NEW YORK (AP) — Nick Nurse rejoined the Philadelphia 76ers after attending his brother's funeral, saying Wednesday that Steve Nurse was a fan who would want him at Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Nurse was in Ankeny, Iowa, on Tuesday, the day between the first two games of the series against the Knicks in New York.
"I mean, kind of the film and the practice and the game and all that stuff kind of takes care of some time, right?" Nurse said before the game. “But I’m here coaching and my brother would expect me to be. He was a huge fan. He wants us to go play, he wants us to play hard, so that’s what we’re going to try to do tonight.”
Steve Nurse died unexpectedly at age 62 last Wednesday. Nick Nurse had remained with the 76ers as they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to knock off Boston in the first round, then fell to the Knicks 137-98 on Monday.
Nick Nurse said he and his family had received a lot of support, thanking opposing coach Mike Brown for offering his condolences when he began his news conference after the Knicks practiced Tuesday.
It’s not worth it. The Lakers can’t beat the defending champion Thunder. You can’t risk further injury.
Doncic spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since suffering a strained hamstring on April 2. He said doctors initially told him he’d be sidelined eight weeks, which would coincide with the start of the NBA Finals.
“I’m working every day,” he said. “I feel better every day.”
With an original timeline of 8 weeks, Lakers star Luka Doncic just passed the 4-week threshold in his recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
The Lakers desperately need Doncic, who was the league’s best player last month, averaging 37.5 points a game while leading the Lakers on a 16-2 run.
But it’s not worth the risk.
The Lakers are facing the reigning champion Thunder in their second-round playoff series, trailing 1-0 after losing 108-90 on Tuesday. They need offense against the team’s historically great defense.
Doncic recently started running. He’s not yet doing contact drills. There’s no timeline for his return. Game 2 on Thursday is exactly five weeks after he suffered the injury.
Lakers fans are getting impatient. Rightfully so.
Doncic is currently running but has yet to progress to 1-on-1 work and physical contact on the court. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
In Game 1, they watched the 41-year-old LeBron James play brilliantly, finishing with a game-high 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, including 3-for-6 from deep. They watched Marcus Smart bottle up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 18 points and seven turnovers, his fewest points and most turnovers this season. They saw Deandre Ayton play with force, grabbing 11 rebounds.
They felt like the Lakers had a chance.
If only Austin Reaves had scored more than eight points. If only Luke Kennard wasn’t 1-for-4 from the field. If only the best player on the team was on the court.
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Wrestling legend Ric Flair took to X to express his frustration, tweeting, “Please Get In The Game! Take A Shot Of Cortisone And Deal With The Pain! They Are Paying You 50 Million A Year, And You’re Not There! WTF!”
But Lakers fans need to keep their perspective.
If Doncic returned too early, he’d greatly increase his risk of suffering a worse injury, such as an ACL tear, which can rob a player of an entire season.
No one is more upset than Doncic.
After leading the NBA in scoring, the Lakers are missing a massive piece of their puzzle with Doncic’s absence. NBAE via Getty Images
Basketball is his refuge. Amid the chaos in his personal life, it’s where he has found peace. Amid the drama in his career, it’s where he has silently fought back with an MVP-caliber campaign.
“I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is,” Doncic said. “All I wanna do is play basketball, especially [at] this time.”
But Doncic also knows he can’t be shortsighted.
“It’s a tough one for me because I came back from injuries before too soon, and it wasn’t the best result,” he said. “But like I say, this is the first time I have the hamstring injury. It’s not the same like other injuries. You have to be very careful.”
Doncic strained the same hamstring earlier this season, missing four games. But this injury was more severe.
Returning during the intensity of the playoffs against a team with one of the most suffocating defenses ever sounds like a potential recipe for disaster.
Doncic needs to err on the side of caution. He needs to prioritize his health over a quick return against a team that won all four regular-season meetings against the Lakers by an average of 29.3 points. He needs to ignore the noise.
