1 week agoDallas Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes (back) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Grimes is dealing with back spasms that will force him to miss just his third game this season. Grimes has been a decent contributor off the bench for Dallas, averaging 10.2 PPG and 4.0 RPG. With Dallas very short on depth at the guard position, expect Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie to get extended minutes beyond their normal starter minutes today with both Jaden Hardy and Grimes unavailable off the bench.Source: Dallas Mavericks
1 week agoKevin Holland suffered a submission loss to Reinier de Ridder on the main card of UFC 311 on Saturday. As the fight began, de Ridder immediately pressured Holland to the fence and secured a takedown. Eventually, de Ridder got a hold of Holland's back, and quickly transitioned to a rear-naked choke, forcing Holland to tap out. In 3:31 of action, Holland landed 11 significant strikes. With the loss, Holland is now 26-13 as a pro and 13-10 in the UFC. Source: UFC
1 week agoDallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Lively is dealing with a right ankle sprain that will force him to miss his third straight game. Lively has been a solid rebounder for Dallas this season, averaging 7.8 RPG, so his presence will be missed on the glass. In his absence, expect Daniel Gafford to stay in the starting lineup. Gafford has averaged 13.4 PPG and 6.4 RPG as a starter this season, making him a sneaky contributor against Charlotte as the Hornets have been a bit weak against centers over their last seven games.Source: Dallas Mavericks
1 week agoAtlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the New York Knicks. Johnson has been dealing with right shoulder inflammation that caused him to miss five games in a row before returning against Boston on Saturday. Johnson has been fantastic for the Hawks this year, averaging 19.7 PPG and 10.2 RPG. His 5.2 APG is a career high as well, making him a very well-rounded fantasy threat. The 23-year-old grabbed 15 rebounds in both matchups against New York this season while also averaging 22.0 PPG, making him a must start in all fantasy formats on Monday.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 week agoAtlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (heel) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the New York Knicks. Young is dealing with Achilles soreness in his right heel but will be able to play through it. Fantasy managers should have high expectations for the 26-year-old today as he generally loves playing in Madison Square Garden. Against the Knicks this season Young has averaged 21.5 PPG and 10.5 APG in two games. He's a must start in all fantasy formats.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 week agoUFC veteran Serghei Spivac suffered a first-round TKO loss to Jailton Almeida on the main card of UFC 311 on Saturday. Spivac landed a takedown early into the first round and landed some hard punches as well. Almeida was able to reverse the position and land on top. Spivac found a way to get up but was hurt standing up by Almeida's combination and was forced to cover up to defend himself. Almeida then landed brutal ground and pound from back control that forced referee Jason Herzog to stop the contest. In 4:53 of action, Spivac landed a takedown and 15 significant strikes. Source: UFC
1 week agoJailton Almeida scored a first-round TKO win over Serghei Spivac on the main card of UFC 311. Spivac scored a takedown on Almeida and landed some strikes on the ground, but it wasn't long before Almeida reversed the position, taking Spivac's back in the process. Almeida and Spivac then got up and started exchanging. Once on their feet, Almeida delivered a devastating combination that forced Spivac to cover up on the canvas as Almeida rained down punches, giving the referee no choice but to stop the contest. In 4:53 of action, Almeida landed a takedown and 23 significant strikes. Almeida has now won back-to-back fights.Source: UFC
1 week agoBaltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry capped off another fantastic year with a touchdown despite the team getting away from the run when they could have used it the most in the two-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game with 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown to go along with two targets, but he didn't haul any of those in. The Ravens had short spurts of committing to the run, then they ultimately got away from it as the game went on. In two postseason games, Henry accumulated 270 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Henry and Lamar Jackson will look for redemption next season while the Ravens look to re-tool on both sides of the ball.Source: ESPN
1 week agoBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers in the first half on Sunday, but almost turned it all around in the second half. During the 27-25 loss to the Bills, Jackson finished with 254 yards and one interception on 18-for-25 throwing while gathering 39 yards on six carries and a fumble. He did a great job shaking off the rough first half to get the team within a two-point conversion of tying the game in the fourth quarter. He went 12-for-15 for 131 yards and a touchdown in the second half, but the third costly turnover from Mark Andrews and a dropped two-point conversion was the nail in the coffin.Source: ESPN
1 week agoAccording to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, the St. Louis Cardinals are not expected to trade starting pitcher Erick Fedde before spring training. President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, noted that while the team would like to continue increasing their financial flexibility, with spring training around the corner, the team would rather hold on to Fedde instead. However, trade talks will likely resume if the Cardinals fall out of playoff contention early in the summer. The 31-year-old opened the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox before being shipped to St. Louis before the trade deadline. Across 177 1/3 innings, the right-hander posted a 3.30 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. He struck out 154 batters with a 7.2% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Fedde to open the season as the No.2 option in the St. Louis rotation.Source: Jeff Jones
