It’s time for NBA All-Star Weekend! The midseason exhibition tournament will be held this Sunday, Feb. 15, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. But before the big All-Star Championship Game, there’s a star-studded celebrity game, the slam dunk contest and more fun NBA events for fans to enjoy. This year’s All-Star game also features a new format, with three teams competing (USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World) in a round-robin style. Yahoo Sports broke down the new NBA All-Star competition format for you.

Most of the action will air across NBC and Peacock. Here’s the full NBA All-Star Weekend schedule and everything you need to know to watch the game.

How to watch the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend

Dates: Feb. 13-15

Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, Calif.

TV channel: NBC, ESPN

Streaming: Peacock

When is the 2026 NBA All-Star game?

The 2026 NBA All-Star Championship Game will be held this Sunday, Feb. 15. Leading up to the All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Weekend has a packed slate of events, including the 3-point and slam dunk contests. NBA All-Star Weekend events run from Friday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 15.

NBA All-Star Weekend schedule:

Friday, Feb. 13

• Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• Rising Stars Game 1 – Team Melo vs. Team Austin: 9 p.m. ET (Peacock)

• Rising Stars Game 2 – Team Vince vs. Team T-Mac: 9:55 p.m. ET (Peacock)

• Castrol Rising Stars Championship: 10:35 p.m. ET (Peacock)

• NBA HBCU Classic (Hampton vs. North Carolina A&T): 11 p.m. ET (Peacock)

Saturday, Feb. 14

• NBA All-Star Media Day presented by AT&T: 1:30 p.m. ET (NBA App, NBA TV)

• Commissioner Adam Silver News Conference: 4 p.m. ET (NBA App, NBA TV)

• NBA All-Star Saturday Night: 5 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

• State Farm 3-Point Contest: 5 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

• Kia Shooting Stars: 5 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

• AT&T Slam Dunk Contest: 5 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

Sunday, Feb. 15

• NBA G League Next Up Game: 2:30 p.m. ET (NBA App)

• All-Star Game 1 – Stars vs. World: 5 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

• All-Star Game 2 – Stripes vs. Game 1 Winner: 5:55 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

• All-Star Game 3 – Stripes vs. Game 1 Loser: 6:25 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

• All-Star Championship: 7:10 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

What channel is the NBA All-Star game on?

The Majority of NBA All-Star Weekend events will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock. The exceptions to that rule are the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, which will air on ESPN, and the media events, which will air on NBA TV and stream in the NBA App.

How to watch the NBA All-Star game without cable

More ways to watch NBA All-Star Weekend for free

Who is playing in the NBA All-Star Game?

USA Stars

• Head coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)

• Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

• Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

• Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

• Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

• Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

• Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

USA Stripes

• Head coach: Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs)

• Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

• Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

• Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors*

• Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors

• Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

• Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

• Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Norman Powell, Miami Heat

World

• Head coach: Darko Rajaković

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

• Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

• Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder*

• Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

• Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

• Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

• Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

• Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

“*” denotes unable to play because of injury

Who is participating in the NBA All-Star slam dunk contest?

• Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat

• Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic

• Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs

• Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers

Who is playing in the NBA All-Star 3-point contest?

• Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

• Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

• Kon Kneuppel, Charlotte Hornets

• Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

• Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

• Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

• Norman Powell, Miami Heat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Laura Ziegler scored 14 points for ninth-ranked Louisville in an 88-65 rout of Florida State on Sunday night.

The matchup between the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top scoring offense (Louisville, 81.9 ppg) and its next-to-last defense (Florida State, 76 ppg) played out that way as the Cardinals (24-4, 14-1 ACC) took control early and never trailed en route to their third straight win.

Ziegler scored the game’s first five points and Louisville used a 9-0 run later in the opening quarter to build a 16-5 lead with 2:45 remaining. Meanwhile, the Seminoles (9-17, 4-10) shot just 25.8% (8 of 31) in the first half as Louisville led 34-20 at halftime.

The senior forward opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer, and the Cardinals added to their lead throughout the second half, leading by as much as 80-51 midway through the fourth quarter. She also flirted with a triple-double, finishing with eight rebounds and seven assists before exiting the game with 6:37 remaining and the Cardinals up 71-49.

