NBA Playoffs Pre-Gamin’: Celtics at Nets (6:00 CT), Raptors at 76ers (7:00 CT), Jazz at Mavericks (8:30 CT)

The Chicago Cubs - I must reiterate! - would be looking at reclamation reliever options no matter what else they were doing on the big league roster. So just as the Trevor Richards signing was not a "response" to missing out on Tanner Scott, this latest report has absolutely nothing to do with the whole eye-rolling Kirby Yates thing. (And there are some good late-inning arms still available.) The Cubs...

FREE AGENT RELIEVERS — When Tanner Scott left the Cubs (and their reported $66M offer) at the altar, I was bummed, but not devastated. On the one hand, it does suck to whiff on a bona fide closer when the Cubs were FINALLY willing to lay out the sort of big-money, multi-year offer it takes to get one. But on the other, I knew that Kirby Yates was still out there...

I thought I was kidding around this morning when I mentioned that the Cubs could maybe just sign Kirby Yates if the Dodgers didn't go get him, too. Like a damn idiot, I didn't think the Dodgers would ACTUALLY do that. But why wouldn't they? Of course they would: The Los Angeles Dodgers, who already have folks screaming about their payroll, have reached a tentative agreement with free-agent closer Kirby...

Easily one of the biggest moments of the Cubs Convention, and the one that left few dry eyes in the room, was when Ryne Sandberg came out onto the stage. Battling cancer once again but looking strong, Sandberg received a booming roar and standing ovation from everyone in the room. I will always remember it. And so will Ryne Sandberg: Ryne Sandberg is introduced at Cubs Convention to a rousing...

Hey, Go Bucks! I'd be lying if I said I followed Ohio State this year with an ardent fervor, but you cannot live in the Columbus area - especially as an alum - and not get a little swept up. So I was happy to see them win it last night, even if my days as a college football fan are are in the rearview. That would probably depress me...

Get all the Tanner Scott jokes out of your system and then proceed to the part where the Chicago Cubs sign lots of guys on minor league deals, and this one has nothing to do with the Cubs whiffing on Scott this weekend. Suffice to say, they still have work to do on that front. The Cubs are reportedly signing reliever Trevor Richards to a minor league deal: The Cubs...

Yes. Yes. Yes. YES. This is excellent news, my friends. According to Jordan Bastian (Cubs.com), Cubs top pitching prospect Cade Horton has already resumed light throwing off a mound and "is on target for a normal Spring Training." YAHOOOOOOOOOO. Great News for Cade Horton That is HUGE, huge news. Sure, the Cubs may still elect to slowplay Horton to start the season (both for health/safety reasons, but also to limit...

Top Chicago Cubs prospect Matt Shaw was a heavy presence this weekend at the Cubs Convention, with the future big leaguer a prominent part of any conversation that didn't focus on Sammy Sosa or Kyle Tucker. That includes the front office panel, which spoke about the opportunity that Shaw has to win the third base job and run with it. The Cubs will want to have support around him, but...

At long last, the Toronto Blue Jays are no longer the bridesmaid. They are actually getting a guy they have wanted to sign for a while, and have another bat to pair with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at least for 2025. Jon Morosi reports that the Blue Jays are landing slugging outfielder Anthony Santander: Anthony Santander and Blue Jays are in agreement pending physical, sources say. @MLBNetwork— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January...

For years now - many, many years - it has felt like the Chicago Cubs were on the cusp of getting an All-Star Game. For one thing, they'd passed the 30-year mark since the last All-Star Game at Wrigley Field, and, what with 30 teams, that means lots of teams were double-dipping before the Cubs got their next one. For another thing, the renovations at Wrigley Field were truly impressive...

The Chicago Bears have yet to make the Ben Johnson news officially official. However, his agency sent out a tweet that pretty much seals the deal as far as I'm concerned. And now, there is some new video (h/t Windy City Gridiron) of Johnson arriving at Halas Hall. It truly doesn't get much more official than this, does it? In any case, whenever the Bears *DO* make it officially official...

If you are wondering how the Chicago Bears were able to move so quickly to strike a deal with Ben Johnson, just know that you are not alone. This thing moved quickly and stunningly to the point where I am still a bit slack-jawed in amusement and amazement that this got done. Thankfully, we are starting to see pieces come together that explain how we got here. One such piece...

Day 16 of the Chicago Bears offseason. I've never had to eat crow. But if it were forced upon me, I would want it fried hard with lemon pepper and mild sauce on it. I'm not going to waste much time at the top because I have a to-do list that would make a CVS receipt blush. Here are my three favorite reactions to the Bears' pending hire of Ben...

