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Rocker named 5th starter, McCutchen on the team

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Relief pitcher Kumar Rocker #80 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning of the spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Texas Rangers’ fifth start to start the season will be Kumar Rocker, the team announced today. Jacob Latz, who was competing with Rocker for the fifth starter spot, will open the season in the bullpen.

In addition, the team announced that Andrew McCutchen, Sam Haggerty and Ezequiel Duran have made the club, and Mark Canha, barring an injury, will not.

Finally, Evan Carter will be the primary center fielder, with Wyatt Langford shifting to center field when Carter gets a day off. Carter, per team president Chris Young, will sit against some lefties, but will not be platooned to start the year.

It appears that 25 of the 26 spots in the roster are now set, with the only question remaining being who will get the final spot in the bullpen. Carter Baumler, Josh Sborz and Luis Curvelo are considered the leading candidates. Baumler, as a Rule 5 selection, would have to be put on waivers and, if he clears, offered back to the Baltimore Orioles, from whom he was selected, if he’s not on the major league roster or the major league injured list.

I don’t think there are any real surprises with these announcements. From the time he was signed, it appeared that a roster spot was McCutchen’s to lose, and he has performed well in exhibition games since signing. Rocker’s strong finish to the spring, along with Latz seeing a velocity dip in his last start and his overall value as a reliever, seemed to give Rocker the edge for the fifth starter spot.

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NBA power rankings 2025-26: Thunder, Spurs, Pistons make up the top three

Only one of the top eight teams in NBC's NBA Power Rankings from last week lost a game: Boston on Sunday to Minnesota. With that, not much movement at the top.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

(56-15, last week No. 1)
Only two franchises in NBA history — at the peak of their powers — have won 65 games in consecutive seasons. The Jordan-era Bulls did it between 1995-97 (winning the championship both years), and the peak Curry-era Warriors did it three consecutive years (two with Kevin Durant) between 2014-17, winning two rings (hat tip to the Slam & Jam podcast for the stat). The Thunder are on pace to be the third. They won 68 games last season and have 56 wins this season, on pace for 65 exactly — and they are about to get their second-best player back. Jalen Williams is set to return from his second hamstring injury on Monday against Philadelphia, plus Lu Dort is cleared to play in that game as well. It would be the first game this season when the OKC core would all be healthy… except that Ajay Mitchell is suspended for that game after escalating a fight against the Wizards.

2. San Antonio Spurs

(53-18, last week No. 2)
San Antonio has reached 50 wins for the first time since the 2016-17 season (the Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol era). "That's real," coach Mitch Johnson said of hitting the mark. "It's one of those things we've done this year where we're not going to avoid that or try to act like that (is nothing) — 50 wins this league is tough." It has happened because Victor Wembanyama made a larger leap than anyone but himself expected: In March, he averaged 26.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 38.1% from 3-point range. Starting Monday in Miami, San Antonio has six of seven on the road.

3. Detroit Pistons

(51-19, last week No. 4)
Cade Cunningham is out with a collapsed lung, possibly for the remainder of the regular season. That sucks for him because he was on the way to being top-5 in MVP voting and first-team All-NBA, and now he's unlikely to reach the 65-game threshold (he's at 60 qualified games). Note: This is example 1,437 why the 65-game rule sucks. His exit also had people questioning if the Pistons could hold on to the No. 1 seed in the East, but this team has a 7-2 record in games Cunningham has missed this season — including 2-0 in this stretch — with a +3.9 net rating when he is off the floor. It's going to be tough for the Celtics to make up that ground.

4. Boston Celtics

(47-24, last week No. 3)
Boston is 6-2 in the games Tatum has played since his return. He's not consistent yet (6-of-16 Sunday in a loss to Minnesota), but he is finding a groove, having scored 20+ points in five games played and has a couple of double-doubles. He talked about the frustrating process of finding his way back and having off days after Sunday's loss: "It's tough in the moment, right? You try not to think about it. You just want to be Jason Tatum and feel like yourself again. I'm not Superman, so, obviously, it's going to take some time. I think the next day I can give myself a little more grace over certain things, but in the moment, I mean, it's frustrating."

5. Los Angeles Lakers

(46-25, last week No. 5)
The Lakers are the hottest team in the NBA — and they kept that streak alive this week with a couple of dramatic clutch wins. The Lakers are not just a league-best 22-6 in clutch games (within five points in the final five minutes), their +27.8 net rating in those minutes is top-10 all-time in the clutch. At the heart of that success is the Lakers have three players who can thrive in isolation — Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James — and the Lakers average 1.03 points per isolation possession, second best in the league (behind OKC, with SGA). The Lakers are 4-0 on their road trip, which continues with stops in Detroit and Indiana.

6. New York Knicks

(47-25, last week No. 6)
The best teams don't let the easy wins slip away and beat the soft teams on their schedule — and that has been the Knicks the past couple of weeks. New York has won six in a row, but the best team they faced in that stretch was the Curry-less Warriors. That winning streak has New York just half a game back of Boston for the No. 2 seed in the East, and the Knicks have an easier schedule the rest of the way. This hot streak also moved the Knicks into the top five in the league in offensive and defensive rating — a sign of a true contender. That soft schedule is about to change with the Pelicans, Hornets and Thunder on the schedule this week.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

(44-27, last week No. 7)
The glass-half-full spin: Cleveland has won three in a row. The glass-half-empty spin: That came against two tanking teams and the Pelicans, and none of those wins was by more than seven points. James Harden has helped spark those wins, and since coming over to the Cavaliers, he's averaging 20.9 points per game while shooting 45% from 3-point range, plus dishing out 7.8 assists per game. Better tests for just how good Cleveland is this week with Orlando and two against Miami.

8. Denver Nuggets

(44-28, last week No. 8)
Since returning from his 16-game absence due to a knee hyperextension, Nikola Jokic has been very good, but not quite at the same MVP-level he was before. He's averaging 3.4 fewer points and one fewer assist per game, is shooting 52.5% from the floor (down from 60.5% before the injury) and 31.7% from 3-point range (down from 43.5% before, all stats from before Sunday's game). Jokic is still on pace to become only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for multiple seasons (Russell Westbrook is the other), but he might slide below Victor Wembanyama in the MVP race as the Spurs thrive. Good news in Denver is that Peyton Watson is back, and the team is mostly healthy. Key game for Denver this week on Tuesday against the Suns (the No. 7 seed) — a game you can watch on Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

(44-28, last week No. 11)
Anthony Edwards is out with right knee inflammation, but the Timberwolves have gone a respectable 3-1 in his absence so far, including a critical win over the Phoenix Suns (a team chasing them for the No. 6 seed in the West and avoiding the play-in) plus beating the Celtics in Boston on Basketball Night in America Sunday. Edwards has to play in at least eight more games this season to get to 65 and qualify for postseason awards — if he does, he is a lock for his third All-NBA nod (and has a case for First Team). Ayo Dosunmu – acquired from the Bulls at the trade deadline – has started in Edwards' place and, over his first three games, averaged 19.7 points per game.

