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NHL Nugget: Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck's Birthday Backcheck

Here's today's NHL Nugget – this Birthday Backcheck features Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who turns 32 on May 19.

Hellebuyck is a Vezina Trophy winner, a U.S.-born record holder and a franchise goaltender who's under contract with the Jets through 2031. Although he and the Jetslost in Round 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, they won the Presidents' Trophy, and Hellebuyck earned the William M. Jennings Trophy for playing at least 25 games on the team that allowed the fewest goals.

Brian T. Dessart takes fans on a distinctive ride through the historic-laden NHL with the #NHLNugget. Check out NHLNugget.com to find where to follow NHL Nugget on social media.  And for past NHL Nuggets, click here.      

Promo image credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

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Sharks Should Target RFA Forward Marat Khusnutdinov This Offseason

© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The San Jose Sharks will be looking to improve their team and get back into the playoffs sooner rather than later after a rough 2024-25 campaign. While they probably won't be pushing for a playoff spot next season, they can continue to find future stars to add to their roster that will help them down the line. 

One player they should look at bringing in is pending restricted free agent (RFA) Marat Khusnutdinov, who is up for a new contract for the upcoming season. He was traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Boston Bruins midseason, and while he seems to have found a solid fit in Boston, the Sharks should try and bring him in.

Khusnutdinov, who is 22 years old, scored five goals and added seven assists for 12 points through 75 games this season. Throughout his career, he scored six goals and added 10 assists for 16 points through 91 games, which comes out to a 0.18 points-per-game average.

His defensive game is quite strong, but his finishing ability hasn't quite been elite at the NHL level. In an increased role with the Sharks, he could build confidence and find a way to break out offensively. 

Realistically, Khusnutdinov is looking at a 2-3 year contract extension worth around $1 million annually, which is very affordable. If he and the Bruins can't agree on a new deal, maybe the Sharks could offer to make a trade with them instead of sending an offer sheet, and the asking price may not be too much. If the Bruins are willing to move him for a mid-round pick, the Sharks should be all over him this summer.

Trending: Yegor Afanasyev Expected To Sign With Sharks For 2025-26 SeasonTrending: Yegor Afanasyev Expected To Sign With Sharks For 2025-26 SeasonAs the postseason moves along, it seems as though the San Jose Sharks are focusing on getting some of their own things done this offseason as they look to improve on what was a rough 2024-25 campaign. In a recent report, it seems as though they will be signing Yegor Afanasyev for the 2025-26 season. Sharks & Shakir Mukhamadullin Reportedly Close To Contract Extension AgreementSharks & Shakir Mukhamadullin Reportedly Close To Contract Extension AgreementWith the 2024-25 season gone and the San Jose Sharks having shifted their focus onto the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and the 2025-26 campaign, it sounds like they are closing in on a new contract with one of their pending free-agent defenders. Sharks Prospect Carson Wetsch Flipped In Blockbuster WHL TradeSharks Prospect Carson Wetsch Flipped In Blockbuster WHL TradeThe 2025 WHL Prospects Draft has now come and gone, and while there weren't many surprises or much news to report from those couple of days, there was one massive trade that caught some attention. Should The Sharks Trade Their Second Overall Pick?Should The Sharks Trade Their Second Overall Pick?With reports swirling that the San Jose Sharks are open to trading their second overall pick, the question turns to: should they trade it?
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‘We are a passionately multiracial team’: Zimbabwe return to England transformed

Visitors have endured political chaos and miserable results over 22 years but cricket is finally a national game

Twenty-two years is a long time, even in a sport that measures its games in days and its history in centuries. The last time England played a Test match against Zimbabwe, in 2003, Rob Key was in the middle order instead of the managing director’s job, Jimmy Anderson was a 20-year-old tearaway playing in his very first series, and the England and Wales Cricket Board was just about to launch the world’s very first professional Twenty20 tournament. Zimbabwean cricket has changed, too. Back then the team was in the earliest stages of a transformation that was meant to turn cricket from a minority game, played by the small white population, into a sport that better represented the whole country.

They have been hard years, riven by player strikes, political interference, maladministration and a miserable drop-off in results. The team temporarily withdrew from Test cricket, suspended their domestic competition and were repeatedly censured by the International Cricket Council. They lost so many players through emigration to England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, that even now you could build a hell of a good Zimbabwean squad out of people who are making a living overseas. And yet, at the end of it all, the process was, by one important measure, a success. The squad that came on tour in 2003 was majority white, the team that has come this year is majority black.

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Top fantasy baseball prospects: Matt Shaw gets the call, Cole Young heating up

A reminder: This is ONLY players who have Rookie of the Year MLB eligibility, and ONLY a look at potential help for 2025.

That out of the way, here’s a look at the top prospects who can help your fantasy roster this season.

1. Matt Shaw, 3B, Chicago Cubs

2025 stats: 24 G, .286/.409/.560, 5 HR, 5 SB, 17 BB, 11 SO at Triple-A Iowa; 18 G, .172/.294/.241, 1 HR, 0 SB, 10 BB, 18 SO at  Chicago (NL).

