CJ Hines had 15 points in Alabama State's 64-62 win against Grambling on Friday in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals. TJ Madlock made two free throws with 56 seconds left to give Alabama State a 64-58 lead. Hines added five assists for the Hornets (18-15).
Mets' Brandon Nimmo still uncertain about Opening Day role amid knee injury
The Mets have taken a cautious approach to Brandon Nimmo's spring training workload since the outfielder expressed soreness in his right knee on Feb. 28. And while his return to the lineup as a designated hitter on Thursday reaffirmed optimism in his availability for Opening Day, his role for the start of the regular season remains undefined.
Nimmo is expected to be the Mets' designated hitter again on Saturday against the Washington Nationals. But he believes his assignment for Mar. 27 against the Houston Astros is up in the air since the discomfort in his knee isn't completely gone yet.
"All I know is we're trying to progress every day and see if we can get a little bit of gain every day," Nimmo said Friday. "I don't know what it means for Opening Day, I just know we're trying to get the at-bats. As soon as I can get close to 100 percent, then I'll be able to play the outfield. But before that point, it's probably going to do more harm than good to try and get out there before it's ready.
"I'm hopeful [to play the outfield]. But I also know if you're not playing near 100 percent, you're probably a liability out there. I'll go and progress every day and do my best to be ready for the outfield on Opening Day. But right now, I've never been through this process before... I'm good at the plate right now, we're still working on getting the percentage higher on running. Sometimes it's a little bit of a slow process."
Nimmo, who received a gel injection in his knee last week, resumed baseball activities in Port St. Lucie on Monday. He ripped a single in his first-bat against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, and proceeded to strike out in the third inning and fly out to left in the sixth. So far, he's logged only four spring at-bats.
At full strength, Nimmo will be valued in the heart of the Mets' batting order. But the team isn't focused solely on his knee recovery -- he also dealt with plantar fasciitis in his left foot throughout the 2024 campaign.
The 31-year-old veteran still managed to play 151 games last season, and drive in a career-high 90 runs with 23 home runs and 25 doubles across 663 plate appearances. In the meantime, the Mets can only hope that Nimmo's bat speed remains sharp and his lower-body movements become more pain-free.
Watson’s 25 help Loyola Chicago beat Saint Louis 72-64 in Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament
Des Watson had 25 points in Loyola Chicago's 72-64 win over Saint Louis on Friday in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Loyola Chicago (22-10) will play top-seeded VCU in the semifinals on Saturday. Watson shot 7 of 14 from the field, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 8 for 9 from the line for the Ramblers.
3 Blackhawks Who Weren’t Traded Before Deadline That Could Be During Off-Season
On Trade Deadline Day, the Chicago Blackhawks made a few moves to try and better their situation in the long term. After having already traded Taylor Hall and Seth Jones, there was wonder how far they’d go on the final day to do something.
Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith were traded to the Detroit Red Wings and they made a prospect/salary cap/draft picks trade with the Utah Hockey Club. There wasn’t anything fancy but these moves could all help them in the future.
Ryan Donato, Pat Maroon, and others all had their names in rumors for the week leading up to the deadline. Almost everyone ended up sticking around though so there are a few veterans still there to help out the kids.
Donato and Maroon being on the team next year means that they would have signed an extension so they won’t be traded away. However, there are a few other guys that weren’t moved and could be traded come the summer.
Now that the dust has settled from the big day and some time has passed, these are the three guys who might be sent packing once the time comes in the off-season:
1. Connor Murphy
Connor Murphy is a solid defenseman that plays good minutes when he is healthy. That's the problem though. He deals with injury trouble just about every season. For a guy that makes $4.4 million against the cap, that money could go toward some offense which this team sorely lacks.
A Stanley Cup contender with some cap space may consider a player like Murphy as a top-four guy. The Blackhawks might be able to retain on Murphy during the summer too as Mikko Rantanen and Jake McCabe will come off the books.