10. Houston Rockets

(43-27, last week No. 12)
The two losses to the Lakers last week (both at home) summed up why many around the league do not see the Rockets as a contender: In the clutch, in games where it becomes about half-court offense, the Rockets struggled to generate enough to win. Everything unfairly falls on Kevin Durant, and in those losses to the Lakers, in the clutch he scored a combined 5 points on 2-of-5 shooting, with 3 turnovers to 1 assist, and he was -10. That's not all about Durant (who passed Michael Jordan this week for fifth on the all-time scoring list), it's about defenses loading up on him because the Rockets don't have other options that scare other teams. Would that be different if Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams had remained healthy? That's two key starters out, guys who brought very specific, needed skill sets. Even without those guys, the Rockets are in the thick of the 3-6 battle in the West, currently fourth in that group and with the easiest remaining schedule of any of those teams (according to the Elias Sports Bureau). Important game Wednesday in that group as Houston travels to Minnesota for a game.

11. Atlanta Hawks

(39-32, last week No. 13)
Atlanta has won 12-of-13 (the Rockets snapped the Hawks' 11-game win streak), and that run not-so-coincidentally started when CJ McCollum moved into the starting lineup in place of Zaccharie Risacher. Atlanta's starting lineup now — Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and McCollum — is tearing people up and why Atlanta is now sixth in the East (that and the tiebreaker over Philadelphia).

12. Charlotte Hornets

(37-34, last week No. 17)
Charlotte sits as the No. 10 seed but is still one of the hottest teams in the East, having won 5-of-6 — including victories over Miami and Orlando last week — and is 7-3 so far in March. Coby White, in 11 games with the Hornets since coming over from the Bulls at the trade deadline, is averaging 14.9 points and 3.8 assists per game, boosting the bench (along with a healthy Josh Green and Grant Williams). Good tests this week to see just how hot the Hornets are, facing the Knicks and Celtics.

13. Toronto Raptors

(39-31, last week No. 14)
Raptors fans, do you feel this team has lived up to expectations this season? If the season ended today, Toronto would be the No. 5 seed in the East — higher than I expected before the season — and it has done it despite a rash of injuries. On the other hand, this team is 9-11 against teams over .500, and the Raptors are 1-8 against the top three in the East (Pistons, Knicks, Celtics). This is a good team, but not a postseason threat, and the front office has work to do. Toronto is 1-2 on a five-game road trip that still includes Utah and the LA Clippers.

14. Orlando Magic

(38-32, last week No. 9)
Orlando has dropped four straight games, and the culprit is that their inconsistent offense has been on the downswing. That offense should look better when Franz Wagner and Anthony Black get healthy, but until then, inconsistency may be the buzzword. As it has seemed all season. The good news is that, among the teams in the tight 5-10 race in the East over the final three weeks of the season, the only team with an easier schedule in that group is Toronto.

15. Miami Heat

(38-33, last week No. 10)
Miami has dropped four in a row and it all starts with its defense, having given up 120+ in each of those games. The losing streak has dropped the Heat to ninth in the East — only 2.5 games separate fifth and 10th in the East, Miami needs wins and it can quickly move back up the standings. That might be tough to do this week, facing the Spurs, then two games on the road against the Cavaliers.

16. Los Angeles Clippers

(35-36, last week No. 16)
Kawhi Leonard returned from injury this week, and if he can get to 65 games played, he will make an All-NBA team this year (deservedly so) — Leonard has missed 16 games this season, he can only afford to miss one more to stay above the ridiculous NBA-set number. Before Darius Garland went off for 41 and got the Clippers and overtime win in Dallas, the team had dropped four straight and opened the door for Portland to get into the top eight (a much easier path through the play-in to the playoffs than being ninth). Fortunately for the Clippers, there are winnable games on the schedule this week, with the best team they will see being Toronto on Wednesday at the Intuit Dome.

17. Phoenix Suns

(40-32, last week No. 15)
Phoenix's push to make the top six and avoid the play-in likely ended with the team's five-game losing streak (which ended Sunday with a blowout win over Toronto). A few things have led to that streak. One is that this is not a good clutch team, it has a -9.6 net rating in games within five points in the final five minutes, which is 23rd in the league. Also, Jalen Green is still trying to find his way after returning to the team from injury on Feb. 7, and in his last 10 games he's averaging 21 points a game but on an inefficient 40.4% shooting (which is actually up from when he first returned). Devin Booker has been the bright spot, but it hasn't been enough. In his last 10 games, Booker is third in the NBA in scoring at 30.3 points per game, including a season-high 43 against the Pacers and 40 points in a loss to the Celtics. Critical game Tuesday against Denver, if the Suns are going to have any chance to get into the top six they need this one — game you can watch on Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock.

18. Philadelphia 76ers

(39-32, last week No. 18)
Jared McCain makes his return to Philadelphia Monday, as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and this has revenge game written all over it. Even if McCain said Monday at shoot around he isn't really angry about being traded, "When (Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey) first told me, I didn't even really understand what team he sent me to. I heard 'traded' and that was kind of it. But once I understood it was OKC, it was one of those moments where you're almost like, 'OOK they won a championship … why do you want me?'" McCain has looked like his best self in OKC, and with Ajay Mitchell out for Monday's game (suspension), McCain should get plenty of run to remind Philly fans what they are missing.

19. Portland Trail Blazers

(35-37, last week No. 19)
No coasting into the finish line in Portland — they are in a race with the Clippers for the No. 8 seed in the West (being top 8 means needing just one win in two games to make the playoffs, as opposed to being 9-10 and needing to win two games, one on the road). The Trail Blazers have won 4-of-6 and have a slightly easier schedule the rest of the way than the Clippers, thanks to having 7-of-10 at home.

20. New Orleans Pelicans

(25-47, last week No. 22)
Everyone's favorite spoiler took two games from the LA Clippers last week and almost did the same against Cleveland, but New Orleans blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead and lost. Part of the reason for the Pelicans' improved play is that Dejonte Murray returned from a torn Achilles and is averaging 18.7 points and 6.2 assists per game, and the Pelicans are 5-5 in the games he has played.

21. Chicago Bulls

(28-42, last week No. 20)
Two players have 100 blocks and 100 3-pointers this season. One is obvious: Victor Wembanyama. The other is Matas Buzelis. The No. 11 pick in 2024 has taken a step forward this season, averaging 16.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a game, shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc. One other note, Josh Giddey has 19 triple-doubles as a member of the Bulls, but more than half of those (10) came after March 1 each season.

22. Golden State Warriors

(33-38, last week No. 21)
Stephen Curry could return to the court as early as Wednesday — and the Warriors need him. The Warriors are 6-15 in this stretch of games without him and have fallen to the No. 10 seed in the West. When he was healthy, Curry looked elite, averaging 27.2 points and 4.8 assists a game, shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. The Warriors are 1.5 games back of Portland for the No. 9 seed and two games back of the No. 8 Clippers — that's ground that can be made up in three weeks, but the Warriors need to start racking up wins. Fast. They have a chance to turn things around this week with three tanking teams on the schedule this week (plus the Nuggets).

