Feb 17, 2018; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Franklyn Kilome's (66) glove and shoes sit on the field as players warm up during the workout at Carpenter Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Oh man, first I had to brush up on my low level catchers. Now, I have to research a guy that, prior to this prospecting season, I hadn’t really heard much of.
It isn’t hard to see the highlights and frame and dream he is a future impact player with plus tools everywhere, but he has an enormous distance to go and there are a lot of pitfalls he hasn’t faced yet.
Listen, it’s always fun to dream on a prospect when he really, really young and Espinosa will likely make us do that. Choosing a young player and following his progress as he moves up the chain is a time honored tradition of many fans, so get used to hearing Espinosa’s name a lot as time moves on.
This is an aggressive evaluation of Espinosa meant to illustrate his ceiling. He presents a rare combination of present contact feel and long-term power projection for an up-the-middle prospect. Espinosa’s build comps to Elly De La Cruz at the same age: endless limbs on a broad-shouldered 6-foot-4 frame, with the room to add big strength while remaining sufficiently lithe and agile for shortstop. The 2025 DSL season began a few days before Espinosa’s 17th birthday, and he managed to slash .282/.363/.430 there while posting a 77% contact rate (a shade better than the big league average). That’s a very positive contact-hitting origin point for a shortstop prospect built like this, as long-levered hitters like Espinosa are often still uncoordinated at this age… [l]et’s see how his chase rate trends in year two. He’s one of the more exciting and tumultuous prospects in all of rookie ball.
With each new post, we’ll reveal who won the voting for that particular slot, then post new players for you to vote on, adding another one to the list each time until we get to our final tally of 20. Once we get to 20 top prospects, we’ll do an honorable mention post at the end. If a player gets traded to another team, we’ll just chuck him right on outta here and all the players will move up a spot. If a prospect gets acquired, we’ll ask where he should go on the list.
Probably the most important thing about this whole process – please vote. Give us a few minutes of your time, just click a button and then we can discuss other players and things in the comment section, but don’t forget – VOTE!
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Joe Jimenez #77 of the Atlanta Braves looks on prior to Game One of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on October 01, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Walt Weiss gave the press some more injury news today. To no Braves fan’s surprise, it’s not good news.
Weiss said he doesn’t know if Joe Jimenez will be available this year. He described the knee ailment as a “very complex injury.”
Oy. It’s the song that never ends. Jimenez, already having lost the 2025 season with a left articular cartilage injury and further surgery in November, may be out for 2026. The Braves, after placing Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day Injured List yesterday, have lost two pitchers in as many days. Standard disclaimer that I’m not a doctor. But this doesn’t look good. How he would return in 2027 after two years out would be a challenge as well.
Coming into this year’s Spring Training, I assumed that we all might see Joe Jimenez for the majority of the season. The Braves looked set in the bullpen, and adding another reliever would have made it obvious that Joe would not be back. They have 44 days until Opening Day if they choose to add.
Good luck, Joe. Get well soon. We want you to get well.
The Wizards mascot who was shoved by Jaxson Hayes before a game last month has hired a high-powered lawyer.
Waukeen McCoy, a San Francisco-based attorney, confirmed with The California Post on Wednesday he is now representing the man who Hayes knocked over during a Jan. 30 incident at Capital One Arena in DC.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes said he shoved the Wizards’ mascot because he was stepped on during his pregame warmups. Getty Images
McCoy said he and his client are currently in settlement talks with Hayes, though if they break down, formal litigation could ensue.
The mascot, known to Washington fans as “G-Wiz,” was hit by Hayes as he was running around the court waving a giant flag just prior to the Wizards vs. Lakers tilt.
Hayes, who was suspended one game for the push, said he acted out because the mascot had stepped on him while he was warming up for the contest.
The Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, was hit by Jaxson Hayes prior to a Jan. 30 home matchup against the Lakers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Hayes, though, did nonetheless issue an apology to the mascot and his teammates.
“Should’ve handled it a different way,” he said in the days after the scene unfolded. “And, you know, we live and we learn. So, just going to keep doing that now.”
Jaxson Hayes said he apologized to his team and the Wizards mascot after last week’s incident that led to his suspension. Here’s his explanation of what happened: pic.twitter.com/OSDCKdloXh
McCoy and Hayes have history. The lawyer represented the NBA player’s ex, Sofia Jamora, when she sued the Los Angeles center for allegedly assaulting her during their relationship.
LOS ANGELES — For the first time in 22 years, LeBron James will not make an All-NBA team this season.
LeBron sat out his 18th game of the season Monday night, the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers, when they got thrashed at home by Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. With that, LeBron cannot play in 65 games, the league-mandated cutoff for making any All-NBA team or being considered for a number of other postseason awards.
This wasn't a surprise. LeBron missed the first 14 games of the season due to a bout of sciatica, and, considering he turned 41 this season, it seemed unlikely that he would meet the NBA's threshold.
