Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña showed promise as a rookie, but his performance last season raised some concerns. According to MLB data from BrooksGate, Peña ended up among the bottom 30 players in the league when ranked by Win Probability Added (WPA), with a negative value of -2.20.
For context, this was the same number as Washington Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin, who finished with a 5.62 ERA, the worst in baseball last season.
So, what went wrong for Peña last year?
To start, Peña posted a career-low .266/.308/.394 slash line with 15 home runs and 70 RBIs. He struggled significantly in the final month of the season, finishing with a poor .231/.271/.319 line. While Peña has never been an exceptional hitter, this was still a noticeable drop.
His OPS+ was exactly at 100, which is league average, meaning he wasn’t helping his team much offensively. WPA measures how a player’s performance helps or hurts a team’s chances of winning, so Peña’s lack of impact at the plate contributed to his low ranking.
Jeremy Pena connects with the ball in the 6th inning
His defense also took a hit. Peña had won a Gold Glove in his rookie year with a Fielding Runs Value (FRV) of five, but that number dropped to -2 last season, showing a significant decline.
Despite these struggles, it’s important to remember that Peña is still a young player, entering his fourth professional season at 27 years old. While his offense and defense weren’t up to par last season, it’s reasonable to expect improvement. His WPA was actually better than in 2023 when he posted a -3.23. His rookie year remains his best with a WPA of 1.23.
The Astros also had a bright spot in the form of superstar Yordan Alvarez, who finished with the 14th-best WPA in MLB at +3.96, showing that while Peña struggled, Houston still had standout performances on the roster.
In short, while Peña’s numbers last season were disappointing, it’s too soon to give up on the young shortstop. There’s still plenty of potential for him to bounce back in 2025.
Blake Sabol of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by Mike Yastrzemski after he hit a two-run home
The Boston Red Sox traded for catcher and outfielder Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, and this move likely signals that they are set at the catcher position for the start of the 2025 season.
While they might look to add another player closer to the trade deadline depending on how the season progresses, the team is expected to enter spring training with Connor Wong as the starting catcher, while Sabol and Carlos Narvaez will compete for the backup spot.
The Red Sox have a lot of infield depth, both on the major league roster and in the minors. Considering this, it may have made more sense to use shortstop Marcelo Mayer in a trade package for Garrett Crochet, rather than catcher Kyle Teel. The Red Sox could have also used such a trade to pursue a veteran third baseman.
However, despite the White Sox already having a catcher of the future in Edgar Quero, they preferred Teel over Mayer. While Boston needed to make this trade, the addition of a strong starting pitcher like Crochet resulted in the loss of a promising young catcher in Teel.
Currently, the Red Sox have limited depth in their farm system at catcher. Connor Wong has four years remaining before he hits free agency, but his potential beyond his current performance is uncertain. At 29, Wong has only played two full seasons in the majors and hit .280 in 2024.
However, his batting average was helped by good luck on balls in play, as Statcast gave him a .231 expected batting average. Additionally, his defensive performance declined from 2023 to 2024.
Instead of trying to secure a veteran catcher from the weak free-agent market, the Red Sox decided to acquire younger catchers in Carlos Narvaez and Blake Sabol. This move makes more sense given the lack of solid options available on the market.
Blake Sabol (MLB)
Danny Jansen, for example, was the highest-paid catcher this offseason with an $8.5 million contract for one year, but he struggled during his time in Boston. Older catchers like Kyle Higashioka and Travis d’Arnaud received the next substantial contracts, but most of the free-agent catcher pool included players like James McCann, Yasmani Grandal, and Elias Diaz, who were not ideal solutions for the team.
With Kyle Teel now traded away, the Red Sox are unlikely to find their future starting catcher from within the organization. Nathan Hickey’s stock has fallen, and Johanfran Garcia, a promising 20-year-old catcher, is still recovering from an ACL injury and is years away from being ready.
Brooks Brannon, another young catcher, is currently playing in Low-A and may not remain behind the plate for long. The team might look to repeat their “Teel Route” by selecting a college catcher in the 2025 MLB Draft, hoping to develop him into a starting option by 2027.
Looking ahead, free-agent catchers like J.T. Realmuto and Mitch Garver will be available in a year, but they will both be in their mid-30s. While Realmuto still has talent, it is hard to see the Red Sox investing heavily in a top-tier free agent until it happens.