23. Milwaukee Bucks

(29-41, last week No. 23)
We wrote about it in last week's Power Rankings before it became a very public thing: The question was never whether it was best for the Bucks to shut Giannis Antetokounmpo down for the season, the question was whether he would let them. This has become a thing. The reality is that it would be best for the Bucks' chances of retaining Antetokounmpo if he sat (they could marginally improve their NBA Draft Lottery odds, and that pick can be traded to get the kind of player Antetokounmpo wants next to him). Antetokounmpo will say that his competitive drive is not a switch that can just be flipped on and off, and he wants to play. Okay, but in this case, it feels a bit performative, given the Bucks are 7.5 games out of the play-in with 12 games left to play.

24. Dallas Mavericks

(23-48, last week No. 24)
If Cooper Flagg is going to win Rookie of the Year over former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, he is going to have to put on a finishing kick — which he is trying to do. Missing eight games due to injury in February and March — while Knueppel was playing in meaningful games for Charlotte — put Flagg a step back in a very tight race. Flagg's recent strong outings against Cleveland (twice) and New Orleans, where he scored 21+ points with efficient shooting, are what he needs. The 6-15 shooting against Atlanta, followed by 6-of-16 against the Clippers, is not ideal.

25. Memphis Grizzlies

(24-46, last week No. 28)
Memphis ended its eight-game losing streak with a spoiler special, upsetting the Denver Nuggets. It was a needed bright spot. Even though it feels like we say every week that the Grizzlies have been riddled by injuries, it hits harder when you see the list of guys who are out: Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr., Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ty Jerome and Brandon Clarke. That's a lot, and why the Grizzlies have leaned into using a hardship exception to bring in players.

26. Utah Jazz

(21-50, last week No. 26)
Jazz fans may not want to win a lot of games the rest of the season, but it was hard not to be excited watching this team beat the shorthanded Bucks by 32 (Utah's largest win of the season). Especially with Ace Bailey going off for 33. It's going to be interesting in the next couple of years to see how he fits alongside Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen.

27. Sacramento Kings

(19-53, last week No. 25)
When a team is tanking — and the Kings are tanking, even if they beat the Nets Sunday and have now gone 5-3 in their last eight (playing DeMar DeRozan far too many minutes in a couple of those wins) — the goal is to find a couple of guys who can be part of what is being built. Maxime Raynaud is one of those guys. The 7'1" center out of France was a second-round pick last June, but has steadily improved all season and has taken off of late, scoring 30 against Philadelphia, 32 against the Spurs, 23 in a win over the Clippers, and 22 and 10 in a win over Brooklyn on Sunday. Whatever is next in Sacramento, Raynaud should be part of it.

28. Brooklyn Nets

(17-54, last week No. 27)
Losers of seven straight games, and that includes blowing a late fourth-quarter lead against the Knicks. While Brooklyn is in the bottom five in the league in defense, the bigger concern long-term is the offense, which is dead last in the league. When you look at this roster and the teams around them in this ranking, is there a team more desperately in need of lottery luck than Brooklyn?

29. Washington Wizards

(16-55, last week No. 29)
Losers of 16 straight, and for all the optimism about next season (with Trae Young and Anthony Davis) this is hard to watch right now. If you're looking for the silver lining, rookie Will Riley has shown some promise and might become part of the rotation for whatever comes next in the nation's capital.

30. Indiana Pacers

(15-56, last week No. 30)
Interesting speculation out there that if the Pacers luck into the No. 1 pick, they would take Cameron Boozer because he fits their win-now needs along the front line. It's all just speculation at this point, and the Pacers would be very happy with Boozer at any spot in the top four, he would be plug-and-play next to Ivica Zubac starting next season. That said, you get the No. 1 pick, you take the best player regardless of position (don't repeat the "we don't need Michael Jordan, we have Clyde Drexler" mistake). Speaking of Zubac, he is out for the remainder of the season with a fractured rib. After being traded by the Clippers, Zubac averaged 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game with the Pacers, but the team dropped all five of those games. Expect Jay Huff to get more run to end the season for the Pacers.

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Football 301's look at top defensive linemen in 2026 NFL Draft: From potential star in Arvell Reese to a 'Thanos'-like prospect from Florida

Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald on the “Football 301” podcast recently dove deep into the 2026 NFL Draft’s defensive line and edge rusher class, unspooling their rankings, comps and assessments of this year’s talent. While the class may not feature a Nick Bosa or Will Anderson Jr. at the very top, it’s rich with intriguing, versatile, and even some polarizing prospects. Here’s an in-depth look at the top defensive linemen and edge rushers as discussed on the show.

While the 2026 defensive line class may lack a generational talent at the top, it’s deeply layered with ready-to-contribute pros and workaround flaws for creative coordinators. Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr. and Caleb Banks headline the group with their unique blend of football traits and projectable athleticism. Just as intriguing are the classic “high floor” defenders like T.J. Parker, Zion Young and Kayden McDonald, whose names may not elicit big reactions now, but could anchor NFL defenses for the next decade.

Both Tice and McDonald had Ohio State’s Arvell Reese ranked No. 2 on their big boards —unusual consensus for such do-it-all prospects.

Reese flashes an “otherworldly talent” that evokes memories of Micah Parsons with rare ability to play traditional linebacker, edge or even an old-school 3-4 Sam.

What makes Reese unique isn’t just his explosiveness, length, or speed, but his motor: “every play is the last play to the Super Bowl,” Tice said.

While Reese’s true NFL role may depend on schematic fit and development, he’s a near lock as a top-three draft pick.

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 22: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) jogs off the field after the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 22, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Part of Nate Tice's scouting report on Ohio State's Arvell Reese: "This guy moves different. He wants to play hard." (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. has been a lightning rod for discussion — some scouts fixate on his “short arms,” but both Yahoo analysts dismiss arm length concerns after breaking down his tape. As McDonald emphasized, Bain’s film answers most critiques: he’s strong as an ox, explosive, aware and can kick inside on passing downs.

Tice continued the praise, comparing Bain’s career arc to Brandon Graham — maybe never a 15-sack superstar, but a consistent pressure generator who plays every down with maximum effort. He’s as reliable as they come, and will almost certainly hear his name early on draft night.

Texas Tech’s David Bailey earns accolades for his constant disruption and “flamethrower” style. Bailey isn’t always the most technically sound, but his effort, athleticism and pass rush productivity speak for themselves. He reportedly racked up over 80 pressures this past season.

The main concern from Tice and McDonald centers on his run defense, which can be streaky and exposed by more dynamic competition. Even with those limitations, his ability to get after quarterbacks gives him immense value. In a draft class less flush with surefire stars, Bailey stands out for all the right reasons.

If your team needs an edge defender who will play sound, technically proficient football, Clemson’s TJ Parker and Mizzou’s Zion Young are the names to highlight. Both Parker (described as the “everyman edge”) and Young (the “rugged guy of the draft”) play with heavy hands, consistently set the edge, and don’t go rogue chasing TFLs.

