Conference)

Portland, Oregon; Monday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Trail Blazers -14.5; over/under is 219.5

BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn hits the road against Portland looking to stop its three-game road losing streak.

The Trail Blazers are 18-16 on their home court. Portland ranks ninth in the Western Conference with 31.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Donovan Clingan averaging 7.1.

The Nets have gone 8-28 away from home. Brooklyn is the worst team in the Eastern Conference scoring averaging just 106.4 points per game while shooting 44.3%.

The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.1% from the field this season, 4.2 percentage points lower than the 49.3% the Nets allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers average 106.4 points per game, 10.8 fewer points than the 117.2 the Trail Blazers give up.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Trail Blazers won 114-95 in the last meeting on March 16. Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 18 points, and Chaney Johnson led the Nets with 17 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Avdija is scoring 24.2 points per game with 7.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists for the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant is averaging 17.1 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 52.3% over the last 10 games.

Danny Wolf is averaging 8.9 points for the Nets. Tyson Etienne is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 114.1 points, 48.1 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 8.5 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game.

Nets: 2-8, averaging 103.8 points, 39.9 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points.

INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: day to day (calf), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Vit Krejci: day to day (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

Nets: Noah Clowney: day to day (wrist), Danny Wolf: day to day (ankle), Egor Demin: out for season (foot), Day'Ron Sharpe: out for season (thumb), Michael Porter Jr.: out (hamstring), Nic Claxton: day to day (rest).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Filipowski and Utah take on the Raptors in non-conference play

Toronto Raptors (39-31, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (21-50, 14th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Monday, 9 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Raptors -12.5; over/under is 230.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Utah Jazz host the Toronto Raptors in non-conference play.

The Jazz have gone 13-23 in home games. Utah ranks second in the NBA with 29.4 assists per game. Isaiah Collier leads the Jazz averaging 7.2.

The Raptors are 20-15 on the road. Toronto ranks fourth in the league with 28.8 assists per game led by Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.0.

The Jazz are shooting 46.5% from the field this season, 0.2 percentage points lower than the 46.7% the Raptors allow to opponents. The Raptors are shooting 47.5% from the field, 1.4% lower than the 48.9% the Jazz's opponents have shot this season.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Raptors won 107-100 in the last matchup on Feb. 1.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Filipowski is scoring 10.6 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 18.2 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 48.6% over the last 10 games.

Scottie Barnes is averaging 18.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.5 blocks for the Raptors. RJ Barrett is averaging 22 points and 5.3 rebounds over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 113.9 points, 43.6 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 9.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.0 points per game.

Raptors: 4-6, averaging 112.7 points, 38.8 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.6 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (hip), Isaiah Collier: out (hamstring), Keyonte George: out (leg), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Luis Gil left in limbo after Yankees reveal early rotation plans: ‘Working through’ it

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch.
Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch.

TAMPA — Luis Gil’s dominant final start of the spring was still not enough to lock up a spot in the Yankees four-man rotation to begin the season.

Now the question is whether he will open the year in the bullpen or the minors until the Yankees need a fifth starter in early April.

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With four off-days in the first 13 days of the season, the Yankees are going with a four-man rotation to begin the year so their starters are not going too long between starts over the first two weeks.

Max Fried will start the opener against the Giants on Wednesday, followed, after a day off, by Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers.

That leaves Gil as the odd man out following a camp in which his stuff was lacking before turning it on Friday night in a throwback performance against the Orioles.

“We’re working through that — do we want him to start a couple [in the minors] and then pop him in the rotation?” Aaron Boone said Sunday after a 4-0 win over the Phillies at Steinbrenner Field. “Is there an avenue to do it a different way? That’s what we’re working through still.”

Luis Gil throws a pitch during his March 15 start for the Yankees. Imagn Images

Gil will stay back in Tampa to throw live batting practice Wednesday to continue his buildup, making it more likely that the Yankees carry an extra reliever on their Opening Day roster.

The arms still vying for spots — with three up for grabs if Gil is optioned, two if he is not — are Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest, lefty Brent Headrick, Jake Bird and Osvaldo Bido.

Headrick and Bird have minor league options while Bido does not and the Yankees must carry Winquest on their roster or offer him back to the Cardinals.

