MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 15: Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Pitch: 6:10 PM CDT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App, LosTwins.com
Since my last game thread, a 6-0 win against the Red Sox, the Twins have proceeded to lose 4 in a row. Its funny how quickly the vibes of a baseball season can change. They will try to get back on track against a tough customer, the Mets starter Nolan McLean. In his young career, McLean has made 12 starts, and only one of them could be classified as bad, and even in that bad start he struck out 11 over 5 innings. He is quickly looking like one of baseball’s best starting pitchers.
The Twins will counter with Simeon Woods Richardson, who has struggled in his last two starts, allowing 5 and 6 earned runs in them, respectively.
The good news for the Twins is that the Mets are in the middle of an 11 game losing streak. So, somebody’s losing streak ends tonight, let’s hope it’s ours.
Mar 29, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Marcus Semien – 2B
Francisco Lindor – SS
Luis Robert – CF
Bo Bichette – 3B
MJ Melendez – DH
Francisco Alvarez – C
Brett Baty – RF
Mark Vientos – 1B
Carson Benge – LF
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Twins lineup
Byron Buxton – CF
Trevor Larnach – LF
Josh Bell – DH
Ryan Jeffers – C
Kody Clemens – 1B
Luke Keaschall – 2B
Matt Wallner – RF
Royce Lewis – 3B
Brooks Lee – SS
SP: S. Woods Richardson – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
Feb 16, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants catchers Eric Haase (center) and Daniel Susac (right) during workouts at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The San Francisco Giants made a roster move on Tuesday afternoon, a few hours before starting a series against their rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. And unfortunately, it’s a move that sees one of the best stories of the young season come to a halt … for a while, at least.
San Francisco announced that backup catcher Daniel Susac had been placed on the 10-Day Injured List, retroactive to April 20, with right elbow ulnar neuritis. Taking Susac’s place on the active roster is veteran Eric Haase, whose contract has been purchased from AAA Sacramento. Haase was not on the 40-man roster, so the Giants cleared a space by moving injured reliever José Buttó to the 60-Day IL, as his season is presumably over.
It’s a bummer of a setback for Susac, who was enjoying a stellar rookie season after being a Rule 5 selection from the A’s back in December. Susac started his career with back-to-back three-hit days, and on the year is 11-23 with two doubles, one triple, one walk, and just three strikeouts, with five runs batted in and some decent defense behind the dish. That, combined with Patrick Bailey’s miserable start to the year in the batter’s box — the two-time Gold Glove winner is slashing just .151/.211/.151 — had resulted in the catcher situation inching a little closer to an even split rather than a pure starter/backup situation. But that will be on hold for a while, and hopefully Susac’s injury doesn’t take long to heal.
As for Haase, he was brought in over the offseason on a Minor League contract, and given a chance to compete with Susac for the backup role in Spring Training. He had a pretty decent spring, hitting well (8-28 with two home runs, one double, and four walks), but striking out 14 times. He was granted his release at the start of the season when he didn’t make the roster, but after not receiving any offers around the league, re-signed with the Giants on a Minor League contract, and has been playing in AAA ever since. In nine games with the River Cats, Haase is hitting 9-36 with two home runs, two doubles, two walks, and 13 strikeouts. He has also helped the roster by playing a little bit of left field after the Giants found themselves shy on bodies following the promotions of Drew Gilbert and Will Brennan to the Majors.
It’s interesting that the Giants opted to bring up Haase, rather than Jesús Rodríguez, an exciting prospect who was already on the 40-man roster, and who is having a blistering season so far in AAA (.344/.408/.492, with just six strikeouts in 71 plate appearances). Perhaps they’re waiting to bring up Rodríguez for when they have a larger role for him, rather than icing him on the bench where he’ll only play once or twice a week. Or maybe they just prefer the defense, leadership, and dependability of the veteran Haase, a 33-year old who has been in the squat for nearly 300 Major League games.