LeBron has been an All-NBA player every year since his second season in the league, a record 21 consecutive times, 13 of those being First Team.
LeBron is an All-Star this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game on 50.2% shooting. Whether that would have landed him on an All-NBA team is up for debate (probably not), but the consideration was taken out of the voters' hands.
"I think it's fine to have some sort of guidance for voters, said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who had a postseason awards vote himself when he was a member of the media (before taking the Lakers job). "I know the first year that I voted, there were a bunch of guys that were in like that 54-to-56 game range. I think Kawhi was at 51 and got some consideration, but at least there's some guidance."
LeBron did not speak to the media on Tuesday night, but in the past has largely shrugged off missing out on postseason awards this year.
LeBron was not the only Laker out on Monday night. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton also sat out along with LeBron. The result was Victor Wembanyama scoring 25 points in the first quarter and the Spurs cruising to a win in Los Angeles.
Fans with tickets to Tuesday night’s Lakers vs. Spurs game weren’t the only ones upset over the lack of star power in Los Angeles uniforms.
During “First Take” on Wednesday morning, Stephen A. Smith went off on JJ Redick for sitting LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart all on the same night.
"If you got LeBron James off, make sure somebody else is playing…but damn, everybody? That is disrespectful and insensitive and dismissive to the fans" – Stephen A. Smith on the Lakers resting their starters against the Spurs pic.twitter.com/9l1S5ruKok
“A star [Victor Wembanyama] came into the building, in Tinsel Town, and none of the stars for the Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold were in uniform ready to play,” Smith said.
“That is disgraceful.”
Multiple Lakers starters, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, sat for Los Angeles’ game against the Spurs on Tuesday night. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
All five Los Angeles players have been dealing with nagging injuries, and with the Lakers having just played a tough matchup against the Thunder on Monday night, Redick opted to rest each of them against San Antonio.
The Lakers ended up started Kobe Bufkin, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura, and they were blown out at Crypto.com Arena, 136-108.
Bronny James logged significant minutes in Tuesday night’s Lakers vs. Spurs game. NBAE via Getty Images
Smith said he wouldn’t have minded if Redick gave just a couple of his starters the night off, but all five was just too much for his taste.
“Everybody?” he said on ESPN’s morning show. “That is disrespectful and insensitive and dismissive to the fans. And somebody needs to say it, so, damnit, I’m saying it.”
Smith added he didn’t mean to single out the Lakers, explaining he’s “been annoyed at Steve Kerr” for making similar decisions in Golden State, but he said it’s a growing NBA problem that needs to be addressed soon.
The Spurs ended up blowing out the depleted Lakers, 136-108. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“This is the kind of stuff that makes people, particularly old-schoolers and others who they ingratiate themselves with, resent the product,” he said. “This is what has the league going crazy. Because you’ve got to do all kinds of things from a creative or curating standpoint to come up with stuff just to make up for what shouldn’t be happening.
“You should show up to work.”
The Lakers have one more game on the schedule before the NBA’s All-Star break — a Thursday night home matchup with the Mavericks. It’s not yet clear which Lakers starters, if any, will be back in uniform for the game.
Isaiah Stewart will have plenty of time to ponder whether he truly got his money’s worth during Monday’s shocking Pistons-Hornets brawl.
The Pistons center received the sternest penalty for the wild brouhaha, getting a seven-game ban while three others received multi-game bans, the league announced Wednesday.
The NBA stated his punishment stemmed from leaving the bench area, “aggressively” entering an on-court altercation and fighting.
Charlotte’s Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each got hit with four-game suspensions for fighting and escalation, while Stewart’s teammate, Jalen Duren, will sit for two games for initiating and participating.
These suspensions will leave the Pistons without two of their top players for next Thursday’s road game against the Knicks in a potential Eastern Conference finals preview.
“The length of Stewart’s suspension is based on part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts,” the league’s statement, attributed to executive vice president/head of basketball operations James Jones.
The shocking scene unfolded in the third quarter Monday night following a hard foul from Diabate on Duren, which led to the two going head-to-head before Duren put his hand in Diabate’s face.
That ignited the scene, with players from both teams coming over.
Bridges shoved Duren away at that point, while Diabate swung at Duren but missed.
Despite others’ attempts to corral him, Diabate escaped and made a beeline for Duren
Bridges further escalated the situation by re-approaching Duren and punching him, and that’s when Stewart came running off the bench in pursuit of Bridges.
He fought his way through bodies to grapple with Bridges.
All four players received technicals fouls and ejections.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff defended his team’s actions.
