Darko Rajakovic concluded his second season as head coach of the Toronto Raptors, reflecting on performance and player development. Despite leading the team to a 30-52 record, he emphasizes the importance of rebuilding and improving through hard work and player habits. Rajakovic underscores that this season was about laying the groundwork for future success, focusing on the young core like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. Injuries limited their playtime together but significant positives emerged, including a franchise record in assists.

Defensively, the Raptors ranked fifth in the league during the latter part of the season, showcasing Rajakovic's ability to adapt and create a strong culture. His commitment extends beyond the court as he and his wife donate $70,000 to children's hospitals, reinforcing the values he aims to instill in his team. Rajakovic stresses the importance of doubling down on development and building on this foundation moving forward.

Today's NBA DFS picks are dominated by must-have players as the regular season winds down and teams jockey for playoff positioning. Nikola Jokic stands out, boasting an impressive average of over a 40-point triple-double in his last six games, making him a top priority for lineups. Shaedon Sharpe is also highlighted, especially with Deni Avdija likely out, allowing Sharpe to take on a more significant scoring role against the Utah Jazz, who are the worst in terms of defense against shooting guards. James Harden is another key player to consider, coming off a strong performance and facing a Houston team that should keep the game competitive.

For value picks, Kyle Anderson and Jalen Smith offer affordable options with high upside, particularly if their respective teams are missing key players. Kris Murray emerges as one of the best value plays, given Portland's injury woes, which should ensure him plenty of minutes. Players like Immanuel Quickley and Keyonte George are also poised to shine with favorable matchups, especially as injuries pile up on other teams.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has secured a monumental 14-year, $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in sports history. This contract, set to begin next season, will net him $35.1 million annually without any opt-outs or deferrals, solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone.

Guerrero Jr. is poised to stay in Toronto for the remainder of his career, joining the ranks of the city’s elite athletes. He will trail only Scottie Barnes in annual earnings among Toronto athletes, as Barnes signed a five-year deal with the Raptors worth up to $270 million. Comparatively, Guerrero Jr. will earn much more than fellow Blue Jays player George Springer, whose six-year contract is valued at $150 million. As he embarks on this new chapter, the Blue Jays hope Guerrero Jr. can lead them to postseason success.

The Toronto Raptors faced a crucial game against the Chicago Bulls, needing a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. However, the Bulls dominated, taking an early lead and finishing the game with a decisive 137-118 win. Notably, rookie Ja'Kobe Walter and Immanuel Quickley each contributed 17 points for Toronto, but Chicago's Kobe White led all scorers with 28 points.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic made several lineup adjustments, resting RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji, while Quickley and Jakob Poeltl returned as starters. This loss ended Toronto's four-game win streak and highlighted their struggles, as they aim for a better draft position while navigating injuries to key players like Gradey Dick and Brandon Ingram.