St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, who was rumored to be on the move to the Buffalo Sabres, as initially reported by TSN's Darren Dreger, has decided to invoke his no-trade clause and nix the trade:
As we reported here last night, two sources indicated that Parayko was reluctant to move to the Sabres, who appear set to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 15 years while the Blues (23-29-9) are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Parayko officially declined to waive:
Officially, Colton Parayko has declined to waive his no-trade clause to Buffalo -- as is his contractual right.
So where do the Blues and management pivot from here? They have until 2 p.m. (CT) to make those decisions. But for now, at least, the Parayko to Buffalo deal has been squashed.
And in essence, we have the Torey Krug situation all over again, when the then-Blues defenseman nixed a potential deal to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023 for a package that included Travis Sanheim.
But it's obvious that Parayko, drafted by the Blues in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft and has spent his entire 11-year career in St. Louis, doesn't want to part with leaving -- at least for the moment. He is signed through the 2030, with the final two years of his contract falling to a modified 15-team no-trade list.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 28: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers warms up before a NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on February 28, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This could be one of the busier NHL trade deadlines in recent memory. The Winter Olympics using NHL talent meant that a majority of teams that would have executed February deals decided to wait and see if injuries impacted their plans before committing to anything. As a result we now have a March 6 date looming, and lots of teams needing to make moves to set their rosters for a run at the Stanley Cup.
Today we look at some of the biggest names attacting attention on the market, as well as who might be buyers at the deadline.
Evgeni Malkin, RW — Pittsburgh Penguins
The writing is on the wall for the legendary Pens wing to skate for his final time in Pittsburgh on Thursday night. All signs are pointing to the Penguins making a deal at the deadline to send Malkin away, separating him from Sidney Crosby for the first time in his career.
President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas said Malkin was having a “fantastic season,” praised him as a franchise icon, and said his future was a “private internal matter.” It doesn’t take a lot of reading the tea leaves to see this one is coming to an end.
The 39-year-old wing is still a ludicrously effective playmaking forward who can offer a veteran presence for a team in need of a wing. At this stage in his career he’s no longer an elite goal scorer, but still has 13 goals and 34 assists in 45 games this season. It would be stunning if Malkin is still on the roster on Friday night.
Potential landing spots: Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers
Dougie Hamilton, D — New Jersey Devils
A strong start to the season has collapsed into mediocrity for the Devils, and they’re likely to be sellers at the deadline as a result. The prime name that keeps getting mentioned is Dougie Hamilton — who would offer a big boost as a veteran blueline presence, something there’s not a lot of on the market this year.
There are no shortage of teams who would be interested if Hamilton is dangled in front of them, especially for a forward the Devils can pair with Jack Hughes in 2026-27 and beyond.
Potential landing sports: Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs
Robert Thomas, C — St. Louis Blues
It’s unusual to see a former 80+ point center being shopped at the deadline when he’s only 26-years-old, but the Blues are being realistic about their future. Languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference, the Blues need a solid rebuild and are looking for draft assets or prospects to make that happen.
There have been strong links between the Buffalo Sabres and Blues on a deal for Thomas, but signs point to Buffalo balking at the demand the Blues have made from their prospect pool. This is interesting because now teams around the NHL know roughly the price on Thomas, which could lead to teams swooping in to make an offer at the deadline. Any organization needing a solid second line center will be keeping an eye on this one, though I suspect the Sabres still have the inside line.
Potential landing sports: Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes
Sergei Bobrovsky, G — Florida Panthers
I don’t think anyone saw the Stanley Cup champs falling apart as quickly as they have, but here we are. It’s gotten to the point where the Panthers are being realistic about their chances to compete, with only the narrowest beam of light reaching them in last place in the Atlantic Conference.
Bob has had a down year, but he’s a brilliant goaltender who rises to the occasion when games matter the most, making him the ideal playoff goalie for a team in need of help. The question becomes: Who is willing to make a deal here? There are numerous teams who can plug him in as a part of a push, predominantly organizations who see their window being right now with lesser-established prospect systems.
Potential landing sports: Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres
Elias Petterson, C — Vancouver Canucks
It’s rebuild time in Vancouver, and the center of that has to be moving Elias Pettersson. The once-transcendent center who seemed poised to become a perennial 100-point player didn’t really take that next step, despite getting a contract to pay him like that guy.