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Just as I was starting this article, it was announced that Shaw will be heading back from Iowa to Chicago before the Cubs’ game against the Marlins on Monday. The infielder struggled in his two-plus week sample in the majors, but it’s hard to be too discouraged by such a small sample; uninspiring as it may have been. Shaw appears to have rediscovered his pop in Triple-A, and even if you can’t expect that kind of slugging mark at the highest level, he’s far from a dink-and-dunk hitter. He’s also the rare third baseman who has a chance to provide swipes. Shaw deserves a second chance in fantasy lineups, as he’d be far from the first player to scuffle in his first taste of MLB action only to have success.

2. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox

2025 stats: 41 G, .322/.446/.503, 5 HR, 3 SB, 35 BB, 37 SO at Triple-A Worcester.

Even knowing Shaw is heading up, I still strongly considered keeping Anthony in the top spot. The ball still isn’t going over the fence as he still hasn’t homered in the month of May, but he’s 14-for-36 over his last 10 games with three doubles. Pretty hard to complain about that lack of production. Pretty easy to complain about Anthony not being a member of the Red Sox so far, and while it should be soon, fantasy managers have every right to be frustrated that he’s ‘toiling’ in the minors instead of in Boston. Stay patient. It’s coming soon.

3. Cole Young, 2B, Seattle Mariners

2025 stats: 44 G, .250/.364/.423, 4 HR, 1 SB, 23 BB, 27 SO at Triple-A Tacoma.

Welcome back to the list, Cole. With Jordan Lawlar now back in Arizona, Young gets the spot. Those numbers above aren’t overly impressive on the surface, but they’re not indicative of how well he’s played as of late. In his 16 games in the month of May, he’s hitting .349/.438/.698 with four homers for the Rainiers. The 2022 first-round pick has an easy plus hit tool from the left side, and he’s clearly beginning to tap into his power as well. Seattle is currently playing Leo Rivas, Miles Mastrobuoni and Dylan Moore at second base. Yeah, there’s an opening here, and if Young keeps this up, that opening will be filled by one of the top prospects in the system.

4. Jacob Misiorowski, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

2025 stats: 9 G, 49.1 IP, 1.46 ERA, .151 BAA, 19 BB, 59 SO at Triple-A Nashville. 

Misiorowski went seven innings in his last start, and he held Triple-A Memphis to just one run with five strikeouts against one walk. That’s three straight outings that the right-hander has gone at least six innings, and he’s issued no more than one walk in four of his last five starts. The Brewers are keeping it coy in terms of a potential call-up for Misiorowski, but have mentioned him as a potential “option” for the rotation. It’s understandable that they are playing the long-game with the 23-year-old, but it’s hard to imagine Misiorowski doesn’t make the Brew Crew better right now. It’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t make fantasy rosters better when Milwaukee comes to that conclusion, as well.

5. Bubba Chandler, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

2025 stats: 9 G, 37.1 IP, 2.17 ERA, .197 BAA, 16 BB, 56 SO at Triple-A Indianapolis. 

Chandler’s last start was just so-so, as he gave up a pair of runs while allowing seven hits over 4 1/3 innings against Louisville on Sunday. He was much better in his first start since our last update with five scoreless frames and eight strikeouts; also against Louisville. Chandler looks ready to go and then some, and the Pirates are going nowhere. Even if Pittsburgh limits the innings, there’s loads of fantasy upside in his right arm. It’s hard to see him not making starts in the majors before 2025 comes to a close.

Around the minors:

The Pirates selected Konnor Griffin with the ninth pick of last year’s draft, and based on the early results, there could be a few teams that regret passing on him. He’s now hitting .324 with a .920 OPS over 33 games for Low-A Bradenton, and he’s been even better as of late; going 18-for-37 with five extra-base hits and five steals over his last 10 games. Griffin is a fantastic athlete with plus-plus speed and a weapons-grade arm, and the Marauders have used him at both shortstop and the outfield in 2025. There’s the potential massive power in his right-handed bat, and the hit tool is more advanced than anticipated. Griffin has a chance to be a fantasy star in the coming years, and could help the Bucs by the end of 2027.

Luis Morales was given a $3 million bonus by the Athletics in 2023, and it appears to have been a wise investment. After a so-so first full professional season in High-A with Lansing, he’s forged a 2.98 ERA over 42 1/3 innings that’s accompanied by a 53/15 K/BB ratio and 1.02 WHIP over eight starts. His last two starts have seen the 22-year-old at his best; striking out 11 over 13 innings while allowing just three runs. With a plus-plus fastball that can get into the high 90s without much effort and well above-average slider, Morales has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter or better, and it’s not out of the question he could make starts for the A’s by the end of 2025. He’s definitely a name to keep an eye on for this season and beyond.

There may not be a prospect who has seen his stock improve more in 2025 than Aroon Escobar, and he had another big night Saturday for Low-A Clearwater. He went 5-for-5 with a homer and a double for the Thrashers, and he’s now hitting .328/.429/.573 with eight homers over his 33 games in the Florida State League. The 20-year-old has tapped into his well above-average power, and the ball jumps off his bat, giving him a chance for an above-average hit tool to go with it. He’s not going to be a major stolen base threat, but if the other offensive tools play to their ability, that won’t matter. Escobar is far too good for Low-A, but the long-term upside makes him a player that needs to be rostered in the overwhelming majority of keeper formats.