These aren’t elite bendy speed rushers, but they’re the backbone of any top defense —players who will play 50+ snaps a game, rarely make mistakes, and do the dirty work so the flashier defenders on their team can thrive.

Perhaps no prospect in the class is more physically imposing than Florida’s 6-foot-6, 330-pound monster Caleb Banks. McDonald called him “Thanos” and compared him to NFL stalwarts like Marcus Stroud and even Albert Haynesworth.

Banks moves extremely well for his size and has flashed freakish disruption — but, as noted in the pod, his production is shockingly light, with long stretches of inactivity (and some alarming tackling issues). He might scare away some teams, but the right coaching staff could unlock All-Pro potential.

Auburn’s Keldric Faulk spent time as a traditional edge, interior lineman and 3-4 defensive end, offering rare, ready-to-deploy versatility. At nearly 6-foot-6, 276 pounds with 34-inch arms, Faulk has the length, traits and run-defending prowess to plug and play all along a defensive front. Both Tice and McDonald see his floor as a high-end run defender, with hopes that he further develops as a pass rusher.

  • Peter Woods (Clemson): Once viewed as a potential top-5 pick because of elite flashes, questions about arm length, conditioning and consistency have dropped his stock. Still, he could provide special plays as a rotational defensive tackle.

  • Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): A nose tackle with powerful hands and steady production. He’ll rarely get moved off his spot and could start in any two-high safety, run-heavy defense.

  • Christen Miller (Georgia): A “mauler” with upside, but with enough bad tape to make him more of a Day 2 dice roll.

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MMBets: the depleted Warriors meet the spiraling Mavericks

The Mavericks are home for a game against their 2022 Western Conference Finals opponents, the Golden State Warriors. Golden State has been ravaged by injuries this season and find themselves fighting for the eighth spot in the playoffs. Both teams own a three-game losing streak, but both have different incentives behind winning and losing. The Mavericks can only play spoiler from here until the final game, and tonight is a great spot to do just that.

Game intangibles

Dallas Mavericks (23-48) vs Golden State Warriors (33-38)

Tipoff: 8:40p CT at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

How to watch: The game will be televised nationally on Peacock.

Odds via the Fanduel Sportsbook as of 2:00PM CST

Spread: Dallas +2.5 (-114)

Over/Under: 231.5 (-110/-110)

Moneyline: Dallas +104

Player props

Cooper Flagg to score 25+ points (+176)

Daniel Gafford under 10.5 points (-130)

Flagg has a great matchup. The Warriors have little to no size or shot-blocking  and they do not have a perimeter defender who can guard him. Gafford has a poor matchup guarding Quentin Post, who likes to step out to the three-point line, and has been bullied by Draymond Green on offense in the past. 

Game sides

Mavericks to win (+104)

Mavericks to win the first quarter (+112)

I expect the Mavericks to get a “locker-room” win. They need one. There has been a lot of losing, and these guys are not used to it. They will come out of the gates hot and not look back after a heartbreaking loss on Saturday.

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Nashville Predators Sign Fedor Svechkov To 2-year Contract

The Nashville Predators have locked down one of their key pieces for the future. 

Monday, the team announced that center Fedor Svechkov had been signed to a two-year, $2.5 million contract. His entry-level contract was set to expire at the end of this season. 

Drafted by the Predators 19th overall in the 2021 draft, the 22-year-old center has played in 110 NHL games, recording 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points.

Svechkov has also played 80 games with the Milwaukee Admirals, scoring 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points. 

He got off to a slow start to this season, tallying just nine points in 49 games before being sent down to the Milwaukee Admirals in late January. He'd return to Nashville after the Olympics, recording four points in nine games. 

Svehckov is the fifth player to sign an extension this season, joining Luke Evangelista, Justus Annunen, Jake Lucchini and Zach L'Heureux. 

The Nashville Predators face the San Jose Sharks next on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CST at Bridgestone Arena. 

 

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2026 NBA Draft Profile: Karim Lopez – One Of A Kind

According to Shams Charania, Karim Lopez has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and is projected to become the first Mexico-born first-round pick in league history. ESPN currently has him ranked as the 11th best prospect on their Big Board, but as we approach the NBA Draft I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him improve his stock to the Top 8. He has some things that need to be worked on, but I believe the he has the makings of a really solid pro.

Tale of the Tape

Team: New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

Position: Forward

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 225 lbs

Counting Stats: 11.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2 APG, 2.2 Stocks (steals + blocks) per game

Shooting Splits: 50.2 FG%, 32.6 3P%, 71.7 FT%

Hardware/Honors: NBL Ignite Cup Winner (NBL’s version of the NBA Cup)

Triumphs

The things that Karim does well, he does really well. He’s physical, he’s tough, he’s gritty, and his 7’1” wingspan allows him to have impressive defensive counting stats. He isn’t the fastest guy on the court; as a matter of fact Utah Jazz Legend “Slow Mo” Kyle Anderson probably comes to mind while watching him, but when he is asked to self-create it usually ends in a positive result as he uses that unorthodox timing and rhythm to get to his spots.

After he uses his physicality to get to the rim he also has a very soft touch. During his tenure in the NBL he’s been able to display a beautiful blend of power and finesse that you don’t usually see in a teenager. He was also asked to be a huge part of the team’s operations and finished the season in the top 5 of each counting stat (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game).

Arguably my favorite part of his game is his relentless motor. You can see in his rebounding effort (and the aforementioned physicality to get to the rim) that he has a “never say die” attitude on the basketball court. His effort kind of reminds me of Boston Celtics Rookie Hugo Gonzalez, and I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who’s tapped into the league that would say that Hugo isn’t impactful. His counting stats might not scream “mega-star” but his contributions to winning for the Celtics franchise this year are undeniable.

Shortcomings

When I made the comparison to Kyle Anderson earlier, I meant it as both a term of endearment and a red (orange potentially?) flag. Lopez is slow; I feel pretty comfortable in saying that we’ll probably never see anyone touch Earth falling for one of his left-to-right crossovers. I’m not worried about his speed on the offensive end (I mean, look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic for goodness sake), but I am quite concerned about his slowness on defense.

With all due respect to the National Basketball League, they do not have the same kind of speed and athleticism that the NBA has. There are times in the NBL where he is targeted on defense and opposing offenses are able to get the best of him. To say I’m scared to see what someone like De’Aaron Fox or even Rob Dillingham would do to him would be an understatement. I think he does have the physical tools to make up for some of his lack of speed, but at that point you are banking on his upside.

The other notable shortcoming he has is his shooting ability. I won’t say that his jump shot is textbook but I do think that it is foundationally solid enough to believe he could improve. Will he turn into Duncan Robinson in three years? I doubt it, but will he become someone that you can’t leave alone? I think so. Shooting 32% from deep on 3 attempts a game isn’t incredible but it seems like there are plenty of prospects in this draft that need to work on their outside scoring, so we can add Karim’s name to that list.

