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Golden Knights vs Ducks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

There’s been no sophomore slump for Cutter Gauthier, who leads the Anaheim Ducks in goals and points through 54 games.

Ahead of tonight's matchup against Las Vegas, my Golden Knights vs. Ducks predictions see Gauthier making his mark against a team struggling to keep the puck out.

Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for Sunday, February 1.

Golden Knights vs Ducks prediction

Golden Knights vs Ducks best bet:Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points (-150)

The Vegas Golden Knights may lead the Pacific Division, but they’re far from flawless — particularly in net.

Vegas currently ranks 28th in team save percentage and has struggled mightily to keep the puck out of its net. The Golden Knights had hoped goaltender Carter Hart would provide some stability, but he struggled mightily before getting injured. 

Adin Hill has only further exposed those issues. Since rejoining the team, he’s endured a miserable stretch, allowing 21 goals over five starts.

Put it all together, and the Golden Knights have surrendered 3.4 goals per game over their last 20 contests and 3.5 over their past 10. Now they head into a road back-to-back against a potent Anaheim Ducks offense led by Cutter Gauthier.

Gauthier has feasted on teams that struggle defensively, hitting the scoresheet in 11 of his last 14 games against Bottom-10 teams in points allowed.

That stretch includes a two-point performance against Vegas in late November, when Gauthier piled up six shots and a ridiculous 14 shot attempts.

Anaheim will lean heavily on Gauthier to get back on track, and I expect him to deliver once again.

Golden Knights vs Ducks same-game parlay

Mason McTavish is centering Gauthier on the top line and should see increased opportunity with phenom Leo Carlsson sidelined.

Tomas Hertl has hit the scoresheet in eight of his last 10 games against Bottom-5 teams in goals against, piling up 13 points over that span.

Newcomer Rasmus Andersson has also been firing the puck since arriving in Vegas, recording multiple shots on target in all five games with the Golden Knights.

Golden Knights vs Ducks SGP

  • Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points
  • Mason McTavish Over 0.5 points
  • Tomas Hertl Over 0.5 points
  • Rasmus Andersson Over 1.5 shots

Golden Knights vs Ducks odds

  • Moneyline: Golden Knights -125 | Ducks +105
  • Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+205) | Ducks +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-120) | Under 6.5 (+100)

Golden Knights vs Ducks trend

Cutter Gauthier has points in five of his last six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Ducks.

How to watch Golden Knights vs Ducks

LocationHonda Center, Anaheim, CA
DateSunday, February 1, 2026
Puck drop9:30 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Golden Knights vs Ducks latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

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BYB 2026 Tigers prospect reports #34: RHP Cale Wetwiska

Cale Wetwiska, Bethany baseball, is pictured at Media Day in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Media Day 313

As with our #35 prospect, LHP Ben Jacobs, right-hander Cale Wetwiska is another college pitcher that the Detroit Tigers paid a pretty penny for in the 2025 amateur draft. A seventh round pick out of a junior college, Wetwiska pulled a well above slot deal for $647,500, where players drafted at that level were generally getting $260,000. He’s basically in that sweet spot between D1 college pitchers and prep arms. He won’t even turn 21 years old until April.

The Tigers scouting department did a nice job here finding Wetwiska at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid, the junior edition of the main D1 college. He was a high school quarterback in Oklahoma, and both a good hitting outfielder and a pitcher in junior college. He’s a pretty athletic 6’2” 190 pound specimen all around. So while he’s more developed than your average prep arm, he still has plenty of projection remaining. There’s risk based on his inexperience and limited pitch mix right now, but the raw stuff and athleticism gives him more upside than many at this level of slot bonus.

Wetwiska is typically 93-94 mph with his fourseam fastball, but he was scraping 96 mph with his best fastballs in his brief look at Single-A Lakeland after the draft. He has above average extension and induced vertical break already, both traits the Tigers crave and can develop a bit more. He backs it mainly with a cutter at 87-88 mph which is basically a hard slider without that much depth yet. He did show a truer slider at 84 mph in Lakeland with more down action, but wasn’t using it much. His changeup is still more of an afterthought and lacks enough movement and velocity separation from the fastball. Based on his high arm slot and release, he’s probably better off moving toward a straight change or a splitter if he can manage that.

Wetwiska isn’t the next Trey Yesavage, but it is a pretty high slot with a vertical forearm position into release. Pitchers like this often have good bat missing fourseamers and pitch up and down well with a wipeout slider or curveball, but struggle to move the ball horizontally. That can make them one dimensional, adding a bit to the relief risk here. However, his youth and lack of pitching experience make for more realistic hopes that he can develop a better third pitch in pro ball.

Until such a third pitch presents, Wetwiska still profiles a little more like a future reliever than a starting pitching prospect. Still you have to like the fact that he’s not coming from an advanced program with a state of the art pitching lab, and already has a pretty good fastball with several plus traits beyond velocity. There’s likely a lot more meat left on the bone than with your average D1 junior with a longer pedigree.

The Tigers have a fairly intriguing project here. Wetwiska is pretty likely to develop more velocity and his strike throwing is quite good for a junior college pitcher who was only three months past his 20th birthday on draft day. Considering his somewhat unrefined repertoire, he moves the ball around the zone and has pretty good feel for setting guys up. While other pitchers at this tier are more polished, Wetwiska offers more upside than most, and I’m very curious to see how the Tigers develop his secondary stuff to compliment a good fastball. With a few innings with the Lakeland Flying Tigers already under his belt, he should start there this season with a good chance to reach West Michigan this summer.

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The Notes: Diving into the Mets and Braves Offseasons

Since the last time we looked into the Mets offseason, a lot has changed! They let key players walk, signed new ones, and made multiple big trades to address drastic needs. There is a lot to dive into.

On the Braves’ side, I should apologize for not talking about all of these moves earlier, given when they were made.

While this is the Phillies blog on SB Nation, it is still important to cover what the other serious teams in the division are doing for 2026. Notice the word serious and why there doesn’t need to be much on the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins.

The new look Mets

To even process just how much the Mets roster has changed from 2025 to 2026, the only proper way is to lay out who came in and who is gone.

In: Freddy Peralta, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Luis Garcia, and Tobias Myers

Out: Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, Luisangel Acuña, Starling Marte, Cedric Mullins, Edwin Diaz, Griffin Canning, Tyler Rogers, Gregory Soto, and Frankie Montas

That is a lot of turnover for a team that expects to compete next season. They will have a new starting first baseman, third baseman, second baseman, center fielder, left fielder, new starter, and new high-leverage relievers. The Mets are also taking the right path because the previous core didn’t win enough and never fully came together outside of 2024.

The big question with all of this turnover is what the final product will look like. Did they improve their 2025 roster? It looks like they have.

The infield’s biggest upgrade might be with their corner infielders. Pete Alonso put together his best season at the plate since 2022 but they gave Mark Vientos 463 plate appearances last year as a mediocre hitter and a horrible defensive third baseman.

Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco are not flawless players but it looks like a better combination on both sides of the diamond compared to what they had even if its mostly because Mark Vientos isn’t very good.