The transfer from Saint Joseph’s was one of five Cardinals to finish in double figures. Imari Berry, Skylar Jones and Reyna Scott all scored 11, while Grace Mbugua pitched in 10. Aside from Ziegler, Louisville’s other top scorers came off the bench.

Louisville topped 80 for the 17th time this season and shot 49.3% (35 of 71) from the field. The Cardinals also got 26 points off 16 Florida State turnovers and dished out 25 assists, one off their season high.

Sole Williams led the Seminoles with 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting, and Allie Kubek came off the bench to score 18 on 7 of 10 shooting for the Seminoles, who made just 36.9% (24 of 65) of their shots.

Up next

Florida State hosts California on Thursday.

Louisville is off until next Sunday, when Virginia visits.

—

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Laura Ziegler scored 14 points for ninth-ranked Louisville in an 88-65 rout of Florida State on Sunday night.

The matchup between the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top scoring offense (Louisville, 81.9 ppg) and its next-to-last defense (Florida State, 76 ppg) played out that way as the Cardinals (24-4, 14-1 ACC) took control early and never trailed en route to their third straight win.

Ziegler scored the game’s first five points and Louisville used a 9-0 run later in the opening quarter to build a 16-5 lead with 2:45 remaining. Meanwhile, the Seminoles (9-17, 4-10) shot just 25.8% (8 of 31) in the first half as Louisville led 34-20 at halftime.

The senior forward opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer, and the Cardinals added to their lead throughout the second half, leading by as much as 80-51 midway through the fourth quarter. She also flirted with a triple-double, finishing with eight rebounds and seven assists before exiting the game with 6:37 remaining and the Cardinals up 71-49.

The transfer from Saint Joseph’s was one of five Cardinals to finish in double figures. Imari Berry, Skylar Jones and Reyna Scott all scored 11, while Grace Mbugua pitched in 10. Aside from Ziegler, Louisville’s other top scorers came off the bench.

Louisville topped 80 for the 17th time this season and shot 49.3% (35 of 71) from the field. The Cardinals also got 26 points off 16 Florida State turnovers and dished out 25 assists, one off their season high.

Sole Williams led the Seminoles with 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting, and Allie Kubek came off the bench to score 18 on 7 of 10 shooting for the Seminoles, who made just 36.9% (24 of 65) of their shots.

Up next

Florida State hosts California on Thursday.

Louisville is off until next Sunday, when Virginia visits.

—

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

News broke on Feb. 4 that Jeff Stoutland, the Philadelphia Eagles’ run game and offensive line coach, will not return to the team next season. The report from ESPN’s Tim McManus came as a complete shock to fans.

Stoutland has coached Philadelphia’s offensive line since 2013. During his tenure, he’s played a key role in developing one of the league’s best units. Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, and Mekhi Becton are just some of the players who greatly benefited from Soutland’s guidance. 

Following the announcement, Mailata, a current star for the Eagles’ offensive line, said he is “heartbroken” by the news. Additionally, veterans Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson are reportedly contemplating retirement, which is likely tied to Stoutland’s departure.

This unexpected exit is shaking up Philadelphia’s offseason plans and has left fans with many questions.

 

Sean Mannion’s Involvement

The timing of Stoutland’s exit in relation to the hiring of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion may not be a coincidence.

NBC Sports’ Dave Zangaro noted how Mannion’s staff-building decisions this offseason could indicate a significant shift Philadelphia’s offensive identity for 2026.  Rumors are circulating that Mannion wants the reins of the offense entirely to himself. As he brings in several new coaches and staff members who share his vision, perhaps Stoutland saw the writing on the wall that changes are coming, and he wasn’t going to be a part of them.

Stoutland’s Irritations and Shortcomings

Stoutland’s frustrations with Philadelphia’s operation date back to last season. He was reportedly irritated with the Eagles’ offense and his lack of contribution to the group towards the end of the year. In these reports, it’s said that head coach Nick Sirianni and former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo had complete control over the offense in the final few games.

