Sportsball Monday: Playoff push, bullpen woes, trade buzz
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Welcome to Sportsball Monday, where we bring you up to speed on your favorite local teams once a month.
The big picture: The Warriors fight to hold their play-in position as Stephen Curry's knee injury lingers, the Giants juggle bullpen uncertainty ahead of Opening Day and the 49ers weigh trade moves.
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The upcoming NBA playoffs are set to pose a major challenge to the Golden State Warriors as Steph Curry remains sidelined.
Why it matters: Curry has already sat out 13 consecutive games this season and is expected to sit out two more, even as the Warriors are positioned to secure a spot in the play-in tournament, which will determine which of the teams that finish Nos. 7-10 go to the playoffs.
State of play: While it's far from his longest stint on the sidelines, Curry recently told ESPN his knee injury has been "unpredictable."
- The outlook was optimistic after last month's All-Star break, but after a setback occurred during a workout, the Warriors ruled him out for five more games on March 1.
- The team will reevaluate Curry this week.
Between the lines: Without Curry, Golden State's playoff prospects aren't high. Fans online have debated whether he should just spend the rest of the season recovering rather than risk worsening the injury.
- The Warriors are currently eighth in the Western Conference. The play-in tournament kicks off April 14.
What's next: They play against the Utah Jazz tonight in Salt Lake City at 6pm.
A giant Giants bullpen headache
Pitchers Hayden Birdsong and Carson Whisenhunt headed into spring training looking like prospects for the bullpen, but after middling performances, their spots appear less and less secure.
- A string of injuries hasn't helped. Top left-handed pitcher Erik Miller has been sidelined by lower back tightness, newly signed reliever Sam Hentges is in rehab for shoulder surgery and hard-throwing right-hander Joel Peguero has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain that takes him out of the running for Opening Day.
What we're watching: Pitcher Blade Tidwell, whom the Mets traded to the Giants last summer, shows strikeout potential.
- So far, they're 13-2 in spring training — top of the standings. They'll hope to keep that momentum going when they face off against the New York Yankees in their season opener on March 25 at Oracle Park.
49ers trade talks begin
Rumors around possible trades have begun as the NFL approaches its free agency window.
- Several teams are reportedly gearing up to make "big offers" for backup quarterback Mac Jones, who filled in for starter Brock Purdy after a toe injury last season.
- Yes, but: It's unlikely the 49ers will part with Jones after he achieved a best-in-career completion percentage and touchdown percentage last season.
- The team is, however, expected to attempt to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (or release him entirely) after he missed the entire 2025 season due to an ACL and MCL injury and reportedly skipped mandatory rehab appointments.