Peacock NBA Monday returns tonight, as the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets take center stage. Live coverage begins at 9:30 PM ET on NBCSN and Peacock.
See below to find out how to watch tonight's Warriors vs. Nuggets game as well as additional information on how to live stream NBA games on Peacock.
Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Game Preview:
Golden State Warriors:
The Golden State Warriors are 0-3 following yesterday's 131-122 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg, the 11th overall pick out of Michigan, led Golden State with 26 points. De'Anthony Melton added 25, and Brandon Williams finished with 20.
With an average age of 29.4, the Warriors have the oldest roster in the NBA, and questions about their depth have surfaced early this season.
Stephen Curry, 38, was limited to just 43 games last season. Although he has appeared in two of three games this season, he tweaked his right ankle in practice before the Warriors' opener.
Golden State is looking to avoid missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2020-2021.
The Denver Nuggets rallied from a 23-point deficit, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in their first win of the season.
Jamal Murray dropped a game-high 42 points. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
JAMAL MURRAY GOES OFF FOR 42 POINTS AND 8 THREES AS DENVER RALLIES FROM 23 DOWN
The @nuggets' comeback ties for their THIRD-LARGEST in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) and is the biggest in franchise history at home! pic.twitter.com/3QBVT4E6b5
How to watch 2026-27 NBA games on NBC and Peacock?
The NBA is back on NBC and Peacock for the 2026-27 season with 100 regular-season games across its three marquee nights of the week: Peacock NBA Monday, Coast 2 Coast Tuesday, and Sunday Night Basketball, beginning Jan. 24, 2027.
All NBA games presented by NBC Sports will stream live on Peacock and all Peacock-exclusive games on Monday nights will also be presented on NBCSN. Telemundo, NBCUniversal’s Spanish-language broadcast network, will present 10 Sunday Night Basketballgames as well as the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 21, 2027.
What is the full 2026-27 NBA on NBC and Peacock schedule?
You can see the full schedule of 2026-27 NBA games airing on NBC, Peacock, NBCSN, and Telemundo here.
How do I sign up for Peacock to watch NBA games?
Peacock is available across a variety of devices. To get started, find or download the Peacock application on your device or head directly to PeacockTV.com to create a Peacock account. Then, you’re ready to watch!
Peacock offers one of the most comprehensive live sports streaming lineups available today, bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, Premier League, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, golf, motorsports, and major global sporting events in a single service.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers hushes the crowd after sinking a three-pointer against the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
The former NBA forward called Dončić out for having missed time during the playoffs with an injury last season and even defended the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka in 2025 because he didn’t believe Dončić was prepared to lead a team to a NBA championship.
Kendrick Perkins attends the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend at Wolstein Center on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, in Cleveland. Getty Images
But even Perkins couldn’t deny Dončić’s dominance on Sunday, as he made an X post in the wake of Los Angeles’ win against Utah that read, “Luka with a cool 52 and 10 on the lord’s day.”.
Dončić responded to this, writing, “.”
Luka Dončić and Kendrick Perkins’ social media exchange after Dončić scored 52 points in a Los Angeles Lakers win. (X/@KendrickPerkins).
Dončić’s response has over 600,000 views in about 13 hours. This savage response suggests Dončić has seen what Perkins has said in the past and was eager to show that he sees Perkins’ praise as well.
Even Perkins has to admit that Dončić appears to be in his prime right now.
The Lakers will look to remain undefeated on Tuesday against the Trailblazers in Los Angeles.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 03: Egor Chinakhov #59 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates during the game against the Montréal Canadiens at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 3, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Given the way the four-game Western road trip went, and given the number of players that missed games this week due to illness or injury, it is really easy to be impressed with the way the Penguins handled this past week’s worth of games.
It did not have a great start in Utah.
But then the Penguins returned home for Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers, and Saturday’s game against the Nashville Predators, and played what might have been their two best back-to-back games of the season. I know, Florida presented a scheduling advantage due to the Panthers’ travel and a back-to-back situation, and Nashville isn’t really a contender. But the Penguins had been in Florida’s shoes multiple times this season and nobody felt sympathy for them, and while Nashville isn’t a contender, the Predators came back on Sunday and absolutely steamrolled the Colorado Avalanche.
So, what I’m saying is, take the points where you get them.
Even better than the wins is just the reality that the Penguins played two really good, really clean games. They were the better team in both games, even if they trailed for a good portion of the Nashville game. Given the way they played it would have been incredibly frustrating to not get at least a point out of that game.
They ended up getting two.
Now they have a four-day break before their next game on Thursday night when they get a quick rematch with Utah, this time at home.
We already know what Utah is capable of, and that’s a really good hockey team that is, again, going to present a formidable challenge. They are fast, deep, and one of the best offensive teams in the league. They enter the week sixth in the NHL in goals per game (3.83) and still have the No. 1 power play unit in the league (38.1 percent). For as much as the Penguins struggled in the first meeting, they still put together a strong third period that put them into a position where they were a highlight reel, last-second save away from actually tying the game. It did not produce a point, but it did at least set some wheels in motion to maybe build some momentum for the two games that followed.
After hosting Utah on Thursday, the Penguins travel to Montreal on Saturday to play the Canadiens for the second time this season.
The Penguins won the first meeting in a wild overtime game in the second game of the season. It was a game that saw the Penguins dominate early, and then experience one of their biggest flaws from 2025-26 and let a three-goal third period lead slip away. They were able to salvage it with a Tommy Novak overtime goal.
After losing three of their first four games of the season, Montreal has responded by going 5-1-1 in the past seven games.
Saturday’s game will be its first game back home after a long road trip, while the Canadiens are also currently without top center Nick Suzuki, who will be sidelined for several weeks. That takes a big player away from them (arguably their best player), and puts a big dent in their already questionable center depth, but the rest of the roster has enough talent that will still make Montreal a tough, tough opponent.
In terms of opponents, the Penguins are still in the middle of a brutal stretch, which not only continues this week, but also into next week with home games against the Vegas Golden Knights and Boston Bruins.
While the opponents are still tough, the days off this week come at a great time. Not only due to the injuries, but also the fact the Penguins have played a lot of hockey with a lot of travel in a short period of time.
What is going to be really interesting to watch this week is what the Penguins do when some of these players start coming back.
Ben Kindel could be back at practice.
Justin Brazeau is getting closer.
Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov are probably going to be returning.
That is going to force some people back out of the lineup. Probably Rutger McGroarty. Perhaps Avery Hayes. I would not be opposed to taking Andrei Kuzmenko out of the lineup right now.
The two players I do NOT want to see come out of the lineup are Ville Koivunen and Hendrix Lapierre. Koivunen looks like a player that is starting to figure things out and get the confidence he had been lacking a year ago. He is not only producing more, he just looks like a different player. He does not look as perpetually frustrated as he did a year ago. The puck is coming off his stick quicker. The playmaking and passing has been sensational. He and Lapierre also seem to have something cooking with one another. In 45 minutes of 5-on-5 ice-time together the Penguins are outscoring teams 5-0 with them on the ice, while also having a better than 80 percent expected goal and scoring chance share. It is a small sample size, and it has come with some favorable offensive zone starts, but they are feasting on it right now. I want to see what they can keep doing.