Lakers coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment.
“It’s very simple,” Redick said. “When he’s ready to play, he should play. That comes with the athlete having confidence. It’s no different from Austin [Reaves].”
At this point, it would take a minor miracle for Doncic to return in time for the Western Conference semifinals vs. the Thunder. AP
Reaves, who suffered a sprained oblique April 2, returned after a month in Game 5 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Rockets.
How’s that going?
Over three games, he has averaged postseason career-lows in points (15) field goal percentage (30.4) and 3-point percentage (11.8%).
At least with Reaves, he’s not risking a worse injury. He’s likely playing through pain. But he’s not putting himself in danger.
When it comes to Doncic, this is not an injury to be rushed, regardless of how tantalizing it may be to have the Lakers’ superstar on the court.
Everyone knows what the Lakers are up against right now.
“When you play against the world champions and [miss] having a guy that averages 34 [points] and eight [rebounds] and nine [assists] and is that special, that’s [tough],” James said.
But it’s not worth the risk.
Doncic is doing everything he can to return, including traveling to another continent for a regenerative treatment in which he received injections of his own concentrated blood platelets to accelerate hamstring healing.
But Lakers fans need to accept reality.
Doncic may not return. He probably shouldn’t return.
Manager Craig Counsell announced Wednesday that left hander Matthew Boyd will undergo surgery for a left meniscus injury, with no timetable to return. The news is another blow to a Chicago starting staff that has been devastated by injuries since opening day.
Boyd, 35, had already missed time this season with a left biceps strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list from April 6-22. He returned to make several starts and appeared to be rounding into form Sunday against Arizona, when he turned in his first quality start of the season. He allowed two runs over six innings to lower his ERA to 6.00.
ESPN reported that Boyd suffered the injury while playing with his children.
This is a blow to a staff that has been hit hard. Cade Horton, who was expected to be a key part of the rotation, is already done for the year after an MRI revealed UCL damage in his right elbow. Justin Steele, Chicago’s opening day starter in 2024, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn't expected back until later this month or early June. With Boyd now headed to the operating table, the Cubs are running dangerously low on starting pitching.
Edward Cabrera and Shota Imanaga figure to anchor the rotation with Jameson Taillon still struggling. Javier Assad and Colin Rea, both of whom filled in during Boyd’s biceps absence, figure to see increased workloads again.
Boyd signed a two-year, $29.5 million contract with Chicago before the 2025 season. He rewarded the Cubs with a career year earning his first All-Star selection. He was 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and a team-leading 179 2/3 innings pitched. He has a $15 million mutual option for 2017.
Matthew Boyd injury update
Boyd has an extensive injury history.
He has dealt with a flexor tendon strain, Tommy John surgery, a biceps issue this year and now the meniscus injury that requires surgery. Despite that, he remained one of the more reliable starters just a year ago.
The Cubs entered play Wednesday at 20-14 and in first place in the National league Central.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals rounds first base after hitting a one-run double in the seventh inning during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After getting pummeled by the Twins last night, the Nats need to get off the mat and fight back. They have a chance to even the series tonight, but they have to play better baseball to do that. If they drop this game, the Nats will fall to 10 games under .500 at home.
Blake Butera is making a couple tweaks to his lineup. Notably, Brady House will be back in the lineup. House’s playing time has been more limited recently, but he will be out there in this one. Drew Millas will also be back at catcher. Luis Garcia Jr. is still being held out of the lineup with his wrist issue. Miles Mikolas will be the starter, but expect Brad Lord or Mitchell Parker to get some long relief work tonight.
The Twins are also making a couple changes. After hitting lower in the order last night, Brooks Lee will be in the 2 spot. Victor Caratini, Matt Wallner and Tristan Gray will all be added to the lineup tonight. The struggling Royce Lewis gets the night off. Bailey Ober does not throw hard but his massive 6’9 frame and filthy changeup gives him a unique look.
This is a game the Nats need to win. It would be a tough look to drop the first two games to a Twins team that is not a whole lot better than themselves. That would just further the narrative about the team’s home struggles. Hopefully the boys can get it done tonight. Follow along in the comments below and let’s go Nats!
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 6: Brandon Young #63 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on April 6, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles found some momentum yesterday with a thrilling 9-7 victory. Baltimore bounced back from a brutal four-game sweep in New York over the weekend, and the O’s will look to take another step in the right direction with Brandon Young on the mound tonight.
Young impressed in his first two outings before hitting a wall last week against Houston. The 27-year-old will look to perform closer to the five shutout innings he delivered last month against Chicago.
Young will need his defense to deliver against a Miami team capable of taking the extra base. Gunnar Henderson will take his usual spot at shortstop with Coby Mayo playing to his right. Jeremiah Jackson (second) and Pete Alonso (first) will round out the infield. Adley Rutschman will catch Young, and Samuel Basallo will serve as the designated hitter.
Taylor Ward, Leody Taveras and Dylan Beavers will handle the outfield duties from left to right.
The Orioles will face right-handed pitcher Eury Pérez. Pérez holds a 2-3 record with a 4.46 ERA.
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night by a 5-2 final score. With this, the Avalanche now have a 2-0 series lead over Minnesota.
Former Canadiens Brett Kulak played a role in the Avalanche's Game 2 win over the Wild, as he put together a strong performance.
Kulak recorded two assists in the Avalanche's victory over the Wild. His first assist came on Martin Necas' game-opening goal at the 2:51 mark of the first period that gave Colorado a 1-0 lead. Kulak then recorded the primary assist on Valeri Nichushkin's third-period empty-net goal that helped secure the Avalanche's victory.
With this two-assist performance, Kulak now has three points and a plus-3 rating in six games so far this post-season with the Avalanche. Overall, the former Canadiens' blueline is having a solid start to the playoffs and will be looking to keep this kind of play up from here.
Kulak spent four seasons with the Canadiens from 2018-19 to 2021-22. In 215 games with the Habs over that span, he had 11 goals, 34 assists, 45 points, 258 hits, and a plus-45 rating.
On Wednesday, the Vegas Golden Knights host the Anaheim Ducks for Game 2 of their Second Round series. They’ve won four in a row and will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over their postseason opponent.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. PST.
The teams last clashed on Monday for Game 1. The Golden Knights led for most of the game, but allowed the tying goal late. However, they quickly recovered, regained the lead on a controversial no-call, and won 3-1.
Carter Hart starts in goal for the Golden Knights. Hart has a record of 5-2 and an average save percentage of .910 in seven games this postseason.
Lukáš Dostál starts in goal for the Ducks. Dostál has a record of 4-3 and an average save percentage of .878 in seven games this postseason.
Golden Knights Lines
Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Pavel Dorofeyev
Brett Howden — Mitch Marner — Mark Stone
Tomáš Hertl — William Karlsson — Keegan Kolesar
Cole Smith — Nic Dowd — Colton Sissons
Defense
Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson
Ben Hutton — Kaedan Korczak
Goaltenders: Carter Hart / Adin Hill
Ducks Lines
Chris Kreider — Leo Carlsson — Troy Terry
Alex Killorn — Mikael Granlund — Beckett Sennecke
Mason McTavish — Ryan Poehling — Cutter Gauthier
Jeffrey Viel — Tim Washe — Ian Moore
Defense
Jackson LaCombe — Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov — John Carlson
Tyson Hinds — Drew Helleson
Goaltenders: Lukáš Dostál / Ville Husso
Special Teams
VGK power play: 18.2%, T7th
VGK penalty kill: 95.0, 2nd
Ducks power play: 40.0%, T1st
Ducks penalty kill: 75.0%, 14th
Game Notes
The Golden Knights are 10-9 in Game 2s in their franchise history.
Historically, teams 5 that take a 2-0 series lead go on to win 87.6% of the time.
Mitch Marner is on a four-game point streak and has three goals and seven points over that stretch.
Brett Howden has a goal in four straight games and has recorded six points (5-1-6) in that stretch.
George scored 11 of the Sixers’ first 13 points on 4-for-4 shooting, including two pure jumpers in a row from the left corner.
He’s made at least one three-pointer in all of the Sixers’ nine playoff games and multiple triples in eight straight. For the postseason, George has gone a tremendous 31 for 59 (52.5 percent) beyond the arc.
Kelly Oubre Jr. also had a hot start. He knocked down a pair of corner threes late in the first quarter to give the Sixers a 25-20 lead.
Edgecombe opened the night playing tighter, more physical defense against Brunson higher up the floor than in Game 1. The rookie drew an early moving screen call on Towns with his effort to fight over the pick. Brunson didn’t score until he made two free throws with 3:05 left in the first quarter and missed his first three field goal attempts.
Andre Drummond started in Embiid’s spot. Both he and Towns were whistled for two first-quarter fouls. Adem Bona returned to the Sixers’ rotation as Drummond’s backup. He had a strong offensive rebounding night, notching six offensive boards in his 16 minutes.
Maxey makes adjustments
Towns picked up his third foul just 46 seconds into the second quarter. He subbed out and the Knicks shifted to small ball for a few minutes with 6-foot-5 Josh Hart at “center” and setting tons of ball screens.
Maxey drained a three to put the Sixers up 41-35. He was great early in the second quarter, hitting his stride as an aggressive shotmaker after a rough Game 1.
The Sixers got Maxey an easy basket on the first possession of the second period with a clever designed play that concluded with Maxey cutting backdoor and converting a layup. Maxey did a little bit of everything as a scorer, including successful post-ups against 6-foot Knicks guard Jose Alvarado.
Besides simply seeking out his shot more, Maxey seemed to make some strategic tweaks when the Knicks blitzed or hard hedged ball screens. Quick passes are frequently the only viable option in those spots, but Maxey also mixed in occasionally 1. rejecting the ball screen (or screens) and 2. splitting defenders.
There’s always risk in trying to squeeze between defenders on the perimeter, but Maxey’s typically a low-turnover player and can certainly zoom downhill to the rim once he slithers through the front line of a defense. With that said, the Sixers were inferior in the turnover department Wednesday. Maxey committed six of the team’s 18 giveaways. The Knicks ended with 13 turnovers.
Maxey couldn’t sustain his excellent run through the whole second quarter and the Sixers headed to halftime with a 62-61 edge.
Every Sixer played under 30 minutes in their blowout Game 1 defeat. Maxey logged a whopping 47 in Game 2.
Turning to Barlow at the five
Fouls were a predictable problem for the Bona-Drummond duo.
By the 7:09 mark of the third quarter, both Drummond and Bona had four fouls. Towns became a logical focal point for the Knicks’ offense and scored very efficiently.
With 4:53 to go in the third, Towns drew Bona’s fifth foul on a drive down the middle of the floor. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse responded sensibly by bringing in Dominick Barlow at center for his first minutes of the game.
Towns soon got his fourth foul and Knicks head coach Mike Brown slid Anunoby up to the five For the most part, offense won out in the Barlow vs. Anunoby center minutes late in the third quarter. Anunoby drilled a three to give New York an 86-84 lead.
The contest stayed close early in the fourth quarter. Considering the situation — thrown into a difficult moment in his first NBA postseason — Barlow did quite well. He was handy as a smart short roller passer and also added six points on 3-for-3 shooting and two rebounds.
Barlow made a big defensive play when he closed out to Anunoby in the corner and blocked his three-point try. Maxey followed by sinking a go-ahead three.
Again, it’s hard to imagine Barlow entering a game with more on his plate. He often had to defend Brunson when the Sixers switched ball screens. The Knicks’ superstar guard made a mid-range jumper over Barlow to lift New York to a 101-99 advantage.
The Knicks went up six points on a long Bridges two-pointer. Down the stretch, the Sixers’ core players missed many of the jumpers they’d been hitting earlier in the night.
The Sixers eventually mobbed Brunson with blitzes and all-out double teams, but the Knicks didn’t leave the comeback door open and polished off a win that was much more testing than their 39-point Game 1 victory.
Nov 14, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope talks to center Malachi Moreno (24) during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
With some frustration building among the fan base following missed recruiting targets, Pope took to social media a three-minute video to provide clarity on the program’s direction. One of the topics centered around NIL and whether Kentucky is being used as leverage by recruits. Pope didn’t shy away from the question.
“Yes, we are the biggest brand in college basketball,” Pope said during the video.
Recruiting was another major focus, especially after Kentucky missed on several top prospects in the 2026 class. Pope explained that while the staff aimed to get as many elite players on campus as possible, their attention was heavily centered on 5-star forward Tyran Stokes.
“This year, we were chasing a generational talent, and we fell a little short, but we weren’t sitting on our hands. We put together a roster that we are going to love watching, crush it in Rupp Arena,” Pope said.
The center position also remains a key factor, with Malachi Moreno currently testing the NBA Draft waters. Pope emphasized that Kentucky is fully supporting Moreno through the process while continuing to build depth at the position.
“Malachi Moreno was our number 1 priority for us, going into this portal season. We think that he is going to be the best center in all of college basketball next year here at Kentucky. He is also going through the (NBA) Draft process. He had a great workout just last night for an NBA team.
“Next week, he is heading to the (NBA) Combine, and we are supporting him every step of the way. This is the place where basketball dreams come true and Malachi has two dreams, he is dreaming of hanging a banner at Kentucky and he is also dreaming of playing in the NBA, so we are supporting him chasing both of those. At the same time, we are working hard in the portal to shore up this 5 spot.
“We are going to have an unbelievable crew at the center position.”
As the offseason continues, Pope made it clear Kentucky remains active in the portal and confident in the roster being assembled for the upcoming season.
Considered a top prospect prior to his MLB debut in 2024, Los Angeles Dodgers' outfielder Andy Pages has certainly lived up to the hype through his first two seasons. The 25-year-old slashed .272/.313/.461 with 27 home runs in 2025, and operated center field almost every game in those playoffs to help the Dodgers win back-to-back championships.
Pages has already proven himself a valuable asset to the Dodgers' dynasty. But after today's performance against the Houston Astros, he might be considered a franchise cornerstone.
Pages just experienced the first three-homer game of his young career. In total, Pages went 3-for-5 with six RBIs. The Dodgers won 12-2.
That's right. On his own, Pages would've been able to defeat the Astros today. That's mighty impressive for a talent as young as Pages.
Pages' three home runs
Pages' first home run of the night came in the third inning off starter Lance McCullers Jr. The Dodgers were already leading 3-1, but Pages' dinger cemented a five-run inning for his team.
McCullers was pulled from the game after this home run.
Pages' third and final home run came in the top of the ninth inning, with the game already well in hand. It was so well in hand, in fact, that the Astros opted to put César Salazar, normally a catcher, on the mound. Pages took the second pitch of the at-bat to deep left field.
Pages had recorded two multi-homer games prior to today's performance, both coming in 2025:
June 17 vs. San Diego Padres: Pages goes 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs; Dodgers win 8-6
August 25 vs. Cincinnati Reds: Pages goes 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs; Dodgers win 7-0
So far in 2026, the Dodgers are 6-0 in games where Pages homers.
Andy Pages stats
Pages is enjoying the best season of his career thus far. Not only is he on-pace to set new career highs in batting average (.336) and OPS (.938), but he's also nearly on pace for a 30-30 season.
As it stands, Pages is on trajectory for 35 home runs and 26 stolen bases. If he can reach that 30-30 threshold, Pages would become just the fourth Dodger in franchise history to accomplish that feat — Shohei Ohtani (2024), Matt Kemp (2011), Raul Mondesi (1997, 1999).
Medical personnel were able “to put his finger back together” after Vanderbilt suffered an open dislocation to the pinky during the second quarter of Tuesday’s Game 1 loss to the Thunder, Lakers coach JJ Redick said Wednesday.
The Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt is day to day after dislocating his right pinky Tuesday against the Thunder. Getty Images
“Obviously a tough-minded player and person,” Redick said. “I mean, he had a full dislocation. So they just put the stuff back together. He’ll be day to day.”
Redick added: “It’s called a reduction, apparently. He took some pictures for me, which I passed along to [my wife] Chelsea, because she was very curious, and she wishes I had not sent those photos.”
Sources told The California Post on Tuesday that a bone in Vanderbilt’s pinky broke through the skin after he attempted to block an alley-oop for Chet Holmgren, with Vanderbilt’s pinky hitting the backboard as he swiped for the ball.
The 6-foot-8 forward immediately went to the ground in pain, holding his right hand near the Thunder bench, with Oklahoma City players reacting when they saw Vanderbilt’s hand.
He immediately went back to the locker room at the 5:51 mark of the second quarter.
The Lakers ruled Vanderbilt out for the remainder of the game at halftime.
Vanderbilt was injured trying to block an alley-oop against the Thunder. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“It was disgusting! Bro’s whole bone was out of his skin,” Jaxson Hayes said. “You never want to see one of your teammates go down, but that was gross. That was really gross.”
Hayes added: “I’ve dislocated many fingers. That was definitely the worst. That was definitely the worst dislocation I’ve ever seen in my life. I have a picture right here; I’m not gonna show it, though. But, yeah, that was the most disgusting dislocation ever.”
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Adam Ottavino has not worked a game in the ESPN booth yet, but the veteran of 15 years in the big leagues is not going to be nervous to call it as he sees it.
Just a year removed from the clubhouse, Ottavino made that clear on Wednesday, a day before his analyst debut with ESPN for the St. Louis Cardinals-San Diego Padres game. He didn’t hedge when asked about the controversy of the day: Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez drilling Trevor Story up and in with a 94-mile an hour fastball on Tuesday night, one pitch after the Tigers’ lefty surrendered back-to-back home runs to the Boston Red Sox. Benches cleared. Valdez was ejected and on Wednesday afternoon MLB suspended him six games. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who was clearly unhappy with Valdez’s stunt, was suspended one game.
Ottavino, who has been hosting his own podcast since leaving the game, did not hedge.
“Did I think it was intentional? Yes. Do I think it’s a horrible look? Yes? Do I know for sure? No,” Ottavino said in an interview with USA TODAY. “Whether this is intentional or not, it certainly looks awfully nefarious. It’s no wonder the Red Sox reacted the way they did. I think they were justified.”
That is the kind of candor that Ottavino said he will bring to the booth.
“My goal is always to tell the truth,” the former Yankees and Mets reliever said. “I don’t make it personal, but I will let you know the truth of how things will be received.”
The 40-year-old Ottavino will work alongside Todd Frazier and play-by-play man Mike Monaco on Thursday, May 7 for the second game of ESPN’s doubleheader. He said preparing for a game in the booth as an analyst isn’t all that different from preparing as a pitcher: build a plan and be ready to pivot when the game demands it.
He also has strong opinions and insight on the automated ball-strike system and how it is reshaping how pitchers need to think. Ottavino said he sees it changing behavior on both sides of the plate.
“Walks are up, and it’s not because of net challenges favoring the offense,” he said. “Batters have more trust that the strike zone is the strike zone. They can challenge if need be. We’ve seen guys chase less on borderline pitches knowing they have a challenge in their back pocket.”
The practical implication for pitchers is significant, he said. The ABS pickup point sits 8 ½ inches behind the front of the plate, which renders a whole category of previously productive pitches far less effective. Pitches that start in the zone and trend out, which hitters would chase, are far less effective. Under ABS, Ottavino sees an opportunity for pitches that start off the plate and trend back.
He said if he were still pitching, he would be using a high curveball more.
“A ball that appears high and drops into the zone midway over the plate, that is going to clip the ABS zone and be called a strike pretty often,” he said. "You might see more people attempt that.”
Ottavino said he loves ABS and favors keeping the challenge system as is and not moving to the fully automated calls.
“I love that players and umpires alike are getting humbled at times with their knowledge of the zone,” Ottavino said. “In a world where usually the more technology you add the more color you strip out of the game, I think this one actually added a little bit of that. “
STREAKING, PART 1: In each of the Cubs’ seven consecutive wins, their opponent has had a winning record going into the game. This is the Cubs’ 109th winning streak of at least seven games since 1901. It is only the fifth in any of those streaks during which they won seven in a row against teams that were above .500. Wins tonight and tomorrow would tie their all-time record of nine in a row, Sept. 16-27, 1935. Those were the final nine of 21 straight wins, still the National League record. They have won seven in a row vs. teams with winning records four previous times: May 7-16, 1920; June 28-July 3, 1967; May 2-8, 2016; and April 27-May 5, 2019. During their recent 10-game winning streak, the Cubs won only one game vs. an opponent that was above .500: the last game, at Los Angeles vs. the Dodgers. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
STREAKING, PART 2: The Cubs have won 13 straight games at home. It is their 19th double-digit home winning streak of the Modern Era, which began in 1901, and their 15th at Wrigley Field, their home since 1916. This is their first such streak since they won 14 in a row, May 18-June 22, 2008. A 13-game streak in 2001 and a 10-game streak in 1998 are their only others of the kind since 1970. Their record is 18 straight, Sept. 4-22, 1935, during a surge that lifted them to the pennant. The 2008 streak was one of five of 14 games. The 2001 streak was the only one of 13. The 2001 streak was ended when the Brewers scored a ninth-inning run off Kerry Wood and held on to win, 2-1. The 14th win in 2008 was by 7-1, completing a three-game sweep of the White Sox at home. The Cubs’ seven runs came on eight hits and seven walks. Eric Patterson and Aramis Ramirez smacked solo homers. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
STREAKING, PART 3: The Cubs are 17-3 in their last 20 games, their best 20-game record since they also were 17-3 from July 28-Aug. 18, 2016. They also were 17-3 from July 27-Aug. 17. They were 17-3 from May 19-June 12, 2001 and from June 16-July 3, 1967. Those are their only 17-3 spans after 1945. They had 77, many overlapping, in 1903-45. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
CUBS vs. REDS: This is the Cubs’ 83rd series vs. the Reds at Wrigley Field since 1994, first season of the Central Division. It is only the 17th of the 83 that was scheduled to be more than three games. The Cubs’ wins Monday and yesterday made this series just the second of the 17 in which the Cubs won the first two games. They went on to sweep four games in 2018. They went 3-1 in four series, including the most recent before the current one, in 2023. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
Apart from one rough start vs. the Dodgers, Colin Rea has been rock-solid in the Cubs rotation after sliding in following the season-ending injury to Cade Horton.
Last year Rea had a rough time vs. the Reds: Three starts, 6.62 ERA, four home runs allowed in 17.2 innings. All of that damage came in his first two starts against them, though. The last one, Sept. 18, 2025 in Cincinnati, was excellent: seven innings, four hits, one run, 11 strikeouts.
Do that again, Colin.
Despite the Cubs playing four series and 13 games against the Reds last year, Brady Singer did not face the Cubs at all in 2025. His last start vs. the Cubs was July 26, 2024 in Kansas City, where he threw seven shutout innings.
Singer is not having a good year in 2026, though. He’s already allowed seven home runs in just 29.2 innings. Perhaps one (or more) Cubs can take him deep tonight.
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