For the time being, the Red Sox have a short-term plan for their catcher situation, with Wong, Sabol, and Narvaez as their main options. However, they will need to start planning for the long-term future at the position.
The Boston Red Sox traded for catcher Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, sending space in the international bonus pool in return.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated rookie right-hander Chase Shugart for assignment.
Sabol, 27, played 11 games with the Giants last season, hitting 10-for-32 (.313). He started seven of those games as catcher. In 2023, he posted a .235 batting average with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs while splitting his time between catcher and outfielder.
The Giants designated Sabol for assignment just last week.
Blake Sabol of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated by Mike Yastrzemski after he hit a two-run home
Shugart, 28, made his MLB debut on August 14, 2024. He didn’t earn a decision in his six relief appearances, giving up four runs in 8 2/3 innings for a 4.15 ERA. He struck out eight and walked three.
Shugart was drafted by the Red Sox in the 12th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of Texas.
What the Los Angeles Dodgers Can Look Forward to from Roki Sasaki in 2025
Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, has chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers as his Major League Baseball team. He’s widely regarded as one of the most exciting young pitchers to come from Japan in years, boasting an impressive fastball that can reach triple digits, a devastating splitter, and a potential that has had scouts and analysts eagerly awaiting his move to MLB.
With a career ERA of 2.10 and 505 strikeouts over 394⅔ innings with the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki has already achieved plenty in Japan, including two perfect games in 2022. Now, he’ll try to follow in the footsteps of other successful Japanese pitchers like Yu Darvish and Kodai Senga in Major League Baseball.
However, despite his incredible talent, Sasaki is not yet considered a finished product. Scouts and evaluators who have watched him closely in Japan warn that while his potential is vast, there are areas where he still needs to develop before reaching the top of MLB pitching. Below are five major takeaways from experts on Sasaki’s transition to Major League Baseball.
Sasaki Won’t Be an Ace – Yet
One of the most telling signs of Sasaki’s maturity is his self-awareness. Before meeting with MLB teams, he gave each team a homework assignment, asking them to explain why his fastball velocity had dropped in the previous season and how they would help him avoid such a drop in the future.
This shows that he is confident and forward-thinking, even at such a young age. Although his potential to be an ace is clear, scouts caution that he won’t be one immediately. Sasaki could start his MLB journey in the minors, or even as a back-of-the-rotation option to begin with. His decision to enter the MLB early instead of waiting a few years for a bigger payday shows his drive, but it also reflects that he still has room to grow.
His Splitter Is Unhittable
Sasaki’s splitter has been described in terms like “devastating” and “f—ing nasty,” with some scouts rating it as an 80-grade pitch. His splitter, which mirrors his fastball in appearance, travels at 88-92 mph and drops dramatically, often fooling hitters. Scouts believe his splitter might be the best secondary pitch in baseball.
Even Japanese hitters, who are known for handling splitters better than MLB hitters, struggle to hit Sasaki’s version. Though some say his splitter took a slight step back in 2024, it is still an elite pitch and will likely be one of the most feared weapons in MLB.
Roki Sasaki (MLB)
His Fastball Needs Improvement
While Sasaki’s fastball is certainly fast, hitting triple digits at times, some scouts have criticized its quality, with some calling it flat. This could be a problem in MLB, where hitters are more accustomed to high velocities. In Japan, Sasaki got away with it more often, but major league hitters might time up his fastball more easily.
The good news is that Sasaki is aware of this and has worked on diversifying his pitches. His goal is to improve his fastball, especially with better command on inside pitches, while also utilizing his slider and two-seam fastball more. If he can refine these aspects, his fastball will become a much more effective weapon.
His Workload Will Be a Concern
Sasaki has shown he can handle the spotlight, having starred in Japan’s prestigious high school baseball tournament and earned a No. 1 draft pick in 2019. However, his career in Japan has seen relatively light workloads, with his highest innings total in a season being just 129⅓.
Scouts believe Sasaki will need to be eased into a major league rotation, with a six-man staff potentially helping to limit his innings. While durability concerns exist due to his build and the heavy workload of his delivery, many believe Sasaki can adjust, especially as he gains more experience in MLB. Some experts predict that he will eventually add weight, which could help him handle the physical demands of pitching in the majors.
There Will Be Growing Pains, but He Can Handle Them
Sasaki’s journey to MLB will not be without its challenges. He will have to adjust to a new ball, mound, and culture, and he will be facing a completely different type of competition. But Sasaki has proven to be a deep thinker and someone who is always working to improve.