The Giants are nearly a month into the season now, and still all of their transactions have been due to injuries.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Los Angeles Dodgers first base Freddie Freeman (5) waits during a challenge during a MLB game against the San Francisco Giants on September 14, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Freddie Freeman was activated off the paternity list ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, after the Dodgers first baseman missed two games for the birth of his daughter.
Freeman and wife Chelsea welcomed their fourth child on Sunday, London Rosemary Joy Freeman, they announced on Instagram.
In the series opener against the Giants, Freeman is back at first base and batting third.
Ryan Ward was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City after playing in both games in his first stint in the major leagues. The 28-year-old started at first base on Sunday at Coors Field, and had two hits, including a run batted in, in his major league debut against the Colorado Rockies. Ward also struck out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of Monday night’s blowout win in Denver.
Ward in his two games with the Dodgers had two hits in six at-bats.
"First base was well taken care of… I feel good today, but I'm excited to get back."
Activated from the paternity list, Freddie Freeman talks with @kirsten_watson and the media ahead of tonight's matchup with the Giants. Get closer to the action with SNLA+, with the MLB app.… pic.twitter.com/WZioqjZ90b
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 14: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees goes into a slide against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on September 14, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Anytime the Yankees show up on the schedule, regardless of the standings, it presents an opportunity for either a dramatic shift in mood, or a dramatic amplification of whatever mood is already in place. Tonight is no different as the Red Sox and Yankees meet for the first time in 2026 with the Red Sox off to a horrible start, but still somehow only four games behind New York.
The good news for the Red Sox is they have the pitching advantage on paper tonight. The bad news is each game of the series presents a more unfavorable matchup on the mound. In other words, it would greatly behoove the Sox to grab this game tonight as a loss tonight could quickly start mounting the deficit by Thursday.
For Early, this matchup also presents an opportunity to turn the page on last year’s loss in New York during Game 3 of the Wild Card series when he was thrown into the fire just four starts into his major league career and outpitched by the extremely unlikeable Cam Schlittler.
Lineup wise, the odd man out in the latest chapter of the “five guys don’t fit into four spots” saga is once again Jarren Duran. Masataka Yoshida will bat third as the DH, and Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu once again make up what’s establishing itself as the best version of the Red Sox outfield.
It’s Red Sox vs. Yankees, and even on a cold Tuesday night in April, there’s still nothing else quite like it!
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, April 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nick Loggarakis/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Entering the 2026 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation contained the reigning Cy Young winner, the No. 2 pitching prospect in baseball, and the former franchise leader in strikeouts by a right-handed pitcher.
None of the three, or Braxton Ashcraft, have been the Pirates best starting pitcher this year.
It’s the guy everyone, including myself, thought was destined to start in the bullpen.
Carmen Mlodzinski has been Pittsburgh’s most consistent and most effective starter through the first month.
Hear me out.
The Pirates have one of the best rotations in baseball and contribute largely to the team’s 3.22 overall team ERA, the second-best in baseball.
Mlodzinski leads the rotation with a 1.77 ERA and is the only starter below 2.00. He’s only allowed four earned runs over 20.1 innings.
Paul Skenes’ ERA sits at 3.27 and is inflated due to five runs allowed and only recording two outs on Opening Day against the Mets, largely due to two defensive blunders. Skenes has allowed three runs in his other 21.1 innings.
When examining who’s been the best, it’s hard to ignore the expectation vs. reality.
Pirates fans and media members thought the Bucs were bound to sign a left-handed starting pitcher as the fifth starter out of camp, but it never happened.
The initial belief was that Jose Urquidy could be a bounce back option… he’s in Triple-A Indianapolis.
Mlodzinski recorded a career-high eight strikeouts in his first start against New York and has pitched deeper into games every outing, from 4.1 innings to 4.2, 5.1, and six full innings pitched.
In his last two starts against the preseason NL Central favorite Chicago Cubs at windy Wrigley, Mlodzinski allowed six hits, walked three, and struck out two, but a run didn’t cross the plate.
He appeared in relief of opener Mason Montgomery against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday and pitched arguably the best game of his MLB career.
Mlodzinski totaled a career-best six innings with two hits, two walks, five strikeouts, and another scoreless outing.
