Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams. Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37). After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada. As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot. The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics. Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach. “I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.” Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday. “We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.” Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings. Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto. “He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.” Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable. Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioning

Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning
Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams. Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37). After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada. As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot. The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics. Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach. “I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.” Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday. “We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.” Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings. Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto. “He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.” Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable. Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioningDec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams.

Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37).

After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada.

As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot.

The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics.

Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach.

“I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.”


Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.

Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday.

“We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.”

Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto.

“He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.”

Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable.

Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioning

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Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams.

Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37).

After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada.

As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot.

The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics.

Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach.

“I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.”

Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.

Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday.

“We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.”

Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto.

“He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.”

Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable.

Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Mammoth host Oilers in high-stakes contest for playoff positioning Apr 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Utah Mammoth center Liam O’Brien (38) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Utah Mammoth continue their push for a playoff berth as they host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. This will be the third and final game between these teams this season. The Oilers won the first two meetings of the season and have won five straight in the overall series. The Mammoth (40-30-6, 86 points) sit fourth in the Central Division and currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They have won three straight and six of their last nine as they shoot for their first playoff berth since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The franchise made the playoffs once in its final 12 years as the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, getting booted from the first round in the truncated 2019-20 season. Utah should be full of confidence after its last time out, a 7-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, captain Clayton Keller had his third career hat trick and added an assist. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist, Logan Cooley had two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves. Liam O’Brien also found the back of the net after not being in the lineup since Feb. 4. “We have a deep lineup, and anyone that steps in is a great player, and someone that knows our systems well and can contribute,” Keller said. “We reacted good to a little adversity. Great effort by everyone and heck of a goal by ‘OB’ there, too. That was unreal. He’s such a great teammate, great guy, and he grinds every single day, so that’s awesome to see too.” “Everybody’s winning, so we need to win,” Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny said. “At the end of the day, we want to play game 83. In order to do that, you need to win games. You’re not going in because anybody let you in. You need to keep winning games, and it’s not over.” It certainly isn’t over for the Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points), who are hunting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990. Edmonton has gone to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Oilers are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division and have won seven of their last 10 games. They are also fighting to get back into the win column following a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are just one point behind the Oilers in the division standings. Evan Bouchard scored the lone goal, and Connor Ingram made 28 saves for the Oilers, who were previously riding a five-game winning streak. “When things are going well, you forget about those details, those first couple of strides coming back, get a little extra aggressive on the pinch,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “You’re thinking maybe you’re overconfident, getting a little bit lazy, or whatever it is, I think we’re just not paying attention to those details.” “We got away from the way that we know how to play,” Oilers defenseman Jake Walman added. “We were slow (Saturday), and that’s the result against a team like that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mammoth #host #Oilers #highstakes #contest #playoff #positioningApr 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Utah Mammoth center Liam O’Brien (38) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Utah Mammoth continue their push for a playoff berth as they host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City.

This will be the third and final game between these teams this season. The Oilers won the first two meetings of the season and have won five straight in the overall series.

The Mammoth (40-30-6, 86 points) sit fourth in the Central Division and currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They have won three straight and six of their last nine as they shoot for their first playoff berth since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The franchise made the playoffs once in its final 12 years as the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, getting booted from the first round in the truncated 2019-20 season.

Utah should be full of confidence after its last time out, a 7-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, captain Clayton Keller had his third career hat trick and added an assist. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist, Logan Cooley had two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves.

Liam O’Brien also found the back of the net after not being in the lineup since Feb. 4.


“We have a deep lineup, and anyone that steps in is a great player, and someone that knows our systems well and can contribute,” Keller said. “We reacted good to a little adversity. Great effort by everyone and heck of a goal by ‘OB’ there, too. That was unreal. He’s such a great teammate, great guy, and he grinds every single day, so that’s awesome to see too.”

“Everybody’s winning, so we need to win,” Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny said. “At the end of the day, we want to play game 83. In order to do that, you need to win games. You’re not going in because anybody let you in. You need to keep winning games, and it’s not over.”

