Kenny Atkinson wants Cavs to adjust to Pistons physicality: ‘This is on us to adapt’

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 head coach Kenny Atkinson and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson used his media availability before Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers last year to complain about how officiating changes drastically from the regular season to the playoffs.

“I know there’s this rhetoric going around the league about, you know, ‘Oh man, that’s playoff basketball.’ To me, that’s not playoff basketball,” Atkinson said last year when asked about two plays that kept Evan Mobley and then Cavs’ forward De’Andre Hunter from playing Game 2.

The Cavs are in a similar spot a year later. They lost two close games at the start of their second-round series, this time against the Detroit Pistons. Their opponent was physically stronger in both games and wore the Cavs down.

Instead of using it as an excuse and pleading for the league to change how these games are called, Atkinson is instead challenging his players to adjust.

“It’s on us to adapt to how the game is being called,” Atkinson said on Saturday afternoon. “That’s a big part of this… It’s on us. This isn’t on the referees. This is on us to adapt and understand how the game is being called.”

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Few teams take advantage of the extra leeway more than the Pistons. They’re one of the most physically imposing teams in the league, and that’s by design.

“We just wear on you,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said before Game 3. “We legally hit you, we legally bump you. We’re legally handsy, and we just make it difficult.”

The Cavs’ three best players, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley, have struggled with this at times. Mitchell has seen his free-throw rate cut in half from the regular season. Harden has had a difficult time valuing possessions. And Mobley hasn’t been able to get to his spots in the first two games of the series.

This has also affected the Cavs’ three-point shooting. Cleveland had their third-worst shooting game of the season (21.9%), which included going 0-11 in the fourth quarter. Many of those looks were wide open.

According to Atkinson, there’s a correlation between Detroit’s physicality and his team missing threes. He made an analogy to NBA 2K, saying that his team’s stamina meter was drained too low by the end of the game. “Every time you get hit or you run a sprint, your [stamina] level goes down. … I think there’s something to that fatigue effect on shooting and that’s why they try to wear teams down.”

Atkinson is right on all of this. At the same time, I’m not sure how you get your team more prepared for physicality at this point in the season. This isn’t a playing style this team has thrived in since their inception.

We’ll see if the Cavs have a response in Game 3.

“We get this one, and it’s on,” Atkinson said. “We were there. I don’t think we played great. Let’s play great. Let’s get this one.”

Cavs vs. Pistons Game 3 open gamethread

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Evan Mobley #4 and Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers hope that playing at home helps them get back into their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Go Cavs!

Spurs vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 4

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After a surprising Game 1 loss at home, the San Antonio Spurs own a 2-1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves following two straight victories.

Anthony Edwards was limited in Games 1 and 2, but he roared back to life in Game 3, and my Spurs vs Timberwolves predictions expect Ant-Man to carry his team to a desperately needed win in front of the home crowd.


Here are my best free NBA picks for Sunday’s Game 4 from Target Center.

Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4 prediction

Spurs vs Timberwolves best bet: Anthony Edwards Over 31.5 points+rebounds (-105)

Anthony Edwards came off the bench in Games 1 and 2 and totaled 30 points and six rebounds across 49 total minutes. He started Game 3 and eclipsed those totals with 32 points and 14 rebounds across 41 minutes.

He’s logged 30+ minutes in just three playoff games this postseason, but he delivered 32+ points+rebounds in two of them and went for exactly 31 in the other.

Ant-Man has started four games against the San Antonio Spurs this season, and he hit the Over on this combo line three times while averaging 41.3 points+rebounds.

Through the regular season and playoffs, he’s averaged 33.7 points+rebounds and gone for 32+ in 43 of 68 total appearances.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Anthony Edwards’ season highs in points (55) and rebounds (14) both came against the Spurs.

Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4 same-game parlay

The Minnesota Timberwolves have covered the spread in four of their last five games at home, and the team nearly covered the 5.5-point spread despite awful shooting performances from Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels.

With Edwards off his minutes restriction, I expect him to do everything he can to will his team to victory with the necessary support from his teammates.

Improved shooting from two starters means more scoring for Minnesota, and the point total is set far too low for Game 4. These teams have hit the Game Total Over in two straight and four of six head-to-head matchups this season.

Spurs vs Timberwolves SGP

  • Anthony Edwards Over 31.5 points + rebounds
  • Timberwolves +4.5
  • Over 217

Spurs vs Timberwolves odds for Game 4

  • Spread: Spurs -4.5 | Timberwolves +4.5
  • Moneyline: Spurs -180 | Timberwolves +150
  • Over/Under: Over 217 | Under 217

Spurs vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS across their last five games at Target Center. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4

LocationTarget Center, Minneapolis, MN
DateSunday, May 10, 2026
Tip-off7:30 p.m. ET
TVNBC

Spurs vs Timberwolves latest injuries

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Knicks vs 76ers Same-Game Parlay for Sunday's NBA Playoffs Game 4

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The New York Knicks will look to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season on Sunday.