The 27-year-old starter hasn’t allowed a run in his last 12 innings.
Pirates starters didn’t allow a home run over the first three series. Mlodzinski hasn’t allowed one in four outings.
Mlodzinski isn’t overpowering hitters, but changing speeds and using solid location to put away the game’s best hitters.
Mlodzinski is in the 98th percentile in offspeed run value (3) and the 90th percentile in barrel percentage (1.7%). While opponents are hitting the ball hard off him 51.7% of the time (10th percentile), his even ground ball rate of 51.7% has limited the damage.
The first full month of baseball has gone better than anyone could have imagined following a 6.04 ERA in five April starts in 2025.
Another concern for Mlodzinski was facing the lineup for a third time. In 9.1 frames past the third inning, Mlodzinski has given up only three runs.
In 11 innings over the first three innings, the starter has allowed one run and five total hits.
Not taking anything away from Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, or Bubba Chandler, who have all had great moments, Mlodzinski is pitching the best he’s pitched since the Pirates drafted him in 2020.
The Pirates are short on pitching depth after Johan Oviedo and Mike Burrows were dealt for bats, plus Jared Jones not expected back for another month.
Mlodzinski has been everything the Pirates could have asked for and more, but the key is sustaining it
Mlodzinski will start Tuesday night as the Pirates begin the first of three against the Texas Rangers.
First pitch is at 8:05 p.m. as Mlodzinski will pitch against the American League for the second time.
Trans athletes and those with DSD must be treated with respect, and the new testing regime must be run with sensitivity. But this is a step forward
The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude transgender women and most athletes with differences of sex development (DSD) from women’s Olympic sport has won praise from most major sports bodies but criticism from some activist groups.
It also closes the door on a period where often well-intentioned inclusivity came at the expense of sportswomen, and those who pointed out that the rules were not fair.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Alex Hoppe #48 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Seattle Mariners announced Tuesday afternoon that they have designated RHP Casey Legumina for assignment, recalling rookie RHP Alex Hoppe for additional bullpen depth.
The move comes on the heels of a difficult outing for Legumina, but the righty had been reasonably effective in the early stages of the season prior to being tasked with the heart of the lefty-heavy Athletics order in the 8th inning of Monday night’s knotted affair. Asked predominantly for mop-up and low-leverage work, the Gonzaga product amassed a 5.43/4.15 ERA/FIP in 61.1 innings over the past two seasons with Seattle, a total of -0.9/0.0 bWAR/fWAR. At times, Legumina became the de facto long reliever for the M’s, pitching at least parts of multiple innings in half his appearances in 2026 and more than a handful a season ago. Though the Bean Man could be claimed to fill out another club’s bullpen, it’s plausible he passes through waivers and returns to Triple-A Tacoma for Seattle to call upon again.
His departure gives the Mariners a nearly fully rested bullpen headed into the final two tilts of a 13-game set without off days. The 27 year old Hoppe has yet to make his major league debut, having spent the first few weeks of 2026 with the Rainiers in Tacoma. Even without Legumina’s tough outing a night ago, Hoppe was pushing the M’s to make a move, with eight scoreless outings (well, one unearned run) as Tacoma’s de facto closer, punching out 12 and walking just three while yielding only four hits in 8.0 innings.
Nick Vitalis wrote Hoppe’s 40 in 40, which you can read here for some detail and a spectacular celebrity comp, and Kate should have some more details on Hoppe this afternoon to boot. The short of it is… Hoppe has had command issues, having been a 6th round pick out of UNC Greensboro by the Boston Red Sox in 2022 as a cost-saving senior sign whose expectation was to climb the ranks swiftly. Instead, it’s been a trickier traversal, with three rounds at Double-A Portland from 2023-2025 before cracking Triple-A Worcester last year.
As you can see from the clip below, Hoppe eschews some recent trends in pitch design and development. He’s “just” 6’1, but creates a steeper angle with a rather over-the-top delivery that makes his heater and breaking ball appear to tunnel well.