Is He Worth The Pick?

The answer to this question largely depends on where the Front Office’s head is at. As it stands right now we will have 10 players on the roster for next year (11 if we can/will resign Walker Kessler), so there are roster spots to fill. If we believe that we need a player with a lot of upside for the future then I think that drafting someone like Tennessee’s Nate Ament may be the better option. However, if you believe in what this team could be with a healthy Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (not to mention the strides we’ve seen over the past month from Cody Williams and Ace Bailey) and the Front Office thinks that we just need a reliable, ready to contribute player on a cheap deal then I think Lopez may be the guy.

It’s a gamble; I won’t pretend like it isn’t, but the one thing that I think the league will NEVER say no to is a skilled wing player. After seeing what Cody Williams has been over the past few weeks after a rough start to his career, I do tend to believe in this team’s player development system. If we were to draft him I think that he would spend some time in the G-League, but when he does get his number called I think that he’s displayed enough maturity in his game to be a valuable role player for us. Now I will say, as a personal note, that I would hope we give the “role player/glue guy” responsibility to someone who’s displayed that ability already for us this year (looking at you Elijah Harkless and Blake Hinson) but if the brass doesn’t believe in them as players I think that taking a chance on Lopez wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

I certainly would hope that our pick lands in the Top 4 where we have pretty good odds of landing a future superstar in the league, but if we get cursed by the Basketball Gods again we’ll probably have to start thinking about high end role players. I certainly don’t envy a Front Office’s responsibility because if I was the one calling the shots I would trade the non-Top 4 pick for more draft capital until I have a surefire thing; just another reason why I’m writing about draft prospects and not actually drafting them.

What do you think of Karim Lopez? Do you think his play in the NBL will translate to the NBA? Do you think that he’s ranked too high on ESPN’s Big Board? Sound off in the comments below!

Be kind. Tell someone you love them.

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NBA Rumors: Is LeBron James better off in Cleveland or Los Angeles?

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of a nine-game winning streak. LeBron James, during this stretch, is thriving as the second-fiddle for the first time in his life. Transitioning into a play-finishing wing next to another ball-dominant star might be the final evolution of LBJ’s career.

But would he be better suited to do this in LA, or back home with the Cleveland Cavaliers?

The answer to that question felt obvious less than two months ago.

Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, executives across the league were reaching a consensus on LeBron’s future as recently as late January.

“As recently as late January, not long after an ESPN report detailed so much of the dysfunction in James’ relationship with the Lakers organization, the widely-held consensus around the league was that there’s no way he’d be back in a Lakers jersey. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors were, and are, often mentioned by league executives as his most likely destinations.”

Via The Athletic

A lot has changed since then. James has gone from the odd-man-out in LA to fitting in nicely with the rest of his team. He’s emerged from his cocoon as a new player, showcasing that he’s able to embrace a new style even in his 23rd NBA season.

James is averaging 19 points on 60% shooting during the Lakers’ streak. He’s found chemistry with Luka Doncic, who just scored 40 points per game across a four-game stretch. This synergy between James and Doncic could reshape his future.

“It was the lack of synergy and consistent success with James on the court, above all else, that drove the idea of an unavoidable exit,” said Amick.

The Lakers are rolling, and James is fitting in more than fitting out. That’s opened a new door for him to remain in LA, where he already has everything he needs to compete. Of course, he could potentially take on the same role in Cleveland, joining another contending roster and playing off the backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.

The fit in Cleveland looks better on paper. James is insulated by better defenders and fills a much larger need for the Cavs than he does with the Lakers. Then, obviously, there’s the storybook ending of winning one final title with his hometown. That’s hard to deny.

A Brief Rant on Social Media

I don’t know what James will do this summer. No one does.

All I can say for certain is that rumors aren’t always what they seem.

If you’ve seen Amick’s story aggregated today on Twitter, you might have assumed James already packed his bags and was ready to leave Hollywood. That’s because a handful of accounts have taken this report out of context, posting that James is “reportedly NOT expected to return to the Lakers.”

That, of course, was not at all implied in Amick’s story. In fact, I’d argue his story does the opposite. James seems more likely to stay in LA now.

I don’t have to explain to anyone why an account would intentionally (or unintentionally) frame the report this way. We all understand the concept of clickbait at this point. And, in fairness, even our lovely Fear The Sword has to blur the lines at times to keep the blog running. But the truth still matters — and there’s a difference between an engaging headline and straight-up lying.

So, let that be a lesson in social media aggregation.

If you read a report that surprises you, take the extra minute to find the original source and read it for yourself. Then take it a step further and mute any accounts that frequently mislead you. That’s what I do, at least.

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Calgary Flames’ Tyson Gross Makes NHL Debut at Saddledome

Tyson Gross made his NHL debut on Sunday night, March 22, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, stepping onto the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the first time as a member of the Calgary Flames.

The Calgary native logged 11 shifts for 8:07 of ice time and won his first career faceoff. Head coach Ryan Huska liked what he saw from the 23-year-old in his first outing.

“I thought he did a good job, you can tell he thinks the game well,” said Huska postgame when asked about Gross’ debut. “I thought he had a good first night … he did some good things.”

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Before puck drop, Gross took part in the traditional rookie solo lap during warmups, circling the Saddledome ice alone in a moment years in the making. Having grown up watching games in the building, he was now in the lineup himself.

“It’s obviously extremely special,” Gross told the Flames media on Sunday. “I’ve watched a million games here, so to be able to be out there and actually play in one is a pretty crazy thing.”

Gross skated on a line with Adam Klapka and Martin Pospisil. He took a penalty in the first period, but the Flames’ penalty kill came through for the rookie.

Back on the bench afterward, Gross found himself seated between captain Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman. With more than 1,000 NHL games for Backlund and two Stanley Cups for Coleman, the two veterans offered guidance and encouragement for the rookie throughout the night.

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

It’s a snapshot of what the Flames are trying to build, with experienced players helping ease younger ones into the league.

“The young guys don’t get an opportunity to get better without the older players around them, because the older players have to take on the heavy minutes of playing against a Kucherov. That’s their job, when a younger player isn’t quite ready for that yet,” Huska explained. “So, those players are so valuable to help bring younger players along and that’s why we as a coaching staff are thrilled that Coleman’s with us and Backlund is with us.”

Gross signed with the Flames on March 12 as one of the most sought-after college free agents, agreeing to a two-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $975,000.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound centre served as captain at St. Cloud State University this season, recording 18 goals and 23 assists for 41 points in 36 games.

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ECB has taken a risk keeping McCullum and Key – who must now placate the public | Ali Martin

Anger remains after England’s heavy Ashes defeat and whatever happens next is on the ECB’s chiefs

Having endorsed Brendon McCullum’s continuation as men’s head coach after an Ashes defeat riddled with self‑owns and kept Rob Key above him as team director, the England and Wales Cricket Board could in one sense be viewed as having taken the path of least resistance.