The Yankees could use Gil out of the bullpen in a piggyback role to keep him built up, but they already have length options in Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn.

If Gil throws live batting practice Wednesday, he would likely be unavailable for all of the opening series against the Giants.

Otherwise, they do not need a fifth starter until April 11 and Gil would be eligible to be called up as early as April 9 if he is optioned.

“Obviously, he’d like to be a starter with us, so frustrating [for him],” pitching coach Matt Blake said. “But at the same time, he understands the position we’re in with the way the schedule lines up for the first two weeks in particular. Now it’s just a matter of making sure we do right by him and keep him in rhythm and find the best balance for the bullpen and our starting group.

“It’s not necessarily a specific decision around Luis.”

— Additional reporting by Jon Heyman

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Lakers vs. Pistons Preview: Eyeing revenge in Detroit

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball against Jake Laravia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on December 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Lakers (46-25) look to extend their winning streak to double digits on Monday against the Detroit Pistons (51-19). L.A. looks to even the season series with the current first seed in the Eastern Conference.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons

When: 4 p.m. PT, Mar 23

Where: Little Caesars Arena

Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet

Just when it looked like the Lakers were about to see their longest winning streak this season come to an end, Luke Kennard saved it by knocking down the game-winner. That moment was the perfect depiction of this current winning streak: finding ways to win even when the odds have been against them. As a result, the team is currently playing its best basketball of the season.

Los Angeles will look to continue doing that on Monday when they take on the best team in the Eastern Conference by record in the Pistons. This is the same Detroit team that blew them out at Crypto.com Arena in December. This time around, Cade Cunningham won’t be available for Motor City, though they’ve been holding up well without their MVP candidate so far.

The Pistons, who are currently on a three-game winning streak, are still quite a matchup problem for the Lakers even without Cunningham. They have quality scorers in every position and the defense to match up against the Lakers’ elite offense. That’s why this match will be about whether Detroit’s defense can contain the L.A.‘s offense.

Without Cunningham in the mix, the Lakers can focus on Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, who are currently running the Pistons’ offense. They have to make sure shooters like Duncan Robinson don’t make their presence felt either.

Remember, in the last matchup, the Pistons demolished the Lakers in transition (31-12) and points in the paint (74-44). It didn’t help that they had a terrific game from the 3-point arc (45.8%) as well.

On Monday, we’ll get to see how much the Lakers’ defense has improved from last December as well as whether or not this Lakers team can beat the best team in the Eastern Conference on the road to earn their 10th straight victory.

Notes and Updates

  • The Lakers’ injury report indicates Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) as questionable.
  • For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham (left lung pneumothorax), Marcus Sasser (right hip strain) and Isaiah Stewart (left calf strain) are out.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

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Power Play Primed – Hurricanes 5, Penguins 1

Mar 22, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) congratulates Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (right) on his goal during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes scored three power play goals and dominated the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-1 on Sunday afternoon in the Steel City.

The Canes controlled the puck most of the game and were holding the Pens to a paltry 12 shots on goal until the Pens finally found some offense with five minutes and change to go.

In all, the Hurricanes had 26 shots on goal to 19 for the home team.

The Canes opened the scoring on a power play goal by Sebastian Aho just 47 seconds into the game. While Carolina had other opportunities in the period, they did not score again until Nikolaj Ehlers scored another power play tally six minutes and change into the second.

Ehlers had another excellent game as he contributed in many ways throughout.

Three minutes later, Jalen Chatfield made the score 3-0 when his shot from the point found its way into the net.

Ehlers found Seth Jarvis in front of the net in close during another power play and the score was 4-0 Carolina before the end of the second.

The Pens finally solved Fred Andersen later in the third period but Mark Jankowski zipped in an empty-netter to close out the scoring.

Andersen has now won his last five starts and allowed just the one goal on 19 shots.

Aho’s goal was his 25th, making eight seasons that he has scored 25 goals or more. That is a new franchise record.

The Canes travel to Montreal for their next match against the Habs on Tuesday night.