This becomes the biggest sticking point in a Pettersson deal. Who is willing to pay him like an elite, $11.6M AAV player with a deal running until 2031-32, when he might be a 60 or 70 point guy at best? The key to that is believing there’s an element that can be unlocked, which had been stymied with the Canucks due to an inability to put a team around him.
It’s a major swing for the fences move, which could either net a team a player who returns to dominant form and brings them a cup — or be resigned to an eventual “worst trades of all time” column.
Potential landing spots: Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes
Vincent Trocheck, C — New York Rangers
It’s become clear that the Rangers don’t really know how to build a winning roster, and that has led to a lot of veterans reaching the end of their run, who should be on playoff teams, rather than wasting away. Vinny Trocheck leads this list, hot off a gold medal win with Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
At this point in his career he’s not a top-line center, even though he’s been forced to play like one in New York at times. The best spot for him is to play on a second line, master the face off, and be in a position where he doesn’t need to be overtly physical in the corners. A team needing a veteran boost at their center position makes a lot of sense, where Trocheck would be a low-risk move with potentially big upside.
Potential landing spots: Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 1: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 1, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (21-40, 7-20 Away) continue their road trip with a Wednesday night matchup against the Orlando Magic (32-28, 18-11 Home) at 6:00 PM CST. Cooper Flagg is back in the lineup after missing eight games with a foot injury, but the cavalry isn’t riding in with him. Marvin Bagley is out. Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Brandon Williams are all game-time decisions.
Let’s scan the lines in search of value.
🏀 Fixture: Dallas Mavericks (21–37, 9–20 Away) @ Orlando Magic (38–20, 21–8 Home) 📍 Kia Center — Orlando, FL 🕢 6:00 PM CST, March 5, 2026 📺 KFAA-TV / MavsTV / NBA App
📊 DraftKings Snapshot (as of 11:30 AM CST, March 5) Spread: ORL -8.5 (–115) | DAL +8.5 (–105) Total: 230.5 (O –110 / U –110) Moneyline: ORL –380 | DAL +300
📉 Game Side Lean: Magic -8.5
Orlando’s defense is suffocating. Dallas’ offense is broken. This is not a complicated equation.
The Mavericks have scored 108.9 points per game over the eight games without Flagg—dead last in the league during that span. Max Christie, who started the season shooting nearly 50% from three, has cratered. The scoring punch that made Dallas competitive earlier in the season has evaporated, and even with Flagg returning tonight, he’s fresh off an eight-game absence. Rust is real.
Orlando, meanwhile, boasts one of the league’s best defenses and a home-court advantage that is palpable versus weak offenses (18-11 Home). Paolo Banchero just dropped 37 on Washington and is averaging 24 points per game over his last ten. Desmond Bane is right there with him at 26 per game over this recent stretch. Franz Wagner is out, which thins Orlando’s scoring depth, but the Magic don’t need a deep rotation to handle a Mavericks team that might be without Klay, Naji, and Brandon Williams.
The bright spot for Dallas? They’re drawing 22.6 fouls per game and attempting 29.1 free throws in Flagg’s absence — both league-leading marks. That might keep this game closer than it should be for stretches, but it won’t be enough to cover 8.5 points on the road against a team this good defensively.
Magic win. Magic cover. The tank rolls on.
🔮 Total Lean: Under 230.5
This game won’t sniff 230.5.
Dallas’ offense is in shambles. They’re averaging 108.9 points per game without Flagg and have no consistent perimeter shooting with Max Christie slumping hard. Even if Flagg returns, he’s been out for eight games and will likely see restricted minutes as he shakes off the rust.
Orlando’s defense is elite, and their offense—while effective—isn’t built to run teams off the floor. Banchero and Bane will get theirs, but without Franz Wagner, the Magic lack the secondary scoring to push the pace into shootout territory. This feels like a grind-it-out game where Dallas scraps to stay competitive by getting to the free-throw line and Orlando methodically pulls away.
The math points under. Two teams with offensive limitations, one elite defense, and a game script that favors physicality over pace.