Cayden Steele at NJ.com wrote about how the divide late last season played a role in the separation. According to Steele, Stoutland was “not consulted” enough regarding changes in the run game.

That isn’t to say Stoutland was blameless. This season’s offensive line is one of the weakest he’s coached in his 13 years with the Eagles. However, a lot of that can be chalked up to injury. Johnson missed significant time, and Dickerson played through lingering injuries all year. Still, that doesn’t explain the regression from Mailata and Cam Jurgens.

But even in a down season, the Eagles’ offensive line still graded as the seventh-best in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.

What is Mannion’s Plan?

Mannion has instead brought in a slew of new offensive coaches. He is expected to incorporate a “west coast” type of offense, similar to that of Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan.

Chris Kuper will be the new offensive line coach to replace Stoutland. Some of the other new faces include Josh Grizzard as the passing game coordinator, and Ryan Mahaffey as the Tight Ends Coach and running game coordinator. 

Mannion has close connections to Mahaffey and Kuper already. Mahaffey coached with Mannion in Green Bay, and Kuper was a coach in Minnesota in 2023 while Mannion was still playing quarterback.

What Does the Future Hold?

There’s been no indication of Jeff Stoutland’s next move yet. The term “leaving” indicates he may not be retiring, but he could instead try to coach elsewhere.

So what does this mean for Philadelphia’s offense? Well, big changes are still on the rise. With Dallas Goedert entering free agency and Dickerson still contemplating retirement, the Eagles’ offense could look much different than it has in recent history.

For now, however, it seems that Sean Mannion has the reins, and Sirianni is taking a step back in his offensive involvement. For better or for worse, the Mannion era is off to a polarizing start.

The post Jeff Stoutland’s Eagles Departure Signals Major Organizational Changes appeared first on The Lead.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Tyler Reddick needed a game-winner at the buzzer to win the Daytona 500 Sunday and deliver team owner Michael Jordan another championship.

Reddick led a single lap on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, and it wasn’t for long.

With leader Chase Elliott seemingly in command coming off Turn 4, Reddick made a move reminiscent of his boss. Reddick dove to the inside and bumped Elliott to pass him, earning a career-defining victory two days shy of the NBA great’s 63rd birthday.

“Just incredible how it all played out,” Reddick said. “Just true Daytona madness.”

Jordan met Reddick and his team in Victory Lane and helped him lift the Harley J. Early trophy.

“I can’t believe it,” Jordan said. “You never know how these races are going to end. You’re just trying to survive. We just hung in there all day.

“I’m just ecstatic.”

Jordan, like everyone in the sellout crowd, was stunned to see Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota take the checkered flag.

Teammate Bubba Wallace, the original member of Jordan’s 23XI Racing co-owned with NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, lead a race-high 39 laps in his bid to become the first Black Daytona 500 winner. But the two-time runner-up (2018, 2022) in the sport’s biggest race lost ground during a Lap 181 pit stop and finished 10th.

“I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished — Happy birthday, MJ,” Wallace said. “That’s a massive birthday present.

“I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks. But couldn’t be more proud of the team.”

Unlike Wallace, Reddick hadn’t factored at the front of the 68th running of the Great American Race. The 200-lap affair featured 66 lead changes among a record 26 drivers in the 41-car field.

Elliott moved to the front of the pack after a restart on Lap 197. The Cup Series Most Popular Driver the past eight years, the 30-year-old would have been a celebrated winner.

Instead, Reddick spoiled Elliott’s best chance during 11 attempts.

“At that point you’re on defense. That’s a very tough place to be,” Elliott said. “If I had thrown a double-block on the No. 45, it would have just crashed us. It really sucks to be that close … and not finish it off.”

Reddick, who turned 30 Jan. 11, entered the day an afterthought following a winless 2025 ended a string of three consecutive seasons with at least two victories.

“Last year was really hard for all of us, hard for me,” Reddick said. “When you’re a Cup driver and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year.”