These pitches also make it difficult for hitters to elevate, as Hoppe has run high groundball rates for much of his career and has continued to do so in his short time this season. If and when he pitches for Seattle, he’ll be the first Mariners player to make their MLB debut in 2026.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds gets set to throw a pitch during a Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on March 12, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is undeniable that the heartbeat of the Cincinnati Reds roster is their starting pitching. During the 2025 regular season, in particular, that group posted an impressive 19.4 fWAR combined, a mark that was good for third-best in all of Major League Baseball (behind only the big spending Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers).
That’s by design, too. A quick glance at the projected 2026 rotation shows a cadre of former 1st round picks (Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene) as well as a 2nd rounder (Andrew Abbott). In other words, the Reds are well aware the importance of the rotation, the attrition that always hits it, and how their business model means they need to draft and develop the best arms they can get as early in drafts as it can be.
The 2026 group hasn’t been exactly as planned, however. Greene is out until mid-summer after having elbow surgery this spring, while Lodolo has been sidelined as he battles through a recurring blister issue that’s cost him time as well as impacted which pitches he can actually throw. The current group, buoyed by veteran Brady Singer and lefty Brandon Williamson, has obviously held up well enough for the Reds to sport a 15-8 overall record so far, but they haven’t exactly been brilliant in leading the roster there.
For instance, their 6.21 K/9 ranks second worst among starting rotations league-wide. Their 4.80 expected ERA is the 8th highest, while their 4.77 xFIP ranks 3rd worst. Getting guys like Lodolo – and Greene, eventually – is only going to improve that mark, and it appears the Reds are finally getting close to that happening.
As MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon relayed, Lodolo threw 50 pitches across a trio of innings in a simulated game yesterday down in Tampa, and he’s set to head out on a rehab assignment with High-A Dayton where he’ll pitch four innings, ideally, on Sunday.
One of the batters he pitched to in said simulated game was Jose Trevino, who’s been on the IL for the last two weeks with a back/neck issue. Trevino came through the sim game unscathed, too, and it appears he could rejoin Cincinnati’s active roster as early as Wednesday.
The band is getting closer to being back together!
Former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell is heading to Duke.
Blackwell announced Tuesday in an Instagram post that he had committed to Duke. Blackwell was one of the most highly regarded players to enter the transfer portal after he teamed up with Nick Boyd this season to give Wisconsin one of the nation’s top backcourt tandems.
Blackwell's decision was part of a productive day of commitments for the Blue Devils and top rival North Carolina. The Tar Heels, preparing for their first season under former NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone, landed commitments from Utah guard Terrence Brown and guard Matt Able from fellow instate program N.C. State.
The 6-foot-4 Blackwell had 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season while helping Wisconsin go 24-11. He shot 38.9% from 3-point range and made 2.8 3-pointers per game.
Blackwell had some of his most productive performances against Wisconsin’s toughest opponents.
Blackwell had 22 points and 10 rebounds in Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament first-round loss to High Point.
He earned third-team all-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches and media. Blackwell didn’t make the Associated Press all-Big Ten team, which includes only a first team and second team.
That followed a 2024-25 season in which Blackwell had 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
Brown, a 6-foot-3 junior, averaged 19.9 points last year with the Utes as he moves east to play for the Tar Heels, according to a social media post. Able, a 6-6 freshman, also committed to the Tar Heels according to On3 and multiple outlets after averaging 8.8 points in his freshman year with the Wolfpack.
Those two figure to slot into prominent backcourt roles, while the Tar Heels also added frontcourt depth with 6-9 French forward Maxim Logue from Florida Atlantic, according to DraftExpress, citing agency Gersh Sports. That comes after the Tar Heels had already secured a commitment from versatile 6-9 forward Neoklis Avdalas from Virginia Tech.
In other portal news, Marquette announced the additions of former Louisville forward Sananda Fru and former St. Thomas (Minnesota) guard Nolan Minessale, representing a major change in the Golden Eagles' approach to roster construction.
Marquette coach Shaka Smart had signed plenty of Division I transfers while overhauling his roster immediately after getting hired in 2021, but he hadn't added any since. The last transfer to sign with Marquette was Zach Wrightsil, who arrived from NAIA program Loyola New Orleans in 2022.
