NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: José Caballero #72 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a one-run single to win the game and clinch a postseason berth during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Mooney/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The shortstop position has been a contentious one for New York the past few seasons. Anthony Volpe was brought up as the successor to Gleyber Torres at the position after shooting through the upper minors and becoming one of the Yankees’ most highly rated prospects of the Baby Bomber era, and while his defense brought in good value until last season his bat has been suspect in the majors since his debut. Last year’s injury-derailed campaign brought with it the first shift from the organization’s stalwart defense of Volpe’s future as their shortstop, seeing them trade for Jose Caballero at the deadline as a utility weapon but eventually having him takeover in September when Volpe clearly needed to sit and recover.
Fast forward to the start of spring training, and Volpe is still sidelined for a bit as he rehabs from his shoulder surgery meaning Caballero is penciled in as the starting shortstop on Opening Day. The 29-year-old saw a surge in his offensive production in the second half with the Yankees, hitting for a 134 wRC+ compared to the 84 mark he had in Tampa Bay, and he now has the opportunity to open the season with around a month or more of uncontested starting time. On top of that, there’s been musings of Volpe potentially starting the year in Triple-A once he is healthy to work on his issues in the batter’s box. With all of that in mind, how realistic is it that Caballero could take over the starting spot for the entire season?
Caballero’s explosion at the plate last year was a major aberration from his career trends, where he was right at league-average in 2023 with the Mariners and slightly below-average in ‘24 with the Rays. It’s possible he unlocked something once he got in the lab with the Yankee coaching staff, but even if he did it’s more likely that he regresses back towards the median in terms of production. Still, if he can manage to stay above average with dependable enough defense, that might be enough to sway the Yankee brass — after all, Volpe himself has never posted even a 90 wRC+ over a full season. It would take several dominoes to fall in order to line up, but the possibility is there. Do you see a world where Caballero takes the spotlight away from the one-time top prospect, whether that’s getting the lion’s share of starts or outright getting named the starter?
Today on the site, we have Jeff leading off with a salute to Joe Gordon and his championship days with the Yankees that eventually landed him in Cooperstown as his birthday arrives. Then, Andrés previews Max Fried’s upcoming year entering his second season in pinstripes and Sam looks back to the signing of Carlos Rodón and the ups and downs of his Yankees career thus far for our free agent signing series.
TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 23: Lucas Giolito #54 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 23, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The loss of Pablo Lopez unquestionably hurts the Twins, but in baseball as in life, time moves on whether we want it to or not. I wrote out my projected roster earlier this week where I had Taj Bradley winning the final rotation slot out of Spring Training. Now, he should essentially be locked into the 4 spot while Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Mick Abel fight for the fifth and final rotation spot. Behind them are a plethora of untested rookies, including top pitching prospect Connor Prielipp.
Even after losing Pablo, this Minnesota goes eight deep on “probably MLB ready” arms between the four locked starters and the young combo of Matthews, Festa, Abel, and Prielipp. They have four more pitchers likely ready to contribute to the Big League squad after a bit more AAA seasoning (Andrew Morris, Kendry Rojas, Marco Raya, John Klein) even more solid, if unspectacular older depth behind them (Cory Lewis, Christian MacLeod, CJ Culpepper, among others).
Obviously not every player will work out, but the point is that the Twins have multiple lines of defense to tap into in the inevitable event of additional pitcher injuries.
If they turn to the free agent market, there’s three pitchers remaining who would be an upgrade over Simeon Woods Richardson, who is probably the line for if a player is worth signing or not. They are Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, and Max Scherzer.
I think we can cross Scherzer off the list. At 43 years old, the future Hall of Famer will likely only be interested in joining a true blue contender, which the Twins are decidedly not at the moment.
Twins fans are familiar with Giolito’s work. The former All-Star and longtime member of the White Sox had a solid bounce back in 2025 after returning from Tommy John Surgery that eliminated his 2024. His strikeouts were down significantly, but that’s not out of the norm for a player in their first season back from UCL reconstruction. All in all, he tallied 145 innings of ball with a 3.41 ERA/4.17 FIP with 121 strikeouts and 56 walks. He would likely cost the Twins somewhere in the $20M range for one season.