Murphy's name wasn't in any reported trade talks ahead of the deadline but his contract situation makes him someone to think about. If they decide to make a move involving him this summer, it won't shock anyone.
Throughout his Blackhawks tenure, the team has been lousy. They wanted to get younger when they acquired him in the Niklas Hjalmarsson trade with the Arizona Coyotes which made sense but it didn't lead to more winning ahead of the rebuild. Now, everyone might be better off if he went somewhere with a chance to compete.
2. Kevin Korchinski
The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of young defensemen in the organization. Guys like Artyom Levshunov, Louis Crevier, Ethan Del Mastro, Wyatt Kaiser, and Alex Vlasic amongst others are fighting for ice time at the NHL level.
Korchinski is currently down in the AHL. That doesn't even account for Sam Rinzel who has been one of the best defensemen in the NCAA this season. All of these guys can't be on the NHL roster at the height of their powers.
Chicago could also draft Matthew Schaefer in the top three of the 2025 NHL Draft if they believe that he is a future superstar defenseman. With or without Schaefer, the Hawks are loaded at the position which is a good problem to have.
The Blackhawks need help up front. A team may take a chance on Korchinski who is a highly gifted offensive defenseman who was drafted in the top ten (7th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. He's had his ups and downs at both the NHL and AHL level but there is no doubting his ability to create. That will attract teams if the Hawks put him on the market.
3. Jason Dickinson
The Blackhawks probably should have traded Jason Dickinson during the 2023-24 season while he was in the middle of having a career year. His value will never be higher than it was then. You can also understand Kyle Davidson wanting some veteran presence within the organization.
In 2024-25, he's been good but hasn't produced offensively the way that he did one year prior. Now, he is facing the final two years of his current contract which has a cap hit of $4.25 million.
Teams looking for a solid bottom-six center that plays well defensively and can bring some offense to the table may be all over him if he were put on the block.
Like the first two on this list, Dickinson was never in any rumors ahead of the deadline this year but they are in the organization and could now be moved once summertime comes for something good in return.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.
Bradley Beal open to trade this offseason, 'Different deal in the summer'
At the trade deadline last month, when the Suns needed to find a new home for Bradley Beal to complete a Jimmy Butler trade, there was no deal to be made. Part of that was a limited market for Beal, but a more significant issue was Beal having a no-trade clause that he would have to waive for any deal to get done.
If the Suns are going to attain their goal of reshaping the roster around Devin Booker and getting under the second apron of the luxury tax, Phoenix is going to have to revisit Beal trades this offseason (not just trade Kevin Durant). Beal is far more open to an offseason move, he told Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The one caveat is that he wants to go somewhere with a chance to win.
"It is a different deal in the summer," Beal said. "Everything is kind of more laid out on the table. You got more options...
And my biggest thing is when I came here, I want to win. I've scored 30 points a game. I've been an All-Star. I've been All-NBA. I want to win. That's always been my label -- I haven't won anything. So whatever that looks like for the team, whether that's me coming up the bench, whether it's me starting, whether it's me, whatever it is, I'm going to do it... I enjoy the game, man. This game is fun. I try not to let nobody take the joy out of it for me... I'm still playing in the NBA, I still have the best job in the world, and I still have my no-trade clause. So I'm smiling every day."
It's unclear how big a trade market there might be for Beal this summer, and it's likely the Suns would need to attach a draft pick to him in any deal to get a team to take on the $110.8 million he is owed over the next two seasons. Beal still has value in the league, he's averaging 17.7 points a game this season and is shooting 39.3% from 3. He can still get buckets. But his role on any team now will not be as a primary offensive creator, at least with the first unit. His price tag outweighs his contributions at this point, limiting the market for his services.
Beal is not eager to uproot his family and move, it will have to be to a situation where he feels comfortable and the team has a shot at winning. That said, there's a better chance a Beal trade happens in June around the NBA Draft or during free agency in July than there was at the trade deadline.
Expect a lot of Beal rumors this summer. Whether any of them pan out is another question.