McCullum’s contract runs to the end of 2027 and it would cost a pretty penny to cut him loose. The players enjoy the pair’s methods and tend to call the shots in the modern era. There may not be an all-format candidate for head coach out there. Besides, look over there: the Hundred returns in July, ready to overload your eyeballs with multicoloured content.

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Spencer Strider starting MLB season on IL in Braves pitching debacle

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Atlanta Braves pitcher and catcher touching gloves at Spring Training, Image 2 shows Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder delivering a pitch

Spencer Strider is back on the bench.

Strider will begin the 2026 season on the injured list with an oblique strain, Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters Monday, yet another setback in Strider’s young career.

“l think we’ve gotten out in front of this thing to a degree,” Weiss said of Strider’s designation. “So we’re hoping it’s not going to be a big deal.

“It’s hard for (Strider) to feel it, but it is there when he throws. There’s a chance, if he would have went out and made a start today, it would have set him back further.”

Spencer Strider finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 and fourth in Cy Young voting in 2023. AP

Strider was scratched from his start Monday against the Pirates. There’s currently no timetable for his return, though Weiss mentioned Atlanta hopes he can return in a few weeks.

Strider is not the only issue with the Braves’ rotation. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are both on the 60-day injured list, while Joey Wentz suffered a season-ending ACL tear. They retained 2024 Cy Young winner Chris Sale in free agency, but the rest of the rotation currently includes Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder.

And it’s the third major injury Strider has faced in the last three years.

In 2024, he missed nearly the entire season after he hurt his UCL and underwent internal brace surgery. Last year, he was sidelined for the first six weeks of the season, and when he returned, he was not up to his past standard. Strider made 23 starts and finished with a 4.45 ERA and 131 strikeouts.

Atlanta hopes Strider can return to his 2023 form, though — the best year of his career. Strider led the league in wins (20), strikeouts (281) and FIP (2.85), while finishing with a 3.86 ERA. He finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting and made the All-Star team.

Spencer Strider started spring training with two wins in just over eight innings of work. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Strider was in the midst of a hopeful spring training, going 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA over 8 1/3 innings.

The Braves faltered to fourth place in the NL East last year, ending the year at 76-86 and missing the playoffs. They fired manager Brian Snitker after the year and hired Weiss.

Their quest to return to the postseason is already off to a rough start in 2026 because of Strider and Co.’s injuries.

Besides the pitching staff, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is sidelined with a hand injury he suffered while falling on ice in January. Outfielder Jurickson Profar will miss the entire season after testing positive for PEDs and receiving a suspension.

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Seven Days of Sun, Week 22: The dogs days of March

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 22: Devin Booker #1 and Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns react after a basket during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 22, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 22nd week of the NBA season for the Phoenix Suns is finally over, and honestly, good riddance.

It was one of those strange weeks. Five games in seven nights, a heavy schedule that hit at the worst possible time. This team is already dealing with injuries across the roster, something that has defined the second half of the season, and then you layer that kind of workload on top of it. It is a tough formula.

They simply cannot get healthy. And when you are fighting for relevance in a packed Western Conference, that matters. Every game carries weight, every opportunity counts, and this was a week where Phoenix had a chance to make a move. The sixth seed was sitting there. That’s an important place in the standings. It keeps you out of the Play In, where one or two bad nights can undo an entire season. It matters because it gives you a cleaner path into the postseason. Avoiding that Play In game is everything when you have worked this hard to stay above water.

It also matters because of the matchup. If you land in that six spot, you are not staring at the top of the conference in round one. You are looking at the three seed, which right now is trending toward the Lakers. That is a different path, a different challenge, and one you would take every time over having to deal with the top tier right away.

Week 22 had that opportunity. And it slipped. So yeah, it was a long week, and I know people are probably tired of hearing me complain about the schedule. Especially when you look ahead to Week 23 and see a game on Tuesday, then nothing until Saturday. It makes you shake your head a little. But every team plays 82, and sometimes the calendar hits you at the wrong time. For the Suns, five games in one week came when they were already limping, and they quite literally staggered through it.

If you ask what we learned, it is hard to land on anything definitive. We learned the depth is real. Even with all the injuries, this team stayed competitive and gave itself a chance in nearly every game. We also saw how hard it is to close when you are missing that many key pieces. That is not a revelation as much as it is confirmation. We already knew it, we simply watched it play out over the course of a full week.

At least it ended on a high note. Snapping the five game losing streak matters, even if it does not change much in the standings. And that is where the focus begins to shift. With 10 games left, the Suns feel locked into the seventh seed. So this is no longer about climbing. It is about preparing. Get healthy. Get guys back into rhythm.

That is the real challenge. We watched how long it took Jalen Green to find his legs again, and there is a chance that same process is coming for others returning from injury. That is what these final games are for. Find some cohesion. Build some rhythm. Become as difficult as possible to deal with. Because if this team can get closer to whole, they might not be a favorite, but they can still be a problem.

Week 22 Record: 1-4

@ Boston Celtics, L, 120-112

  • Possession Differential: -1.1
  • Turnover Differential: -4
  • Offensive Rebounding Differential: +1

The Suns wandered into TD Garden and, for three quarters, it was pure cinema. Devin Booker went full scorched-earth, rattling off 23 straight points, keeping Phoenix breathing while Boston rained fire.

But then, the familiar late-game rigor mortis set in. The offense turned into a predictable slog, orbiting Booker until the Celtics’ defense simply swallowed him whole. A late Celtics’ run salted it away.

@ Minnesota Timberwolves, L, 116-104

  • Possession Differential: +3.4
  • Turnover Differential: -5
  • Offensive Rebounding Differential: +2

The Suns marched into Minnesota with a chance to shift the vibe, but instead, they got swallowed by a forest of Timberwolves’ limbs. Eleven blocks? That’s not basketball, that’s a SWAT team. Phoenix looked gassed, surrendering 16 fourth-quarter points in the paint as their defensive edge vanished like a mirage.

@ San Antonio Spurs, L, 101-100

  • Possession Differential: +1.4
  • Turnover Differential: -3
  • Offensive Rebounding Differential: +1

Losing a heartbreaker to the NBA’s silver-medal Spurs should make me want to throw my remote into the Gila River. Especially after blowing a ten-point lead and watching Rasheer Fleming’s missed free throws feed the ever-growing Wembanyama mythos. But honestly? I’m not even mad. Down five rotation players, the Suns played with actual, tangible grit.

vs. Milwaukee Bucks, L, 108-105

  • Possession Differential: +0.7
  • Turnover Differential: -5
  • Offensive Rebounding Differential: +4

The Suns’ five-game slide is officially a foul-smelling stew of CVS-receipt injury reports and late-game execution that resembles a dumpster fire in a hurricane. With Booker shooting a cold 4-of-17 and Jalen Green hoisting “heat check” bricks, this team is currently allergic to closing out winnable games.

vs. Toronto Raptors, W, 120-98

  • Possession Differential: -0.3
  • Turnover Differential: -3
  • Offensive Rebounding Differential: +7

The Suns finally traded their CVS-receipt injury reports for a shovel and buried that five-game skid by absolutely dismantling a fifth-seeded Raptors squad. Instead of the usual late-game “Booker-ball” cardiac arrest, Phoenix actually punched back and proved they aren’t just a collection of available bodies and good intentions.

