Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and ...

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday. (Sometimes on Thursday too!)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4qsTOXqSDcU?si=dT_t9AJlC9JNGhqD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Aidan Thakkar, Levi Smith, and Kyle Cushman cover a wide variety of topics in another jam-packed late-March episode:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>John Tortorella out in Philadelphia (01:30)</li>
<li>Who has a better all-time legacy: Ovechkin or Crosby? (03:00)</li>
<li>Has Macklin Celebrini surpassed Connor Bedard? (14:30)</li>
<li>Why Toronto will win a Stanley Cup with Auston Matthews (23:55)</li>
<li>Rasmus Andersson's staredowns are back! (33:00)</li>
<li>Trivia! Can you name the players with the longest suspensions since 2000? (35:20)</li>
</ul><p>Skyscanner | Score Top Shelf Travel Deals</p><p><a href="http://skyscanner.pxf.io/bOkNgm?sharedid=Ep15Article">Flights to Toronto</a></p><p><a href="http://skyscanner.pxf.io/RG6Ja2?sharedid=Ep15Article">Flights to Cancun</a></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30757190/related

Top Shelf: Does Ovechkin or Crosby have the greater legacy?

The transfer window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all...

<p><em>The transfer window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all the latest buzz from across the soccer world.</em></p><h3>Top story: Isak's contract talks on hold</h3><p>Newcastle United have suspended contract talks with star striker Alexander Isak after failing to reach an agreement with the player. While Isak's deal still has three years left to run, the Magpies had been offering fresh terms as Arsenal and Liverpool ramped up their interest. But Isak turned down Newcastle's initial proposals, leading the club to reassess its options ahead of a potential bidding war in the summer transfer window.</p><p>Isak has scored 23 goals this season and helped Newcastle win their first major trophy in 70 years in the League Cup final. Arsenal are desperate for a 30-goal striker who can help them end their own Premier League title drought, while Liverpool ponder their options as Mohamed Salah nears the exit. (<a href="https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/03/26/alexander-isak-newcastle-arsenal-liverpool/">Caught Offside</a>)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Other rumors</h3><p><strong>March 27</strong></p><p><strong>Arsenal have Isak alternative</strong>: As Newcastle demand £150 million for Isak, Arsenal are turning their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Hugo Ekitike, who has 19 goals this season and a more reasonable £60-million price tag. (<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34083472/arsenal-hugo-ekitike-transfer-isak-arteta/">The Sun</a>)</p><p><strong>Juve might sacrifice Cambiaso</strong>: Juventus are considering selling Andrea Cambiaso to cover the €30 million it cost them to fire head coach Thiago Motta. Manchester City nearly signed the Italian left-back in January and could return with a €60-million offer. (<a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Juventus/26-03-2025/juve-cambiaso-sul-mercato-per-ripagare-l-esonero-di-motta.shtml?refresh_ce">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>)</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748965/cropped_GettyImages-2175476136.jpg?ts=1728343782" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748965/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175476136.jpg?ts=1728343782 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748965/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175476136.jpg?ts=1728343782 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748965/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175476136.jpg?ts=1728343782 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748965/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175476136.jpg?ts=1728343782 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748965/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175476136.jpg?ts=1728343782 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Regan / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Still no deal for Mainoo</strong>: Manchester United could sell academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo for around £70 million if they can't re-sign the midfielder by the end of the season. Talks have gone on for a year without a compromise being struck. (<a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-kobbie-mainoo-could-31290196">Manchester Evening News</a>)</p><p><strong>Newcastle eyeing Quansah</strong>: Newcastle believe £30 million would be enough to get Liverpool to sell defender Jarell Quansah. That would require some flexibility from the Reds, who didn't even consider selling the homegrown center-back for £50 million last summer. (<a href="https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/jarrel-quansah-liverpool-newscastle-transfer-news-mcj5rqdvr">The Times</a>)</p><p><strong>Arsenal counting on Zubimendi</strong>: Reports that Real Madrid are homing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi are off the mark as Arsenal still expect the the 26-year-old to honor his word and join them in the summer. (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235165/2025/03/27/ask-ornstein-qa-our-football-insider-answers-your-questions-22/">David Ornstein</a>)</p><p><strong>March 26</strong></p><p><strong>TAA offered big bucks to stay</strong>: By advancing in talks with Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold seems to have rejected Liverpool's offer to make him the highest-paid English player in the Premier League. Jack Grealish currently leads all Englishmen with an annual salary of £15.6 million. (<a href="https://tbrfootball.com/what-liverpool-did-with-trent-alexander-arnold-after-learning-of-real-madrid-talks-advancing/">TBR Football</a>)</p><p><strong>Dibling's massive price tag</strong>: Southampton won't accept less than £100 million for 19-year-old midfielder Tyler Dibling despite their near-certain relegation from the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are interested. (<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/03/26/southampton-100m-tottenham-man-city-tyler-dibling/">The Telegraph</a>)</p><p><strong>Atletico in for Romero</strong>: Tottenham could raise the money they'd need to sign Dibling if they sell Cristian Romero to potential suitors Atletico Madrid, who believe the Argentine would become one of the world's best center-backs under countryman Diego Simeone. (<a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13335682/tottenham-transfer-atletico-madrid-interested-in-summer-move-for-spurs-defender-cristian-romero">Sky Sports</a>)</p><p><strong>Inter working on David</strong>: Inter are hoping Jonathan David becomes the latest free agent to join their competitive roster. The Canadian striker will leave Lille, where he's played since 2020, when his contract expires June 30. (<a href="https://x.com/NicoSchira/status/1904757841165979958">Nicolo Schira</a>)</p><p><strong>Big clubs circling Hato</strong>: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan are closely monitoring versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Ajax have raised their asking price to around €50 million from their original €30-million valuation. (<a href="https://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal/jorrel-hato-arsenal-liverpool-virgil-van-dijk-replacement">TEAMtalk</a>)</p><p><strong>Asencio gets pay raise</strong>: Real Madrid are rewarding academy graduate Raul Asencio with a new four-year contract worth €6.2 million per season. Asencio's previous €50-million release clause, which caused some worry in Madrid's ranks, will be terminated. (<a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2025/03/25/asencio-renueva-real-madrid-gana-super-contrato.html">Marca</a>)</p><p><strong>March 25</strong></p><p><strong>Madrid target Williams</strong>: Barcelona are rumored to be in the running to sign the Spain winger but could face competition from their Liga rivals in the event that Vinicius Junior leaves for Saudi Arabia this summer. (<a href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/confirmado-vinicius-real-madrid-pagara-65-kilos-sustituto-20250324.html">Fichajes</a>)</p><p><strong>Mass exodus at United</strong>: Up to 10 players could depart Manchester United this summer. Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho (all on loan) are among those expected to be part of the overhaul. (<a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-targeting-least-10-31265395">Manchester Evening News</a>)</p><p><strong>Man Utd turn to Fenerbahce</strong>: The search for another center-back has led Manchester United to Turkey. The club is considering a move for 19-year-old Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek. (<a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-yusuf-akcicek-fenerbahce-34921417">The Mirror</a>)</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/599457/cropped_GettyImages-1749113771.jpg?ts=1699036806" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/599457/w220xh124_GettyImages-1749113771.jpg?ts=1699036806 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/599457/w320xh180_GettyImages-1749113771.jpg?ts=1699036806 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/599457/w640xh360_GettyImages-1749113771.jpg?ts=1699036806 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/599457/w768xh432_GettyImages-1749113771.jpg?ts=1699036806 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/599457/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1749113771.jpg?ts=1699036806 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Sellers/Allstar / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Barca to raid Newcastle</strong>: Sandro Tonali is the latest Newcastle star to be linked with Barcelona, who also want to sign Alexander Isak. The two players have a combined value of €210 million. (<a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20250323/1002430586/buenos-informes-barca-sandro-tonali.html">Mundo Deportivo</a>)</p><p><strong>Wirtz unsure over extension</strong>: Florian Wirtz hasn't decided if he wants to sign an extension with Bayer Leverkusen. He's been offered a new deal that includes a release clause in 2026. (<a href="https://sport.sky.de/transfer/news/34132/13335114/fuer-diesen-preis-koennte-florian-wirtz-bayer-leverkusen-verlassen">Sky Sport Germany</a>)</p><p><strong>McKennie</strong><strong> future uncertain</strong>: Interim manager Igor Tudor's arrival at Juve has led to doubts Weston McKennie will extend his stay beyond 2026. Several others, such as Dusan Vlahovic, also face uncertain futures. (<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/la-mossa-tudor-anche-per-azzerare-gli-alibi-dei-calciatori-i-pri-17877">Calciomercato</a>)</p><p><strong>March 24</strong></p><p><strong>Isak favors Liverpool switch</strong>: Barcelona's hopes of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United could be in danger if Liverpool decide to make a move. The striker prefers joining Liverpool over Barca. (<a href="https://www.elnacional.cat/es/deportes/isak-dispuesto-esperar-barca-con-condicion_1385600_102.html">El Nacional</a>)</p><p><strong>Ultimatum for Los Blancos?</strong>: Real Madrid could be forced to choose between Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo this summer amid rising concerns about the star players struggling to operate with each other. (<a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/carpetas-real-madrid-obligados-vender-115556681">Diario Sport</a>)</p><p><strong>Kane considers England return</strong>: Harry Kane's time in Germany could be set to end, as the former Tottenham striker eyes a move back home. The 31-year-old favors joining Liverpool if he leaves Bayern Munich. (<a href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/harry-kane-plantea-volver-premier-league-proxima-temporada-20250323.html">Fichajes</a>)</p><p><strong>Reds want pair of Cherries</strong>: Milos Kerkez or Antoine Semenyo could be tempted to leave Bournemouth if Liverpool come knocking. The Reds could send Ben Doak the other way to sweeten any potential deal. (<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/33990158/liverpool-semenyo-kerkez-transfer-alan-nixon-leeds-west-ham/">The Sun</a>)</p><p><strong>Huijsen sweepstakes heat up</strong>: Real Madrid and Barcelona are the latest teams to be linked with Bournemouth center-back Deal Huijsen. Liverpool and Newcastle are also interested in the Dutch international. (<a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/dean-huijsen-interes-barca-movimientos-115581513">Diario Sport</a>)</p><p><strong>March 23</strong></p><p><strong>No way back for Rashford</strong>: Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim won't welcome back Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa don't sign him permanently. United hope to sell him for as much as £60 million. (<a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-rashford-amorim-villa-34909647">Daily Star</a>)</p><p><strong>Luis Diaz dreams of Barca</strong>: Colombian forward Luis Diaz is waiting for Barcelona to make his dream a reality and sign him from Liverpool, even as Arne Slot urges upper management to keep him. (<a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20250322/1002430237/luis-diaz-dispuesto-esperar-barca-cumplir-sueno.html">Mundo Deportivo</a>)</p><p><strong>Forest lining up Douglas Luiz</strong>: Nottingham Forest's incoming sporting director, Edu Gaspar, could leverage his relationship with powerful agent Kia Joorabchian to sign Juventus' €50-million midfielder. (<a href="https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2025/03/22-139373813/douglas_luiz_sprint_nottingham_la_formula_che_pu_convincere_la_juve">Tuttosport</a>)</p><p><strong>MLS club confirms KDB talks</strong>: San Diego sporting director Tyler Heaps admitted he held talks with Kevin De Bruyne's agent over a potential summer move but emphasized his wages are too high for the club's budget. (<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/33994325/kevin-de-bruyne-san-diego-mls-transfer/">The Sun</a>)</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611699/cropped_GettyImages-1918091960.jpg?ts=1705356536" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611699/w220xh124_GettyImages-1918091960.jpg?ts=1705356536 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611699/w320xh180_GettyImages-1918091960.jpg?ts=1705356536 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611699/w640xh360_GettyImages-1918091960.jpg?ts=1705356536 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611699/w768xh432_GettyImages-1918091960.jpg?ts=1705356536 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611699/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1918091960.jpg?ts=1705356536 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Regan / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Onana off to Saudi Arabia</strong>: With Andre Onana expected to leave Manchester United for Saudi Arabia in the summer window, the Red Devils are monitoring Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens and Lille's Lucas Chevalier. (<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/33992224/man-utd-andre-onana-transfer-exit-saudi-arabia/">The Sun</a>)</p><p><strong>De Gea staying put</strong>: Fiorentina will trigger an automatic one-year contract extension for David De Gea. They consider the shot-stopper an untouchable first-team player midway through his fruitful first season. (<a href="https://x.com/NicoSchira/status/1903601424535097492">Nicolo Schira</a>)</p><p><strong>March 22</strong></p><p><strong>Derby clash for Wharton</strong>: Manchester City and Manchester United are preparing to duke it out this summer for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who'd cost at least £70 million. (<a href="https://www.teamtalk.com/news/man-utd-intent-beating-man-city-new-declan-rice-70m-move-sources">TEAMtalk</a>)</p><p><strong>Leao's value plummets</strong>: Rafael Leao's future at AC Milan is uncertain, and negotiations with the Rossoneri could begin at the €85-million mark. That's a far cry from Leao's current €175-million release clause. (<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-che-futuro-per-leao-allegri-il-ruolo-di-mendes-e-la-clauso-32456">Calciomercato</a>)</p><p><strong>Man United moving for Yildiz</strong>: Manchester United have scouted Juventus playmaker Kenan Yildiz several times this season and seem ready to make a bid for the €80-million-rated Turkish international. (<a href="https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2025/03/21-139347983/yildiz_ci_voleva_montella_l_esclusione_di_motta_e_i_fari_della_premier/4">Tuttosport</a>)</p><p><strong>Man City not giving up</strong>: Manchester City have earmarked €60 million to sign AC Milan midfield keystone Tijjani Reijnders, who recently renewed his deal but could leave if the club fails to make the Champions League. (<a href="https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-city/brilliant-netherlands-star-shooting-up-city-list-priority-signings-50m-budget-set">TEAMtalk</a>)</p><p><strong>Osimhen is Juve's dream</strong>:<strong> </strong>Juventus aren't giving up on signing Victor Osimhen despite his gargantuan €17.5 million annual salary. His €75-million release clause is only valid for European clubs. (<a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/21-03-2025/mercato-juve-osimhen-napoli-ultime-news.shtml?refresh_ce">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>)</p><p><strong>Chiesa's departure certain</strong>: Liverpool will either sell or loan out Federico Chiesa after a disappointing first season together. Napoli remains his most likely destination if he were to head back to Italy. (<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/liverpool-decisione-presa-chiesa-via-in-estate-ce-il-napoli-di-c-28518">Calciomercato</a>)</p><p><strong>Forest eye record Cunha deal</strong>: Nottingham Forest aren't put off by Matheus Cunha's £63-million release clause and remain in talks with the Brazilian forward's representatives over a club-record deal. (<a href="https://tbrfootball.com/nottingham-forest-ready-to-potentially-break-their-transfer-record-to-sign-63m-arsenal-target/">TBR Football</a>)</p><p><strong>Hummels' time in Rome ending</strong>: Mats Hummels' tumultuous first season with Roma won't yield a second. While the veteran defender feels comfortable in the Italian capital, he won't receive an extension. (<a href="https://x.com/Plettigoal/status/1903190791801176377">Florian Plettenberg</a>)</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30205466/related

Latest transfer news and rumors: Newcastle's Isak talks stall

Major League Baseball is officially back Thursday, and theScore has you covered with everything y...