🎯 Player Props We Like
Wendell Carter Jr. Over 7.5 Rebounds (–125)
Carter is averaging 7.6 rebounds per game on the season and 9.0 per game in March. With Franz Wagner out, Orlando’s frontcourt workload falls even more heavily on Carter’s shoulders, and Dallas is missing Marvin Bagley — their best rebounder since the Anthony Davis trade. The Mavericks are thin in the paint, and Carter should dominate the glass on both ends. He’s pulled down double-digit rebounds in multiple games recently, and against a depleted Dallas frontcourt, 7.5 feels like a gift. Smash the over.
Cooper Flagg Over 3.5 Assists (–114)
Flagg is returning to the lineup after an eight-game absence, and Orlando knows it. He’s the ROY candidate, the franchise cornerstone, the main reason to watch this Mavericks team right now. The Magic will double-team him relentlessly, forcing him to pass out of pressure and create for teammates. Flagg averaged 4.1 assists per game before his injury, and with the Mavs’ offense desperately needing playmaking, he’ll be looking to facilitate early and often. Orlando’s defensive scheme will gift him assist opportunities. The line at 3.5 feels low for a player this talented coming back against a defense designed to take the ball out of his hands.
💡 Summary:
The Magic are better, healthier, and playing at home. The Mavericks are limping in with Cooper Flagg returning from injury and half their rotation on the injury report. We’ll ride Orlando -8.5, lean under, and hope Wendell Carter cleans the glass while Flagg racks up assists against a double-team-heavy defense.
You call yourself Doughty…? | NHLI via Getty Images
The Islanders’ Olympic-spanning win streak ended in a Husso in Anaheim Wednesday night, but they have another chance to pick up points from Southern California tonight vs. the Kings.
Ottawa also ranks third in expected goals percentage at five-on-five with an overall plus-12 goal differential during the run, and Calgary checks in 17th in xGF% with a minus-14 mark.
The Flames appear to be mailing it in and could rest trade assets ahead of Friday’s deadline, so expect Ottawa to take advantage.
Senators vs Flames same-game parlay
Sens winger Drake Batherson has marked the scoresheet in six of his past eight games and is up to an impressive 3.14 points per 60 minutes for the campaign. He also continues to skate with the top line and No. 1 power-play unit.
Ottawa defenseman Thomas Chabot rounds out the same-game parlay, and he’s recorded two or more shots in 19 of his past 27 contests.
Ottawa has covered the puck line in 12 of its last 20 road games (+7.10 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Flames.
How to watch Senators vs Flames
Location
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Puck drop
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN5, Sportsnet West
Senators vs Flames latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 24, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jayson Tatum could make his long-anticipated return when the Celtics face the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, the team announced on Thursday via the official injury report. For the first time since he ruptured his Achilles tendon, Tatum is listed as questionable to appear in Friday’s game.
Injury Report for tomorrow vs. DAL:
Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles Repair – QUESTIONABLE
Tatum, who was first injured in May in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the New York Knicks, has been working toward his recovery all season, accompanying the team for nearly every practice, shootaround, and film session.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tatum has been participating in 5-on-5 workouts over the past few weeks. The Celtics also announced that he participated in a practice with the Maine Celtics earlier this month.
Without Tatum, the Celtics have held up better than most expected; they have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 41-21, and the fifth-best record in the NBA. They have won 7 of their last 10 games.
But his all-around prowess as one of the NBA’s best players should elevate Boston to another level.
Jayson Tatum’s return comes 10 months after the injury was first suffered
Last month at Celtics practice, Tatum said he still had no set return date. He said he won’t play until he’s 100%, and didn’t disclose what percent he was at.
“I feel like I’m beating a dead horse,” Tatum said. “I’m taking it one day at a time. This is something that’s very serious. The injury that I had is just a long journey. For me, it’s just easier to take it one day at a time and see how I progress from there.”
With Tatum cleared to return on Friday, he’ll make his return less than 10 months after the initial injury.
While the average return-to-play timeline is around 10 months, it’s varied significantly. Kevin Durant did not play in a game for 18 months. Miami Heat guard Dru Smith, who ruptured his Achilles tendon last season, was cleared for training camp just 9 months after the injury. On the flip side, Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles tendon a month before Tatum did, was almost immediately ruled out for this season. New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray missed 13 months with the injury before returning to the court last month.
By all accounts, Tatum has worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to get to this point. Xavier Tillman, who was traded from the Celtics to the Charlotte Hornets last month, praised Tatum’s work ethic this season.
“[His work] was pretty constant,” Tillman said. “He was here six days a week, getting it in, and always doing something to better his body. And it was actually pretty impressive to see somebody so dedicated. When I had those moments during games to just chop it up with him, he just talked about how much he just misses playing. Like, he misses being able to get a rebound, push it, talk crap to the other team, and just everything that comes with playing.”
On Wednesday night, Derrick White similarly said Tatum has looked good of late.
“Playing, moving, it’s been good to see him back and getting up and down,” White said. “So, you kind of see all the work he’s put in to get to this point, and it’s been great to see him be able to do what he loves to do.”
Now, for the first time in over a year, he could get to do what he really loves to do: suit up in an actual NBA game.
‘Lack of hard work’ has undermined Borthwick’s squad
England off to Rome after successive Six Nations defeats
Jamie George is braced for England’s “toughest ever” Test against Italy but believes Saturday’s Six Nations clash can be the defining moment for a much-maligned squad.
George also admitted England’s Six Nations collapse, which has ruled them out of contention for the title for another year, has been down to a lack of “hard work” and “fight”, insisting the players owe it to supporters and Steve Borthwick to make amends in Rome.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 19: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at PHX Arena on March 19, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bulls 127-121. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have had some great wins this season amid their surprising season. They beat the Oklahoma City Thunder after being down 18, stormed back against the Timberwolves despite being down eight with 50 seconds left, and manhandled the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers back-to-back nights, but the main reason the Suns are sitting 10 games ahead of .500 is because of how often they handle business against lesser opponents.
No matter who is in the lineup, whether they’re playing a tanking squad or a struggling one, they take care of business.
After win against the Kings, the trend has continued. Now 20-5 against teams under .500, the Suns are 10 games above .500 for the first time since February 10th, after beating another inferior team they handled their business against, the Dallas Mavericks. The last time Phoenix lost to a team not currently in the play-in standings or better came all the way back before Halloween, on October 29th, vs the Grizzlies, when Ja Morant hit a game-winning floater with eight seconds left.
Even when the Suns have had their stars out, they’ve taken advantage of lesser opponents, beating the Portland Trailblazers last month without Devin Booker, and now recently taking care of Sacramento this week without Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin playing.
While the play-in and potentially the playoffs won’t be filled with teams trying to tank for better picks, and lineups littered with players younger than me (I’m 22), the wins have not only continued to give the Suns a cushion between them and the eighth seed (the Golden State Warriors have trailed them for more than half the season), but also keep them alive to finish as a top-six seed. The team sits just 1.5 games out of sixth.
Two teams ahead of the Suns in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers and Timberwolves, two teams the Suns won the season series against, have struggled against lesser opponents. Both teams have dropped many games they had no business doing so, which could be the difference between the two teams being in or out of the play-in, and Phoenix jumping them in the final standings. The Lakers recently lost to the shorthanded Orlando Magic and Suns, while before they started their four-game winning streak, Minnesota got embarrassed by the 76ers without Joel Embiid playing.
In order to build a culture in the NBA, consistency is needed. As good as the Oklahoma City Thunder are at facing the NBA’s best, they’re even better at handling their business against lesser teams, which is why they won 68 games last year, 57 the year before, and have the best winning percentage in the NBA this year. They’re 25-3 against teams under .500, and were 37-4 against the same type of opponents last year. Last season, they led the league in wins in the category, and are doing so again this year.
The Suns, as currently constructed, aren’t set up to be the Oklahoma City Thunder and compete for championships year after year. Phoenix isn’t even one of the front-runners to be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year, but just like the Thunder, they are building an identity, one that represents a team that takes care of the business against teams that they’re supposed to.
SOUTHAVEN, MS - FEBRUARY 27: Mark Sears #19 of the Wisconsin Herd looks to pass the ball during the game against the Memphis Hustle on February 27, 2026 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Wisconsin Herd went 1-2 over last week’s slate of games as the Bucks filled their final two-way slot. With just ten games remaining in the season, the Herd is 5.5 games out of a playoff spot.
The Herd continued their losing streak with an away loss to the Windy City Bulls. Led by new two-way player Cormac Ryan, the Herd established an early lead over the Bulls. However, the Herd went cold after the game’s first fiery moments and couldn’t fire back against the Bulls’ frequent scoring runs. Despite solid inside defense, their inability to stop Mac McClung (42 points) was the primary cause of their Tuesday loss.
Ryan’s 36-point outburst may have gotten him signed to the Bucks on Thursday. The North Carolina alum has steadily proved his worth for the Herd: averaging 21.8 points per game on .489/.434/.859 shooting splits. Yet, Ryan’s strengths extend outside of his shooting. He’s a solid rebounder, an imposing defender, and versatile on both sides of the ball. Although his fit with the Bucks remains to be seen, Ryan’s role with the Herd is well-known: to shoot the leather off the ball.
With Ryan out, likely finalizing the terms of his two-way contract in Milwaukee, the Herd pushed their losing streak to nine games. The Herd continued their struggles of finding momentum. The Hustle started the game with a 24-7 run, and after the Herd fought back to close the lead to four, extended their lead to over 20 points in the second half. The Herd, who shot just above 22% from deep and were comprehensively outrebounded, ended their Thursday night game with a 20-point loss.
Without Ryan, we learned more about two-way player Alex Antetokounmpo and former All-American guard Mark Sears. Antetokounmpo found his shooting rhythm in a season where he has lacked it. His confidence surged on Thursday as he shot 2/4 from distance. His surprisingly solid shooting could inspire hope in Bucks execs worried about his poor long-range shooting and commitment to the three. In a limited time, Antetokounmpo has shot just over 24% from three on 2.6 three-point attempts per game.
The Herd claimed their first win since January in the second game of a back-to-back against the Hustle. With Ryan back, the Herd shot well from downtown (14/30) while exerting their control over the glass through the efforts of Lacey James (8 rebounds), Kira Lewis Jr. (7 rebounds), and more. In a season where the Herd has struggled to string together scoring runs and summon momentum when they need it, they got it in the final minutes of Friday night’s game. The Herd used incisive drives to the basket and physical defense to string together several key baskets and pull away from the Hustle in the final moments.
Three Notes
Cormac Ryan signs two-way deal
Cormac Ryan signed a two-way deal with the Bucks, meaning he’ll be eligible for the Bucks’ second half of the season. It’s been obvious that Ryan would get the call-up; not only has he established himself as the team’s star, but he also helps address the team’s struggles on defense. Ryan likely won’t see a lot of minutes behind wings like AJ Green, Ousmane Dieng, Gary Trent Jr., etc., but his length and versatility could make him an appealing shot of energy off the bench.
Sears keeps scoring
Mark Sears has been the Herd’s most unlikely star in 2026. Since being waived by the Bucks in January and signing a full-time contract with the Herd, Sears has averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. The 6’0” guard has proven himself to be a polished guard with a natural scoring instinct and solid playmaking, and his 30-point outburst in the Herd’s Friday night win shows he can be a real game-changer. However, Sears still faces a long climb back to an NBA roster. He can be a streaky shooter, and his relatively small size makes him a liability on defense. Although the Bucks don’t have a present need for Sears’ role as an attack-minded floor general, he could be a G League player to watch as multiple teams close in.
Herd reveal Aztec-inspired jerseys
2014 LeBron, anyone? The Herd is auctioning off game-worn Hispanic Heritage Jerseys to help support the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Chicana/o & Latinx Studies Program. The “El Herd” jerseys are pretty sick; they feature Aztec-inspired designs, intended to “reflect and honor the indigenous roots of Hispanic heritage.” The Herd will wear the jerseys ahead of their back-to-back games against the Mexico City Capitanes on Friday and Saturday.
FORMER CUBS IN D-BACKS CAMP: Michael Soroka, Ildemaro Vargas.
CUBS MINOR LEAGUERS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY: #48, RHP Tyler Beede; #12, INF/OF Darlyn De Leon; #19, INF Matt Halbach; #20, OF Kane Kepley; #25, OF Jordan Nwogu, #73 RHP Tyler Ras; #41 RHP Tyler Santana; #35 RHP Frankie Scalzo, Jr. #41, INF Karson Simas and #33 LHP Evan Taylor.
Colin Rea will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner, Luke Little and Corbin Martin.
Ryne Nelson will start for the D-backs. Other D-backs pitchers scheduled today: Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson, Drey Jameson, Spencer Giesting, Shawn Dubin and Junio Fernandez.
Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit. If you do go there to interact with D-backs fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
Feb 14, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (3) arrives for a workout during spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
As many players have departed for the World Baseball Classic, the remaining St. Louis Cardinals will continue their Spring Training schedule by taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates in LECOM Park today. According to MLB.com, Dustin May will get the start for St. Louis while Mitch Keller takes the mound for Pittsburgh. The Cardinals Spring Training Schedule shows this game will be featured on Cardinals.TV.
Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, and the model has flagged a few plays that stand out.
After digging into the numbers and comparing our projections to the current market lines, we were able to zero in on the spots offering the most value.
These Lakers vs. Nuggets predictions aren’t based on guesswork, they’re driven by the data.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Thursday, March 5.
Lakers vs Nuggets computer picks for March 5
Lakers
Nuggets
Doncic u30.5 points -115
Murray u26.5 points -120
James o5.5 rebounds +120
Jokic u10.5 assists -130
Reaves u2.5 3-pointers -185
Braun u5.5 rebounds -145
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Lakers computer picks
Luka Doncic Under 30.5 points (-115)
Projection: 30.2 points
The Los Angeles Lakers could see fewer scoring opportunities in this matchup, as they face a Denver Nuggets squad that has played at the third-slowest home pace in the NBA over the last 10 games.
That slower tempo hasn’t helped Luka Doncic lately either, as he’s stayed Under 30.5 points in eight of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet doncic Now at bet365!/span
LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds (+120)
Projection: 5.9 rebounds
The Nuggets’ offensive style creates opportunities. With Nikola Jokic facilitating from the perimeter and Denver frequently generating jump shots, there are plenty of rebound chances that fall outside the immediate paint.
That plays right into LeBron James' strengths, as he crashes from the wing rather than relying solely on traditional center positioning.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet james Now at bet365!/span
Austin Reaves Under 2.5 3-pointers (-185)
Projection: 2.3 3-pointers
The Lakers have been the worst offensive rebounding team in the league over their last 25 games, which limits second-chance opportunities.
That trend lines up with Austin Reaves staying Under 2.5 made threes in nine of his last 10 games, especially in a tougher offensive environment like a road matchup against the Nuggets.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet reaves Now at bet365!/span
Nuggets computer picks
Jamal Murray Under 26.5 points (-120)
Projection: 24.8 points
The Nuggets have been running at the third-slowest pace in the NBA over their last 10 home games.
Facing the Lakers will be more challenging for Jamal Murray to hit his points prop, with this matchup leaning toward an Under.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet murray Now at bet365!/span
Nikola Jokic Under 10.5 assists (-130)
Projection: 10.0 assists
Nikola Jokic has had a little trouble hitting his assist line recently, going Under 10.5 assists in five of his last 10 games.
The Lakers feature frontcourt and perimeter defenders who can clog passing lanes, force quicker decisions, contest shots, and create turnovers, which are all factors that limit clean assist opportunities
It could leave Jokic just short of the Over on this prop tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet jokic Now at bet365!/span
Christian Braun Under 5.5 rebounds (-145)
Projection: 4.9 rebounds
The Nuggets have struggled on the offensive glass, ranking as the third-worst rebounding team at home over their last 20 games.
That trend aligns with Christian Braun going Under 5.5 rebounds in four of his last 10 games, suggesting a similar outcome tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet braun Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Lakers vs Nuggets tonight
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
It was a homecoming night for Ivica Zubac on Wednesday. He had been a fan favorite with the Clippers since 2019, but was traded at the deadline to Indiana, and there was plenty of love for him among the Intuit Dome faithful.
Zubac did not play in this game, he hasn't taken the court since Feb. 2 due to a left ankle sprain. Before the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Zuback will eventually play this season, but there is no timeline, via Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
The Pacers will be slow to bring Zubac back because he's good and they can't afford to start winning games — if they do, it's the Clippers who benefit. As part of the Zubac trade, Indiana's first-round pick this year goes to the Clippers, but it's top-four protected. At 15-47, Indiana has the second-worst record in the league, but with the lottery odds that makes it just a coin-flip Indy gets to keep the pick: 52.2% it is top four and goes to the Pacers, 47.8% it is five or six and goes to the Clippers. Indiana, Brooklyn and Washington are in a tight "race" to the bottom — they are all within 1.5 games of each other in the standings — and if the Pacers fall to the fourth-worst record, then they end up on the wrong side of those coin flip odds.