That is going to be the big dilemma for Dan Muse, because not only are they playing well, the “fourth” line of Connor Dewar, Elmer Soderblom and Nick Robertson has also been really, really good. I also put “fourth” line in quotes because even though they are listed as fourth on the depth chart, the Penguins are balancing their ice-time so much that it does not really matter what anybody’s designation is. They also played the third-most minutes on Saturday.
The other big question: Will we see Sergei Murashov in goal this week?
Arturs Silovs has started three games in a row, and played quite well in the past two games, while Murashov has struggled early on. We should not be surprised that Murashov is having some growing pains, and he did not respond well in his most recent start after the game in Chicago. He is going to get back in there at some point, and there is still good reason to believe he will play better than he has, but I wonder how long Muse will keep riding the hot hand (such as it is after two games). You want to see Murashov play, but after the past two games Silovs played it would be tough to take him out right now. At least as it relates to Thursday’s game.
Interesting week ahead with two tough games and some big lineup decisions. Winning Thursday’s game would be a good start, and then see if you can get at least a point out of Montreal. Reasonable goal.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 24: Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators saves a shot by Rickard Rakell #67 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 24, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Down 2-1 on Saturday night with the clock ticking away, the Penguins got a signature goal from their three best players on the ice to tie the score. Erik Karlsson and Sidney Crosby assisted on Rickard Rakell’s late score to tie the game. It was a goal the team desperately needed, and the type of play they haven’t made that often early in this year Crosby making a wonderful pass to put a winger in position to score, and then the winger actually scoring.
Unsurprisingly, it was a weight off Rakell’s shoulders to tally just his second goal of the season that is now 12 games old.
“It felt so good. The amount of looks I had – first off, in this game – my teammates setting me up for all these chances, it definitely feels good to put one in,” Rakell said after the game.
Despite the lack of results, Rakell has been generating chances. He’s earned that good feeling and confidence boost from scoring due to all the chances that he’s created. Rakell was stopped on a breakaway earlier in the game, and even before that few players in the league have generated as much as Rakell has at 5v5. This data is before the Nashville game, even then, Rakell didn’t score a 5v5 goal (since the Penguins had pulled their goalie, it was a 6v5 situation).
5V5 EXPECTED GOALS LEADERS · 2026-27 · through Oct 23
1. Mason McTavish — 3.8 xG | 5 goals at 5v5, 10 GP 2. Jack Hughes — 3.7 xG | 0 goals at 5v5, 10 GP 3. Joel Eriksson Ek — 3.6 xG | 1 goal at 5v5, 11 GP 4. Gabe Perreault — 3.4 xG | 4 goals at 5v5, 12 GP 5. Michael… pic.twitter.com/V1GYsMVEnb
Rakell has 30 shots on the year, enough to lead the team by a wide margin (Kris Letang, Ben Kindel and Nick Robertson all have 23 a piece). It’s no secret or deep analysis that the Penguins need Rakell to pitch in. Rakell scored 59 goals in the last two full seasons from 2024-25 to 2025-26, in the ballpark with names like Kirill Marchenko, Brock Nelson, Bo Hovat and not too far off Sidney Crosby (62).
Rakell isn’t a player the team can afford to have in a slump and expect to get good results. The team’s record in first 11 games of the season illustrate that, as did Rakell stepping up to score Saturday in a game the Pens found a way to win in overtime.
The stakes are only raised now that Bryan Rust is on the shelf with injury for at least six weeks, the importance of a player like Rakell only gets magnified when another one of the tried-and-true options is unavailable.
The good news for the Pens may be that Rakell has been generating all those chances, it would be a more difficult conversation to have if this was a player failing to even get in position to score. That hasn’t been the problem to this point. It’s been about finishing those chances, which can be an area that ebbs and flows for even the most consistent and reliable players over stretches to go hot and cold. For someone as skilled as Rakell, enough chances will lead to goals eventually. Such was what happened on Saturday, getting a prime chance sent his way by Crosby, and then finally breaking through to put the puck in the back of the net.
Rakell was cold early in the season, the Penguins could sure benefit from it if the late goal in their last game was a sign that he is coming out of it and about to start filling the net, as he typically will do over the long haul. The Pittsburgh first line needs it, the power play needs it and the team at large would be in for a big boost if some more red lights behind the goalie follow from the chances Rakell has been generating in front of him.
TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 10: Marco Estrada #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks in before delivering a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on August 10, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I’m traveling today, so won’t be posting. And, there isn’t much for Jays news today.
So let’s have a question: Which Jays player surprised you by being much better than you expected?
We did the reverse of this last week.
For me? Marco Estrada would be the obvious choice. When we traded Adam Lind for him, I was disappointed with the return. Estrada played five seasons with the Brewers and posted a 23-25 record with a 4.11 ERA in 159 games, including 70 starts. He couldn’t hold a spot in the starting rotation and ended up in the bullpen as middle relief.
Lind had hit 146 home runs in 9 seasons with us, topping out at 35 in 2009. He became a platoon player when he couldn’t hit lefties, but he still had a lot of power, and power is useful.
Estrada played four seasons with the Jays, posting a 4.25 ERA and a 9.6 bWAR, and he saved his best starts for the playoffs, with a 2.16 ERA in 6 starts and 41.2 playoff innings. He took two no-hitters into the ninth.
Lind played one season with the Brewers. It was a good one: .277/.360/.460 with 20 home runs in 149 games. Then the Brewers traded him to the Mariners, where he had a -0.3 bWAR in 126 games, with 20 home runs and a .239/.286/.431 batting line. From there, he went to the Nationals for one good season, his last in the majors. He spent the next couple of years in the minor leagues with the Yankees and Red Sox.
The Jays saw something in Estrada and helped him become a very good starting pitcher.
CALGARY — The Toronto Maple Leafs close their final regular-season visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Monday before the Calgary Flames move into a new arena next season right across the street. The building’s history produced a range of reactions from the group Sunday, from personal childhood memories to complete indifference.
William Nylander, who was born in Calgary while his father, Michael, played for the Flames, has a long connection.
“It’ll be a fun one,” Nylander said. “This building’s got some character. I mean, I was here when I was born watching my dad play, so it’s been a long time, and I think the new one will be really nice, but it’ll be a fun, exciting last game.”
Coach Jim Hiller played his first NHL game in the Saddledome in 1992. He remembered the era when the Saddledome and Joe Louis Arena were regarded as the league’s nicest buildings.
“It was roughly a new building back then,” he recalled.
“I scored a goal last year, when we were here, but other than that, not too many memories,” Raddysh said about his time while with the Tampa Bay Lightning. “We only came out here once a year but the history of this building is pretty cool and just to see the iconic saddle is really special when you come here. Just driving by the new rink today, it’ll be pretty cool once that’s open.”
There are sure to be a lot of Maple Leafs fans on hand for the final Toronto game. Leafs fans traveled well to Toronto’s 7-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. The Leafs have won a season-high four consecutive games.
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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MARCH 1: Infielder George Stirnweiss of the New York Yankees poses for an action portrait during Spring Training in March, 1948 in St. Petersburg, Florida. 48-70044 (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
According to Baseball Reference WAR, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Aaron Judge, Rickey Henderson, Alex Rodriguez, and Joe DiMaggio are the only Yankees position players to have had better single seasons in pinstripes than George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss. All of those guys are either Hall of Famers, on the road to be (Judge), or have the stats to be and aren’t in because of…reasons (A-Rod). As for Stirnweiss, his greatness came in part due to circumstances beyond any baseball player’s control.