Despite Philly's best efforts, my Knicks vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks expect Jalen Brunson to lead the charge in silencing the City of Brotherly Love on May 10.

Our best Knicks vs 76ers SGP for Game 4

SGP leg #1: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points

Jalen Brunson is no stranger to big moments, and he’s averaged 29 points across six road closeout games since joining the New York Knicks

He’s recorded 30+ points in three of them, including a 41-point eruption in the 2024 postseason against the Philadelphia 76ers

SGP leg #1: Knicks -1.5

The Knicks have won six in a row and covered the spread five times during that span.

With Joel Embiid obviously banged up and Brunson putting up strong numbers, New York should be able to close this series out on the road and cover the spread.

SGP leg #1: Under 212.5

The game total Under has hit in two straight games and in four of seven head-to-head matchups this season.

Additionally, the Knicks and 76ers have hit the Under in two of the last three regular-season matchups in Philadelphia.


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See our full Knicks vs 76ers Game 4 preview

Get Zak Hanshew's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Knicks vs 76ers predictions for Game 4.

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Rain threatens today’s game at Fenway between the Rays and Red Sox

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 14: Members of the grounds crew bring out the rain tarp before a game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 14, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Weather will play a factor this afternoon at Fenway Park as the Rays and Red Sox try to play game three of a four game game set at 4:10pm. As of 12:30pm, the game is still on per Chris Cotillo:

However, the outlook does not look promising. Below is a simulated radar from the HRRR model, which shows persistent, reoccurring batches of rain over Boston between now and 9:00pm this evening.

It will not be raining every minute, but when it does it will come down heavy on and off for several hours. Additionally, temperatures will be chilly and the air will be raw, so even if they do try and play through the weather (which seems like an increasingly common trend across MLB), conditions will be rather miserable.

The best move is probably to postpone the game, but that would either require a double header tomorrow, which the team probably wants to avoid on Mother’s Day, a double header in July when the Rays return to Fenway Park right after the All-Star break, or giving up an off day.

Despite the Red Sox having an off day on Monday, that’s not an option to make up this game because the Rays will be in Toronto to face the Blue Jays.

Looking further ahead, models are also suggesting additional rain problems during the back half of the homestand when the Red Sox host the Phillies. A slow moving system will move over New England late Wednesday into Thursday, putting at least one, if not both games in jeopardy.

Hey, at least this is happening while Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet are on the IL. Might be a chance to minimize their impact of being out.

Bobby Cox dies at 84: Hall of Fame manager made Atlanta Braves a powerhouse

Bobby Cox, who turned the Atlanta Braves into a National League powerhouse during his decades-long stint as manager died at the age of 84, the team confirmed on Saturday, May 9.

"While Bobby's passion for the game was unparalleled, his love of baseball was exceeded only by his love for his family," the team said in a statement. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we send our sincerest condolences to his beloved wife, Pam, and their loving children and grandchildren."

Cox was Braves manager on two occasions. Atlanta hired him in December 1977 at age 36, making him the NL's youngest manager at the time.  He went 266-323 in his first stint with the team from 1978-81. 

The Toronto Blue Jays promptly hired Cox after his firing. He would lead the Blue Jays to three winning seasons over the next four seasons, including a 99-win season and postseason appearance in 1985.

Bobby Cox throwing out a ceremonial first pitch in the 2018 playoffs.

Cox returned to the Braves as a general manager in 1985 and named himself manager in 1990, where he would spend the rest of his managerial career.

Over the next 20 years, Cox would lead the Braves to 14 consecutive NL West titles, five National League pennants and a World Series title in 1995.

Cox won four manager of the year awards throughout his 32-year career and finished with 2,504 victories, fourth all time, plus a record 162 ejections. He retired in 2010 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Cox had been the third baseman for the New York Yankees from 1968 to 1969, but injuries cut his playing career short. He would spend the next decade working his way through the Yankees farm system as a manager until he became the first base coach in 1977 and later got his chance with the Braves.

Hall of Fame Braves pitcher Tom Glavine called Cox "the single greatest influence on me as a player, in terms of teaching the game, respecting the game, carrying yourself the right way on and off the field.”