Stewart (blue shirt) going after Bridges. @nypostsports/YouTube
“Our guys deal with a lot, but they’re not the ones that initiated. They’re not the ones that crossed the line tonight,” Bickerstaff said. “It was clear, through frustration, because of what J.D. was doing, that they crossed the line. I hate that it got as ugly as it got. That’s not something that you ever want to see, but if a guy throws a punch at you, you have a responsibility to protect yourself.”
Stewart’s checkered history involves multiple suspensions, including last April when he received a two-game ban for a fight during a game against the Timberwolves.
He’s slated to miss a tough stretch that features Wednesday’s road game against the Raptors followed by road tilts against the Knicks and Bulls, home games against the Spurs, Thunder and Cavaliers and then a home matchup against the Magic.
Four players were suspended for their roles in Monday’s game. Getty Images
Detroit (39-13) leads the Celtics by 5 1/2 games for the best record in the Eastern Conference, while the Hornets (25-29) are one game ahead of the Bulls for the final Play-In Tournament spot.
Their upcoming slate includes Wednesday’s home game vs. the Hawks, followed by two home clashes with the Rockets and Cavaliers before visiting the Wizards.
The Chicago Bulls (24-30) travel to TD Garden tonight to face the Boston Celtics (34-19) in a matchup defined by major trade deadline reunions. Just last week, the teams swapped key pieces: Celtics big man Nikola Vučević will face his former Chicago squad for the first time, while high-scoring guard Anfernee Simons returns to Boston after averaging 20 points in his first three games as a Bull.
Boston enters as a heavy 13.5-point favorite, looking to bounce back from a loss to the Knicks over the weekend and tighten their hold on the second seed in the East. Meanwhile, a shorthanded Chicago team—likely still without guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones due to hamstring injuries—aims to snap a five-game losing streak and improve their 11th-place standing before the All-Star break.
This is the third of three games scheduled between the Bulls and the Celtics this season. Boston won at home against Chicago on January 5, 115-101. The Bulls returned the favor and won in Chicago a couple weeks later on Jan. 24, 2026, 114-111.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Bulls at Celtics
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 7:30PM EST
Site: TD Garden
City: Boston, MA
Network/Streaming: CHSN, NBC Sports Boston
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Game Odds: Bulls at Celtics
The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Chicago Bulls (+470), Boston Celtics (-650)
Spread: Celtics -13.5
Total: 225.5 points
This game opened Celtics -12.5 with the Total set at 226.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Bulls at Celtics
Chicago Bulls
PG Jaden Ivey
SG Anfernee Simon
SF Isaac Okoro
PF Matas Buzelis
C Guerschon Yabusele
Boston Celtics
PG Derrick White
SG Baylor Scheierman
SF Jaylen Brown
PF Sam Hauser
C Neemias Queta
Injury Report: Bulls at Celtics
Chicago Bulls
Isaac Okoro (knee) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Tre Jones (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Jalen Smith (calf) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Noa Essengue (shoulder) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Zach Collins (toe) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Boston Celtics
Sam Hauser (back) is listed as questionable for tonight’s gam
Neemias Queta (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Trends and Insights: Bulls at Celtics
The Bulls are 9-18 on the road this season
The Celtics are 17-9 at home this season
The Celtics are 29-23-1 ATS this season / 12-14 ATS at home
The Bulls are 24-29-1 ATS this season / 11-16 ATS on the road
The OVER has cashed in 19 of the Celtics’ 53 games this season (19-34)
The OVER has cashed in 27 of the Bulls’ 54 games this season (27-27)
The Bulls are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall
Anfernee Simons is averaging 19PPG in 2 games since being traded to Chicago
Matas Buzelis is averaging 4.6 rebounds in his last 5 games
Nikola Vucevic is averaging 11PPG and 9 rebounds in 2 games since arriving in Boston
Sam Hauser is just 4-20 from 3-point range over his last 3 games
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Bulls and Celtics’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Celtics -12.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total OVER 225.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
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Though there was a brief detour through free agency this offseason, Evan Phillips is back with the Dodgers for a sixth season. The veteran right-hander re-signed with Los Angeles on Wednesday on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the team announced.
After beginning the 2025 season on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain stemming from the 2024 postseason, Phillips pitched in only seven games last season, with six strikeouts and two walks in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in April and May.
“We had a number of back and forth discussions with Evan and his agent,” Friedman said via text. “It is challenging with him coming off surgery, so he is going to take some time and look to sign after he throws off the mound when his rehab allows. Evan has been a big part of our past success and we will continue the conversation about bringing him back. We respect that he is taking this time to decide what is best for him and his family.”
Since joining the Dodgers on a waiver claim from the Rays in 2021, Phillips has been one of the best relievers in baseball, with a 2.22 ERA and 2.87 xERA in 201 games, with 221 strikeouts and 52 walks in 195 innings, and 45 saves. The right-hander is 31 years old.