Former New Orleans Saints Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi is on the radar as a candidate to join Ben Johnson's Chicago Bears coaching staff. To be clear, the Johnson hire hasn't been made officially official by the Bears just yet. So there is a part of me that wants to hold my horses on that front. After all, I *AM* old enough to remember the Dave McGinnis fiasco. However, Johnson's...

Oh, hey. A post that isn't about Ben Johnson's hiring as the Chicago Bears' next head coach. We'll get to more Johnson stuff in due time. But first, how about a quick look at some top NFL Draft-eligible prospects and possible Bears targets who are playing in tonight's game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes? HOW TO WATCH Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) vs. Notre Dame Fighting...

Ben Johnson's hiring by the Chicago Bears isn't officially official just yet. However, we can add the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs to the list of reputable reporters sharing the news that it is on the cusp of officially happening. Biggs reports (via Twitter/X) that Johnson is expected to make his way to Chicago on Tuesday, sign his contract, and begin his tenure as the Bears' head coach. Things have accelerated...

The Ben Johnson to the Bears stuff isn't officially official just yet. But when NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is breaking the news, you can consider it to be a done deal. And once it does become official, Johnson's next step will be hiring a new staff. There is heavy lifting to be done, but I don't think he would take this job in Chicago thinking that there wasn't work...

It's happening. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Ben Johnson will be the Chicago Bears' next head coach once the two sides finalize a deal. Other league insiders are reporting it, too. This is bonkers: https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1881440007644385435 https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1881440006486761761 https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1881440239933337993 https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1881440118009164082 The report comes shortly after NFL reporter Josina Anderson shared news that the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator was "deeply considering" taking the Bears gig. I guess those considerations have taken...

UPDATE: It's Happening. Check out our full, updated post for all of the up-to-date information. ***Original post follows*** This week's obsessive Ben Johnson watch is starting with a bang. NFL reporter Josina Anderson shares the news that sources around the NFL believe the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator is "deeply considering" the Chicago Bears head coaching gig: https://twitter.com/JosinaAnderson/status/1881422886956650690?s=19 Josina Anderson isn't one of the highest-profile NFL newsbreakers. However, Anderson is a...

The Chicago Bears' search for their next head coach is underway, interview requests have been made, some interviews are scheduled, and I'm well into my head coaching candidate profiles here at Bleacher Nation. As I've been working through those and reading and listening to the conversation surrounding the search and the candidates, I've begun to move names up and down the board on the whiteboard in my office, so I...

Chicago Bulls fans needed something to look forward to, and they got that something on Monday night. Matas Buzelis confirmed on Instagram that he will be the fifth Bulls player in franchise history to compete in the NBA's iconic Slam Dunk contest. He joins Orlando Woodridge (1984), Michael Jordan (1985, 1987, 1988), Scottie Pippen (1990), and Tyrus Thomas (2007) on the shortlist. While we're still waiting for the NBA to...

After failing to score a single point on Sunday night in the Chicago Bulls' loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Josh Giddey came out looking like the energizer bunny. The lead guard attempted to set the tone early with his uptempo play and decision-making. He ended up scoring or assisting on 14 of the team's first 17 points, paving the way for Chicago to go up by double digits midway...

Matas Buzelis is headed to All-Star Weekend! According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls' rookie has committed to participating in this season's Slam Dunk Contest! The No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he is expected to join Spurs lottery selection Stephon Castle in the iconic competition. This will mark the second straight year that Buzelis is part of the NBA's All-Star festivities. He competed in the Rising...

If the Chicago Bulls want to snap a five-game skid, they will have to slow down James Harden and a well-coached Los Angeles Clippers team. BRING ON THE HOOPS AFTER DARK! Game Info Chicago Bulls (18-25) at Los Angeles Clippers (24-17) – 9:30 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Josh Giddey Zach LaVine Patrick Williams Nikola Vucevic Los Angeles Clippers James...

The Chicago Bulls have ruled out Coby White ahead of Monday's late-night meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. On the backend of a back-to-back, White is dealing with ankle soreness. He clocked 27.0 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, struggling with only 9 points on 4-10 shooting. This marked White's lowest-scoring effort since Nov. 27, 2024, against the Orlando Magic. While we should keep an eye out...

While a five-game losing streak suggests the Chicago Bulls are on the brink of entering tank mode, the trade deadline remains the real test. The front office has a little over two weeks to finally press self-destruct. To be sure, rumors have continued to suggest that Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are open for business, but how willing they are to do that business in earnest remains to be seen....