Bobby Cox record

Bobby Cox was 2,504-2,001 in 29 seasons as an MLB manager, winning five National League titles and the 1995 World Series championship.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bobby Cox dies: Braves' Hall of Fame manager was 84 years old

Jacob Misiorowski is making history, and the season is still young

May 8, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) celebrates after earning the final out of the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Last night, the Brewers put together a strong performance to open up their series against the Yankees, shutting them out 6-0. While the final score reflects a complete game from the Brewers as a team, it was Jacob Misiorowski who generated the talk of the game. Not only did he dominate a strong Yankees’ lineup, but he did it with some of the fastest pitches ever thrown by a starting pitcher.

How good was Misiorowski’s start last night?

It was a historic start for Miz. While he didn’t set a single-game strikeout record or post an impressive stat line, he still made headlines with what he did. That was set from the first pitch of the game, when his fastball was one of the fastest in recorded major-league history.

The previous fastest pitch recorded by a starting pitcher came back on July 12, 2022, thrown by Jordan Hicks. Not only did Misiorowski top that, but he did it seven times last night, and five of those came in the first inning. It’s also important to note that Hicks was used as an opener in that game and only pitched 1 2/3 innings. If you want to find a pitch thrown in a more traditional start, that goes back to 2011 by Justin Verlander, thrown in Game 5 of the ALCS. Only 14 times has a starting pitcher thrown a pitch of at least 103 mph, and Misiorowski did it 10 times last night.

Here are some of the other marks he set in last night’s game and this season:

To finish this off, here is a video of his 11th strikeout from last night’s game. This was the end of his night at 95 pitches.

What marks is Misiorowski on an early pace to break?

As we approach the end of the first quarter of the season, there’s a larger data set that we can now look at and use to project out the rest of the season. Through his first eight starts, here are Misiorowski’s stats:

  • 8 Games Started
  • 44 Innings Pitched
  • 12 Earned Runs Allowed – 2.45 ERA, 2.63 FIP
  • 70 Strikeouts – 14.3 K/9
  • 25 Hits Allowed – 5.1 H/9
  • 17 Walks – 3.5 BB/9

Since that will be his first quarter of the season, if we multiply it out by four, here’s what the stats would look like over a full season:

  • 32 Games Started
  • 176 Innings Pitched
  • 280 Strikeouts
  • 100 Hits Allowed
  • 56 Walks

While those numbers look great, I don’t think he’ll hit those marks. That’s not because he’s not capable of it; he absolutely could do that. However, he’s likely going to get some “maintenance” during the season. Whether that is in the form of a couple of skipped starts, a six-man rotation, or a short IL stint, there will be some extra rest built in during the season. With that in mind, here’s a more reasonable projection for a full season:

  • 28 Games Started
  • 154 Innings Pitched
  • 245 Strikeouts
  • 88 Hits Allowed
  • 60 Walks

That’s still an incredibly strong season. It might not win a Cy Young award, but it would be one of the best single seasons in Brewers’ history. Here’s where that would rank him among the Brewers’ single-season leaders.

All these stats are from Baseball Reference. There is a caveat for these stats, as well. A pitcher typically needs to pitch one inning per team game played to qualify for these titles based on averages. Baseball Reference standardizes it at 100 games for their leaderboards, but if Misiorowski does not get to 162 innings, there could be some debate on whether some of these marks count.

Earned Run Average

Entering this season, here are the top five single-season ERAs:

  1. Mike Caldwell, 1978 – 2.36
  2. Corbin Burnes, 2021 – 2.43
  3. Teddy Higuera, 1988 – 2.45
  4. Brandon Woodruff, 2021 – 2.56
  5. Freddy Peralta, 2025 & Ben Sheets, 2004 – 2.70

Misiorowski’s 2.45 ERA would put him in a tie for third for single-season ERA. If he improves it a little more, he would have a chance to have the best single-season ERA in team history.

Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP)

Entering this season, here are the top five single-season FIPs:

  1. Corbin Burnes, 2021 – 1.63
  2. Ben Sheets, 2004 – 2.65
  3. Teddy Higuera, 1988 – 2.80
  4. Chris Bosio, 1989 – 2.87
  5. Mike Caldwell, 1978 – 2.94

This is a mark that will not fall any time soon. Burnes’ 2021 season is just too good for anyone to top it without a Cy Young season of their own. However, if Misiorowski keeps his current pace up, he could slide into second in that list.

Hits Per Nine Innings

Entering this season, here are the top five single-season marks:

  1. Freddy Peralta, 2025 – 6.317
  2. Corbin Burnes, 2022 – 6.416
  3. Brandon Woodruff, 2021 – 6.524
  4. Corbin Burnes, 2023 – 6.552
  5. Corbin Burnes, 2021 – 6.629

Misiorowski would top this list as of today by over a hit less than the rest. Most of these marks have been set in recent years, as well. Burnes in 2021 would still top Misiorowski when factoring walks into it, but by hits alone, Misiorowski is on a level above any other pitcher in Brewers’ history.