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith contributed four receptions for 27 yards in the team's 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles relied heavily on Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game, Smith proved reliable when his number was called. The passing attack has taken a backseat multiple times this season as the team leans on Barkley's historic performances. However, Smith's ability to make key catches and move the chains remains a vital part of Philadelphia's offensive strategy. As the Eagles prepare for a grudge match against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Smith's role in complementing the running game with an efficient aerial attack will be crucial in maintaining their postseason success.Source: ESPN
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had a mixed outing in the 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He converted just one of three extra-point attempts, with the snowy conditions playing a significant role in the second attempt. However, Elliott remained reliable on field goals, going three-for-three this game and extending his streak to 10 makes in his last 11 attempts. While Elliott's missed extra points have raised some concerns—this marks the second consecutive game with a miss—his consistency on field goals has been crucial for the Eagles during their playoff push. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Elliott's ability to deliver under pressure will be vital in what could be another tightly contested playoff matchup.Source: ESPN
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert paced the team with four receptions for 56 yards, including a 31-yard catch, in the 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert's reliability in the passing game has been a consistent asset, especially as defenses focus on containing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Over his last three outings, Goedert has averaged four receptions for 52.6 yards per game, proving his value as a dependable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. His ability to create opportunities has been instrumental in keeping the Eagles' offense balanced. As the Eagles gear up to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Goedert's steady production will remain a key factor in their quest for a Super Bowl appearance.Source: ESPN
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a subdued performance in the 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams, finishing with just two receptions for 14 yards. Over the last three games, Brown has averaged two catches for 20 yards, a surprising dip for one of the league's most elite receivers. The Eagles have leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley and the ground game during this stretch, limiting Brown's opportunities. He hasn't found the end zone since Week 16 against the Cowboys, but his ability to stretch the field and make big plays remains critical to Philadelphia's success. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Brown's role in the passing attack will be pivotal.Source: ESPN
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley delivered another historic performance in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley carried the ball 26 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard score in the first half and a game-clinching 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also added four receptions for 27 yards, showcasing his versatility in the snowy conditions. Remarkably, this was Barkley's second 200-yard rushing game against the Rams this season, bringing his total to an astonishing 534 scrimmage yards against Los Angeles in two meetings. His explosive plays once again proved to be the backbone of the Eagles' offense, accounting for the majority of their points. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Barkley's dominance will be key to securing a Super Bowl berth.Source: ESPN
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) played a pivotal role in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 128 yards while adding seven carries for 70 rushing yards, including a 44-yard touchdown run on the opening drive that electrified the snow-covered crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. As for the passing game, Hurts completed 15 passes for 128 yards. Hurts showed resilience despite being sacked seven times and playing with a knee brace in the second half. He should be good to go for next week as the Eagles are set to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. Hurts' ability to adapt and lead through adversity will be critical to Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations.Source: ESPN
1
week
agoAccording
to
Bruce
Levine
of
670
The
Score,
the
Chicago
Cubs
are
not
expected
to
utilize
young
outfielder
Pete
Crow-Armstrong
as
their
leadoff
hitter
early
in
the
season.
Manager
Craig
Counsell
said
he
is
"open-minded"
about
the
decision
but
will
probably
not
haveread more...
1 week agoAccording to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, free-agent pitcher Max Scherzer is drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays. Nicholson-Smith noted that while Scherzer is already drawing interest from the Blue Jays, adding another top bat from the market, such as Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso, could create an even more appealing destination for the 40-year-old. Last season, Scherzer was limited to just 43 1/3 innings of work due to numerous injuries. The right-hander posted a 3.95 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP through this small stint. He struck out 40 batters and held a strong 5.6% walk rate. He generated hard contact at a solid 34.9% rate and whiffs at a 29.2% rate. The Blue Jays were very interested in adding Roki Sasaki to their starting rotation but fell just short in the bidding. If Scherzer were to join the Blue Jays, this would likely move Yariel Rodriguez to a long-relief role.Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith
1
week
agoAccording
to
Jon
Morosi
of
the
MLB
Network,
the
Chicago
Cubs
and
Toronto
Blue
Jays
are
among
the
teams
pursuing
free-agent
relief
pitcher
Carlos
Estevez.
Morosi
noted
that
following
the
signings
of
A.J.
Minter
andread more...