Fru, who is 6-11, had 9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game at Louisville this season. Minessale had 19.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game for St. Thomas.
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Angel Martinez #79 of the Cleveland Guardians sits in the dugout before the Spring Training Game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 11, 2024 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In today’s Dub Hub:
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reports that Steve Kerr is not expected to return to the Warriors “barring renewed faith” in his role.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor reports that the Warriors could consider Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden as a potential replacement for Steve Kerr.
The general belief among the Warriors – openly expressed by Draymond Green – and around the league since the weekend is that Kerr will be comfortably jobless after meeting with Lacob and Dunleavy. Most expect a decision in a matter of days, not weeks.
Yet Kerr last week left open the possibility – very slight, according to sources – of returning. Multiple sources indicate his decision, however, will not be based on the dollar amount.
“They could offer Steve $25 million a year,” one league source said, “and I doubt that alone would make a difference.”
Two sources insist that any change of heart would require, among other factors, Kerr having renewed faith in his role as the franchise shifts toward the future.
With money not expected to be a factor, the situation appears to hinge on whether Kerr still wants to lead the franchise into its next phase — one that would eventually move beyond Stephen Curry as its centerpiece.
While Kerr has long been vocal about his love for coaching Curry and the Warriors, his contract is set to expire, and this past season served as a reminder that the Warriors’ dynasty is nearing its end. Injuries exposed the reality of an aging roster trying to hold onto contention in a league that continues to get younger, faster, and more skilled. There’s also the added layer of the organization reportedly wanting Kerr to tweak his system moving forward — including placing a greater emphasis on analytics, according to ESPN.
All of that makes it fair to question whether he is still willing to navigate what could be a challenging transition period.
So, with a meeting looming between Kerr, Warriors’ owner Joe Lacob, and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., this decision will define not just next season, but the next era of Warriors basketball.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, April 21st:
If Kerr returns, they will discuss staffing and what management believes is a need for philosophy tweaks, team sources said, focusing on diversifying the offensive attack and winning the analytically friendly possession battle more often. There has been a feeling internally that they were too reliant this season on 3-point variance.
Those aside, there’s also overarching organizational disappointment about the 13-15 start when the Warriors were healthy, the late-game inconsistencies, the incessant turnover problem and the fact that they won only 37 games in a season in which one-third of the league was tanking.
If Kerr walks, ESPN reported that the front office would consider external candidates, even exploring the college ranks. I’m told the Warriors love Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden. He’s known the Lacob family for years, and league sources say they’ve long admired his coaching talent ever since he was an assistant coach at the University of San Francisco. But Golden would be no guarantee to leave Florida for a Warriors franchise that is, frankly, a less appealing destination than it used to be. With aging stars and no youthful core to build around, the Warriors may no longer be in a position to get exactly what they want.
The biggest accomplishment may be this: Wemby got everybody to agree.
Golden State’s Stephen Curry was the unanimous MVP in 2016 and in the 10 seasons that have followed, there have been only two instances of a player collecting 100% of the first-place votes for an award.
Those were Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year in 2024, and now this.
The Warriors are waiting to learn what Steve Kerr’s future will be, but that’s where the leadership questions mostly end. According to a report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. signed an extension a few months ago, and is now under contract for multiple years. So in a summer of uncertainty, the Dubs know who is going to be calling the shots, and making the decisions.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 20: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on in the first inning during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, April 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nick Loggarakis/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a shot against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Kia Center on April 06, 2026 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. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You couldn’t have written up a more dispiriting Game 1 performance from the Detroit Pistons than what they delivered against the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. The eighth-seeded Magic, facing a Pistons team that never spent a day below first place in the Eastern Conference all season, never trailed. They had the better game plan, the better players, and the better energy. Even in a game when its star, Cade Cunningham, scored 39 points, it never seemed like Detroit was threatening to take over the game.
For a team and a fan base that dealt with a season of hearing Detroit disrespected as not real contenders, with the likes of the Celtics, Knicks, and Cavs, thrust above them as teams that could win a title, it was a chance to prove the doubters wrong.