Strikeouts

Entering this season, here are the top five strikeout totals in a season:

  1. Ben Sheets, 2004 – 264
  2. Corbin Burnes, 2022 – 243
  3. Teddy Higuera, 1987 – 240
  4. Corbin Burnes, 2021 – 234
  5. Brandon Woodruff, 2021 – 211

Misiorowski has a legitimate chance to set the single-season strikeout record for the Brewers. The 28-game projection would put him just above Burnes for second, but the 32-game one puts him on top of the list. Not only could he do that in his second season in the major leagues, but he would do it in significantly fewer innings. Sheets pitched 237 innings in 2004, and Burnes pitched 202 in 2022.

All of this is fun speculation from a quarter season of data. There’s still a lot that can happen over the course of a season, but so far Misiorowski has shown what he’s capable of. He’s closing in on a full season of data from pitching in the major leagues, and all his numbers keep improving. If he keeps this up, we’re going to see some new Brewers’ history being made.

Former Braves manager Bobby Cox passes away at 84

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 11: Manager Bobby Cox #6 of the Atlanta Braves waves to the crowd after the Braves were defeated by the San Francisco Giants 3-2 during Game Four of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs on October 11, 2010 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A tough week for the Atlanta Braves in terms of franchise history and luminaries just got even tougher, as the franchise will now have to mourn the loss of yet another massive figure in the organization. Just days after the passing of legendary owner Ted Turner, former Braves manager and Baseball Hall of Famer Bobby Cox has passed away at the age of 84.

Here’s the official statement from the Atlanta Braves:

“We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper. Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform. He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995. His Braves managerial legacy will never be matched.

“Bobby was a favorite among all in the baseball community, especially those who played for him. His wealth of knowledge on player development and the intricacies of managing the game were rewarded with the sport’s ultimate prize in 2014 – enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

“And while Bobby’s passion for the game was unparalleled, his love of baseball was exceeded only by his love for his family. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we send our sincerest condolences to his beloved wife, Pam, and their loving children and grandchildren.”

Bobby Cox actually had two stints with the Braves in his post-playing career — a playing career that saw him get acquired by the Braves during the 1960s without having ever played a big league game for them. His first stint started in 1978 when he was named manager at a time when the recently-departed Ted Turner was employing a hands-on approach with the squad. The stint didn’t go particularly well as Cox ended up getting fired following the strike-shortened 1981 season and in typical Ted Turner fashion, the owner lamented that “We need someone like [Cox] around here” in a press conference shortly after he fired him.

It was the second stint in Atlanta that made Cox a legend. Following another brief stint in Toronto, Cox returned to the Braves as a general manager in 1986 and went about building the core of the team that would go on to dominate the National League for the entirety of the 1990s. Once it became clear that Russ Nixon wouldn’t be the manager who would push this team to glory, Cox made himself the manager and then helped bring in John Schuerholz to fill the role of GM. It ended up being the early genesis of a generational run in the dugout for Cox — one that yielded 15 postseason appearances in 20 full seasons, 14 divisional titles (3 NL West, 11 NL East), five National League Pennants, and a World Series title in 1995 

Once the divisional dynasty ended, Cox held on for a few seasons that saw the Braves languish in mediocrity a bit before Cox announced in September 2009 that the 2010 season would be his final season. Perhaps realizing a sense of urgency in the moment, the Braves rallied and made the Postseason as a wild card before bowing out in the divisional round one final time. Cox finished with a record of 2149 wins to 1709 losses — good for a .557 winning percentage while also picking up four Manager of the Year awards during his time as a manager. He also finished his career with 162 career ejections, which is the all-time record.

While Bobby Cox certainly wasn’t perfect — both on the field and off of it — there’s no denying the fact that his man management skills and motivational tactics were second to none and went a long way towards cementing his success as a manager. It’s a testament to his style of management that every single Braves manager that’s come after him has prioritized making sure that the clubhouse was peaceful with everybody pulling in the same direction. The one constant between Fredi Gonzalez, Brian Snitker and currently Walt Weiss is that all of these guys would run through a wall for their manager and the managers managed to take what they learned from Bobby Cox and apply that in their own, unique ways.

Cox was a fantastic manager but he’d also be the first to tell you that it’s all about the players and Cox was able to properly steward an incredible amount of talent during his time as the manager of the Braves. The Hall of Famers from the ‘90s immediately come to mind, as Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones and now Andruw Jones will all talk endlessly about how much they enjoyed playing under Bobby. He continued to stay interested in what the Braves had going on well after his retirement — Brian Snitker noted during the 2025 season that when the 1995 team was in the building being honored, Cox came up to him and tried to strike up a conversation about Hurston Waldrep.