1 week agoAccording to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Texas Rangers have signed catcher Chad Wallach to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Wallach did not make an appearance in the majors last season. He spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake and posted a .247/.337/.430 line with 15 doubles, 12 home runs, and two stolen bases. During the 2023 campaign, Wallach held a .197/.259/.376 line through 65 games with the Los Angeles Angels. This production was in line with his career .198/.263/.328 line he has held throughout his seven-year major league career. Given his lack of consistent major league production, the 33-year-old backstop will likely open the campaign at the Triple-A level.Source: Jon Morosi
1 week agoDallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced on Sunday evening en route to defeating the Detroit Red Wings. Oettinger's lone blemish came in the final period when Marco Kasper beat him on a tip-in goal. The Stars got out to an early three-goal lead in the first period which set up Oettinger well to earn the victory. Since allowing four goals on January 7, Oettinger has allowed only two or more goals in one start and holds a strong 3-1 record with a 1.24 GAA and a .957% SV over his previous four outings. Through 34 games this season, the 26-year-old has posted a sharp 23-10-1 record with a .914% SV and a 2.26 GAA. He remains a must-start goaltender in all formats, playing behind a competing Dallas team. He will look to stay in the win column on Monday evening in Carolina.Source: NHL.com
1 week agoDallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson continued his impressive stretch on Sunday evening with a goal and an assist during their victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Robertson scored on the power-play in the opening frame and tacked on a primary assist on Wyatt Johnston's third period goal. This performance extended his point streak to five games. During this stretch, he has scored five goals and added three helpers. Over his previous 12 games, the 25-year-old has been very impressive, scoring eight times and tacking on 11 helpers. Through 46 games, Robertson has tallied 42 points (15 goals, 27 helpers), with 11 of those points coming on the power-play. He remains a must-start player in all formats and a top pick in DFS while he continues this impressive stretch.Source: NHL.com
1 week agoNew York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider scored during Sunday's overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Kreider would find the back of the net late in the second period on a tip-in goal. Even though the 33-year-old has had a disappointing season, he is beginning to find his footing. This was his second goal in his previous two games and fourth goal over his past seven. However, during this stretch, he has only tallied one helper and is averaging just under two shots on goal per game. However, seeing Kreider continue to find his scoring touch is a positive sign for the New York offense. Through 38 games this season, the veteran has scored 15 goals (five on the power-play) and tacked on just one assist. He should continue to see time on the third line but could return to the top line if he finds his footing.Source: NHL.com
1 week agoMontreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher tallied two points during their overtime victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday evening. Gallagher scored his 11th goal of the season in the opening frame with a tip-in goal. Later in the second period, Gallagher would tally the primary assist on Christian Dvorak's fourth goal of the season. He also logged five shots on goal and two hits in this contest. This performance snapped a nine-game scoring drought for Gallagher, and this was his first multi-point outing of the campaign. Overall, the 32-year-old has tallied 11 goals and eight helpers through 46 games. He should continue to have a permanent role on the third line of the Montreal offense.Source: NHL.com
1 week agoMontreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes won his fifth-straight game on Sunday evening. He defeated the New York Rangers in overtime and stopped 23 of the 27 shots he faced. This was the first time in he allowed more than three goals in an NHL contest. Three of these goals came during even-strength play, while Mika Zibanejad scored the other on the power-play. Over the first four starts of his career, Dobes held a stellar 4-0 record with a .963% SV and a 0.98 GAA. The former fifth-round selection should continue to share the crease with Sam Montembeault. However, given Montembeault's recent five-game skid (2-2-1, .871% SV, 3.61 GAA), Dobes may eventually earn the starting role in the crease.Source: NHL.com
1 week agoOttawa Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg got back in the win column on Sunday in his victory over the New Jersey Devils. The 32-year-old netminder stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced. His lone blemish came in the second period when Tomas Tatar scored his fourth goal of the season on a backhand. Forsberg entered this contest with a poor 0-2-1 record with a .861% SV and a 3.63 GAA over his previous three games. In addition, Leevi Merilainen has taken over the starting crease as he made five straight starts following Forsberg's three-game losing streak. However, after Forsberg's bounce back on Sunday, he may begin to see more starting opportunities. For now, fantasy managers should continue to expect Merilainen to see the majority of starts, as he has posted a stellar 1.57 GAA and .940% SV over his past five games.Source: NHL.com
1 week agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.Source: Mark Kaboly
1 week agoPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) said that he's confident he will be able to play in next Sunday's NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. Hurts suffered a knee injury during the Divisional Round on Sunday, but he was able to finish the game after missing just one play. Even though the star signal-caller confirmed to the media that he's good to go for next week's contest, fantasy managers and bettors should still monitor his status on the Eagles' injury reports over the next few days.Source: Dave Zangaro
1 week agoDetroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn "has been at the top of the list" for the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints as they continue to search for their next head coaches, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Now that Glenn's Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, he is available to be hired for any of the league's head coaching vacancies. Even though the Detroit defense struggled on Saturday against the Washington Commanders, Glenn impressed this season by overseeing a unit that consistently remained dominant despite dealing with a multitude of injuries. It's worth noting that although the Jets and Saints both fired defensive-minded head coaches during the middle of the 2024 campaign, it doesn't appear that will stop them from pursuing another defensive coach for their vacancies. Only one head coaching job has been filled so far (New England Patriots), but perhaps Glenn will accept a position soon and kickstart a domino effect of hirings.Source: Jonathan Jones
1 week agoThe Las Vegas Raiders "are going to make a big push" to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Now that Johnson's Detroit Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, he is available to be hired for any of the league's head coaching vacancies. He's one of the top names on the coaching market, and while the Raiders may not have been on his radar at first, Tom Brady reportedly convinced him to interview with Las Vegas. It's unclear how much the Raiders' vacancy interests Johnson, but the team is clearly prepared to try to hire him. Owner Mark Davis has shown a willingness to hand out enormous coaching contracts before, so perhaps he'll shell out enough money to convince Johnson to become the next head coach of the Raiders. Only one head coaching vacancy has been filled so far (New England Patriots), but Johnson's decision could kickstart a domino effect of hirings.Source: Jonathan Jones