However, his 1944 and ‘45 seasons are forever in the record books as some of the best in franchise history. On what would have been his 108th birthday, let’s look back on the life and times of “Snuffy.”
George Henry “Snuffy” Stirnweiss Born: October 26, 1918 (New York, NY) Died: September 15, 1958 (Newark Bay, NJ) Yankees Tenure: 1943-50
George Stirnweiss was born to Andy and Sophie in 1918 in the city he would later play professionally in: New York. He showed an aptitude for athletics from a very early age, starring for Fordham Prep in baseball, football, and basketball. Back then, football was the sport he was arguably best at, and he parlayed that success into a college sports career at the University of North Carolina.
While at UNC, he would captain both the football and baseball teams, the gridiron was primarily where he generated headlines. He did a little bit of everything for the Tar Heels, playing a quarterback/running back hybrid position. (Football was way different in the 1930s.) Besides that, he also punted and returned punts, playing all over the field.
During that time, he was also starring on the baseball field, hitting .390 as a senior. That caught the eye of legendary Yankees’ scout Paul Krichell. While Stirnweiss was selected by the then Chicago Cardinals in the second round of the 1940 NFL draft, Krichell and baseball won Stirnweiss over, as he thought the diamond provided him better professional future than the gridiron. Upon his graduation, he inked a deal with the Yankees, who had been his childhood favorite team.
Stirnweiss started his career with the Norfolk Tars of the Piedmondt League. There he got his “Snuffy” nickname. A teammate dubbed him “Snuffy” after seeing Stirnweiss use both chewing tobacco and a cigar, asking Stirnweiss where the snuff was as well.
After a couple good years in the minors, Stirnweiss impressed manager Joe McCarthy in spring training 1943. Impressed by his speed and potential, McCarthy took a liking to him and named him to the team’s roster despite the fact that his preferred second base position was occupied by Joe Gordon.
Stirnweiss made his MLB debut on Opening Day of 1943, playing shortstop and hitting leadoff. He recorded his first hit with an RBI single off Early Wynn of the Washington Senators in the fifth inning in a 5-4 win. While he did get the start in a prominent spot in his first big league game, Stirnweiss ended up more in a utility role in the 1943 season. He appeared in 83 games, hitting .219/.333/.288 (82 OPS+), playing mostly at shortstop with Phil Rizzuto away in the military.
That year, Stirnweiss also helped the Yankees to the AL Pennant and a World Series matchup against the Cardinals. He played in just one game and got one plate appearance in the Fall Classic, but it ended up being a bit of an important one. With a runner on first, He laid down a sacrifice bunt attempt with the Yankees down 2-1 in the eighth inning of Game 3. Cardinals’ third baseman Whitey Kurowski made an error on the play, allowing all runners to be safe. The Yankees ended up scoring five runs in the frame, as they took a 2-1 lead in the series, which they eventually won in five games.
Gordon was drafted into the military ahead of 1944, and Stirnweiss became the regular second baseman and turned in two of the most underrated great seasons in Yankees’ history. In that first season, he led the league in hits (205), triples (16), and stolen bases (55). He finished just a couple points off the batting title and put up, in retrospect, a 139 OPS+ and an AL position player-leading 8.6 rWAR and a 9.0 fWAR. With several other prominent Yankees away, he was the team’s best player. Unfortunately for him and the team, without the players that were away serving, the Yankees fell to third in the AL. Despite all that, Stirnweiss finished fourth in MVP voting, and arguably could’ve won.
So, how do you follow up a historic breakout season? If you’re Stirnweiss, you put up an even better one. In 1945, Stirnweiss led the league in hits, runs, triples, stolen bases, batting average, slugging percentage, total bases, rWAR, and fWAR. The most eventful of those leaderboards was the batting title race, which went right down to the last game of the season.
On the final day of 1945, Tony Cuccinello of the White Sox went into the day at .308, leading Stirnweiss, .306, by just a couple points. On that day, Chicago saw their game rained out and wasn’t required to be finished. Meanwhile, over in New York, the Yankees played their game. Stirnweiss made the most of things, going 3-for-5. His batting average rounded up just enough to finish at .309, giving him the batting title by just a single point. Historically, that wasn’t a particularly high BA to win the title, but Stirnweiss is forever one of a handful of Yankees to have accomplished that feat.
Admittedly, the league as a whole was weakened by players away in the military, and Stirnweiss never reached those peaks again. He still remained a regular for the Yankees for the next several years, helping them to championships in 1947 and ‘49.
By the end of his Yankee career, Stirnweiss had been overtaken at second base by Jerry Coleman. That led to him being traded to the St. Louis Browns in June 1950. He was traded to Cleveland after that season and spent parts of the next two seasons there. Stirnweiss didn’t return to the majors after 1952 but spent a couple years after that playing and managing in the minors. He eventually left baseball to get more stable work.
In 1958, Stirnweiss was working as a foreign freight agent when on September 15th, while on his way to work, he died when the train he was on derailed and slid into Newark Bay. Stirnweiss was sadly one of 48 people who lost their lives in the accident, passing away a month short of his 40th birthday.
In addition to tragically leaving behind a wife and six children, Stirnweiss’ death also left his former teammates devastated — especially Rizzuto. The Scooter credited Stirnweiss with helping him eventually land the Yankee broadcaster job, which made him a beloved figure for generations. After the Yankees released Rizzuto as a player, he was irate. Stirnweiss told him to go home and cool down before he did anything he regretted. Rizzuto did so, avoiding harsh public critique of team management or ownership, which might have ended his broadcasting gig before it ever even came about.
Stirnweiss wasn’t good enough long enough to get a place in Monument Park or his number retired or anything like that. However, there are few players who had as good a two-year run as he did.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 23: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners comes home to score during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park on September 23, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TThe Phillies need offense. They need a lot of things but one of them is offense.
They could especially use it in the outfield, a group whose top performers by the end of the season were two short-side platoon options. The Phillies like the Justin Crawford and Derek Hill platoon in center but they shouldn’t be married to it. With Bryce Harper moving back to first base, they will need a right fielder. After Brandon Marsh’s second half, his spot in left field shouldn’t be written in pen either.
The free agent market is not robust on talent, especially in the outfield. Nevertheless, there will be guys who fans will clamor for the Phillies to sign. Randy Arozarena put together the best season of his career with the Seattle Mariners while playing half his games in the worst-hitting environment in the Majors. Seiya Suzuki was a really good hitter in a loaded Chicago Cubs lineup.
All of them will require real dollars and real term from someone. Given their past results, it’s incredibly justified.One of them may even be a Philadelphia Phillie and suiting up in red pinstripes whenever the season actually begins.
It’s not hard to see why. The Phillies need offense, especially from the outfield and don’t have many other places to turn. Maybe they try to take a shot on a veteran looking for a bounce-back season again but this situation seems different. It feels like they could throw some money around to try and solve real offensive issues, especially since they do not have the prospect capital to make significant trades.They could go for Teruaki Sato but I’ll believe they’ll land a star Japanese player when they actually do.
With all of that said, it would be important for the Phillies to beware of paying for aging corner outfielders. The recent history suggests that the best way to play that market is to not play it at all.
Here are the outfield contracts signed since 2021 that are at least three years, at $15 million average annual value or higher, and feature players beginning their age-29 season or later. All of these qualifiers could very likely fit the Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki markets.