Luis Robert Jr. is both overrated and underrated as a player. Depending on who you ask, he’s either one of the worst everyday players in the sport or someone who can still be a superstar in the right environment. The Mets probably just need him to be a slightly luckier version of 2025, where he underperformed his xwOBA by 32 points.

If he hits closer to those projected numbers, his defense would give the Mets one of the better everyday center fielders in the sport. With prospect Carson Benge in left and Robert in center, there is way more support to deal with Juan Soto’s right-field issues than there was in the past.

The starting rotation was a disaster last season but now it looks deep with the addition of Freddy Peralta. He and Nolan McLean should give them one of the better one-two punches in the sport next season with competitive pitchers behind them. David Peterson and Clay Holmes were solid mid-rotation options last year that were asked to carry the staff. Now they’re just asked to be mid-rotation options like they were paid to be.

What’s behind will be a question but the answers might not be disasters. Sean Manaea wasn’t good last season with a 5.64 ERA but should be bound for more luck. He struck out 28.5% of hitters he faced last season while only walking 4.6%. His FIP and xERA hovered around 4 so that, along with a more durable season is the leading candidate to be their number five starter right now. They also feature prospects like Jonah Tong, Jack Wenninger, and Will Watson in the high minors so their depth should be in a much better place than last season.

The big concern with the Mets right now should be their bullpen. After Williams and Weaver, the unit gets thin fast. AJ Minter is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season but is effective when healthy. Brooks Raley is still very deceptive but is going to be 38 years old next season and the middle of their bullpen could use some upgrading over Austin Warren and Luis Garcia.

However, if that’s the biggest complaint at the end of your off-season, there is a good reason for it.

Some of their starters might factor into relief roles next season too. Tobias Myers is probably the best candidate for that type of transition with his four-seam and splitter combination. Jonah Tong needs to develop a more consistent third pitch to be a starter in the Majors and they should be doing whatever it takes to make him a starter but his fastball-changeup combination looks extremely enticing for a late-season bullpen run if they need it. Maybe he’s the next Roki Sasaski in October of 2026.

They lost a lot of talent but gained a lot of talent, and their owner should stay off Twitter when the team is targeting a big free agent but they do look better than last season.

Straight to the point Atlanta Braves

The Braves said they needed a shortstop, a high-leverage reliever, an outfielder, and some help on the bench. They’ve done just that, regardless of the value.

They added Robert Suarez to the bullpen on a three year deal, signed Ha-Seong Kim to play shortstop (who is now hurt), added Mike Yastrzemski to the outfield, and made small moves for Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo.

Did the Braves make themselves better for 2026? Probably but it’s not the best process.

Suarez was given a three-year deal as a four-seam fastball-driven reliever that’s 34 years old. He dropped half a mile per hour last year and doesn’t have the best mix for adjusting as he ages. Suarez’s best secondary offering is his changeup that already saw a big decrease in it’s whiff-rate last season and allowed a .483 slug. This just doesn’t seem like the best profile to bet on with a three-year deal.

Yastrzemski is 35 years old and declined defensively each of the last two seasons. He did make real changes to his approach, decreasing his whiff rate by 7.1% and his strikeout rate by nearly 7% but it’s still a tough bet to make with an aging player that’s not an outlier athlete.

There were 17 hitters with at least 150 plate appearances at 35 years old or older last season; only seven of them had a wRC+ of at least 100.

That’s before mentioning that he signed a two-year deal so his Braves tenure will be taking him through his age 36 season. Only 3 of 10 hitters at 36 or older in at least 150 plate appearances had at least a wRC+ above 100.

Both of these deals feel like a year too long and that might not seem like a massive deal but you have to make certain promises with deals beyond one season. Suarez is getting at least two seasons in their bullpen, no matter if he’s good or bad. Yastrzemski is getting this season and probably a bit of next season, too, as the Phillies did with Didi Gregorius a few years ago when he signed a two-year deal. This is a promise that has nothing to do with player performance.

With Kim being hurt for multiple months and the red flags on these deals, it might not be the kind of off-season that Atlanta was hoping for.

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Cubs historical sleuthing: Ernie Banks video edition

Credit where it’s due, I found the video below at this MLB.com article.

This is nine minutes’ worth of various highlights from Ernie Banks’ career [VIDEO].

For this sleuthing exercise, we are concerned only with the first 14 seconds of the video. which shows Ernie hitting a home run in… now, what park is that exactly? It doesn’t look familiar at all, at first glance.

All we know on first look is that it’s a two-run homer, with someone scoring ahead of Ernie, and it’s a day game.

Racked my brains trying to figure out what park this was, and then I slowed the video down and got this screenshot:

It’s a little bit blurry and pixellated, but the first three letters of the home team are clearly “SAN.”

So this has to be San Francisco. But it’s not Candlestick Park, I would have recognized that right away.

That means this has to be Seals Stadium, where the Giants played in 1958 and 1959 after they moved from New York to San Francisco.

Ernie Banks hit six home runs at Seals Stadium, four in 1958 and two in 1959.

There are two more clues in the video. Here’s another screenshot:

There’s bunting on the wall in the outfield. You can also see this on the third-base line in the video, right after Banks hits the ball. This hints a special event, most likely Opening Day.

Lastly, that’s clearly a “2” on the scoreboard for the Giants in the second inning and for the Cubs in the fourth.

The Giants’ home opener, Tuesday, April 14, 1959, matches all these things, and you can understand why a film crew would have been at the ballpark on Opening Day, especially with Banks, the reigning NL MVP, as a visiting player. Felipe Alou, who later managed the Giants, had homered to give them a 2-0 lead in the second. Banks homered in the fourth, a two-run shot off Jack Sanford, to tie the game.

The two-run homer you see in this video was hit in the top of the eighth, breaking the 2-2 tie. George Altman (No. 21) scores ahead of Banks. No. 7 in the video, who you can see waiting at the plate for Altman and Banks, is Walt “Moose” Moryn, who was the next hitter.

The Cubs scored another run in the ninth. In the bottom of the ninth, the Giants loaded the bases with two out, but Don Elston struck out Bob Schmidt to end the game, which the Cubs won 5-2.

The Cubs briefly contended in 1959. After defeating the Braves July 28, they were 50-48, in fourth place but just 4.5 games out of first. They faded from there and finished 74-80, which was their second-most wins since 1946. Along the way, though, they helped knock the Giants out of the pennant race by sweeping them in a two-game series at Wrigley Field the last week of the season, both walk-off wins. The Giants had been in first place, two games ahead, with eight games remaining, but lost seven of those eight and finished third behind the Dodgers and Braves, who tied for the pennant. The Dodgers won a best-of-three playoff and defeated the White Sox in the World Series.

The Cubs finished 12 games out of first place (13, after the playoff). It was the closest they’d been to first place since the 1945 pennant year. If they’d had better pitching they might have been closer, but they had traded away Sam Jones in 1956 for a bunch of guys you’ve never heard of, and Jones had a spectacular year for the Giants in ‘59, going 21-15 and leading the NL with a 2.83 ERA. Jones finished second in Cy Young voting that year, and back then there was only one Cy Young winner for both leagues. The winner was Early Wynn of the White Sox, so Jones would have almost certainly been the NL winner had there been separate awards.