Reddick’s improbable ninth career victory came on a warm and breezy day at the iconic 2.5-mile oval.

Sustained winds in the teens, with gusts over 30 mph made Turn 4 trickier than usual.

The elements, coupled with aggression and risk-taking on the track, led to compelling racing. At the 200-lap race’s midpoint, the lead had changed hands 27 times, the third most in the Daytona 500 history.

The approach also led to chaos.

Multi-car crashes, including an 18-car melee on Lap 125, ended the hopes of top contenders, along with the field’s youngest competitor — 19-year-old Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch.

Zilisch, former Daytona 500 winners Austin Cindric (2022) and Austin Dillon (2018) and Chase Briscoe, who started on the front row for the second straight, finished the race, but were multiple laps behind — 63 in Dillon’s case.

Hamlin’s push to become the third four-time champion was wishful thinking after 23-year Truck Series phenom Corey Heim, a development driver for 23XI racing, bumped the rear of Hamlin’s car to cause a crash.

Christopher Bell, a four-time Cup Series winner in 2025, got the worst of it, slamming into the outside wall. Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota limped to a 31st-place finish, two laps back.

But with Reddick, Wallace and Riley Herbst still in the mix, Hamlin still had skin in the game. When the dust settled, the 45-year-old felt like a big winner when Herbst recorded a Jordan-like assist. The second-year 23XI driver drafted behind Reddick until Herbst’s No. 35 Toyota was caught up in a crash with Elliott and others as Reddick pulled away.

“I know the odds of winning here are really, really small,” Hamlin said. “After I got crashed at the end, I looked at the scoreboard — how many horses have I got left in this race? It was great to see Tyler making all the right moves, and Riley giving him a push at the end.

“It certainly soothes the sting of the day for the 11 car.”

____

The Oregon Ducks baseball team would like to put 2025 season behind them as they hosted an NCAA Regional only to lose two straight and go home.

There’s no better way to do that than to start the very next season with a convincing four-game sweep.

Oregon went on to easily dispatch George Mason in a four-game weekend set, ending with an 11-1 victory over the Patriots at PK Park. The Ducks set the tone in Game 4 of the series with five runs in the bottom of the first. Starting pitcher Ryan Featherston was able to cruise from there. The junior has turned himself into a starter after making 18 appearances out of the bullpen last season. He was able to go six strong innings, giving up just two hits and striking out five.

At the plate, the Ducks were led by Maddox Molony’s two-run double and Drew Smith’s three runs driven in on the night. That was more than enough for Oregon, whose four pitchers gave up just six hits and one earned run.

Oregon used the momentum it got from the previous day as the Ducks swept a doubleheader, although the weather was less than ideal, but good enough to get the games in.

Game 1 of the Saturday doubleheader was put on ice early on as the Ducks plated nine runs in the second inning to go on to win 14-5. Drew Smith’s grand slam blew the game wide open to make it a nine-run frame. Starting pitcher Collin Clarke had a career-high 10 strikeouts in his six innings on the mound.

It was more of the same in the nightcap as the Ducks took Game 2 by the score of 14-4. They waited until the fourth inning this time to blow the game wide open with an 8-spot in the frame. Molony, Smith, and freshman catcher Brayden Jaksa all homered.

In the season opener, starting pitcher Will Sanford threw a solid five innings to earn the win as the Ducks went on to win 6-2. Relievers Miles Gosztola and Tanner Bradley each threw two innings to close the Patriots out. The big blow came in the second when Dominic Hellman hit a three-run blast to left field to give Oregon a 5-0 lead, which was more than enough.

Oregon will continue its eight-game homestand this coming week with a four-game set with Youngstown State beginning Thursday.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon baseball opens 2026 with series sweep over George Mason

Gallen’s back, just in time for Galentine’s day. Knee jerk reaction?