George Springer: 6 years, $150 million with the Toronto Blue Jays (2021)
Kris Bryant: 7 years, $182 million with the Colorado Rockies (2022)
Nick Castellanos: 5 years, $100 million with the Philadelphia Phillies (2022)
Kyle Schwarber: 4 years, $79 million with the Philadelphia Phillies (2022)
Starling Marte: 4 years, $78 million with the New York Mets (2022)
Aaron Judge: 9 years, $360 million with the New York Yankees (2023)
Brandon Nimmo: 8 years, $162 million with the New York Mets (2023)
Masataka Yoshida: 5 years, $90 million with the Boston Red Sox (2023)
Anthony Santander: 5 years, $92.5 million with the Toronto Blue Jays (2025)
Teoscar Hernandez: 3 years, $66 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2025)
Tyler O’Neill: 3 years, $49.5 million with the Baltimore Orioles (2025)
Kyle Tucker: 4 years, $240 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2026)
Cody Bellinger: 5 years, $162.5 million with the New York Yankees (2026)
Before we go over the list, it’s fair to exclude Kyle Schwarber and Masataka Yoshida from this discussion, since they weren’t true outfielders to begin with. Aaron Judge is just a different player than everyone else on here so should he really count? Brandon Nimmo was supposed to play a lot more center field. Excuse Kris Bryant with a bunch of terrible injuries too.
Even with all of that said, there are more examples of bad contracts that not. Nick Castellanos was not a complete disaster but close enough to one. Teoscar is a trade candidate because he’s declining. Santander was terrible in 2025 and did not play this year. Tyler O’Neill has been hurt but also bad. Kyle Tucker?
George Springer has put together some very good seasons with the Blue Jays but he’s also not been very good for a decent chunk of his deal. Same for Starling Marte with the Mets.
These corner outfield, bat first types just do not age very well into their 30s. Cody Bellinger provides a lot more athleticism defensively and has more versatility than anyone else on that list which should explain why he signed for a lot more. He should be a more useful player as the bat declines.
How does this all decide how we should view the current class?
Randy Arozarena is going to command a lot of money and while it makes a lot of sense for the Phillies to do it for 2027, it might be a really tough pill to swallow, potentially even for 2027.
He traded off some bat speed to make more contact and that paid off in a career year. However, he will turn 33 for next season and he still featured below average swing-and-miss and an average strikeout rate. Once that goes, which can happen quickly for someone his age, you’re talking about a hitter that is just sacrificing power without enough other gains around it.
Arozarena also does not play a very good left field and that is likely only going to get worse as he ages. You need everything in the offensive profile to stay as he heads into his mid 30s and that is just not something you should expect.
Seiya Suzuki turns 33 and put together his best defensive season in 2026 (although some of that could be impacted by not playing with Pete Crow-Armstrong anymore). There is potential impact off the field if he is willing to sign in Philadelphia. The Phillies have been trying to land a prominent Japanese star but have failed over the last few years. Suzuki has at least played in Philadelphia a few times over the years so theoretically, there is less of an adjustment to make. Especially since he’s spent the last few seasons in America.
With that said, he saw sharp declines in his damage rate from 2025, and his hard-hit rate went down by nearly ten percent. There might already be some examples of a declining profile with an aging outfielder.
This is not to say that signing either player is some guaranteed failure. It’s to say that you probably need either of them to be an exception to the rule for it to work out on a long-term deal for significant money.
Given the Phillies’ position, with an aging roster and not wanting to waste the last few great years of Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber, it’s understandable. However, potentially digging the grave further is not going to be ideal for the long-term health of the franchise, which needs to take priority at some point.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JULY 23: Isaac Collins #1 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates his two run home run with teammates in the sixth inning while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Isaac Collins was supposed to be the big offseason acquisition for the offense, that would help put the team over the top and shore up some of the nonexistent outfield offense, that has plagued the Royals.
Well, the now 29-year-old outfielder did not do that. On the season, Collins played in 145 games and finished the year with a slash line of .213/.320/.321. Uh, yikes. Collins had 70 more at bats than he did in 2025 with the Brewers and posted 4 less hits. His extra base hit numbers were the same, he hit 24 doubles, a career high, 3 triples and 6 homers.
Collins walked 64 times, which was 7 more times than in 2025, but he struck out 120 times, which was 27 more times than the year previous. Comparing his final slash lines, his average dropped by 50 points, on base percentage by 48 points, slugging percentage by 90 points and his OPS by 138 points. Collins left 213 guys on base this season.
The switch hitter was better against righties, slashing .216/.333/.327 in 306 at bats, compared to when he was facing lefties, where he slashed .206/.288/.309 in 136 at bats. Like many Royals, his home numbers were better than his road numbers. Remember he started like 0-30 on the road or something crazy like that?
Collins at the midway point of the season, had decent numbers. In the first half, he slashed .240/.345/.363 in 267 at bats. Not bad for a bottom third of the order hitter. However, the back half of the season was downright atrocious. In 175 at bats, Collins slashed .171/.281/.257. He was 4-54 in the month of September with 19 strikeouts.
Collins did still do some positive things this season, I know there was a lot of bad, as you can read above, but he had some moments.
Collins had 11 outfield assists this season, which led the MLB for left fielders. He had just two errors this season, one in left and one at second base. So, I know it felt like he was questionable in left field at times, but he was rather reliable. Because of mainly his defensive numbers, Collins finished the season with a 0.4 WAR, which honestly surprised me.
His Outs Above Average was -2, but his arm value was a +2, so they essentially cancel each other out in my opinion.
Isaac Collins will get another chance this upcoming season, but honestly, with some of the guys in the minors, waiting in the wings, he better produce. I am rooting for him like every other Royal.
How would you rank the first year of Isaac Collins as a Royal?
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 30: The Washington Nationals celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On October 30th of 2019, the Washington Nationals won their first ever World Series title. In the nearly 7 years that have passed, a lot has changed. There are no members of that roster still on the team, at least in a playing capacity. I wanted to take a look at where the starters from game 7 of the World Series are now.
Catcher: Yan Gomes
As is the case for most of the starters, Yan Gomes is now retired. The Nats were the oldest team in the league back in 2019. Only three of the nine hitters in the game seven lineup actually played in 2026.
Gomes was part of a catching tandem with Kurt Suzuki in 2019, but the Brazilian got the nod in game seven due to his defense. After an All-Star campaign in 2018, Gomes was traded to the Nats. He was not great with the bat in 2019, but he played very good defense. Gomes did not have many memorable moments in the Nats playoff run, but he was a steady hand behind the plate.
He was on the team in 2020 and 2021, where his offensive production actually improved. Gomes was one of many Nationals who was shipped out at the 2021 trade deadline. He spent half a season in Oakland before playing the last three years of his career with the Cubs. Gomes was never a star, but he was a solid catcher for a long time.
For the most part, Gomes seems to be spending his time as a family man. However, we did see him as the catching coach for Team Brazil at the last WBC. Maybe he follows the same path as fellow 2019 Nats catcher Kurt Suzuki and becomes a manager one day.
First Base: Ryan Zimmerman
The first baseman for the 2019 Nats was none other than Mr. National himself. Ryan Zimmerman is a National through and through. He was the team’s first ever draft pick and debuted only months after being selected as a 20 year old. As we all know, Zimmerman went on to be the Nats first ever homegrown star. For years, he was DC’s hidden gem.