To make room on the 40-man roster, catcher Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment. Rortvedt was just re-claimed off waivers on Friday from the Reds, after the Dodgers lost him on waivers in November. This move was expected at some point, considering Rortvedt is out of options and behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing on the depth chart. Rortvedt didn’t get through waivers the last time the Dodgers tried this in November, but if he clears waivers this time they can keep Rortvedt around for depth, but just off the 40-man roster.
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 5: Anfernee Simons #2 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles up court during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 5, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Anfernee Simons wasn’t shocked to learn he’d been traded from the Celtics. The longtime Portland Trail Blazers guard was embroiled in trade rumors almost immediately upon arriving in Boston in July, and understood that the Celtics could look to move him ahead of the deadline.
Still, the news stung. Simons had just woken up from a pregame nap in Dallas last Tuesday when he got the call from Brad Stevens that he had been traded to the Chicago Bulls.
“Brad is a good guy, and he’s always been open and honest about everything,” Simons said at Bulls shootaround on Wednesday morning at TD Garden. “Obviously, it was a tough conversation for him, for me to accept, but I understood.”
Anfernee Simons said he had just woken up from a pregame nap in Dallas when he learned he was traded to the Bulls:
“Brad is a good guy, and he's always been open and honest about everything. Obviously, it was a tough conversation for him, for me to accept, but I understood.” pic.twitter.com/MDcKSThEPp
The 26-year-old guard loved his time his Boston, and spoke about his tenure glowingly.
“You build a connection with the city and team — you won together, lost together,” Simons said. “So that’s the toughest part, getting some relationships and relationships, and being able to go out there and compete with each other, and that kind of stops, and then you kind of feel you kind of feel sad about it. But the NBA moves fast, not even 48 hours later I’m on the court with a new team.”
For Simons, the on-court transition to Chicago has been relatively seamless. In three games with the Bulls since the trade, he has averaged 20 points and 5.3 assists, shooting 48.9% from the field and 34.4% from three. (The Bulls as a team, however, have not had as much success; they’re 0-3 since the trade deadline).
Still, as he stood on the TD Garden parquet for the first time in 10 days, it felt weird to be donning a red Bulls jersey; last time he was at the Garden, Simons dropped 27 points in a Celtics blowout victory over the Bucks.
“You start to see a future for yourself in Boston, for sure,” Simons said. “[You’re] winning, everything’s going great. You’re getting comfortable. Try their best to make you feel comfortable. And so you wanted to see, obviously, the light at the end of the tunnel, and be able to compete with the team the whole season, but obviously the NBA is a business.”
Simons said knowing he was traded for a great player in Nikola Vucevic made the trade easier to digest. He thinks Vucevic can change the Celtics dynamic as a big who can also stretch the floor, and understands that Vucevic aids the Celtics’ championship pursuits.
“You understand that part,” he said. “So you can get a little bit emotional behind it, but at the same time, you understand it. And, you kind of just move on. I understand that it was for a great player as well, somebody that’s been an All-Star. So you come here and just accept that with his new team, dive straight in and compete.”
Ahead of the trade deadline, Simons had previously expressed a level of nonchalance when it came to being in volved in trade rumors.
“It’s the NBA,” he said last month. “I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year. Every other week, it’s something new. It’s just a part of the NBA, and you just gotta be where your feet are.”
And, since his departure, Celtics teammates have gushed about the impact Simons had in Boston throughout his 49-game tenure.
“He’s just a great, great person, great kid on and off the floor, just humble — I hope he gets everything that he’s looking for just because he just fit right in with his group of guys in our locker room,” Jaylen Brown said. “He could have had different thoughts, and thought differently, and his energy could have been different. He was a great teammate and did everything he needed to do that we asked him and more, and contributed to winning. Anfernee has all the respect in the world from me, and I hope he gets everything he deserves.”
Jaylen Brown really gushed when asked by @ByJayKing about Anfernee Simons being traded:
“Anfernee has all the respect in the world from me — it's a business, but there's a human aspect to it. And since he's been here, he's contributed to winning. He's won us some games. He's… pic.twitter.com/YX6wAB48HM
Joe Mazzulla similarly praised Simons for how he handled this relatively brief stint.
“I thought he handled the role and the preparation and the situation about as best as he could — and we’re a better team for that,” said the Celtics head coach. “It came from his humility, his work ethic, and his dedication.”
And, at a community event on Tuesday, Jordan Walsh said that he looked forward to reuniting with Simons in Wednesday’s matchup between the Celtics and the Bulls.
“Fortunately, I’ll see Ant [tomorrow],” Walsh said with a grin. “We’ll have to destroy him, though. But, it’ll be good to see him again, have him back in the Garden. But missing those guys, having them gone, it definitely leaves a void in the arena.”
Could Anfernee Simons eventually return to the Celtics?
Simons’ on-court role may have diminished in Boston — he averaged just 24.5 minutes per game, his lowest in five years — but he felt that the experience greatly benefited him.