Toronto Marlies Acquire Brandon Baddock From Rockford IceHogs
The Toronto Marlies announced they have acquired forward Brandon Baddock from the Rockford IceHogs for future considerations.
Baddock has three goals, seven points and 86 penalty minutes in 38 games for Rockford this season.
The 29-year-old will add depth and toughness to the Marlies after the Toronto Maple Leafs dealt away several players at the NHL trade deadline.
News: The Toronto Marlies have acquired forward Brandon Baddock from the Rockford IceHogs in exchange for future considerations.#LongLivepic.twitter.com/JTKCgaPHg3
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) March 14, 2025
A sixth round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2014, Baddock has 24 goals, 62 points and 899 penalty minutes in 424 career AHL games with the IceHogs, Binghamton Devils, Laval Rocket and Iowa Wild.
The Vermilion, Alta., native has appeared in one career NHL game with the Montreal Canadiens.
His first chance to make his Marlies debut comes Mar. 15 against the Charlotte Checkers.
Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
The NHL Is Not Out To Get Rangers' Matt Rempe
In each of the last two New York Rangers' games, Matt Rempe has been the subject of questionable penalties. And the Rangers have every right to be upset about that.
The first came Tuesday night when Rempe was called for goalie interference, despite being pushed into Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck by defenseman Morgan Barron. The second came two nights later when an incidental collision between Rempe and Devin Shore of the Minnesota Wild resulted in an interference call.
What's worse, the Jets and Wild scored on the ensuing power plays in games the Rangers are absolutely desperate to win. Every goal, every point, every play matters at this point in the season.
But to suggest anyone has an axe to grind with Rempe and the Rangers is absurd. Fans in every market love to complain about how the league has it in for them, and it just isn't the case.
Today's video column has more.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
3 observations after 8-man Sixers build surprising lead but lose to Pacers
3 observations after 8-man Sixers build surprising lead but lose to Pacers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers just about fielded a team Friday night at Wells Fargo Center.
They even built a significant lead over the Pacers before falling to another expected loss. Indiana came back for a 112-100 victory and improved to 37-28. The Sixers dipped to 22-44.
Jeff Dowtin Jr. tallied a career-best 24 points. Pacers star Pascal Siakam scored 27.
The Sixers were as shorthanded as you can get while still being allowed to play a game. They had more players out than available Friday. The full list is below:
- Tyrese Maxey (lower back sprain and right finger sprain)
- Quentin Grimes (illness)
- Lonnie Walker IV (concussion)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (right knee sprain)
- Andre Drummond (left toe sprain)
- Justin Edwards (left ankle sprain)
- Paul George (left groin soreness)
- Kyle Lowry (right hip injury)
- Joel Embiid (season-ending left knee injury)
- Eric Gordon (season-ending right wrist surgery)
- Jared McCain (season-ending left lateral meniscus surgery)
The Sixers will begin a six-road road trip Sunday afternoon against the Mavericks. Here are observations on their loss to the Pacers:
Dowtin up for his 1st start
Dowtin started for the first time in his NBA career and opened the scoring with a mid-range jumper.
The Sixers’ highly makeshift lineup was better than the Pacers’ established unit, earning a surprising early lead.
Indiana missed some open jumpers, but the Sixers defended solidly and effectively varied their coverages. The Sixers also didn’t give the Pacers easy points at the foul line, which was especially important given the terribly undermanned state of the team.
Dowtin maintained the momentum from his 20-point performance Wednesday in the Sixers’ loss to the Raptors. He reached his fifth consecutive double-digit scoring game with a patient, crafty turnaround bucket late in the first quarter. Dowtin played the entire quarter and made his first seven field goals. Thanks largely to his efforts, the Sixers led by as many as 12 points in the first period.
Bona shines in 2nd quarter
The Sixers had two debutants in two-way contract player Jalen Hood-Schifino and fresh 10-day contract signee Oshae Brissett. Alex Reese was the one other available player off the bench.