Zimmerman was around for the bad times and the good times. At this point in his career, Zimmerman was an injury prone 34 year old who was past his prime. He missed most of 2019 due to foot injuries. However, he came back in September and his bat heated up. The veteran provided several big post season home runs, including a shot against Gerrit Cole. In game 7, Zimmerman went one for three with a walk.
Following 2019, Zimmerman sat out the 2020 Pandemic season before having one last dance in 2021. Employee number 11 went off into the sunset after that. He is still very involved with the organization, making public appearances and occasionally joining the broadcast team. Getting Zimmerman a World Series title truly cemented his status as a Nats legend. Number 11 will never be worn by a National again.
Second Base: Asdrubal Cabrera
Asdrubal Cabrera is a bit of an unsung hero for the 2019 Nats. After an underwhelming spell with the Rangers, Cabrera was cut loose. The Nats picked him up and the veteran infielder found new life. In 38 games with the Nats, Cabrera drove in 40 runs while hitting .323 with a .969 OPS. He was not as impactful in October, but his hot run helped the Nats lock up a Wild Card spot.
Like many of these guys, Cabrera was in his 30’s and on the back 9 of his career. However, he had enough gas in the tank to make one more run. The Nats brought back the veteran second baseman for 2020, where he was solid but nothing special. After that, Cabrera played one more season before hanging up the cleats.
I have not heard much from Cabrera since then. He got into a crazy brawl in a Venezuelan winter league game, which earned him a long suspension. Since then, Cabrera has gotten into coaching.
Cabrera was the manager for a Venezuelan League team this past season. Just this past week, he was named the manager of Guerreros de Oaxaca in the Mexican League. Good luck to Asdrubal in his coaching journey!
Shortstop: Trea Turner
Now we are getting to a heavy hitter. Trea Turner is the first player here who is still an active player. The Nats shortstop was in his age 26 season at the time, and had a very good year despite playing through a finger injury. However, Turner’s best years came after the World Series.
In 2020 and 2021, Turner became an MVP caliber performer for the Nats. However, the Nats were unable to remain competitive during that time. That meant Turner was shipped to LA along with Max Scherzer at the 2021 deadline. We have talked about that trade at length on this site. Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray have had their moments, but neither have developed as expected.
Turner continued to be a star with the Dodgers. In a bigger market, Turner began to get the recognition that he deserved. After the 2022 season, Turner signed an 11-year $300 million contract with the Phillies to reunite with old teammate Bryce Harper.
Turner has had his up’s and downs in Philly. He started very slowly before a red hot finish in 2023. Turner was one of the best shortstops in the game in 2024 and 2025 before having an abysmal year this season. At 33 years old, was this a blip on the radar or the beginning of the end for the speedy shortstop?
Third Base: Anthony Rendon
Anthony Rendon was the best National in 2019. He was third in MVP voting and posted an OPS over 1.000. In the playoffs, Rendon was a hero for the Nats. Whenever the Nats needed a big hit, Rendon would deliver. He was cool as ice and the moment was never too big for him.
In game 7 of the World Series, Rendon hit the home run that got everything started. He also ignited the Nats’ rally in game 5 of the NLCS. The impending free agent had about as good of a walk year as you could imagine. After the World Series, Rendon signed a 7-year $245 million contract with the Angels.
It is easy to forget now, but the first year of that deal went very well. Rendon was top 10 in AL MVP voting and played 52 of 60 games. However, the deal was an absolute disaster from there. Rendon’s play fell off a cliff due to injuries and questionable commitment. He never played more than 58 games in a season with LA.
Rendon was never the most passionate about baseball, but that was no problem because he was producing. With age and injuries getting the best of him, that commitment became a massive issue. He became one of the villains of the league and his legacy outside of DC is pretty tarnished. However, he will always be remembered fondly by Nats fans. Nowadays he is living with his family and out of the spotlight, like he always wanted.
Left Field: Juan Soto
The Nats young phenom turned 21 during the World Series. On an old Nationals roster, he was the young star. After breaking out as a 19 year old rookie, Soto continued to establish himself as one of the game’s elite hitters at 20 years old. He hit 34 homers and posted an OPS of .949. Soto also had several huge playoff moments that Nats fans will never forget.
In the seasons that followed, Soto only got better. He finished top 5 in MVP voting back to back seasons in 2020 and 2021. However, with the Nats in a deep rebuild, they had to make a choice with Soto. First they tried to extend the generational talent, but after that failed, they made the painful decision to trade him.
The Juan Soto trade to the Padres gave the Nats their young core of the future, but it came at the cost of a future hall of famer. It sucked, but it turned out to be the right move with the Nats acquiring CJ Abrams, James Wood, MacKenzie Gore and more.
Soto only lasted a year and a half in San Diego before being traded again, this time to the Yankees. He had the best year of his career in the Bronx, forming a dynamic duo with Aaron Judge. Those two powered the Yankees to the AL Pennant before falling short to the Dodgers.
After that, Soto entered free agency where he signed an historic 15-year $765 million deal with the Mets. He has been highly productive in Queens, but the team has not made the playoffs in either of Soto’s first two years. Soto, who turned 28 yesterday, remains one of the game’s shining stars.
Center Field: Victor Robles
When they were coming up as prospects, Victor Robles was actually more highly touted than Juan Soto. Scouts valued his 5 tool skillset very highly. Robles had cups of coffee in 2017 and 2018, but 2019 was his first full big league season. He was actually very good, showing about average hitting ability with elite center field defense, which gave him a 4.2 WAR season.
During the playoffs, Robles and Michael A. Taylor split time due to the Dominican suffering a minor injury. However, it was Robles who got the start in game 7. He got a hit in game 7, but he was not a huge offensive factor in October. However, he did look like a future building block for the Nats.
Robles was a really frustrating player after 2019 though. His 2020 season was ruined by an attempt to pack on muscle. The former top prospect was ineffective on both sides of the ball in 2021 and made a lot of boneheaded mistakes. His defense bounced back in 2022, but the bat remained very poor.
By 2024, it was clear he needed a change of scenery. Robles was cut by the Nats and signed with Seattle. He had a resurgence in Seattle after getting picked up, hitting .328 that season. Robles has been a mediocre 4th outfielder the past couple years though. We will see what the future holds for Robles, who enters free agency as a 29 year old.
Right Field: Adam Eaton
Adam Eaton was actually one of the Nats best hitters in the World Series. That included game 7, with Eaton’s two run double giving the Nats insurance. In that 2019 season, Eaton was the definition of solid, with 15 homers and a .792 OPS.
The Nats paid a big price to bring Eaton over from the White Sox. Mike Rizzo gave up Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and more to acquire Eaton, who was coming off a career year in 2016. However, after a knee injury in 2017, his athleticism was never the same. He could still hit, but his elite defense went away. Eaton remained a solid player in 2018 and 2019 though.
However, Eaton suffered an inexplicable fall-off in 2020 and 2021. After a dreadful 2020 season, Eaton was off the Nats. He only played one more season before retiring at just 32.
Like many of these players, Eaton went into coaching. He was the director of player development for Michigan State, before becoming Kurt Suzuki’s first base coach with the Angels. With Suzuki gone, we will see what the future holds for Eaton in Anaheim.
