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Brewers vs Cardinals Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals conclude an elongated series at Busch Stadium on Thursday night. 

After taking the three straight from their divisional rival before Wednesday's setback, the Brewers are a short favorite (-127) for the finale, while the total is set at 8.5.

My Brewers vs. Cardinals predictions and MLB picks for Thursday, July 9 expect runs to be hard to come by in a tight game.

Who will win Brewers vs Cardinals today: Cardinals moneyline (+119)

Logan Henderson returns from the IL, and the market is giving him plenty of respect given his 26.7% K-BB% and 2.42 FIP.

Still, I'm in no hurry to lay juice on a 24-year-old coming back from a back injury. He won't receive a full workload, and the untrustworthy bullpen behind him (4.81 SIERA, 5.01 xFIP in the last 14 days) will get plenty of work.

Over his last eight starts, Andre Pallante has the third-best hard-hit rate (24.3%) of any qualified starter. With him on the bump, I'd play the St. Louis Cardinals to +110.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Andre Pallante's 55.2% groundball rate since May 23 ranks third among qualified starters. His ability to keep the ball out of the air is crucial on a day with hitter-friendly weather (temps in the upper 80s, winds of 5-7 mph blowing out to right). 

Brewers vs Cardinals Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-107)

Pallante has been fantastic, and combined with a solid bullpen (3.47 FIP in the last 14 days), can limit a strong Milwaukee Brewers lineup.

Henderson's status coming off the IL may provide uncertainty, but his metrics are certainly impressive. He locates (105 Location+) his nasty stuff (107 Stuff+) while finding strikeouts (33.3% K rate), so it's no surprise Milwaukee is 1-4 O/U in his five outings.

We won't see a blow-up spot for either pitcher, even if Henderson isn't at his sharpest. St. Louis has cashed the Under in 12 of its last 14 home games, so I'm riding the trend. 

JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 26-26, -3.9 units
  • Over/Under bets: 35-18, +16.1 units

Brewers vs Cardinals weather

Brewers vs Cardinals odds

  • Moneyline: Milwaukee -127 | St. Louis +122
  • Run line: Milwaukee -1.5 (+133) | St. Louis +1.5 (-138)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+100) | Under 8.5 (-104)

Brewers vs Cardinals trend

St. Louis has won seven of Andre Pallante's last eight starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Cardinals.

How to watch Brewers vs Cardinals and game info

LocationBusch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
DateThursday, July 9, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVPeacock
Brewers starting pitcherLogan Henderson
(2-1, 2.74 ERA)
Cardinals starting pitcherAndre Pallante
(10-5, 3.60 ERA)

Brewers vs Cardinals latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Braves activate Eli White from the paternity list

PITTSBURGH — The Atlanta Braves have activated outfielder Eli White from the paternity list and designated outfielder Jose Azocar for assignment.

White joined the team in Pittsburgh for the finale of a three-game series. He is hitting .218 this season with four home runs, 15 RBIs and four stolen bases in 53 games.

Azocar played 11 games for Atlanta, which leads the NL East, and went 6 for 17 (.353).

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Joe Mazzulla shares reaction to Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to Sixers

Joe Mazzulla shares reaction to Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to Sixers originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

In Las Vegas for the start of NBA Summer League action, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke for the first time about his star player Jaylen Brown being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Still processing it,” Mazzulla said of the stunning deal. “Obviously, when something like that happens it’s not a black and white type of thing. There’s a ton of stuff that goes into it on and off the court. The part that I hope gets talked about more, and the part that we wanna focus on the most is really just the respect, the appreciation and the gratitude for what he did for the Celtics for 10 years.

“He’s a Celtic longer than I have been. He was here before me. He set the tone and started that and was a part of special things and obviously was one of the biggest reasons why we were able to be as successful as we have been. That, to me, is what we have to focus on more: the respect as a competitor and the gratitude for what he’s done.”

The Celtics drafted Brown with the third overall pick in 2016. Mazzulla joined then-Celtics head coach Brad Stevens’ staff as an assistant in 2019 and replaced Ime Udoka as Boston’s head coach in 2022.

Mazzulla spoke highly of Brown’s impact on him and the rest of the Celtics organization over the last 10 years.

“He made me a better coach. I know that for a fact,” he said. “The way he pushed me. The way he pushed himself. The way he pushed the locker room.”

Stevens, now the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, denied during his Monday press conference that superstar Jayson Tatum had any input on trading Brown. Mazzulla claims he didn’t have input either, and he trusts Stevens’ decision.

“Not input. Just, Brad comes to you and talks to you and gives you a breakdown and an understanding,” Mazzulla said. “In moments like this, obviously there’s great alignment within the organization and there’s conversations that are always gonna be had. But I think in moments like this, this is where you just trust, you listen, and you have an understanding for what they do.

“I think Brad is the absolute best at what he does, and there’s just a level of trust that goes into that.”

The Celtics acquired veteran Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-rounders in exchange for Brown. Prior to the deal, they signed free agents Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley. Stevens said he doesn’t anticipate any other significant moves to be made in the near term.