<p>Major League Baseball is officially back Thursday, and theScore has you covered with everything you need to know heading into Opening Day.</p><h3>Predictions 🔮</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/cropped_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2025 season staff predictions</strong></p><p>Our MLB experts make their picks for each division winner, playoff teams, World Series champion, and our top three players for each major award. Projecting the American League was an almost impossible task, with no real standout teams among the group. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3223311" href="https://thescore.com/news/3223311">Read more ... </a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>MLB The Show 25 season sim </strong></p><p>If you don't trust our experts, put your faith in a video game. We simulated the season with MLB The Show 25 and, if you're not a fan of the New York Yankees, you probably won't like the results. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3229907" href="https://thescore.com/news/3229907">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Teams under most pressure to win World Series</strong></p><p>It may seem strange to have the reigning World Series champs on this list, but all eyes are on the Los Angeles Dodgers after another offseason spending spree. Not only will they be expected to repeat, but they'll be the favorites to win every series all summer. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3243671" href="https://thescore.com/news/3243671">Read more ... </a></p><p><strong>Teams that will take a step back in 2025</strong></p><p>A new season brings new hope, but not every team will take a step forward in 2025. We focus on three AL clubs and two NL teams that will likely fall short of their 2024 win totals. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3167817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3167817">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Teams that will be better in 2025</strong></p><p>While we're predicting regression for some, we're predicting improvement for others. The Boston Red Sox look poised to threaten for the AL East title, while the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers will be a team to watch after a championship hangover last year. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3167807" href="https://thescore.com/news/3167807">Read more ... </a></p><h3>Featured analysis ✍️</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773739/cropped_Paul_Skenes.jpg?ts=1741288738" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773739/w220xh124_Paul_Skenes.jpg?ts=1741288738 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773739/w320xh180_Paul_Skenes.jpg?ts=1741288738 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773739/w640xh360_Paul_Skenes.jpg?ts=1741288738 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773739/w768xh432_Paul_Skenes.jpg?ts=1741288738 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773739/w1080xh607_Paul_Skenes.jpg?ts=1741288738 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Paul Skenes in Year 2: Rethinking what's possible</strong></p><p>Skenes is almost singularly focused on fulfilling the promise that comes with being the No. 1 draft pick in 2023. He wants to stuff the back of his trading cards with innings and strikeouts like aces in the heyday of the starting pitcher. He says he wants to pitch 240 innings this season, which hasn't been done since 2014. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241366" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241366">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>10 biggest storylines this season</strong></p><p>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s future with the Blue Jays is just one of many notable storylines we're focused on heading into the season. The A's and Rays will be playing in minor-league stadiums, and we also hope to see healthy returns from stars Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Spencer Strider. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3243673" href="https://thescore.com/news/3243673">Read more ...</a></p><h2>Betting odds 💵</h2><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3246783" href="https://thescore.com/news/3246783"><strong>World Series odds</strong></a>: There are few things more rewarding than cashing in on a futures bet at the end of the season. ESPN Bet/theScore Bet has options for all fans ahead of Opening Day. The Dodgers open as heavy favorites (+275), but no team has repeated as World Series champs since the Yankees in 1998-2000.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 World Series odds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9QVve" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9QVve/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="565" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3249788" href="https://thescore.com/news/3249788">MLB awards odds</a></strong>:<strong> </strong>Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. are co-favorites to win the AL MVP at +300 (25% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 5: Opening day at Oracle Park before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres on April 5, 2024 in San Francisco, California. The Padres defeated the Giants 3-2.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30743426/related

Everything you need to know going into MLB's Opening Day

We've arrived at Opening Day. Here we look at one reason to be optimistic for each team in this e...

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30751695/related

MLB Power Rankings: Welcome to Opening Day 

Our MLB offseason tracker lists every major transaction completed.   Top 21 Pitchers   Top 20 Pos...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Alex Verdugo #24 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting an RBI single against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning in Game One of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 05, 2024 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28853912/related

MLB Offseason Tracker

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lFYjFFdJhd8?si=VMhJx9uP7hqBiSro" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Levi Smith, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz cover a wide variety of topics in a jam-packed late-March episode:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>Isles-Jackets interference controversy (00:00)</li>
<li>Biggest trade deadline overpayment (03:16)</li>
<li>Did Rangers' Drury misplay his hand? (07:05)</li>
<li>NHL's most directionless team is ... (10:52)</li>
<li>Officials diffuse Bruins-Kings goalie fight (15:58)</li>
<li>Can the NHL promote its stars better? (19:30)</li>
<li>Top Canadian goalies: who's coming? (24:57)</li>
<li>Players of intrigue at NCAA Frozen Four (30:00)</li>
<li>Trivia! Guessing Canadian team players (38:28)</li>
</ul><p>Skyscanner | Score Top Shelf Travel Deals</p><p><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/ytoa/cheap-flights-to-toronto.html?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220eyesp30ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep14Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1742925188318&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">Flights to Toronto</a></p><p><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/yyc/cheap-flights-to-calgary?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220eyeup30ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep14Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1742925204473&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">Flights to Calgary</a></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30743547/related

Top Shelf: Frozen Four players of intrigue, directionless NHL teams, more

NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.  This week, we're id...

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>This week, we're identifying each team's most improved player as a nod to those who've made major strides during the 2024-25 campaign.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BKN">BKN</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHA">CHA</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GSW">GSW</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAL">LAL</a> | <a href="#MEM">MEM</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NOP">NOP</a> | <a href="#NYK">NYK</a> | <a href="#OKC">OKC</a> | <a href="#ORL">ORL</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PHX">PHX</a> | <a href="#POR">POR</a> | <a href="#SAC">SAC</a> | <a href="#SAS">SAS</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">1. Oklahoma City Thunder (60-12)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 2</p><p><strong>Jalen Williams:</strong> While the Thunder have gotten improved play from Aaron Wiggins and others, J-Dub has shown he can be a consistent second option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The first-time All-Star is averaging over 20 points for the first time in his career.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">2. Boston Celtics (53-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><p><strong>Payton Pritchard:</strong> The diminutive guard has been on fire this campaign. He has 22 games with at least five triples, and his 236<strong> </strong>threes broke the NBA record for most made 3-pointers off the bench.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">3. Cleveland Cavaliers (58-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 1</p><p><strong>Ty Jerome:</strong> The Cavs guard has found a home after playing for three different teams in his first four seasons. Jerome's steady offensive play and responsibility with the rock make him an underdog Sixth Man candidate.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">4. Houston Rockets (47-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p><strong>Amen Thompson:</strong> The 20-year-old has been a revelation at both ends of the court in his sophomore season. Thompson's 14 points per game represent the third-best on the team, and he boasts the team's fifth-best defensive rating (108.6) among players who have appeared in 50 or more games.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">5. Golden State Warriors (41-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776942/cropped_GettyImages-2203897836.jpg?ts=1742826154" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776942/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203897836.jpg?ts=1742826154 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776942/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203897836.jpg?ts=1742826154 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776942/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203897836.jpg?ts=1742826154 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776942/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203897836.jpg?ts=1742826154 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776942/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203897836.jpg?ts=1742826154 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Noah Graham / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Quinten Post:</strong> The 7-foot rookie has developed into an important piece after seeing little action early on. Post is giving the Warriors a presence on the glass and a legitimate floor-spacer at the five.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">6. Denver Nuggets (45-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p><strong>Christian Braun:</strong> Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's exit opened a spot in the starting five, and Braun has filled in nicely. The third-year pro has doubled his scoring output and efficiency courtesy of a career-best 57.4% field-goal percentage.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">7. Los Angeles Lakers (43-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p><strong>Austin Reaves:</strong> The undrafted guard has blossomed into an elite offensive weapon with career highs of 19.7 points and 5.9 assists. He's scored 35-plus points four times this season - something he only managed once across the previous three campaigns.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">8. New York Knicks (45-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 7</p><p><strong>Karl-Anthony Towns:</strong> A change of scenery has paid dividends for Towns. So has his return to his natural position at the 5, and the mismatches it creates on a nightly basis. Not everyone buys into Tom Thibodeau's methods, but Towns certainly has.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">9. Memphis Grizzlies (44-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><p><strong>Scotty Pippen Jr.:</strong> The second-generation guard struggled to secure consistent minutes before this campaign. Pippen has appeared in a career-high 70 contests and started 19 of them, posting 9.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">10. Minnesota Timberwolves (41-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776943/cropped_GettyImages-2205154001.jpg?ts=1742826206" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776943/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205154001.jpg?ts=1742826206 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776943/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205154001.jpg?ts=1742826206 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776943/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205154001.jpg?ts=1742826206 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776943/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205154001.jpg?ts=1742826206 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776943/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205154001.jpg?ts=1742826206 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jaden McDaniels:</strong> The versatile wing stepped up when the team needed him most. McDaniels has averaged 16.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.4 stocks (steals and blocks combined) since Feb. 1, contributing to Minny's 14-11 record in that span.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">11. Indiana Pacers (42-29)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p><strong>Andrew Nembhard:</strong> The guard parlayed a breakthrough playoff showing last season into a solid run this campaign despite early shooting struggles. He's also been an ideal backcourt mate for Tyrese Haliburton.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">12. Los Angeles Clippers (40-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p><strong>Ivica Zubac</strong>: The 7-footer has solidified himself as one of the NBA's top big men this season. Zubac is averaging 19.9<strong> </strong>points and 12.2 rebounds since the All-Star break, and he's recorded three 20-20 games this campaign.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">13. Milwaukee Bucks (40-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><p><strong>A.J. Green:</strong> Bucks coach Doc Rivers is notorious for not playing young players, but Green has been a mainstay in the Bucks' rotation since Rivers took over, averaging 7.2 points per game with 41.1% shooting from deep.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">14. Detroit Pistons (41-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p><strong>Cade Cunningham:</strong> The former first overall pick is the favorite to win the NBA's Most Improved Player. Cunningham's setting new personal bests across the board, and his strong play has changed the Pistons' fortunes.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">15. Atlanta Hawks (35-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776944/cropped_GettyImages-2206095712.jpg?ts=1742826240" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776944/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206095712.jpg?ts=1742826240 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776944/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206095712.jpg?ts=1742826240 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776944/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206095712.jpg?ts=1742826240 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776944/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206095712.jpg?ts=1742826240 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776944/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206095712.jpg?ts=1742826240 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Hagy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Dyson Daniels</strong>: The Great Barrier Thief is also in MIP contention this season, thanks to his two-way breakout campaign. Daniels is leading the league with 3.1 steals per game while scoring 14 points per contest.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">16. Phoenix Suns (35-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><p><strong>Nobody:</strong> It's not hyperbole to say every single rotation player for the Suns got worse. With a nearly identical roster, Phoenix's net rating has dropped from eighth (plus-3.1) last season to 15th (minus-1) this campaign.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">17. Sacramento Kings (35-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><p><strong>Keon Ellis:</strong> Slim pickings here, but Ellis is logging more minutes (23.7) in his third year while also improving his points per game (8.5) and his field-goal (48.9%), 3-point (43.8%), and free-throw percentages (86.1%).</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">18. Orlando Magic (35-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><p><strong>Franz Wagner:</strong> An oblique injury temporarily halted Wagner's breakthrough season, but he's bounced back in a big way. He's averaging a career-high 24.4 points and ranks in the 96th percentile among wings for assist percentage (25.1%), according to Cleaning the Glass.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">19. Chicago Bulls (32-40)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p><strong>Josh Giddey:</strong> The Aussie guard has benefited from his move to Chicago. Giddey's improved his shot selection and is getting to the charity stripe more than ever. His 6.9 assists per contest rank 15th<strong> </strong>in the NBA.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">20. Portland Trail Blazers (32-41)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776945/cropped_GettyImages-2205656457.jpg?ts=1742826288" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776945/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205656457.jpg?ts=1742826288 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776945/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205656457.jpg?ts=1742826288 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776945/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205656457.jpg?ts=1742826288 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776945/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205656457.jpg?ts=1742826288 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776945/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205656457.jpg?ts=1742826288 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cameron Browne / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Shaedon Sharpe:</strong> The Canadian, known for his acrobatic dunks, is quietly enjoying a very effective third NBA campaign. Sharpe is averaging a career-high 17.6 points, second on the Blazers.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">21. San Antonio Spurs (31-40)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p><strong>Julian Champagnie:</strong> Outside of Victor Wembanyama and his outstanding play, Champagnie has continued to develop into a dependable rotational player. The 23-year-old is scoring 9.6 points per outing and is first on the Spurs in made 3-pointers (146).</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">22. Toronto Raptors (25-47)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p><strong>Ochai Agbaji:</strong> Agbaji went from unplayable to a legitimate rotation player. In his 27 appearances last season, Agbaji was in the fifth percentile of 3-point shooting accuracy. The 3-and-D wing is now in the 68th percentile.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">23. Dallas Mavericks (35-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 28</p><p><strong>Max Christie:</strong> Following the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap, few expected Christie to be the most buzzworthy piece in Dallas. After averaging 4.2 points last season, he's posting 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists with the Mavs.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">24. Brooklyn Nets (23-49)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p><strong>Cameron Johnson:</strong> The 29-year-old has accepted the challenge of an increased offensive role and excelled with the expanded responsibilities. Johnson is dropping a career-high 18.9 points along with near-40% 3-point shooting.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">25. Philadelphia 76ers (23-49)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776946/cropped_GettyImages-2206107163.jpg?ts=1742826331" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776946/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206107163.jpg?ts=1742826331 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776946/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206107163.jpg?ts=1742826331 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776946/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206107163.jpg?ts=1742826331 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776946/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206107163.jpg?ts=1742826331 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776946/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206107163.jpg?ts=1742826331 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Hagy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Quentin Grimes:</strong> The 24-year-old was somewhat lost in the Mavs exodus, but he's been stellar since joining the 76ers. Grimes is averaging 22.2 points in 20 outings, including two 40-plus-point outbursts.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">26. Charlotte Hornets (18-54)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p><strong>Brandon Miller:</strong> The second-year wing hasn't played since Jan. 15 due to injury, but Miller's improved offensive credentials demanded more attention from primary defenders. He's become a bigger part of the Hornets' attack.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">27. Miami Heat (31-41)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><p><strong>Tyler Herro:</strong> The first-time All-Star has been one of the few positives for a Heat team mired in a horrid campaign. His improved offensive versatility and enhanced playmaking abilities are a bright spot in Miami. </p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">28. New Orleans Pelicans (20-53)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><p><strong>Trey Murphy III:</strong> Before his season-ending shoulder injury, Murphy was in the running for the Most Improved Player award. He was averaging 21.2 points on 45.4% shooting, 6.4 more points than his previous career high.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">29. Washington Wizards (15-56)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><p><strong>Alex Sarr:</strong> Although it's been another rough year in the nation's capital, Sarr's recent growth bodes well. The big man is averaging 17.2 points and shooting 36% from deep over his last 10 appearances.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">30. Utah Jazz (16-57)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><p><strong>Walker Kessler:</strong> There's not a lot to choose from here, but Kessler has taken a modest leap in his third season and is averaging career bests in nearly every statistical category. He also leads the league with 2.4 blocks per contest.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30743068/related