Inside the Possession Game

  • Weekly Possession Differential: +4.1
  • Weekly Turnover Differential: -20
  • Offensive Rebounding Differential: +15
  • Year-to-Date Over/Under .500: +8

It is kind of wild when you look at the weekly possession battle graph, because on paper, the Suns had a good week. They won the possession differential, took care of the ball, and finished with 20 fewer turnovers than their opponents. They also grabbed 15 more offensive rebounds. Those are winning metrics. And yet, they went 1–4.

The culprit is clear. Late game execution in the fourth quarter.

In Week 22, the Suns struggled in that final frame. They averaged 22.2 points, which ranked 26th in the league for the week. They shot 28.9% from three, 20th, and 35.5% from the field, 29th. If not for a strong fourth against Toronto on Sunday, they would have finished dead last in plus/minus. Instead, they ended at -20.6, tied for 28th.

That tells the story. It reinforces what we have been seeing. This team needs to get healthy. And it also shines a light on Devin Booker’s fourth quarter performance this week. He averaged 4.8 points, shooting 30% from the field and 20% from deep, with a 1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

There is context there. Part of it comes from not having his usual group around him. Fewer outlets, fewer options, more pressure. At the same time, part of it falls on him. When the roster is depleted, that is when your best player has to elevate and find a way to close. Right now, that balance has not been there.

Week 23 Preview

After an arduous week that saw the Suns play five games in seven nights, things slow down a ton. Only two games on the schedule this week, both at home, which feels like a much-needed reset.

It starts Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. Denver is a team that has had Phoenix’s number this season, and they are right in the middle of a tight race with Houston and Minnesota, all sitting 12.5 games back of first. That means urgency. That means focus. And it means they are going to come in ready, especially against a team they have handled well.

Then comes Saturday. The Suns face the Utah Jazz, who sit at 21–50 and have leaned fully into the tank. It is the most favorable matchup remaining on Phoenix’s schedule. Outside of Utah, the other lighter opponents left are Dallas, Memphis, and Chicago, but none present the same level of opportunity as this one.

So it is a lighter week in terms of volume. Not in terms of importance.

Only 5% of the community expected the Suns to go 1-4 in Week 22. The majority thought 3-2 was their destiny. Fewer options to choose from this week. Where do they end up?

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Former Senator Mika Zibanejad To Play 1000th NHL Game Monday Night

For a few minutes on Monday night, the New York Rangers will suspend their season of heartache to celebrate former Ottawa Senator Mika Zibanejad.

Zibanejad, Ottawa's sixth overall selection in the 2011 NHL Draft, will play in his 1000th career NHL game. Of the 999 games he's played so far, it's hard to believe that 718 of them have been played in enemy colours. He's the second player (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) from his draft year to play in 1000 games, with fellow Swede Adam Larsson to join them when he gets his silver stick in Seattle on Tuesday.

The Rangers are the worst team in the Eastern Conference and just about mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for a second straight season, so the celebration of Zibanejad's career will be a nice respite for the Blueshirts.

For Senators fans, who are far more concerned about the two points and their team's playoff chase, they'll probably spend a few moments thinking about the parallel NHL universe where Zibanejad didn't get traded from Ottawa ten years ago.

In July 2016, in one of his first acts as the club's new general manager, Pierre Dorion opted to send Zibanejad to the Rangers for a 2018 second-round pick in exchange for Derick Brassard and a 2018 seventh-round pick. Even Sens fans who were okay with the deal wondered why the Sens would also have to give up a second rounder in the deal.

The following season, the Senators went to the Conference Final and Brassard posted 11 points in 18 playoff games, while Zibanejad took a couple more seasons to get going in New York.

So all seemed right with the world in Ottawa.

But within two years, it was clear that Brassard was beginning to fade, while Zibanejad was taking flight. Brassard is three years into retirement now, save for a one-game stint in Switzerland this season, while Zibanejad is still hovering near a point per game. He leads the Rangers this season with 30 goals and 67 points in 69 games.

For a time, Dorion was credited with salvaging the trade by flipping Brassard to Pittsburgh for goalie Filip Gustavsson. But that was unravelled when he sent Gustavsson to Minnesota for one season of veteran goalie Cam Talbot, who wasn't re-signed.

Meanwhile, here are some of the things Zibanejad has been up to in New York (as per NHL.com)

- Holds franchise record for most career power play goals (122), the only active player to lead an original six franchise in power play goals.

- On Jan. 17, he tied Bill Cook for the franchise record for most hat tricks (9)

- He became the 14th player in franchise history to appear in 700 games with the Rangers.

- Recorded a five-goal game, tied for the franchise record, on Mar. 5, 2020

- Recorded a six-point period on Mar. 17, 2022, tying the NHL record

- Recorded the first-ever hat trick in the Winter Classic two months ago

But that's a deal that's ancient history now, nearly a full decade in the past. Sens fans are focused on Monday's game and getting the two points for the club's late, furious playoff chase.

But not before a quick tip of the cap to former Senator Mika Zibanejad.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was originally published at The Hockey News. For more Senators news, analysis, and features, visit the Ottawa Senators site at The Hockey News.

More at The Hockey News:
Tim Stützle Still Puzzled By Senators' Decision To Let Michael Amadio Get Away
Former Senators Prospect Makes Edmonton Oilers Debut Saturday Night
The Buying and Selling Of Jakob Chychrun Never Quite Worked Out In Ottawa
One Year Later, The Fabian Zetterlund Trade Is Still Taking Shape
With Injuries To Sanderson And Jensen, the Sens Top Up Depth At AHL Trade Deadline

 

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Avalanche Must Shore up Special Teams in Home Stretch

The Colorado Avalanche's special teams have been a two-sided coin this season, and it's been a topic of discussion about why it affects the team heading into the playoffs and their dreams of another Stanley Cup. 

On one side, it's the penalty kill, which has been a staple of this team this entire season. Despite a little “skid” you could say recently, the penalty kill still sits third in the NHL at 82.8% while allowing the sixth-lowest shots on goal per game at 26.1. Though they have the lowest amount of short-handed goals (1) this season.

On the other side is the power play, a staple topic this entire season, with the team struggling to generate any chances, including the new bodies acquired at the trade deadline, to try to improve results. The team currently has the third-lowest power play in the league at 16.5%, only higher than the Philadelphia Flyers and the Calgary Flames. It also doesn't help that the Avalanche currently leads the league in most shorthanded goals allowed (12). 

Avalanche Cannot Hide Flaws Against League’s BestAvalanche Cannot Hide Flaws Against League’s BestThe Colorado Avalanche’s season-long defensive cracks and top-heavy scoring have left them exposed, and with the playoffs looming, systemic failures—not injuries—threaten their once insurmountable lead.