Such were the Cubs of the late 1950s.

This video is pretty cool — I don’t think I had ever seen it before. Just another little slice of Cubs history. For Ernie Banks, the homers hit that day were his first two of 1959, a year when he’d hit 45 and win his second straight MVP. For his career they were homers No. 184 and 185, of 512. The video, as noted, has quite a few other highlights of Ernie’s career.

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Suns center opens up on his season with his new team

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 27: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns grabs the rebound during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 27, 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Mark Williams was one of the biggest question marks heading into the season when the Suns traded for him on draft night. After selecting Khaman Maluach with the tenth overall pick just seconds before, fans wondered how Williams would truly fit into this team. With him having had past injuries that limited his full potential, no one knew what Williams could truly be for this squad.

That is where Phoenix took a risk of acquiring him and trying to use him as their new starting center. This risk would prove beneficial for the team, as they struck gold with someone who has clearly shown that, in the right system, he can flourish and, with the help of this training staff, has managed to stay healthy all season. So how does he do it?

Well, recently, Williams sat down with Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype to talk about his short time here in Phoenix and how he has grown as a player.

As we have all seen, Williams has been available this year, which is a vast difference from the past. To start, they were very hesitant with Williams’ playing style and brought him off the bench to bring him up to game speed. Then they had him sit out back-to-back games early in the season to limit the risk of injury. By doing this, the Suns allowed Williams to get comfortable with the team and find his rhythm in his new role.

Allowing Williams to get used to his body and adjust to the Suns’ fast-paced style was key to his success, and I am glad the Suns took the time to do so. We have already seen some monstrous performances from the big man, especially in both games against the Nets, where, when he got the touches, he made the Nets know. With the Suns wanting to get him more involved, this adds to the team’s versatility, which can beat you every night.

How would you describe your fresh start with the Suns? 

Mark Williams: It’s been great. I’ve been here all summer. I’ve really focused on my body and working on my game. This organization has shown a lot of love and support and helped me be the best version of myself. 

Since all of that has come together, we have now seen Williams play in 44 games this season, tying a career high for the big man, one he will break shortly. A huge credit goes to the Suns staff for working with him and making sure he stayed on this track.

What’s been the biggest reason for your improved availability on a consistent basis?

MW: I’ve had a good plan in place with the staff. I had a bunch of different injuries in the past. For us, it was making a focus of getting overall strength around my body and not trying to overdo anything and overcompensate. I’ve done on-court work, weight room work, and all the recovery stuff has been really good. 

The availability he has is excellent for his growth as a player, allowing him to shine bright in the Valley. This season, he is averaging 12.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.1 steals, and 1 block per game in 24 minutes. Even if his numbers are drastically better than in Charlotte, the availability has allowed him to compete at a high level throughout the season, which I consider a better win. Not to mention, his numbers are still solid in the role he plays, where he has grown tremendously on the defense end

This growth on that side of the ball, being a better rim protector, allows Mark to get the rim pressure the Suns need. They lacked this sort of pressure last year, and even though Williams is better on the offensive end, he can come up big, nabbing some blocks or even now getting some steals. His aggressiveness in fighting for rebounds and generating second-chance points has been key, especially on offense. Williams has filled in the gaps that this front court has been missing in past seasons.

We have also seen Williams be immensely reliable in games when they go to him. As I mentioned earlier, please take a look here at the recent game against the Nets. The Suns had the most points in the paint that season with 72, and Williams was the leading scorer with 27.

They continued to attack the Nets’ weak frontcourt defense, and even Jordan Ott agreed he was a significant factor in that win.

All of this coming together has put Williams in a great spot moving forward, both for the Suns and for his personal growth. After years of uncertainty and being viewed as an “injury-prone” center, he has written that narrative off as false. He has proved his doubters wrong, as many Suns on this team have, by showing his actual value.

Williams can be a great contributor for this team, and even in the future when his contract is up this offseason. After a solid year with the team and remaining healthy, he can get a payday he is well deserving of, and one the Suns would be happy to give him.

Did you have any extra motivation coming into the season after not signing a contract extension with the Suns when you were eligible? 

MW: In a way. I think for both sides it made sense. At the same time, I knew what I was capable of doing. Obviously, the biggest question around me was my availability and my body. I think the staff and I have done a great job of being available and being there for my team. I think if I continue to do that, it’ll all take care of itself.  

Ultimately, I think he has found his home in Phoenix and cannot wait to see the continued growth Williams presents this season and in the future.

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Your 2026 Knicks trade deadline primer: Financials, targets, assets

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 24: Mikal Bridges #25, Jalen Brunson #11 and OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks look on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA trade deadline is just four days away.

By Thursday afternoon, pencils will be down across the NBA, and the teams will mostly be set. The Knicks, after a 7-8 month that saw them go from playing like the worst team in basketball to a five-game winning streak, are fishing in several different waters ahead of the deadline.

Will they look for the Great White Shark, or will they just be content fishing for a good ol’ trout? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this Thursday’s deadline:

What do the Knicks’ financials look like?

The Knicks are currently operating in the first apron with a second apron hard cap that cannot be removed. The hard cap was automatically triggered when the Knicks used the mid-level exception to sign Guerschon Yabusele.

The most notable first apron restriction that impacts the Knicks is the inability to acquire more salary via trade. For example, if the Knicks traded Yabusele and his $5.5 million salary, they cannot acquire a player making more than that. The Knicks are allowed to stack multiple players in a trade, but cannot stack minimum deals, which may impact any deal involving the newly-benched Jordan Clarkson.

The Knicks have one open roster spot, so they could execute a 1-for-2 trade if they combine to make less than the outgoing player. That roster spot, as of now, cannot be filled for two months due to the team having under $150,000 in hard cap space. A salary dump or 2-for-1 trade can change that.

Three Knicks are pending free agents: Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson, and Jordan Clarkson.

Ariel Hukporti and Mo Diawara will also be restricted free agents. Additionally, Yabusele has a $5.7 million player option for 2026-27, which he would be expected to accept due to his decreased market value. This has apparently been a hindrance in attempting to trade the French forward.

Who are the Knicks targeting?

(The following players have been linked to the Knicks by at least one outlet. It will be updated.)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (F, MIL): The white whale of every team’s deadline. It remains unknown if the two-time MVP will actually be moved before the deadline, as his interests and the Bucks’ interests differ. He’d like to get traded and extended now, while the Bucks would benefit from waiting for when teams have more flexibility in the offseason. We had to include him here, but there is absolutely no chance the Knicks make the trade in-season. Re-assess if he’s still a Buck in June.

Jrue Holiday (G, POR): Marc Stein reported last week that the Knicks were calling the Portland Trail Blazers about a potential deal for the veteran lockdown defender, seeing him as a great pair with Jalen Brunson in the backcourt. The 2021 NBA champion turns 36 in June and has two years and $72 million left on his contract after this season. This feels like a move that would happen in conjunction with his former teammate in Milwaukee, not as a midseason shakeup, considering his salary.