Game Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20252026/GS021112.HTM

Event Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20252026/ES021112.HTM

Interviews – https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/vuct9429t084mxx0acjgt/ABr_sZ-agoXZbvBJfCKZO8E?rlkey=4pt7nvodo9dhif6w8cjuplpsx&e=1&st=s2jsx9ab&dl=0

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10-run inning sets the tone in Dodgers win

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 22: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27) talks with Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) before the MLB Spring Training game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels on March 22, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There is no clock in baseball, and any half-inning could, in theory, last forever—the Dodgers decided to test the boundaries of that by scoring a ridiculous 10 runs in the third inning on their way to a blowout win. If you ask me, it was a bit overkill given how dominant Tyler Glasnow was, but the more the merrier, and who doesn’t love to see a lot of runs? This particular rally began with a solo shot from Teoscar Hernández…

…and it ended with a Shohei Ohtani bases-loaded three-run double, scalding a ball to levels that make you question if he is truly human when such majestic feats have become the norm for the reigning back-to-back NL MVP.

Funny enough, a home run would eventually come from the leadoff spot, but not from Ohtani. Once the replacements started to come in, James Tibbs III batted for Ohtani and hit an impressive solo shot to left centerfield.

The 13 runs the Dodgers scored were more than enough to back up Glasnow’s performance. Whenever someone asks you to describe the Glasnow experience, simply point to a start such as this one against the Angels, tossing five one-run innings and recording all but four of his outs via strikeout. Not nearly as efficient as most of the other ace-caliber pitchers, Glasnow dominates in rare fashion, even if he ultimately goes an inning or two shorter than you would like for someone of his caliber. Possessing two outstanding breaking balls, Glasnow can often pick up clues on which one is working best in any particular evening and just ride with it; tonight, it was the curveball.

Glasnow leaned into a curveball that was particularly dazzling, inducing a whopping 13 whiffs on 18 swings, mystifying Angel batters all evening long. The sole blemish on his record was a long shot to Jorge Soler on a 2-2 four-seam fastball that could not have been more than middle-middle if Glasnow had tried it. Speaking of Soler, if not for the Dodgers’ scoring outburst in the third, his performance would probably be the headline of this game. Soler also took Tanner Scott deep, this time for a three-run shot in the sixth. Once again, it was a fastball, this one not nearly as poorly located, that caused the damage. Scott’s blowup inning was the one big negative for the Dodgers in this game, as the left-hander allowed three earned runs while recording only one out.

Up next

The Dodgers and Angels meet again on Monday night, this time at Dodger Stadium. Reid Detmers will be the starter for the visiting team, while the Dodgers have yet to announce theirs. Start time at 6:10 p.m. PT.

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Ryan McMahon ends dismal Yankees spring on a high note after working on his stance

New York Yankees infielder Ryan McMahon hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ryan McMahon connects on a hit during the Yankees' spring training game March 22.

Observations from Yankees spring training Sunday:

Finishing strong

Ryan McMahon had little to show for his narrowed batting stance for much of the spring, but he finished strong, recording a hit in four straight games to finish camp, including two Sunday.

Ryan McMahon connects on a hit during the Yankees’ spring training game March 22. Imagn Images

Cami-lo point

In his first game back from the WBC, Camilo Doval had a shaky inning — hitting a batter, giving up a double and walking another to load the bases. But he got out of it unscathed with a strikeout and a double play.

Caught my eye

In the Grapefruit League finale, Ben Rice got his first (and only) inning of the spring as a catcher.

After starting at first base, he moved behind the plate in the sixth inning to catch David Bednar and Fernando Cruz.

Rice did catch bullpen sessions and live batting practices throughout the spring, but he is not expected to catch much, if at all, in the early going, though he could mix in some more as the season goes along.

Monday’s schedule

The Yankees face the Cubs in an exhibition in Mesa, Ariz., with spring standout Carlos Lagrange making one last start before heading to the minors.

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Vancouver Canucks Eliminated From 2026 Playoff Contention

The Vancouver Canucks became the first team to be eliminated from 2026 playoff contention. The "E" went up next to the Canucks name on the NHL's standings page late on Sunday night. Vancouver has played 69 games so far this season and has picked up just 50 points. 

The Canucks have now missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Since 2014-15, Vancouver has only qualified for the post-season three times. The last time the Canucks were in the playoffs was in 2024, when they reached Game 7 of the second round. 