Next season, when a healthy Zubac is running pick-and-roll with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (out for the season with a torn Achilles), a lot of fans who may not have understood just how good Zubac is are going to find out. He's going to thrive in that role. This season, it sounds like he will play some, but the Pacers have a fine line to walk.
Blowouts and bad shooting have skewed De’Aaron Fox’s recent output, with his points production fluctuating more than cryptocurrencies.
Fox has scored 14 points or fewer in four of his last five showings, but the San Antonio Spurs need their All-Star guard to lock in for a huge non-conference collision with the Detroit Pistons.
This potential NBA Finals matchup sets the tone for a daunting stretch of San Antonio's schedule, and my Pistons vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks are optimistic that Fox will find his form.
Pistons vs Spurs prediction
Pistons vs Spurs best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (-105)
In the seven games since the All-Star break, De’Aaron Fox has averaged only 13.6 points in 27.2 minutes — a stark dip from the 19.4 points over 32 minutes ahead of the annual hiatus.
One-sided wins and a few bad shooting nights have impacted his output, which naturally slims his scoring props. Fox’s points totals were as high as 18.5 O/U, but we’re getting an opportunity to buy back a discounted total in a marquee matchup.
Player projections have Fox logging his standard 30+ minutes and putting up 18 points versus the Detroit Pistons, with some sharper books pricing Over at -131.
Pistons vs Spurs same-game parlay
The San Antonio Spurs are the hottest team in the league and host the Pistons for their second straight road game after a loss at Cleveland. The Spurs are 12-1 straight up and 10-3 against the spread since February 1.
Fox’s points prop has dropped since the All-Star break, with limited minutes in blowouts and some bad shooting nights hurting his output. He’s expected to get more than 30 minutes and put up 18 points vs. the Pistons, accounting for an off night against Detroit last month (10 points on 4-for-17 shooting).
Dylan Harper is another Spurs standout with an optimistic evaluation tonight. He’s projected for double digits, with a ceiling of 11.5 points. He’s scored 10 or more in nine of the last dozen games.
Pistons vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -3.5
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
Dylan Harper Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Fantastic Mr. Fox
We’re expecting Fox to find his scoring stride and power the Spurs to a high-scoring resume win over the Pistons, but his playmaking will take a hit because of it. Fox projects for Under 6.5 dimes against a Detroit defense allowing the fewest assists per game.
Pistons vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -3.5
Over 228.5
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
De’Aaron Fox Under 6.5 assists
Pistons vs Spurs odds
Spread: Pistons +3.5 (-110) | Spurs -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pistons +135 | Spurs -160
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs are 12-1 SU and 10-3 ATS since February 1, including 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS at home in that stretch. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Spurs.
How to watch Pistons vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Detroit, FDSN Southwest
Pistons vs Spurs latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Amidst all the noise of the NHL's trade deadline, it appears that Los Angeles Kings right winger Corey Perry is interested in signing a contract extension.
Mayor's Manor was the first to report on the developments on Wednesday, saying the "Kings are looking to sign Corey Perry to an extension."
On Thursday, one day before the official trade deadline, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that Perry himself informed the Kings' organization that he wants to remain in Los Angeles.
Therefore, Perry is not interested in being traded at this year's deadline and would rather further his stay and talk contract extension with the Kings.
The 40-year-old veteran is on an expiring contract that he signed in free agency this past off-season. That deal includes a full no-trade clause, so even if Holland looked at trading Perry, the player would have all the power in whether he could be moved or not.
Those bonuses include $500,000 after 10 games played, $250,000 for featuring in each 20, 30, 40, and 50 contests. Additionally, for the playoffs, he'd earn $125,000 for winning one round, $250,000 for the second round, and $125,000 for the third round.
So far this season, Perry has made 49 appearances for Los Angeles, scoring 11 goals and 28 points in the process.
Corey Perry (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
If he gets his wish and is signed to another deal, that will be his 10th NHL contract after the entry-level deal he inked in September 2004.
If Holland is interested in bringing Perry back, it'll likely be on another one-year deal. If so, that'll be the player's fifth consecutive one-year contract.
The Peterborough, Ont., native continues to be an effective hockey player, even in his 40s. He's seventh on the Kings in goals and assists, and sixth on the team in points.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Lakers
Nuggets
