That's enough for the NHL to put out potential starting dates for the conference finals, before the Montreal Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres on May 14. Game 6 will be on Saturday in Montreal.
Regardless of the results of that series, led 3-2 by Montreal, the Western Conference finals will start on May 20 at Denver's Ball Arena against the Golden Knights.
If the Canadiens wrap up their series in six games, the Eastern Conference finals will start on May 19. If the teams go to seven games, it will start on May 21. The Hurricanes will host the first two games at Lenovo Center.
Here are the scenarios for the conference finals:
Western Conference final
All times p.m. ET. x-if necessary
May 20: Vegas at Colorado, 8, ESPN
May 22: Vegas at Colorado, 8, ESPN
May 24: Colorado at Vegas, 8, ESPN
May 26: Colorado at Vegas, TBD, ESPN
x-May 28: Vegas at Colorado, 8, ESPN
x-May 30: Colorado at Vegas, 8, ABC
x-June 1: Vegas at Colorado, 8, ESPN
Eastern Conference final
Times TBD
If Buffalo-Montreal series ends in six games
May 19: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
May 21: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
May 23: Carolina at Buffalo/Montreal, TNT, truTV
May 25: Carolina at Buffalo/Montreal, TNT, truTV
x-May 27: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
x-May 29: Carolina at Buffalo/Montreal, TNT, truTV
x-May 31: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
If Buffalo-Montreal series ends in seven games
May 21: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
May 23: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
May 25: Carolina at Buffalo/Montreal, TNT, truTV
May 27: Carolina at Buffalo/Montreal, TNT, truTV
x-May 29: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
x-May 31: Carolina at Buffalo/Montreal, TNT, truTV
x-June 2: Buffalo/Montreal at Carolina, TNT, truTV
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Yankees play a three-game Subway Series at Citi Field starting on Friday night at 7:15 p.m.
Bichette's first (and potentially only) season with the Mets has been a series of fits and starts, with him showing signs of breaking out and then regressing.
He did have a late, game-tying hit in New York's comeback win over the Tigers on Wednesday night, but Bichette enters play on Friday with a .552 OPS -- 288 points lower than it was last season with the Blue Jays and 241 points under his career mark.
When will he come out of it?
"That’s kind of the question we’re asking ourselves, too," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Thursday about when Bichette will come out of it. "You know at some point it’s going to come. I think that that break that he’s looking for – maybe that blooper yesterday.
"He hits balls hard, they’re making plays on him. Then he goes two, three at-bats, a couple of games where it’s soft contact. But I think it’s just a matter of time for him. He’s too good of a hitter. Hopefully, a blooper like last night gets him going here."
In addition to not being locked in yet, Bichette has also been pretty unlucky on balls in play. His average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, and squared-up percentage are all above average. Meanwhile, his expected batting average is .285, while his actual mark is .224.
Bichette getting hot would be enormous for a Mets team that is without four of its regulars on offense, and is likely not getting any of them back in the near future.
Mets' pitching has been carrying them
The Mets enter play Friday having allowed 178 runs this season.
Only three teams in the National League (the Braves, Brewers, and Dodgers) have allowed fewer runs, and all three of those clubs are in playoff position.
While lots of attention has been on the success of starters Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Freddy Peralta, and the recent re-emergence of Christian Scott, New York's bullpen has been terrific lately.
Devin Williams is unscored upon in his last seven appearances, Luke Weaver has held the opposition scoreless in nine of his last 10 outings, Brooks Raley has a 1.06 ERA and 0.94 WHIP, and Huascar Brazoban has a 2.14 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.
That Soto spurned the Yankees to head crosstown to the Mets will never stop being something that sticks in their fans' craw.
Soto was booed mercilessly at Yankee Stadium last season during the first three Subway Series games, going 1-for-10 (though he did draw four walks).
Things changed when Round 2 took place at Citi Field.
Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) follows through on a single against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner - Imagn Images
In those three games, Soto reached base 5 times in 13 plate appearances as he went 4-for-11 with a homer, double, three RBI, three runs scored, and a walk.
Holy Schlitt
The hard-throwing Cam Schlittler is becoming a legitimate ace in his second season in the majors.
In 53.1 innings over nine starts, Schlittler has allowed just 34 hits while leading the American League in ERA (1.35) and WHIP (0.80).
Schlittler is tops in the majors in FIP (1.64) and has an absurd 312 ERA+.
He gets the ball against Holmes on Friday in the series-opener.
The Yankees' top-heavy offense
The Bombers are the highest-scoring team in the American League, so their offense is more than formidable.
But they're being carried by three specific players -- perennial MVP favorite Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and Cody Bellinger.
Beyond that, there hasn't been a ton of impact.
Trent Grisham, Ryan McMahon, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Austin Wells all have an OPS under .700, and rookie Spencer Jones has struggled to get going since being called up for his big league debut.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Bo Bichette
Bichette has a history of rising up in big moments.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Freddy Peralta
Peralta has been tremendous over his last four starts, lowering his ERA to 3.10.
Which Yankees player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Aaron Judge
It's nearly impossible to keep Judge down unless you walk him every time.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 12: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves react during the first quarter in Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs have outscored the Timberwolves by 67 total points this series. Do you think that if the Wembanyama ejection hadn’t happened, the series would be over?
Marilyn Dubinski: It’s certainly possible. It’s also possible it would be over if either Wemby or De’Aaron Fox showed up offensively in Game 1, but neither is a sure thing. That being said, as long as this doesn’t stretch to Game 7 and/or fatigue doesn’t become a factor in the Western Conference Finals (*mandatory “assuming they get there” to avoid any jinxes), I’m actually not upset with this series going as it has (as long as it’s over tomorrow). It has been quite the learning experience for the young Spurs, both mentally and physically, and while you can’t claim a defending champion who went to Game 7 in the Finals is not battle tested, you can tell the Thunder have been coasting through the first two rounds against possibly the easiest schedule ever (at least in the West), winning but not dominating. Is it possible the Spurs will be the more-ready team thanks to this match-up? Time will tell.
Mark Barrington: Probably, but I feel like if the Night of the Flying Elbow was a turning point, not just for the series, but for the future of the franchise, as they learned that playing superior basketball on the court wasn’t enough to make a serious run at a championship, but they also had to sharpen their mental and emotional skills to overcome teams already hardened in the pressure of playoff basketball. Every team at this level is talented, and teams will do anything to get even the smallest mental edge, and the Spurs found out how to deal with that and react the right way. Getting that experience was much more valuable than a routine win, which was the likely outcome if Wemby kept his cool. Wembanyama took his game to another level in Game 5, and we’ll see if that’s sustainable in Game 6 and in the Conference Championship round, if they advance.
Devon Birdsong: It’s hard to say due to the degree of physicality that was being allowed in that game, and I think it would have been a very close game due to that, but I’m leaning toward a ‘no’ because I think the Wolves would have come out firing in Game 6, and (whether you were in favor of it or not) the attention that Wemby’s elbow and ejection brought to the officiating of the series might have continued unabated. Even before the series, I told myself it would be 6-7 games if Edwards was healthy enough to play well, and for the most part, he has been.
Jeje Gomez: It feels very likely. When nothing strange has happened after shaking off the cobwebs on Game 1, the Spurs have looked like the better team against a Timberwolves squad that can’t rely on Anthony Edwards as much as it normally would. But there’s nothing wrong with going to six or seven games with a veteran contender that has been to the Conference Finals twice in a row, and could have pulled off the win even with Wembanyama on the floor.
Who or what has been the X Factor for either team so far, and do you expect it to be a major factor in Game 6?
Dubinski: There are several X factors for the Wolves (Edwards’ knees, Julius “The Wild Card” Randle), but I’ll go with a more subtle one who isn’t there: Donte DiVincenzo. Without him, they have almost no outside shooting beyond Edwards, and that has been huge in allowing the Spurs to outscore them so badly in this series. To that extent, three-point shooting could also be considered an X factor for the Spurs. Interestingly, while neither team is shooting great, with both sitting at about 33% for the series, the Spurs – and especially Julian Champagnie – have been vastly superior in their wins vs. losses. This series doesn’t necessarily hinge on three-point shooting, but it has certainly been a factor that has helped the Spurs.
Barrington: The Timberwolves live or die by how well Anthony Edwards plays. He’s been slowed by injuries in this series, but he’s still been playing great, especially when Wembanyama is out of the game and he can drive without worrying about the big guy’s rim presence. Ant seemed oddly passive in Game 5, and if that passivity continues in Game 6, Minnesota’s season is over. To extend their playoffs, he has to have another 30+ point game and bring his teammates with him. Julius Randle isn’t having a good series, but he could bust out at any time. Hopefully it won’t be Saturday.
Birdsong: The Spurs hitting their threes has been the difference between blowouts and close games/losses, but if we’re going with a player, I’d have to go with Keldon. Every time he’s had a good game (offensively or defensively) the Spurs have crushed it. If he’s off, things get a little tighter. The same is true of Harper, but he’s a little more consistent on the scoring end, and he pretty much runs the offense for the second unit even if he’s off. Getting 10+ points from Keldon in conjunction with solid defense usually gives the team separation. 15+ points, even if everyone else is having an average game, pretty much clinches it for them most of the time. He was a very deserving 6th man because against good teams he is very often the difference.
Gomez: Double-teaming and trapping Anthony Edwards is not necessarily a new strategy, as many have tried it in the past, but the Spurs have been using it well, and it has limited what the superstar guard and the Timberwolves’ offense can do. Not only has San Antonio made Ant have to play off the ball more than he’d preferred, but it has put pressure on others to make plays, and few have been able to answer the call. Whether the Wolves can find that secondary scorer to carry the offense for a while and whether the shooters connect on some of the open looks the strategy inevitably concedes could determine whether the series ends or goes to a Game 7.
Do you think the Spurs will close it out in Minnesota in Game 6, or are we heading for a Game 7?
Dubinski: Without any drastic occurrences (another unexpected ejection, injury, someone besides Edwards going supernova, etc.), I think the Spurs know what it takes to beat this team and will close things out. The scenario I foresee is the Wolves come out hot, giving it all they have early and take a decent but not insurmountable lead. Then, the Spurs inevitably regain their composure, be it in the second quarter or at halftime, surge back, and that’s that, since the Wolves have nothing left in the tank and no new wrinkles to throw out there. Or it could be a wire-to-wire Spurs win. Or it could be a loss and we’re back here on Sunday. Who knows with this series.
Barrington: The Spurs will close it out in Game 6, unless Ant has a 50-piece and drags at least one teammate with him. I’m expecting a huge effort from Edwards in a close loss as Rudy Gobert gets played off the court due to his inability to get a hoop or even catch a pass, which frees up the paint for Wembanyama to punish the Wolves relentlessly. Julius Randle will contribute his usual dozen points or so, and Naz Reid will make an impact off the bench, but it won’t be enough as they go fishin’ before the weekend starts.
Birdsong: Barring officiating shenanigans or a team-wide shooting drought, I think they know they have Minnesota’s number. They looked incredibly confident by the 4th quarter of the last game, to the point that they let up just a little for a minute or two. They’ll need to approach Minnesota like a wounded/cornered animal in Game 6, but as long as they do that, I think they have it. Talk to me again once I see the officiating assignments for Friday, though, because I’m not 100% sure that the shenanigans are over.
Gomez: I think the Spurs will be eager to close it out and should be able to, as long as they keep Edwards under control and no one else from the Wolves has a career game. As mentioned, they have looked like the better team in general. Wembanyama has dominated inside, the guards have provided scoring, and the perimeter defense has been tenacious. The Timberwolves are a tough opponent and no one would be shocked if they force a Game 7 and end up winning the series, but I think the most likely scenario is a Game 6 win for San Antonio.
You can't keep a good man -- or in this case, a good pitcher -- down.
It got hairy early for surging Mets right-hander Nolan McLean during Thursday afternoon's series finale with the Detroit Tigers. With two outs in the top of the first inning, tall lefty Gage Workman launched a McLean sweeper over the left-center fence for a three-run homer.
McLean wasn't fazed. In his words, he "just had to find what was working."
Throughout the next six innings, the 24-year-old righty reminded everyone why he's considered one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. Even factoring in the early mistake, McLean's final stats were impressive. Seven full innings, seven strikeouts, six hits, and three walks across 93 pitches is the type of efficient line aces record and bullpens greatly appreciate.
By the time McLean left the mound in the middle of the seventh inning, the game was already out of reach with the Mets leading 7-3. Juan Soto led off the bottom of the seventh with a solo shot to deep center to punctuate that fact.
As McLean carved up the Tigers' lineup, the Mets' batting order burst into life. Carson Benge, Marcus Semien, A.J. Ewing, and the aforementioned Soto all stepped up with two hits apiece for a combined 4 RBI to help secure the three-game sweep over the Tigers, 9-4 the final score.
Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza only needed to call on his bullpen twice today, opening the eighth inning with Tobias Myers and handing the ball to Craig Kimbrel to handle the ninth. Excluding a home run hit by Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler off of Myers, the two relievers didn't allow a baserunner.
McLean attributed his mid-game bounce back to a conscious decision to "get creative."
Breaking down his performance today, one aspect which certainly stands out is McLean decided to "mix in the cutters in counts [he] normally wouldn't throw them a ton."
That cutter (8 percent usage) is the least-used in McLean's six-pitch arsenal, behind his sinker (36 percent), four-seam fastball (18 percent), sweeper (16 percent), curveball (12 percent), and changeup (9 percent). Today, 16 of McLean's 93 pitches were cutters, more than double his usual rate.
That uptick supplanted the usage of his sweeper and changeup, which were both down during his outing.
With the team looking to extend their three-game win streak against the cross-town rival Yankees, McLean remarked that the Mets "know how good [their] clubhouse is, and that's all that matters... [they're] not worried about anybody else."
His next start is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, the second game of a four-game road series against a familiar NL East foe, the Washington Nationals.
CHICAGO (AP) — Roman Kantserov is joining the Chicago Blackhawks after a record-breaking season in the Kontinental Hockey League.
The Blackhawks announced on Thursday that they had agreed to a three-year contract with the 21-year-old Russian winger, a second-round pick in the 2023 draft. The entry-level deal carries a $1,075,000 salary cap hit.
Kantserov, listed at 5-foot-9 and 176 pounds, led the KHL with 36 goals in 63 games this season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. He also had four goals and four assists in 15 postseason games.
Kantserov's 36 goals and 64 points were the highest single-season totals for a player under the age of 22 in KHL history.
The addition of Kantserov is a significant move for a franchise looking to climb out of a lengthy rebuilding project. Chicago also has the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NHL draft.
The Blackhawks went 29-39-14 this year, an 11-point improvement on the previous season and still nowhere near playoff contention. They have finished No. 31 in the NHL each of the last three years.
The franchise has made just one postseason appearance since 2017, and that was the expanded playoff format after the 2019-20 season was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jasprit Bumrah made a winning start to his Mumbai Indians captaincy stint on Thursday, as Tilak Varma hit 75 not out off 33 balls helped beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in the IPL.
Matthew Schaefer is not just a boon to the Islanders, but to the NHL as a whole.
The 18-year-old defenseman, unanimously named the Calder Trophy recipient Wednesday, has already been featured in some of the league’s marketing, making a video with Matt Martin’s twin girls to explain how the draft lottery works. If he continues on the path he set in his rookie season, it stands to reason Schaefer will soon be one of the faces of the league.
And, certainly, he’ll be one of the faces of the 2027 All-Star Game at UBS Arena.
“When you look at Matt Schaefer, you can look at what he’s accomplished on the ice, which is a record for an 18-year-old defenseman,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told The Post at the UJA-Federation of New York’s Sports Annual Luncheon on Thursday. “And you look at his maturity, his personality, the way he interacts with people. It’s hard to believe he’s still only 18.”
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) shoots during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at UBS Arena, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Bettman was honored with the David J. Stern Leadership Award at the luncheon, named after the former NBA commissioner who worked with Bettman for over 12 years when both were rising through the ranks at the NBA.
The 73-year-old Bettman was mum about the details of the All-Star Game, which will be the first the NHL has held since 2024 and which is expected to have a new, as-yet-unannounced format.
After two years of replacing All-Star competition with best-on-best, international play — first at the 4 Nations Face-Off, then at the Olympics — going back to an All-Star Game in which players aren’t trying particularly hard may feel like something of a disappointment.
Matthew Schaefer, left, stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being drafted by the New York Islanders during the NHL hockey draft Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. AP
In part because best-on-best takes so much out of players, the league has settled on a system of rotating between an All-Star Game and best-on-best competition — an Olympics every four years and a league-run World Cup of Hockey every four years — for the foreseeable future.
UBS Arena, which hosts its first tentpole event since opening in 2021 next season, feels like a bit of a loser in the process. It was originally slated to host the 2026 All-Star Game, but upon the league’s decision to play at the Olympics, that was downgraded to an unspecified sendoff event, meant to be something like a media day, which was eventually canceled.
“You’ll have to hold judgment in the answer to that question [about the format] until we make an announcement one way or the other,” Bettman said. “Everything [gets considered]. And if you have a good idea, we’ll listen to it.”
It looked like a foul at the end of regulation: Ausar Thompson stripped Donovan Mitchell before Mitchell could get a shot off, leading to a loose ball, and in the scramble to get it, 30 feet from the basket, Jarrett Allen collides with Thompson. It looks like a foul on Allen. Crew Chief Tony Brothers is standing feet away and chooses not to blow his whistle.
Ausar Thompson with the game-saving block on Donovan Mitchell, and then he gets tripped by Jarrett Allen, but no foul call (with replays).
The NBA backed up Brothers in its Last Two Minute report, saying he made a "correct no call." From the report:
Allen (CLE) and Thompson (DET) legally step to the same spot while pursuing the loose ball [before either player has possession], and both lose their balance from the marginal contact.
That echoes what Brother's said after the game.
"During live play, both players were going for the ball and there was incidental contact with the legs with no player having possession of the ball," Brothers told a pool reporter.
That's not how Pistons' coach J.B. Bickerstaff saw it.
"He fouled Ausar. Clear. He trips him when he's going for a loose ball. In any game situation, that's tough," Bickerstaff said.
Cleveland had come from nine points down in the final three minutes and, after that play, the game went to overtime, where the Cavaliers prevailed 117-113. Cleveland leads the series 3-2 and can close it out on their home floor Friday night.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Steve Kerr summed up the Golden State Warriors’ current state in two sentences.
“What we had is gone, but we’re trying to hang on to it,” Kerr told ESPN’s Wright Thompson. “I don’t know if anybody really knows if it exists anymore.”
That’s where the Warriors are in an uncertain 2026 offseason. Steph Curry and Draymond Green are still around, but in older, slower, more injury-prone versions of themselves. The team can’t stop trying to compete while they still have the greatest player in franchise history, and Kerr himself worries he “can’t walk away.”
Kerr resigned with the team on a two-year contract that may well align him with the last years of Curry, if not also Green. The deal came nearly a month after the Warriors’ season ended with a play-in game loss, a sign of Kerr’s deep ambivalence about returning to what he called a “fading dynasty,” though he insists there’s “beauty in the struggle” of “trying to fight until the last breath.”
It’s an interesting intellectual approach for a team that’s clearly a level below the best teams in the Western Conference. They’re raging against the dying of the light with the odds and the actuarial tables against them. It’s kind of like when Curry would read critical tweets about him during halftime, only this time the primary hater is Father Time.
The marketing department asked Kerr to stop talking about this concept while they were trying to push season-ticket renewals, because apparently “dying” is not a word that gets fans excited to spend money.
“Dying Dynasty” isn’t quite as compelling as “The Last Dance,” the name for the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, who had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, coach Phil Jackson, and a guy named Steve Kerr all on expiring deals. That team was united to win a final championship and also stick it to the team and its management that seemed insistent on breaking them up. (R.I.P. Jerry “Crumbs” Krause)
However, it seems to be the way everyone is going forward, at least for the next two seasons. Owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy seem excited about the plan, and still believe that as long as they have Curry, they can beat anyone. Maybe not for four straight series, or even a full seven-game series — the Warriors would have rested Curry, Green, and Al Horford for the first game of the playoffs had they gotten past the Phoenix Suns — but they can still be competitive.
That seems to be what’s keeping Kerr going. Realistically, it’s not about winning a fourth title. It’s about remaining competitive and having nights like the play-in win against the Los Angeles Clippers. And it seems to be about coaching Steph Curry for as long as he can and probably Draymond, too.
Given his comments about wanting to give the franchise a “clean start” after Curry is done, it sounds like Kerr is committed to being there for the messy ending. The dynasty might be dying, but Kerr is there to go down with the ship.
Mighty Miguel Vargas tries to lead the White Sox to a winning record … yes, in May … tonight. | (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Sorry everybody, but stepdad David is in charge tonight. You will not be getting a detailed preview. What I can promise you is a screengrab of the Statcast Game Preview, ice cream before dinner and no bedtime. Don’t tell your mom.
Tonight it’s Anthony Kay on the mound for the White Sox, who hasn’t been the most steady of starters but has managed to justify his position thus far. A bigger challenge for the White Sox await in Kris Bubic, who has acquitted himself to a 3.50 ERA on this thus far massively disappointing Royals season.
As if Derek Hill isn’t already ruling the Vibes Chart on the White Sox, he gets the start in center tonight and has hit Bubic extremely well (in yes, an extremely small sample size).
First pitch is 6:40 P.M. CST. You can watch the game wherever you normally watch it. I’ll be watching on CHSN and then I’ll be back with you for the recap. Talk about the game below!
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 13: Carter Jensen #22 of the Kansas City Royals safely slides into second base in front of Colson Montgomery #12 of the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Rate Field on May 13, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals are back at it tonight on the South Side of Chicago versus the White Sox. Entering tonight’s contest, the Royals are 19-24 and tied for third in the American League Central. The Pale Hose, meanwhile, are 21-21 and in second place in the AL Central, just a game-and-a-half behind the inevitable Guardians.
Chicago’s won both games of this current series, taking the opener Tuesday night 6-5 before winning last night’s game, also 6-5. What are the odds of another 6-5 Chicago victory tonight? I don’t know the answer, that’s why I’m asking.
Last season, the Royals smoked the White Sox in their season series, going 10-3 while outscoring Chicago 61-37.
This season, that has not happened. Instead, through six games, the White Sox have the upper hand, going 4-2, including a four-game split at Kauffman in April, while outscoring the Royals by a single run, 20-19.
It sure would be nice for the Royals to win this evening. 20-24 isn’t great but it’s a lot easier on the eyes than 19-25.
And, yes, it’s somewhat personal: I have yet to write a winning recap for the Royals as they’ve lost every Thursday on which they’ve played in 2026. They are 0-5 on Thursdays. Was it something I said?
Ah, yes, with the lefty on the mound, must sit Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone while starting (and again batting third!) Lane Thomas.
Let’s check on Thomas’ 2026 splits. As we all know, he was signed to face lefthanders, so by Gawd, he’s going to face lefthanders. How’s he batting against them? .235/.409/.353 with a double, a homer, 10 walks, and seven strikeouts. Those are not the numbers of a) someone signed to hit lefthanders nor b) someone who should be batting third.
Lane Thomas, please make me regret those comments. I’d love to eat my words.
Now, the White Sox, who face fellow southpaw Kris Bubic:
Hey, Randal Grichuk gets the start! Thought about him the other day. When he started for the Cardinals, it looked like he and fellow young outfielder Stphen Piscotty would be stars for St. Louis for years to come. Unfortunately, as happens more often than not in baseball, that didn’t come to fruition for either player.
The White Sox are Grichuk’s seventh team since leaving the Cardinals, which includes, of course, a spell with the Royals last year. He has collected over 200 career home runs and more than 1,000 hits in his 13-year career. Overall, a solid career, despite not reaching stardom.
Guardiola can claim 17th City trophy, Arteta weighs up another Arsenal reshuffle and Brentford’s European dreams could edge closer
A measure of Pep Guardiola’s greatness is to be found in Saturday’s FA Cup final being a 24th visit to Wembley leading Manchester City. As this born winner could depart in the close season, the meeting with Chelsea may be a third-last outing in charge, in which he seeks the opposite result to the 2021 Champions League final. Yet Chelsea are now in a state of flux – Calum McFarlane is in a second caretaker spell of the season, following Liam Rosenior’s sacking last month, having also filled in when Enzo Maresca walked out on 1 January. This points to a City triumph and the 17th major trophy of Guardiola’s reign. But this is football, so who knows? Jamie Jackson
FA Cup final: Chelsea v Manchester City, Saturday 3pm (all times BST)
Aston Villa v Liverpool, Friday 8pm
Manchester United v Nottingham Forest, Sunday 12.30pm
It’s do-or-die for the Detroit Pistons, who must win Game 6 on the road to keep their season alive.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a chance to close it out at home and secure their first Eastern Conference Finals berth since 2018.
After a crushing Game 5 loss, Detroit comes in on shaky footing, and my Pistons vs. Cavaliers predictions lean toward Cleveland taking care of business in convincing fashion on its home floor.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win & +1100 SGP.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 6 prediction today
Who will win Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 6?
Cavaliers: This is it for the Pistons. Detroit broke the hearts of the Magic when Orlando surrendered a comfortable lead in Game 6, and Cleveland did the same after an improbable comeback victory in Game 5.
Playing at home has been the deciding factor for the Cavaliers, whose postseason home-road splits have been a complete 180 from one another. Cleveland is a perfect 6-0 in front of its home crowd, and after seizing momentum in Game 5, I expect the Cavs to close this one out and advance.
Pistons vs Cavaliers best bet: Cavaliers -3.5 (-120)
The Detroit Pistons have to be heading into Rocket Arena completely demoralized after blowing a nine-point lead late in Game 5 and ultimately losing at home in overtime.
As a result, the Cleveland Cavaliers have gone from down 2-0 in this series to being one win away from the Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers rank in the Top 3 in points, 3-pointers, efficiency, offensive rating, and fewest turnovers at home, and they're a perfect 6-0 at Rocket Arena in the playoffs.
Evan Mobley’s emergence as a facilitator and his work in containing Jalen Duren have been instrumental in Cleveland’s success, and Donovan Mitchell — who has been much better offensively at home — should bounce back after a relatively quiet Game 5.
COVERS INTEL: Although Detroit averaged the eighth-most points per game in the regular season (117.8), Cleveland has held the Pistons to fewer than 110 points in all three head-to-head matchups at Rocket Arena in 2026.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 6 same-game parlay
Cleveland’s 120.4 offensive rating at home is third-best in the playoffs, and its 118.0 points per game at Rocket Arena ranks second. Cleveland has scored 107 points or more in all six of its home playoff matches, and I expect that trend to continue in Game 6.
Mitchell has averaged 30.2 points on 50.8% shooting at home compared to just 22.3 points on 40.2% shooting on the road this postseason. He’s scored 27+ in four of six games at Rocket Arena, and he’s reached that mark in three of five in the Eastern Conference semis.
Pistons vs Cavaliers SGP
Cavaliers -3.5
Cavaliers team total Over 106.5
Donovan Mitchell Over 26.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Spreading the Love
James Harden has averaged 6.8 assists in the Eastern Conference semis, handing out 7+ in three of five contests, including each of Cleveland’s two at home versus Detroit. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley has dished 5.2 helpers per game in this series, and he’s reached 4+ assists in six straight.
Sam Merrill and Max Strus have been more efficient from long range at home than on the road this season. Both 3-point specialists have averaged career-high makes from beyond the arc, and each hit the Over on their respective lines in Game 5.
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS at home in the 2026 postseason. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 6
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Friday, May 15, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Pistons vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 11: Blake Snell #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a photo with Zach Neto #9 prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Monday, August 11, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Tom Wilson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Had things gone according to plan, Friday would be Blake Snell’s 2026 debut with the Dodgers, who open a series against the Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. But instead this will be Snell’s second start of the season.
Jack Kochanowicz starts for the Angels, with his 3.97 ERA and 5.00 xERA through eight starts. He’s coming off his worst game of the season, with seven runs (six earned) allowed in four innings against the Blue Jays on Saturday in Toronto. Before that, the right-hander had a 2.17 ERA in his previous six starts.
But that almost didn't happen. He seriously contemplated retirement, according to ESPN.
Although he never went through with the decision, there have been multiple instances where retirement has crossed his mind, per ESPN.
ESPN says he discussed retirement for the first time in June 2025, about a month after the Warriors lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals in five games, losing star Stephen Curry to injury in the process.
"My wife and I have been talking about it a lot," Kerr told ESPN's Wright Thompson then. "I have a year left on my contract. Maybe one more season. Maybe two. When Steph Curry and Draymond Green leave, the franchise deserves a clean start. We are one injury from completely falling apart."
That's nearly what happened during the 2025-26 campaign. The huge blow was losing Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL in January, especially as the team was starting to roll.
Even before then, retirement had crossed Kerr's mind. The Warriors lost an overtime game to the Toronto Raptors, a contest they led for most of the game. The loss didn't sit well with Kerr.
"I think things have run out here," he said. "It's just time to move on. For me and for them. I'm probably being too emotional after yet another close loss, but it's probably true. ... We will commiserate and drink beer and watch the game on our computers and complain about all the dumb plays we made."
That loss was in late December. Golden State turned into one of the better teams through January until Butler got hurt. About a week and a half later, they lost Curry for 27 straight games to runner's knee.
The battered Warriors scraped their way to the 10th seed, somehow finding themselves still in NBA Play-In contention, as the season drew to a close. Even then, Kerr said he had his mind made up on calling it quits after the season, before the Warriors played a March 25 game against the Nets.
He told ESPN's Thompson that he spoke with his wife, Margot, at the time and they both agreed that the 2025-26 season would be his last. All Kerr wanted was a classy ending.
Critics wrote them off and said the dynasty was over. Their demeanor changed when Curry returned at the end of the season and they went into the NBA Play-In Tournament against the Los Angeles Clippers.
It was a fight and, in the end, Curry's heroics saved the day, reminding Kerr of what he'd be walking away from.
The atmosphere of the game, the postseason environment and the story of Golden State's season – that contest was gratifying for the Warriors and the thought of their once-existent dynasty.
"For one night, we're us," Kerr said. "We are champions again."
It was after that game he told Thompson in a whisper, "I'm not leaving." According to Thompson, Kerr also received a text from his wife, too, that read "You're not leaving."
The Warriors lost the next Play-In game to the Phoenix Suns, and Kerr shared a moment with Curry and Draymond Green. After the game, he said: "I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. There's a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas and all that."
He met with team owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. over weeks of discussion until a deal was ultimately reached. All sides agreed that there is still a competitive fire and they look forward to the upcoming season.
"We're thrilled that Steve's tenure with the Warriors will continue," Dunleavy said in a news release. "His impact on our franchise has been enormous, well beyond the championships and incredible on-court success. The character and leadership that he exudes each day helps set the tone for what we hope our franchise represents both now and in the future."
And despite considering retirement, Kerr said he's grateful for the opportunity to remain the Warriors coach.
"This organization has meant so much to me for the last 12 years − from ownership to our players, our staff and our fans − and it's an incredible privilege to be a part of something so special," Kerr said in a news release. "I'm excited to keep competing with this group."
COVERS INTEL: Although 