The Pacers scored the game’s first 11 bench points and the Sixers’ second unit started 0 for 7 from the floor. However, the Sixers kept their advantage after turning to the bench and went up 43-27 when Ricky Council IV drained a long three-pointer.
Starting the second game of his rookie year, Adem Bona played a very strong second quarter. The UCLA product posted 10 points in the period and made 6 for 7 free throws. He also had two steals and a block with active, zealous work defensively.
In addition to Bona, Guerschon Yabusele fought well on the glass Friday. Yabusele only scored five points on 1-for-6 shooting, but he snagged a career-high 15 rebounds.
Reality hits
Indiana’s offensive woes finally subsided a bit late in the second quarter. A Tyrese Haliburton three early in the third put the Pacers on top.
Eventually, the game was bound to align more closely with anyone’s realistic expectations. Dowtin stopped making every shot, the Sixers had a string of disjointed possessions, and the team looked outmatched in the talent department.
The Sixers did make another spirited push late in the third quarter, cutting the Pacers’ lead down to 74-73 on two Council free throws, but their burst wasn’t sustainable.
The Pacers dominated the first few minutes of the fourth quarter, restoring a double-digit lead and finishing off the comfortable win they always seemed destined to take.
Why Melvin believes Doval in a ‘great place' entering 2025 season
Why Melvin believes Doval in a ‘great place' entering 2025 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Giants pitcher Camilo Doval has created an interesting predicament over his past few outings.
The Giants want Doval to spend his entire spring working on the little things, like holding runners at first and being quick to the plate. But Doval has been so efficient lately that he hasn’t had any opportunities to throw over, step off or try to deliver a strike well before the clock expires. Over his last three outings, it’s been nine up, nine down, with four strikeouts in those three quick innings.
The intricacies of the game will have to be mastered on the back fields at Scottsdale Stadium during workouts, and thus far, the Giants are thrilled with how Doval has attacked that process. Coming off a disappointing season that cost him his job as San Francisco’s closer, Doval has been locked in from the first day of camp.
He is taking the work seriously, and staffers speak glowingly of the leadership he has shown with younger Spanish-speaking players. Every morning, Doval picks up a few less experienced teammates and drives them to the ballpark.
“Camilo is in a great space right now,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s pitching really well, too. He’s throwing strikes, he’s efficient, he’s worked on a lot of things. We haven’t seen any baserunners recently but he’s working on his times to the plate, too. He knows it’s about throwing strikes and limiting walks.”
Doval too often lost contact with the strike zone last season, issuing 5.9 walks per nine innings and throwing seven wild pitches. The lack of command — and the inability to manage all those hitters he walked — led to the Giants shockingly sending him back to Triple-A, but Doval took the assignment in stride, arriving two days before the staff expected him to.
When Doval returned to the big leagues, Ryan Walker had a stranglehold on the ninth inning, and nothing has changed this spring. Walker is the closer, and Doval — who has 92 career saves and made the 2023 All-Star team — has no issues with that.
“He’s doing a great job,” he said through interpreter Erwin Higueros. “With me, it’s just continuing to work, continuing to work, and I know that an opportunity is going to be there.”
Doval himself is an example of just how quickly things can change in the late innings. He was so dominant at times early in his career that the Giants considered locking him up long-term, but a few rough months bumped him way down the depth chart. The Giants don’t expect any sort of slump from Walker, but if help is needed at some point down the line, they know they have another option who is comfortable with the game on the line.
For now, Doval is settling into life as a setup man. Melvin is still trying to decide whether it’s Doval or Tyler Rogers who will get the eighth, but he offered a hint Thursday, pointing out that Rogers has been very effective in getting a lead to his closer. The submariner pitched in the eighth inning 62 times last year and posted a 2.53 ERA.
If Rogers is the main setup man, Melvin would have a bit of flexibility with Doval. Left-hander Erik Miller will usually be saved for the best lefties on the other side, which means he could be used anywhere from the sixth to the eighth when the Giants are protecting a lead. Doval could wind up being a valuable bridge piece to Rogers and Walker, one who is capable of giving Melvin multiple innings if needed.