The other pitcher would be another familiar face: former Twin Zack Littell. Littell was in Minnesota for the first three seasons of his career, pitching 63.2 innings of relief between 2018 and 2020. He peddled along as a middling reliever for various teams over the next three seasons before the Rays moved him into their rotation midway through the 2023 season after a rash of injuries left their rotation completely depleted. Since then, Littell has emerged as a solid back end starter who excels at limiting walks and damage. He doesn’t strike out enough batters and gives up too many homers, but you don’t need to look further than Bailey Ober or Simeon Woods Richardson to see how the Twins have successfully worked with pitchers with limited stuff. Littell would be cheaper than Giolito, likely commanding closer to $10M for the 2026 season.
So, what do you think? Is it worth bringing in Giolito or Littell, or would the Twins be better off throwing the young arms at the wall and seeing who can stick?
Oct 31, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) jumps for a rebound with forward Jaylen Brown (7) and guard Derrick White (9) against Philadelphia 76ers forward Jabari Walker (33) in the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Back in October, before this NBA season began, did you perhaps open up a sports betting app on your phone and wager on how many wins the Boston Celtics would achieve? Did you say they would win at least 48? Maybe 50? More than 50?
If so, then the odds are good that you’re about to win some money. At the All-Star break, the Celtics rank fifth in the entire league at 35-19 – a winning percentage of .648 that equates to a 53-29 record over a full season. Barring any unfortunate developments, the Celtics should finish in a far better position than almost anyone expected.
If you saw all that coming, you’re smarter than I am. Last season, I correctly predicted the Celtics would win 61 games, and I’ve been pretty close to the right number in most other recent years. This season, however, I dropped my expectation to 44 wins. That’s because the narratives appeared reasonable: With so much talent lost in the off-season, and with the replacements being primarily young and unproven, there seemed to be no way for Boston to avoid the “gap year” that many NBA observers were forecasting.
There’s no denying it. I was guilty of underestimating the Celtics.
My mistakes didn’t end there. I said Derrick White would make the All-Star team (he didn’t); Jayson Tatum’s absence would be so harmful (it’s been manageable) that his haters would apologize (they haven’t); and the Cs would be more effective if they’d speed up their offense (at 95.7, they’re dead last in pace for the second straight year, yet are second in offensive rating at 120.2).
The Celtics have defied expectations, with Jaylen Brown having his best season. (Photo by Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
There’s more. I was sure they’d be pounded on the glass (but in fact, they’re eighth in the league with 45.4 rebounds per game, and seventh in rebound percentage at 51.4%); they’d struggle on defense (nope, their current defensive rating is ninth-best at 112.6); and they’d be especially vulnerable inside (they actually have allowed just 40.9 paint points per game, second best in the league).
My one consolation was I had plenty of company in being wrong. The most optimistic guess here at CelticsBlog was a 48-win season. Also, in hindsight, we now see numerous mainstream news outlets whose crystal ball apparently wasn’t crystal-clear. Here’s a sampling of wayward prognostications.
Not only would it be fine and completely justified for Boston to dip under .500 this season, it would be advisable to do so! I’ll take the under, at the risk of making Mazzulla rage-weep tears of blood and swear an unrelenting vendetta against my family, friends and still-living former teachers.
Biggest thing we’ll be talking about this season: What is the plan for what should be a gap season? The Celtics are a proud bunch, and coach Joe Mazzulla and Co. believe they can be a factor while Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles. But without Tatum and experienced bigs in the rotation, how competitive can this team be — and what happens if Derrick White and/or Jaylen Brown miss time?
Is Jayson Tatum actually going to play this season after suffering a torn Achilles in the Eastern Conference semifinals? It seems insane to me, but Tatum is already running and dunking, and clearly wants to give it a go. This Boston team sure seems built for a gap year while Tatum rests and recovers if you ask me. This might be one of the worst front courts in the league after Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet departed in free agency, leaving Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and a lot of question marks. I understand the logic that Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are just too good to fail, and it’s possible Payton Pritchard puts his name in All-Star consideration with a bigger role. Even if Tatum comes back, I don’t think the Celtics have any shot at winning the East, so to me it makes it all moot. Finishing in the lottery and with a crack at another potential young star should be in the Celtics’ best long-term interest, but it’s hard to do that with championship-caliber players like these.
Note: This site listed picks in chart form with seven participants. The Celtics were ranked as high as sixth in the East and as low as 12th. Two of the writers predicted Boston would miss the playoffs.