Naji Marshall (F, DAL): The Knicks are one of many teams that are looking to add the veteran wing from a Mavericks team that is undecided on whether to sell off talent and fully commit to a Cooper Flagg window or try to make it work next season with their aging roster. He’s a bad shooter (30.3% for his career), but has made it work by averaging 14 points a night over the last two seasons by shooting over 60% inside the arc. Marshall makes $9 million and is under contract through 2026-27.

Jose Alvarado (G, NO): Grand Theft Alvarado having a homecoming in New York would be a great story all around, but the Brooklyn native has a few things working against it. The Pelicans, despite their record, have not been very willing to shop some of their talent, and Alvarado seems to like it in New Orleans. The pesky guard is averaging a career low in steals but a career high in efficiency. He has a $4.5 million player option for next season.

Yves Missi (C, NO): In the same reports that link Alvarado to the Knicks, they also mention the team’s interest in the Pelicans’ reserve center. The No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 draft has seen his role decrease, despite the Pelicans being one of the worst teams in basketball. His relatively inexpensive contract and control through 2027-28 would be an asset for the Knicks, especially when his skillset mirrors that of a younger Mitchell Robinson. There’s untapped potential in the 21-year-old, but will the Pelicans sell low?

Jeremy Sochan (F, SA): Before the Spurs became the contenders they are today, Sochan was a solid contributor who made real improvements from Year 2 to Year 3. Still just 22 years old, he’s fallen out of favor in Mitch Johnson’s rotation as he struggles with efficiency and seems out of place. The rumors say that the Knicks tried to get the expiring contract for Yabusele, but the Spurs were scared off because of the player’s option. In the event this happens, it would be a lottery ticket and a way to clear salary for the offseason.

Goga Bitadze (C, ORL): The Knicks have long coveted the Georgian big man, pursuing him after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency in 2024. The 26-year-old is under control through 2026-27 on a frontloaded deal, but could make a bit too much for the Knicks at this point. He would provide the needed center depth behind Towns and Robinson and could be available after being the odd man out in Orlando’s rotation.

Nick Richards (C, PHX): Richards is in the same boat as Bitadze in the sense that the Knicks have coveted him for a while, but the Suns beat them to the punch at last year’s deadline when the Knicks looked for center depth. With a crowded Suns rotation and a desire to go under the luxury tax, Richards may be available. He averaged nine points and six rebounds on 60.5% from the field last season and is on an expiring contract, making $5 million.

What assets do the Knicks have to trade?

The Knicks do not have an available first-round pick to trade. Their 2027, 2029, and 2031 firsts belong to Brooklyn, as well as their 2028 pick swap.

The Knicks are able to trade three pick swaps in 2026, 2030, and 2032. Their best asset in general is probably the conditional 2026 Wizards’ pick that will almost certainly turn into two second-round picks. In the new two-night draft format, the chance to draft No. 31 is sneakily valuable, and that’s where it could end up, not to mention they’d also have the rights to the Wizards’ second in 2027.

The Knicks also have the following second-round picks to trade:

  • Least favorable of ORL/MIL/DET (2026)
  • Least favorable of NYK/MIN (2026)
  • Second most favorable of OKC/HOU/MIA/IND (2027)
  • Third most favorable of OKC/HOU/MIA/IND (2027)
  • Least favorable of IND/PHX (2028)
  • BOS, top-45 protected (2028)
  • NYK (2032)

Who could be on the move?

Depending on the level of trade? Anyone.

Well, not Jalen Brunson. Obviously.

Any key starter is unlikely to be moved solely because of the circumstances. OG Anunoby and Josh Hart don’t seem to be floated in any rumors, but in the event of a Giannis and/or Jrue megadeal, all hands are on deck.

Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are the most likely to be moved in any big trade, but as previously stated, that’s not happening before the trade deadline. Bridges was not eligible to be traded until Sunday due to his offseason extension.

Deuce McBride and Landry Shamet are outperforming their miniature contracts, so despite the value they may present on the open market, the Knicks won’t be looking to trade them. As for other players unlikely to go anywhere, I don’t see Tyler Kolek or Mo Diawara going anywhere yet. Ariel Hukporti could go, but I don’t see much value there.

Mitchell Robinson should not be traded, at least in my opinion. Still, he’s an expiring contract, and the Knicks are taking a tremendous risk if they let him hit free agency. He’s invaluable to this team, so he should stick around, and the team can figure it out in June.

There are three players on the roster who are at greatest risk of being shipped out the door. You can probably guess who they are.

The Knicks have been very public in their attempts to get rid of Guerschon Yabusele, who’s been a flop of a free agent signing. They’ve also appeared willing to attach former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet to get a player who makes a higher salary. The third player is Jordan Clarkson, who’s fallen out of the rotation but still could contribute somewhere as a microwave scorer. If anyone goes, it’s one of these three.

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Bruins vs Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

Brandon Hagel has had more thrown on his plate this season due to Brayden Point's absence and has taken full advantage of it, producing 18 points and 52 shots over 15 games.

My Bruins vs. Lightning predictions see Hagel rising to the occasion once again in a Stadium Series matchup between two Atlantic Division foes.

Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Sunday, February 1.

Bruins vs Lightning prediction

Bruins vs Lightning best bet: Brandon Hagel Over 2.5 shots (-140)

Brandon Hagel has averaged 3.5 shots on 7.7 attempts through 15 games without Point, clearing 2.5 shots in 11 of them.

Those numbers are all well clear of what Hagel managed with Point healthy (2.7 shots, 6.1 attempts).

Hagel has a nice matchup to build on his outputs further. The Boston Bruins rank 20th in shot suppression and 22nd in shot share at 5-on-5, so Hagel’s line — which also features Nikita Kucherov — should be able to tilt the ice and spend a lot of time in the offensive zone.

It’s a great power play spot as well. The Bruins have given up shots at the third-highest rate while killing penalties over the last 10 games. Not to mention, Boston ranks 28th in shot suppression vs. wingers during that same period of time.

Hagel recorded six attempts the last time these two sides played, and that was with Point in the lineup. For reference, Hagel has three or more shots on goal in 81% of his games this season when generating six or more attempts.

Bruins vs Lightning same-game parlay

Hagel leads the Tampa Bay Lightning in expected goals and scoring chances since Point went down. He's piling up the looks around the net, and that should continue against the Bruins — especially on the man advantage.

Kucherov leads the team in helpers by a country mile and is setting up Hagel for a lot of his chances each night.

While Victor Hedman is expected to return today, Darren Raddysh produced 27 points over 22 games without him and figures to still play a large role offensively. Raddysh produced multiple assists in three of his last four following two days of rest.

Bruins vs Lightning SGP

  • Brandon Hagel Over 2.5 shots
  • Brandon Hagel anytime goalscorer
  • Nikita Kucherov Over 0.5 assists
  • Darren Raddysh Over 0.5 assists

Bruins vs Lightning odds

  • Moneyline: Bruins +170 | Lightning -205
  • Puck Line: Bruins +1.5 (-140) | Lightning -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Bruins vs Lightning trend

Brandon Hagel has registered at least three shots in five of his last six against Boston. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs. Lightning.