It certainly isn’t over for the Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points), who are hunting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990. Edmonton has gone to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Oilers are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division and have won seven of their last 10 games.

They are also fighting to get back into the win column following a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are just one point behind the Oilers in the division standings. Evan Bouchard scored the lone goal, and Connor Ingram made 28 saves for the Oilers, who were previously riding a five-game winning streak.

“When things are going well, you forget about those details, those first couple of strides coming back, get a little extra aggressive on the pinch,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “You’re thinking maybe you’re overconfident, getting a little bit lazy, or whatever it is, I think we’re just not paying attention to those details.”

“We got away from the way that we know how to play,” Oilers defenseman Jake Walman added. “We were slow (Saturday), and that’s the result against a team like that.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mammoth #host #Oilers #highstakes #contest #playoff #positioning">Deadspin | Mammoth host Oilers in high-stakes contest for playoff positioning Apr 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Utah Mammoth center Liam O’Brien (38) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Utah Mammoth continue their push for a playoff berth as they host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. This will be the third and final game between these teams this season. The Oilers won the first two meetings of the season and have won five straight in the overall series. The Mammoth (40-30-6, 86 points) sit fourth in the Central Division and currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They have won three straight and six of their last nine as they shoot for their first playoff berth since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The franchise made the playoffs once in its final 12 years as the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, getting booted from the first round in the truncated 2019-20 season. Utah should be full of confidence after its last time out, a 7-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, captain Clayton Keller had his third career hat trick and added an assist. Dylan Guenther and Lawson Crouse each had a goal and an assist, Logan Cooley had two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves. Liam O’Brien also found the back of the net after not being in the lineup since Feb. 4. “We have a deep lineup, and anyone that steps in is a great player, and someone that knows our systems well and can contribute,” Keller said. “We reacted good to a little adversity. Great effort by everyone and heck of a goal by ‘OB’ there, too. That was unreal. He’s such a great teammate, great guy, and he grinds every single day, so that’s awesome to see too.” “Everybody’s winning, so we need to win,” Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny said. “At the end of the day, we want to play game 83. In order to do that, you need to win games. You’re not going in because anybody let you in. You need to keep winning games, and it’s not over.” It certainly isn’t over for the Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points), who are hunting for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1990. Edmonton has gone to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Oilers are tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division and have won seven of their last 10 games. They are also fighting to get back into the win column following a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, who are just one point behind the Oilers in the division standings. Evan Bouchard scored the lone goal, and Connor Ingram made 28 saves for the Oilers, who were previously riding a five-game winning streak. “When things are going well, you forget about those details, those first couple of strides coming back, get a little extra aggressive on the pinch,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “You’re thinking maybe you’re overconfident, getting a little bit lazy, or whatever it is, I think we’re just not paying attention to those details.” “We got away from the way that we know how to play,” Oilers defenseman Jake Walman added. “We were slow (Saturday), and that’s the result against a team like that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mammoth #host #Oilers #highstakes #contest #playoff #positioning

Deadspin | Blue Jays C Alejandro Kirk (left thumb) headed for surgery Tuesday Apr 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, Toronto manager John Schneider said Monday. The two-time All-Star was injured during Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox when he caught a foul tip near the bottom of the glove. The club hasn’t yet determined how long Kirk will be sidelined. “We’ll know the timeline after the surgery,” Schneider said. Kirk, 27, is 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBIs in five games this season. In seven big-league campaigns, Kirk is batting .267 with 52 homers and 265 RBIs in 569 games since reaching the majors with the Blue Jays in 2020. Tyler Heineman, 34, who is 4-for-10 in five games this season, is slated to be the main catcher while Kirk is out. Prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Buffalo to be the backup and was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts on Sunday in his major league debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Alejandro #Kirk #left #thumb #headed #surgery #TuesdayApr 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, Toronto manager John Schneider said Monday.

The two-time All-Star was injured during Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox when he caught a foul tip near the bottom of the glove. The club hasn’t yet determined how long Kirk will be sidelined.

“We’ll know the timeline after the surgery,” Schneider said.


Kirk, 27, is 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBIs in five games this season.

In seven big-league campaigns, Kirk is batting .267 with 52 homers and 265 RBIs in 569 games since reaching the majors with the Blue Jays in 2020.

Tyler Heineman, 34, who is 4-for-10 in five games this season, is slated to be the main catcher while Kirk is out. Prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Buffalo to be the backup and was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts on Sunday in his major league debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Alejandro #Kirk #left #thumb #headed #surgery #Tuesday">Deadspin | Blue Jays C Alejandro Kirk (left thumb) headed for surgery Tuesday Apr 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb, Toronto manager John Schneider said Monday. The two-time All-Star was injured during Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox when he caught a foul tip near the bottom of the glove. The club hasn’t yet determined how long Kirk will be sidelined. “We’ll know the timeline after the surgery,” Schneider said. Kirk, 27, is 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer and two RBIs in five games this season. In seven big-league campaigns, Kirk is batting .267 with 52 homers and 265 RBIs in 569 games since reaching the majors with the Blue Jays in 2020. Tyler Heineman, 34, who is 4-for-10 in five games this season, is slated to be the main catcher while Kirk is out. Prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Buffalo to be the backup and was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts on Sunday in his major league debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Alejandro #Kirk #left #thumb #headed #surgery #Tuesday

Deadspin | Bucks, Nets playing better of late than records would indicate Apr 5, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images At the beginning of the final week of the regular season, two teams already looking toward the offseason face off as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday in New York. It’s the first of two matchups between these teams in the next week, as they’ll reconvene Friday in Milwaukee. And despite both teams being in positions where losses may be more valuable than wins, both are coming off solid victories. Milwaukee (31-47) took down the Memphis Grizzlies 131-115 at home on Sunday afternoon, thanks in large part to shooting 16 of 32 on 3-point attempts. It was Milwaukee’s second win in four games. As he has frequently of late with many key Bucks injured, Ryan Rollins led the way with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Cormac Ryan added 21 points off the bench as he continues to play well on a two-way contract. “We got new guys in the rotation, myself being one of them. Everybody’s trying to find ways to help each other and help the team win,” Ryan said. “Just trying to be hungry for opportunity, I’m not doing anything different than I have all year.” Bucks coach Doc Rivers spoke on how these end-of-season games are approached by both the younger and veteran players on his team. “I know we’re out of the playoffs and all that, but these games are meaningful to a lot of guys,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “These are hard games; I was really happy with everybody (Sunday).” Brooklyn (19-59) defeated the Washington Wizards 121-115 at home on Sunday for its second win in four games, as well, an improvement following a 10-game losing streak. Nolan Traore led the way with 23 points and seven assists while Jalen Wilson added 19 points. It was the 19-year-old Traore’s career high in scoring. “(Traore) is a big reason why we won this game, especially towards the end. Even though at times it gets rocky with the amount of games and travel and he’s a rookie, he’s always tried to do the right thing,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I’ve always been pleased with his attitude, his work.” On the injury front, the reports are busy for both squads. Brooklyn is without Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) and Danny Wolf (ankle sprain) for the remainder of the season. Nic Claxton (finger sprain), Noah Clowney (ankle), Terance Mann (Achilles) and Ziarie Williams (foot) all missed Sunday’s game and will sit again Tuesday. Ben Saraf (back tightness) sat out Sunday but is probable for the Nets against the Bucks. Milwaukee remains without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Gary Trent Jr. (hip) and Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), though none have been officially shut down for the season. Rollins was also deemed out vs. Brooklyn while dealing with a hip strain. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bucks #Nets #playing #late #recordsApr 5, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

At the beginning of the final week of the regular season, two teams already looking toward the offseason face off as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday in New York.

It’s the first of two matchups between these teams in the next week, as they’ll reconvene Friday in Milwaukee.

And despite both teams being in positions where losses may be more valuable than wins, both are coming off solid victories.

Milwaukee (31-47) took down the Memphis Grizzlies 131-115 at home on Sunday afternoon, thanks in large part to shooting 16 of 32 on 3-point attempts. It was Milwaukee’s second win in four games.

As he has frequently of late with many key Bucks injured, Ryan Rollins led the way with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Cormac Ryan added 21 points off the bench as he continues to play well on a two-way contract.

“We got new guys in the rotation, myself being one of them. Everybody’s trying to find ways to help each other and help the team win,” Ryan said. “Just trying to be hungry for opportunity, I’m not doing anything different than I have all year.”

Bucks coach Doc Rivers spoke on how these end-of-season games are approached by both the younger and veteran players on his team.


“I know we’re out of the playoffs and all that, but these games are meaningful to a lot of guys,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “These are hard games; I was really happy with everybody (Sunday).”

Brooklyn (19-59) defeated the Washington Wizards 121-115 at home on Sunday for its second win in four games, as well, an improvement following a 10-game losing streak.

Nolan Traore led the way with 23 points and seven assists while Jalen Wilson added 19 points. It was the 19-year-old Traore’s career high in scoring.

“(Traore) is a big reason why we won this game, especially towards the end. Even though at times it gets rocky with the amount of games and travel and he’s a rookie, he’s always tried to do the right thing,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I’ve always been pleased with his attitude, his work.”

On the injury front, the reports are busy for both squads.

Brooklyn is without Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) and Danny Wolf (ankle sprain) for the remainder of the season. Nic Claxton (finger sprain), Noah Clowney (ankle), Terance Mann (Achilles) and Ziarie Williams (foot) all missed Sunday’s game and will sit again Tuesday.

Ben Saraf (back tightness) sat out Sunday but is probable for the Nets against the Bucks.

Milwaukee remains without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Gary Trent Jr. (hip) and Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), though none have been officially shut down for the season. Rollins was also deemed out vs. Brooklyn while dealing with a hip strain.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bucks #Nets #playing #late #records">Deadspin | Bucks, Nets playing better of late than records would indicate Apr 5, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images At the beginning of the final week of the regular season, two teams already looking toward the offseason face off as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday in New York. It’s the first of two matchups between these teams in the next week, as they’ll reconvene Friday in Milwaukee. And despite both teams being in positions where losses may be more valuable than wins, both are coming off solid victories. Milwaukee (31-47) took down the Memphis Grizzlies 131-115 at home on Sunday afternoon, thanks in large part to shooting 16 of 32 on 3-point attempts. It was Milwaukee’s second win in four games. As he has frequently of late with many key Bucks injured, Ryan Rollins led the way with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Cormac Ryan added 21 points off the bench as he continues to play well on a two-way contract. “We got new guys in the rotation, myself being one of them. Everybody’s trying to find ways to help each other and help the team win,” Ryan said. “Just trying to be hungry for opportunity, I’m not doing anything different than I have all year.” Bucks coach Doc Rivers spoke on how these end-of-season games are approached by both the younger and veteran players on his team. “I know we’re out of the playoffs and all that, but these games are meaningful to a lot of guys,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “These are hard games; I was really happy with everybody (Sunday).” Brooklyn (19-59) defeated the Washington Wizards 121-115 at home on Sunday for its second win in four games, as well, an improvement following a 10-game losing streak. Nolan Traore led the way with 23 points and seven assists while Jalen Wilson added 19 points. It was the 19-year-old Traore’s career high in scoring. “(Traore) is a big reason why we won this game, especially towards the end. Even though at times it gets rocky with the amount of games and travel and he’s a rookie, he’s always tried to do the right thing,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I’ve always been pleased with his attitude, his work.” On the injury front, the reports are busy for both squads. Brooklyn is without Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) and Danny Wolf (ankle sprain) for the remainder of the season. Nic Claxton (finger sprain), Noah Clowney (ankle), Terance Mann (Achilles) and Ziarie Williams (foot) all missed Sunday’s game and will sit again Tuesday. Ben Saraf (back tightness) sat out Sunday but is probable for the Nets against the Bucks. Milwaukee remains without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Gary Trent Jr. (hip) and Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), though none have been officially shut down for the season. Rollins was also deemed out vs. Brooklyn while dealing with a hip strain. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bucks #Nets #playing #late #records

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