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Famous Words From Famous Rangers

Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rangers players from yesteryear not only were winners but they said interesting things.

I know this for a fact because – sitting right in front of me is a fascinating book called "Hockey Shorts – The Game's Best One-liners.

Author Glenn Liebman has a ton of them but, for the moment, I'll only deliver a few that deal with the art of goalkeeping. Here goes:

1. MUZZ PATRICK, DEFENSEMAN ON THE 1940 RANGERS STANLEY CUP-WINNERS: "In hockey," said Patrick, "a goalie does nothing that other people do. Except for his sweater, he even dresses differently."

2. HALL OF FAME GOALIE JACQUES PLANTE WHO HAD A SHORT  RANGERS CAREER:  "Goaltending is a normal job. Sure!," quoth Plante with mock seriousness:

"How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you."

3. HALL OF FAME GOALIE TERRY SAWCHUK WHOSE LAST NHL GAME WAS AS A RANGER: After a losing playoff game, Sawchuk met the media with this line: "I got one thing to say, gentlemen. I didn't have a good night!"

4. HALL OF FAME RANGERS MANAGER LESTER PATRICK, DISCUSSING BRUINS GOALIE FRANK BRIMSEK WHO HAD JUST SHUT OUT HIS BLUESHIRTS: "Trying to get Brimsek to make a first move is like pushing over the Washington Monument!"

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After early playoff exit, and Tatum’s torn Achilles, where does Boston go from here?

The NBA prioritizes parity over dynasties, and with that the path to repeat as NBA champions is intentionally difficult. The NBA is also set up to make it incredibly difficult to keep a contending team together for any reasonable length of time. That is especially true in the tax aprons era of the latest CBA.

The Boston Celtics have run headlong into the wall of both of those realities, which is why change is coming this summer.

The only question is how much.

How Boston got here

Boston was riding high after last season’s NBA title, so it didn’t make many changes last summer and ran it back, which was the right thing to do. Throw in the franchise sale and the decision was made to punt on the big financial questions for a year, knowing the price tag to continue down that path would eventually get too steep. Look at it this way: To bring back Boston’s starting five for next season (2025-26) would cost about $188 million, and the second apron of the luxury tax is expected to be $207.8 million. To keep this full Celtics roster together next season would set a record of more than $500 million in payroll and luxury tax (including a steep repeater tax that kicks in).

There had been buzz around the league for more than a year that the Celtics would have to trade away a core player or two to save money this coming summer, and that was before Tatum tore his Achilles and cast a shadow over next season.

This year, the Celtics were bounced from the playoffs much earlier than expected, in the second round at the hands of the New York Knicks. Part of that was this Boston team that leaned even more heavily into 3-pointers than the championship squad — 53.6% of their shot attempts were from beyond the arc during the season. Even with a top-five defense and a team that still scored well around the rim when they got there, this team was at the mercy of 3-point variance. When Orlando came out with a plan in the first round of the playoffs to take away those 3-point attempts (a model New York followed), it put the Celtics on their back foot and they had some less-than-stellar games.

Bad luck also played a role in the early exit. There was Kristaps Porzingis’ respiratory illness slowing him, Jaylen Brown playing through a torn meniscus, and then Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles. That last injury leads to the big question before Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ brass heading into this offseason:

How big a change does Boston make?

If Tatum were healthy, we likely would have seen Boston move away from one (maybe two) rotation players, replace them with younger or minimum-contract players, and hope that the depth would hold out. That is still an option, perhaps even the most likely one.

Or, the Celtics can treat next season more as a “gap year” — not trying to lose, but accepting it may not be a championship season — giving them more time to be aggressive and retool the roster to contend with Tatum once he’s healthy. How many moves the Celtics make and who will be sent out depends on how Stevens answers the “how big” question.

Let’s look at players who could be on the move.

Jrue Holiday/Derrick White

We’re combining the guards because it was already expected that one of them would be out the door, even before Tatum’s injury.

Holiday is more likely to be moved, according to league sources. Holiday will be 35 next season and has three years, $104 million left on his contract, starting at $32.4 million. He’s a proven, winning two-way point guard who will draw interest — there are teams like Orlando where Holiday would be a fantastic fit — but with his age and contract, this is not an easy deal to make. The Celtics may need to attach a second-round pick or something else of value to get another team to take on that contract.

While rumors are flying around Holiday, he made it clear, speaking to reporters at his exit interview, he wants to stay in Boston and compete for a title.

“We still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again,” Holiday said. “I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court, but the coaching staff all the way up to Brad, has been amazing. So, the opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that.”

White, who will be 31 next season, has four years, $118 million remaining on his contract. That deal may be too good to trade away, other teams will ask but they will have to blow away Boston with an offer to make it a reality.

Kristaps Porzingis

He has an expiring $30.7 million contract and is the kind of stretch big in high demand all over the league. He’s also coming off two straight playoffs where he missed time due to injury, and he has been out for 65 regular-season games since coming to Boston.

The Celtics will make calls to try and find a new home for Porzingis, but the market for him is not that deep, especially at that price tag. Again, the Celtics might have to attach another player or a pick to move on from him.

Jaylen Brown

It would be devastating to the fan base — and the ultimate example of why the new CBA with its aprons is bad for fans who want to watch their team draft a player and win with him — but the Celtics have to at least consider trading him this summer.

Brown is 28, in his prime, and next season his five-year, $285.4 million contract kicks in. It's going to be expensive to keep Brown and Tatum together and have enough around them to contend, which is why if a team like Houston (with good young players and picks) calls and wants to talk Brown trade, Stevens has to consider it.

Brown isn't looking to move on. He talked about playing through his meniscus injury and his desire to come back and win in Boston after the team was eliminated.

“Losing to the Knicks feels like death,” Brown said. “But I was always taught that there’s life after death, so we’ll get ready for whatever’s next in the journey. I’ll be ready for it.”

“I’m looking forward to coming back stronger, so you just take this with your chin up,” Brown added. “I know Boston, it looks gloomy right now, obviously with JT being out and us kind of ending the year, but it’s a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, so I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

Luke Kornet

Kornet is a free agent this summer who will have better offers from other teams than the Celtics are willing to pay. It’s difficult to see how Boston can afford to bring him back, unless there is room after a major move this summer. Kornet had a strong Game 5, and that should help him get a deal in a spot where he will get more run.

Al Horford

Horford is a free agent who will be 39 next season. He’s still good enough that will be a contract for him if he wants to play, but it won’t be in Boston.

Tatum talked about retirement at his exit interview.

"I'm going to take some time here with my wife and my kids," Horford said. "There's still a lot for me to process, feeling everything out from last night -- that was difficult.”

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Phillies at Rockies prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for May 19

It's Monday, May 19, and the Phillies (28-18) are in Denver to take on the Rockies (8-38). Cristopher Sánchez is slated to take the mound for Philadelphia against Kyle Freeland for Colorado.

The Phillies are coming off a three-game sweep over the Pirates and took four of the past five games, including a 1-0 victory yesterday. The Rockies are coming off a 1-0 effort, but it was a loss to the Diamondbacks in a series where Arizona took two of three.

Let's dive into the matchup 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 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 Phillies at Rockies

  • Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
  • Time: 8:40 PM EST
  • Site: Coors Field
  • City: Denver, CO
  • Network/Streaming: NBCSP, COLR

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 Phillies at the Rockies

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Moneyline: Phillies (-271), Rockies (+220)
  • Spread:  Phillies -1.5
  • Total: 10.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Phillies at Rockies

  • Pitching matchup for May 19, 2025: Cristopher Sánchez vs. Kyle Freeland
    • Phillies: Cristopher Sánchez, (4-1, 2.91 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 8 Strikeouts
    • Rockies: Kyle Freeland, (0-6, 6.15 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 1 Walk, and 5 Strikeouts

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!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Rockies

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) thinks there is value in backing Kyle Schwarber (+250) and Bryce Harper (+350) to hit homers during this season:

"Kyle Schwarber is coming off his first series of the month without hitting a homer even after having odds of +175 and +190 in back-to-back games. However, a trip to Coors Field could see Schwarber get on the board. Schwarber has gone five trips to Colorado without a homer but hit one in four of the five trips prior to this rut. He only has two hits in 15 at-bats versus Kyle Freeland, but both hits went for doubles and three combined RBIs, plus he's hitting .305 versus LHP this season.

Bryce Harper has gone without a homer in seven straight games and has two in the entire month. While he's only hitting. 185 with one homer off Freeland in 27 at-bats, this feels like a good series for Harper to aim for the fences with Antonio Senzatela and Carson Palmquist pitching the next two days. Since 2019, Harper has played at least one series in Colorado and hit a homer in four out of five series."

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 Monday’s game between the Phillies and the Rockies:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Philadelphia Phillies on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Colorado Rockies at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 10.0.

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

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Phillies at Rockies

  • The Phillies have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records
  • The Under is 7-2 (78%) in the Rockies' games this season with Kyle Freeland as the starter
  • The Phillies have covered in their last 3 games against the Rockies

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!

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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Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 1 Prediction: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for May 22

On Thursday, May 22, the Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) and Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) are all set to square off from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City closeout Denver in Game 7 at home, 125-93 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points and exquisite defense from Alex Caruso and company. The Thunder will have a quick turnaround with a few days off to host the Timberwolves who last played on May 14.

Minnesota beat Golden State in five games after Steph Curry went down with an injury in Game 2. The Timberwolves beat the Lakers in five games over the first round, so Minnesota has a clear rest advantage. The Timberwolves won four-straight games to close out the Warriors series, but it's worth noting that both OKC and Minnesota are 1-1 in Game 1's this postseason.

The Timberwolves are currently 24-17 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Thunder have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on 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.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder live today

  • Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
  • Time: 8:30 PM EST
  • Site: Paycom Center
  • City: Oklahoma City, OK
  • Network/Streaming: ESPN

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 NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Timberwolves vs. Thunder

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Odds: Timberwolves (+245), Thunder (-305)
  • Spread:  Thunder -7.5
  • Over/Under: 215.5 points

That gives the Timberwolves an implied team point total of 103.5, and the Thunder 111.5

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Thursday’s Timberwolves vs. Thunder game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Thunder in 7 games, but is fading their team total in Game 1:

"Oklahoma City doesn't have any favors with limited rest as they take on Minnesota in the Conference Finals. The Thunder are almost -400 favorites to win the series and while they've been the best team in the West all year — there is a chance Minnesota gets a game or two in the first four.

I like the value of +370 to +400 on the Thunder to win in seven games compared to a gentleman's sweep of 4-1 for +300 (the favorite). I lean toward OKC 4-2 for +475 as my second choice.

With a little over a week of rest for Minnesota and OKC playing seven games in a grind of a series, I like the Thunder's Team Total Under 111.5 for Game 1. The Timberwolves held the Lakers to 95 points and the Warriors to 99 points in their two Game 1's. I would consider Minnesota ML as teams that likely cover win and that's the side I lean."

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 NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections 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 today’s Timberwolves & Thunder game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Minnesota Timberwolves at +7.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 215.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Timberwolves vs. Thunder on Thursday

  • Oklahoma City and Minnesota are 1-1 ATS and on the ML in Game 1's this postseason
  • Minnesota has four straight games and is 4-1 on the road this playoffs
  • Oklahoma City is 5-1 at home in the playoffs
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 or more points in three straight games
  • Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined to average 58.8 PPG in the second round

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 NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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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Mets at Red Sox: How to watch on SNY on May 19, 2025

The Mets open a three-game series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Monday at 6:45 p.m. on SNY.

Here's what to know about the game and how to watch...

Mets Notes

  • Jeff McNeilhas been tremendous since returning from the IL, with an .836 OPS in 19 games
  • Edwin Diazhas allowed just one earned run since his appearance on April 11 -- a span of 12.1 innings over 12 appearances
  • Kodai Senga leads the majors with a 1.02 ERA (among all starters with 44.0 innings pitched or more).
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What channel is SNY?

Check your TV or streaming provider's website or channel finder to find your local listings.

How can I stream the game?

The new way to stream SNY games is via the MLB App or MLB.tv. Streaming on the SNY App has been discontinued.

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Nuggets' Gordon cites Steph injury in plea to NBA over scheduling

Nuggets' Gordon cites Steph injury in plea to NBA over scheduling originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Nuggets star Aaron Gordon, who played through a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Denver’s Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday, cited Warriors icon Steph Curry’s Grade 1 hamstring strain in pleading for the NBA to offer players more rest in between playoff games.

“I think everybody could [benefit],” Gordon told reporters postgame on Sunday, before mentioning other derailing injuries to Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard. “You saw it around the league: Steph with a hamstring, JT, Dame.

“There are guys all around the league suffering fatigue-based injuries because the games are just so closely stacked together. It would just be nice for one or two more rest days throughout the postseason, just so we can come back fresh and compete. 

“Because a lot of the times, it’s the team that’s most healthy – it’s not even the best team, it’s the team that’s most healthy. When I tried to talk to [Michael Porter Jr.] about it, it’s just, ‘Rest your mind, rest your body, relax. And when it’s time to get back to training, refocus and narrow your focus, and understand what the goal is.’”

The San Jose native said what Dub Nation and several fan bases around the league want to hear, as fatigue-based injuries have clouded recent postseasons, including the current one. 

After the Warriors appeared to have the Minnesota Timberwolves on the ropes following a series-opening win, Curry’s four-game absence halted Golden State’s championship aspirations.

Tatum and Lillard’s injuries spoiled what were compelling Celtics-New York Knicks and Bucks-Indiana Pacers series. And Gordon’s injury, of course, made his Nuggets’ failed push for the Western Conference finals that much harder.

Gordon expanded on increasing rest days during the NBA playoffs.

“Health is a lot, you know,” Gordon told reporters. “I would really, really appreciate it if there were a couple of days in between games in the playoffs instead of every other day, regardless of if you go seven games. I understand if you do your work early and get first seed, you can have some time off. 

“But I think the days in between games – not just off days and a travel day, [but] a travel day – just two days. I think the product of the game would be a lot better, a better product on the floor. Just to give all these professional athletes just one more day of rest, and you’d see a higher level of basketball. Probably less blowouts.”

The Nuggets lost to the Thunder, 125-93, in Sunday’s Game 7. The younger Oklahoma City entered the series with a week of rest after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, whereas Denver had defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in a seven-game series.

Gordon makes a strong case for the NBA to consider expanding rest days during the playoffs. Curry and the Warriors certainly would be in support of updates to the current format.

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Warriors report card: Team grades for roller coaster 2024-25 season

Warriors report card: Team grades for roller coaster 2024-25 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The conference finals are set, and the Warriors will be watching like the rest of us. 

An injured Steph Curry saw the Warriors drop four straight games to the Minnesota Timberwolves to end their season. Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Co. couldn’t get the job done for who Steve Kerr called the sun of their solar system.

There were never-ending storylines this season, and playoff basketball at Chase Center with another star next to Curry. Telling the story of the 2024-25 Warriors would take hours. A close second is breaking it down by these categories, getting as close as we can to a final assertion of what all happened.

Offense 

From Butler’s team debut to the end of the regular season, the Warriors ranked 11th in points per game (117.5) and eighth in offensive rating (118.2). They were third in 3-point attempts (42.1) and makes per game (15.4), but 15th in 3-point percentage (36.6 percent) and 21st in field goal percentage (46.2 percent). Their offense changed in a handful of ways after Butler’s arrival. 

Most noticeable was the free-throw line. Butler’s ability to get to the line is something they haven’t had since … ever? Kevin Durant? Butler averaged 7.7 free throw attempts in the 30 regular-season games he played for the Warriors. The most Durant averaged with the Warriors was 6.5 in his final season.

The Warriors through the rest of the regular season made the most free throws per game (20.5), attempted the third-most (24.9) and had the third-best free-throw percentage (82.2 percent). Butler quickly figured out how to be Curry’s co-star. He’s an isolation player in a movement offense whose basketball IQ made it all work. 

But the Warriors’ lack of shooting without Curry in the playoffs was alarming. It became clear Butler really needs shooting around him. The offense will largely remain the same, but it will be very interesting watching a full season of it with Butler.

Grade: B

Defense

Defense became the Warriors’ calling card down the stretch. They had the best defensive rating in the game following Butler’s trade (109.0), and had everyone buying in. The Warriors held teams to under 100 points seven times post-Butler in the regular season, and three of their four wins against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Same with their one win in the conference semifinals. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves also figured out the Warriors’ defense the final few games and shot 62.8 percent in the season-ender. That’s a tough way to end, but the Warriors’ defense was a problem when it was humming. 

The best of Andrew Wiggins was missed, though Butler improves the unit in ways Wiggins doesn’t. This was a group Jerry Stackhouse can be proud of. 

Grade: B+

Stars 

Bringing in Butler revitalized Curry. He played 28 games to end of the regular season and averaged 27.3 points on 47.3 percent shooting, 40.8 percent from 92.4 percent from the free-throw line. Curry played his way into a real argument for All-NBA First Team. 

Green nearly became the oldest Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history. He finished third in voting instead, but will be All-Defensive First Team, which was his main goal coming into the season. 

Butler proved exactly who he is at this stage of his career. He’s incredibly smart, makes his teammates better and does a little bit of everything. He also isn’t a 3-point threat, will likely float closer to 20 points than 30 points and can frustrate some fans after watching a different brand for so long. 

Butler averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game for the Warriors in the regular season, and 19.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 assist and 1.3 steals per game. He scored more than 20 points in six of his 11 playoff games, and fewer than 20 five times. The Warriors went 4-2 when Butler scored at least 20 points in the playoffs, and 0-5 in the games he didn’t score at least 20 points.

Grade: A-

Additions

Really, this could just be another section about Butler. Let’s dig a little deeper. 

General manager Mike Dunleavy in the offseason brought in four players: Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Lindy Waters III. Only Hield made it through the season on the roster. The Warriors traded for Dennis Schröder in December, and then dealt him to Detroit two months later as part of the move that added Butler. 

With the loss of Klay Thompson, the Warriors needed another outside threat and Hield held down the fort. The longtime 3-point ace made 200 threes for his seventh consecutive season. The experience is up-and-down on the floor, but the Warriors love having Hield in the locker room and the stars are fond of playing with him.

Some additions found success and others struggled. They all led to Butler.

Grade: B+

Youth

Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody were the two pieces that fit best next to Curry, Butler and Green, forming a starting five that rarely lost. Podziemski and Moody then struggled more than not in the playoffs. The good still outweighed the bad. 

There aren’t enough words to go through Kuminga’s season. It’d be easy to forget at one point Draymond was sent to the bench to hand the keys to Kuminga. His season was then derailed by an injury and not fitting next to Butler once he was healthy. He proved what a scorer he is without Curry, but that never amounts to wins.

At center, the Warriors had two young players who had much different seasons. Trayce Jackson-Davis was a Ring Star at All-Star weekend, but was mostly out of the rotation by then after beginning the season as the Warriors’ starting center. Rookie Quinten Post went from being on a two-way contract and calling Santa Cruz home, to carving out a needed role for the big team and signing a standard contract.

Gui Santos, 22, should be part of this conversation too. Kerr has always been a fan, and Santos this season earned his trust to get minutes in big situations. His energy is infectious, making up for what he lacks elsewhere.

Grade: B-

Health 

Curry played 70 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since he did from his age-24 through age-28 seasons. Green played 68, and Butler only missed one in the regular season after the trade. 

The Kuminga injury threw a wrench nobody expected. There’s only one reason why this section deserves two thumbs down: Curry’s left hamstring. 

Golden State’s season ended on four straight losses without Curry. Butler missed the majority of a Game 2 loss to Houston because of a pelvic contusion, and missed all of Game 3. The effects from that fall were underplayed. As was Curry’s right thumb, and his own pelvic contusion. 

Multiple illnesses ran through the Warriors in the playoffs, Podziemski was beat up and so was Gary Payton II. 

Grade: F

Coaching 

Between injuries and a giant mid-season trade, Kerr had his hands full. He adjusted and also had to use some of the most starting lineups in the NBA. Even in the playoffs, and not just because of injuries, he still was searching. 

The coaches Kerr brought in during the offseason, Stackhouse and Terry Stotts, made positive impacts on both sides of the ball, and this might have been the best integration between Santa Cruz and San Francisco yet. 

Grade: B+

Overall

As previously noted, this season was a win. Curry having to watch it crumble without him made it an incomplete win. The Warriors ending as one of the best eight teams in the NBA does deserve its due. 

The Warriors didn’t come into this season expecting to compete for a championship. They wanted to play meaningful basketball and establish more of a foundation. Another star was added, and the Warriors know the three aging players who will lead their championship window that appears to be open for maybe a year or two. 

Many of their goals were achieved, and it’s still impossible not to wonder what-if.

Grade: B+

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Knicks vs. Pacers Eastern Conference Finals preview and prediction

After 25 long years, the Knicks find themselves on the cusp of the NBA Finals, with the Indiana Pacers as the lone obstacle in their way.

After beating the vaunted Boston Celtics in six games, some may feel confidence going against an arguably worse Indiana squad that took seven games to eliminate the injured Knicks last year. 

But this isn’t the same Knicks team. And although they boast the same players, it’s not the same Pacers team, either.

Let’s dive into this historic matchup...

New York went 2-1 against Indiana during the regular season, with the two teams swapping blowouts. Although we can’t overly rely on those games to predict postseason results, there are insights to glean.

For one, the Knicks need to win this series on defense. In all three games against the Pacers, they scored above 120 points, and have some glaring advantages on the offensive end. But it’s a matter of how much they can slow the Pacers on the other end. 

That starts with their engine Tyrese Haliburton, who is averaging 17.5 points and 9.3 assists this postseason. The natural matchup for him is Mikal Bridges, who possesses the requisite speed and length to handle someone of Haliburton’s size and dexterity.

But the Pacers will fight to take away New York’s preferred matchups, and pick on their "weak spots" Jalen Brunsonand Karl-Anthony Towns by targeting them in actions. The Celtics tried and failed at the same strategy, but the Pacers arguably have a deeper rotation of threats. 

There’s also Pascal Siakam, the mid-post monster currently averaging 19 points on 55 percent shooting in the playoffs. He’s a tough cover for smaller wings likeJosh Hartand OG Anunoby, and can punish them on the offensive glass. So it will be curious to see if head coach Tom Thibodeau maybe employs Towns on him for stretches.

May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau talks to center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Josh Hart (3) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during a time out during the third quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau talks to center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Josh Hart (3) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during a time out during the third quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Knicks have reasons to fall back on the defensive approach they used against the Celtics. This is another team that thrives off advantage creation, ball movement and open threes.

Switching against them could force them to iso-hunt, which has proven out to be a not-so-simple solution.

Indiana has the potential to be much craftier than Boston in adjusting, working in more off-ball action, slips and other counters to this scheme. 

There was some success last year in deploying aggressive coverages to make Haliburton give it up and have a big make a play in open space. Siakam and Myles Turner can sneak up on you with 20 points though, so it’ll take a huge team effort equivalent to what the Knicks brought against Boston. 

The Knicks need to be ready for it. The Pacers are much quicker than the Celtics, much deeper, and have stayed relatively healthy through two quick series. 

If Brunson and Towns can pick up their individual efforts again, and Thibodeau can adjust on the fly with his schemes, the Knicks should be in a good spot. But their offense has struggled these playoffs, and they’ll need their best version to go shot-for-shot with Indiana. 

The Pacers have the second-highest offensive rating this postseason, and a much improved defense from last year.

Luckily, the Knicks have two massive problems for them to deal with defensively.

First is Brunson, in full playoff mode, who gave the Pacers fits when they met last year. There’s no real one-on-one answer for him, but expect a lot of Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard to try to bother him with size.

May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball as Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball as Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images

Indiana has gotten burned trying to send extra attention his way, so perhaps this series they let Brunson get his and shut everybody else out? This will be tough given their second weapon in Towns.

Towns has owned this matchup all year, averaging 30.3 points and 12 rebounds in those three games. Turner can’t be his effective self defensively having to stretch out to guard Towns, who has a mobility edge and can blow by him if he’s out of position. 

For all its depth, Indiana is lacking in the backup big position, and its wings are much less suited to guard Towns than Boston’s were.

There’s a chance the Pacers still go ahead with that strategy, but the Knicks have gotten used to it and should be able to find Towns and Hart opportunities to take advantage. 

New York has a chance to secure this series on the glass, and should look to more Mitchell Robinson minutes to do so.

They also need Bridges and Anunoby to maintain their confidence in attacking the rim and smaller mismatches, as they can poke holes in this Pacers defense.

In a postseason full of things people thought the Knicks couldn't do, it feels odd saying they should win this series and advance to the NBA Finals. The Pacers are no pushovers, and will put up a hard fought series, but the Knicks have the talent and coaching to trump them.

Prediction: Knicks in 6

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Canadiens: The Maple Leafs’ Cautionary Tale

On Sunday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost yet another game seven to bow out of the playoffs with a 6-1 loss at home to the Florida Panthers. It was the second game in a row that ended 6-1 for the visitors at Scotiabank Arena. What has this got to do with the Montreal Canadiens? The Leafs’ recent history presents a cautionary tale that the Habs’ brass must take notice of.

Anyone who looks at this Leafs roster, even the most fervent Canadiens fans, has to admit that this is a fantastically talented team. Their Core Four or even Core Five, including Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Reilly, should be winners on paper. Year after year, they rack up a considerable amount of points.

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Matthews has had two 100-point seasons in the last four seasons, and it would have been more had he stayed healthy. Marner only passed the 100-point mark once in the previous three seasons, but in two other seasons, he came agonizingly close with 99 and 97 points. Nylander has not had a season below 80 points in the last four campaigns. As for Tavares, who was stripped of the captaincy last offseason, he’s had 76, 80, 65, and 74 points in the previous four years. Meanwhile, blueliner Reilly has had 68, 41, 58, and 41 points in those same four years.

Jul 2, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Corey Perry (94) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (not pictured) during the third period in game three of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Bell Centre. Photo Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images

What does that tell us? Well, it tells us that talent alone is not enough. Some players will help you win in the regular season, and some will help you win in the postseason. The Leafs, led by Brendan Shanahan, loaded up on the first and forgot about the second. Even when he tried to bring on experienced guys, like Joe Thornton and Patrik Marleau, he didn’t go for guys who have won when it matters most. Neither has raised the Stanley Cup.

While it’s fair to say that young players need to learn to win, that learning curve has to spike at a certain point; it cannot take years to do this. Year after year of heartache and defeat has had this group petrified of pressure and game sevens. They just cannot perform when the heat is on and there’s no tomorrow. The Canadiens, just like the Boston Bruins so often and the Panthers recently, took advantage of that in 2021. The Leafs have lost their last six game seven, and in most cases, they weren’t close games.

That 2021 Canadiens’ edition wasn’t as talented as the Leafs, and its franchise cornerstones, Carey Price and Shea Weber, had never won the biggest prize of them all, but Corey Perry and Eric Staal had. Those players allow you to go far in the playoffs—the guys who have already learned how to win and handle the pressure of do-or-die games.

No matter how talented your young core is, it will need some veteran leadership who has done that. I know Anthony Stolarz won the Cup, but he won it as the Panthers’ backup last season, and he’s a goalie; that’s a whole other story. For a second year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers have made the conference final and happen to have Perry in their lineup. Sure, he only put up 30 points in the regular season, but he’s got seven points in just 11 games in the postseason. As talented as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are, they, too, need the experience of a proven winner and someone who will perform when the stakes are high. Leafs torture in chief Brad Marchand is also that kind of player; the former Boston Bruins captain has now beaten the Leafs five times in game seven.

At this stage of the Canadiens’ rebuild, it may be too early to worry about that (although Sam Bennett would tick that box). Still, when this young core is ready to contend, they’ll need experienced winners along for the ride, and I have no doubt GM Kent Hughes watched the Leafs’ repeated debacles and took notes.

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Seth Jones Dominates In Panthers Game 7 Win Over Maple Leafs

The Chicago Blackhawks traded Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers earlier this season. Spencer Knight was the focal point of Chicago’s return, which they are very happy with. 

The Panthers have to be satisfied with what they’ve gotten out of Jones so far, too. Instead of being the number one guy as he was in Chicago, he is succeeding by playing a tad bit lower in the lineup. 

Jones has specifically been great for Florida in the playoffs. On Sunday night, they played Game Seven of their second round matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. There, Jones played one of the best games of his NHL career. 

In the first period, there was no scoring but Florida carried the play. It was in the second, however, that the defending Stanley Cup champions did what they do best. 

It was Seth Jones who gave them a 1-0 lead in the game. Evan Rodrigues made a great play to send Jones in on the rush as a defenseman, and he didn’t miss with a beautifully placed shot. 

That was the start of a three-goal frame that gave the Panthers a 3-0 lead. On the third goal, Jones made a brilliant play to avoid being flagged for offside on his zone entry ahead of the puck going in the net. Once he was safely in, he made a play that led to Jonah Gadjovich scoring. 

Before the second period ended, Jones almost had his second goal and third point on a nice power move that he made to the net, but the goal was waved off. The 3-0 lead remained through the next intermission. 

Former Blackhawk Max Domi made it interesting by scoring one 2:07 into the third period. 47 seconds after that, though, the Panthers took the wind right back out of the building again by making it 4-1. Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand (ENG) made the score 6-1, which ultimately became the final. 

Seth Jones and his huge game helped the Panthers eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs. The organization is now in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third year in a row. 

With Mitch Marner and John Tavares being pending unrestricted free agents, there is going to be some change in Toronto. With the way things went for them in game seven, there is no way they run it back. This could impact the off-season for Chicago, as well as many other teams around the league. 

Next up for Jones and the Panthers is another team that the Blackhawks were part of a trade with this year. Taylor Hall and the Carolina Hurricanes will host Florida in game one on Tuesday night in Raleigh. That game can be seen on TNT or streamed on MAX. 

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