Melvin is also toying with the idea of using Doval as his fireman with runners on base, a role Walker excelled in before being elevated to the ninth. Doval has the stuff to get out of any jam with strikeouts. That role, though, requires throwing strikes and making sure any inherited runners don’t immediately take off for the next base. That’s why this spring’s steps forward are so encouraging.
“He’s got strikeout stuff,” Melvin said. “It’s the other stuff — it’s being quick to the plate, not allowing stolen bases, and certainly a wild pitch or two can affect (inherited runners) as well. But this spring, he has been really efficient.”
After working hard all offseason, Mets’ Clay Holmes ‘honored’ to receive Opening Day nod
Clay Holmes knew going into this offseason that he wanted to be a starter.
That dream became a reality when he signed with the Mets on a three-year deal, and the right-hander immediately went to work -- grinding his way throughout the offseason to ensure that he’d be ready by the time camp opened.
He reported to Port St. Lucie early and has been working tirelessly with the coaching and training staff to refine his arsenal and make sure he’ll be stretched out as much as possible when the regular season comes around.
And now, Holmes is being rewarded for all of his hard work -- as manager Carlos Mendoza officially named him the starter for the Mets’ Opening Day matchup with the Houston Astros on March 27.
“It's a special thing," Holmes said. “I’m honored. It’s been a crazy few months, but it’s a testament to the work I’ve put in and the people I’ve been around here with the organization. There was a plan in place from the get-go; I believed in it and they believed in me.
“There’s been a lot of work put in these last few months and this is just another step. It’s definitely an honor to be out there for the first game -- I’m pumped to get to represent the Mets and this organization, and just excited to get the season going.”
Mendoza -- someone who Holmes has been around since his days with the Yankees -- called the big right-hander into his office along with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner to give him the good news on Thursday.
“He earned it,” the skipper said. “We like what we're seeing. I know it's a small sample size, but it's really encouraging. He put himself in a really good position. Showed up here early in camp. He was ahead of everyone -- I know he’s worked really hard. We’re proud of him.”
The results don’t matter much, but Holmes’ first few spring outings certainly have been extremely encouraging, as he is yet to allow a run and has struck out 13 batters in just 9.2 innings of work while showcasing his revamped arsenal.
The 31-year-old is scheduled to take the mound again Saturday -- he expects to stretch out to around 70 pitches during that outing and will build from there with hopes of being around 90 pitches and ready for a full slate come Opening Day.
"At the end of the day, we just have to go out there and put our best foot forward and show everyone what we're about," Holmes said.
Rays pick up 2026 team option on Yandy Díaz, add vesting option for 2027
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have picked up their $12 million team option on Yandy Díaz for the 2026 season.
The Rays announced Friday that they had added a vesting option for 2027, pending 2026 performance thresholds.
Díaz batted .281 with 14 homers, 65 RBIs and a .341 on-base percentage in 145 games last season. The 33-year-old first baseman had on-base percentages of .410 in 2023 and .401 in 2022.
He hit an AL-leading .330 and finished sixth in the AL MVP balloting in 2023. He also hit 22 homers and drove in 78 runs that year.
Díaz has a career batting average of .288 with a .373 on-base percentage, 75 homers and 341 RBIs in 754 games. He played with Cleveland from 2017-18 before coming to Tampa Bay in 2019.
Tonje spurs record-tying 3-point flurry as No. 18 Wisconsin beats UCLA 86-70 in Big Ten Tournament
John Tonje matched his career high with six 3-pointers on his way to 26 points, and No. 18 Wisconsin tied the Big Ten Tournament single-game record by making 19 3s in an 86-70 victory over fourth-seeded UCLA on Friday. Tonje also had nine rebounds and four assists. John Blackwell added 18 points, five rebounds and four assists while making four 3s.
UCLA routed by Wisconsin in Big Ten tournament quarterfinal
The Bruins received a wakeup call as they came out sluggish, fell behind by double digits early and never recovered against the Badgers on Friday.