Cox likely would’ve continued to stay around on a regular basis had it not been for a stroke that he suffered in 2019 which slowed him down from a physical standpoint. If not for that, there’s a very good chance that we would’ve been seeing and hearing from Bobby Cox on a regular basis right up until now. Instead, the Braves will now have to mourn two massive losses within the span of a few days. Ted Turner now has someone like Bobby Cox around again. Rest in peace to both.

Cardinals vs Padres Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The St. Louis Cardinals go for a series win on Saturday when they face the San Diego Padres.

The Cardinals have won the first two games of the four-game set despite being the MLB odds underdog both times, with both games staying below the total.

My Cardinals vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks explain why I’m backing both those trends to continue on Saturday, May 9.

Who will win Cardinals vs Padres today: Cardinals moneyline (+125)

Dustin May has shown an impressive uptick in velocity this season compared to last, and has posted multiple quality starts over the past month.

The San Diego Padresrank dead last in BABIP the past two weeks. They also have the fifth-lowest xwOBA while hitting just .213 as a team during that span, leading to a wRC+ of 84.

The St. Louis Cardinalsrank Top 10 in ISO and wRC+ the last two weeks, and should put up runs against a regressing Randy Vasquez.

His underlying metrics aren’t great, he’s struggling to avoid barrels, and he’s allowed 12 earned in his last 21 ⅔ IP.

Covers COVERS INTEL:After relying heavily on a sinker/sweeper combo in 2025, May is showing a more versatile arsenal with four pitches featuring usage rates of 18% or more.

Cardinals vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-125)

The month of May has not been kind to the Padres offensively. They rank 26th in SLG, 29th in xwOBA, and are hitting just .194 at the plate.

Finding runs against May won’t be easy. He ranks in the 87th percentile in walk rate and 83rd percentile in barrel rate, and has allowed just eight earned in his last five starts.

The Cardinals have scored just eight runs in this series, while the Padres have managed just one in two games.

Vasquez will allow a few before he exits, but not enough to push this total north of the number.

Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets:4-6, -2.67 units
  • Over/Under bets:7-3, +3.91 units

Cardinals vs Padres odds

  • Moneyline: Cardinals +127 | Padres -133
  • Run line: Cardinals +1.5 (-163) | Padres -1.5 (+156)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+117) | Under 8.5 (-122)

Cardinals vs Padres trend

The San Diego Padres have hit the Team Total Under in 9 of their last 12 games (+5.45 Units / 37% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Padres.

How to watch Cardinals vs Padres and game info

LocationPetco Park, San Diego, CA
DateSaturday, May 9, 2026
First pitch7:15 p.m. ET
TVFOX
Cardinals starting pitcherDustin May
(3-3, 5.16 ERA)
Padres starting pitcherRandy Vasquez
(3-1, 3.20 ERA)

Cardinals vs Padres latest injuries

Cardinals vs Padres weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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Yankees vs Brewers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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Following a Friday loss, the Yankees aim to bounce back and level the series in Milwaukee tonight.

This evening’s contest features Cam Schlittler taking on Kyle Harrison, a pitching duel where New York holds a nice advantage.

Read all about it in my Brewers vs. Yankees predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 9.

Who will win Yankees vs Brewers today: Yankees moneyline (-135)

Cam Schlittler's started the season at an elite level and has remained consistent. He’s as good as any pitcher in baseball this year, and he has a matchup edge here. I’d play the Yankees to -170 because of it. 

His fastball run value ranks in the 100th percentile of the sport, and his 96th percentile chase rate of just over 38% gives him an elite out-of-zone weapon against a Milwaukee Brewers lineup that must be disciplined to survive him.

The Brew Crew simply doesn’t have the profile of a team that’s going to hurt a guy with a lot of swing-and-miss stuff.

On the other side of things, Kyle Harrison is a talented pitcher, but his Bottom 24 percentile off-speed stuff may give him issues.

This feels like a scenario where a pitcher getting off his fastball (which the Yankees force) is more detrimental than actually throwing the pitch. We’ve seen it a few times this season, though, and it usually works out for New York.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Cam Schlitter’s has the highest overall run value for a starting pitcher in baseball.

Yankees vs Brewers Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-115)

The story of the total is Schlittler, as you might expect. The Under has cashed in three of the last four starts. 

Although I picked the New York Yankees to win, I don't think their offense will do enough to push this Over on its own.