Even in 2024, when MLB scouts were watching his every move, Sasaki focused more on development than immediate results. This maturity and analytical mindset suggest that he can handle the transition, even though there will be inevitable growing pains. Sasaki is someone who holds himself accountable and is willing to take a step back when necessary to make long-term improvements.
While Sasaki might not immediately dominate Major League Baseball, his skill set and determination make him one of the most intriguing young pitchers in recent memory. If he can refine his fastball, improve his command, and adjust to the demands of the MLB schedule, he could very well develop into one of the game’s elite pitchers. For now, fans can expect to see flashes of brilliance from Sasaki, but also some bumps along the way as he adjusts to his new league.
LA Galaxy has secured veteran center-back Mathias “Zanka” Jørgensen from Belgian club Anderlecht. The 34-year-old Danish international joins the team on a two-year contract, running through 2026. This move aims to bolster the Galaxy’s defensive options as they prepare for the 2025 season and various competitions.
Jørgensen’s Extensive Experience in Top European Leagues
Over the course of his career, Jørgensen has accumulated 520 club appearances, scoring 34 goals and contributing 14 assists. He has played in several top European leagues, including the English Premier League with Huddersfield Town and Brentford, the Bundesliga with Fortuna Düsseldorf, Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, and Turkish Süper Lig with Fenerbahçe. His most recent club was Anderlecht in Belgium.
Mathias Jørgensen
Jørgensen has been a key figure for Denmark, earning 37 international caps and scoring a memorable goal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also represented Denmark in the 2020 and 2024 UEFA European Championships, showcasing his international experience and ability to perform on the global stage. This adds valuable depth to the Galaxy’s roster.
Galaxy General Manager Praises Jørgensen’s Experience
Will Kuntz, LA Galaxy’s General Manager, expressed excitement about the new addition. He highlighted Jørgensen’s five Danish league titles, Danish Cup wins, and extensive experience in top-flight football. Kuntz believes Jørgensen’s leadership and talent will be vital for the team as they compete in multiple competitions, including MLS and international tournaments.
The addition of Jørgensen comes as the Galaxy look to shore up their defense following changes to their roster. Key defensive figures like Maya Yoshida are no longer with the team, and Jalen Neal was traded to CF Montréal. With the 2025 MLS season beginning in late February and the Concacaf Champions Cup approaching, Jørgensen’s experience will be crucial for the Galaxy’s upcoming challenges.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks throws against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game
Chicago is known for many things worldwide, from day games at Wrigley Field to its rich blues music scene and its contribution to the evolution of music. This summer, the Cubs are blending their history with a tribute to the blues by introducing a new alternate uniform.
The uniform, which was revealed on Thursday night ahead of the Cubs Convention, features a baby blue jersey, marking its return to the team’s rotation for the first time since 1981.
The Cubs were the first Major League team to wear a baby blue jersey in 1941. The color made a comeback at times in the 1970s but disappeared after 1981. It returned briefly in 2014 as part of Wrigley Field’s 100th anniversary celebration, and now, it’s back for good.
This new uniform will be worn for the first time on April 5 against the Padres, in the second home game of the season. After that, it will become a regular feature for Friday day games throughout the summer. This will replace the “Wrigleyville” alternate uniform that the team has worn in recent seasons.
The design of the new uniform is filled with meaning. The Cubs’ logo on the left chest of the jersey and hat—a red “C” with a star at its center and blue lettering to complete the team name—pays homage to the club’s logos from the early 1900s. The designers also took inspiration from the electric guitar brands, amplifiers, and microphones from the same era.
Chicago Cubs players pose for a photo after the win
This new uniform is also a tribute to the Chicago blues movement, which became prominent in the early 20th century. The sleeve patch on the jersey features the name “Chicago” inside the shape of a guitar pick, with an electric bolt to symbolize the electrification of blues music.
The team also took input from the players on the design of the uniform. The on-field socks feature the phrase “Sweet Home Chicago,” along with a stripe resembling a six-string guitar. The hat is designed with a blue brim and back, with a white front and a red button on top. The players’ names and numbers are styled with a blues-era typography to reflect the music and baseball culture of the past.
The Cubs plan to officially introduce these new uniforms at the Cubs Convention, which takes place this weekend, starting on Friday and running through Sunday at the Sheraton Grand Chicago downtown. The new jerseys will be available for purchase at the event and at the team’s store at Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field.