NBA Power Rankings: Each team's most improved player

MLB editors Michael Bradburn, Josh Goldberg, Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, Travis Sawchik, Simon...

<p><em>MLB editors Michael Bradburn, Josh Goldberg, Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, Travis Sawchik, Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, Brandon Wile, and Ben Wrixon make their predictions for the 2025 season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to: <a href="#National%20League">National League</a> I <a href="#Postseason">Postseason</a> I <a href="#Awards">Major Awards </a></strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iAwFV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iAwFV/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Red Sox will win the division: </strong>The Red Sox, while not a perfect team, arguably boast this division's most balanced roster. When you put that up against the Yankees' injury woes and the glaring flaws on some of the other rosters here, the path for Boston becomes clear. The AL East is going to run through Fenway for the first time since 2018. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Why the Blue Jays will finish last:</strong> It isn't that I believe Toronto is a bad team. I'd probably pick the Blue Jays to win the AL Central. It's more that I feel the franchise is the most likely to blow up its roster should things go poorly ahead of the trade deadline. With a difficult early schedule and so many core players on the verge of free agency, the Blue Jays need everything to go right from the start.<em> - Wile</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6L6xJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6L6xJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Guardians will win the division: </strong>The AL Central looks relatively unimposing once again. The Guardians' roster is similar to the one that won 92 games last season, a division title, and advanced to the ALCS. Josh Naylor was traded to Arizona, but Kyle Manzardo is more than capable of filling the void. The rotation and bullpen are still solid, making the Guardians the team to beat. - <em>Goldberg</em></p><p><strong>Why the Tigers will finish fourth: </strong>Detroit was a nice surprise last season, but it took everything going right down the stretch for that to happen. Re-signing Jack Flaherty and bringing in former Yankees Gleyber Torres and Tommy Kahnle are nice moves, but this team didn't add enough thump to a lineup that finished with a 95 wRC+ in 2024 and isn't better than the three teams ahead of it.<strong> </strong><em>- Mcwilliam</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gj6G2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gj6G2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Mariners will win the division:</strong> This is the year Seattle finally breaks through to secure its first AL West title since 2001. Armed with arguably the best rotation in baseball, the Mariners will also receive an MVP-level performance from Julio Rodríguez and bounce-back campaigns from Jorge Polanco and Randy Arozarena. The team just needs its offense to be average with such stellar starting pitching. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Why the Rangers will win the division: </strong>It's easy to forget the Rangers won the World Series just two years ago.<strong> </strong>Their championship hangover was rough. But most of the core is still intact, and it's now complemented by several sneaky-good players who were brought in this offseason.<strong> </strong>Joc Pederson and Jake Burger are legitimate power threats, and Chris Martin remains one of baseball's most underrated relievers.<strong> </strong>Texas is in prime position to wrangle control of the AL West. - <em>Wrixon</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-wtHvF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wtHvF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong><a id="National League" name="National%20League">Why the Braves will win the division:</a> </strong>Atlanta somehow won 89 games last year despite unfathomably bad injury luck and regression across the board. The lineup is loaded with stars, all of whom should benefit from getting Ronald Acuña Jr. back in the fold. The eventual return of Spencer Strider, meanwhile, should elevate an already strong rotation that features reigning Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale and youngster Spencer Schwellenbach. Nothing will come easy in the NL East, but the Braves are more well-rounded than the Mets and more consistent than the Phillies. <em>- Wrixon</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bbcmc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bbcmc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Brewers will win the division: </strong>Doubting the Brewers is a mistake. I picked Milwaukee to finish fourth in the NL Central in 2024, and the team went on to win its third division title in four seasons. The club has become the Rays of the NL thanks to an ability to squeeze the most out of its players, overcome the departures of its stars, trade big names before they hit free agency, and deal with payroll limitations. I just can't doubt them again. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Why the Cubs will win the division:</strong> The addition of Kyle Tucker gives manager Craig Counsell a true offensive game breaker. Matt Shaw, meanwhile, looks like a legitimate NL Rookie of the Year candidate. The rotation lacks a true ace but should have more than enough talent to be competitive in a division that doesn't look too imposing. - <em>Goldberg</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EQfnm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EQfnm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Padres will finish ahead of the D-Backs:</strong> This was a close call since both teams are offensive powerhouses with strong rotations. It came down to the bullpens, where the Padres appear to have the upper hand, even after losing Tanner Scott in free agency. Of course, everyone looks to be playing for second behind the Dodgers. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Postseason " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-otSwc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/otSwc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="412" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="World Series" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NdxyZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NdxyZ/6/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="489" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong><a id="Postseason" name="Postseason">Why the Dodgers won't win the World Series</a>: </strong>It's hard to come up with a reason why Los Angeles won't repeat as champions. On paper, no one can match its seemingly endless depth or its deep pockets. And while there will be injuries and adversity, no team is better equipped to handle setbacks like the Dodgers. But there's a reason why MLB hasn't had a repeat champ since the Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000. The season is long, and the playoffs can be a chaotic and unpredictable mess. I feel comfortable taking the field, especially considering how talented the NL looks to be once again. <em>- Wile</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6hFls" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6hFls/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="554" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong><a id="Awards" name="Awards">Why Witt will win MVP</a>: </strong>The Royals' superstar shortstop would have likely taken home his first MVP last season if not for Judge's brilliance. Witt's ability to hit for both average and power, along with his speed, gives him a statistical ceiling that is tailor-made for what MVP voters look for when putting together their ballots. <em>- Goldberg</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3wi40" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3wi40/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="347" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why Ohtani will win another MVP: </strong>Ohtani doesn't have to replicate his historic 2024 season to win this award again. He was worth 9 fWAR as a designated hitter last year and is going to be pitching this time around. Even if his numbers regress slightly, he'll be more valuable than anybody else in the league. It will take a truly herculean effort to deny him his third straight award. - <em>Wrixon</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QyBzY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QyBzY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="567" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why Crochet will win Cy Young: </strong>Get ready for the Red Sox to fully unleash the All-Star left-hander. The 25-year-old will have no restrictions in 2025, which means his 209 strikeouts over 146 innings last year was just a sample of his sky-high potential. He recorded another 30 Ks with a 0.57 ERA over just 15 2/3 innings during an absurd spring, further solidifying the belief that he can easily lead the majors in punchouts. - <em>Ruminski </em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uo1uC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uo1uC/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="455" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why Wheeler will win Cy Young:</strong> It's surprising Wheeler hasn't already won a Cy Young. He's been the best pitcher in baseball since joining the Phillies in 2020. After receiving Cy Young consideration in four of his first five years in Philadelphia, he'll finally end up taking home the honor this time around. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lzz4t" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lzz4t/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="535" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why Anthony will win AL ROY:</strong> Anthony is the top prospect in baseball after posting a .982 OPS at Triple-A as a 20-year-old last season. The hulking outfielder has prodigious power and an elite offensive toolbox. Despite not cracking the Opening Day roster, it will be hard to ignore Anthony's talent for too long. He'll emerge as a potent option in what's shaping up to be a deep and talented Red Sox lineup in 2025. - <em>Goldberg</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Rookie of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NEg32" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NEg32/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="485" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why Sasaki will win NL ROY:</strong> Sasaki's talent is immense, and he's already had plenty of experience pitching to - and carving up - top-tier hitters in the world's second-best baseball league. With the Dodgers' pitching laboratory at his disposal, Sasaki's move to the majors should be a breeze, and he'll emerge as a key component of their star-studded rotation. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30731539/related

2025 MLB season predictions: Division winners, playoffs, major awards

With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the ...