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On top of all that, the NBA itself indicated the Celtics would fall a notch or two. Boston didn’t play on the official opening night and was omitted from the Christmas Day schedule for the first time in several years.
When the Celtics began the season losing their first three games, it appeared that the narratives were coming true. Yet today, the Celtics are not scuffling to make the Play-In – they hold second place in the East by one-half game over their nemesis, the New York Knicks. Last May, shortly after the Celtics were eliminated and Tatum was hospitalized, a Knicks fans was talking trash to me on the BlueSky platform. His comment: “Enjoy the rebuild.”
Wonder if he’s looked at the standings lately?
Putting that fun aside, the Celtics and all Boston fans know too well that fortunes can change in an instant. There’s no guarantee that the Cs continue to win at the same pace. However, there are reasons they’ve overcome expectations.
Everyone on the roster has contributed to wins at some point, including young players who are just now getting their first opportunities to perform. And if a 10-year veteran can have a breakout season, Jaylen Brown is doing just that. Equally important, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, the assistant coaches, and the entire behind-the-scenes staff are brilliant at what they do.
As Jaylen put it recently:
I’m proud of this group and staff/ office looking forward to 2nd half go Cs ☘️ pic.twitter.com/I0cqxQTPYg
The Celtics have made the playoffs for 11 consecutive years. That’s the longest active streak in the NBA, and it’s about to become 12 straight. Maybe the only mistake I made, that everyone made this season, was not trusting them.
For more analysis of how the Celtics remain successful, check these current CelticsBlog articles.
There are 28 games remaining, divided equally between home and away. Here are some of the storylines that will be most prominent over the final weeks of the season. (I’ll keep predictions to a minimum.)
40-20 rule: Conventional NBA wisdom says that a true title contender will win 40 games before losing 20. The Celtics need to win five straight to make that happen. It’s achievable, but unlikely, because their first four games after the All-Star break will be on a Western road trip versus four teams above .500: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Then they’d have to beat the Brooklyn Nets in their first game back in Boston.
The Denver contest is set up to be a scheduled loss: second night of a back-to-back, last game of the week-long trip, being played in the altitude of the Mile-High City, versus the potent Nuggets (currently 35-20) led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. If the Celtics actually do win their next five in a row, we should all get very, very excited.
Schedule: The Celtics will be tested again by a five-day road trip in March: at Cleveland, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. After that, 10 of their last 16 will be at home, including four of the last five. Their final road game will be on April 9 at New York, possibly with second-place in the East at stake. The regular season concludes on April 12 with the Orlando Magic visiting Boston.
Incorporating Vucevic: The acquisition of Nikola Vucevic gives the Celtics an experienced and talented big man who can rebound and stretch the floor. The task now is to get him comfortable with the system and to create an effective tandem with Neemias Queta. Luka Garza will get fewer minutes, but stuff happens. Vooch is the guy the Cs will count on in the postseason.
Jayson Tatum: Will Tatum return or not? If he does play, how effective will he be? Those are the questions that will determine if the Celtics are just a feel-good regular-season story, or a real contender with a chance to return to the Finals. There are only five rotation players from the 2024 championship squad still on the roster today, Tatum being one. The Celtics have found ways to win in the regular season without him, but they won’t in the postseason. It’s just that simple.
Assuming Tatum does return, there are two dates that stand out as the best options. On February 27, the Nets visit the Garden, and during the following week there are three more home games. That period would be a solid opportunity for a test run that could incorporate some rest, avoid travel, and gradually build up Tatum’s minutes.
Similarly, March 14 has the Washington Wizards visiting Boston, followed by five of the next six games at home. At that point, 16 games would remain on the schedule, which might or might not be enough time for Tatum to get reacclimated. It’s difficult to imagine him being ready for the postseason if he attempts his comeback any later than that.
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How did your predictions turn out so far? Let us know in the comments.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Lonzo Ball #2 and Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on January 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No one likes to lose. Even worse, no one likes to be blamed for losing. Lonzo Ball says he feels he became a scapegoat for fans this season when the Cleveland Cavaliers were struggling.
“I don’t feel like I’m playing as badly as people are saying,” Ball said on his podcast. “I know I’m the scapegoat right now, but look, that comes with the name, though, and that comes with what they brought me in for, so it’s granted, I’m not going to say I was playing great.”
The full quote is more reasonable than what has gone viral on Twitter. Ball recognizes he fell short of the expectations he brought to Cleveland. His only disagreement is that he doesn’t believe he was as bad as the discourse suggested. Now, that’s something we can argue on the merits. But I think it’s worth being fair to what Ball was actually saying.
“Can I play better? Yes. Have I been playing terrible? I don’t think I have,” Ball said.
Ball was brought to Cleveland with the hopes of being their version of Jrue Holiday or Alex Caruso. A defensive-minded guard who can playmake and potentially space the floor. At his best, Ball flashed the potential to be that in the past
That never materialized in Cleveland. Ball shot just 30.1% from the floor and was a non-threat to score. That drastically limited his ability to create for others — and his defense wasn’t as good as advertised. His poor three-point shooting was the nail in the coffin.
“To me, I’m just missing shots.” “People say, ‘Oh well, he’s shooting 25 percent.’ Well, let’s actually take the percentages and talk about what that is, I’m taking four shots a gameand making one of them, that’s sh****, but I promise we’re not winning or losing off of four shots.”
It would be silly to suggest that Ball was the primary reason for Cleveland’s struggles. The early portion of the season saw injuries, poor effort, and bad shooting across the board. Ball was only one part of the equation. Though he certainly wasn’t helping them when he was on the floor.
“I don’t feel like I’m the worst in the NBA,” Ball said.
Ball finished in the 0th percentile for points per shot attempt and the 1st percentile in turnover percentage. The Cavs were 5.5 points worse with him on the floor, placing him in the 25th percentile for on/off rating. As a reminder, you want to be in the higher percentiles.
The two parties are in agreement on this: Jerome Tang is no longer the men’s basketball coach at Kansas State.
Things get dramatically more complicated from there. Kansas State holds that Tang, who was fired on Sunday, can be dismissed “for cause,” which would invalidate the $18.7 million buyout associated with his contract.
“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program," athletics director Gene Taylor said in a statement.
“Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”
“This was embarrassing,” Tang had said. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university, I'm embarrassed for our fans, and our student section. It's just ridiculous.”
Tang’s attorneys, Tom Mars and Bennett Speyer, pushed back on the school’s characterization.
If Taylor and university president Richard Linton “really think the school was embarrassed by recent events,” they said in a statement shared with ESPN, “that’s nothing compared to the embarrassment that both of them are about to experience.”
What does it mean to be fired “for cause”?
Dozens of major-conference men’s basketball and football coaches will be fired in any given year, the wide majority for simply failing to win enough games.
That’s certainly the case with Tang, who led Kansas State to an unexpected Elite Eight appearance as the first-year coach in 2023 but was unable to capitalize on that early success. Since losing to Florida Atlantic in the regional final that March, the Wildcats have gone a combined 45-47 with one postseason appearance, a trip to the NIT in 2024 that ended in the first round.
Occasionally, however, schools are able to fire coaches for contractual violations that can minimize or even outright negate agreed-upon buyout figures.
“The most important part of a contract is not what is being paid, but how you get fired, how you get terminated,” said Martin Greenberg, a sports lawyer and professor of sports law at Marquette University. “That’s the most important part of a contract these days.”
In these scenarios, universities can dismiss a coach for missteps related to NCAA penalties, inappropriate behavior or, as stated in Tang’s contract, a “failure or refusal to perform his duties and responsibilities as head coach.”
“A university’s most realistic options often are to: (1) continue to employ the coach because of the coach’s success or because it is cost prohibitive to terminate the coach’s employment without cause; or (2) attempt to terminate the coach with cause and likely encounter litigation,” University of Iowa Professor Josh Lens wrote in a 2022 article for the Villanova Law Review.
One recent example is former Ohio football coach Brian Smith, who was placed on leave in early December and then fired later that month for "serious professional misconduct and activities that reflect unfavorably on the University,” the school said.
Another is former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore. The Wolverines’ second-year coach was terminated with cause in December after an investigation unearthed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, saving the school from paying the roughly $14 million buyout he was owed in his contract.
Did Jerome Tang violate his contract?
According to a contract signed in 2023, Tang agreed he could be fired for cause without being “entitled to the payment of any compensation, benefits, or damages.”
In addition to “serious or multiple violations” of NCAA rules or “material fraud or dishonesty,” issues that could lead to a for-cause firing were “insubordination” or “objectional behavior” and “intentional, negligent or other failure or refusal in any material respect to perform the duties and responsibilities of Head Coach required under this Agreement.”
Kansas State’s efforts to obtain a for-cause firing seem to hinge on responsibilities outlined to Tang under the category of “Specific Duties and Responsibilities.”
In addition to requiring Tang to devoting his “full professional time” to serving as the Wildcats’ head coach, the list of responsibilities included two key requests:
One, “promoting and encouraging support of the Team’s student-athletes. And two, to avoid engaging in “any behaviors, actions, or activities” that could subject the university “to public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule, or scandal.”
By absolving itself of the need to pay Tang’s buyout, Kansas State could save a significant sum of money at a time when many major-conference athletics departments are attempting to piece together revenue-sharing payments given directly to student-athletes under last year’s House v. NCAA settlement.
The crux of Kansas State’s argument comes down to this: By disparaging members of the team, did Tang fail to conduct himself in a manner consistent with being the Wildcats’ head coach?
“I am deeply disappointed with the university's decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination," Tang said in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”
What happens next with Jerome Tang and Kansas State?
Tang and Kansas State should eventually come to an undisclosed financial agreement that ends any potential litigation and permanently severs the relationship between both parties.
This is what unfolded in the high-profile disagreement between LSU and former football coach Brian Kelly. Two weeks after relieving Kelly in late October, the school informed his representatives it would be attempting to fire him for cause. If successful, LSU would have been off the hook for Kelly’s full buyout of $54 million.
According to Kelly’s contract, he could have been fired for cause because of “substantial” rules violations, a felony conviction or conduct that damaged the university’s brand. By the end of November, LSU agreed to pay Kelly’s full buyout, which became the second-largest in NCAA history.
One factor that stands to complicate Kansas State’s argument is Taylor’s willingness to allow Tang to remain as coach through the end of the season with a renegotiated buyout number, Taylor said on Monday.
If open to retaining Tang for another month, Tang’s lawyers could contend, how could the school find his behavior to be inappropriate enough to warrant an immediate for-cause dismissal?
In the end, both Kansas State and Tang will likely find a sort of common ground, one that absolves the school of some financial commitment and avoids a very public and possibly embarrassing legal back-and-forth that could cause damage to both parties’ reputation.
“It’s better to settle these things in the boardroom rather than the courtroom,” Greenberg said. “To let out the dirty laundry in public doesn’t do any good for the school, doesn’t do any good for the students, doesn’t do any good for recruiting or for donations.”
The All-Star break came and went, allowing fantasy basketball managers to take a well-earned rest. Now, attention shifts to the fantasy playoffs, which for some could be just around the corner. With certain NBA teams now focused on the lottery, we could be about to see certain players stepping into larger roles. As we approach the pointy end of the season, the waiver wire is the place to be, providing managers with bargain players who could be about to ascend the NBA fantasy rankings. And remember, never assume a player is rostered. It always pays to double-check, just in case they have been overlooked.
Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles — whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and 3s or a defensive-minded player boosting your blocks and steals — is vital as you navigate the season.
Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Yahoo High Score Leagues
Nique Clifford, Sacramento Kings (18% rostered)
Things in Sacramento have certainly not gone to plan this season. After months of chopping and changing, it appears as though the coaching staff could finally be about to lean into developing its young core. Enter: Nique Clifford. He has played at least 30 minutes in four straight games, providing ample production on both ends of the floor. During that span, he has averaged 36.7 fantasy points per game, including a 54-point performance in a loss to Cleveland. With Zach LaVine ruled out for the season, Clifford is likely to be the biggest beneficiary when it comes to playing time. Assuming he sticks in a 30-minute-per-night role, he could end up being a valuable addition for anyone hoping to sneak in the fantasy playoffs.
Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers (21% rostered)
Unlike Clifford, Walker has been playing meaningful minutes for the past few weeks. He has scored double digits in 10 consecutive games while also chipping in across the board on most nights. He has totaled at least 40 fantasy points in four of those games, flashing some intriguing upside in the process. After Johnny Furphy suffered a knee injury that will cost him the remainder of the season, the path to minutes for Walker became even more enticing. While he doesn't have the defensive upside of Clifford, Walker's ability to score the basketball on a team looking for offense should hold him in good standing for the remainder of the season.