How to watch Bruins vs Lightning

LocationBenchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
DateSunday, February 1, 2026
Puck drop6:30 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Bruins vs Lightning latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

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Highlights: Seven Spurs players hit double figures in wild Charlotte finish

Jan 31, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) dunks during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images | Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

Coming off an impressive win against the Houston Rockets, the Spurs traveled to Charlotte to face off against the Hornets. Due to inclement weather, tipoff was moved up to 11:00 A.M. (CST). After the Spurs outscored the Hornets 30-26 in the first quarter, San Antonio completely imploded in the second. They had a seven-point lead with 9:31 remaining in the half when Charlotte went on a blistering 20-4 run, outscored the Spurs 35-17 in the quarter, and led by as much as 18. However, the Spurs still managed to claw their way back. They shrank the deficit to 10 at the end of the third, and got within two in the last five minutes of the game. When the Hornets tried to extend their lead, the Spurs responded with buckets and free throws of their own. Unfortunately, the Spurs could not tie the game. After winning a coach’s challenge and winning a jump ball with 36 seconds left down by 3, Victor Wembanyama missed the game-tying three and the Spurs lost 111-106.

Dylan Harper was sensational, leading the team with 20 points (9-13 FG, 2-3 3PT) and adding two assists, one rebound, a steal, and a block in just 23 minutes off the bench. He scored from the three, the midrange, and inside the paint, shooting 69% from the field. Harper did all his damage in the first three quarters, logging no playing time over the final 10 minutes.

HARP3R! Dyl knocks down the first of his two threes from the top of the key!

MAKE WAY FOR FLIGHT #2! After the block and rebound by Keldon Johnson, he threads the needle to Dyl, who has himself a wide-open jam!

Silky smooth. Dyl uses the screen and pulls up for the open middy!

Stephon Castle dropped 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and a block. Despite turning the ball over three times, Steph was one of three Spurs who finished in the plus side of the plus/minus stat. He was one assist away from a double-double and made an impact on defense. Look for him to continue to work on the turnover problem.

AREA 51 in reverse! Wemby finds a cutting Steph who throws it down!

Victor Wembanyama dropped 16 points, eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Despite the near double-double, this was not Vic’s best game. He struggled from the field with questionable shot selection, but even when the shot selection wasn’t the issue, he could not execute. Nonetheless, Vic has had his small share of underwhelming performances this season, so look for him to get back on track against the Magic.

Just throw it up there! Dyl and Wemby run the pick and roll, and Dyl manages to throw a perfect pass for the alley-oop while stumbling!

UNSTOPPABLE! One of Vic’s specialties is dunking the ball immediately after a catch. Vic and De’Aaron Fox run the give and go, and the result is a jam from the middle of the paint!

Julian Champagnie dropped 13 points (4-6 3PT), five rebounds, two blocks, and a dime. After shooting 10% the last two games, Julian was on fire from three. He shot 66.7% percent and continues to be an underrated defender. Two blocks is nothing to sneeze at, and he’ll look to continue lighting baskets on fire.

AND-ONE! Julian drains the transition three while getting fouled for the four-point play!

HE’S ON FIRE! Julian knocks down his fourth triple from the corner in transition!

Devin Vassell dropped 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Dev made his first start since December 29th and finished with the highest plus/minus of the team with +7. He shot 50% from the field, and he is still shaking some rust off since his injury. Nonetheless, look for him to light baskets on fire with Julian in the starting lineup. He can still lace the net from the corner!

De’Aaron Fox dropped 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds, and two steals. D-Fox struggled from the field and did not provide his usual scoring punch. Nonetheless, he dished dimes like Steph when his shot wasn’t falling. He also pickpocketed LaMelo Ball and created points off turnovers. He’ll have a tough matchup coming against Orlando, but the former all-star will find a way to create offense.

SWIPA! D-Fox picks Ball’s pocket and leads the fastbreak with a lob to Steph, who throws it down!

Too quick! D-Fox goes to work on Grant Williams and finishes at the rim!

This was a tough loss to stomach. Despite falling behind by 20, this team still fought and closed the gap. It looked like it was heading towards the end of the Rockets game, but late-game execution faltered. Anytime you face a team riding a hot win streak, especially on the road, you have to take the lead and never look back. It will be interesting to see the starting lineup without Harrison Barnes over the next few games before the All-Star break. The next one on the docket: Orlando coming for their revenge.

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

The Spurs face a quick turnaround as they wait out the snowstorm in Charlotte. They will face the Orlando Magic at home later tonight at 6:00 P.M. (CST).

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Fantasy Basketball Week 16 Schedule Primer: The trade deadline is here!

The calendar flipping to February means two things. One, the All-Star break is right around the corner. Two, and most importantly, the trade deadline is even closer. This season's deadline falls on February 5, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo being the focus of the most impactful rumors, it's fair to wonder if he — or another big name — will be on the move between now and Thursday.

Obviously, such moves will have a significant effect on fantasy basketball. And what happens at the deadline will reveal how teams will approach the rest of the season. Are teams in the mix for a play-in spot willing to continue that fight? Or will they pivot toward prioritizing their draft lottery odds? The "silly season" is already underway in some places (hello, Utah and Brooklyn), but the play-in tournament has kept some teams from being outright "sellers" at the trade deadline since it was instituted.

While we wait to see if there will be a seismic Luka Dončić-like trade, fantasy managers also have to navigate the final full week of basketball before the All-Star break. And a loss can do severe damage to a team's chances of reaching the fantasy playoffs. Let's look at the Week 16 schedule and some of its key storylines.

Week 16 Games Played

4 Games: BOS, HOU, IND, LAC, MEM, MIN, NYK, PHI, WAS

3 Games: ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, LAL, MIA, MIL, NOR, OKC, ORL, PHX, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR, UTA

2 Games: CLE

Week 16 Back-to-backs

Sunday (Week 15)-Monday: LAC

Monday-Tuesday: IND, PHI

Tuesday-Wednesday: BOS, DEN, MIL, NYK, OKC

Wednesday-Thursday: HOU, SAS, TOR

Thursday-Friday: DET

Friday-Saturday: MEM, POR, SAC

Saturday-Sunday: WAS

Sunday-Monday (Week 17): MIA, MIN

Week 16 Storylines of Note

- All nine teams that play four games in Week 16 have a back-to-back.

At first glance, the teams that play four games during Week 16 have a slight edge in fantasy basketball. However, some of those teams have fantasy-relevant players whose availability for back-to-backs has been an issue this season. Philadelphia, which will be without Paul George due to a 25-game suspension, opens its west coast trip with a back-to-back against the Clippers and Warriors. Will Joel Embiid be available for both games? Or are fantasy managers looking at a three-game week for the former MVP?

Houston is another team to be mindful of, mainly because of Tari Eason. He hasn't played both games of a back-to-back this season, so fantasy managers have to plan for him sitting either on Wednesday (vs. Boston) or Thursday (vs. Charlotte). Dorian Finney-Smith is in the same boat, but his availability does not affect fantasy basketball. Also, the Wizards end their week with a back-to-back. Obviously, this likely limits Khris Middleton to three games, but how will Tre Johnson's availability be managed if he can return from the sprained ankle he suffered during Thursday's win over the Bucks? Given how close the playoff weeks are in some fantasy leagues, managing availability and the waiver wire will be crucial during Week 16.