<p><em>With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the biggest questions around the league.</em></p><h3>Who/what has been the most pleasant surprise this season?</h3><p><strong>Detroit Pistons:</strong> A year after the Pistons endured an NBA-record 28-game losing streak en route to a league-worst 14 wins, J.B. Bickerstaff has guided the team to a 40-32 record and a top-six spot in his first season. Cade Cunningham has emerged as a bona fide star, Malik Beasley is having a career-defining Sixth Man of the Year push, and young pieces Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson have formed a foundational young core. Focusing on the positives - not the $65 million and five years left on ex-head coach Monty Williams' deal or missing out on the No. 1 pick in successive drafts despite finishing bottom of the league - is vital for a franchise trending in the right direction. <em>- Michael J. Chandler</em></p><p><strong>Dyson Daniels: </strong>In an era when guard defense can be overshadowed by the versatility of big men, Daniels has reminded people of the importance of perimeter players. Nicknamed the "Great Barrier Thief" based off his play and Australian roots, Daniels has racked up 202 steals this season, becoming the first player since Chris Paul in 2008-09 to record 200. His defensive instincts have improved, as he has more takeaways than personal fouls (159). Daniels' offense has also taken a step in the right direction, as he's increased his scoring by over eight points per game (13.9). The 21-year-old's play has been a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable season for the Atlanta Hawks. <em>- Donald Higney</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Cleveland Cavaliers: </strong>The Cavs fired Bickerstaff this past offseason after four-and-a-half years and a disappointing 2024 second-round playoff exit, replacing him with Kenny Atkinson. The 57-year-old Atkinson has unlocked this roster. Cleveland sent more players to the All-Star Game (three) than any other club, has racked up three separate double-digit winning streaks - two lasted at least 15 contests - and comfortably sits first in the East with a 57-14 record. With 11 games remaining, Cleveland has a real chance to match its franchise mark of 66 victories set in 2008-09. <em>- Thomas Tittley</em></p><h3>Which team's season has been the biggest letdown?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776519/cropped_GettyImages-2204898765.jpg?ts=1742600883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776519/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204898765.jpg?ts=1742600883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776519/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204898765.jpg?ts=1742600883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776519/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204898765.jpg?ts=1742600883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776519/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204898765.jpg?ts=1742600883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776519/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204898765.jpg?ts=1742600883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Philadelphia 76ers: </strong>The 76ers were believed to be title contenders entering the season. Paul George joined to form a new Big Three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, the trio only appeared in 294 minutes together, with Embiid and George ruled out for the rest of the year. Embiid played in just 19 contests and averaged 10.9 fewer points than last season, while George averaged his fewest points per game (16.2) since his sophomore campaign in 2011-12. The bad injury luck also trickled down to the role players; rookie Jared McCain suffered a torn meniscus in December, and veteran Eric Gordon required wrist surgery in February. Philly should now focus on the draft lottery and retooling for next season. <em>- Joseph Luca Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Phoenix Suns: </strong>When billionaire mortgage peddler Mat Ishbia replaced Robert Sarver as Suns owner in February 2023, there was plenty of hope. Ishbia's first order of business was to ship Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, and in an instant, Ishbia mortgaged the team's future for short-term success. Fast-forward to 2024-25, and the top-heavy Suns are battling for a play-in spot. There are several reasons why, not least the league's fifth-worst defense. They also don't appear to care all that much, illustrated by public spats between coach Mike Budenholzer and Devin Booker and Durant. Such a waste for what could become the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6173958/2025/03/04/kevin-durant-devin-booker-bradley-beal-suns-kyrie-irving-mavericks-nba-the-bounce/">most expensive team</a> to ever miss the playoffs. - <em>Chandler</em></p><p><strong>New Orleans Pelicans: </strong>The injury bug hit the Pelicans like a freight train this season, which has contributed significantly to their disastrous 19-53 record. Outside of rookie Yves Missi, every single rotational player has spent considerable time on the mend, including Zion Williamson. Over a seven-week stretch, New Orleans lost Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III to season-ending injuries. Making matters worse is the franchise's meager return for Brandon Ingram, landing two competent veterans in Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown from the Toronto Raptors but only one future first-round pick in 2026. The Pelicans should spend the upcoming offseason trying to retool around Williamson and their young pieces. - <em>Higney</em></p><h3>Which late-lottery team would we like to see land Flagg?</h3><p><strong>Portland Trail Blazers:</strong> Portland's rise since the middle of January has been unexpected. Chauncey Billups' squad is 19-12<strong> </strong>since Jan. 19 and has the league's fifth-best net rating (8.2) over its last five games. The Blazers have a chance to win 40 contests for the first time since 2020-21 and are just 2.5 games behind the struggling Suns team for the final play-in spot. This winning streak is largely thanks to the team's core of Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Anfernee Simons, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan, all of whom are 25 or younger. Adding a versatile, creative wing/forward who's a monster help defender and big-time self-creator would immediately catapult Portland into consistent postseason contention. - <em>Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Toronto Raptors: </strong>The Raptors have pulled off a fairly entertaining tank, with many losses going right down to the wire. The team is nowhere near title contention, but it has begun taking steps toward being far more competitive. Scottie Barnes continues to improve, RJ Barrett has developed into an elite scorer, Jamal Shead plays with so much tenacity, and we have still yet to see Brandon Ingram take the court for Toronto. A defensive and offensive weapon such as Cooper Flagg would fast-track this team's success. Flagg's slashing and driving ability is exactly what the Raptors desperately need. He shoots 62.1% from within 5 feet, while the Raptors are the NBA's third-worst shooting team from that range (60.1%).<strong> </strong>- <em>Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>San Antonio Spurs: </strong>First, Victor Wembanyama was shelved for the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. Then, prized acquisition De'Aaron Fox was shut down for surgery on his pinkie. The Spurs are 8-10 since the All-Star break and could have two shots at Flagg, both with their own pick and the one they got from Atlanta in the Dejounte Murray trade. The latter selection is drifting away from the lottery thanks to the Hawks' play of late, but there's a precedent for winning the lottery in successive seasons, and Atlanta picked No. 1 last year despite a 3% chance. The Spurs have also had plenty of luck with landing the top pick when a generational star is up for grabs. - <em>Chandler</em></p><h3>Which star has experienced the biggest falloff?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770338/cropped_GettyImages-2198586898.jpg?ts=1739420644" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770338/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198586898.jpg?ts=1739420644 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770338/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198586898.jpg?ts=1739420644 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770338/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198586898.jpg?ts=1739420644 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770338/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198586898.jpg?ts=1739420644 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770338/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198586898.jpg?ts=1739420644 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Melissa Majchrzak / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Lauri Markkanen:</strong> Not many people are paying attention to the Utah Jazz, which means Markkanen's sour year has gone under the radar. After reaching an All-Star Game and winning Most Improved Player in 2023 and then enjoying a strong follow-up campaign, Markkanen has taken a step back in 2024-25. The-27-year-old is averaging 19 points per game but is shooting a career-worst 42.3%<strong> </strong>from the field on 14.9 attempts. He's also recording fewer rebounds (5.9) and assists (1.5) than his averages from the last two campaigns. While his downturn shouldn't be permanent, the Warriors look smart for passing on a trade for Markkanen and instead giving up less for Jimmy Butler. The Jazz need the Finn to return to form as part of their plan to compete. - <em>Higney</em></p><p><strong>Paul George: </strong>Things aren't going well in Philadelphia, and while people have certainly noticed George's fall from grace, Joel Embiid's disastrous three-year, $193-million max extension has stolen the majority of the headlines. George, who turns 35 in a couple of weeks, will remain sidelined for the remainder of this campaign as he deals with lingering adductor and knee issues. The 14-year veteran still has three seasons and over $162 million remaining on his massive deal. George was only available for 41 contests and averaged the fifth-fewest minutes per game of his career. His counting stats have fallen off a cliff when compared to his last few campaigns. George scored 6.4 fewer points per game than last season while also being one of the Sixers' least efficient shooters; 14 players to appear in at least one game this campaign have a better true shooting percentage than George's 54.3%.- <em>Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Jrue Holiday: </strong>Age may finally be catching up with Holiday. The 34-year-old is averaging his fewest points (10.9) since his rookie campaign and is shooting his worst field-goal percentage (44.3%) since 2015-16. The Boston Celtics guard has tied his worst assists-per-game mark (3.8) of his career and is shooting his worst clip from three (33.6%) since 2018-19. His usage rate (15.9%) and assist percentage (17.2%) are also personal lows. Injuries have caused Holiday to miss 17 games, and he's played just 1,649 minutes this season. With Payton Pritchard reaching new heights off the bench, it seems to be a matter of time before he takes Holiday's job in the starting unit.<strong> </strong>- <em>Casciaro</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30721256/related

Roundball Roundtable: Pleasant surprises, wasted seasons

Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 career goals was once thought to be unbreakable, but Alex Ovechkin ...

<p>Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 career goals was once thought to be unbreakable, but Alex Ovechkin had other ideas. </p><p>The Washington Capitals superstar has scored at a prodigious rate throughout his 20-year NHL career, and he now sits just six goals from passing The Great One's all-time mark.</p><p>With the record firmly in Ovi's sights, we'll be tracking his chase the rest of the way.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>6 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZPljARJjTVg?si=UgJoFEbd4qLJhloH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>March 25, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Canada Life Centre<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Winnipeg Jets<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Connor Hellebuyck</p><p>Ovechkin's 889th career tally came against the top goalie in the NHL, and it also came at the perfect time. Washington was down 2-1 against the Jets until the Great Eight ripped it from the left circle with four minutes remaining in regulation. His goal secured a point for the Capitals, though they lost in overtime.</p><h3>7 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h27-x3bEUZo?si=rf7iy2f5ziQYgH5u" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>March 20, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Philadelphia Flyers<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Samuel Ersson</p><p>Ovechkin loves scoring against the Flyers, and he victimized them once again for his 888th career goal. The tally was his 52nd versus Philadelphia, moving him ahead of Mario Lemieux for the second most all-time. Sidney Crosby tops that particular list with 56 goals. </p><h3>8 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8dH_eF8E0A?si=CZF6UGfTaVN0XU8Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>March 15, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>SAP Center<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>San Jose Sharks<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Georgi Romanov</p><p>The Great Eight got within eight goals of overtaking Gretzky with a deft deflection in San Jose to wrap up the Capitals' 5-1 victory. Ovechkin scored on Romanov, making the latter the 182nd different netminder the sniper has beat in his career.</p><h3>9 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zs6KQtUAPao?si=hsXxwIp6Fh-fJJZI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>March 9, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Seattle Kraken<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Empty-net goal</p><p>Career goal No. 886 was also the 1,600th point of Ovechkin's illustrious NHL tenure. He's just the 11th player in league history to accomplish the feat, and the second active player to do it after Sidney Crosby achieved the feat earlier in the season.</p><h3>10 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Ar6J4WrWZs?si=l97a0nRFs6qtalu-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>March 5, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Madison Square Garden<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>New York Rangers<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Igor Shesterkin</p><p>Ovechkin moved within 10 of the all-time record with a game-tying goal in the third period of a key Metropolitan Division clash. Scoring on the Rangers is nothing new for Washington's captain, as his 46th tally against the Blueshirts is the second most against any opponent in his illustrious career.</p><h3>11 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryLgPQpjA20?si=vWAngJnfKzxq2WW0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When</strong>:<strong> </strong>March 1, 2025<br><strong>Where</strong>:<strong> </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent</strong>: Tampa Bay Lightning<br><strong>Opposing goalie</strong>: Andrei Vasilevskiy</p><p>Ovechkin spoiled Vasilevskiy's shutout bid with a sick slot shot late in the third period of Washington's 3-1 loss. It was his 31st goal of the campaign, tying his output from last season in 35 fewer games. </p><h3>12 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NVQfckFQx0Q?si=cizgpqJAOd6zGDCM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When</strong>:<strong> </strong>Feb. 25, 2025<br><strong>Where</strong>:<strong> </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent</strong>: Calgary Flames<br><strong>Opposing goalie</strong>: Dan Vladar</p><p>Ovechkin notched his 883rd career goal with a power-play tally early in the third period of a 3-1 loss to the Flames. It was his 30th of the season, marking the 19th time in 20 campaigns that he's reached that plateau. Ovechkin became the fourth player in NHL history to net 30 in a season at age 39 or older, joining Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, and Teemu Selanne.</p><h3>13 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X5oJ-El2XhM?si=3yg9Ax3mjNgNb9sE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When</strong>:<strong> </strong>Feb. 23, 2025<br><strong>Where</strong>:<strong> </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent</strong>: Edmonton Oilers<br><strong>Opposing goalie</strong>: Empty-net goal</p><p>Ovechkin put an exclamation mark on a dominant outing against the Oilers with a long-range empty-net snipe for goal No. 882. The hatty was his second of the season and 32nd of his career, matching Phil Esposito for the fifth most in NHL history. </p><h3>14 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Xd70Hg__Oc?si=8pdLfs9v1ADSVHqp" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When</strong>:<strong> </strong>Feb. 23, 2025<br><strong>Where</strong>:<strong> </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent</strong>:<strong> </strong>Edmonton Oilers<br><strong>Opposing goalie</strong>:<strong> </strong>Calvin Pickard</p><p>Ovechkin scored his second goal in 10 minutes against the Oilers to move within 14 of glory. His 881st career tally was a replica of one we've seen hundreds of times: a power-play one-timer from the left circle. It also stood as the game-winner, which tied Ovi with Jaromir Jagr for the most such goals in NHL history (135).</p><h3>15 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xu9HK-yBB9E?si=xYmmyuwhrB67Ru77" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When</strong>:<strong> </strong>Feb. 23, 2025<br><strong>Where</strong>:<strong> </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent</strong>:<strong> </strong>Edmonton Oilers<br><strong>Opposing goalie</strong>:<strong> </strong>Calvin Pickard</p><p>Ovechkin recorded goal No. 880 after the Oilers allowed him to waltz into the slot uncovered in a battle of two Stanley Cup hopefuls. Pickard is the 181st goalie Ovechkin has beaten in his career, adding to a record he broke earlier this season.</p><h3>16 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pmw63BZcoi4?si=MRjj4ACWMzLBNpwh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When</strong>: Feb. 6, 2025<br><strong>Where</strong>: Wells Fargo Center<br><strong>Opponent</strong>: Philadelphia Flyers<br><strong>Opposing goalie</strong>: Ivan Fedotov</p><p>Ovechkin notched a goal in his fourth consecutive game to tally No. 879 and move within 16 of Gretzky. Fedotov is the 180th goalie Ovechkin has scored on, adding to the NHL record he set earlier this season.</p><h3>17 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dt5mg3doRHs?si=7dFHeDuXICqYkk9u" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Feb. 4, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Florida Panthers<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Empty-net goal</p><p>Ovechkin inched closer to the record without an opposing goalie in the crease, but it came from way downtown and with only a fraction of a second left on the clock. The tally was his 25th of the season, and he increased his NHL-record total of empty-netters to 63.</p><h3>18 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WO9anqXaerQ?si=THKOcKlNGQohaLs-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Feb. 1, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Winnipeg Jets<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Connor Hellebuyck</p><p>No. 877 was no cheapie, coming on a one-time blast from the top of the zone that was too much to handle for Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner and 2025 favorite. It also came at a crucial moment, tying the game for Washington.</p><h3>19 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gQTxfLXCl-0?si=uezDdQv32pWseK-r" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Jan. 30, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Canadian Tire Centre<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Ottawa Senators<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Anton Forsberg</p><p>Most of Ovechkin's power-play goals have come from one-timers on the left half wall, but this one was slightly different. With the puck at the top of the zone and no passing options, Ovechkin ripped home a laser of a wrist shot off the post and in.</p><h3>20 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KL4KiLyRbdc?si=BIjLFUu0es5vrcCL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Jan. 23, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Climate Pledge Arena<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Seattle Kraken<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Empty-net goal</p><p>Ovechkin pulled within 20 of passing Gretzky with an empty-netter to seal Washington's 3-0 victory in Seattle. It was the 62nd such goal of his career, already the most of all time.</p><h3>21 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x00sYtbsxVg?si=Nrhnxxu9onzFkNPP" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Jan. 16, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Canadian Tire Centre<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Ottawa Senators<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Leevi Merilainen</p><p>Ovechkin sunk the Senators with a wicked wrister to move within 21 goals of Gretzky. The Capitals icon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3192010" href="https://thescore.com/news/3192010">made history</a> with this tally, scoring on the 179th netminder of his career to break his tie with Jaromir Jagr for the all-time record.</p><h3>22 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ym0gMGbHEW8?si=5iVPThI_d4XYP3U7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Jan. 11, 2025<br><strong>Where: </strong>Bridgestone Arena<br><strong>Opponent: </strong>Nashville Predators<br><strong>Opposing goalie: </strong>Empty-net goal</p><p>Ovechkin blocked a shot late in regulation and cruised to goal No. 873 with a sweat-free finish to seal a victory for the Capitals. Although it was an empty-netter, the marker was significant: Ovi <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3184097" href="https://thescore.com/news/3184097">joined Gordie Howe</a> on the exclusive list of players to record 20 straight 20-goal seasons.</p><h3>23 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b-f4VIBJpLY?si=U3OGoQL3LFfPU3uI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When:</strong> Jan. 4, 2025<br><strong>Where:</strong> Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent:</strong> New York Rangers<br><strong>Opposing goalie:</strong> Jonathan Quick</p><p>Ovechkin came back from a 16-game absence due to a broken fibula and picked up right where he left off. He scored his fourth goal in the five contests after his return by tucking one just under Jonathan Quick's pad. The tally gave the Capitals a 5-3 lead and would stand as the game-winner in Washington's 7-4 victory, the 133rd game-winning goal of the Russian's magnificent career.</p><h3>24 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Le92_Hh3GB0?si=KEh4cdi9qUyCDtk4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When:</strong> Jan. 2, 2025<br><strong>Where:</strong> Capital One Arena<br><strong>Opponent:</strong> Minnesota Wild<br><strong>Opposing goalie:</strong> Marc-Andre Fleury</p><p>Ovechkin beat Marc-Andre Fleury, his longtime rival, with a long-range wrister late in the second period of Washington's first game of 2025. It was Ovechkin's 28th career goal on Fleury, marking the most he's scored against any netminder. Fleury would get the last laugh, though: The Wild earned a 4-3 shootout victory.</p><h3>25 goals to go</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/icy_xD8rwhk?si=YaDwZhkpLinncrIT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><strong>When:</strong> Dec. 29, 2024<br><strong>Where:</strong> Little Caesars Arena<br><strong>Opponent:</strong> Detroit Red Wings<br><strong>Opposing goalie:</strong> Alex Lyon</p><p>Ovechkin got closer to passing Gretzky's all-time mark in the final days of 2024. He ripped a snap one-timer from the faceoff circle in the first period, though the Red Wings took a 4-1 lead after the frame en route to a 4-2 victory.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29960196/related

'The GR8 Chase': Ovechkin 6 goals from passing Gretzky

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UnXvhF_OYJQ?si=WO3U9aoBb56uYtDF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Levi Smith, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz cover a wide variety of topics in a March Madness-themed episode:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>Best post-deadline fit: Nelson vs. Cozens (00:00)</li>
<li>Who's this season's top sophomore? (05:47)</li>
<li>Western Conference wild-card race (09:52)</li>
<li>Building an NHL March Madness bracket (14:03)</li>
<li>Analyzing the reset goalie market (29:05)</li>
<li>The unique case of Hannah Miller (37:45)</li>
<li>Trivia! Top 10 picks in 2013 draft (44:55)</li>
</ul><p>Skyscanner | Score Top Shelf Travel Deals</p><p><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/yvr/cheap-flights-to-vancouver-international-airport.html?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220qfpbd30ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep13Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1742324959078&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">Flights to Vancouver</a></p><p><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/ywg/cheap-flights-to-winnipeg-airport.html?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220toa9130ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep12Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1741722337432&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">Flights to E</a><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/yeg/cheap-flights-to-edmonton-international-airport.html?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220qfpf630ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep13Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1742324982172&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">dmonton</a></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30654467/related

Top Shelf: We built an NHL March Madness bracket

NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.   This week, we evalua...