Tristan Vukčević, Washington Wizards (4% rostered)
Another team looking to lose as much as possible, Washington could also provide fantasy managers with a few surprises down the stretch. While it has been a breakout season for Alex Sarr, he is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, having been ruled out for at least the next week. With Marvin Bagley III now in Dallas, the backup center role belongs to Vukčević, meaning he will likely be the starter for the next few games.
If Washington is to exercise caution when it comes to Sarr's injury, Vukčević could certainly find himself in the starting role for multiple weeks. In his past three games, Vukčević has scored 23, 23 and 32 fantasy points, averaging just 17.0 minutes per game during that time. If his playing time even sniffs 30 minutes, he could very well end up flirting with top-70 value, making him a risky, yet intriguing target.
Standard 9-Category Leagues
Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings (4% rostered)
Carter could be another player to consider, should Sacramento fully embrace the tank as expected. After barely playing thus far this season, Carter has logged at least 27 minutes in three straight games. He has recorded at least four assists in five consecutive appearances, while chipping in four steals during that time. At this point, we haven't seen enough of Carter to determine whether he is going to take the ball and run with it. However, given the situation in Sacramento, he certainly warrants consideration, particularly for those needing assists and steals down the stretch.
Dylan Cardwell, Sacramento Kings (20% rostered)
Cardwell has been on the fantasy radar for the past month, putting up top-70 value in 16 appearances during that time. With averages of 6.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.6 combined steals and blocks in just 24.1 minutes per game, his appeal is obviously limited to managers requiring traditional big man numbers. Although Domantas Sabonis has recently returned from a knee injury, he now finds himself limited due to back issues. There is no indication that this is a long-term injury; however, Sacramento is likely to be cautious moving forward. Assuming what we have seen from Cardwell over the past month is his floor, managers can roster him with confidence, expecting him to play at least 24 minutes per game for the remainder of the season.
Danny Wolf, Brooklyn Nets (3% rostered)
Brooklyn is another team towards the bottom of the standings, a place that is all too familiar for Nets fans. While Day'Ron Sharpe has been a popular late-season target, Wolf has quietly gone about his business, having played at least 20 minutes in four straight games. During that time, he has averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 3-pointers, good enough for top-70 value in standard leagues. Knowing what the rotation is going to look like from one night to the next is almost impossible, meaning Wolf does come with an element of risk. However, if you can afford to take a bit of a chance, Wolf could end up being a versatile addition to just about any fantasy roster, should his role continue to develop.
Standard Points Leagues
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz (28% rostered)
It feels as though the time to stash Filipowski has been coming since about the third week of the season. Have we finally reached that point? Shockingly, the answer is not clear, even though Utah was recently fined for its shenanigans when it comes to playing time. Filipowski's role continues to shift on a nightly basis. In his past six games, his playing time has ranged from eight minutes to 36 minutes. In eight appearances over the past two weeks, he has averaged almost 30 fantasy points per game, a great sign given that it included a five-point performance in a blowout win against the Kings. There is no certainty when it comes to what Filipowski's exact role might look like, but we are likely close enough to finding out, making him a borderline must-roster player.
Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards (11% rostered)
Although Washington appears as though it is going to limit playing time rather than flat-out resting, Johnson could end up being somewhat immune. Having recently returned from an ankle injury that cost him six games, Johnson played just 18 minutes in his first game back. However, prior to the injury, he had logged at least 30 minutes in six straight games, providing the Wizards with a nice offensive punch. His overall skill set remains limited, which actually boosts his appeal in points leagues, as opposed to category leagues. Despite the limited ceiling, he is worth the gamble, especially if he ends up playing upwards of 30 minutes for the remainder of the season.
Nolan Traoré, Brooklyn Nets (15% rostered)
Traoré has seemingly established himself as a key piece for the Nets, having started in eight straight games. Despite a somewhat sluggish start to his new role, Traoré has now scored double digits in four consecutive appearances, while also adding 32 assists during that time. He has amassed at least 32 fantasy points in three of those four games, averaging 31.5 minutes per game. While Egor Dёmin has been the more talked-about player, it could be argued that Traoré has been the more impressive of the two, at least in recent times. Much like the situation in Washington, there are no guarantees when it comes to the rotation in Brooklyn. However, grabbing Traoré now makes a lot of sense.
