#playoff-positioning

#playoff-positioning

Trading their 2026 first-round pick would have been a sign that the front office fully trusted this current core. They chose not to. As mentioned, there could have been a few reasons for that, but it makes one wonder how much trust the front office really has in the core of Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, and most of the pieces around it.

Even if you believe the Raptors will go winless against the great teams: Rockets, Pistons (x2), Nuggets, Celtics, and Knicks. That's just six more losses (and you hope they could steal at least one). They still have seven games against teams that are either actively tanking or in the lower echelon of the league: Pelicans (x2), Bulls, Jazz, Kings, Grizzlies, and Nets.

The Thursday night slate is packed with storylines, but none carry more weight than the clash at Ball Arena between the Lakers and Nuggets. Denver is holding steady as a 5.5-point favorite, despite the Lakers entering on a three-game heater. The total for this one is a massive 240.5, suggesting a high-octane track meet.

To see them on the outside looking in, the Leafs have competed hard, played structured hockey at times, and stolen points they arguably shouldn't have. They have gotten key contributions from players you wouldn't expect, but still sit towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Effort alone won't save a season. The one problem the Leafs are running out of time to fix is game-to-game consistency, particularly at five-on-five.

The most significant development is the trade of veteran center Phillip Danault back to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick. Danault, who had five points in 30 games this season, struggled to find his offensive rhythm compared to previous years. This move signals a potential shift in strategy for Los Angeles, clearing cap space and roster spots.

1. BIRMINGHAM (5-3): Receiver Paul Turner had four catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns, plus a 94-yard kickoff return for touchdown in win over Taft. 2. CARSON (5-3): The Colts shut out Banning 40-0 with Chris Fields completing eight of 13 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. 3. PALISADES (8-0): Dolphins got a scare against University last week and face Hamilton on Friday. 4. SAN PEDRO (4-4): Pirates get Carson tuneup with a Marine League game against Gardena on Friday.

"With 3.9 seconds remaining and the Pacers trailing by three, head coach Rick Carlisle turned to one of his lead assistant coaches. He told her it was time to bust out one of the special out-of-bounds plays she'd come up with."

Colorado Avalanche face the Los Angeles Kings with key players missing, including Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, while the Kings also manage injuries.