- The 76ers continue without the suspended Paul George.

On Saturday, the NBA announced that Paul George has been suspended 25 games for a violation of the league's anti-drug policy. Obviously, his absence leaves a sizable hole in the 76ers' rotation, and it opens up questions as to how the front office will approach the trade deadline. Do they look to make a move that would help the team avoid the luxury tax, gambling on the idea that what they have once George returns will be enough? Or, do the 76ers look to strengthen the bench, likely by adding another shooter to the mix?

In the short term, Dominick Barlow returned to the starting lineup on Saturday, but he's still on a two-way contract, and that should change, given his contributions this season. As for who can pick up the slack offensively with George out, VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. are at the top of the list. And with the 76ers playing four games in Week 16, there may be the added boost of Embiid missing a game due to injury management if the 76ers decide to sit him for one game of their back-to-back.

- How will the players traded late Saturday night fit in their new homes?

One year after the Mavericks shocked the sports world by trading Dončić, the Kings, Cavaliers and Bulls made a three-team deal that is highly unlikely to be as impactful. De'Andre Hunter is on his way to Sacramento, with the Cavaliers receiving Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder and Emanuel Miller. The Bulls, who had to include Miller in the deal per league rules, received Dario Šarić from the Kings and a future second-round pick from both the Kings and the Cavaliers. Also, the Cavaliers waived Luke Travers to free up a two-way slot for Miller, and the Bulls waived Jevon Carter.

Hunter could have the most significant impact on fantasy basketball in his new home, but only if the Kings manage to move a high-salary veteran (or more) before the trade deadline. However, the impact in category leagues has been muted for most of his career, so fantasy managers should not expect too much. Ellis and Schröder did not offer consistent fantasy value in Sacramento, and that may not change in Cleveland, even with Darius Garland sidelined by a toe injury.

The Kings and Cavaliers won't play their first game of Week 16 until Wednesday, so that may be enough time to get the new players settled. As for the Bulls, they visit the Bucks on Tuesday, and (if available) Šarić could be called on immediately due to injuries to Jalen Smith and Zach Collins. However, this does not make him fantasy-relevant.

- Avoid the Cavaliers during Week 16.

Speaking of Cleveland, they've got the "worst" Week 16 schedule, as they only play twice. Of course, no fantasy manager should consider dropping Jaylon Tyson because of the poor schedule. But is Sam Merrill worth holding onto for his three-point production? The answer to that question shouldn't be focused solely on the schedule, but that is something that fantasy managers will have to consider. Freeing up that roster spot to have some flexibility for Monday and Tuesday's games would be a good idea for some fantasy managers.

- Detroit is the only team that doesn't play on Saturday or Sunday.

Not only do the Pistons play three games in Week 16, but they'll be done following Friday's showdown with the Knicks. So, it may be decision time for some fantasy managers regarding Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris or Isaiah Stewart. And with the trade deadline landing on Thursday, the same day as the Pistons' game against the Wizards, the schedule may look even worse if Detroit were to make a move. Having to deal with a one-game week would be rough for any fantasy manager, even if the player(s) in question may be productive in only a few categories.

- Washington will play games on Saturday and Sunday.

The Wizards' back-to-back to end Week 16 will affect how some of their players are viewed in fantasy basketball. By now, people understand the deal with Middleton, and he's rostered in a low percentage of leagues already. But what about Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, the two currently healthy Wizards on the highest percentage of Yahoo! league rosters? Bilal Coulibaly has also dealt with injuries this season. The good news is that all three were available for both games of Washington's most recent back-to-back. Hopefully, that remains the case for the end of Week 16.

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Luis Arraez, Giants reportedly agree on one-year, $12 million contract

SAN FRANCISCO — Free agent infielder Luis Arraez and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

A three-time batting champion, Arraez led the National League in hits the past two seasons and is expected to be San Francisco’s second baseman for new manager Tony Vitello.

The 28-year-old Arraez, a left-handed hitter, batted .292 with eight home runs, 61 RBIs, 181 hits and 11 stolen bases for the San Diego Padres last year. The three-time All-Star spent his first five major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins before they traded him to the Miami Marlins in January 2023. San Diego acquired him in May 2024.

Earlier in the week, the Giants added center fielder Harrison Bader on a two-year, $20.5 million contract — meaning Jung Hoo Lee will now play right field.

San Francisco has missed the playoffs in each of the past four years since winning the NL West with a franchise-record 107 victories in 2021.

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Snake Bytes 2/1

01 February 2026, Lower Saxony, Pattensen: Marienburg Castle in the Hanover region in frosty, cloudy weather behind a snow-covered field. Photo: Moritz Frankenberg/dpa (Photo by Moritz Frankenberg/picture alliance via Getty Images)


Team News


Alek Thomas to play for Mexico in 2026 World Baseball Classic Fellow Diamondbacks Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo will play for the Dominican Republic, while Corbin Carroll will play for Team USA. Eduardo Rodriguez will pitch for the Venezuelan national team, and newly acquired Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado will represent Puerto Rico after previously playing for the United States. https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/alek-thomas-wbc/3610147/

Dominican Republic adds D-backs DP duo plus reliever to Classic roster
https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/ketel-marte-geraldo-perdomo-camilo-doval-dominican-republic-2026-wbc-roster

Pitching help? Another 1st baseman? D-backs expect to make more moves “I think we still have a few moves to make,” Hall said at the team’s annual charity golf tournament. “I’m happy with what we’ve done so far. Bringing Merrill back was a strong move, and he wanted to be here as well, so that’s a perfect fit for both of us. And then the trade for Arenado, I think, made a lot of sense for us. I know we’re still trying to find another complementary first baseman, and I think we can still look to improve our pitching, both starting and relievers, but we still have some moves to make. We’re not done.”

https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/d-backs-expect-more-additions-to-team-before-spring-training


Diamondbacks CEO says additions possible, including fan favorite
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2026/01/30/arizona-diamondbacks-paul-goldschmidt-zac-gallen-mlb-free-agency-targets/88436656007/

Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas joins Team Mexico for World Baseball Classichttps://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2026/01/31/alek-thomas-team-mexico-world-baseball-classic/88444836007/

Diamondbacks Sign Former Cardinals Reliever

https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/arizona-diamondbacks-news/diamondbacks-sign-former-cardinals-reliever-fernandez


Diamondbacks Reveal 72-player Spring Training Rosterhttps://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/arizona-diamondbacks-news/diamondbacks-72-player-spring-training-roster-waldschmidt-kohl-drake-eagen

Other Baseball

Giants land another key piece in 3-time batting champ Arraez (source)
https://www.mlb.com/news/luis-arraez-free-agent-contract-giants

Ohtani won’t pitch in Classic, expects to be ready for regular season
https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/news/shohei-ohtani-to-not-pitch-in-2026-world-baseball-classic

Who’s left on the free-agent market as February begins?
https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-free-agents-available-ahead-of-2026-season

Miguel Rojas unhappy with insurance’s denial for WBC
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47792100/miguel-rojas-unhappy-denial-wbc-due-insurance-rule

Here are the teams vying for the 2026 Caribbean Series title
https://www.mlb.com/news/caribbean-series-2026-preview

Anything Goes

This day in history:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/february-1

This day in baseball:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/February_1

Room temperature is between 20-25°C.