Harrison will have some issues in this matchup, but his hard-hit suppression (88th percentile) and barrel rate (73rd percentile) should keep the Yankees offense in check. I’d play this to -120.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 14-13, +1.36 units
  • Over/Under bets: 17-11, +7.72 units

Yankees vs Brewers odds

  • Moneyline: Yankees -137 | Brewers +124
  • Run line: Yankees -1.5 | Brewers +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5

Yankees vs Brewers trend

The Yankees have hit the moneyline in 16 of their last 20 games (+10.65 Units / 34% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Brewers.

How to watch Yankees vs Brewers and game info

LocationAmerican Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
DateSaturday, May 9, 2026
First pitch7:10 p.m. ET
TVYES, Brewers.TV
Yankees starting pitcherCam Schlittler
(5-1, 1.52 ERA)
Brewers starting pitcherKyle Harrison
(3-1, 2.12 ERA)

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Season in Review: Khaman Maluach is the Rudy Gobert evolution Phoenix has always wanted

Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) screams after dunking against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.


Player Snapshot

  • Position: C
  • Age: 19
  • 2026-27 Contract Status: $6.3 million
  • SunsRank (Preseason): 12
  • SunsRank (Postseason): 12

*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.

Season in One Sentence

The process is underway, and it’s doing its job thanks to a clear evolution in his game.

By the Numbers

GPMINPPGRPGAPGBLKFG%3PT%FT%OFFRTGDEFRTG+/- (TOTAL)
468.93.02.90.10.753.3%23.8%71.0%106.0103.5+47

The Expectation

Before the season started, Khaman Maluach was viewed as one of the highest‑upside prospects in the 2025 draft. Mainly thanks to an extremely rare profile: lateral mobility for his size, rim deterrence, huge potential in drop coverage, and offensive flashes that hinted at a possible stretch‑five outcome in the medium term.

But unlike other more “NBA‑ready” rookies, nobody really expected him to be immediately productive. Phoenix knew they were getting a raw prospect — a player who still had to learn a ton about NBA pace, defensive reads, and the physical impact required at the highest level. The idea behind drafting him was mostly long‑term: develop a modern center capable of protecting the rim in Jordan Ott’s system while eventually bringing real verticality on offense.

The Reality

Reality ended up matching those initial expectations pretty closely. Maluach almost never had a stable role in Phoenix’s rotation this season, finishing with only 46 games played and under 9 minutes per game. And yet… we saw the flashes, especially on defense, where as the season went on, Khaman slowly climbed toward the top of certain metrics.

Because even in an ultra‑limited role, he showed exactly why Phoenix believes in him so much. His physical presence immediately changes the geometry of the floor: rim contests, verticality, rebounding, massive defensive coverage despite his age, a real pick‑and‑roll threat, and a shooting touch that suggests he could stretch the floor.

The problem is that everything else was still under construction. His defensive positioning was inconsistent, his offensive game was heavily dependent on others, and his lack of experience was obvious at times against NBA centers who were smarter physically and tactically. But honestly, that was expected.

What It Means

I think Phoenix will continue with exactly the same development plan: lots of G League reps, lots of film work, and gradually bigger NBA sequences over time. And honestly, that’s probably the best thing for him. Because at only 19 years old, Maluach is still one of the youngest players in the league and surely one of the least experienced in this entire draft class.

Defensively, he needs to become more disciplined in his help rotations, better understand NBA timing, and learn to defend without relying on his size as a miracle solution. Offensively, he needs to develop his short roll game, improve his hands in traffic, and keep working on that outside shot that intrigues the organization so much.

I genuinely think that in 2–3 years, he can become a modern Rudy Gobert with a more varied and lethal offensive bag, or a more explosive but less stretch‑oriented version of Jay Huff.

Defining Moment

I’d like to talk about his performance against Dallas in April — not the most impressive offensively, sure. But he delivered an incredible defensive game, both in energy and reads — while being a major factor in the team’s success (14 rebounds and 3 blocks) — and it was also the first and only time he played more than 30 minutes.

Grade: B

I’d give him a B for his season, first because of his huge G League performances with completely insane numbers: around 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. On the NBA side, it’s less flashy, sure, but his on‑court impact through rim deterrence was noticeable. A strong performance against OKC late in the season capped off his first year in the big league.