The Detroit Red Wings have been very selective about retiring player numbers, a practice that has only been extended to eight players thus far. The most recent addition to the club is Red Kelly’s number 4, signaling that the team reserves this honor for the greatest and most influential players in their history. While some teams may retire numbers more liberally, the Red Wings’ stringent approach ensures that only truly iconic figures are celebrated in this way. This practice reflects the team’s tradition and careful recognition of its legendary figures.
Among the many players who could be worthy of having their numbers retired, Sergei Fedorov is frequently mentioned, with former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland acknowledging the possibility of honoring Fedorov’s legendary number 91 back in 2015. While Fedorov’s career with the Red Wings was certainly remarkable, another name that stands out in recent memory is Henrik Zetterberg. Zetterberg, a loyal and hard-working forward, made an indelible impact on the team over his 15-year career with the Red Wings. Despite the organization’s tradition of prioritizing loyalty, Zetterberg’s accomplishments and dedication to the team make him a standout candidate for having his number 40 retired.
Henrik Zetterberg (NHL)
Zetterberg’s Legacy as Captain
Henrik Zetterberg’s leadership on the ice is a major part of his legacy. On January 15, 2013, Zetterberg was named the 36th captain of the Detroit Red Wings. His tenure as captain lasted five years, before his unexpected retirement in 2018. Zetterberg’s leadership was especially significant in a period of transition for the franchise, which saw the end of its remarkable 25-year playoff streak. The team did not appoint a new captain until 2021 when Dylan Larkin took over the role.
Across the eight retired jerseys in team history, seven of the players were captains, with only legendary goaltender Terry Sawchuk being the exception. This further underscores the importance of a captain’s role in the Red Wings’ history, making Zetterberg’s time as captain a key part of his qualification for this recognition.
Though Zetterberg’s individual accolades may not place him among the all-time greats in terms of regular-season achievements, his contributions to the Red Wings were nothing short of legendary. He ended his career with 960 points, a respectable total, but it was his performance in the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs that truly solidified his place in franchise lore.
Zetterberg’s critical role in the finals, particularly during Game 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, became the stuff of legend. His penalty-killing shift in that game was dubbed the “Conn Smythe Shift” by Red Wings fans, showcasing his elite defensive play. Zetterberg’s performance in the postseason earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, further solidifying his importance to the team and his legacy as one of the NHL’s premier two-way forwards.
Henrik Zetterberg (NHL)
Loyalty to Detroit Despite Challenges
One of the key reasons why Zetterberg should have his number 40 retired is his unwavering loyalty to the Red Wings. In 2009, Zetterberg signed a 12-year contract with the team, a deal that was the longest in the Red Wings’ history at the time. Despite battling serious back issues in his later years, Zetterberg continued to give his all for the team.
The Red Wings experienced several difficult seasons during this time, including a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and a gradual decline following the end of their 25-year playoff streak. Yet Zetterberg remained committed to the team, often facing the media and carrying the burden of leading the Red Wings through challenging years. His eventual forced retirement due to his back issues marked the end of an era for the franchise and symbolized his dedication to the organization through its toughest times.
Henrik Zetterberg’s connection to the Detroit Red Wings transcends his statistics and leadership; he truly embodied the spirit of Red Wings hockey. Alongside his linemate Pavel Datsyuk, Zetterberg helped define the Red Wings’ style of play for nearly a decade. While Datsyuk often garnered individual accolades, Zetterberg’s work ethic and commitment to the team became central to the franchise’s identity.
Zetterberg, a seventh-round draft pick, grew into one of the most important players in the organization’s history, particularly in a city known for its resilience and tough blue-collar attitude. Zetterberg was never the flashiest player, but his relentless work ethic and consistent contributions made him the epitome of the Red Wings’ values. His number 40 is synonymous with the franchise, and it would be fitting for the team to honor his legacy by retiring his jersey, alongside those of the greats who shaped the team’s storied history.
Chicago Cubs’ Sammy Sosa connects for a three-run home run in the third ining
Sammy Sosa has been elected to the Chicago Cubs’ Hall of Fame, alongside former first baseman Derrek Lee, just weeks after Sosa apologized for “mistakes” made during his baseball career. The announcement came on January 17, 2025, at the Cubs’ annual fan convention in Chicago, where Cubs chairman Thomas Ricketts revealed that both Sosa and Lee would be inducted in 2025.