DH: Howie Kendrick
Finally, we will discuss the hero of Game 7, Howie Kendrick. Of course, it was his 2-run homer that banged off the foul pole that gave the Nats a lead they would not relinquish. Kendrick also hit the series deciding grand slam in the NLDS. He also won NLCS MVP, so it was a great playoff run for Howie.
Like so many of these guys, this was Kendrick’s last great season. After an achilles injury ended his 2018 season, Kendrick came back better than ever in 2019. He hit .344 with a .966 OPS in 121 games. At 35, Kendrick had the best offensive season of his stellar career. He was just a hitting maestro that year.
After that magical season, age caught up to Kendrick. He was mediocre in 2020 before hanging up the cleats. It is crazy how many of these old guys had just enough gas in the tank to get over the line in 2019.
Kendrick is still involved in baseball. He is a special assistant to the GM for the Phillies. There are a lot of former Nats in Philly, but Kendrick is one you might now know about. He was not in DC for too long, but Howie Kendrick’s 2019 season made him a Nats legend.
The 2026-27 NBA season is off to a rough start for the Warriors, and a former player is not holding back his thoughts.
Four-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, who played for the Warriors during the 2018-19 season, spoke on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” and gave his thoughts on the current state of the franchise, specifically calling out general manager Mike Dunleavy for how he has struggled to build a competitive roster around Steph Curry. Cousins’ comments come in the midst of the team’s 0-3 start to the season.
Boogie Cousins GOES OFF on the Golden State Warriors 🗣️
“And it’s unfortunate, because I think Steph [Curry] has so much more greatness to give, even at this point in his career,” Cousins said. “I don’t feel like the front office is believing in Steph the way everybody in the world believes in Steph. And I think the evidence is pretty apparent.
“I’ll go on the record and say I think Dunleavy has done a s–t job as far as putting a roster around Steph Curry. Why this guy still has a job? I’ll never know. Obviously, I don’t have that privilege in life.”
Cousins also alluded to the system that the team runs, calling it “outdated” and saying how it does not work in today’s NBA. The biggest issue he pointed out was the team’s lack of a true dominant center, something Golden State has struggled to find in recent seasons.
“I think he’s done a horrible job as far as putting a good group around him,” Cousins continued. “They’re still running the same outdated system as far as going extremely small. I think the other night Steve Kerr put in a lineup, and the tallest guy on the floor was [6-foot-6]. It doesn’t work anymore. The system is outdated…So, it sucks to see Steph kind of go out on this limb. I feel like he has a lot more greatness to give.”
The Warriors made a few moves this offseason to bolster their size, such as drafting Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 overall in this year’s draft, re-signing Draymond Green, Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis and signing free agent Georges Niang. But the team failed to bring in another true star and stayed relatively quiet overall, giving them limited options to help Curry.
Golden State still is hoping to surprise people this season and compete for a playoff spot after missing out on them entirely last year. Curry signed a massive two-year contract extension last month, keeping him the Bay Area through at least his 20th season and motivating the team even more to win their fifth title since 2015.
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 24: A general view of American Family Field during a Replay Review during Game Two of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to another week everyone!
The A’s have their President now after the hiring of Taylor Smith. The young front office executive is set to begin filling out his ranks and install trusted advisors around him. He’ll certain need them since he’s younger than most POBO’s in the sport ever were when they got the big job. Fingers crossed that lack of experience doesn’t come back to bite us. Of course it might all be boot for the foreseeable future if there is indeed a lockout, which would begin December 1st. That’d give Smith just about one month to execute any trades or deals before getting sidelined.
While Smith is still preparing for his first offseason at the helm, the Brewers and Rays are in Tampa Bay to continue the World Series tonight. Milwaukee is up 2-0 in the series and could essentially clinch the series tonight with a win. Tampa Bay’s season is suddenly on life support after dropping a pair in Milwaukee but they’re back home. With their backs up against the wall expect to see a desperate Rays squad this evening.
For Tampa, they have veteran Freddy Peralta getting the ball for this critical contest. Peralta has looked like a completely different pitcher than the guy playing with the Mets earlier this season. He’s just the latest in a long line of pitchers that suddenly put everything together once in Tampa Bay (hopefully Taylor Smith brought some of those ideas with him to Boston and then to us). Tonight is the biggest start of his career and the Rays will ask him one more time to get them to the sixth inning with at least a tied game.
The Brew Crew meanwhile will ask a rookie tonight to put them one win away from their first championship. Lefty Robert Gasser is getting the call for his third postseason start and though he’s a rookie he hasn’t looked overmatched or unprepared in the postseason. After an overall solid season Gasser has stepped up his game, allowing just one run on a solo home run against the Padres in the NLDS. That said, manager Pat Murphy has demonstrated he’s not scared to go to the early hook when his starter doesn’t have it.
Runs could be at a premium tonight. First pitch is at 5:00 Pacific time, where we’ll have the Game Thread ready for you guys. Who do you want to see taking tonight’s contest? Personally I’d love to see the Rays mount a comeback and make this a series again. And one thing that players are suddenly realizing? The ball is the same color as the Rays’ roof. Will that come into play over the next couple games?
The first week of the NBA season has come and gone, and man - it was a good one!
LeBron James and the 76ers rolled to a 3-0 record before suffering their first loss of the season to the Eastern Conference’s only undefeated team - the Pistons.
Six teams remain unbeaten out West, including the new-look Timberwolves featuring the dynamic backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards.
Portland’s new backcourt of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant has won two straight, and the “rebuilding” Memphis Grizzlies have won three straight thanks to strong play from Cameron Boozer and breakout Ty Jerome, who dropped a staggering 45 points in the opener.
For all of the fun and excitement of Week 1, there were unfortunately some major injuries as well.
Paolo Banchero is out 4-6 weeks due to a high ankle sprain, and Jalen Suggs injured his knee. Jalen Duren is out at least two weeks with a hamstring strain. Ivica Zubac is dealing with an ankle sprain, and Cooper Flagg injured his shoulder.
Jalen Williams suffered a gruesome injury on Sunday against the Clippers, and his season is almost assuredly over. It’s a heartbreaking blow for Williams who battled through injuries last year after breaking out during OKC’s title run.
With new opportunities available for injured teammates, I’ve put together my top waiver wire adds heading into Week 2.
Waiver wire adds are based on 8-cat scoring, and roster percentages come from Yahoo! leagues. Only players rostered in 50% or less will be included.
Priority Adds
1. Anthony Black
2. Jaylen Wells
3. Alex Caruso
4. Jay Huff
5. Tristan da Silva
6. Zaccharie Risacher
7. Brook Lopez
8. Kris Dunn
9. Grayson Allen
10. Aaron Wiggins
Others to consider: Quentin Grimes (41%), Jared McCain (30%), Precious Achiuwa (29%), Reed Sheppard (29%), Jaxson Hayes (27%), Dennis Schroder (25%), Obi Toppin (21%), Ziaire Williams (9%), De’Anthony Melton (7%)
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic (46 percent rostered)
Banchero’s extended absence offered Black the opportunity for more playing time, but the recent injury to Suggs all but ensures 30+ minutes per night.
Black logged his first game of the season on Sunday, finishing with a solid 18/3/5/2 line and knocking down five triples.
Across 39 healthy starts last season, Black averaged 16.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.9 triples and 2.2 “stocks.” He’s got stat-stuffing upside and plenty of playing time, making him this week’s top add.
Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Clippers (46 percent rostered)
BroLo averaged 18 points across his first three games of the season, adding 5.3 boards, 1.7 blocks and two triples.
The veteran hasn’t averaged 18+ since his final season in Brooklyn, 10 years ago. He’s shooting a career-best 64.5% from the field and putting up these lofty scoring numbers in just 23.3 minutes off the bench.
Regression is likely coming, but even when it does, Lopez is still worth a look for his three-and-D contributions that are particularly helpful in the world of fantasy hoops.
Grayson Allen, Charlotte Hornets (34 percent rostered)
With injuries to both Kon Knueppel and Coby White, Allen has seen significant playing time in Charlotte’s backcourt, and he’s a Top-75 player through the first week of the season.
Allen is averaging 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 4.0 triples across 27.3 minutes, doing it all off the bench.
It’s unclear when Knueppel or White will return, but even once they’re back on the floor, Allen should soak up minutes as a spark plug off the bench for a team that loves shooting threes.
Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder (24 percent rostered)
With Jalen Williams likely done for the season, Caruso is the priority add out of Oklahoma City. Ajay Mitchell is rostered in 53% of leagues and doesn’t qualify for this article or else he would be featured here.
Jared McCain (30 percent rostered) is a worthwhile pickup too, but he’s a score-first guard with limited peripheral contributions.
Caruso doesn’t offer much in the scoring department, but he rebounds, facilitates and racks up defensive stats that make him a more viable option in category leagues. If you’re playing in a points league, McCain is the better add.
The Grizzlies are one of the most entertaining early-season surprises, and Wells is one of the reasons why the team has been successful.
The Washington State product is averaging 15 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.3 triples across 28.3 minutes.
He’s started all but five games since his rookie season in 2024-25, and Wells is locked into a featured role with a young and ascending Memphis squad. He ranks 69th in per-game fantasy value through three contests.
Aaron Wiggins, Atlanta Hawks (30 percent rostered)
Through three games, Wiggins is averaging 17 points, 3.0 boards, 1.7 steals and 3.3 triples.
Wiggins spent the first five years of his career playing mostly off the bench for OKC in a limited capacity. He’s still coming off the bench in Atlanta, but Wiggins is enjoying a true Sixth Man role for the Hawks thanks to his career-high 27.3 minutes per game.
His shooting is eventually going to cool down, but Wiggins still has plenty of appeal as a microwave scorer who can knock down threes and rack up steals.
Zaccharie Risacher (27 percent rostered)
Don’t look now, but Risacher is a Top-75 player heading into Week 2!
The 2024 No. 1 pick spent two lackluster seasons in Atlanta before getting traded to Dallas, and the new locale is doing wonders for his game and for his fantasy value.
Points, rebounds and assists haven’t been plentiful, but his defensive contributions have been phenomenal, and given his skillset as a long and athletic disruptor, they are mostly sustainable.
Risacher is averaging 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per contest while logging a career-high 30.3 minutes. He’s got a featured role on the rebuilding Mavs regardless of Flagg’s status, but if Flagg misses time, Risacher has the chance to see even more playing time.
Kris Dunn, Los Angeles Clippers (20 percent rostered)
The 11-year veteran has logged a career-high 31 minutes per game over the first week of the season, and based on LA’s roster, Dunn’s role and playing time appear sustainable.
Through three games, Dunn is averaging 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 triples, 3.3 steals and 1.3 blocked shots. Unlike his minutes, Dunn’s defensive contributions are likely to slow down, but even a small drop off there won’t dim Dunn’s overall appeal.
Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic (17 percent rostered)
Just like Anthony Black, da Silva will be called on to step up in the absences of Banchero and Suggs.
Through three games, da Silva is averaging 12.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.3 triples and 1.4 “stocks” across 28 minutes.
Through the first week of play, da Silva ranks 110th in per-game fantasy value, but his role and playing time should grow moving forward, making him a quality add, particularly if you miss out on Black.
Zubac sprained his ankle against the Nets on Sunday, and he’s not expected to play Monday. The big man suffered the injury early in the game, and Huff started the second half, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds, three assists, two triples and three blocked shots.
Huff was a fantasy darling for a large stretch of last season, and he’s worth adding if Zubac is forced to miss time beyond Monday. The Pacers play four games this week, and Huff offers upside in points, three-pointers and blocks.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 18: Steven Adams #12 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center on January 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A cliché is an overused expression or idea that has lost its originality and impact, while a truism is a statement that is so obviously and self-evidently true that it offers little to no new insight.
Both are pithy, ultimately pointless things to say that we say anyway because something has to be said. There’s a saying in sports: Availability is the best ability.
That’s more of a truism.
Which brings me to the Houston Rockets’ Steven Adams. As of this writing, the Rockets have a rematch with the Atlanta Hawks this evening. Adams is not expected to suit up, which brings him to one game played out of four this season so far.
That’s a problem.
Rockets can’t rely on Steven Adams
Yes, it’s likely that Ime Udoka is intentionally giving Adams some early-season rest. This may not be a massive problem. The team is (again, as of this writing) undefeated.
Only Adams managed just 32 games last year. He played 58 in his 2024-25 debut season with the Rockets, but the year before that he played 0, and 42 in 2022-23.
Durability has been an issue for Adams since that 2022 injury. It’s been four consecutive seasons now. It’s probably fair to drop the caveat:
Durability has been an issue for Adams.
This is a player who’s meant to be integral to the Rockets’ identity. Preserving his body for the playoffs is smart, but this is still an amber alert.
What do the Rockets do if Adams can’t get on the floor?
Rockets must explore long-term backup big man options
Here’s a simple, elegant solution:
Play Oscar Tshiebwe.
Last season, Adams had an 18.9% offensive rebounding percentage (via NBA.com, because there’s a discrepancy on Basketball Reference, and that bothers me). That was third in the NBA. Tshiebwe’s 15.1% mark ranked 8th. That’s a gap, but it’s not a gulf.
We shouldn’t reduce the entire secondary big man’s role to offensive rebounding. At the same time…it’s a pretty large percentage of the role for these Rockets. If we made a pie chart, it’d be one of those pie charts where over half is one color, and then the rest of the pie is divided between a bunch of other variables.
Adams isn’t an especially good defender. He’s a poor offensive player. Yet, he’s managed to be an incredibly impactful NBA player by being the best in the league at two things for a long time: Offensive rebounding and screening.
Tshiebwe can approximate Adams’ offensive rebounding. I’d be lying if I said I could recall an Oscar Tshiebwe screen off the top of my head, but he’s said to be good there too. He won’t be Adams – nobody will – but he’s probably as close as we’ll get.
This is not a big deal. So far, it’s been an odd start for the Rockets. The team is 3-0, and they aren’t leaning on the extra possession philosophy as they have in years past. The team’s 34.3% Offensive Rebounding percentage is just ninth in the league. The Rockets are winning basketball games by doing good basketball stuff.
So imagine how dominant they’d be if they were controlling the offensive glass again.
What’s being suggested here is that getting Tshiebwe on the floor is a way for the Rockets to preserve that identity for the next half-decade. He may not play well, but at least then the team would know.
Otherwise, relying on Capela for the rest of the year is…fine. He’s got a sterling 22.2% offensive rebounding percentage as well, but he’s only playing 9.4 minutes per game. Capela has become a subpar defender, which limits his value.
Maybe Udoka is done with the double-big lineups. That’s fine, but they still need a reliable backup big. If it isn’t Tshiebwe, that’s fine, but they need to have targets circled in the 2027 NBA Draft.
By now, it seems clear that it won’t be Steven Adams for much longer.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic tries to control a loose ball against James Wiseman #35 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on October 25, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Remember when the Knicks won the NBA championship?
Yeah, that was more than four months ago, so maybe it’s about time someone starts getting back down to earth and hooping again.
Here’s the latest from the latest embarrassing loss in an early season full of them.
"The biggest thing is to coach them and tell them the truth… If we're trying, and trying the right way, sometimes you've got to fight through stuff like this to get yourself on track. Games like this will tell us like, our crap stinks. It does."
On evaluating the season in five-game segments for his own sanity:
“We break the season into five-game segments. There are marks that we like to hit in those five games and it kind of gives us a good feel of where you were, in a fair amount of games, and to see if you can make progress in the next five.
“Obviously you want to go 5-0, you’ll take 4-1, and then maybe you have to take 3-2. But if you’re doing anything less than that, you know that nobody is reaching their potential.”
On coaching the Knicks through their 0-3 start and holding players accountable:
“The biggest thing is to coach them and to continue to tell them the truth. When I talked to them, I said, ‘Hey, we were great in transition in the second half.’ We were. But now, we have to continue to try and embrace the little things. We have to make sure we’re doing it in practice so that it carries over into the game. I’ll really jump their a– if I see the effort is not there. To me, that’s a whole different thing. If we’re trying, and trying the right way, sometimes you have to fight through stuff like this to get yourself on track.
“But games like this will tell us, and I’ve said it before, our crap stinks. It does. We’re the only ones who can do something about it.”
On the Knicks’ excrement:
“Games like this will tell us, our crap stinks. It does. And we’re the only ones who can do anything about it. There’s no light switch we can just turn on and go and win the ballgame. Nobody’s giving us anything, so we have to be better with the little things until we start shooting the ball.”
On the Knicks allowing a nonsensical fourth-quarter offensive explosion to Orlando:
“Giving up 40 points in the fourth quarter is way too much.”
On benching Andre Drummond for James Wiseman:
“I felt our transition defense wasn’t good during that time, not just because of [Drummond], but I wanted to go with a change. Wiseman’s been playing well in practice. I wanted to give him an opportunity and I thought he was pretty good in his first stint [in the first half]. And so I decided to go with him for a second stint. But Andre will go out there as a backup in the next game.”
On the open competition for minutes among the Knicks’ reserves:
“First thing I wanna make clear is we have our starting five. Other than that, anybody can play. When you’re a backup in this league, that doesn’t mean you’re always gonna be the seventh man or you’re always gonna be the eighth man.
“No, no, no, no, no, no. It’s competitive. And it’s less so with the starting group if your starting group is established, which ours is, but everybody else after that starting five, I can throw in front of the next guy in a heartbeat.”
On the Knicks not yet reaching their expected level of play in the early season:
“We’re not quite there yet.”
On Dalton Knecht’s two-way contract and plans to give him playing time in Westchester:
“Right now he obviously is a two-way [player], and we want him to play as much as he can, so he’s gonna play some games with Westchester. If we need him to play games with us, we’ll do that. I’d rather him play than be around us too much and sit.”
On helping Knecht learn the Knicks’ system and potentially giving him NBA minutes:
“So trying to get him caught up to speed sooner than later with what we like to do would be one of the reasons why we want him around. But with him, we’ll take it day-by-day to see how quickly he picks up on the offense and the defense, and then if there’s a need to throw him out there, I won’t hesitate to throw him out there.”
On waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to sign Knecht:
“Kevin, first of all, he’s a fantastic young man, and we’re gonna miss him, obviously, but he’s been here two seasons as a two-way. Being able to try to get to know a guy like Dalton Knecht at this point of the year, it’s something that we need to take a look at.
“So it wasn’t anything that Kevin didn’t do. He was great, and he is an NBA player. And I think he’s gonna get a shot, someday and it could be with us, who knows down the road? I don’t know. But it was more so having the opportunity to bring a guy like Dalton on just to get to know him a little bit better is why we did it.”
"Poor decision making by me late in the game. Ball's not falling in for us, I think we've gotten some good looks throughout the game but the little things we can control that helps contribute to wins"
On defending Miles McBride’s play against the Celtics:
“[McBride] played great. He’s one of the reasons we were still in the game. Without him doing what he was doing, it might’ve been a worse outcome. He came in ready to go and helped us.”
On the Knicks getting comfortable during strong stretches of play:
“Everyone can say it’s early in the season — we can use that as an excuse — but the one thing I see is that when we get on those runs and look like the team we were in the past, we get a little comfortable. We have to continue to put our foot on the gas and execute things like we did last year.
“We’re not going to be the same. We’re not going to play how we were playing last year; that’s just human nature. But we have to accept this part of the journey, find a way to get better, and hopefully after a couple of games, we can look back and say, ‘We grew from that.’”
On taking responsibility for the Knicks’ offensive struggles on Sunday:
“Organization on my part and making sure we’re in the right place to execute what we need to do. Everything falls on my shoulders. I just got to be a better leader in making sure our guys are ready to go and are in the right spots. There are a lot of little things but that’s the main thing. Organization on my part.”
On the message he delivered to teammates after the Knicks’ 0-3 start:
“Control what you can control; focus on the little details that may seem small but are going to impact winning. Most importantly, let’s do it together.”
On his frustration after the Knicks’ third consecutive loss:
“Not happy. Plain and simple.”
On early-season adversity revealing the Knicks’ character:
“One thing I’ve said during training camp and to this day is we’re going to see who we are within the first couple weeks of the season. And we’re seeing adversity. So how are we going to respond?”
On not wanting championship praise anymore:
“Everyone has been telling us what a great job we did, how fun it was, what we did for the city, the constant praise (for winning the title). So now we need the opposite.”
Andre Drummond was asked if he has any idea about his expected role with the team:
On being benched against the Magic without receiving an explanation:
“Control what I can control. I can’t do s–t about not playing. All I can do is cheer my teammates on and hope for the best.”
On not knowing why Mike Brown removed him from the rotation:
“You can make the guess for me”
On whether or not Brown told him about his expected role with the Knicks:
“Nope. I’m just here to work, when my number’s called I’m prepared to play.”
Dalton Knecht thinks playing in Westchester "is going to be great":
"Learn a new system, learn a new scheme and stuff like that. Just be ready for the new opportunity, I'm excited to start learning from everybody" pic.twitter.com/bebulPJr19
On leaving the Lakers and getting a fresh opportunity with the Knicks:
“I thought [Los Angeles] was a great opportunity. Next thing was coming. So it was kind of exciting [to] get a new opportunity, a new start somewhere. So I think this is gonna be great.”
On what changed between his rookie and sophomore seasons with the Lakers:
“I don’t think nothing changed, I think it’s just — the team got changed, and that was it. I don’t have no hard feelings, but on to better things.”
On learning the Knicks’ system and preparing for his new role:
“I think it’s gonna be great [in New York]. Learn the system, learn the new schemes and stuff like that. And you know, just be ready for the new opportunity. I’m excited to just start learning from everybody.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was completely shattered upon seeing Jalen Williams' injury.
Kurt Helin
Raphielle Johnson
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