Now those same doubters have no reason to do anything other than double down, and many of the believers are in crisis mode.
The Pistons have one game to fix the mess they put themselves in. Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena is a must-win contest, or this series is effectively over.
I have faith in the Pistons, but I also recognize that playoff basketball is not regular-season basketball. There is too much time to game plan and prepare. The Magic were able to effectively close off the paint to call comers, and for a non-shooting team like the Pistons, having zero pathways to the basket completely short-circuited anything they hoped to do on offense. It shouldn’t have been that easy to neutralize Detroit’s attack and take away all their strengths, but here we are.
With zero hyperbole, the Pistons had their worst game scoring inside this season. Their 34 points were a low point. The same team that scored 80 points in the paint against Brooklyn in November, and at least 60 points in the paint 38 times, managed a meager 34.
I have seen some say Jalen Duren was invisible, and, boy, I wish that were the case. Unfortunately, he was extremely noticeable in all the worst ways. Only two players on the Magic roster who played had fewer shot attempts than Duren.
Duren only had one game with a lower usage rate all season than he did on Sunday, and never had a lower percentage of his team’s shot attempts than he did against the Magic. He didn’t make any of this up on defense, where he was constantly letting Magic players have position and getting beaten on back cuts in both man and zone defense.
It was ugly. It is also fixable.
Cade proved he is a playoff performer. He can get his own, but it’s on him and his coaching staff to figure out how to get others involved, chief among them, Duren. They need to embrace Duren’s face-up game and short-roll opportunities instead of only force-feeding entry passes right below the basket.
It’s not that I want Duren suddenly co-running the offense. I just need the Pistons to find opportunities inside to provide any semblance of spacing the floor and creating cracks in Orlando’s defense. Detroit settled on Sunday and made it easy for the Magic defenders. They can’t afford to do that again.
If they do, it is effectively game over on not just the Pistons season, but has to be game over for this version of the franchise’s team-building project. If it’s this easy to shut down how your offense works because you want to put superior defenders on the floor, then you don’t have a winning formula.
Detroit would need to think long and hard about who is part of that title-contending future. It can’t be all three of Duren, Ron Holland, and Ausar Thompson. Not because any of the three can’t get markedly better on offense, but because Detroit has chips they can move around to build an extremely dangerous team that can succeed in both the regular season and the playoffs. Cunningham’s performance is all the proof you need of that fact.
The scheme, the secondary players, the future? Those are all question marks. We are going to get an answer on Wednesday, one way or another.
Injuries have been half the story in the Rockets vs. Lakers first-round showdown. Kevin Durant missed Game 1 and is still officially questionable for Game 2 with a knee contusion. Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) remain out for the Lakers.
The latest reporting is that Durant may try to play in Game 2 on Tuesday night, and it's possible Austin Reaves could return by the end of the season.
Officially, Durant remains questionable for Game 2, and he did not speak with reporters at the Rockets' shootaround. However, Sam Amick of The Athletic reports there appears to be a good chance he is a go in Game 2.
Kevin didn’t speak to media at today’s UCLA shootaround, but - from talking to Rockets folks in the building - there is still a fair amount of optimism that he’ll give it a go tonight. https://t.co/ICWwKDNpa4
Without Durant, the Rockets could not break 100 points in Game 1, and as a team they shot just 37.6%. That was just part of the Rockets problems in Game 1, a defense that allowed the shorthanded Lakers to shoot 60.6% on the night was the other.
LeBron James thrived in Game 1 as a playmaker, who could score when he had to, however the Lakers would look much better with another high level shot creator on the court. There is optimism that Austin Reaves might be able to fill that role by the end of the series, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
Shams:
"The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that's further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work. The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic to be back in this series.… pic.twitter.com/Yx4hrt8An8
If the Lakers can take Game 2 at home on Tuesday — a game you can watch on NBC and Peacock — they will be much closer to extending their playoff run long enough for Reaves, and maybe Doncic, to return. However, Durant is going to have something to say about that.