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors. </em></p><p><em>This week, we evaluate how teams look following the opening wave of free agency.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">1. Philadelphia Eagles</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769700/cropped_GettyImages-2198054062.jpg?ts=1739146733" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769700/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198054062.jpg?ts=1739146733 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769700/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198054062.jpg?ts=1739146733 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769700/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198054062.jpg?ts=1739146733 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769700/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198054062.jpg?ts=1739146733 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769700/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198054062.jpg?ts=1739146733 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Philadelphia lost players such as Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, but the core of the team is still intact. Young players from recent drafts should step into the positions of players who departed in free agency.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">2. Kansas City Chiefs</a></h3><p>The Chiefs didn't make any major splashes in free agency, but they didn't necessarily need to. Re-signing Nick Bolton helps keep their defensive core together, while franchise tagging Trey Smith keeps one of the club's best offensive linemen under contract.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">3. Buffalo Bills</a></h3><p>Buffalo invested in the front seven rather than upgrades in the secondary. Keeping Josh Allen happy has been top of mind with both the reigning MVP and Khalil Shakir receiving lucrative extensions.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">4. Detroit Lions</a></h3><p>Detroit didn't make a ton of acquisitions during the first few days of free agency, but the Lions are set up for success after picking up corner D.J. Reed on a reasonable deal while returning the bulk of last year's 15-2 team.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">5. Baltimore Ravens</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/cropped_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Ravens got a great bargain by keeping left tackle Ronnie Stanley off the market at $20 million per year. That'll be huge for the run and pass game. DeAndre Hopkins' best days are long behind him, but hopefully he helps their vertical attack.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">6. Washington Commanders</a></h3><p>Washington is all-in on another Super Bowl run after making the NFC Championship Game. General manager Adam Peters has been proactive in free agency, adding talent to the roster by acquiring players such as Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">7. Minnesota Vikings</a></h3><p>Aaron Jones, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Byron Murphy, Harrison Smith, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave are all key signings for a franchise that appears ready to roll with J.J. McCarthy as QB1 in 2025.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">8. Los Angeles Rams</a></h3><p>The Rams replaced one star receiver with another, releasing Cooper Kupp after signing Davante Adams. But Los Angeles' biggest move was agreeing to a restructured deal with Matthew Stafford after the two sides explored the possibility of a trade.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">9. Green Bay Packers</a></h3><p>Aaron Banks' four-year, $77-million deal was bigger than expected, especially for a franchise that has historically been averse to spending big in free agency. However, the club has been more willing to pay up in recent years, and players like Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney have provided immediate returns.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">10. Cincinnati Bengals</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770386/cropped_GettyImages-1900662603.jpg?ts=1739461137" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770386/w220xh124_GettyImages-1900662603.jpg?ts=1739461137 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770386/w320xh180_GettyImages-1900662603.jpg?ts=1739461137 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770386/w640xh360_GettyImages-1900662603.jpg?ts=1739461137 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770386/w768xh432_GettyImages-1900662603.jpg?ts=1739461137 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770386/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1900662603.jpg?ts=1739461137 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bengals' front office actually got it done. Signing Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive four-year extensions means we're turning a blind eye to any other moves this offseason or lack thereof.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">11. Los Angeles Chargers</a></h3><p>A durable Najee Harris replaces the oft-injured J.K. Dobbins in the run game. A good quarterback in Justin Herbert and a great coach in Jim Harbaugh can help continue the team's upward momentum.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></h3><p>Tampa Bay takes care of its own better than any other team in football. Just look at wide receiver Chris Godwin, who re-signed despite reportedly receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">13. Denver Broncos</a></h3><p>The Broncos signed Evan Engram, Talanoa Hufanga, and Dre Greenlaw to fill holes on an ascending team. Denver may be able to steal the Chiefs' AFC West crown if Sean Payton and Bo Nix can build on last year's success.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">14. Chicago Bears</a></h3><p>The Bears upgraded their offensive line via trades and free agency to completely revamp a unit that allowed the most sacks in the NFL last year. Chicago could be a threat in 2025 with Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo joining the defense and Ben Johnson running the offense.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">15. Houston Texans</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770494/cropped_GettyImages-2191422695.jpg?ts=1739497457" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770494/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191422695.jpg?ts=1739497457 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770494/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191422695.jpg?ts=1739497457 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770494/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191422695.jpg?ts=1739497457 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770494/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191422695.jpg?ts=1739497457 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770494/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191422695.jpg?ts=1739497457 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brooke Sutton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Houston added some defensive talent, but it still has clear holes on the offensive line. Trading Tunsil doesn't help a pass protection unit that forced C.J. Stroud to deal with a lot of pressure in 2024.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">16. Arizona Cardinals</a></h3><p>Arizona's marquee move was adding edge rusher Josh Sweat, who's coming off a career-best performance in the Super Bowl. The Cardinals will expect more consistency from him, but he should benefit from his relationship with head coach Jonathan Gannon, as they worked together during their time with the Eagles.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">17. Seattle Seahawks</a></h3><p>The Seahawks have reshaped their roster dramatically in head coach Mike Macdonald's second offseason in charge. Enter Sam Darnold, Kupp, and DeMarcus Lawrence as Seattle bids farewell to Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">18. Dallas Cowboys</a></h3><p>Jerry Jones restructured Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb's contracts to free up cap space this offseason, but he hasn't filled the roster with dependable players. It's been an underwhelming last couple of months for Dallas.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">19. Pittsburgh Steelers</a></h3><p>A home-run swing by the Steelers fetched them Metcalf, who will be paired alongside George Pickens. But the franchise is still hoping to sign Aaron Rodgers. Perhaps Pittsburgh should have gotten its priorities straight first.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">20. San Francisco 49ers</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748684/cropped_GettyImages-2175049698.jpg?ts=1728217014" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748684/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175049698.jpg?ts=1728217014 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748684/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175049698.jpg?ts=1728217014 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748684/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175049698.jpg?ts=1728217014 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748684/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175049698.jpg?ts=1728217014 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748684/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175049698.jpg?ts=1728217014 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>San Francisco still has blue-chip players at key positions, but the 49ers will be severely weakened after an offseason exodus that included Deebo Samuel, Charvarius Ward, and Dre Greenlaw.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">21. Atlanta Falcons</a></h3><p>The Falcons parted ways with longtime cornerstone Grady Jarrett but brought in the consistent Leonard Floyd, who will join a pass rush that can use all the help it can get. Kirk Cousins remains on the roster as Atlanta figures out how to move the league's most expensive backup.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">22. Miami Dolphins</a></h3><p>Zach Wilson's arrival provides the Dolphins with an insurance policy behind Tua Tagovailoa. Acquiring Ashtyn Davis is a step toward shoring up Miami's secondary after Jevon Holland's departure.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">23. Las Vegas Raiders</a></h3><p>The addition of Smith finally gives the Raiders a true starting quarterback after seasons of uncertainty. Despite additions on offense and Maxx Crosby's extension, it'll still be an uphill battle for Las Vegas in an extremely competitive AFC West.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">24. Indianapolis Colts</a></h3><p>Indianapolis will head into training camp with Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones battling for the starting job. But the team is hoping Richardson can take a leap forward, become the franchise guy, and lead Indy back to the playoffs.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">25. Jacksonville Jaguars</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758922/cropped_GettyImages-2181994389.jpg?ts=1733357464" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758922/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181994389.jpg?ts=1733357464 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758922/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181994389.jpg?ts=1733357464 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758922/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181994389.jpg?ts=1733357464 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758922/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181994389.jpg?ts=1733357464 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758922/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181994389.jpg?ts=1733357464 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>New general manager James Gladstone purged the roster of mistakes made by the previous regime. But it could take another offseason for Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville to be contenders again.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">26. New England Patriots</a></h3><p>New England splurged on pass-rushers Milton Williams and Harold Landry to begin Mike Vrabel's tenure. Landing playmakers to work alongside Drake Maye remains a priority.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">27. Carolina Panthers</a></h3><p>Carolina invested heavily in its defense, extending corner Jaycee Horn to a record deal while adding safety Tre'von Moehrig and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton. But the Panthers haven't added much help on offense for quarterback Bryce Young. Doing so should be a priority in April's draft.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">28. New Orleans Saints</a></h3><p>The Saints are in purgatory, continuing to kick the can down the road on their aging veterans. New Orleans is sticking with Derek Carr in 2025 out of necessity as the team navigates the league's worst salary-cap situation.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">29. New York Jets</a></h3><p>Swapping Aaron Rodgers for Justin Fields provides some clarity under center. The Jets' new regime is opting to fill voids on the roster with under-the-radar acquisitions.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">30. Cleveland Browns</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746418/cropped_GettyImages-2170887068.jpg?ts=1738619444" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746418/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170887068.jpg?ts=1738619444 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746418/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170887068.jpg?ts=1738619444 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746418/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170887068.jpg?ts=1738619444 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746418/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170887068.jpg?ts=1738619444 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746418/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170887068.jpg?ts=1738619444 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The front office convinced Myles Garrett to stay, but it took $160 million over four years. That's one problem dealt with. The next is avoiding the possibility of Kenny Pickett being QB1 to open 2025.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">31. New York Giants</a></h3><p>It's still unclear who will be the starting quarterback next season, but New York bolstered its defense with the additions of Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">32. Tennessee Titans</a></h3><p>Tennessee has a tough decision to make with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. Whoever it selects will join a roster that lacks talent, and the franchise will likely be in contention for the top selection again in 2026.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30649389/related

NFL Power Rankings: Where teams stand after free agency

Looking for March Madness picks? We've got you covered.  theScore basketball writers Dane Belbeck...