In other units of measurements, it is 298-293K or 59-77°F. 



Spain has the world’s biggest food fight once a year.

Also known as the biggest food fight in the world, La Tomatina is a Spanish festival held on the last Wednesday of August each year. The La Tomatina tradition began in 1945, when a food fight broke out in a parade at a town square. From the name itself, the festival had people throwing tomatoes at each other. La Tomatina got banned in the early 1950s. However, after a somewhat comical protest involving citizens carrying a huge tomato in a coffin, the festival was allowed again. 

The pea is the oldest known vegetables.

Historians have found traces of its origins dating back as far as the stone age. Since then it has been heavily cultivated and consumed. 

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Miguel Sime Jr. has a chance to be a breakout prospect for the Washington Nationals

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Washington Nationals 4th round pick in the 2025 MLB draft, Miguel Sime Jr., waves to the crowd during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park on July 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There are plenty of Nationals prospects who have a chance to breakout in 2026. However, the one I want to talk about today is Miguel Sime Jr., the 18 year old fireballer. Even in today’s world, where velocity is king, you will not find many teenagers who throw harder than Sime. He routinely touches triple digits, which obviously makes him a name to watch.

Sometimes drafting can be quite simple. When you have the chance to draft a 6’4 235 pound 18 year old who throws 100 in the 4th round, it is tough to pass up. The Nats took that chance on Sime, betting on his upside. He is far from a perfect prospect, but you do not find pitchers with that kind of arm talent in the 4th round very often. 

This winter, there was a video of Sime throwing 102 MPH. Obviously, that is special stuff, especially for an 18 year old. It got me fired up about his future. He is still very far from the MLB, but if he is even around the strike zone, he could move quicker than expected. Lower minors hitters would just be overwhelmed by his triple digit heat.

Throwing strikes is a concern for Sime though. Both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America gave his control a below average 40 grade. Pipeline did note that his control improved during his senior spring and in the MLB Draft League. However, he still has a ways to go. There is some effort in his delivery and his arm action is on the longer side.

Sime will never be an above average command guy, but he does not need to be. He has the chance to sit at 100 MPH one day, so as long as he is in the zone, he does not have to paint corners. 

His showing in the MLB draft league was very encouraging. Sime was showing a better feel for his power arsenal, which made the Nats more comfortable buying him out from his LSU commitment. The fastball was in the 98-100 range at times and he showed off an improved curveball.

Baseball America even noted that the Nats like the look of his changeup. It is not a pitch he throws that often, but it showed signs of being a promising pitch. The Nats will have to help him become more confident throwing the pitch. Right now, neither of his secondary pitches are anything special, but the fastball is elite and he is very young.

If the Nats can help turn the breaking ball or changeup into an above average pitch, we will be cooking with gas. Sime and Landon Harmon are two power right-handers with insane upside. Getting both in the same draft is a major coup for the Nats.

When you see Miguel Sime Jr., it is easy to see similarities between him and Jarlin Susana. While Susana is even bigger, their builds are similar. Both are massive, intimidating right handed pitchers with triple digit velocity.

Susana developed a plus-plus slider, which Sime does not have yet. However, at just 18 years old, Sime has plenty of time to develop. The Nats know he has plenty of time, so they are likely to take things slowly. Sime should spend a lot of this season in rookie ball. His main goals will be refining his control and finding a consistent secondary pitch.

If Sime comes out with better control than expected, he could make the jump to Low-A pretty quickly though. Rookie ball will not be a challenge for Sime at all if he is throwing strikes. He would just be able to bully hitters with his heater. 

As long as Sime’s control is not truly woeful, I actually think his floor is relatively high for an 18 year old pitcher. Guys who throw 100 MPH get plenty of chances, and for good reason. If things do not work as a starting pitcher, you could easily move these flame throwers to the bullpen. Sime should get a long look as a starter before we entertain those conversations though.

Right now, Miguel Sime Jr. is a moldable ball of clay with a 100 MPH fastball. The Nats will be able to test out plenty of secondary pitches and see which one he has the best feel for. They will also be looking at his mechanics to see if there is anything to tweak there. The upside here is massive though.

I actually think BA and Pipeline are undervaluing Sime a little bit. Pipeline has him as the Nats 20th best prospect and BA has him at 24. Personally, I would probably have him somewhere in the 15-20 range. I get that he is raw, but arms like this do not exactly grow on trees. 

It will be a long trek to the majors for the youngster, but the sky is the limit. I am so excited to see how he looks this season. Right now, I cannot put a ceiling on Sime. With control challenged flame throwers like Jacob Misiorowski succeeding, I just want to see what Sime can do.

If his control is even fringy, he can be a very exciting prospect. Scouting can be simple sometimes. Take the chance on the giant dude who throws 100 MPH. That is what the Washington Nationals did with Miguel Sime Jr., and hopefully it pays off.

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Nets vs. Pistons preview: Welcome to February

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 27: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates after defeating the Denver Nuggets 109-107 at Ball Arena on January 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 27: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates after defeating the Denver Nuggets 109-107 at Ball Arena on January 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Left with a W. The Brooklyn Nets took on the Utah Jazz Friday night as part of the second half of a back-to-back. The Nets were shorthanded but got plenty of terrific contributions across the board and came away with a 109-99 victory. The W snapped the team’s seven game losing streak.

It was a particularly good night for Egor Demin who returned to Salt Lake City where he played last season for BYU. He set a couple of records, including the longest streak of games with at least one 3-pointer with 34. His 25 points and 10 boards marked the first double-double of his career.

The opponent tonight might be the biggest surprise in the NBA. The Detroit Pistons stand on top of the Eastern Conference and are having their best season in decades. They helped the cause with a 131-124 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. They return home to begin a four game homestand.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Tip after 6:00 p.m. ET.

🤕 Injuries

Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, and Haywood Highsmith are out. Ben Saraf is still with the big club.

Caris Levert is questionable while Cade Cunningham is probable.

🏀 The game

Detroit won the first matchup.

We are on the fast track to the NBA trade deadline! The big day is on Thursday February 5, and the Conference leading Pistons might be in the market for some reinforcements. Could they be turning to Brooklyn for some help? Michael Porter Jr has been floated as an option, but nothing appears imminent on that front as of yet. However, Sean Corp of Detroit Bad Boys wrote about how Porter could help this rising Detroit basketball club:

If the Pistons go big-game hunting, it’s no surprise that Porter Jr. would be at the top of their list. Porter is the most coveted large wing shooter on the trade market, and that checks every box on Detroit’s wish list. He is shooting 39% from three on nearly 10 attempts a game, is a legit 6-foot-10, and has acquitted himself well in the playoffs. He is under team control for one more season beyond this one at $40 million.

Could be a good match!