Well, the Bulls are starting to look like who we thought they were. Last night's 11-point loss to one of the West's worst teams, the Portland Trail Blazers, was Chicago's fifth-straight loss and three of those came against bottom-five teams in the NBA. While it's frustrating in real-time to watch, it's likely what's best for the franchise long term. Arturas Karnisovas has sat on his hands for three straight trade...

When I stepped outside to walk my dog this morning in sub-zero temperatures, I was sporting all the typical apparel: A hoodie, insulated winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, and thick scarf. My dog didn't look a whole lot different. The 15-pound Jack Russell Terrier was wrapped in her own puffy winter coat with four rubber booties. She hates the salt. Everyone else I encountered on my quick stroll had been...

The Chicago Bulls came out looking like a team eager to snap out of their four-game skid. Patrick Williams turned trade rumors into fuel, scoring 7 of the Bulls' first 9 points in versatile fashion. He drilled a three, got to the free throw line, and finished a two-handed jam after a nice dive cut to the rim. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine was getting just about anything he wanted against one...

The Chicago Bulls sound like they're having buyer's remorse. Only months after signing Patrick Williams to a five-year, $90.0 million contract in restricted free agency, Arturas Karnisovas is reportedly willing to move him, per the Chicago Sun-Times Joe Cowley. Williams is in the thick of his worst season yet, averaging a mere 9.3 points and 3.8 rebounds on 37.7. percent shooting from the field. "A source Saturday told the Sun-Times...

We're getting closer to the NHL's trade deadline (March 7), but the rumors are hot already. A big reason for that is the fact that 15 of the 16 teams in the Eastern Conference can plausibly argue they have a shot at making the playoffs. Which is great news for sellers this year -- including the Chicago Blackhawks. A couple good pieces this week on the subject that I recommend...

The Blackhawks played a really good team last night and almost mirrored the script from the Vegas game perfectly -- until they gave up a tying goal in the third period and lost in overtime. The difference between the two teams: Carolina's speed. The Canes are one of the fastest teams in the league and have speed from top to bottom in the lineup; you saw it on Seth Jarvis'...

I know the product the Blackhawks have put on the ice at the NHL level this season has left a lot to be desired at times, but we need a frequent reminder that this is a rebuild, and those things take time. It's about stockpiling draft capital and using picks on quality players who can help the NHL roster at some point. The Blackhawks have done the first part --...

As was the case against Vegas on Saturday night, the Blackhawks wanted to get off to a fast start. The volume of shots were heavily in favor of the Canes early in the first period, but the Blackhawks were getting really high quality chances when they got it on net. Eventually the pace of play picked up in both directions and, at the end of a first period in which...

We'll see if the Blackhawks can string together two straight good games with a very good -- but struggling -- Carolina Hurricanes team in town. And you know who could probably give the Blackhawks an in-depth scouting report? Teuvo Teräväinen. A couple notes on the lineup you're going to read below: Pat Maroon is dealing with a back issue so he gets the night off and Philipp Kurashev will draw...

Michael Russo of The Athletic reported on Monday evening that the Blackhawks are hiring former Minnesota Wild assistant general manager Chris O'Hearn as the new vice president of hockey operations. From Russo's tweet: "An attorney, O'Hearn's expertise is contract negotiations and CBA." According to EliteProspects, O'Hearn spent six years in the front office of the Coyotes, starting as the director of hockey administration in 2012 and moving up to assistant...

The game between the Canucks and Oilers got physical this weekend. And then it crossed the line -- a few times. On Monday, the NHL had to hand out punishments to a couple players who got launched from the game for dirty, dangerous hits. Among those sitting out: superstar Connor McDavid. McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers each received a three-game suspension from the NHL Dept. of Player Safety for...

So let's take a minute to chat about this whole top line situation the Blackhawks have going on right now. I think a lot of us really like the idea of Frank Nazar being a second-line center behind Connor Bedard when he initially came up, and he was doing a really nice job at the dot and playing a good, defensively-responsible game. Then the Hawks threw him on the wing...

The Blackhawks won a game against a really good opponent -- again -- last night. Beating Vegas 5-3 was probably a result that some folks in the home town of the Golden Knights appreciated. The first period was one of the best they've played all year. The second was your classic wheels-about-to-fall-off that got bailed out by a late goal and the third period saw the Hawks get back on...

What if I told you the Blackhawks came out a little sluggish, gave up the first goal while chasing the puck and then... scored three times in the final four minutes of the first period? Yeah, it really happened. I swear it did. Nine different Blackhawks had a point in the period. It was something else. The Blackhawks out-shot the Golden Knights 13-5 in the first period. The next goal...