<p>Looking for March Madness picks? We've got you covered.</p><p>theScore basketball writers Dane Belbeck, Chicco Nacion, and Thomas Tittley are joined by betting writer Sam Oshtry and ball-knowers Tyler MacKillop and Levi Smith from our social team to dish out their selections for the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the national champion.</p><h3>Elite Eight</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zUmaP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zUmaP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="268" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The first three regions follow the chalk with the 1- and 2- seeds all making it through to the Elite Eight. The Midwest is where the chaos truly hits with No. 8 Gonzaga taking out top-seeded Houston and No. 3 Kentucky knocking out No. 2 Tennessee. The Bulldogs are one of the few teams with the backcourt talent to protect the ball against the Cougars' defense and score enough to keep up with Houston's hot-shooting potential. The Wildcats taking out the Volunteers shouldn't come as much of a shock - that result's already happened twice this year. - <em>Belbeck</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Auburn's recent slump shouldn't overshadow its historically strong resume. The Tigers won 16 Quad 1 matchups, and their upcoming opponents won't have the same level of familiarity as their SEC foes. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo just gets the job done at this time of the year. The Spartans have a fairly manageable path, especially with Iowa State losing Keshon Gilbert for the season.<em> </em>Duke shouldn't have much trouble getting to the Elite Eight, even with Cooper Flagg potentially not at 100%. BYU has a chance to make a deep run with Grant Nelson's status uncertain for 2-seed Alabama. Houston has a potentially tough Round of 32 tilt against Gonzaga, but Kelvin Sampson has the best offensive unit of his Cougars tenure. Tennessee's stingy defense should get the Volunteers through to at least another second weekend. - <em>Nacion</em></p><p>Peaking at the right time matters, and losing three of your last four contests is a horrible omen for top-ranked Auburn. A potential second-round game with Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner is a nightmare matchup for Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome. Michigan State's top-five defense should carry it through a relatively easy side of the bracket as second-leading Iowa State scorer Gilbert will miss the entire tournament with a groin injury. The West is set up to be relatively chalky. Florida and St. John's are both primed to overwhelm their opponents with size and speed, setting up a dream matchup in the Elite Eight. Alabama's Nelson is seeing a knee specialist and his injury could derail the Crimson Tide's hopes, opening the door for a high-scoring Wisconsin squad fresh off an impressive Big Ten Tournament. <em>- Tittley</em></p><h3>Final Four</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title=" (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kveR6" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kveR6/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="320" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Given the SEC's dominance this season, it's only fitting that three of the Final Four's participants come from that conference. Florida and Auburn met once this season with the Gators pulling off a huge road upset. No team has looked stronger in recent weeks, and Florida's offense seemed virtually unstoppable most of the time. Duke making it this far assumes Flagg is healthy and at his best - a scenario that will likely be too much for Kentucky's struggling defense. - <em>Belbeck</em></p><p>Auburn's offensive weapons will overwhelm Michigan State and send the Tigers to their second Final Four under Bruce Pearl. Rick Pitino's legend will continue to grow as the physicality and suffocating defense of St. John's will end Florida's red-hot run. BYU won't have an answer for Duke's talent and elite defensive play. The trio of LJ Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, and Milos Uzan will supply enough offense to help Houston battle past Tennessee. <em>- Nacion</em></p><p>Ten of the past 11 Final Fours have featured a 7-seed or lower. This year, it will be Creighton, which is underseeded after finishing with the second-best record in the Big East. The Bluejays could easily be sent home before the second weekend, but their defensive identity can stump Auburn's offense. Florida has a daunting path in the most difficult region of the four, but the Gators have won 12 of their last 13 games. Eleven of those games were against tournament teams, and seven of those wins came against ranked teams. The competitive SEC has prepared Florida for this path. Duke has lost one game since December, winning 27 of its last 28, including two games without Flagg against tournament teams over the weekend. Flagg is expected back for the tournament, and Duke has a relatively easy path. Houston's success has been similarly impressive despite a much more challenging schedule. Since starting the season 4-3, Houston has won 26 of its last 27 games. - <em>Oshtry</em></p><p>Creighton's offense tends to have sporadic off nights, and Izzo is the perfect coach to game plan around that. St. John's has awesome guards, but Florida's are better, and the Gators will make the Final Four for the first time since the 2014 tourney. Houston's defense is, as usual, a buzz saw, and Illinois will inevitably have one of its 0-for-a-million shooting nights. A rematch of the 2015 title game will unfortunately end the same way for Wisconsin. Watching Steven Crowl try to stop Khaman Maluach's lobs around the rim will certainly be entertaining. <em>- Tittley</em></p><h3>Championship</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title=" (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-FCdC0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FCdC0/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="348" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>A Florida-Duke title game would be incredible theater with NBA talent all over the floor and two of the nation's three best offensive units in action. I'll give the nod to the Gators with Walter Clayton Jr., Alex Condon, and Will Richard outshining Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor. <em>- Belbeck</em></p><p>Houston will cut down the nets in San Antonio and end the school's chase for an elusive national championship. Under Sampson, the Cougars have always rebounded well and defended at an elite level; now they have the offensive weapons to match up. St. John's will make Broome work for every basket, and that will go a long way in helping the Red Storm beat Auburn. However, their magical season will come up one win short after a gritty affair against the Cougars. <em>- Nacion</em></p><p>Houston appears immune to upsets, and the Cougars have the veteran experience necessary to cut down the nets in April. Sampson's squad will always defend at a high level, but this team also has one of the nation's most efficient offenses, with Cryer, Sharp, and Uzan leading the scoring efforts. The Cougars will need J'Wan Roberts back at some point during their run (he's day-to-day entering the tournament with an ankle injury), but he's likely to return. <em>- Oshtry</em></p><p>The nation's hottest team versus its most talented: a dream matchup for casual fans and a fitting finish to a rather chalky tournament. Florida will spoil Duke's inaugural final without Coach K and capture the program's third NCAA Tournament title, its first since going back-to-back nearly 20 years ago. The Gators are probably the only team with the size to throw at Flagg, and their three-headed monster of Clayton, Richard, and Alijah Martin will put the Blue Devils' young stars in a blender.<em> - Tittley</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30644716/related

2025 March Madness expert picks

With the regular season entering its final weeks, the competition to win MVP remains fierce. Here...

<p>With the regular season entering its final weeks, the competition to win MVP remains fierce. Here are the 10 leading candidates to take home the award.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: N JOKIC (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cmGWU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cmGWU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>7</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>61</td>
<td>50.1</td>
<td>36.7</td>
<td>77.6</td>
<td>5.8</td>
<td>2.1</td>
<td>22.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Despite suffering an ankle sprain at the beginning of March, Jackson nabbed our final spot to narrowly edge out Karl-Anthony Towns, who missed out on our list because of the New York Knicks' inability to beat the league's best teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jackson does everything for a Grizzlies squad tied with the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets for second place in the West and battling for home-court advantage. The 25-year-old leads Memphis in points while also ranking fourth in the NBA in stocks (steals plus blocks) at 2.93 per game, putting him in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3240368" href="https://thescore.com/news/3240368">position</a> to win his second Defensive Player of the Year award.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-HK2wo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HK2wo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>10</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>58</td>
<td>51.7</td>
<td>38.4</td>
<td>77</td>
<td>8.2</td>
<td>8.5</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Luka Doncic trade seems to have invigorated James, who's been unstoppable since L.A. acquired the Slovenian. The uncertainty of how a 40-year-old's body will respond to a pesky groin injury is the only thing holding James back from climbing our rankings.</p><p>Since Doncic's debut, James has averaged 27.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. The four-time MVP has also gone from arguably the league's worst defender to being a force again. In his 12 games since Feb. 9, James has helped steward the Lakers to the league's third-best defense (108.5 rating). However, Los Angeles has gone 1-3 since his groin injury, and its defense has plummeted to 20th (117.2 rating) over the four-game period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CxQ1j" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CxQ1j/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>Not Ranked</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>57</td>
<td>44.8</td>
<td>39.8</td>
<td>93.6</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>6.1</td>
<td>24.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Thanks to the Warriors' acquisition of Jimmy Butler, the 37-year-old Curry returns to the rankings as his club surges in the standings. Golden State has lost just two games since acquiring the six-time All-Star ahead of the trade deadline, one of which came without Butler in the lineup.</p><p>Butler's presence has rejuvenated Curry. In the team's last 15 games, Curry averaged 28.3 points, six assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 32.8 minutes per contest. The veteran sharpshooter also recorded 4.7 3-pointers a night on 40.6% shooting during that stretch and became the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 career deep shots. Curry's recent production has him in the MVP conversation, and the Warriors seem poised to contend for a championship once more.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: A EDWARDS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fco6s" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fco6s/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>8</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>65</td>
<td>44.2</td>
<td>40.6</td>
<td>83.5</td>
<td>5.9</td>
<td>4.6</td>
<td>27.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Edwards may not want to be the face of the NBA, but he's undoubtedly the face of the T-Wolves. He's guided Minnesota to an eight-game win streak, as the team is on equal footing with the Warriors for the West's final automatic playoff spot.</p><p>Edwards is having the best season of his young career, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and 3-point percentage. The 23-year-old is one of six<strong> </strong>people in the NBA to average 27-plus points, and he holds the highest shooting percentage from deep of players who <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=FG3A*GE*10&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=FG3_PCT">attempt</a> at least 10 threes per game. If Edwards can maintain his output, his 27.4 points per contest would be the highest scoring average in T-Wolves history.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: A EDWARDS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RoTrm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RoTrm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>9</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>63</td>
<td>45.9</td>
<td>34.9</td>
<td>86.3</td>
<td>6.1</td>
<td>9.3</td>
<td>25.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cunningham has truly arrived, becoming one of the league's premier offensive creators in his fourth NBA season. The 23-year-old ranks 10th<strong> </strong>in<strong> </strong>scoring and fourth in triple-doubles in the NBA and trails only Trae Young and Nikola Jokic in assists per game.</p><p>Cunningham's exploits have thrust Detroit into playoff contention. The Pistons are poised to make the postseason for the first time since 2019, as they're tied for the fifth-most wins (12) since Feb. 6 and sit one game behind the Indiana Pacers for fifth in the East.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: D MITCHELL (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GYUMj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GYUMj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>5</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>60</td>
<td>45.1</td>
<td>38.4</td>
<td>81.9</td>
<td>4.3</td>
<td>4.8</td>
<td>24.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Cavs continue to prove themselves as the NBA's best team. Though their 16-game winning streak was snapped Sunday, it was Cleveland's third double-digit stretch of consecutive wins and its second lasting 15-plus games. Before Sunday, the Cavaliers hadn't lost since Feb. 4. They were also the first to<strong> </strong>hit 50 wins and the first to clinch a playoff spot.</p><p>During the Cavs' unbeatable stretch, Mitchell averaged a team-high 25.7 points and shot 45.2% on over 18 field-goal attempts per night. He was also one of four<strong> </strong>NBA players to <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=PTS*G*25:MIN*L*32&amp;DateFrom=02/05/2025&amp;DateTo=&amp;TeamID=0">average</a> 25-plus points while playing under 32 minutes per contest during that period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: J TATUM (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0OxZ4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0OxZ4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="16" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>4</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>61</td>
<td>45.6</td>
<td>35.4</td>
<td>80.7</td>
<td>8.8</td>
<td>5.9</td>
<td>27.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Tatum had several noteworthy performances over the last few weeks against some of the league's premier competition. The six-time All-Star dropped 46 points on the Cavaliers and 40 on the Lakers in roughly a week, along with 30-point outings over the slumping Philadelphia 76ers and Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. Tatum averaged 28.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over his last nine contests.</p><p>While his numbers aren't eye-popping, Tatum is among the leading contenders for the award because of Boston's 47-19 record. Tatum might be able to close the distance if he can push his production into the next gear.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: G ANTETOKOUNMPO (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-eRpOj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/eRpOj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="16" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>3</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td>60.3</td>
<td>18.2</td>
<td>59.8</td>
<td>12.1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>30.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Antetokounmpo is still putting together a strong performance for MVP despite being hampered by a nagging calf injury. He ranks second in points and sixth in rebounds per game in the league. Even though Antetokounmpo missed six games prior to the All-Star break due to the injury, the Bucks managed to tread water by going 3-3.</p><p>However, Antetokounmpo's scoring has dipped since his return, averaging 26.5 points on 58.8% field goal shooting in the last 14 contests. While he still owns quality numbers, the two-time MVP is taking fewer shots per game than he did before the All-Star break, going from 20.9 attempts to 17.5. The Greek Freak must get that number back up to keep pace with the other candidates.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: N JOKIC (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ii8V8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ii8V8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>2</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>61</td>
<td>57.6</td>
<td>42.2</td>
<td>80.3</td>
<td>12.8</td>
<td>10.3</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>We haven't seen an MVP race this tight in quite some time, and you could argue that nobody deserves this award more than Jokic. The 30-year-old won last year's MVP and three of the previous four, but this season is his best yet. Jokic is averaging a triple-double for the first time and posting career highs in points, assists, steals, and 3-point percentage.</p><p>Jokic's mark from beyond the arc is good for 20th<strong> </strong>in the NBA, and he's one of just two players in the league to average double-digit assists. Jokic also recently delivered the first 30-20-20 game in league history, with his 22 assists the most posted by a center in a single game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-LgpHR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LgpHR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="84" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: </em>1</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>66</td>
<td>52.6</td>
<td>37.1</td>
<td>90.1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>6.2</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gilgeous-Alexander maintains our No. 1 spot despite a strong push from Jokic over the past month. The 26-year-old is the league's leading scorer and one of only two players (the other being Antetokounmpo) to average over 30 points per game. Gilgeous-Alexander is also the driving force behind the NBA's fourth-highest offensive rating (118.5), as he's scoring 11.7 more points than his team's second-leading scorer (Jalen Williams at 21.3) - the largest margin in the Association.</p><p>The Kentucky product has been on an absolute tear since Jan. 1, recording 30-plus points in 25 of his 34 games, including four instances of scoring 50-plus. Gilgeous-Alexander became the <a href="https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2025/03/04/shai-gilgeous-alexander-stats-nba-standings-50-point-games-okc-thunder-history/81342545007/">fifth player</a> since 2000 to have four or more games with 50-plus points, while no one else has hit that mark more than once this campaign.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30639348/related

NBA MVP Rankings: Two-horse race enters stretch run

This is the 11th in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign. Che...

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30639343/related

NHL Power Rankings: Each team's biggest surprise

Formula 1 returns with this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. theScore editors Michael Bradburn, G...