DBacksEurope: It is probably true that Gallen improves the 2026 rotation. 2025 first half Gallen was probably a worser version of the pitcher that he actually is, but we’ve seen Zac becoming increasingly worse and frustrated over the past few seasons, to an extent where we had to conclude that he wasn’t the ace we thought he once was (going to be). The longer Gallen was unsigned, the more likely it would be that he would end up in Arizona again. The QO was a no-brainer for me, so I think it is a good signing. Boras probably tried to pull a Montgomery here again, but thankfully the Diamondbacks didn’t fall for that one. I think there is still a lack of overall quality on this roster that will prevent us from becoming a serious wild card contender.

James: It’s fine. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. Frankly, there are no better starting pitchers on the market at this point. Nor were there any better pitchers earlier in free agency that were coming for less money. With the team being up against the financial wall they are, I am actually a little bit surprised they took a gamble on bringing Gallen back. But then, they were desperate for another starter and this also helps the gutted bullpen. In that regard, this is a wise signing. Mike Hazen and his staff are mad if they think Soroka is going to be able to provide 120 IP out of the rotation. He might not even reach 80 IP.

1AZfan1: Knee jerk reaction is this is good for the 2026 Diamondbacks. Given the state of the roster (especially the projected IL) and looking around the rest of the NL, the best chance to make the postseason would come through some exceptional individual performances by players well above their projection. Gallen isn’t likely to be a 3.50 ERA guy next year, but he’s got a better shot at it then anyone else available on the market.

Ben: This pairing always made sense. He’s functionally spent his entire career with the D-Backs and he’s clearly pretty comfortable with the franchise and the environment. That said, this is a floor-raising rather than a ceiling-raising move. Clearly, the rotation and roster are better with Gallen than without him, but it’s up to him and the coaching staff to try and fix the fact that his fastball went from one of the best to well-below average over the course of just a couple of years. 

Wesley: I find it hilarious that he could and probably should have taken the qualifying offer and we’d be in the exact same position as we are right now.. Outside of that, it’s fine. Hopefully, Gallen didn’t spend the whole winter just appearing on podcasts, and actually spent some time sorting out whatever mechanical/mental issue that lead to his disaster of a 2025 season.

Dano: Kneejerk reaction was a booming “Meh,” with full echoes and reverb. Also, like Wesley, I appreciate the inherent hilarity of it. Beyond that, I expect him to pitch over the season much like he pitched in 2025–some good, some bad, truly mediocre performance for a wannabe “staff ace,” but serviceable enough for a third or fourth starter. Hence the “Meh.” In any event, he’ll likely be better than Soroka would have been taking the mound every fifth day, so that should be nice.

Spencer: It’s perfectly fine. There’s upside and floor. The price is adequate in that 2020s Kendrick way. I’ve never understood why fans seem so focused on how he has a negative ego. Personally I’ve never seen that but I also watch from the east coast so I will be first in line to admit I often fall asleep by the third inning (10pm start time when wake up is at 4:15 is just not feasible). I’d rather have a starter with a chip on their shoulder than not if we’re talking mid range with ceiling. 

Is this worse news for Eduardo Rodriguez or Michael Soroka?

DBacksEurope: I don’t think there is a scenario where E-Rod, with $40MM left on his contract, isn’t starting for the Diamondbacks in 2026 as long as his ERA stays below 6.00. So, this is probably worse news for Soroka, who will only be here one year. Although he will probably start in long relief, he will see plenty of action with Pfaadt and E-Rod shitting the bed more often than not, providing a podium for him to perform, just like Nelson did last year. Then injuries will occur and he’ll get his starts.

James: I guess it depends on how one defines bad news. Soroka is the one being bumped from the rotation. Expecting him to have been an effective, 30-game starter was always a bit bonkers to begin with. If the team keeps the entire rotation healthy and does not spend a few weeks running a 6-man rotation until someone gets injured, then Soroka goes to the bullpen, where he can provide some heat in middle, low-leverage relief. When the inevitable E-Rod injury occurs, Soroka might get some starts. Or, if he is effective in relief (where he is better suited), they can leave him in the bullpen and bring up Drake.

1AZfan1: Knee jerk reaction here is Soroka is the odd man out of the Opening Day rotation, but that is only provided that there are no injuries during Spring Training. It’s likely, or at least a coin flip’s chance, that one of the 6 possible starters will suffer some injury in Spring and the decision will be made for Torey on who will start the year in the rotation.

Ben: I tend to agree with the rest of the Roundtable: Soroka likely is the first one out of the rotation and bumped to a swingman/long-relief role where he’s had some success over the course of his career. Of course, it’s near-impossible that these six will be the same starters at the Trade Deadline let alone the end of the season and Soroka will almost certainly get a few chances to start if he stays healthy. 

Wesley: Just to further echo what the others have already said, I’d say Soroka is the odd man out. I am much more comfortable with him as a BP arm or spot starter than I am as part of the starting rotation.

Dano: Soroka definitely, at least if Soroka really wants to reestablish himself as a starter. That said, it seems like he found a good deal of success pitching out of the bullpen, so it might wind up being better for him if he can firmly establish himself as a good long reliever/swingman.

Spencer: Unfortunately I think Soroka will be pushed out of the rotation. Assuming ERod somehow stays healthy. But if the goal is to win games it should be the opposite. He’s 5 years younger and his overall production is closer to ERods than you might think if you only go off vibes rather than results. That’s not to say ERod hasn’t had the better career thus far, but if I’m going for ceiling and floor, I’m riding the potential of Soroka knowing he’s only good for 20 starts at most. That way ERod can try to remain healthier than average by only throwing a few pitches at a time. But I suspect the goal isn’t necessarily to win this season and therefore ERod will get the rotation spot and Soroka will be risked in the bullpen. 

‘That’s an easy one’: Canada, France react to Tom Wilson’s Olympic fight. [Sportsnet]

U.S. men’s hockey stays unbeaten, is No. 2 seed for knockouts. [ESPN]

Poulin return Canada’s biggest victory in quarterfinal win over Germany. Canada to face Switzerland in semifinals on Monday at 3:10 p.m. ET. [CBC]

USA downs Germany, earns bye to Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinals. [USA Today]

Elimination round schedule revealed for men’s hockey at Milano Cortina. [TSN]

Why Canada is wearing Nike and not Bauer in Olympic hockey. [National Post]

Undefeated U.S. women’s hockey team punches ticket to semifinals with win over Italy. [The Athletic]

Gallen’s back, just in time for Galentine’s day. Knee jerk reaction?

DBacksEurope: It is probably true that Gallen improves the 2026 rotation. 2025 first half Gallen was probably a worser version of the pitcher that he actually is, but we’ve seen Zac becoming increasingly worse and frustrated over the past few seasons, to an extent where we had to conclude that he wasn’t the ace we thought he once was (going to be). The longer Gallen was unsigned, the more likely it would be that he would end up in Arizona again. The QO was a no-brainer for me, so I think it is a good signing. Boras probably tried to pull a Montgomery here again, but thankfully the Diamondbacks didn’t fall for that one. I think there is still a lack of overall quality on this roster that will prevent us from becoming a serious wild card contender.

James: It’s fine. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. Frankly, there are no better starting pitchers on the market at this point. Nor were there any better pitchers earlier in free agency that were coming for less money. With the team being up against the financial wall they are, I am actually a little bit surprised they took a gamble on bringing Gallen back. But then, they were desperate for another starter and this also helps the gutted bullpen. In that regard, this is a wise signing. Mike Hazen and his staff are mad if they think Soroka is going to be able to provide 120 IP out of the rotation. He might not even reach 80 IP.

1AZfan1: Knee jerk reaction is this is good for the 2026 Diamondbacks. Given the state of the roster (especially the projected IL) and looking around the rest of the NL, the best chance to make the postseason would come through some exceptional individual performances by players well above their projection. Gallen isn’t likely to be a 3.50 ERA guy next year, but he’s got a better shot at it then anyone else available on the market.

Ben: This pairing always made sense. He’s functionally spent his entire career with the D-Backs and he’s clearly pretty comfortable with the franchise and the environment. That said, this is a floor-raising rather than a ceiling-raising move. Clearly, the rotation and roster are better with Gallen than without him, but it’s up to him and the coaching staff to try and fix the fact that his fastball went from one of the best to well-below average over the course of just a couple of years. 

Wesley: I find it hilarious that he could and probably should have taken the qualifying offer and we’d be in the exact same position as we are right now.. Outside of that, it’s fine. Hopefully, Gallen didn’t spend the whole winter just appearing on podcasts, and actually spent some time sorting out whatever mechanical/mental issue that lead to his disaster of a 2025 season.

Dano: Kneejerk reaction was a booming “Meh,” with full echoes and reverb. Also, like Wesley, I appreciate the inherent hilarity of it. Beyond that, I expect him to pitch over the season much like he pitched in 2025–some good, some bad, truly mediocre performance for a wannabe “staff ace,” but serviceable enough for a third or fourth starter. Hence the “Meh.” In any event, he’ll likely be better than Soroka would have been taking the mound every fifth day, so that should be nice.

Spencer: It’s perfectly fine. There’s upside and floor. The price is adequate in that 2020s Kendrick way. I’ve never understood why fans seem so focused on how he has a negative ego. Personally I’ve never seen that but I also watch from the east coast so I will be first in line to admit I often fall asleep by the third inning (10pm start time when wake up is at 4:15 is just not feasible). I’d rather have a starter with a chip on their shoulder than not if we’re talking mid range with ceiling. 

Is this worse news for Eduardo Rodriguez or Michael Soroka?

DBacksEurope: I don’t think there is a scenario where E-Rod, with $40MM left on his contract, isn’t starting for the Diamondbacks in 2026 as long as his ERA stays below 6.00. So, this is probably worse news for Soroka, who will only be here one year. Although he will probably start in long relief, he will see plenty of action with Pfaadt and E-Rod shitting the bed more often than not, providing a podium for him to perform, just like Nelson did last year. Then injuries will occur and he’ll get his starts.

James: I guess it depends on how one defines bad news. Soroka is the one being bumped from the rotation. Expecting him to have been an effective, 30-game starter was always a bit bonkers to begin with. If the team keeps the entire rotation healthy and does not spend a few weeks running a 6-man rotation until someone gets injured, then Soroka goes to the bullpen, where he can provide some heat in middle, low-leverage relief. When the inevitable E-Rod injury occurs, Soroka might get some starts. Or, if he is effective in relief (where he is better suited), they can leave him in the bullpen and bring up Drake.

1AZfan1: Knee jerk reaction here is Soroka is the odd man out of the Opening Day rotation, but that is only provided that there are no injuries during Spring Training. It’s likely, or at least a coin flip’s chance, that one of the 6 possible starters will suffer some injury in Spring and the decision will be made for Torey on who will start the year in the rotation.

Ben: I tend to agree with the rest of the Roundtable: Soroka likely is the first one out of the rotation and bumped to a swingman/long-relief role where he’s had some success over the course of his career. Of course, it’s near-impossible that these six will be the same starters at the Trade Deadline let alone the end of the season and Soroka will almost certainly get a few chances to start if he stays healthy. 

Wesley: Just to further echo what the others have already said, I’d say Soroka is the odd man out. I am much more comfortable with him as a BP arm or spot starter than I am as part of the starting rotation.

Dano: Soroka definitely, at least if Soroka really wants to reestablish himself as a starter. That said, it seems like he found a good deal of success pitching out of the bullpen, so it might wind up being better for him if he can firmly establish himself as a good long reliever/swingman.

Spencer: Unfortunately I think Soroka will be pushed out of the rotation. Assuming ERod somehow stays healthy. But if the goal is to win games it should be the opposite. He’s 5 years younger and his overall production is closer to ERods than you might think if you only go off vibes rather than results. That’s not to say ERod hasn’t had the better career thus far, but if I’m going for ceiling and floor, I’m riding the potential of Soroka knowing he’s only good for 20 starts at most. That way ERod can try to remain healthier than average by only throwing a few pitches at a time. But I suspect the goal isn’t necessarily to win this season and therefore ERod will get the rotation spot and Soroka will be risked in the bullpen.