Though despite some outliers coming out of the 2026 Milan Olympic break, the special teams have seen a change and for the better, and if this trend continues, which it must if the team wants to succeed, this current showing could be a sign of things to come as the regular season comes down to the final stretch.

Power Play On The Rise?

Excluding injuries and the previous trade deadline additions, there was never any reason this power play should be in the bottom five of the league, especially when this team has finished with a power play percentage over 20% in the past five seasons. Since the 2021-22 season, each team has finished with a power-play percentage over 24%.

With 13 games left in the regular season, it's gonna take a miracle and stats I can't even comprehend to get their percentage chance to jump by eight percent, but they can still show signs of improving it, which they have been doing.

From the start of the season to the last day before the Olympic break, the Avalanche had 179 power-play opportunities and scored 27 of them. From their first game back from the Olympics to their last game against the Washington Capitals, they have had 48 power-play opportunities and scored 10. In 28 games, the Avalanche could end up scoring more than half, or even reach the 27-goal mark they achieved in 55 games.

Penalty Kill Needs To Stay On Top

A crucial factor of this season has been the penalty kill. Yes, the 5-on-5 scoring has made up for much of the power-play production, but defense wins championships. Even though the 2021-22 Stanley Cup team had a 79.66% penalty kill heading into the playoffs, it finished with an 80.4%, which led to a championship. 

The Avalanche has something here, and despite missing one of their best weapons on the penatly kill, that being Logan O’Connor, which should be making his debut any day as he hs been ramping up on the practices, skating, and traveling with the team, he on top of the addition to Nicolas Roy help make a diverse collection of players Head Coach Jared Bednar can deploy in his two units.

Avalanche Could Get Logan O’Connor Back Sooner Than You ThinkAvalanche Could Get Logan O’Connor Back Sooner Than You ThinkLogan O'Connor participated in morning skate on Tuesday.

The month of March has been a bit shaky for the penalty kill, 32 opportunities given and seven capitalized on, but that also comes with the discipline of taking that many penalties.

Five against the Capitals, four against the Edmonton Oilers, four against the Stars, four against the Minnesota Wild. You can blame the officiating all you want, and I agree there were some bad calls, but the team is both lucky to know they have a really good system set up to kill those, and needs to keep their discipline high going forward.

Special Teams Importance In Playoffs.

The playoffs are a different breed when it comes to making the most of opportunities, such as a penalty kill or a power play. Last season in the playoffs against the Stars, 22 power-play opportunities were given, and only 3 goals were scored. The Stars saw 23 power-play opportunities and scored on seven of them. Penalties, good and bad, will be called on both teams; it's up to the Avalanche to capitalize on those calls by either scoring on the power play or killing the penalty.

The Avalanche, if they want to go far, are going to face teams that don't have a good penalty kill, like if they secure first and face a wild card team like the Seattle Kraken or the Los Angeles Kings, who sit in the bottom five in the penalty kill. In the same breath, they most likely are going to face one or more of the Stars, Wild, and Oilers, who sit in the top-10 in power play.

The Avalanche will need this stretch of hockey to confirm if their special teams are up for another deep Stanley Cup run, or more questions and concerns will be raised this summer if they aren't.

Nelson Heats Up as Avalanche Strengthen Central Division GripNelson Heats Up as Avalanche Strengthen Central Division GripWith key goals in back-to-back games, Nelson’s renewed scoring touch is helping Colorado widen its division lead.
Image
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Texas Rangers lineup for March 23, 2026

Feb 17, 2026; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore during media day at Surprise Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers lineup for March 23, 2026 against the Kansas City Royals: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Michael Wacha for the Royals.

Tonight is the first of two exhibitions between the Rangers at the Royals at the Shed. Apparently they enjoy each other’s company so much that even after spending the whole spring together at Surprise, they want more together time.

The lineup:

Nimmo — RF

Langford — CF

Seager — SS

Burger — 1B

Smith — 2B

Jung — 3B

Pederson — DH

Carter — LF

Jansen — C

7:05 p.m. Central start time.

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Atlanta Braves Hit Four HRs and Didier Fuentes Strong in Win

NORTH PORT, FL - MARCH 04: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves looks on the game between the Team Columbia and the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves took on the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, FL today in their second to last Spring Training game. We got to see the continuation of Didier Fuentes’ fantastic spring, but it was not due to good circumstances. Spencer Strider was initially supposed to start this game but was scratched due to an oblique injury and will start the year on the IL.

Fuentes continued to look sharp at the start of the game. In his first two innings he saw the minimum number of hitters. He did however give up his first hit of the spring in the second inning fittingly to former teammate Marcell Ozuna. Ryan O’Hearn grounded into a double play though and Fuentes continued his streak of scoreless innings at eleven after completing the second inning.

Interestingly, Fuentes had seventeen strikeouts in his first 9.0 innings of spring, but did not have any strikeouts through his first 3.2 innings today. He was able to get revenge on Ozuna by striking him out to end the fourth for his first strikeout of the day on an eight pitch at-bat.

Fuentes ended his scoreless streak by giving up his first earned run after 13.2 innings in the spring. The way he gave it up was not entirely his fault though, even the box score will show it that way. He was replaced by Samuel Strickland after walking Spencer Horwitz with two outs and the bases empty. Strickland then gave up a double to the first batter he faced that scored Horwitz.

Fuentes ended his excellent spring with 13.2 innings pitched, eighteen strikeouts, one walk, two singles, and one HBP while maintaining an ERA of 0.66.

Another positive pitching note is that Joel Payamps continued to look sharp yet again. He did give up a single, but had two strikeouts and zero walks in 2.0 innings pitched.

The Braves’ offense was mostly players who will likely see most of the playing time against RHP this season. They were facing Carson Fulmer who had yet to give up a hit in his 4.0 spring innings. That did not slow down the Braves as Matt Olson took him deep in the first and Eli White took him deep in the second. It should also be noted that Ronald Acuña Jr. doubled in the first, but got caught trying to steal third.

The long balls continued for the Braves as Mike Yastrzemski and Matt Olson both went deep in the top of the sixth off of Mike Clevinger. After his two HRs today, Matt Olson has six longballs this spring. This is encouraging considering it seemed that Olson had been trading his HRs for doubles the past few seasons.

The key takeaways from this game were that Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris seem to continue to struggle while Matt Olson is continuing to heat up. Didier Fuentes was not as dominant today, but it is still clear he deserves a shot on the MLB team. With today’s injury to Strider he may even get some starts.

Fuentes is easily a better option than some of the other slated starters.

The Braves took this game 5-2 and continued to have the best run differential amongst all MLB teams in spring training. Of course, spring numbers don’t truly matter, but it does show the offense has had life, at a minimum. Although there is bad news today with Strider, the good news is the there is only one more spring game, and then it is Opening Day.

The Braves will finish up their spring training tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Rays where newly minted number three rotation arm Grant Holmes will take the mound at 1:05 at EDT.