Highlights: Victor Wembanyama carries Spurs to Game 3 victory over T-Wolves

May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the first half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Coming off a blowout win in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs traveled to the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3. The Spurs started the game with lockdown defense, limiting the Wolves to just one point in the first six minutes. After going up by 15, the Wolves, led by Anthony Edwards, managed to cut the deficit to one with a buzzer-beating three. The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, ending with another buzzer-beating three, this time from Jaden McDaniels. With the score deadlocked at 51 apiece, the Spurs made it a point to keep the tempo high at all times. Despite multiple small scoring runs, the Wolves always seemed to counter. Until the end of the quarter, when the Spurs managed to hold a seven-point lead heading into the fourth. Anytime the Spurs made attempts to put the game out of reach, the Wolves would again come crawling back. With six minutes remaining, it was back to a one-possession game. Clutch shots from Victor Wembanyama, Julian Champagnie, and Dylan kept the Spurs afloat, but Minny would once again counter with clutch buckets of their own. With just over three minutes remaining, it was once again a one-possession game. However, Wembanyama drained a deep clutch three to put the Spurs back up by six. From that point on, it never became a one-possession game again. The Spurs ultimately won 115-108 to take a 2-1 series lead.

Victor Wembanyama dropped a near 40-point double-double: 39 points (13-18 FG, 3-5 3PT), 10-12 FT) and 15 rebounds to go along with five blocks, an assist, and a steal. Wemby was a man on a mission. He shot 72% from the field, 60% from three, and 83% from the free throw line. 16 of his 39 points came in the fourth quarter. He carried the Spurs on both defense and offense, especially when it became stagnant. Whether it was lob finishes, deep threes, or turnaround midrange jumpers, he showed off his entire arsenal. As stated earlier, he joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O’Neal as the fourth player in NBA history to record 35+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in a postseason game. Oh, and he is only 22.

Lob City in Minny! Wemby throws down back-to-back lobs to start the game!

TWO-WAY PLAYER! Wemby rejects Julius Randle on one end, and finishes through contact on the other end for the and-one!

Off the glass! Wemby drives past Rudy Gobert and finishes off the glass for two!

EVEN WHEN YOU FOUL HIM, IT DOES NOT MATTER! Wemby, with his arm held by Gobert, blocks Edwards’ shot! After the play, Edwards even grabbed his jersey!

CLEANUP ON AISLE 1! Wemby cleans up the miss with a rebound and a tip-in!

PASSING VISION! Wemby finds an open Harper under the basket for his only assist of the game!

CLUTCH W3MBY! After the screen from Stephon Castle, Wemby drains a deep three to give the Spurs a six-point lead with three minutes remaining.

De’Aaron Fox dropped 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a steal. After an efficient Game 2, Fox took it upon himself to give the Spurs an extra scoring boost. He accomplished this by attempting 19 shots, with seven of them going in. Although it was not an efficient game, Fox’s shots inspired others to keep firing and to not to get complacent. He also dished out his share of dimes and played decent perimeter defense. To keep the pace up for Game 4, Fox will look to approach with the same aggression.

Too quick! Fox drives past McDaniels and finishes off the glass for a deuce!

AND-ONE! Fox drives to the rim and finishes through contact with a wild layup!

Devin Vassell dropped 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The x-factor is back again with another solid performance. Dev hit timely shots and was active on defense. He seems to always be in the right spots on both offensive and defensive rotations. His ultimate highlight of the game was posterizing Gobert!

Here’s another angle!

Stephon Castle dropped a double-double: 13 points and 12 assists to go along with four rebounds. Although Steph had a rough shooting night, he got to the line and dished out double-digit dimes. Most of his highlights are literally from diming up several different Spurs. Most of his dimes came from getting trapped inside the paint. He was finding open shooters like it was target practice. Steph has been guarded tightly by multiple Wolves defenders, especially McDaniels. Regardless, the 21-year-old continues to stand his ground and fight through contact.

DIMER BRONZE. Steph gets into the paint and finds an open Keldon Johnson for the trey! KJ finished with 11 points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

DIMER SILVER! Steph gets double-teamed under the basket and finds a wide-open Carter Bryant for the corner three!

ST3PH! After Dev picks Ayo Dosunmu’s pocket, Julian finds Steph on the fast break for the wide-open three!

DIMER GOLD! Steph returns the favor by finding a wide-open Julian for the corner three! Julian finished with six points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

This was such a gutsy win on the road. This was the Spurs’ first win in Minnesota since 2022. Besides the supporting cast stepping up in their roles, Wemby showed up and showed out. He dropped his most dominant (on the offensive end) performance since Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. He showed the world why he was an MVP candidate. Now, the silver and black look to Sunday to keep the pressure on Minny to hopefully take a commanding 3-1 lead.

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

Game 4 is this Sunday at 6:30 P.M. (CST) on NBC/Peacock.