Thomas Clements is as big an Arsenal fan as anybody. He follows his team home and away and is even named after Mickey Thomas, scorer of Arsenal’s decisive second goal against Liverpool in their 1989 title win. However, whereas the majority of match-goers might take for granted the seemingly small things like travel, the journey to the stadium, entering and exiting the ground – for disabled supporters such as Clements, careful thought and planning goes into arrangements.
Thomas was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts his movement and posture, and requires assistance to be able to attend match days. All of this is facilitated by Arsenal, who, like many Premier League clubs, are striving for inclusivity.
'Arsenal and the disability liaison team is great at facilitating my needs,' says Clements. 'Without them it wouldn't be possible'
Located north of the Arctic Circle — farther north than any team in Champions League history -- its reward for its impressive run is a showdown with last year's runner-up Inter, which currently leads the Italian league.
Qarabag of Azerbaijan is another unlikely team in the playoffs and it hosts Newcastle.
Atletico travels to Club Brugge and Olympiacos hosts Bayer Leverkusen.
In Tuesday's playoffs Paris Saint-Germain rallied from two goals down to beat Monaco 3-2 and Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0.
Galatasaray won 5-2 against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta 2-0.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained Tuesday, Feb. 17 at an airport in the Bahamas before being released, according to Ayton's lawyer Devard Francis.
Francis said Ayton was detained on suspicion of being in possession of a "very small amount of marijuana" while at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas.
Ayton, a native of the Bahamas, last played for the Bahamian national team in 2024.
Francis said the marijuana had been in someone else's bag, which led to a swift release of Ayton following a brief investigation.
"The investigators saw that the actual very small amount of marijuana wasn't in Deandre's bag, but they still went through their investigations and he was released expeditiously," Francis told Reuters in a statement.
Players are no longer tested for marijuana and it has been removed from the banned substance list, according to the CBA regulations.
However, marijuana is illegal in the Bahamas.
Ayton, 27, in his first season with the Lakers has averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and a block per game.
BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento is looking to break its six-game home slide with a win over Orlando.
The Kings are 9-19 in home games. Sacramento averages 13.9 turnovers per game and is 9-20 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.
The Magic are 10-15 on the road. Orlando is 8-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Kings are shooting 46.2% from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points lower than the 48.1% the Magic allow to opponents. The Magic's 46.2% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.2 percentage points lower than the Kings have allowed to their opponents (49.4%).
TOP PERFORMERS: DeMar DeRozan is averaging 18.7 points and 3.8 assists for the Kings. Nique Clifford is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Desmond Bane is averaging 19.6 points and 4.2 assists for the Magic. Paolo Banchero is averaging 22.4 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 0-10, averaging 106.8 points, 42.9 rebounds, 23.5 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.9 points per game.
Magic: 5-5, averaging 112.5 points, 38.2 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 10.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points.
INJURIES: Kings: Domantas Sabonis: day to day (back), Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Russell Westbrook: day to day (ankle), De'Andre Hunter: out (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Malik Monk: day to day (illness).
Magic: Jett Howard: day to day (ankle), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio aims to keep its six-game win streak intact when the Spurs take on Phoenix.
The Spurs are 24-13 in conference play. San Antonio has a 6-4 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Suns have gone 22-16 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix is sixth in the Western Conference with 15.0 fast break points per game led by Devin Booker averaging 3.3.
The Spurs' 13.0 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.7 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Suns give up. The Suns are shooting 46.0% from the field, 0.4% higher than the 45.6% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Suns won 111-102 in the last matchup on Nov. 24.
TOP PERFORMERS: De'Aaron Fox is shooting 48.4% and averaging 19.4 points for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 24.4 points over the last 10 games.
Booker is averaging 25.2 points and 6.3 assists for the Suns. Dillon Brooks is averaging 25.0 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 8-2, averaging 120.1 points, 47.1 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 7.3 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points per game.
Suns: 5-5, averaging 110.0 points, 42.7 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Lindy Waters III: day to day (knee).
Suns: Isaiah Livers: out (shoulder), Cole Anthony: day to day (not injury related), Grayson Allen: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Detroit visits New York looking to extend its three-game road winning streak.
The Knicks are 24-13 in conference play. New York ranks third in the Eastern Conference in team defense, allowing only 111.9 points while holding opponents to 45.9% shooting.
The Pistons are 26-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is fifth in the NBA scoring 18.4 fast break points per game led by Cade Cunningham averaging 3.7.
The Knicks make 47.2% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.1 percentage points higher than the Pistons have allowed to their opponents (44.1%). The Pistons average 5.3 more points per game (117.2) than the Knicks allow (111.9).
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Pistons won the last meeting 118-80 on Feb. 7. Daniss Jenkins scored 18 points to help lead the Pistons to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 19.8 points and 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. Jalen Brunson is averaging 23.3 points and 6.1 assists over the last 10 games.
Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 8-2, averaging 119.0 points, 46.3 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 7.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.7 points per game.
Pistons: 8-2, averaging 118.7 points, 43.9 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.4 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: OG Anunoby: day to day (toe), Miles McBride: out (ankle).
Pistons: Ronald Holland II: day to day (personal).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Boston travels to Golden State for a non-conference matchup.
The Warriors are 18-10 on their home court. Golden State is sixth in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 113.7 points while holding opponents to 47.2% shooting.
The Celtics are 17-10 in road games. Boston ranks last in the Eastern Conference recording just 23.9 assists per game led by Derrick White averaging 5.6.
The Warriors average 16.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 more made shots on average than the 14.0 per game the Celtics give up. The Celtics are shooting 46.7% from the field, 0.5% lower than the 47.2% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandin Podziemski is averaging 12 points and 3.5 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 15.3 points over the last 10 games.
Nikola Vucevic is scoring 16.7 points per game and averaging 9.0 rebounds for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 21.6 points and 6.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 4-6, averaging 109.4 points, 40.4 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 12.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.5 points per game.
Celtics: 7-3, averaging 107.3 points, 47.2 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.2 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Kristaps Porzingis: out (achilles), LJ Cryer: day to day (hamstring), Will Richard: day to day (knee), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago hosts Toronto looking to break its three-game home slide.
The Bulls are 16-22 in Eastern Conference games. Chicago has a 9-5 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Raptors are 24-15 in conference matchups. Toronto is second in the Eastern Conference with 29.3 assists per game led by Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.1.
The Bulls average 14.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Raptors give up. The Raptors are shooting 47.3% from the field, 0.6% lower than the 47.9% the Bulls' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Raptors won the last meeting 123-107 on Feb. 6, with Brandon Ingram scoring 33 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Josh Giddey is averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis is averaging 16.4 points over the last 10 games.
Quickley is scoring 17.0 points per game and averaging 4.4 rebounds for the Raptors. Ingram is averaging 22.1 points and 4.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 1-9, averaging 111.9 points, 42.0 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.7 points per game.
Raptors: 6-4, averaging 112.0 points, 43.2 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 9.1 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.9 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Jalen Smith: day to day (calf), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Isaac Okoro: day to day (knee), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).
Raptors: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta heads into the matchup with Philadelphia as losers of three in a row.
The 76ers have gone 19-18 against Eastern Conference teams. Philadelphia ranks ninth in the Eastern Conference in team defense, giving up just 115.9 points while holding opponents to 47.1% shooting.
The Hawks are 13-20 in Eastern Conference play. Atlanta ranks second in the NBA scoring 18.0 fast break points per game led by Jalen Johnson averaging 4.2.
The 76ers score 116.2 points per game, 2.4 fewer points than the 118.6 the Hawks give up. The Hawks are shooting 47.2% from the field, 0.1% higher than the 47.1% the 76ers' opponents have shot this season.
The two teams play for the third time this season. The Hawks defeated the 76ers 120-117 in their last meeting on Dec. 14. Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with 27 points, and Paul George led the 76ers with 35 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.9 points, 6.8 assists and two steals for the 76ers. Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Johnson is averaging 23.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 19.9 points and 3.2 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 6-4, averaging 114.1 points, 40.1 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 9.2 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.9 points per game.
Hawks: 5-5, averaging 115.9 points, 43.2 rebounds, 28.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.6 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: Joel Embiid: day to day (knee), Quentin Grimes: day to day (illness).
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