The Hockey Show: Trade Deadline fallout, playoff posturing with Emily Kaplan
The latest episode of The Hockey Show has dropped!
Following one of the craziest Trade Deadline’s in recent memory, THS hosts Roy Bellamy and David Dwork get into the fallout, both regarding the Florida Panthers and the rest of the NHL.
Joining the show to help break everything down is NHL on ESPN sideline reporter Emily Kaplan.
They get into the Brad Marchand trade to Florida, which teams were the winners and losers of the Trade Deadline and who will provide the best challenge to the Panthers when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.
This week’s wins and fails of the week, presented by Jagermeister, included a Superman punch in a hockey fight and a Superman save by a goaltender, a fan trying to fight a mascot and Nathan MacKinnon hitting a major milestone.
Dave and Roy also reviewed the Panthers week that was, which featured a dominant shutout win, an uncharacteristic blown lead in Boston and a fun victory in a heavyweight matchup in Toronto.
You can check out the full show in the video below:
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
Three takeaways: Panthers slow Leafs rush game, finding success without key players
Sergei Bobrovsky hits major milestone, moving into 10th on NHL all-time wins list
Bennett has big night as Panthers take down Toronto, retain top spot in Atlantic Division
Atlantic Division foes battle as Florida arrives in Toronto looking to keep 1st place
Florida Panthers drop off Stanley Cup Ring at Hockey Hall of Fame
LA Kings Holding Their Own Against League’s Best
Now that the month of March is half over, potential playoff seedings and wild card battles are taking shape nightly across the NHL.
With last week’s trade deadline in the books, fans and experts alike seem to view the Dallas Stars as serious Stanley Cup favorites. And the betting markets appear to agree, with Draft Kings having the Stars down at +600 to win it all. Not far behind are the Edmonton Oilers, + 800 to win their first Cup since 1990.
The Los Angeles Kings? They aren't getting a ton of love from the sports books at +2000 or an implied probability of 4.76%.
Although it's true that the Kings have well-known issues, is it possible that LA is more of a threat than people realize? Despite their 28th-ranked power play (15.5%), 13th-ranked save percentage (.904), and mild 2.86 goals per game, the Kings are regularly beating some very good teams.
Looking strictly at teams with a .600+ points percentage at this point in the season (CAR, COL, DAL, EDM, FLA, TBL, TOR, VGK, WSH, WPG), the Kings are a robust 11-8 against this elite group. This includes three wins against Vegas, two wins against both Dallas and Winnipeg and one against the defending champion Florida Panthers. Not too shabby.
#GoKingsGo *winning* percentages (not P%) vs playoff teams last year and this year:
— Andrew Knoll (@AndrewKnollNHL) March 14, 2025
Vs NHL qualifiers .385
Vs WC qualifiers .348
Vs NHL qualifiers (entering today) .567
Vs WC qualifiers (enterting today) .625.
That's a pretty drastic turnaround.
How have Cup favorites Dallas and Edmonton fared against this same group? Not nearly as well as Los Angeles. Edmonton has so far gone 7-11-3 against these elite teams, while Dallas has posted a record of 7-11-2. Not the kind of record that screams a lock to win it all in June.
While it would be foolish to read too much into this discrepancy, it seems to indicate that the LA Kings play up to their competition. There is a belief in the room that they can beat anybody when they play their game.
Swiss winger Kevin Fiala alluded to this sentiment during the media scrum following LA’s win against the Washington Capitals on March 13th:
“We’re not scared from (sic) anybody. We’re strong at home this year.”
Not just strong but a league best 22-3-4 at Crypto.com Arena, which has suddenly become a very inhospitable venue for road teams from either conference.
With 18 regular season games remaining for the Kings, much remains to be written. Will their dominance at home continue unabated? Can they continue to go toe-to-toe with the NHL’s top tier? Will they find a way to get better results away from home?
If so, the hockey world just might be sleeping on these guys. And if you are LA, you probably hope that they keep dozing well into May and June.