Leicester hit Northampton for six as league leaders crumble in fiery derby

  • Leicester 41-17 Northampton

  • Freddie Steward caps six-try victory for hosts

You can play all the classy rugby you want, you can be leading the table with a few matches to play, but certain elemental truths still apply. One of them is that if you find yourself overpowered up front away from home in a sold-out East Midlands derby, you will be blown away.

Northampton could have secured themselves a place in the playoffs here if they had won with a bonus point, but – how to put this – they did not. In a ferocious atmosphere, records tumbled as Leicester claimed that bonus-point win to move third, within one point of Bath, who play Exeter on Sunday, and five shy of Saints. They scored more points than they ever have in this fixture; there were more cards than there have ever been in this fixture. Maybe not more aggro than ever, but there was plenty of that too.

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Major Villanova target projected as first-round pick in 2026 NBA Draft

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 25: Ilja Kurucs, #00 of U18 Zalgiris Kaunas and Luigi Suigo, #19 of U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in action during Adidas NextGen Euroleague Finals Championship game between U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs U18 Zalgiris Kaunas at Mubadala Arena on May 25, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Grau/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)

The saga surrounding Italian center Luigi Suigo has been one that Villanova fans have kept a close eye on.

Suigo is currently entered into the 2026 NBA Draft but has expressed interest in coming to college if he is not one of the top 20 picks — or at least in the first round. The early thought is that Suigo would go in the second round, which could lead to him playing in college for one year and potentially coming to Villanova.

But will that change in the coming weeks?

Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports put together his latest mock draft and it features Suigo going No. 27 to the Boston Celtics. Would this be enough to keep Suigo out of college?

O’Connor writes:

“Suigo has said he wants to be the Italian Wemby and, at 7-foot-3 with passing feel and shooting touch, you can see why a teenager might put that out into the universe. Suigo lacks the handle and self-creation chops to ever be the best player on a team, but his dynamic skills as a passer, shooter, and lob threat layer cleanly on top of baseline center duties as a screener, finisher, and rim protector. Becoming the Italian Marc Gasol is a more realistic goal, and would still be an excellent outcome. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Celtics system.”

Suigo, who hails from Milan, played this past season with KK Mega Basket in Serbia. He has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA Combine this weekend. Suigo averaged 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 18.6 minutes per game in the Adriatic League last year. At 7-foot-3, Suigo has good mobility and length. He has the makings of a future NBA center but could opt to come to college for one year first.

Suigo reportedly will not enter the draft if he is not considered a first-round pick, as high as the top 20. This has not been confirmed directly. Many publications have viewed Suigo as a second-round pick but that could be changing leading up to the draft.

Suigo has until June 13 to withdraw his name from the draft. This would allow him to play in college next season.

Cincinnati Reds turn to Chase Burns amid epic losing streak

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 03: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Chase Burns emerged from Wake Forest University with the reputation of being a legitimate ace, a guy who at dawn on the fifth day would ride in from the east at first light to rescue his team from the depths of hell.

A guy who, amid a horrid losing streak, could take the mound and fire 7.0 innings of scoreless ball, striking out 7 against a lone walk.

The problem for the Cincinnati Reds, though, is that Chase Burns already did that. That’s precisely what he gave them on May 3rd against the Pittsburgh Pirates, yet this collapsing ball club still couldn’t find a way to turn that into a victory.

Now, Cincinnati sits slumped in an 8-game losing streak, fresh off being battered to the tune of 10-0 by the Houston Astros – at home – in the series opener on Friday night. Jose Trevino, a catcher, pitched once again, and both the offense and the bullpen looked as inept as could be.

The Reds now have a -40 run differential for the season. The New York Mets, who are so bad already that they are reportedly shopping ace Freddy Peralta on the trade market, have a -26 differential. The San Francisco Giants, who just dealt catcher Patrick Bailey to Cleveland for a draft pick and pitching prospect, sport one that’s only -39. No team, not a single one, in the American League has a run differential worse than -38.

The Reds have a collective 89 wRC+ offensively. That’s the fourth worst in baseball.

Cincinnati’s bullpen has a 5.40 xERA. That’s last in baseball by a wide margin, though their 5.07 FIP is only second worst.

The Reds own a 5.12 xERA from their starters, which is third worst (even with Burns having been excellent so far this season).

Overall, Cincinnati’s pitching staff has a 5.24 xERA that’s the worst in all of baseball. No other team has a mark so much as beginning with a ‘5.’

In Burns manager Terry Francona will trust again on Saturday as he starts in the second game of the series against Houston. Trust with Francona seems an apt thing to point out, as the skipper still refuses to tinker significantly with his batting order and will once again roll out TJ Friedl as the team’s leadoff man today.

Here’s how the club will line up altogether for Saturday’s 4:10 PM ET start: