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Tigers at Nationals Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 3

Its Thursday, July 3 and the Tigers (54-33) are in Washington for the series finale against the Nationals (36-50).

Dietrich Enns is slated to take the mound for Detroit against Jake Irvin for Washington.

These teams split a doubleheader Wednesday. The Tigers took the opener, 11-2. Riley Greene homered twice and drove in six to pace the attack for Detroit. Washington returned the favor in the nightcap scoring six in the eighth to win Game 2 of the series, 9-4. Nathaniel Lowe drove in four runs with a couple of hits to propel the Nats to their 36th win of the season.

Lets dive into the series finale and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Tigers at Nationals

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 6:45PM EST
  • Site: Nationals Park
  • City: Washington, DC
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNDT, MASN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Tigers at the Nationals

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Tigers (-161), Nationals (+135)
  • Spread:  Tigers -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Tigers at Nationals

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: Dietrich Enns vs. Jake Irvin
    • Tigers: Dietrich Enns (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/26 vs. Athletics - 5IP, 0ER, 1H, 2BB, 4Ks
    • Nationals: Jake Irvin (6-3, 4.73 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/27 at Angels - 4.1IP, 8ER, 9H, 4BB, 5Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Tigers at Nationals

  • The Tigers have won 5 of their last 7 at National League teams
  • The Nationals' last 5 games have gone over the Total
  • Riley Greene is 6-16 in his last 4 games
  • Gleyber Torres was 1-8 in the doubleheader Wednesday

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for today’s game between the Tigers and the Nationals

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday's game between the Tigers and the Nationals:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Detroit Tigers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Washington Nationals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Yankees at Blue Jays prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for July 3

Its Thursday, July 3 and the Yankees (48-38) are in Toronto to take on the Blue Jays (48-38).

Clarke Schmidt is slated to take the mound for New York against Chris Bassitt for Toronto.

The Jays have taken the first three games of the series, scorching the Yankees' pitching staff for 28 runs. The Jays started fast Wednesday plating 7 runs against Will Warren in the first inning in an 11-9 win. Every starter with the exception of Myles Straw collected at least one hit in the slugfest. Aaron Judge cracked his 31st home run in the loss for the Yankees.

These teams are now tied for first in the American League East with the Rays just 1/2 game back.

Lets dive into the series finale and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Yankees at Blue Jays

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 7:07PM EST
  • Site: Rogers Centre
  • City: Toronto, ON
  • Network/Streaming: YES, Sportsnet, MLBN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Yankees at the Blue Jays

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Yankees (-125), Blue Jays (+105)
  • Spread:  Yankees -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Yankees at Blue Jays

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: Clarke Schmidt vs. Chris Bassitt
    • Yankees: Clarke Schmidt (4-4, 3.09 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/28 vs. Athletics - 6IP, 4ER, 4H, 2BB, 7Ks
    • Blue Jays: Chris Bassitt (7-4, 4.29 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/28 at Boston - 2IP, 8ER, 8H, 4BB, 3Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Yankees at Blue Jays

  • The Yankees have won 48 of their 86 games this season (48-38)
  • The Under is 4-1 in the Blue Jays' last 5 games against the Yankees with Chris Bassitt starting
  • With Chris Bassitt starting, betting the Blue Jays on the Run Line has returned a 3.83-unit profit in 2025
  • Anthony Volpe is 3-24 over his last 5 games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for today’s game between the Yankees and the Blue Jays

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday's game between the Yankees and the Blue Jays:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New York Yankees on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Toronto Blue Jays at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Canadiens’ Development Camp Day Two

Like most NHL teams, the Montreal Canadiens are holding a development camp this week to get a look at the players they’ve just drafted and to assess those they drafted in previous years who are still in the development process. Yesterday, the prospects underwent various physical tests, and today, they finally took to the ice.

The first on-ice session featured the organization’s goaltending prospects: Alexis Cournoyer, Arseni Radkov, Mikus Vecvanags, and Yevgeni Volokhin. They spent the first 15 minutes working on skating and positioning drills before being joined on the ice by six forwards to face some shots.

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Michael Hage, Filip Eriksson, Sam Harris, Tyler Thorpe, Israel Mianscum, and surprise addition Jack Gorton, son of Jeff Gorton, who plays with Boston University, all spent over an hour testing the goaltenders with various kinds of shots and in different drills.

The forwards and defensemen then went to the ice on two separate rinks. The forwards participated in several drills, the first of which was a one-on-one scenario. Despite being the shortest player at camp, LJ Mooney displayed a lot of agility and an ability to hang onto the puck. Even though he’s not tall, he’s strong and hard enough to move off the puck. They then worked an interesting drill, which started as a two-on-two before a third attacker joined the play.

On the other ice, the blueliners were put through their paces with various passing and shooting drills under the watchful eye of Montreal Victoire coach Kori Cheverie, one of the guest coaches. Speaking of watchful eyes, Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and Trevor Letowsky were keeping a close eye on proceedings by the forward’s rink.

The Canadiens made some of the prospects’ media availability available online, and these kids seem to have their heads on straight. LJ Mooney was an interesting interview to watch; he’s Logan Cooley’s cousin and said that he grew up with him, but was also fortunate enough to train with him. When asked if he was still growing, he only shrugged and said he didn’t know and didn’t think it mattered. As for someone to look up to in the game, he mentioned Cole Caufield right away.

As for Aatos Koivu, he looked incredibly excited to be there. He wasn’t at development camp last time around and had a bit of a rough year after catching mononucleosis and being out for five weeks, but he did add that he learned a lot from the challenges of the latest season. He’s in town with his whole family, and while some people have recognized his father on the streets, the fans have been respectful, and no one has gone overboard. He was blown away by the Bell Center and the organization and said it would mean everything to one day play for the Canadiens. Kovu also repeated numerous times how much he loves the city.

Alexis Cournoyer was still beaming with excitement and sought advice from his cousin, Olivier Cournoyer, who is a boxer who has competed at the Olympics. Asked which goaltender he idolized growing up, he answered it used to be Carey Price, but it’s now Samuel Montembeault. In the Summer, he’s been training with the Canadiens’ goaltender for years, and he texted him right after he was drafted. Asked about the fact he’d be facing the best Canadiens’ prospects at camp, he replied right away that he’s not worried about it since he’s one of the best as well. Describing his compete level, the goaltender said he constantly battles to the very end for a puck; he never gives up. As for whether his dad went through his draft promise on social media, the youngster laughed and said Oh no, I made sure of it.

Michael Hage, who was in his second development camp, enjoyed his day at camp, saying it was tough but a lot of fun. He mentions that he still needs to get stronger and work hard in the gym; he has put on 10 pounds; he has realized in the NCAA that it’s not easy to play against older players. He said that he will be at Team Canada’s camp at the end of the month, unlike last year. Asked about what he thinks when he hear people suggest the Canadiens need to sign a center as a stop gap solution until he’s ready, he explained that he doesn’t listen to that kind of noise and focuses on becoming the best player he can be, the type of a player a coach knows what he’s going to get when he puts him on the ice.

Tomorrow, the prospects will return to the ice for the final day of development camp, which will feature a Red vs. White scrimmage. It'll be the last bit of organized action in Brossard until rookie camp starts in September, and until then, we’ll be keeping an eye on Hughes. You never know when the GM will surprise the league with another deal.

Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

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Why Toronto-Born Michael Pezzetta Signed A Two-Year Contract With Maple Leafs: 'I Couldn't Pass Up On That'

Michael Pezzetta is living his childhood dream.

Several hours after signing a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs carrying a $812,500 annual average value, the 27-year-old Toronto, Ontario native sat in his childhood room at his parents' house thinking, "How crazy is this?"

"I got a big picture of Mats Sundin on my wall and a couple of pictures of CuJo (Curtis Joseph) and some other guys," Pezzetta smiled as his dream had come full circle. "I get to fight for the opportunity to put this sweater on, and it's just something that I've dreamed of my whole life, and I'm just, it feels amazing."

A sixth-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016 NHL Draft, Pezzetta didn't have it easy. Usually, selections that late become career AHL players, but throughout the years, the forward fought tooth and nail—quite literally—to earn his spot on an NHL roster.

"I think it was just always believing in myself and just putting the work in. I mean, especially in the summers and during the seasons, I'm just in love with getting better and in love with that grind, and it's what drives me every day," Pezzetta said over Zoom on Wednesday afternoon.

"It's what I wake up and I love to do."

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After five seasons of OHL hockey with the Sudbury Wolves and Sarnia Sting, Pezzetta turned pro, playing his first year with the AHL's Laval Rocket, along with a cup of coffee down in the ECHL with the Maine Mariners.

Following two more seasons with the Rocket, Pezzetta finally got his first taste of NHL action, making his debut with the Canadiens on Nov. 2, 2021. Nearly a lifetime of hard work paid off with the forward playing on one of the most coveted franchises in the league.

"It took me, I think, five or six years to get my first exhibition game with Montreal and the organization from when I got drafted," Pezzetta said. "But when I did [get that game], I was ready for it because I put all those hours in."

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Pezzetta prides himself on being a hard-working forward, always ready to stand up for his teammates while playing strong at both ends of the rink. Over his time in the NHL, the forward's defensive game has improved, and that'll be an area of his game which'll make or break his spot in the lineup with Toronto.

"It gives us some more depth and he's got a skill set in terms of his physicality, good foot speed, able to get in on a forecheck," Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said on Tuesday after signing Pezzetta. "Certainly, excellent teammate. Those are the sort of boxes he checks, and happy to have him with us."

In three seasons with the Canadiens, Pezzetta has scored 15 goals and 23 assists in 200 games. He played 25 games last season and didn't register a point, but said on Wednesday that's not what his game is.

"I know in the years prior, pretty steady player, kind of always getting my 10-15 points in the 50 or so games that I played, and I'm pretty confident I can continue to do that in terms of a points perspective," he said.

"But I think a lot of my game is just being hard to play against, being someone that is defensively responsible a coach can trust, and then you're gonna go out there and you can change the shift of a game with a big hit or just good forecheck, make a good play, and really change the energy and the energy in the room on the bench."

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After signing with his hometown team, Pezzetta says plenty of people in his circle are happy for him, especially his close family members.

"Yeah, like I'm insanely fired up. They might be even more over the top," he laughed.

"I know my mom's super excited that I get to stay home, it's been a while. And then even all my friends and everybody's like all Leafs fans, just through and through, and they're so excited. So many people messaged me the last day-and-a-half now, and it's just surreal. Like, to think that it's a possibility I get to put this sweater on, so I'm just really grateful for the opportunity."

If there's one moment that sticks out to Pezzetta when reminiscing on the Montreal/Toronto rivalry, it's his first point against his hometown team. It was a primary assist on Rafael Harvey-Pinard's second-period goal on Jan. 21, 2023, a game the Canadiens won in overtime.

"I got a nice assist one time against them," Pezzetta said, "and my family was there, and some of my friends were at the game in Montreal, so that was pretty cool. Then we've just had some good battles, where especially when I started in Montreal, we weren't the best team in the standings, and we had beat the Leafs, and it was always a good feeling."

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Pezzetta will be on the other side of the rivalry now, and he'll wear the jersey once worn by his favorite player, Mats Sundin, but with the name "Pezzetta" on the back of it.

"It's hard not to cheer for the Leafs being from Toronto. I can't even explain how stoked I am right now," Pezzetta said.

"It was just like kind of a whirlwind of emotion. I almost, like, couldn't believe it. Came into free agency, and just first time being an unrestricted free agent, and you're wondering how things are going to go. I had some options to go to different places, but to have the opportunity to sign in Toronto, like, I just couldn't pass up on that."

(Top photo of Pezzetta: David Kirouac / Imagn Images)

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Flyers Must Replace Maxim Shabanov from Within

Nikita Grebenkin will get one of the first cracks at an NHL roster spot. (Photo: John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers may have lost out on Maxim Shabanov, but they have plenty of in-house replacements who are just as good, if not better options.

Shabanov, 23, is wildly skilled indeed, but he's also a 5-foot-8 forward who can play either center or inverted right wing.

The problem is that Shabanov wasn't likely to play center for the Flyers, meaning that he would have been pigeonholed into the right winger position.

Many skilled Russians play and have played inverted in the past. Names like Alex Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Nikita Kucherov, Matvei Michkov, might come to mind.

But is Shabanov that? Maybe, maybe not. But he certainly isn't proven, just like the Flyers' top options to replace him in a hypothetical lineup.

The Flyers love reigning NCAA champ Alex Bump, for example, and he's got quite the goal-scoring pedigree. It helps that he's a natural left wing to boot.

Bump, 21, is perhaps the favorite to crack the Flyers' opening night roster, especially in the wake of the offseason injury to Tyson Foerster. Bump's unrelenting will to prove himself while doing things the right way has quickly endeared him to Flyers management and will do the same with fans in short order.

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Aside from Bump, another contender for a roster spot will be Nikita Grebenkin, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Scott Laughton trade.

The 22-year-old already has seven games of NHL experience and has dabbled in pro hockey since the 2021-22 season despite his relatively young age.

Between the KHL, AHL, and NHL, Grebenkin has already played 177 pro games, and that experience should serve him well as he competes with his fellow Flyers prospects.

Astute fans might recall that the Flyers actually brought Grebenkin up on an emergency basis once, only to send him back to the AHL 30 minutes later with the emergency conditions no longer present.

That's about as close to the NHL as someone can get without stepping on the ice.

Plus, the Flyers and Porter Martone himself have told us to never say never on the unusual but very plausible possibility that the teenaged draft pick makes the NHL come opening night.

And, if worst comes to worst - and fans will hate this - the Flyers will decide these prospects are best suited playing significant minutes in the AHL or elsewhere to start the season, they have some capable veterans at their disposal, too.

Rodrigo Abols is capable of flexing out to the flank if needed, and last year's preseason darling, Anthony Richard, is still under contract for one more year.

It's possible the oft-injured Samu Tuomaala, who has played two full seasons with the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, makes a case for an opportunity with his speed and heavy shot.

The Flyers will be disappointed not to have landed Shabanov, to be sure, but they have no reason to dwell on it or pivot to a Plan B.

This year should be about believing in and developing the guys they already have.

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Hernández: Can LeBron James help maddening Deandre Ayton transform into a reliable center?

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton, working the post against Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during a game last season, might be a good fit with the Lakers. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

The Lakers found their next starting center, and they didn’t have to give up Austin Reaves to land him.

There’s a reason why.

As athletic and skilled as Deandre Ayton is for a 7-footer, he’s better known at this stage of his career for his shortcomings.

His maddening inconsistency. His uninspired defense. His lack of motivation. His inability to stay healthy.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton shoots under pressure from Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton shoots under pressure from Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic on Feb. 10 in Denver. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

If you didn’t like Anthony Davis, you’re going to hate Ayton. Davis was always accountable or at very least not tone deaf, which Ayton apparently is.

“I got nothing to prove in this league,” Ayton once told veteran NBA reporter Mark Medina. “I’m a max player, and I’ll continue to be a max player.”

Little wonder the Portland Trail Blazers officially gave up on Ayton during the weekend by buying out his contract, opening the door for the Lakers to pick him up at a bargain price.

The Lakers are wagering they can do what the Trail Blazers, and the Phoenix Suns before them, couldn’t.

They are betting they can start the engine inside of Ayton and keep it roaring.

From a physical and technical standpoint, Ayton is capable of being the player the Lakers need him to be. However, most athletes who don’t already have something burning inside of them at 26 don’t suddenly discover fire at 27, which is how old Ayton will be later this month.

Read more:Lakers agree to terms with former Portland center Deandre Ayton

Which is why the Lakers should be grateful they still have LeBron James.

Who better to show a chronic underachiever how to maximize his gifts than a player preparing for a record 23rd season? Conversely, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer can’t inspire Ayton, who or what will?

The 40-year-old James will give the Lakers a chance to reach Ayton, which, in turn, will give them a chance to contend for another championship.

With their current roster, the Lakers clearly remain behind the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers belong with the next tier of Western Conference teams, alongside the Golden State Warriors and Clippers. That’s more or less where they were last season.

The Lakers are still looking for shooters. They still have to figure out how they’re going to stop anyone. They also need Ayton to be more than the player he was in his first seven NBA seasons, even with his respectable career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

Read more:Bronny James plays coy about father LeBron's future with Lakers

James will lead by example. He will model the work habits required to be a consistent performer. He will display an attention to detail that will make Ayton recalibrate how he thinks of the game.

Reaves has benefited from his proximity to James. So has Rui Hachimura. Then again, Reaves and Hachimura were open to such guidance. Is Ayton?

Rewiring Ayton’s 27-year-old brain might feel like a longshot, but consider this: Ayton was at his best when he played alongside a strong veteran presence.

Ayton was a third-year player on the Suns when they acquired a 35-year-old Chris Paul before the 2020-21 season. With Ayton playing a starring role, the Suns went on to reach the NBA finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul talks with center Deandre Ayton during a playoff game against the Clippers in April 2023.
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, center, talks with center Deandre Ayton, left, during a playoff game against the Clippers in April 2023. (Matt York / Associated Press)

The postseason run offered an example of how Ayton could respond positively to experienced leadership, as well as how he could be best deployed on the court.

The mobile Ayton was a dangerous threat for Paul, and he should be a dangerous lob threat for Luka Doncic. The ability of Ayton to knock down midrange jumpers spaced the floor for the Suns, and that skill will undoubtedly be exploited by coach JJ Redick.

The X’s and O’s won’t matter if Ayton doesn’t show up to play every night, however. Ayton presumably agreed to the buyout of his contract because he wanted to change the narrative of his career. This is his chance. He will have a playmaker in Doncic, a team with championship aspirations in the Lakers. Perhaps most important, he will have a teacher in James.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Tour de France 2025: full team-by-team guide

Tadej Pogacar’s UAE team and Jonas Vingegaard’s Visma lead the way but watch out for Soudal-QuickStep

Two men, Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen, with one plan: stage wins and the green jersey; VDP is the big star, but in recent Tours de France it’s been “Jasper Disaster” who has delivered. On the flat stages, VDP uses his explosive power and superlative bike handling to lead out Philipsen, who has won nine stages in the last three Tours and the green jersey in 2023. Anywhere a bit lumpy will be for VDP, although he has taken only one Tour stage in his career. That was at Mûr de Bretagne in 2021, so watch out for him when the Tour returns there on 11 July.

Continue reading...
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Is Horford leaving Celtics a ‘foregone conclusion'? Free agency latest

Is Horford leaving Celtics a ‘foregone conclusion'? Free agency latest originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Al Horford has yet to decide about his plans for the 2025-26 NBA season. But if you’re waiting for the veteran big man to return to the Boston Celtics, don’t hold your breath.

Horford is currently weighing his options in unrestricted free agency, and it appears the Golden State Warriors are the top candidate for his services. Here’s a brief rundown of notable Horford-related reports since the unofficial start to NBA free agency on Monday:

Long story short: Most signs point to Horford eventually joining the Warriors, or potentially retiring at age 39 after 18 NBA seasons.

Horford is a beloved figure in Boston who helped bring an 18th championship to the Celtics and has spent seven of his last nine NBA seasons with the franchise, including the last four. If the C’s were gearing up for another title run in 2025-26, it’d be hard to imagine Horford uprooting from Boston at this stage of his career.

But the reality is that the Celtics could be facing a reset year in 2025-26, with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis already traded, fellow big man Luke Kornet lost to the San Antonio Spurs in free agency and superstar forward Jayson Tatum likely out for the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Horford was a perfect fit on a deep Celtics team that could manage his minutes in the regular season and lean on his veteran leadership in the postseason. But the 2025-26 Celtics — whose frontcourt currently consists of Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman Sr., Luka Garza and rookie Amari Williams — would need much more from Horford to remain competitive, with much lower odds of a deep playoff run.

If Horford indeed chooses Golden State, he’d join a veteran-laden team led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler that could use an experienced big man after losing Kevon Looney in free agency.

And while the Warriors aren’t exactly title favorites in the Western Conference, they’re still more in “win-now” mode than Boston, which could look to further cut costs to get under the second apron of the luxury tax.

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Sporticast 463: The NBA Salary Floor Is As Important As The Cap

On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the NBA salary cap, which is jumping to $154.6 million next season.

That’s a 10% increase over this season ($140.6 million) and the maximum allowable increase according to the league’s collective bargaining agreement. The boost was expected now that the league is entering new 11-year, media and broadcast agreements worth $77 billion. Teams have been quick to execute deals under the new reality. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP of both the regular season and finals, agreed this week to a four-year, $285 million “supermax” contract extension, making him the highest paid player in NBA history on a per-year basis.

The hosts talk about the economics of the salary cap increase. They also talk about the role that the salary floor plays in keeping player pay elevated across the league. Unlike in MLB, where there is no payroll minimum, NBA teams must spend to a floor of 90% of the salary cap or face financial penalty.

Next up— the NHL’s Florida Panthers. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions were expected to lose at least one of their stars to free agency this offseason. Instead, they re-signed Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett to long-term deals. Each player likely took a hometown discount to return. The Panthers are the favorite to win again next season, and the mix of weather, team culture, and no income tax could break the mold of what it costs to keep a championship roster together in the modern NHL.

They close by talking about Michael Jordan. As part of his anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR, Jordan’s legal team was looking to compel NFL, NBA and NHL teams to share their financial information. It’s something the league obviously want to keep private, and likely something Jordan would not have sought if he were still an NBA owner.

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Camilo Doval digs deep after blowing save, helps Giants snap losing streak

Camilo Doval digs deep after blowing save, helps Giants snap losing streak originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

PHOENIX — Camilo Doval went down as the winning pitcher Wednesday, but he wasn’t at all happy about his night. 

He yelled angrily into his glove after the ninth inning and screamed passionately after the final out of the 10th. When reporters asked him to sum it all up later, his face told the story. 

This was a rough night. It was also one when he dug deep, showing a necessary second wind to help the Giants escape with a messy 6-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

It was classic “torture” baseball. Doval gave up a two-run homer to Ketel Marte in the ninth, blowing the remainder of what had been a 5-2 lead after the top of the eighth. But after Patrick Bailey’s sac fly brought home the automatic runner in the 10th, Doval went back for three more outs. He struck out a pair with the tying run on third. 

Doval had not pitched two full innings in three years, but because of the recent losing streak, he also had not touched the mound in five days. He was fresh, and when the Giants retook the lead, he asked manager Bob Melvin for the ball and one more inning.

“My thought was that what happened, happened,” he said through interpreter Erwin Higueros. “It was a brand new inning and I’ve got to get the job done now.”

Melvin didn’t have a lot of other choices at that point, anyway. Joey Lucchesi, who arrived just a few weeks ago and doesn’t have a big league save, was warming up just in case. 

“I probably was as impressed with him as I’ve been all year, going back out there and leaving the (automatic) runner out there,” Melvin said. “I know he ends up (giving up) the homer and that didn’t feel too terribly good. To be able to respond from that and go out there and keep your wits about you — and his stuff was even better in the (10th) — it was impressive.”

Big picture, the decision-making was fascinating. Former closer Ryan Walker, who had a rough Sunday, was nowhere to be found. Spencer Bivens moved into a high-leverage role and helped get the lead to the ninth after Erik Miller got Landen Roupp out of a serious jam. Melvin also used Randy Rodriguez, who got out of his own tight spot, and Tyler Rogers, who allowed an unearned run in the eighth. 

When the Giants moved Doval back to the closer role, he was throwing as well as anybody in baseball. It seemed like a decision that would make the best statistical bullpen in baseball even stronger, but Walker is still searching for his old form as a setup man, and Doval has allowed multiple runs in three of his last four appearances. 

Rodriguez continues to pitch like someone who should be named to the All-Star team on Sunday, but the Giants want to be careful with his workload, and he isn’t often available to pitch back-to-back games. All of a sudden, there are cracks showing in the bullpen, and the timing isn’t great. The offense is mired in a deep slump and the rotation hasn’t been as strong as it looked earlier this season. 

There are a lot of concerns with the Giants at the moment, but none of that mattered in the aftermath of Doval recording his sixth out. Players gathered around a clubhouse TV to watch the end of the Dodgers-White Sox game and the victory soundtrack blasted through the room as Melvin spoke to reporters. They’ll send Robbie Ray to the mound Wednesday in search of what would be a solid series split. 

“The middle innings weren’t great for us, but then to respond after we give up a couple runs and lose the lead with guys that we’re really confident about finishing the game, I thought that was impressive,” Melvin said of the second win of the road trip. “Especially during this stretch where we’ve been beaten quite a bit.”

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Panthers 2025 Development Camp to wrap up with full squad scrimmage

The Florida Panthers will wrap up their 2025 Development Camp on Thursday.

Over the past three days, 31 Panthers prospects have participated in on-ice work and off-ice training, getting a small taste of how the big club does it while being hosted at their practice facility in Fort Lauderdale.

On Thursday, the hard work put in all week will culminate with a scrimmage.

Every player at D-camp will be on the ice, showing off what they’ve learned and trying to make one last strong impression before heading back to their respective summer homes.

Some of these players will be invited back for the Panthers official training camp in September, which will present a good opportunity to show they absorbed what was taught and put it to good use.

One cool note about the scrimmage is that the goaltenders will be wearing some very special jerseys.

Each of the jerseys worn by Florida’s goalies during the scrimmage were specially decorated by patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Fort Lauderdale during a visit with the Panthers prospects on Wednesday afternoon.

For fans who would like to check out the scrimmage, the pucks drops at 11 a.m. and it will be open to the public and free to attend.

Seats are available at a first come, first served basis inside the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.

A full camp roster can be found below:

Florida Panthers 2025 Development Camp roster. (Florida Panthers) 

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Photo caption: Florida Panthers prospects take part in a Development Camp practice at the Baptist Health IcePlex on July 2, 2025. (Florida Panthers)

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A slider, a milestone and a heartfelt thank you: Kershaw's 3,000th strikeout

LOS ANGELES (AP) Clayton Kershaw was laboring in pursuit of his 3,000th strikeout. His pitch count soaring, he was down to the last batter he would face, needing one more swing and miss to become the 20th pitcher to reach the milestone.

“It’s a little bit harder when you’re actually trying to strike people out,” he said, smiling. “I never really had to do that before.”

Kershaw accomplished the feat when Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox took a slider for a called third strike for the final out of the sixth inning on Wednesday night.

“I made it interesting. Made it take too long,” Kershaw said. “Honestly, I didn’t pitch that great tonight. The slider was so bad.”

In his 18th season in Los Angeles, Kershaw joined Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators and Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals as the only pitchers with 3,000 or more strikeouts all for one team.

Freddie Freeman capped a three-run ninth by singling in Shohei Ohtani, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 win. Kershaw didn't get a decision.

The sellout crowd of 53,536 was on its feet roaring as the 37-year-old left-hander walked off the mound to end the sixth. Kershaw paused and doffed his cap, with teammates briefly holding off hugging him to allow him to soak in the cheers.

Kershaw waved to his wife Ellen and four children in the stands and then patted his chest and mouthed, “Thank you.”

“I feel bad for Ellen. I know she was nervous,” he said. “I made her last six innings out there just stressed out that I wasn't going to get it and have to go to Milwaukee to do it.”

Kershaw shared a clubhouse toast with his teammates, coaches, training staff and front office executives.

“Just super thankful for tonight, super thankful for my teammates,” he said. “I told my teammates individual awards are great, but if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with it doesn’t matter.”

The game was delayed for nearly 6 minutes between pitches, a gap that included a tribute video.

Kershaw joined Justin Verlander of San Francisco (3,468) and Max Scherzer of Toronto (3,412) as the only active pitchers with that many. Kershaw is just the fourth left-hander in the club.

“It's an incredible list,” he said. “It's special to finally be in that group.”

Capra, hitting ninth, was retired on four pitches, with plate umpire Jim Wolf calling the third strike on a slider, Kershaw’s season-high 100th pitch of the night. Wolf is the brother of retired pitcher Randy Wolf, once a teammate of Kershaw’s.

“I wanted it to come easy,” Kershaw said. “I would much rather have got it done in the first.”

Manager Dave Roberts had said before the game that he would manage the three-time Cy Young Award winner differently with the milestone within reach. That was apparent when Kershaw jogged out for the sixth to an ovation, having already tossed a season-high 92 pitches with just two strikeouts. He came into the game needing three to make history.

“I was going to give him every opportunity to do it at home," Roberts said. “You could see the emotion he had trying to get that third strike. It just happened the way it was supposed to happen.”

Kershaw retired Lenyn Sosa on three pitches for No. 2,999 in the fifth. Sosa fouled off Kershaw's first two pitches before ending the inning by striking out on a 72 mph curveball.

In the third, Miguel Vargas took called strikes on his first two pitches before he swung and missed on another 72 mph curveball from his former Dodgers teammate.

Chicago swung aggressively against Kershaw, who gave up a two-run homer to Austin Slater and two more runs as the White Sox led 4-2 after six innings.

“You could just feel it. They wanted it for me so bad,” he said of the crowd. “You could feel the tension. They were trying to will me to do it.”

Kershaw made history one batter after Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was injured in tagging out Michael A. Taylor on a steal attempt. Muncy had to be helped off the field, barely able to put any weight on his left leg.

Kershaw has provided much-needed stability for the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which has been decimated by injuries.

“It’s just again a reminder for me, for anyone, to never bet against that guy,” Roberts said before the game. “It doesn’t matter - health, stuff - he’s going to will himself to doing whatever the team needs.”

Kershaw allowed five runs over four innings in his first start after returning from knee and foot surgeries last offseason. Since then, he has held opposing batters to a .222 average.

“The first three months of the season, we’ve needed some length from the starter,” Roberts said. “Once he kind of got his footing after the first few, he’s done everything and more that we’ve needed. That doesn’t go unnoticed.”

In his prime from 2010-15, Kershaw led the National League in ERA five times, in strikeouts three times and wins twice.

Kershaw had one of the best seasons ever in 2014, when he finished with a 21-3 record, 1.77 ERA and 233 strikeouts to win both the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player in the National League.

Age and less dominant stuff has changed the way Kershaw does his job. He knows his consistency isn’t the same but with the depth of the team’s staff, he doesn’t need to be perfect every outing.

Kershaw no longer overpowers hitters the way he did during the height of his career, but he remains stubbornly determined and possesses a craftiness honed over two decades as well as a slider that still can fool.

“I’ve seen him grow more than any player,” Roberts said. “Hasn’t lost the compete, but I think that the world is not as black and white as he used to see it. I think that his edges are softer, I think that fatherhood, Father Time, does that to a person.”

---

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Mets' lineup change pays off in win over Brewers as stars step up: 'Whatever it takes to win'

Riding a four-game losing streak and coming off a disheartening loss in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader just hours before, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza made a surprise change for the nightcap.

Francisco Lindor was taken out of the leadoff spot in favor of Brandon Nimmo. Lindor, who was hit second, had led off for the Mets since last May (191 starts) and excelled, but the second-year skipper swapped the two veterans, and it paid off. With the game scoreless in the second, the bottom of the Mets lineup loaded the bases with two outs for Nimmo.

Nimmo jumped on the first pitch from flamethrowing phenom Jacob Misiorowski and deposited it over the right field wall to put the Mets up 4-0 after the grand slam.

"Big momentum shift, especially against him. He’s done really well since he’s been in the big leagues. Nice to get a lead there," Nimmo said of the home run after the game. "It was a cool moment. You could feel the crowd getting behind us and anticipating a blow right here. Going up there, not trying to do too much. When it went out, it was definitely cool. The crowd went wild. The energy was palpable in the stadium."

Lindor followed with a solo shot to make Mendoza look like a genius.

"It’s baseball," Mendoza said of the results with a smile. "I’m gonna make a lot of decisions when I’m making out a lineup, when I’m making a pitching change. They’re gonna work and they’re not gonna work and when they don’t work, it’s on me and when they work, it’s on the player. It’s as simple as that."

Nimmo and Lindor combined to pick up five hits and score all seven of the Mets' runs in their eventual win. But the lineup change and productive game -- whether a direct result of the swap or not -- could not have happened without both players accepting it.

"Look, you’re talking about two really good players. For me, as a manager, to make those types of decisions, it’s a lot easier when they’re all in," Mendoza explained. "When you get superstars that are willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win a baseball game, as a manager, that’s all you need. It’s a privilege for me and I’m glad that they went out there and they executed and we got good results there."

"I’ve told Mendy I don’t care where I hit," Nimmo said. "Francisco had a great game as well. Whatever helps us win, that’s what I’m down for."

"Whatever it takes to win. Nimmo came out today, set the tone, hit a grand slam. He did fantastic today," Lindor said. "Whatever it takes to win. I don’t have to hit in one place, I’ll hit wherever the team thinks is the best thing." 

Mendoza didn't commit to this lineup for the series finale on Thursday but said he will continue to be flexible when they are looking for ways to win games.

And a win on Thursday would mean the Mets' first series win since June 10-12 against the Nationals. The Mets are pleased with the results of Wednesday night's game, especially after how they let the lead slip in Game 1 earlier in the day and their overall lack of wins lately. It's something the team believes they can build on and shows that they are better than this current stretch may indicate.

"We’re a good team. There’s good hitters here," Lindor said of his team's resilience. "Everyone is playing for each other. Everyone is striving to be better. This is a tough stretch. We gotta go out there and take it. And for everybody here to go out in the second game and have a sense of urgency of winning, it’s good."

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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Josh Hader leads the way in mid-season rankings

In this week's Closer Report, Josh Hader has been the best closer in baseball through the first half of action amid one of his best seasons. Andrés Muñoz gets back on the board with his first save since June 8. And Randy Rodriguez could be the best closer-in-waiting to stash.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings

Tier 1: At the Top

Josh Hader - Houston Astros

Another excellent week on the mound for Hader. He recorded the final out for the save against the Cubs on Friday, then tossed a clean inning for the save on Sunday. He then gave up a solo homer before holding on for his 24th save against the Rockies on Tuesday. Setup man Bryan Abreu is having an outstanding season behind Hader, recording 21 holds with a 1.59 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 60/19 K/BB ratio across 39 2/3 innings.

Tier 2: The Elite

Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners
Edwin Díaz - New York Mets
Aroldis Chapman - Boston Red Sox
Jhoan Duran - Minnesota Twins
Emmanuel Clase - Cleveland Guardians
Robert Suarez - San Diego Padres

Muñoz was in a tough spot this week, making two appearances in extra innings and allowing the runner on second to score in each outing, taking a blown save on Friday and a loss on Saturday. He bounced back with a clean save on Wednesday, striking out one batter against the Royals, his first save since June 8.

Díaz struck out one batter in a scoreless frame against the Braves last Thursday, then converted a clean four-out save with three strikeouts against the Brewers on Wednesday to give him 17 saves with a 1.91 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 49/12 K/BB ratio across 33 innings.

Chapman struck out two batters in a clean inning in a non-save situation against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He then struck out one in a perfect frame for his 15th save against the Reds on Wednesday. He's now gone 15 straight appearances without allowing an earned run.

Duran struck out one batter in a clean inning to pick up his 12th save against the Tigers on Friday, then converted his 13th with a scoreless frame Wednesday against the Marlins. In Cleveland, Clase also made just one appearance, striking out two in a perfect inning of work in a non-save situation against the Cardinals on Sunday.

After completing his suspension, Suarez worked around two walks to convert a save against the Reds on Saturday, then gave up two runs on four hits and a walk to blow the save and take a loss on Sunday. He held on for a save on Wednesday despite giving up a run against the Phillies.

Tier 3: The Solid Options

Mason Miller - Athletics
Devin Williams - New York Yankees
Tanner Scott - Los Angeles Dodgers
Trevor Megill - Milwaukee Brewers
Félix Bautista - Baltimore Orioles
Will Vest - Detroit Tigers
David Bednar - Pittsburgh Pirates
Daniel Palencia - Chicago Cubs
Camilo Doval - San Francisco Giants
Emilio Pagán - Cincinnati Reds
Ryan Helsley - St. Louis Cardinals
Carlos Estévez - Kansas City Royals
Jeff Hoffman - Toronto Blue Jays
Pete Fairbanks - Tampa Bay Rays
Kyle Finnegan - Washington Nationals

Miller had a good week on the mound as he looks to get on track, picking up back-to-back saves against the Rays in Tampa on Monday and Tuesday. As mentioned in last week's report, Miller's skills suggest he could get things right and ascend to the elite tier again. Much of the same can be said for Williams, who tossed a clean inning with one strikeout for a save on Friday before taking a loss Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Scott converted two saves this week against the Rockies and Royals. He's up to 18 with a 3.46 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 42/6 K/BB ratio across 39 innings. Michael Kopech might've been able to work into occasional save chances, but he landed on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation.

Megill gave up a run to blow the save against the Rockies on Sunday in his only appearance this week. Meanwhile, Bautista gave up a solo homer against the Rays on Sunday and tossed a scoreless inning Monday against the Rangers in a pair of non-save situations.

Vest tossed a pair of perfect innings, picking up his 13th save against the Twins on Sunday. The 30-year-old right-hander has posted a 2.37 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 42/10 K/BB ratio across 38 innings. And in Pittsburgh, Bednar converted his 12th save to go with a 2.73 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 42/9 K/BB ratio across 29 2/3 innings.

The Palencia breakout season continues in Chicago. He collected three more saves this week. The 25-year-old right-hander has posted a 1.74 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 35/11 K/BB ratio across 31frames.

After giving up five runs over his two previous outings last week, Doval bounced back with a clean inning, striking out two batters for his 13th save against the White Sox on Friday. However, he faltered again Wednesday, giving up a two-run homer to blow the save against the Diamondbacks before falling in line for the win with a scoreless tenth inning. Randy Rodríguez had been the most valuable middle reliever in baseball behind Doval, leading qualified relievers with a 1.6 WAR while posting a 0.72 ERA across 37 2/3 innings.

In Cincinnati, Pagán worked a scoreless inning against the Padres on Sunday to fall in line for a win. Meanwhile, Helsley also pitched a scoreless inning in his lone appearance, converting his 16th save on Saturday against the Guardians.

Estévez pitched a pair of perfect innings, appearing in a non-save situation last Thursday against the Rays before picking up his 23rd save against the Mariners on Tuesday.

It's been a tumultuous season for Hoffman in his first season as a full-time closer, but he had a good week on the mound with three saves to give him 20 on the season. Setup man Yimi García was activated from the injured list on Wednesday after missing roughly six weeks with a shoulder issue.

Fairbanks needed just four pitches to record the final two outs for a save against the Royals last Thursday. He then took a loss on Monday, giving up two runs against the Athletics before bouncing back with two strikeouts in a clean inning on Tuesday. With Fairbanks unavailable on Wednesday, Edwin Uceta struck out three batters while giving up one run to convert his first save of the season. And for the Nationals, Finnegan tossed three scoreless innings on Sunday against the Angels, striking out two batters and falling in line for the win.

Tier 4: Here for the Saves

Shelby Miller - Arizona Diamondbacks
Kenley Jansen - Los Angeles Angels
Dylan Lee/Raisel Iglesias - Atlanta Braves
Matt Strahm/Orion Kerkering/Jordan Romano - Philadelphia Phillies
Robert Garcia/Luke Jackson - Texas Rangers

Miller gave up one run against the Marlins on Saturday to blow a one-run lead before bouncing back with a clean four-out save with two strikeouts against the Giants on Monday. Miller is working as the primary closer for the Diamondbacks, and despite a 2.04 ERA, is 10-for-15 in save chances.

Jansen gave up a run to blow the save against the Nationals on Sunday before tossing a scoreless inning in a non-save situation against the Braves on Tuesday. Those Braves saw no save chances this week as they search for consistency in the ninth inning. Lee did have a rough outing, giving up three runs to take the loss against the Angels on Tuesday. In Philadelphia, Strahm worked the only save for the Phillies this week, working around a hit and a walk for his fifth of the season on Sunday against the Braves. In another committee situation, neither Garcia nor Jackson worked any saves for the Rangers this week.

Tier 5: Bottom of the Barrel

Calvin Faucher/Ronny Henriquez - Miami Marlins
Seth Halvorsen - Colorado Rockies
Grant Taylor - Chicago White Sox

Relievers On The Rise/Stash Candidates

Randy Rodríguez is already one of the top setup men in baseball. He's also one of the better closers-in-waiting, given the inconsistent nature of closer Camilo Doval. Rodríguez has posted a 0.72 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and an incredible 53/8 K/BB ratio across 37 2/3 innings. His 33.1% K-BB rate trails only Josh Hader and Griffin Jax among qualified relievers and is significantly better than Doval's 12.2%. Without a dominant lineup, the Giants tend to play in plenty of close games. And once they get back on track in line for wins, Rodríguez could benefit from occasional save chances, much like Doval and Ryan Walker to start the season. Another NL West reliever, Kyle Backhus was promoted by the Diamondbacks from Triple-A in early June after posting a 2.22 ERA with a 33% strikeout rate in the minors. The 27-year-old left-hander has made nine appearances, giving up one run with a 10/2 K/BB ratio so far. While he hasn't shown enough to warrant a pickup in most leagues, he could be someone worth monitoring.