“Just the opportunity to go out there and contribute to winning,” Simons said. “And obviously, [it’s] a historic franchise, they have a lot of aspirations to win a championship, and you can see that each and every day — in the way they practice, by their habits, the way they speak to each other, it’s one common goal. So, I learned a lot from just being around and being able to experience it here.”
Simons will finish out the season in Chicago, and become an unrestricted free agent over the summer.
Asked whether he could see himself one day returning to Boston, he smiled.
“Potentially, for sure,” Simons said. “Obviously, got to finish our season here first and see what happens there. But, for sure down the line. Like I said, [I] enjoyed my time here, built great relationships here, so I see it for sure.”
What is bad news for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic is worse news for the Arizona Diamondbacks as baseball season looms.
Star outfielder Corbin Carroll is going to miss the international event for Team USA this season after suffering a broken hamate bone in his right hand during a live batting practice at Salt River Fields in Arizona. Carroll, a two-time All-Star who has played at least 143 games in each of the past three seasons, does not yet have a timeline set for his return.
Carroll suffered the injury early on Tuesday, Feb. 10. He now joins the Mets' Francisco Lindor and the Orioles' Jackson Holliday as players to start 2026 rehabbing a broken hamate bone. The same injury hindered Mike Trout in July and August in 2023 and Jose Ramirez in 2019.
For Carroll, the injury does not necessarily preclude him from starting for the Diamondbacks on opening day, but it does take a player Team USA undoubtedly hoped would be a key contributor at the World Baseball Classic in March out of the fold.
What is Corbin Carroll's injury?
Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during a live batting practice on Feb. 10. The star outfielder, who won NL Rookie of the Year in 2023 en route to a Diamondbacks World Series appearance, had a strong bounce-back season in 2025 after struggling in 2024.
Carroll has managed to stay relatively healthy in his first three full seasons, playing 155 games in 2023, 158 in 2024, and 143 in 2025.
How long is Corbin Carroll out?
Carroll's injury will keep him out for the entirety of the World Baseball Classic in March. Team USA will have to fill his roster spot.
More concerning is his status with the Diamondbacks. While a hamate bone can generally take anywhere from four to eight weeks to heal, it's the kind of injury that can linger and affect a batter. Power in particular can be hindered, which would be particularly damaging for Carroll, who saw his power numbers go up last year and is coming off the first 30-plus home run season of his career.
Carroll is undergoing surgery Wednesday, Feb. 11 to repair the injury. His status for Opening Day is in question.
Team USA World Baseball Classic outfield
Carroll's injury will have an impact on the construction of Team USA's outfield.
The United States was carrying four outfielders: Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Aaron Judge, and Carroll. While Crow-Armstrong is the best defensive outfielder in the league, let alone on the team, by outs above average in 2025, Carroll figured to be a strong positive in the outfield as well.
Team USA will now be tasked with naming a replacement for Carroll.
Corbin Carroll stats
Carroll is coming off a season in which he slashed .259/.343/.541 with 31 home runs, his first 30 home run season. He had a career-best 140 OPS+ and finished sixth in NL MVP voting.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, August 29, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
When it comes to projection models like FanGraphs and PECOTA, the Atlanta Braves have some very high expectations in 2026. However, they’ve still got a ways to go when it comes to convincing some pundits out there — particularly the panel of five people who were chosen to make predictions for USA Today when it comes to the upcoming 2026 season.
According to that crew, the Braves will be fighting with the Mets for second place in the NL East while the Phillies run away with it.
One powerhouse. And a whole lot of parity.
That figures to be the theme throughout what should be a tightly bunched Major League Baseball season, and USA TODAY Sports’ projected win totals for 2026 reflect as much.
As a matter of fact, this projection has the Braves missing the playoffs altogether by one game, as this would have the Mets facing the Brewers and the Cubs facing the Padres in the Wild Card round with the Dodgers and Phillies getting the bye. USA Today doesn’t figure that the Dodgers are going to just run away with things but they do figure that they’ll still be clear of the rest of the pack in not just the NL but the rest of the pack as well.
Here’s some of the (brief) reasoning behind USA Today’s prediction for the ‘26 Braves:
GM Alex Anthopoulos generally doesn’t get stuck in the middle, but they’re light on starting pitching and will be missing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim for a minute.
While it is true that the Braves have some question marks with their starting pitching and will also be missing Ha-Seong Kim, I do feel like the Braves have fortified their squad a bit over the course of the offseason to be able to withstand those issues — though Spencer Schwellenbach being out for a significant amount of time certainly complicates things. The Braves could do with another addition to the starting pitching rotation but at the same time, as long as the the entire rotation avoids another collective trip to the 60-Day IL then that alone should boost the Braves’ fortunes in 2025.
With that being said, even the rosiest projection models don’t think that the Braves are going to simply dominate the division, either. Atlanta’s going to have to deal with the Phillies and Mets all season, whether they’re returning to the top of the NL East (and the NL in general) or they’re having to scratch and claw their way into simply making the Postseason.
Anything is on the table for this team when you consider how the past two seasons are gone. The potential is there for a good-to-great season but at the same time, it’s totally understandable if the Braves do end up in a season-long rock fight once again. We’ll see what happens!
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks talk after the game on February 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Would you believe the Pacers beat the Knicks?
It took overtime, but you better do. Thankfully, the break is right around the corner, but not before New York dumps the Sixers in a grand pre-ASW finale.
Here’s a bunch of what was said before and after yesterday’s affair.
"We just have to get better with our physicality first, and our communication second"
“We didn’t do a great job of getting into their airspace. We did a little better job in the second half, but by then, they were feeling pretty good about where they were in the game. The past 12, 15 games, we’ve been pretty good about getting to 3-point shooters. We’ve been pretty good about putting physicality on the ball and a lot of other areas defensively. Tonight, it wasn’t there — at least at the level that it has been, along with our communication. Got to give Indiana a lot of credit.”
On late-game execution:
“The Pacers did a great job offensively. We tried to, you know, tighten up as the game went along, which we did, but it just wasn’t quite enough to get it done. We had plenty of opportunity down the stretch to get it done, but when you give a team life from the beginning like we did, it’s gonna be hard.”
On missed opportunities late in the game:
“I thought Jalen down the stretch had some pretty good looks and got to the spots he normally gets to but he just came up short. We got the ball where we needed to get the ball. We got the looks that we wanted to look for during that time. Sometimes they just don’t go in and tonight was one of those nights.”
On the overtime collapse:
“They did a great job offensively. We tried to tighten up the game as we went along. We had plenty of opportunity to get it done. But when you give a team life like we did from the beginning like we did, it’s going to be hard.”
On dealing with prior adversity:
“Obviously we went through some adversity. We went 2-9 or something like that. You hate to lose games and I’m not signing up to lose games, but we have to struggle. I’m a believer that we have to struggle a couple of times this year. Whatever that means. And, it’s going to test our resolve as a group. You have to be connected if you want to give yourself a chance.”
On these losses helping the Knicks prepare for the upcoming playoffs:
“Playoff runs: there is nothing more stressful on an NBA level. Seven-game series, win four of them. That really tests your resolve. Because, man, a lot of things can happen. So be able to hit some adversity. Go through and stay connected and come out of it a little stronger than what you were going into it. It’s something I look forward to.”
On trusting Josh Hart’s scoring instincts:
“I don’t ever call a play for Josh and he finds his way. Teams keep putting their five on him and we tell him to let it fly. He’s really good because he knows when to let it fly.”
On Hart’s offensive impact:
“He makes a big difference offensively. It’s him because he knows how and when to pick his spots with it. Also when he was out and he came back, that first game in Portland, you felt his presence in transition. Whether he was bringing it or just filling that wing, you felt his presence and it’s much needed especially against the better teams.”
“Regardless of what their record is, they’re great. Great coach, they do everything well, they play hard, they play to the last second. Those qualities that they have, they’re gonna play every single night, regardless of what the record is.”
On the Knicks’ struggles vs. Indiana:
“Defensively, they had a rhythm early and they kept their confidence. Kept the rhythm throughout the entire game.”
On the lack of physicality on Tuesday:
“Just be a little bit more physical. They were in the rhythm. Pick up our intensity on the ball with our physicality and stuff like that, and off-ball, they’re moving really freely tonight, and they were in the rhythm all night.”
On offensive vs. defensive balance:
“Offensively wasn’t the problem tonight. Obviously, defensively, they had a rhythm early, and they kept their confidence and rhythm throughout the entire game.”
"We let them get a little comfortable, and then down the stretch, lack of execution"
“We started off the first couple of minutes, we started playing well, but then we let them get a little comfortable.”
On late-game execution:
“Down the stretch, lack of execution. We gotta make sure at the end of the game, fourth quarter overtime is a little bit different. You can’t just run fast, but you got to be able to slow it down and execute, and call plays and get guys in good situations, and areas to be successful. I feel like that’s what we’re kind of lacking.”
On preferring passing over scoring these days:
“I turn down shots, I don’t know how many times. I love getting assists. I used to love scoring. Now, I love getting guys shots, getting guys involved. Sometimes, it’s the bad read because I should shoot it when I’m open, but I love getting guys shots.”
On the need to stay aggressive on the scoring at times:
“Games like Sunday are where that sacrifice is me having to go out there and be super aggressive and keep them honest.”
On adapting his role during his stint in Portland:
“I think I acquired it in Portland. Mark Tyndale, who’s here right now, I think one day I was venting to him. I was saying ‘bro I’m not getting the ball. I’m not getting any touches.’ He’s like ‘we’ve got Dame, we’ve got all these guys. We’re not saying you can’t score. We’re saying we’ve got guys that are better and that’s what they’re here to do.’ And from then on, I said ‘let me work out how I can help these guys and find them in good positions.’ It took a little bit of getting used to, but I think right now I’m in a good head space with it.”
“They had tough shots and they made threes and on the other side, we didn’t make enough threes to combat the amount of shots they were hitting from the three. We didn’t reach that standard of defense that we have shown in recent and it came back to bite us today.”
“It’s different. Playing for the Knicks is a huge thing, but I’m literally a kid from the same streets the fans are, and to be part of everything here, it’s a blessing. It’s something I had to get used to and to get it out of the way, let’s get the ball rolling.”
On crowd ovations at the Garden:
“It was amazing. Being a kid from the city, for the city to show me love back, it’s one for the books. I really can’t explain it.”
On the loss in his debut:
“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but I’ll tell you this, it was a blessing to be out there. I can’t wait to continue growing and getting better.”
On pregame nerves:
“I was nervous today, for sure. There was a lot going on. I was glad I got it out the way. I can’t wait to come back and get better and win some games here.”
On the decision to remove the player option from his contract to facilitate a trade:
“We can always see the side of the money and talk about it, but at the end of the day the passion is more than just the money. It’s being out there, missing the feeling of being out there, offense, defense. Just competing at a high level because I’m a competitor first. The situation with New York was a little bit different for me because I wasn’t really playing, so being able to be on another team and try to bring value on the court was really important. I was just missing being out there on the court, making mistakes, learning from it and trying to get better.”
On adjusting his contract to chase better opportunities:
“I love it out there with the team, the guys. The coaches, they did a great job of welcoming me the best way they can. Everybody’s telling me how happy they are for me to be out there on the team with them. It just makes it easy for me to have confidence and just feel good on the court.”
On the reason behind his decision:
“I mean the decision was, I wanna say pretty quick and easy. For me to be able to have that second chance at the NBA and come back here, I had to take a risk. So I would say it was nothing new to me. I was thinking about amending my contract and I thought that this was the best thing to do.”
Let’s be real—Jalen Duren didn’t start that Pistons/Hornets mess.
A grown man fouls you and puts his forehead in your face… who isn’t pushing back? pic.twitter.com/Poiz3gSJgp
The Orlando Magic will try to complete a two-game series sweep when they host the Milwaukee Bucks for the second time this week.
Orlando beat up on Milwaukee on Monday, and my Bucks vs. Magic predictions expect more of the same tonight.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.
Bucks vs Magic prediction
Bucks vs Magic best bet: Magic -10.5 (-110)
The Orlando Magic took it to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, winning 118-99.
There’s no reason to expect anything different tonight, withthe Magic continuing to get healthier andMilwaukee still without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup.
In his return from a left ankle sprain, Franz Wagner made an immediate impact, scoring 14 points with five assists in less than 17 minutes.
He should play even more tonight, helping Orlando get back to its optimal lineup. Meanwhile, theBucks are just 6-15 this year without Giannis.
Bucks vs Magic same-game parlay
The Magic have been getting big performances out of their secondary options lately. Desmond Bane has gone Over 26.5 PRA in six out of his last seven games, while Anthony Black has scored 18+ points in three straight contests.
Bucks vs Magic SGP
Magic -10.5
Desmond Bane Over 26.5 points+rebounds+assists
Anthony Black Over 15.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Magic in the air
I’m expecting the Orlando stars to shine tonight. Franz Wagner will see his numbers improve as he plays his way back into the lineup and serves as the perfect complementary piece for Paolo Banchero.
Bucks vs Magic SGP
Franz Wagner Over 1.5 threes
Franz Wagner Over 14.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 threes
Paolo Banchero Over 0.5 blocks
Bucks vs Magic odds
Spread: Bucks +10.5 | Magic -10.5
Moneyline: Bucks +375 | Magic -500
Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5
Bucks vs Magic betting trend to know
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against the Bucks. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Magic.
How to watch Bucks vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Wisconsin, FDSN Florida
Bucks vs Magic latest injuries
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The Utah Jazz look to pick up their second straight win when they host the Sacramento Kings, who are in the midst of a 13-game slide.
The Kings are without their top rebounder, Domantas Sabonis, which should open the door for Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic to have a big night on the glass.
I’ll explain why Nurkic will pick up plenty of rebounds in my Kings vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.
Kings vs Jazz prediction
Kings vs Jazz best bet: Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 rebounds (-112)
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis ranks tied for third in the NBA with 11.4 rebounds per game this season, but he’ll be sidelined tonight with a back injury. That opens the door for Utah Jazz big man Jusuf Nurkic to have his own field day on the glass.
Nurkic is no slouch himself, logging 10.4 rpg this season. The Jazz center has snagged Over 9.5 boards in nine of his last 11 contests.
The Kings were already a mediocre rebounding team, allowing 44.7 opponent rebounds per game (19th), and they’ll be significantly more vulnerable on the glass without Sabonis.
Kings vs Jazz same-game parlay
Lauri Markkanen is averaging nearly 27 ppg this season and has dropped Over 20.5 points in 14 of his last 18 outings. With Keyonte George out tonight, Markkanen will be leaned on to carry the Jazz offense.
Utah is not a great team, but Sacramento is even worse. The Kings have not won a game in nearly a month, and they’re missing three of their top players tonight with Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Russell Westbrook all sidelined.
Kings vs Jazz SGP
Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 rebounds
Lauri Markkanen Over 20.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-doubles galore
Nurkic has eight double-doubles in his last 10 games, Isaiah Collier has three in his last four, and Dylan Cardwell has two in his last three.
Kings vs Jazz SGP
Jusuf Nurkic to record double-double
Isaiah Collier to record double-double
Dylan Cardwell to record double-double
Kings vs Jazz odds
Spread: Sacramento +6 (-110) | Utah -6 (-110)
Moneyline: Sacramento +180 | Utah -220
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Kings vs Jazz betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Over in 32 of their last 45 games at home (+17.70 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Jazz.
How to watch Kings vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports California, KJZZ
Kings vs Jazz latest injuries
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers high fives fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 26, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers high fives fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 26, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Last one before the break. The Brooklyn Nets played the middle game of their three game homestand and welcomed the Chicago Bulls to Barclays Center. Brooklyn picked up another win and have won back to back games.
The opponent tonight is in their gap year. The Indiana Pacers aren’t heading to the postseason, but they’ve got plenty to focus on. They’ve been in town the past few days and took on their long time rivals, the New York Knicks, last night at MSG. The game went into overtime and the Pacers ruined the Knicks’ plans once again.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 PM.
🤕 Injuries
No Michael Porter Jr. Noah Clowney is probable while Nic Claxton has moved from questionable to doubtful. The two newest Nets, Ochai Agbaji and Josh Minott have yet to play and a roster spot remains open. All three two-ways remain with Long Island.
The following are out for Indiana:
Tyrese Haliburton
Ivica Zubac
Johnny Furphy
Obi Toppin
Jarace Walker
And with this being night two of a back-to-back, we’ll see if anyone else sits.
Last game before the break, so we’ll see how these teams manage their rotations. Indiana played a stressful game last night, so don’t be surprised if their regulars have a reduced workload tonight. With Clowney and Claxton showing up on the injury report, they may have relatively short outings as well.
Tonight is another opportunity for Brooklyn’s guards of the future to put a good outing together. Nolan Traore and Egor Dёmin have been solid and making the most out of their minutes. Jordi Fernandez sees a lot in this duo and is excited for what they can do:
“I don’t see it as one guy covering for the other: I like the shooting from both of them. Nolan’s not shy when he’s open. We’ve seen Egor shoot at a very high level. Nolan’s speed, his paint touches and pick-and-roll playmaking, same with Egor. … They have clear goals, short-term things they need to do on both ends. As long as they keep taking those steps they’re doing a great job and that’s what matters.”
The more minutes they get, the better they’ll be down the line.
When a team is on night two of a b2b and played overtime the night before, you should look to speed them up. The opponent is on tired legs and is just trying to make it through the night in one piece. For the Nets, they should look to get out and run as much as possible. Jumping out to a sizable lead early could make the difference and push the Pacers into making their All-Star plans early.
👀 Player to watch: Pascal Siakam
It takes a special player to be named an All-Star when your team is one of the worst in the league. Siakam has fought through everything this season and has continued to play at a high level for Indiana. His usage is way up, but he’s maintained his efficiency at a reasonable level. When the game is close late, Rick Carlisle can trust him to make something happen. Everyone knew that this was going to be a lost season for the Pacers. However, Siakam’s play has made things a bit more palatable to watch for Pacers fans. When Indiana returns to playoff contention next season, Siakam’s success in a scaled up role will prove to be valuable.
We’ll see how much Noah Clowney plays tonight. As we mentioned earlier, he’s on the injury report but is listed as probable. Since he’s not at full strength, does this mean we’ll see Josh Minott make his Nets debut? Tonight would be the perfect time. In the meantime, matching up against Siakam will do wonders for Clowney’s confidence if he puts a good outing together. Brooklyn’s youth movement will be something that keeps fans tuned in after the All-Star break as everyone starts gearing up for the Draft Lottery this spring.
📺 From the Vault
Tonight the Nets will be hosting their annual Chinese New Year’s celebration game. Let’s learn more about the Lunar New Year!
Here’s the full range of what the Nets are doing to celebrate.