Sosa, who is ninth on the MLB’s all-time home run list, shared his excitement about the honor, saying, “It was like I was running to right field. Fantastic. The fans deserved it. I put on a show today. Everyone was happy. I saw a lot of smiles. I think that today was a perfect day.” He added, “People, they say you grow up. That’s what happened to me.
I believe that me making the first step to get that statement out, I think it was the right time for me. And the response right away was incredible. Pretty much, that’s all I needed. And now the door is open.”
Sosa had made headlines in December with a public apology, acknowledging his mistakes during his time in the league. In the statement, he mentioned, “I understand why some players in my era don’t always get the recognition our stats deserve.”
He also explained that, “There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.”
Sosa, who hit a remarkable 66 home runs in 1998, had faced long-standing accusations of using steroids. He had previously denied using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and was distant from the Cubs after his retirement in 2007.
Chicago Cubs (MLB)
However, after his apology, Cubs chairman Ricketts issued a statement praising Sosa’s honesty and passion for the game, welcoming him back into the Cubs family. “No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect, but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs,” Ricketts said.
Sosa, when asked about his statement during the fan convention, responded, “The statement is the statement,” and declined to revisit it. He explained further, “I’m referring to … look, 21 years out [of the game]. I have fans that love me very much. I have to apologize to them because normally they see me play so many years that I was here.”
Both Sosa and Lee will be celebrated by the Cubs at a game this summer, marking Sosa’s first official appearance at Wrigley Field since 2004. Lee played for the Cubs from 2004 to 2010, while Sosa was with the team from 1992 to 2004.
Ricketts praised both players in a news release, calling them “two of the greatest hitters ever to play for the Chicago Cubs,” and expressed the franchise’s “privilege” to have Sosa back at the convention. Sosa expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m honored to be in the Cubs Hall of Fame” and looked forward to returning for the ceremony later in the year.
Few people have been around Paul Goldschmidt longer than Turner Ward, who managed him in the minors and served as his hitting coach at two different major league teams. Ward worked with Goldschmidt during the past three seasons in St. Louis, including Goldschmidt’s MVP 2022 season and his disappointing 2024 campaign.
Goldschmidt is now with the Yankees, hoping to help replace Juan Soto after his departure. Ward believes that, despite being 37, Goldschmidt will return to form as the dominant hitter he has been throughout most of his career.
Ward explained that toward the end of last season, Goldschmidt started simplifying his approach again, which helped improve his performance. “Over the last six weeks of the season, he got back to simplifying things,” Ward said.
“Hitting off a tee and things like that. Over the course of last season, his swing got out of sequence and he tried to do too much. Personally, I have no doubt he can get back to being the hitter he’s been.”
Goldschmidt had one of his worst seasons last year, with a rise in strikeouts, a drop in walks, and a general decline in his typical production. Ward pointed out that Goldschmidt’s constant desire to improve his swing and technique may have played a role in the struggles.
He even consulted his bat company and visited Driveline to work on increasing his bat speed. “That’s not for everybody,” Ward said. “We talked about it last year, he did some things I know had a negative effect on him. He sped up his upper half and that’s where the disconnect happened.”
Despite the struggles, Goldschmidt had a strong finish to the season. He posted a .658 OPS over his first 98 games, but finished the last 56 games with an OPS of .826, and a .920 OPS over the final month. “I witnessed it and watched him,” Ward said. “I saw the frustration he felt and then he got back to being as simple as he possibly could and got results.”
Brendan Donovan is congratulated by Paul Goldschmidt ater hitting a home run in the 3rd inning
The Yankees don’t necessarily need Goldschmidt to return to his MVP form, but replacing Anthony Rizzo with a right-handed first baseman who is getting older carries some risk. However, Ward is confident that the move to New York will work out for both sides.
“What’s really gonna help is he’s a guy that makes everyone around him better and they’ll make him better,” Ward said. “He encourages everyone and he’ll be the one when guys are struggling that will be the voice of reason. What he went through this past year probably magnified that.”
Ward also believes that Yankee Stadium could be a great fit for Goldschmidt, noting that it is a perfect place for a hitter like him who pulls the ball or drives it the other way. “That place is made for a left-handed pull hitter or a right-handed hitter that drives the ball the other way,” Ward said. “He hits the ball to all fields.
St. Louis was not a great place for a guy who drives the ball the other way.” Goldschmidt’s OPS at home last season was .654, compared to .774 on the road.
Goldschmidt now faces the challenge of proving that his struggles last season were not the start of a permanent decline. For much of his career, he has rarely slumped. Ward’s relationship with Goldschmidt began in 2011 when Goldschmidt was in Double-A with Arizona’s Mobile team, and Ward was his manager. “I was very hard on players,” Ward said. “He’s always been a guy that wants to learn and grow. He probably asked more questions than any player I’ve ever been around.”
Goldschmidt’s willingness to learn paid off, as he was called up to the majors straight from Double-A on August 1, and quickly succeeded. “There were questions about whether he’d be able to make the adjustments after a jump like that and I told [then Arizona GM] Kevin Towers, ‘This guy is going to do everything he needs to do to succeed there.’ And he did,” Ward said.
Ward eventually became Goldschmidt’s hitting coach with the Diamondbacks from 2013 to 2015, and again for the past three seasons in St. Louis.
Calgary Flames Secure Surprise Playoff Spot, Combining Young Talent and Resilience to Exceed Expectations
The Calgary Flames started 2025 in a surprise playoff position, claiming the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. This came after a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on January 2, defying preseason expectations. Flames center Nazem Kadri expressed disbelief at the success, highlighting the ongoing nature of the season. Despite the unexpected position, Kadri emphasized the team’s resilience and focus on building further momentum as they move into the new year.
Preseason Expectations Were Low Due to Roster Changes
The Flames’ pre-season outlook was grim, as they had traded away several veteran players, including Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, and Noah Hanifin, among others. This was done in order to open spots for younger, untested talent. The trades left many questioning the team’s chances, but despite the changes, internal belief remained strong. Forward Ryan Lomberg, who had joined Calgary after winning the Stanley Cup with Florida, was confident that the team would be competitive, defying the outside doubts.
Calgary Flames Secure Surprise Playoff Spot, Combining Young Talent and Resilience to Exceed Expectations
One of the standout aspects of Calgary’s recent success has been their team chemistry, especially in physical play. Ryan Lomberg has been a key figure in fostering this sense of unity, engaging in fights to protect his teammates. His actions on the ice demonstrate a growing sense of brotherhood within the team. Flames head coach Ryan Huska praised the team’s emotion and response after a tough loss to Vegas, highlighting their resilience and commitment to playing with intensity.
Youth and Veterans Contributing to Success
The Flames’ success has been fueled by a combination of young players stepping up and veterans returning to form. Jonathan Huberdeau leads the team in scoring, playing at his best since joining Calgary in 2022. Young players like Connor Zary, who celebrated his 100th career game, and goaltender Dustin Wolf, who has a strong record at home, have also made significant contributions. Their performances, alongside a solid team effort, have been key in Calgary’s unexpected playoff positioning.
Despite their strong position as of January 1, the Flames are determined to keep pushing forward. Ryan Lomberg emphasized the team’s focus on maintaining their playoff spot and continuing to prove their doubters wrong. The Flames are committed to playing their style of hockey and ensuring they remain competitive throughout the season. As they prepare for their upcoming match against the Utah Hockey Club, the team is determined to stay in the hunt and further surpass expectations.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who called Inglewood home for 32 seasons and won six NBA championships there, will return to the city on Sunday, this time as visitors.
The Lakers will travel to the new $2 billion arena of the Los Angeles Clippers, located just a mile away from The Forum, the Lakers’ former home. This game will also be the first of four matchups between the two teams this season, with all games wrapping up by March 2.
The Lakers come into the game after winning two straight, including a close 102-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. In that game, star player Anthony Davis watched from the bench due to plantar fasciitis. The Lakers almost lost an eight-point lead with 3:45 left but managed to hold on. Austin Reaves scored a career-high 38 points, with 15 of them coming in the final quarter. LeBron James added 29 points and eight assists.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick expects Davis to return on Sunday.
Reaves, who was filling in for Davis, has taken on a larger role in the offense since the trade of point guard D’Angelo Russell to the Nets on December 29. LeBron James praised Reaves for stepping up and said, “He’s in his process and he’s taking the opportunity and running with it, literally running with it.
And I love every moment that he’s given the opportunity to go out and showcase his talent with the best players in the world, and he’s showing every night that he belongs. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game
The Clippers, on a three-game winning streak, recently crushed the Nets 126-67 on Wednesday. Brooklyn then almost pulled off an upset against the Lakers.
The Clippers’ most recent win was a 118-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Norman Powell led the team with 23 points, and James Harden added 19. The Clippers shot 56.4% from the floor, including 43.5% from beyond the arc.
Kawhi Leonard, who has played in only four games this season due to knee issues, sat out against Portland on the second night of a back-to-back. However, he returned to the court with a season-high 23 points against the Nets, shooting 8-of-11 from the field.
Leonard is expected to play against the Lakers, having logged a season-high 24 minutes in the previous game. Head coach Tyronn Lue has encouraged Leonard to take on a bigger role in the offense.
Leonard commented on his performance, saying, “It felt good, but like I said before, I’m taking my time. Just because I made shots doesn’t mean (everything), to me at least. It’s about how I’m moving and feeling. We pushed my minutes up from the last three, so tonight I was able to play 24 minutes. (Lue) allowed me to bring the ball up and get us into the pace of the offense. I thought that helped a little bit.”
The Clippers now face a tough stretch of games, playing four games in five nights. After facing the Lakers on Sunday, they will quickly turn around to play the Chicago Bulls on Monday, followed by games against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday and the Washington Wizards on Thursday. All these games will be at home, where the Clippers have a strong 14-6 record.
James Harden, left, and Nets guard Keon Johnson go after a rebound in the first half.
The Los Angeles Clippers started a challenging stretch of games on Wednesday night, which will test their resilience. This tough schedule comes after the wildfires in Los Angeles caused the postponement of a Clippers game and forced the NBA to reschedule others.
The Clippers’ first game in this nine-day stretch ended in a 126-67 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at the Intuit Dome, marking the largest margin of victory in franchise history.
Kawhi Leonard played for 23 minutes and 49 seconds, scoring 23 points, which was a season-high. He made 8 of 11 shots from the field and led the Clippers in scoring. James Harden contributed 21 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in the win, which saw the Clippers leading by as much as 64 points.
Harden also surpassed Dominique Wilkins on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, moving into 15th place with 26,681 career points.
Harden spoke about not fully grasping the significance of his achievements in the moment. “We’ll figure that out when it’s all done,” he said. “But right now, it’s just I got to keep going. I got to keep getting closer and breaking more records. When it’s all said and done, which I’ll have a lot of time after, I can sit back and realize what I actually accomplished in my life. But for now, I’m in the moment. I just keep going.”
With the NBA announcing its rescheduled games earlier in the day, the Clippers now face five games next week, including two sets of back-to-backs. Despite this busy schedule, the Clippers managed to get a good start, with no starter playing more than 24 minutes. The win improved their record to 22-17 as they head into the next game against Portland on Thursday.
Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets
The Clippers took control of the game by outscoring the Nets 37-14 in the second quarter and then adding a 44-16 run in the third quarter. Coach Tyronn Lue praised the team’s focus in the third quarter, saying, “So, we just had to have a professional mindset coming out in that third quarter and we did that. Our guys were able to get some rest going into tomorrow to a back-to-back.”
Next week’s schedule will be challenging. The Clippers’ game against the Chicago Bulls, originally set for Wednesday, has been moved to Monday, creating a back-to-back situation since they will play the Lakers on Sunday.
They also have a game against the Washington Wizards, which was rescheduled from March 16 to January 23, the day after they host the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Clippers will finish the week with a home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 25.
The postponed game against Charlotte, which was set for last Saturday, has been rescheduled for March 16. Similarly, their February 13 game against Utah is now set for March 19. Fans who purchased tickets for these games can use them on the rescheduled dates.
With Leonard playing in just his fourth game of the season, the Clippers plan to be cautious with their star player during this busy stretch. Coach Lue mentioned that the medical staff would create a plan to manage Leonard’s playing time, which includes him sitting out Thursday’s game in Portland.
“We’ve played, I think, pretty much the top-two hardest schedules in the league so far this year. It just adds to it,” Lue said. “So, we just got to take it game by game. Can’t fall victim to the schedule. It’s out of the NBA’s hands what happened to our city and so we understand that. So, we just got to lock in.”
Leonard spoke about how he’s assessing his own performance and his focus on his movements. “Like I said, just seeing how I move, if I’m able to still slide or get to do certain things,” Leonard said.
Clippers wingman Terance Mann, who didn’t play in Monday’s game against Miami, also missed the second half against the Nets due to left calf soreness. He had five points before leaving the game.