<p><em>Formula 1 returns with this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. theScore editors Michael Bradburn, Gianluca Nesci, Daniel Valente, Sarah Wallace, and Brandon Wile get us ready with a series of predictions for the 2025 season.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Drivers' championship 🏆" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N2GCZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N2GCZ/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="238" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Bradburn:</strong> For the first time since 2007 and the <s>ninth</s> eighth time for the all-time great, a Ferrari driver will win the championship. There are lots of reasons to bet on McLaren dominating or even Verstappen maintaining his hold. But Hamilton has the unquantifiable aura right now to break the record and end the Prancing Horse's slump.</p><p><strong>Nesci:</strong> McLaren is currently the class of the field, but Ferrari is dedicating significant resources - more than most teams - to this year's car. The motivation is clear: giving Hamilton his record-breaking eighth title in storybook fashion. Romance isn't dead just yet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Valente: </strong>Formula 1 crowns a new champion as Norris beats out Leclerc to claim his first world title. After falling short in 2024, the British driver elevates his game, eliminating the missteps he flashed last season.</p><p><strong>Wallace: </strong>McLaren builds on last year's successes and finishes 1-2 in the drivers' championship. It'll be the team's first 1-2 finish since Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna took top honors in 1989.</p><p><strong>Wile:</strong> Leclerc's serious momentum from the end of 2024 - he claimed two wins and eight podiums over the final 11 races - carries into 2025 and helps him capture his first drivers' championship. Meanwhile, even with a worse car, Verstappen is too talented to finish any lower than second.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Constructors' championship 🏎️" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-T4Oey" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/T4Oey/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="238" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Bradburn:</strong> It'll be tough to defeat defending champ McLaren, which certainly has the pace, but the tifosi can't be denied. Leclerc has stated it's his goal to win the championship this year, and Ferrari didn't bring in Hamilton just to support that endeavor.</p><p><strong>Nesci:</strong> Building off last season's battle at the top, this has the potential to be one of the tightest constructor fights in recent memory. Ferrari has the more talented driver pairing, but McLaren, with its superior machinery, will do just enough to retain the crown.</p><p><strong>Valente: </strong>The field is once again competitive, but McLaren brings the most consistent and track-friendly car. Norris and Piastri are in their best form yet as they secure the Woking factory its second straight constructors' championship.</p><p><strong>Wallace: </strong>Consistent cars and seasoned drivers help McLaren seize the constructors' championship. Toto Wolff's gamble on rookie Kimi Antonelli will also pay off: An outstanding performance from the 18-year-old will help Mercedes edge out Ferrari for second spot.</p><p><strong>Wile: </strong>While there might be some early growing pains with Hamilton, Ferrari reaps the benefits of arguably the most talented pairing on the grid and wins its first constructors' title since 2008. McLaren finishes a close second in a battle that goes down to the final race.</p><h3>Biggest surprises 😱</h3><p><strong>Bradburn:</strong> Williams makes a huge leap and finishes sixth in the constructors' standings. Led by the perennially overlooked Carlos Sainz, James Vowles' team starts looking like a legitimate threat for regular points finishes. Williams' stated goal is to start looking legitimately competitive in 2026 and winning in 2028, but its growth begins now. And that starts with staking a claim to the midfield behind only Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin.</p><p><strong>Nesci: </strong>Piastri outperforms Norris at McLaren. For good reason, the latter is the far more popular pick to end Verstappen's reign this season. But in 2024, Piastri showed he's capable of not just fighting alongside but beating his teammate - to the consternation of some within McLaren (Papaya rules!). The calm and composed Australian, now going into his third season in F1, is arguably steadier in the cockpit than Norris, who has a higher ceiling but can be more volatile.</p><p><strong>Valente: </strong>It turns out to be Verstappen's last season at Red Bull. Yes, he has a deal until 2028, but there are always exit clauses. With the RB21 proving to be a huge disappointment, the four-time champion is able to trigger a way out. But where will he end up? There have been rumors about Aston Martin, but it's interesting that neither current Mercedes driver is signed through 2026. Perhaps Wolff will finally get the driver he attempted to lure to Mercedes over a decade ago.</p><p><strong>Wallace: </strong>There's a reason Wolff wanted to expedite the process for Antonelli to get his FIA Super License last season. The rookie turns out to be the perfect replacement for Hamilton and outperforms George Russell. Antonelli might take a few races to get acclimated, but by season's end, he'll look like a seasoned veteran.</p><p><strong>Wile: </strong>One of the six rookies on the 2025 grid - the most since 2001 - will claim a race win this season. I'm not expecting any of Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortoleto, or Isack Hadjar to match Hamilton's rookie record of four wins, but one of these men will stand on top of the podium at some point on the 24-race calendar.</p><h3>Biggest disappointments 😔</h3><p><strong>Bradburn:</strong> Russell races himself out of his seat at Mercedes. Wolff hasn't had to be ruthless in a few years, but Hamilton's exit means Russell is no longer insulated from criticism. The Brit must perform. If he doesn't, Wolff can't waste time searching for Mercedes' next superstar.</p><p><strong>Nesci: </strong>Cadillac's driver selections underwhelm. The American team, finally given the green light to join the grid in 2026, will solidify its driver lineup well before the calendar flips. One of the 2025 season's most enticing elements is the exceptional, unpredictable rookie class, but instead of keeping that energy for its inaugural campaign, it's possible - perhaps even very likely - that Cadillac allocates at least one seat to a familiar face with F1 experience. Understandable, but it would be far more interesting if the General Motors-backed team swings for the fences.</p><p><strong>Valente: </strong>Things go from bad to worse for Red Bull. The 2022 and 2023 constructors' champions might reduce the peakiness that cursed the RB20 by expanding the RB21's operating window. But while the Milton Keynes team searched for a more stable platform, McLaren and the others focused on pure speed. The other drivers tee off on Verstappen, who stands no chance of defending his drivers' title, and Red Bull finishes fourth.</p><p><strong>Wallace: </strong>Lawson turns out to be Sergio Perez 2.0 - a chronic disappointment in one of the best cars on the grid. Red Bull doesn't have the same incentives to be patient with the New Zealander, and scrutiny will mount quickly if Lawson doesn't perform. Don't be surprised if Lawson joins the likes of Pierre Gasly as a Red Bull driver who was demoted before season's end.</p><p><strong>Wile: </strong>One of the best parts of F1 is the unfiltered emotion that we get over team radio and in the driver debriefs. The FIA's threats to fine or ban drivers for swearing or criticizing the governing body are counterproductive. We've already seen drivers be highly critical of these rules - for good reason - and some have shut down during their media sessions in protest. The hope is that the FIA comes to its senses and allows drivers to be their authentic selves. It's in the best interest of the sport, and it'll be an embarrassment for F1 and a disservice to fans if a driver misses a race because of swearing.</p><h3>Miscellaneous predictions 🔮</h3><p><strong>Bradburn:</strong> Hamilton becomes Pope. His bulldog Roscoe is knighted. It's amazing what can happen if you break Michael Schumacher's record while driving a Ferrari.</p><p><strong>Nesci: </strong>Verstappen is suspended for one race. The four-time champion accrued eight penalty points on his Super License after a flurry of incidents last year. Accumulating 12 points within a 12-month span triggers a one-race ban, so he'll need to keep it clean early in the season. With the RB21 getting reeled in by the field, the Dutchman will have to engage in on-track battles more frequently. Expect some fireworks, especially when he renews hostilities with Russell.</p><p><strong>Valente: </strong>Norris finishes with 13-plus poles, putting him among the top five in F1 history for most poles in a season. The British driver was responsible for eight of the 15 poles from the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix to the end of last season. With an even greater car advantage and his teammate struggling to match him again, Norris emphasizes his one-lap excellence.</p><p><strong>Wallace: </strong>What's another F1 season without some Alpine drama? Sure, the car looked pretty decent in testing and is likely fighting for the best of the rest. But despite the encouraging preseason, rookie driver Doohan will get off to a slow start. Alpine will replace him with reserve driver Franco Colapinto before the summer break in order to fight for vital constructors' championship points.</p><p><strong>Wile:</strong> Carlos Sainz <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/motorsports/sainz-tells-fans-you-re-not-going-to-see-me-on-the-podium-in-candid-f1-2025-verdict/ar-AA1A59A0">will tell you otherwise</a>, but don't be completely shocked when the Spaniard lands on the podium in his first season with Williams. (For whatever it's worth, Sainz and Albon looked great during preseason testing in Bahrain.) Although Vowles is more focused on nailing the new regulations that kick in for 2026, his team boasts its best driver lineup in years. With a little luck on his side, Sainz will secure Williams' first podium since Russell in 2021.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30573627/related

2025 Formula 1 predictions: Sizing up the new season

NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.  This week, we're sh...

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p>This week, we're shining a spotlight on the good, the bad, and the Utah Jazz with a little more than a month remaining in the 2024-25 regular season.</p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BKN">BKN</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHA">CHA</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GSW">GSW</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAL">LAL</a> | <a href="#MEM">MEM</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NOP">NOP</a> | <a href="#NYK">NYK</a> | <a href="#OKC">OKC</a> | <a href="#ORL">ORL</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PHX">PHX</a> | <a href="#POR">POR</a> | <a href="#SAC">SAC</a> | <a href="#SAS">SAS</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">1. Cleveland Cavaliers (55-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>2</p><p>The three-game dip in January appears more like an anomaly than the norm for the Cavaliers. They're on a 15-game winning streak after beating the Nets on Tuesday, matching their 15-0 start to the season.</p><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">2. Oklahoma City Thunder (53-12)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>1</p><p>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring has perfectly complemented the Thunder's near-impenetrable D. He's the first player since Michael Jordan to eclipse 30 points in 40-plus games in three straight seasons.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">3. Boston Celtics (47-18)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><p>Al Horford has successfully filled the Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis-sized hole at center. The 38-year-old is a key cog to the league's fifth-most effective lineup (minimum 250 possessions), per Cleaning the Glass.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">4. Los Angeles Lakers (40-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 7</em></p><p>The Lakers will need to tread water with James injured for up to two weeks as they're only one game up on the fifth-place Rockets. Dropping a game to the Nets wasn't a good start.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">5. Denver Nuggets (42-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774111/cropped_GettyImages-2203305295.jpg?ts=1741451926" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774111/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203305295.jpg?ts=1741451926 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774111/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203305295.jpg?ts=1741451926 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774111/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203305295.jpg?ts=1741451926 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774111/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203305295.jpg?ts=1741451926 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774111/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203305295.jpg?ts=1741451926 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Garrett Ellwood / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jokic has set two historic statlines this season, recently dropping the league's first 30-20-20 game as well as a 35-20-15 box score in January. His all-time displays could lead to another MVP and help secure the second spot in the West for the Nuggets.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">6. Golden State Warriors (37-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p>Golden State is 12-1 with Jimmy Butler in the lineup. The Warriors have been better at both ends since his acquisition from Miami, posting the league's fifth-best offensive rating (119.8) and defensive rating (108.8).</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">7. New York Knicks (41-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p>The Knicks have the third-worst offensive rating (108.9) since the All-Star break, they're 13-17 against teams .500 and above, and now Jalen Brunson is out at least two weeks. Smack that panic button.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">8. Milwaukee Bucks (36-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p>The Bucks won nine of 10 before a tight loss to Orlando preceded a valiant effort against Cleveland in a back-to-back. However, moral victories mean little when they're now 0-9 against the East's top three (Cavs, Celtics, Knicks).</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">9. Memphis Grizzlies (41-24)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><p>Jaren Jackson Jr.'s ankle injury hasn't stood in the way of the Grizzlies winning. Memphis has gone 3-1 and registered a top-10 defense without the former Defensive Player of the Year.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">10. Houston Rockets (40-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772558/cropped_GettyImages-2201567911.jpg?ts=1740634793" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772558/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201567911.jpg?ts=1740634793 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772558/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201567911.jpg?ts=1740634793 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772558/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201567911.jpg?ts=1740634793 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772558/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201567911.jpg?ts=1740634793 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772558/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201567911.jpg?ts=1740634793 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Logan Riely / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Amen Thompson's untimely ankle sprain could be catastrophic for Houston. The Rockets' offensive and defensive ratings with him off the court have dropped by double digits since the All-Star break. Can I get an Amen?</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">11. Detroit Pistons (37-29)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p>The Pistons own the league's fourth-worst turnover percentage (15.9%) but the fourth-best net rating (10.1) in six games in March. They can match up against anyone down the stretch if they take care of the ball.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">12. Minnesota Timberwolves (37-29)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><p>Rudy Gobert's return from a 10-game absence coincided with the T-Wolves' best offensive display of the season in a 141-point outburst versus the Spurs. Anthony Edwards and Co. continue to impose their will on lesser opponents.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">13. Indiana Pacers (36-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><p>Aaron Nesmith has been instrumental to the Pacers' success since returning to the lineup Jan. 16. Indiana is 13-9 with the versatile wing, and he's averaging 11.2 points as a starter.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">14. Los Angeles Clippers (35-30)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p>The Clippers continue to confound away from the Intuit Dome. Their 13-20 road record includes a recent 2-6 run on an eight-game road trip, featuring back-to-back defeats to the Lakers. Road warriors, they are not.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">15. Sacramento Kings (33-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774550/cropped_GettyImages-2203907589.jpg?ts=1741655555" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774550/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203907589.jpg?ts=1741655555 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774550/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203907589.jpg?ts=1741655555 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774550/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203907589.jpg?ts=1741655555 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774550/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203907589.jpg?ts=1741655555 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774550/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203907589.jpg?ts=1741655555 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Forgive the cynicism, but the play-in-bound Kings are incapable of punching up. Their 12-21 mark versus teams at .500 or above is the fifth-worst record in the conference. Not great.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">16. Orlando Magic (30-36)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><p>The Magic have two 24-point per-game scorers in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Orlando's next two leading scorers are out for the season (Jalen Suggs, Mo Wagner). They desperately need someone else to step up.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">17. Atlanta Hawks (31-34)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><p>The Hawks score 47.3% of their points in the paint, the third-highest percentage in the league. Atlanta has only been in the top 10 in percentage in this category twice in the Trae Young era: his rookie and sophomore seasons.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">18. Phoenix Suns (30-35)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><p>The Suns have the league's fifth-best offense over the past 10 games, but they also have the third-worst defense over that span. They gave up 151 and 149 points in losses to the Grizzlies and Nuggets.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">19. Portland Trail Blazers (28-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p>The Blazers are closing in on a play-in spot thanks to a 15-10 record in their last 25 games. They just need to vault the allergic-to-winning Mavs and Suns.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">20. Miami Heat (29-35)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774551/cropped_GettyImages-2193213592.jpg?ts=1741655692" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774551/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193213592.jpg?ts=1741655692 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774551/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193213592.jpg?ts=1741655692 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774551/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193213592.jpg?ts=1741655692 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774551/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193213592.jpg?ts=1741655692 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774551/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193213592.jpg?ts=1741655692 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rocky Widner / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Heat have gone 4-11 since trading Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. They've lost five of their last six and sit six games below .500, their worst mark of the season. Heat Culture apparently means losing.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">21. Chicago Bulls (27-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><p>The Bulls lack direction after not getting much in return for Zach LaVine. They own the NBA's 23rd-ranked offense and sit 26th in team field-goal percentage (45.3%) since his departure.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">22. San Antonio Spurs (26-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p>The Spurs are 3-8 since losing Victor Wembanyama and have the ninth-hardest strength of schedule over their remaining 19 games. All hail San Antonio's exceedingly ethical tank job.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">23. Toronto Raptors (22-43)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p>This team is struggling to lose. The Raptors need to tank with no chance of competing but have instead won four of their last five with a borderline G League roster to move eight-and-a-half games ahead of last place in the NBA.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">24. New Orleans Pelicans (18-48)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p>The Pelicans are 6-16 over their last 22 outings and own the league's worst defensive rating (118.6) despite pivoting to a towering starting five that features Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson on the wings.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">25. Philadelphia 76ers (22-42)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774552/cropped_GettyImages-2197665302.jpg?ts=1741655729" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774552/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197665302.jpg?ts=1741655729 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774552/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197665302.jpg?ts=1741655729 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774552/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197665302.jpg?ts=1741655729 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774552/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197665302.jpg?ts=1741655729 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774552/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197665302.jpg?ts=1741655729 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nic Antaya / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 76ers will be shipping their 2025 first-rounder to OKC unless the lottery balls miraculously slot them into the bottom six. With the fifth-softest remaining schedule, they may win too many games by accident.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">26. Washington Wizards (13-51)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><p>Washington has proven its value over other struggling teams despite sitting at the bottom of the East. The Wizards hold a .500 record post-All-Star break thanks in part to wins over the Raptors, Jazz, Hornets, and Nets.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">27. Brooklyn Nets (22-43)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p>Brooklyn eked out a win against a wounded Lakers team, snapping a seven-game losing streak. Still, the Nets possess the league's second-worst offensive rating (108.5) over their last 15 contests.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">28. Dallas Mavericks (33-33)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><p>With Luka Doncic gone, Kyrie Irving out for the season, and no timetable for Anthony Davis' return, the decimated Mavericks are trending toward a second missed postseason in three years. Organizational malpractice 101.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">29. Charlotte Hornets (16-48)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 28</p><p>The Hornets are 3-9 since the All-Star break while putting up a league-worst 101.4 points per game during this stretch. They're also the worst shooting team in the NBA with a 40.5% field-goal percentage.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">30. Utah Jazz (15-50)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p>The first step to the Jazz's tank is complete: They're the first team eliminated from postseason contention. Utah is liable to sit anyone on any given night; Will Hardy has had 16 different players start a game this season.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30573585/related