For now, MPJ will be back in the lineup after sitting out on Friday. He’s hit for 30+ points in two out of the last three games and hit the Pistons for 28 points in the first matchup. Porter Jr is one of the more intriguing trade prospects this season, and if the Nets don’t find a suitable package for him, at least they know that they can count on him being a solid contributor next season and beyond.

In the meantime, he’ll be waiting on Sunday’s announcement of the East’s All-Star reserves.

Brooklyn’s going to be at a big disadvantage on the glass tonight. The Pistons are third in the NBA at rebound rate while the Nets are 24th. Jalen Duren is one of the league leaders in rebounds and one of the most physical players in the league. The Nets are going to need big outings from Day’ron Sharpe and Nic Claxton on the inside if they want to get this win. Limiting second chance points will help the Nets get out on the run while also reducing a Pistons strength.

However, if the Nets want to win, they’re going to have to reverse one season long trend. The Nets are 28th in turnover rate, which is bad enough. Making matters worse is the Pistons lead the NBA in opponent turnover rate, are second in points off of turnovers, and fourth in fastbreak points. If the Nets aren’t careful, they’re going to get run out of the building quickly. Not good.

———————————

Sean Marks and two other Nets staffers were in Lawrence, Kansas, yesterday to watch the faceoff between Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa, generally conceded to be, along with Duke’s Cam Boozer, the prize catches of the 2026 NBA Draft. He and everyone else in NetsWorld have to hope the basketball gods bless the Nets with one of them.

In the end, Peterson outshone Dybantsa but at the same time Jayhawks coach Bill Self held Peterson out the final 16 minutes of the game with leg cramps highlighting his history of nagging injuries.

Brooklyn’s three representatives were the most dispatched to Lawence by 17 NBA teams.

👀 Player to watch: Cade Cunningham

All Star starter, signature Nike athlete, and all around excellent player. This season has been magical for Cade Cunningham and he has plenty of room for even more success coming up. The former number one pick is getting to the free throw line at the highest rate of his career and is also having his best season finishing at the rim as well. He’s fourth in the NBA in drives per game, so look for him to probe and attack early and often. Cade is a midrange maestro and great decision maker. He’s everything you want in a franchise player and this season has to feel incredibly rewarding after all the struggles his teams had to begin his career.

The fun part about watching a rookie have a career best game is wondering how they can follow it up the next time out. Egor Dёmin had career highs in points (25) and rebounds (ten) on Friday night and he’s making a great case to be on one of the All-Rookie teams at the end of the season. Some of his drives really stood out and if he’s able to get to the rim more consistently, it will open his game up. Last nights of a road trip are always tough, but a strong performance would help the Nets properly transition into the month of February.

📺 From the Vault

Ones in the air for Catherine O’Hara

More reading: Detroit Bad Boys, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

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Dodgers will play baseball this month

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 16: Teoscar Hernandez #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a fielding drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 16, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s February now, which means the Dodgers will play baseball games this very month. Sure, those games won’t count, but they will be televised nonetheless, and we will get to watch as the team gradually builds up toward the season.

This will be more of a normal spring training for the Dodgers, at least in the sense that they won’t have to depart camp in Arizona with two weeks to go, in order to travel to play games in Asia like they did the last two springs. There is still the World Baseball Classic this March, but for the bulk of Dodgers roster, their time at Camelback Ranch will be more like usual years in terms of getting ready for the season.

And it sounds like the Dodgers will need a full spring training camp to give them time to build up toward March 26.

“Having the experience of being in the World Series multiple years now, understanding how important rest is — Most of the guys I’ve talked to have kind of been on the same program I’ve been on, that we haven’t started any baseball activity until the middle of January almost,” third baseman Max Muncy said on Foul Territory on Wednesday. “Some guys are still just now starting, just trying to give your body as much rest as possible, knowing that if we want to make another run to November, you’ve got to be as rested as you can to get through the summertime.”

Blake Snell expressed a similar sentiment this week, noting that he’s behind in his usual offseason throwing program after the stress of last fall’s championship run. Whether that opens up an early-season rotation chance for other pitchers remains to be seen.

Dodgers spring training camp at in Arizona technically starts on February 13 with the first official workout for pitchers and catchers, and concludes on March 21 with their final Cactus League game at Camelback Ranch against the A’s.

We’re bringing back daily questions to the site, and today’s is a broad one. What are you looking forward to the most during this Dodgers spring training camp?

Let us know in the comments below.

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Pakistan trounces Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3-0 T20 series sweep

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan handed Australia its biggest-ever defeat in a Twenty20 just five days ahead of the T20 World Cup to sweep the series 3-0 on Sunday.

Pakistan’s commanding 111-run win in the third and final game eclipsed Australia’s previous biggest defeat when England registered a 100-run win at Southampton in 2005.

Australia, one of the title-contenders at the T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, continued to struggle against spinners as left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz grabbed a career-best 5-18 and the visitors were bowled out for 96 in 16.5 overs.

Pakistan, which won its third successive toss in the series, had earlier posted a daunting 207-6 – its highest-ever total in a T20 against Australia.

“From the last two days, we have been excellent in all departments, I can’t find any mistakes,” said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. “We dominated them. I am in a great frame of mind right now. I know how to handle the captaincy when I go out to bat and I really want to do that in the World Cup as well.”

Opener Saim Ayub made 56 off 57 balls and Babar Azam, who had been under scrutiny for his strike rate in T20s, struck an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls. However, it was a blazing 46 off 19 balls by Shadab Khan, which included five sixes, that set Pakistan for a strong total.

Nawaz cashed in on the slow wicket and flummoxed Australia’s experienced batters after Shaheen Shah Afridi had clean bowled captain Mitchell Marsh (1) and Matt Renshaw (1) in his first two overs.

Marcus Stoinis, playing his first match of the series, top-scored with 23 while Cameron Green scored 22 before both were undone by Nawaz and were clean-bowled. Nawaz completed his five-wicket haul in his final over when Josh Philippe top-edged a slog sweep to mid-wicket and Khawaja Nafay had Cooper Connolly stumped.

Earlier, left-hander Ayub smashed six fours and two sixes, and contributed to a 69-run stand with Babar after captain Salman Ali Agha (5) and Fakhar Zaman (10) got out inside the power play.

Ayub fell to a spectacular diving catch by Renshaw at deep mid-wicket before Khawaja Nafay, selected as backup wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, made a fearless 21 off 12 balls.

Babar had struggled at his new No. 4 batting slot, but anchored the innings well as Shadab smashed sixes and Pakistan scored 70 runs in the last five overs. Babar completed his half-century in the final over as Faheem Ashraf hit two boundaries after Shadab edged Ben Dwarshuis (2-39) in the penultimate over.

Green (1-43) bowled three expensive overs in the second half of the innings as Pakistan scored 200-plus for the first time in a T20 against Australia.

“Pakistan certainly outplayed us throughout the whole series,” said Marsh, who was rested in the first game. “Chasing is hard on that surface… we will take learnings from that. We will certainly address this series and look forward to the World Cup.”

Pakistan won the first match by 19 runs before beating Australia by 90 runs in the second.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket