Cade Cunningham, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama made the First Team. The Second Team members are Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.
The last Sixer to make an All-NBA Team before Maxey was Joel Embiid, who earned a First Team spot in his 2022-23 MVP season.
Maxey played through a nagging right pinky finger injury in the playoffs and his production dropped off during the Sixers’ second-round series loss to the Knicks. He still played a major part in the Sixers’ first-round series comeback over the Celtics and averaged 23.7 points, 5.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds in the postseason.
“I think this was a big-time jump and season for me,” Maxey said after the Sixers’ season-ending Game 4 defeat to the Knicks. “I did a good job of doing a lot of different things I wanted to work on last summer. I kind of came out here and executed them. This series was definitely tough for me. … I saw multiple bodies every single night. Every single pick-and-roll, it was a trap. Every single Brunson action, it was a trap. Every single time I got downhill, the entire team was in the paint and I was trying to kick out.
“I’ve got to really watch it because it was definitely one of the hardest series I’ve played in. I’ve got to be better for my teammates no matter what the case is, no matter what the defense is. … Next year I want to do some things off the ball and just not have to be in front of the defense all the time. When you’re in front of the defense all the time, it gives them opportunities to trap me a lot. … I feel like that’s one thing that really good players and great players can do. They can be on the ball and make plays on the ball, but they can also be off the ball and contribute that way, use their gravity that way.
“Drafting (Edgecombe) was huge for myself. He took a lot of pressure off me this season and he’s only going to get better, honestly.”
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 18: Buildings dot the skyline of Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009. The housing slump has spread to commercial real estate in the Phoenix area, where delinquencies on loans backed by office, industrial, retail and apartment properties have risen seven-fold since March, according to Bloomberg data. The real estate bust will stifle economic growth in Arizona and signal what may be a tepid U.S. economic rebound. (Photo by Joshua Lott/Bloomberg via Getty Images) | Bloomberg via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
ROCKIES
DIAMONDBACKS
Jake McCarthy – CF
Ketel Marte – DH
Tyler Freeman – RF
Corbin Carroll – RF
TJ Rumfield – 1B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Troy Johnston – LF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Ezequiel Tovar – SS
Ildemaro Vargas – 2B
Sterlin Thompson – DH
Ryan Waldschmidt – CF
Edouard Julien – 2B
Jose Fernandez – 1B
Kyle Karros – 3B
Aramis Garcia – C
Brett Sullivan – C
Tommy Troy – LF
Jose Quintana – LHP
Ryne Nelson – RHP
Three consecutive one-run games for the D-backs. That isn’t as rare as you might think. Indeed, it’s the third time this year alone, that Arizona has played three in a row decided by the narrowest of margins. It happened twice in April: from the 4th-7th, and then the entire series in Philadelphia from the 10th-12th was also one-run games. If today’s game is also decided by one run, now we’ll be talking. The D-backs haven’t had four consecutive one-run games since June 1st, 2019. Though even that’ll be some way from the franchise record. From May 30th through June 6th in 2010, Arizona played seven one-run games in a row, including an infamous pair of 1-0 losses in extras to LA.
The run has pushed the Diamondbacks back up the rankings for this year. Their 18 one-run games is most, by two, in the National League, and only behind the Mariners (19) in all baseball. It’s three times as many as the fewest in baseball: the Astros have only six. But the most successful team are the Rays, who are an impressive 9-1 in one-run games. The D-backs’ 10-8 is about what you’d expect, the general consensus being that one-run games are close to a coin toss. Though the fact we’ve been playing the team with the worst record in the NL so close is concerning. Still, a win today would make for a 6-1 homestand, and that’s hard to complain about.
Right now, the team are 1.5 games back of the last NL wild-card spot, and with no other teams between them. That spot is currently held by the slumping Cubs, who have lost seven in a row. Arizona has been getting it done against weaker opponents: their 19-8 record against teams with losing records, is behind just the Padres (20-8) in the NL. The upcoming road trip (San Francisco and Seattle) gives them a chance to continue that trend, before the schedule turns somewhat tougher. And, finally, we welcome BogoJoe to the list of guest recappers, making his debut there this afternoon. May his duties this afternoon be pleasant!
May 23, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss (22) shown in the dugout during the game against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The forecast doesn’t seem great but there’s still scheduled to be baseball Sunday afternoon in Atlanta.
The rubber match of this weekend’s Braves-Nationals series is set for a 4:10 p.m. EDT start with Atlanta’s Martín Pérez taking on Washington’s Foster Griffin in a southpaw clash.
Follow along and share your thoughts on what we can all hope will be an uninterrupted faceoff at Truist Park.
Jaylen Brown’s stellar 2025-26 season was recognized Sunday night with his second career All-NBA selection.
The Boston Celtics star received Second-Team All-NBA honors alongside Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic were named to the First Team.
Here’s a look at the full voting results, with Brown finishing as the top vote-getter on the Second Team.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2025-26 Kia All-NBA Team.
With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out until March 6, Brown embraced his role as Boston’s No. 1 option. The five-time All-Star posted career bests in points per game (28.7), rebounds per game (6.9), and assists per game (5.1).
In what was expected to be a “gap year” for the C’s, Brown led his team to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Brown finished sixth in the NBA MVP race with four fourth-place votes and seven fifth-place votes. Although the Celtics’ run ended with a disappointing first-round playoff exit, Brown called it his “favorite season” of his 10-year NBA career.
Even after his outstanding season, there are question marks surrounding Brown’s future in Boston. The Celtics have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo in trade rumors, and any deal for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar would likely require Brown being shipped out of town.
During a recent Twitch stream, Brown made it clear that he’d prefer to remain with the C’s.
“I love Boston. And if it was up to me, I could play in Boston for the next 10 years,” he said.
Brown last earned Second-Team All-NBA honors in 2022-23, when he finished with 26.6 points per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the floor.
A disappointing start to the Toronto Blue Jays' season took a darker turn Sunday, May 24 when the club lost slugger Vladimir Guerrero and No. 2 starter Dylan Cease to injury in the same game.
That's $710 million worth of salary departing their series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the initial word on Guerrero was, at least, encouraging. He was struck on the right elbow by a pitch from Pirates starter Mitch Keller and left the game in the fifth inning, but X-rays were negative.
Cease, signed to a $210 million contract this past winter, departed in the top of the fifth inning with a mild left hamstring strain after giving up two runs to the Pirates. Cease has posted a 3.05 ERA in 11 starts.
Guerrero's 14-year, $500 million contract extension begins this year; he's batting .287 with three home runs.
The Blue Jays entered Sunday 25-27 and in third place in the AL East.
May 23, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Jeremiah Estrada (56) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Athletics at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Athletics (26-26) at San Diego Padres (31-20), May 24, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Luis Medina #46 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on April 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The A’s are down to their last chance to get a win in San Diego after losing the first two games of this weekend series. They’ve dropped back down to .500 and though they start the day in first place in the AL West their lead could drop down to just a half-game s if they can’t bounce back and get a win on getaway day this afternoon.
This afternoon’s starting pitcher for the Athletics will be right-hander Luis Medina, who is getting his first starting assignment this year. The former starter began this season in the Athletics’ bullpen as he continues to rediscover himself post Tommy John surgery. So far the Athletics’ slow-roll with him has yielded positive results as the 27-year-old has a solid 2.41 ERA in 14 relief appearances for the big league squad this year. The A’s have accumulated a lot of young, interesting pitching over the past couple of years but Medina was a highly-regarded arm as recently as 2024 and the team is ready to give him a shot to get back into the starting mix. Today will be a big outing for him going forward.
Here’s the Athletics’ starting nine for the series finale against the Padres:
The A’s will go with the same top three of the lineup as yesterday, though Shea Langeliers will get a half-day as he’ll DH while Jonah Heim is the backstop today catching Medina. He’ll be batting behind Tyler Soderstrom, who is batting cleanup. With Langeliers DH’ing that means Brent Rooker gets a day off but he’ll be available for a pinch-hitting appearance off the bench if needed.
The bottom half of the lineup is also mostly full of the current regulars. Gelof mans third again, McNeil is at his spot at the keystone, and Bolte will handle center field. The only major change in the starting nine is at shortstop where Alika Williams will draw his first start with the Athletics. The recently-acquired Williams has made it into five games for the Green & Gold so far but mostly as a late-game defensive replacement. He only has one at-bat for the A’s but he’ll be getting more this afternoon.
The lineup will be going against San Diego ace Michael King. The right-hander will be making his 11th start of the year for the Padre and he’s been his typical dominant self so far. He’s coming into today’s contest with a 2.31 ERA, which ranks 7th in the National League. He’s also in mid-season form as he’s allowed just two runs over his past three outings spanning 18 2/3 frames. The offense will need to take advantage of any and every opportunity they can scrounge together against the righty.
Like the A’s, mostly the same top half of the lineup for San Diego this afternoon. Xander Bogaerts returns to the lineup after getting a day off yesterday while old friend Ramon Laureano is back in the lineup as well, replacing Nick Castellanos in right field.
Gotta get a win today to end the road trip on a high note. Would help to see a couple division rivals also lose today but we got to take care of our own business first and foremost. Who’s feeling the bounce back energy today? Let’s go A’s!
DENVER , CO - MAY 18: Jose Quintana (62) of the Colorado Rockies pitches to Brandon Nimmo (24) of the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
It’s been three close games in the desert as the Colorado Rockies play in Arizona for the first time this season. All three games against the Diamondbacks have been decided by just one run. Unfortunately, the Rockies have now been on the wrong end of two of those games. They need a win today to avoid a series loss for the first time this month.
Making the start for the Rockies is left-handed veteran José Quintana. Quintana looks to continue his streak of five starts in which he has allowed three earned runs or less. Despite giving up five or more hits in his last three appearances, Quintana has done well to limit damage and has been one of the Rockies’ most reliable starters this season. His last time out against the Texas Rangers he went 5.2 innings and gave up three earned runs on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
On the bump for the Diamondbacks is the right-handed Ryne Nelson, who enters today’s contest with a 5.19 ERA and 46 strikeouts over his first ten starts. Nelson is currently riding a three-game streak of Quality Starts where he has gone at least 6.2 innings. However, his last time out he was playing with fire. In seven innings against the San Francisco Giants he gave up eight hits—two of which were home runs—and two walks while only striking out three batters.
The Rockies have historically done well against Nelson. In three starts against them he has an ERA of 8.80 over 15.1 innings and has given up three home runs. His primary pitch this season is a four-seam fastball averaging 96.3 MPH and he backs that out with a slider as his main put-away pitch. He also throws a sinker, a cutter, and a curveball.
Noah Schultz will make his eighth big-league start, holding a 4.28 ERA on the season. | (Getty Images)
A bullpen implosion for the South Siders Saturday led to the Giants tying the series at one, so the Good Guys will aim to bounce back today with a win to head home with a .500 record for their trip to the west coast (3-3). Lefthander Noah Schultz will be making his eighth start of the season, and so far he’s been a solid addition to the starting rotation outside a couple rougher outings. The 22-year-old uses a five-pitch arsenal, relying most heavily on his four-seamer, sinker, and sweeper, while still throwing his cutter a decent amount (17.2%), though his changeup usage is just under 9%.
Noah’s fastball is the most effective, averaging at 95 mph with a .154 opponent batting average along with a .196 expected batting average (xBA). Still, his sweeper has a 34% whiff rate while producing a .136 opponent average. He’s only tossed his changeup 52 times; it has seen the best weighted on-base average (wOBA) at .257, and the best whiff rate at 40.7% — if he can maintain control of it, perhaps it wouldn’t be the worst idea to throw it a bit more.
Today’s lineup for the White Sox might not be their Sunday best with Sam Antonacci getting a rest day, but lately, this team gives me near-delusional optimism to stay in games.
The top of the order is still looking pretty solid with Chase Meidroth, Munetaka Murakami, and Miguel Vargas leading us off, with new South Side legend Randal Grichuk posting up in the cleanup spot and Colson Montgomery adding more power into the five-hole. Since escaping the New York Yankees, Grichuk has slashed .333/.360/.833 (1.193 OPS) with four homers and eight RBIs in just 14 games (24 at-bats). Please, Randal, make yourself at home.
Here’s how Tony Vitello is lining the Giants up against Noah Schultz:
San Francisco has been on more of a hot streak offensively as a team over the last 15 days, ranking second in home runs and doubles, first in hits, and fourth in OPS in all of baseball. Both teams will be trotting out lefties, with Robbie Ray on the mound making his 11th start of the season. Ray holds a 3-6 record with a 4.28 ERA in 54 2/3 innings and has struggled in his last seven games, posting a 5.30 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP in 37 1/3 frames.
First pitch is at 3:05 p.m. CT. It’s set to be a beautiful day out in San Fran, with a high of 63 degrees and partly cloudy skies. Tune in to the TV broadcast on CHSN, or listen on the radio at ESPN Chicago AM 1000. Let’s grab a series win on the way back to Chi-Town!
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Thunder Game 4 computer picks
Alex Caruso Under 10.5 points (-120)
Projection: 8.18 points
This may seem daunting after watching Alex Caruso in the first few games of this series, but the guard is due for regression.
Caruso went under this number in six of eight prior playoff games, and the San Antonio Spurs will do what they can to shut him down, along with the rest of the OKC bench.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet caruso Now at bet365!/span
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 6.5 points (+102)
Projection: 7.86 points
After playing just 12 minutes in Game 1, Isaiah Hartenstein has played 20+ minutes in back-to-back outings. His increased floor time will lead to more shots, pushing him Over this total.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet hartenstein Now at bet365!/span
Gilgeous-Alexander Under 7.5 assists (Odds)
Projection: 6.51 assists
With Ajay Mitchell out and Jalen Williams questionable, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to have to take on a much bigger offensive role. He'll be looking to shoot more, which should cut into his assists.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet SGA Now at bet365!/span
Spurs Game 4 computer picks
Julian Champagnie Over 10.5 points (-105)
Projection: 11.72 points
Julian Champagnie has played his part well for the Spurs this season, and he's currently shooting 39% from three. As the Oklahoma City Thunder look to close in on Wemby, Champagnie will be there to knock down outside looks.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet champagnie Now at bet365!/span
De-Aaron Fox Over 14.5 points (-125)
Projection: 16.02 points
De-Aaron Fox returned from injury and still put up 15 points in Game 3. He's eclipsed this total in all but one playoff game so far, and he'll do so again tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet fox Now at bet365!/span
Victor Wembanyama Over 24.5 points (-120)
Projection: 26.86 points
Victor Wembanyama knows he has to dominate if his team has any chance of winning. Going back to Oklahoma City down 3-1 is a death sentence, and Wemby will go all out to secure the win for San Antonio.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet wembanyama Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Thunder vs Spurs Game 4
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 7: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 7, 2026 at PHX Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns may have overachieved in plenty of ways during the 2025-26 season, still, overachieving doesn’t automatically translate to end-of-season recognition. That’s just the reality of how awards work now.
Because of the NBA’s 65 game eligibility rule, Phoenix had a very limited pool of players even eligible for postseason honors. Only Oso Ighodaro, Collin Gillespie, Royce O’Neale, Jordan Goodwin, and Ryan Dunn played in 70 or more games and qualified. So when the NBA released its All-Defensive teams aon May 22, you already knew Phoenix wasn’t going to have much representation.
2025-26 NBA All-Defensive teams:
First team: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, Derrick White
Second team: Bam Adebayo, Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Dyson Daniels, OG Anunoby
Someone like Dillon Brooks never really had a chance to be part of the conversation. Brooks played in 56 games, leaving him short of eligibility despite the kind of defensive season that absolutely would’ve warranted attention had he reached the threshold.
But what about Jordan Goodwin? That’s where the conversation gets interesting.
After all, he was one of the better defensive guards in basketball this season. He finished sixth among guards in offensive rebounds per game and seventh among guards in steals. His 110.1 defensive rating speaks for itself. When you isolate rebounding alone, you can absolutely make the argument that no guard in the NBA impacted the glass the way Goodwin did.
Which makes his absence from the All-Defensive voting feel a little perplexing. Not shocking. Perplexing.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2025-26 Kia NBA All-Defensive Team.
When awards voting rolls around, players on national television every week and players with bigger names tend to dominate the conversation. That’s the reality of it. Goodwin spent the year doing a lot of the dirty work that wins games and changes possessions without necessarily creating the kind of headlines that drive national narratives.
Still, not receiving a single vote feels surprising. Especially when you watched him night after night. You saw the hands. The point of attack defense. The rebounding. The hustle plays that turned into extra possessions. The way he consistently made life uncomfortable for opposing guards. The value was obvious in Phoenix.
It’s a question that fellow teammate Collin Gillespie asked via Twitter.
Side note, I do love seeing that kind of support. It’s one of those little things that gives you more confidence heading into the offseason that the Phoenix Suns are going to do everything they can to retain both of these players. Because they’re exactly the kind of depth pieces you want around your core.
I do wonder why, in this day and age of award oversaturation, there are only two All Defensive teams. Why not three? There are three All NBA teams. It feels like another opportunity to recognize players who lean into the unsexy side of basketball and make a real impact doing it.
I also have an issue with the fact that there were three centers on the All Defensive First Team. Maybe that’s the traditional structure. I still don’t love it.
Personal qualms with the NBA award structure aside, there is one potentially positive thing to take from all of this. Had Jordan Goodwin received recognition, it probably would have driven his price up this offseason. For a team towing the luxury tax line, every dollar matters, and if Goodwin had picked up a few votes, it absolutely would have strengthened his case for more money.
And yeah, there’s something kind of sad about that. You catch yourself quietly rooting for a player not to receive recognition because it could help your team financially. That probably says more about the state of the NBA than anything else.
I’ll cool my jets before I spiral into a larger conversation on the league’s philosophical shortcomings, and there are plenty.
I’ll simply end here. I appreciated everything Jordan Goodwin brought to Phoenix this season. He won the Marley Hustle Award, easily outplayed the value of his contract, and became the personification of a team that competed with grit, connectivity, and attitude.
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 20: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche faces off against William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Having lost both games on home ice to start the Western Conference Final against Vegas, the Colorado Avalanche find now face a daunting task as the series shifts to T-Mobile Arena.
A lot is riding on tonight’s game. Win, and set yourselves up to even up the series on Tuesday. Lose, and everything is in jeopardy.
Colorado Avalanche (8-3)
The Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights (10-4)
Time: 6:00 P.M. MDT/8:00 P.M. EDT
Watch: ESPN (US National Broadcast), CBC, SN, SN+, TVAS, TVAS+ (Canadian National Broadcast)
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM
Colorado Avalanche
The dominance of the Avalanche on home ice was well known ahead of this series. They didn’t allow a single victory at Ball Arena to Los Angeles or Minnesota in the first two rounds, but that’s all changed against Vegas. A hot start in Game One quickly cooled off as the Avs failed to generate much offense through most of game, resulting in a 4-2 loss. Game Two saw the Avs score the first goal early and had great success defensively, but they couldn’t build on their lead. That opened the door for Vegas, who scored three times in the third to defeat the Avs 3-1.
Having played a defensively committed team in Los Angeles, and having a full week to prepare for Vegas ahead of the Western Conference Final, one would not expect that this series to unfold this way. While the Avs have outshot Vegas through both games in this series, Vegas’ defensive zone play has also led to many broken plays and limited sustained pressure. Far too often, the normally high-powered Avs offense has been distilled to the following outcomes:
Puck battles along the boards are lost, leading to the puck going the other way
Offensive zone passes are broken up, leading to the puck going the other way
Pucks are shot directly into Carter Hart, or shot wide of the goal
Not shooting at all(!)
When you have Nathan MacKinnon on your roster (who has ONE assist in this series) and he’s not shooting the puck more than he has (three shots in Game One, and one in Game Two), that is a very big problem. He isn’t the only one that’s struggling to produce: aside from Gabe Landeskog’s power play goal (the only power play goal in five attempts for the Avs, but that’s a whole other issue), not one of the top-six forwards has produced any offense.
Brock Nelson and Martin Nečas have no points in the series. Both have had their opportunities to create, and neither have finished on their chances. Meanwhile, both Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel have a goal and two assists for Vegas. Brett Howden scored the game-wining goal in Game One. Ivan Barbashev has two goals, including the game-winning goal in Game Two, and an assist on Eichel’s goal. While getting goals from Valeri Nichushkin and Ross Colton has been nice, it simply isn’t enough: top-end talent cannot be held off the scoresheet.
Defenseman Cale Makar missed the first two games due to injury, and the Avs certainly miss him on both ends of the ice. When addressing the media on Saturday regarding Makar’s availability for Game Three, head coach Jared Bednar said that it would be Makar’s decision on when he’s ready to play. “No one can go into Cale’s body and feel what he’s feeling, so when he feels like he can do all the things he needs to be able to do out on the ice to play, then he’s going to make the decision to play.”
Having Makar miss Game Three isn’t ideal, especially with Vegas now having the home ice ability to control on-ice match-ups. The Avs need every advantage they can get, and if Vegas will continue to be without captain Mark Stone, getting Makar back in any capacity would go a long way.
Bednar did make a defensive adjustment in Game Two, reinserting Nick Blankenburg in place of Jack Achan. Blankenburg fared well in his limited time on ice, and if Makar is unavailable tonight, expect Blankenburg to get the call.
Bednar didn’t (and won’t) tip his hand regarding his goaltending, but Wedgewood is likely to start between the pipes for Game Three. Wedgewood played well through most of Game Two, providing his teammates with a chance to win early. While some criticism of his play on the Eichel goal might be warranted, that criticism can also be levied at the rest of the lineup for failing to give him more offensive support in return.
The Avs will have to be better throughout their entire lineup, and for the entirety of Game Three, in order to get back into this series.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas Gabe Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin Ross Colton – Nazem Kadri – Nicolas Roy Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Logan O’Connor
Defense: Devon Toews – Sam Malinski Josh Manson – Brent Burns Brett Kulak – Nick Blankenburg
Between the Pipes: Scott Wedgewood Mackenzie Blackwood
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas is heating up at the right time. With two wins on the road, they’re in the best position they’ve had throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A win today puts them in position to push the League’s best regular season team closer to elimination, and get one step closer to their third Stanley Cup Final.
Despite falling behind early in Game Two, Vegas was able to overcome Colorado’s tight play in the second period in addition to losing the services of defenseman Brayden McNabb for a large stretch of the game. Head Coach John Tortorella highlighted McNabb’s importance in media yesterday, “I thought our team played better, you know? It was a different team. As I said after the game [Friday] night, the second period, it was tilted, and we got out of there unscathed, very fortunately, and I thought that was the most important part of the game, was just being down by a goal after two periods. ‘Nabber’ comes back in, and I think it settled us down.”
Much has been made of Colorado’s ability to apply pressure late in games, but Vegas has proven that they are no slouch in third period play. In both games of this series, Vegas has bested Colorado in third period offense, outscoring Colorado 5-2 in the final frame, with two of those goals coming with an empty net late in regulation.
Tortorella also highlighted his roster’s ability to remain patient despite trailing in Game Two. “Team’s down one-nothing going into the third period, you don’t want to open yourself up and start doing crazy stuff and opening yourself up, because that team will make you pay, the team we’re playing right now,” He said.
“Just take each shift at a time, see if we can get a big play,” Tortorella continued, “We end up getting a big play. […] It’s a big play by a big player, and that’s what you hope for.
Given the production from his lineup, Tortorella doesn’t have to look far for more big plays from his big players coming into Game Three.
There is no word on Stone’s availabilty ahead of tonight’s contest.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Pavel Dorofeyev Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Mitch Marner Brandon Saad – Tomáš Hertl – Colton Sissons Cole Smith – Nic Dowd – Keegan Kolesar
May 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Ronald Acuna (13) celebrates after scoring against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
After playing right field the last three days while dealing with a bone bruise in his left thumb, Ronald Acuña Jr. will serve as the Braves’ designated hitter for Sunday’s home series finale against the Washington Nationals.
Mauricio Dubon is back in the two-hole against left-handed starter Foster Griffin (5-2, 4.02 ERA) and Ha-Seong Kim is back at shortstop after an off day Saturday. Eli White replaces Acuña in right field and will hit seventh, while Sandy León is back at catcher and hitting ninth.
All of the Braves’ experience against Griffin comes from his start against them last month in Washington. The active Braves are 4-for-18 (.222) against him. Dubon was 2-for-3 with a double, Michael Harris II had a double and White homered off Griffin, who has two strikeouts and one walk against current Braves.
The Nationals will replace a pair of lefty hitters (Jose Tena at first and Jorbit Vivas at third) with righties (Andres Chaparro at first and Curtis Mead at third) against left-handed Braves starter Martín Pérez. Mead is hitting second and Chaparro is hitting third, sandwiched between James Wood and CJ Abrams in the top four spots of the lineup.
The Nationals’ current roster is a combined 4-for-16 (.250) against Pérez. Abrams (2-for-5) has half of those hits, including a solo homer. Wood (1-for-2) homered off Pérez in his relief appearance last month at Washington. The Nationals have struck out five times and worked no walks against Pérez.
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) running across the basketball court during an NBA game as fans watch from the stands.
The only thing more unbelievable than the Knicks’ 10-game win streak through the playoffs are the ticket prices at Madison Square Garden.
It looks like two tickets for a potential Game 3 at The Garden in the NBA Finals have already been sold after the Knicks went up 3-0 on the Cavaliers with a chance to make the Finals for the first time since 1999.
According to sports business reporter Darren Rovell, two courtside tickets have been sold on StubHub for a staggering $279,804.
The first two courtside seats have sold for the first Knicks Finals home game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years.
The secondary ticket market for a Knicks Finals game has some eye-popping prices just for a chance to see these Knicks try to snap the franchise’s 53-year championship drought.
The cheapest price for a single ticket to Game 3 of the Finals at MSG is $3,265 as of Sunday morning on Tick PIck. That seat in is in section 418.
Fans who want to get closer to the action will find prices as high as $192,000 at Seat Geek to sit in Section 6 D behind the Knicks bench. Believe it or not, that’s more money than a few 1-bed, 1-bath apartments in midtown Manhattan listed on Zillow.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
How does that compare to the two teams in the Western Conference finals?
If the Thunder make the Finals, they would host Game 1 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and the highest ticket price on the secondary market for that game is currently $12,339 for a seat in Section 106.
Prices for a good seat at a potential Finals Game 1 with the Spurs hosting are a bit higher. The most expensive tickets at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio are a center court seat in Section 8 for $21,803 at Seat Geek and a $29,126 Box seat.
Knicks Merch Shop
SOAR wireless speaker and bottle opener
Customizable jersey
Hydrapeak 30-ounce stainless steel tumbler
ZHATS adjustable cap
Pro Standard double knit full zip hoodie
Ultra Game team crew socks (3-pack)
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
In both cases, the get-in price for a potential Game 1 at either area is around $1,000, which is a third of the price of the cheapest seat at The Garden.
Thunder
Spurs