NBA Power Rankings: Warriors trending in right direction

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VrOiZzaV9qQ?si=F3fXECPACPtV7bhW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Levi Smith, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz cover a wide variety of topics as the 2024-25 regular season hits its stretch drive:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>Marner for Rantanen: unrealized blockbuster (00:00)</li>
<li>Should Bruins go full rebuild or just retool? (05:10)</li>
<li>Drafting Stanley Cup contenders: 1-5 (11:52)</li>
<li>Drafting Cup contenders: 6-9 (21:36)</li>
<li>Evaluating our contender picks (30:16)</li>
<li>Ovi Watch: numbers and storylines (31:40)</li>
<li>Women making waves in hockey (39:53)</li>
<li>Trivia! Name these captain-heavy teams (46:22)</li>
</ul><p>Skyscanner | Score Top Shelf Travel Deals</p><p><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/tc/cheap-flights-to-turks-and-caicos-islands.html?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220tt00p30ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep12Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1741722372347&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">Flights to Turks and Caicos</a></p><p><a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/flights-to/ywg/cheap-flights-to-winnipeg-airport.html?irclickid=_lxgbpuyspokfanwqzwiup33y32220toa9130ru6w00&amp;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=5933861-theScore&amp;utm_campaign=Ep12Article&amp;campaign_id=5933861&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;adid=1027991&amp;click_timestamp=1741722337432&amp;irmweb=&amp;irgwc=1">Flights to Winnipeg</a></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30572372/related

Top Shelf: Marner-Rantanen debrief, drafting Cup contenders, more

With a little more than two months remaining in the regular season, theScore's NBA editors answer...

<p><em>With a little more than two months remaining in the regular season, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the biggest questions around the league.</em></p><h3>Which deadline addition has made the biggest impact?</h3><p><strong>Luka Doncic (Lakers): </strong>The Slovenian has galvanized a Los Angeles Lakers squad that was simply trying to avoid the play-in. Suddenly, JJ Redick's side is jostling with the Denver Nuggets for the second seed in the West thanks to an eight-game winning streak capped by a 23-point statement victory over those same Nuggets. Doncic was also instrumental in wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves and the LA Clippers (twice), plus a gutsy overtime thriller over the New York Knicks. However, he's arguably made the biggest impact on LeBron James; the 40-year-old, who averaged 24 points this season before the Dallas Mavericks essentially dropped Doncic into the Lakers' laps, has lifted that mark to 27.1 points since the two joined forces. <em>- Jonathan Soveta</em></p><p><strong>De'Andre Hunter (Cavaliers): </strong>Cleveland's been searching for a wing who can take on difficult defensive assignments along the perimeter, helping reduce the workload of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Enter Hunter, who's contributed to the Cavaliers' 14-game winning streak and helped them become the first team to clinch a playoff berth. The 27-year-old is limiting opponents to 43.3% shooting from the field and 29% from three as a member of the Cavs. Offensively, Hunter has maintained his efficiency, averaging 14.3 points per game, while his 3-point percentage has jumped to 50% due to fewer shot attempts. Adding Hunter completed the Cavs' ideal lineup, which will help them compete for a championship. - <em>Donald Higney</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Jimmy Butler (Warriors): </strong>Butler's case as the most impactful deadline addition is simple: winning. The Warriors are a whopping 11-2 since he arrived in the Bay Area (he sat out one of the two losses with a back injury). Golden State has been in the top 10 in both offensive (fifth)<strong> </strong>and<strong> </strong>defensive (fourth) ratings since Feb. 6, jumping up from 19th and 10th in those respective categories. The former Most Improved Player gives head coach Steve Kerr a post-up presence not seen in Golden State since Kevin Durant's departure. Butler is posting up a little over 5% of the time and is scoring 1.8 points per possession in his 12 games with the Warriors; if he were to score that frequently over an 82-game season, he'd be the most efficient post-up player of the past decade. <em>- Thomas Tittley</em></p><h3>Which deadline addition is struggling the most with their new team?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773575/cropped_GettyImages-2200430773.jpg?ts=1741210337" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773575/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200430773.jpg?ts=1741210337 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773575/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200430773.jpg?ts=1741210337 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773575/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200430773.jpg?ts=1741210337 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773575/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200430773.jpg?ts=1741210337 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773575/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200430773.jpg?ts=1741210337 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rocky Widner / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jake LaRavia (Kings): </strong>After a strong 2023-24 with the Grizzlies that saw LaRavia average 10.8 points across 35 games, his success seemed to carry into this season. LaRavia began the campaign as a consistent contributor off Memphis' bench, averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 44.4% from three. However, since the 23-year-old was traded to the Kings, his production has fallen off a cliff. LaRavia is playing 2.7 fewer minutes per game and scoring 2.9 fewer points than with the Grizzlies. The former first-round pick's shooting percentages have also plummeted: LaRavia is shooting 36.4<strong>%</strong> from the field and just 33.3<strong>%</strong> from beyond the arc in 12 games with Sacramento.<strong> </strong><em>- Joseph Luca Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Andrew Wiggins (Heat): </strong>Butler's trade demand meant Miami needed a return that matched his near-$50-million outgoing salary but also brought back a two-way wing who could immediately slot into Butler's old spot in the starting lineup. Wiggins seemed like the perfect plug-and-play solution; however, the former first overall pick has been woefully inefficient since landing in South Beach. The 30-year-old is shooting 39.8% from the field and 32.6% from deep in a Heat jersey, and an ankle sprain has limited him to seven out of a possible 14 games since the Feb. 6 blockbuster. His 18.4-point average technically ranks second on the team, but at 14.7 shots per game, his poor shooting has arguably hurt Miami more than it's helped. - <em>Soveta</em></p><p><strong>Jusuf Nurkic (Hornets):</strong> - Charlotte might be suffering from buyer's remorse after acquiring Nurkic. The franchise acquired the veteran center to fill the void left by trading Mark Williams to the Lakers. However, the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with L.A. Now the Hornets have two centers who have missed a considerable amount of time on the roster - Nurkic and Williams have been unavailable for 31 and 33 games, respectively. In eight<strong> </strong>games with the franchise, Nurkic has averaged 7.5 points on 44.2% field-goal shooting in under 20 minutes of action. - <em>Higney</em></p><h3>Which of the 4 teams in the West battling for 2nd place will finish strongest?</h3><p><strong>Memphis Grizzlies:</strong> Only four teams are in the top 10 of both offensive and defensive rating: the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers, the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning champion Boston Celtics, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Head coach Taylor Jenkins has done a terrific job despite the Grizzlies once again being one of the most injured teams in the league, unearthing the Association's most effective <a href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/mark-cuban-breaks-silence-luka-doncic-trade-dallas-mavericks-full-interview/287-23216eb6-d128-443d-9185-1694a1cd5cc1">lineup</a>. The starting five of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey is plus-28.6 per 100 possessions (minimum 300 possessions). Only two other lineups in the league possess a plus-20 point differential. As they get healthy, the Grizzlies should start racking up wins; they have the Western Conference's <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/remaining_schedule_strength">fourth-softest</a> remaining strength of schedule. - <em>Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Los Angeles Lakers: </strong>There is arguably no hotter team in the Western Conference right now. L.A. is 14-3 in its last 17 contests, and acquiring Doncic has altered the team's trajectory - it's now tied with the Nuggets for the 2-seed in the West. Since making his Lakers debut Feb. 10, Doncic is averaging 24.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals. LeBron James has also stepped it up since the deadline, putting up 28.2 points per game on 52.7% shooting. The duo combined to score 50-plus points five times over the last eight games.<strong> </strong>Thankfully for Lakers fans, James is only expected to miss one-to-two weeks with his groin injury. - <em>Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Denver Nuggets:</strong> The Nuggets have cooled after dropping just two games in February on the heels of nine straight wins. But there are indications that they can snap out of the recent funk. ​​​​​For one, key starter Aaron Gordon is back from a three-game absence. The Nuggets own a 10.1 net rating with him on the court this season, which is second on the team to only Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP also appeared limited by an ankle issue during a narrow loss to the Boston Celtics on March 2 after hurting himself on the opening tip, but he looked more mobile in Wednesday's win over the Sacramento Kings. Though Denver has one of the toughest remaining schedules, per <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/remaining_schedule_strength">Tankathon</a>, the rest of its regular season will look much lighter once the ongoing back-to-back on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder is out of the way. - <em>Soveta</em></p><h3>Which West play-in team has the best chance to make a playoff run?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772759/cropped_GettyImages-2202431495.jpg?ts=1740754177" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772759/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202431495.jpg?ts=1740754177 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772759/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202431495.jpg?ts=1740754177 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772759/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202431495.jpg?ts=1740754177 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772759/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202431495.jpg?ts=1740754177 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772759/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202431495.jpg?ts=1740754177 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves:</strong> Anthony Edwards and Co. have a real shot at making another deep playoff run. The 23-year-old is leading the league in made 3-pointers (257), knocking down 4.1 per game on 40.6% shooting - helping him set a new career high in points (27.2). Julius Randle has been impactful since returning from a 13-game absence due to a groin injury, averaging 17.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in five straight wins. Jaden McDaniels stepped up in Randle's absence, recording 18.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals since Feb. 1. The trio of Edwards, Randle, and McDaniels, along with the T-Wolves' collection of high-energy players, could upset a few rival teams and make it back to the Western Conference finals. -<em> Higney</em></p><p><strong>Los Angeles Clippers:</strong> The Clippers have the right characteristics to be a thorn in the side of a top seed. Los Angeles owns the league's second-best defensive rating (109.5) and is capable of getting easy points in transition thanks to its 9.6 steals per game, the third-highest mark in the NBA. Head coach Tyronn Lue also has two future Hall of Famers who can give opposing team fits. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are probably over the hill when it comes to leading an organization to 50-plus victories, but can they explode in a seven-game series? Absolutely. Harden recently scored a season-high 50 points in a win over the Detroit Pistons, his first game of 50 or more since joining the Clippers. - <em>Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Sacramento Kings:</strong> The Kings have faced hardships this season, such as firing head coach Mike Brown and trading star guard De'Aaron Fox. But things aren't as bad as they may look. Sacramento's gone 20-12 with Doug Christie as interim coach, improving to 33-30 overall, good enough for ninth in the West. Christie has also led Sacramento to the eighth-best offense (117.4) in the NBA since taking over and has deployed Keon Ellis as a key part of his rotation. Ellis is logging 26.1 minutes a night under Christie and averaging 9.7 points per game while shooting at a 44.7% clip from three. The roster also boasts DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis. DeRozan and LaVine are both averaging over 20 points, while Sabonis is tied for the league lead in double-doubles. <em>- Casciaro</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30566469/related

Roundball Roundtable: Western Conference arms race

India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the t...

<p>India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the tournament final played in Dubai. </p><p>India successfully chased New Zealand's 251/7 and finished 254/6, with six balls left to play. </p><p>It's India's third ICC Champions Trophy title and first since 2013. India also won the 2024 T20 World Cup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>India captain Rohit Sharma delivered again when it mattered most, recording a match-high 76 runs. He was named player of the match. Sharma opened India's batting innings with Shubman Gill and the pair recorded a combined century before Gill was caught out. Sharma was also caught out but left the pitch after hitting 10 boundaries (seven fours, three sixes) off 83 balls.</p><p>New Zealand's Glenn Phillips made a stunning catch to retire Gill, who was replaced by India legend Virat Kohli. But Kohli stunningly managed only one run off two balls before being sent off (LBW). </p><p>Didn't matter, though. Sharma and Gill had set the table, recording the highest opening stand of the tournament (105 runs), and Shreyas Iyer performed admirably after replacing Kohli, finishing with 48 runs off 62 balls. India's depth was too much for New Zealand. </p><p>While it was a disappointing end for the Black Caps, the tournament was a coming-out party for Rachin Ravindra. He recorded 39 runs off 29 balls Sunday, giving him 263 runs across four matches (65.75 average). Ravindra was named player of the tournament. </p><p>India won all five of its tourney matches, capping an undefeated stand Sunday. It remains on top of the cricket world. </p>

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 09: Virat Kohli of India and teammate Rohit Sharma celebrate following the team's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30554804/related

Still on top: India wins 2025 ICC Champions Trophy 

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/thescore-staff/content_cards

theScore Staff

NHL Hockey

Philadelphia Flyers

Washington Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose Sharks

Macklin Celebrini

Connor Bedard (NHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews

Rasmus Andersson (NHL)