Vancouver missing the playoffs has been a known fact for the last few months. At this rate, the Canucks are projected to finish 32nd in the league and will have the best odds at first overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Of Vancouver's 13 remaining games, five are at Rogers Arena while the remaining eight are on the road. 

Mar 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle (7) celebrates a goal scored on goalie Nikita Tolopilo (60) (not pictured) by forward Bobby McMann (74) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Mar 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle (7) celebrates a goal scored on goalie Nikita Tolopilo (60) (not pictured) by forward Bobby McMann (74) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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Takeaways from the Ducks 6-5 OT Win over the Sabres

Before setting out on a three-game Western Canada road trip, the Anaheim Ducks hosted the NHL’s hottest team, the Buffalo Sabres, on Sunday evening at Honda Center.

The Ducks were coming off a playoff-style and potentially fortunate 4-1 win over the Utah Mammoth on Friday. They entered the game with a three-point lead in the Pacific Division and had registered points in their last three games (2-0-1).

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Buffalo was playing their second leg of a back-to-back, as they defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Saturday. They entered Sunday having won their previous four games and had won 13 of their last 14.

The Ducks coaching staff started this game how they finished the last, from a lineup perspective, with Mason McTavish listed on as the fourth-line left winger. Frank Vatrano and Drew Helleson served this game as the team’s healthy scratches. This was the final game of Radko Gudas’ five-game suspension, earned when he initiated a knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews on March 12.

Here’s how the Ducks lined up to start this game:

Kreider-Carlsson-Terry

Killorn-Granlund-Sennecke

Viel-Poehling-Gauthier

McTavish-Washe-Harkins

LaCombe-Trouba

Mintyukov-Carlson

Zellweger-Moore

Ville Husso got the start for the Ducks in this game and stopped 24 of 29 shots. In the Buffalo crease stood Alex Lyon, who saved 27 of 33.

“I don’t know how many times we’ve done that this year, but it’s been an alarming number,” Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said of his team scoring with the goalie pulled late. “It’s still not a recipe for success. The 4-2 (score) at the beginning of the period, that should have been something we should have nailed down and built off it.”

Game Notes

This was as typical of a 2025-26 Anaheim Ducks game as one could have expected. They exchanged chances with Buffalo all game, made several consequential mistakes in critical areas of the ice, got some luck, got some big saves from Husso when the game could have gotten out of hand, and once again, outscored their problems.

The underlying numbers don’t exactly paint that picture. They dictated pace and possessed pucks in elongated spurts throughout this high-event matchup. At 5v5, the Ducks won the shots on goal battle 27-26 and the expected goals battle 3.06-2.9, but lost the shot attempts battle 57-53.

D-Zone Coverage: Buffalo generated several long cycle sequences in this game, feeding their talented defensemen at the point and winning battles in the small areas of the zone. Tired legs would often give way to tired minds, and the net-front defenders were caught puck-watching on several occasions, leaving open slot attackers in prime locations.

Defense Rotation: The Ducks’ top four defensemen (LaCombe, Trouba, Carlson, Mintyukov) all notched well over 20 minutes TOI, while the bottom pair was short-shifted, especially as the clock was winding down. Zellweger and Moore were the only two defensemen on the Ducks with negative expected goals shares, and they were the biggest culprits of the poor defensive zone habits stated above. They weren’t as effective on breakouts as they’d been in previous games together, and when plays became sloppy, they had trouble adjusting and sorting out their assignments.

Jackson LaCombe: LaCombe went toe-to-toe with one of the NHL’s potential Norris Trophy finalists in Rasmus Dahlin and was equally as impactful, dictating pace, creating offense, and killing plays early on the defensive side of the puck in all three zones. LaCombe is an elite rush defender whose poise won numerous transition battles, which he then turned up ice into rush offense. He logged a pair of points while playing the vast majority of his 23:56 TOI at even strength.

The Ducks will hit the road for a three-game trip to face their Canadian Division opponents (Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers), starting with the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at 7 PM PST.

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-1 Win over the Mammoth

Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 OT Loss to the Flyers

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-3 Win over the Canadiens