“I think that’s one of the big questions is, every time something like this happens, it’s like, how are you gonna replace? You’re not going to. I mean, obviously not only what (Brown’s) done in his career, but what he did this year, you don’t replace that,” Mazzulla said.

“I think that’s where it’s not a black and white thing, right? There’s two sides to it. We’ve also brought in people. And so, we have to have an understanding that we’re not asking anybody who comes back — whether it’s free agency, whether it’s trade — to be what he was, but they gotta be the best version of themselves and they have to bring things to our team to try and help us become a better team.”

So, what now?

The Celtics have formed a unique identity over the last few years with Mazzulla at the helm. That identity will undoubtedly change now that the Jays have been split up.

“We have a different roster. We have a different identity now,” Mazzulla added. “I think there’s been a clear identity over the last 10 years with the roster that we have, especially the cornerstones of the organization. Now, that identity is a little bit different, so the challenge lies in, how do we create that identity? How do we establish that identity, and then how do we end our season on a win?”

The Celtics’ surprisingly stellar 2025-26 campaign ended with disappointment as they blew a 3-1 first-round series lead to the Sixers. Looking ahead with a new-look roster, Mazzulla is ready to turn the page to a new era of Celtics basketball.

“When you look at the season that we had this year, it’s what we talk about all the time is the duality of the good and the bad,” Mazzulla said. “To have such a great regular season, but then when you blow a 3-1 lead that’s on everybody. That’s on me, that’s on, the coaching staff, that’s on the player. You have to look at all those things.

“So, I think you first have to have an appreciation for what we were able to do from a competitive standpoint. At the same time, have an understanding that the way we ended wasn’t good enough, and that starts with me and then it goes to everybody.”

The C’s will return to the court Friday night when they open their Summer League slate against the Toronto Raptors.

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LeBron James free agent rumors: What is LeBron's timeline for making a decision?

LeBron James' decision on where to play next is the one big bit of drama left in free agency, and he is taking his time doing so. Here are the latest rumors around his decision.

As a reminder, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are considered the leaders in the chase, with the Philadelphia 76ers potentially on that tier depending on who you ask. Also still in the mix are the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

LeBron’s decision timeline

Get comfortable, we could be here a while.

While there was an expectation — or, maybe better phrased as a hope — in some league circles that LeBron would announce his decision this weekend, while the NBA media was largely assembled in Las Vegas for Summer League, it looks like things will drag out longer than that. NBA Insider Marc Stein put it this way in an appearance on the A Must Win Game podcast.

"More people than not that I speak to do not expect a resolution this week. The feeling is that this is going to seep into Summer League and will last until at least next week."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst made an apt comparison to veteran NFL players who wait, let the market shake out, then make their call. From Windhorst’s appearance on Yahoo Sports (hat tip Real GM).

"He can join any team at any time. He can join a team in December. Because of that, there's no reason not to see how things develop and see if anything alters the decision. Just because you think one way on July 10th doesn't mean he'll feel that way on July 20th.

"The timeline is completely his. It's up to him. Because it's smaller money, there's no penalty for him to wait. I think this is what veterans are looking for. You see this in the NFL with veteran players near the end of their careers who aren't playing for top dollar can do: sit, wait, and watch the market. He definitely has a favorite in his head, of course he would at this point, but there's no penalty for waiting."

So we wait.

Would LeBron be happy in Philly?

Bob Myers made the case for LeBron to join the Philadelphia 76ers, and it is pretty straightforward: If he wants another ring, this is his best chance.

Meyers is the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the 76ers, and he appeared on “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul,” the podcast featuring LeBron's agent (hat tip The Athletic).

"If he was (on the podcast), I'd say, 'I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important. … What I would say is if it's about winning, 'Let's talk about that team because you can win in Philadelphia.'"

Winning is part of the equation for LeBron, but not the only — and not necessarily the most important — factor in his decision. Which is something ESPN's Windhorst got into on the network's Get Up. It's about his happiness.

League sources continue to tell NBC Sports that, reading the tea leaves, it feels like LeBron is headed back to Cleveland. That said, LeBron and his team are playing this very close to the vest, and nobody is sure exactly what he has planned.

Stephen Curry makes his case

Stephen Curry is in Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championships (which you can watch here on NBC and Peacock) and took a second to make his pitch for LeBron to join him in the Bay Area.

As much fun as a LeBron and Curry pairing would be to watch, it seems increasingly unlikely. Even if LeBron has been hanging out with Draymond Green lately.

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Lakers view remaining roster spots as ‘critical’ to team success

Los Angeles, CA - April 07:Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28), right, joins a huddle with teammates before a game against the Oklahoma Thunder at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

While most fans focus on projected starting lineups and ponder whether their stars are good enough, teams have to think about everything from top to bottom.

That’s why the Lakers remain focused on finding the best players possible, even though their stars are in place and they’ve announced the signings of Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

They still have at least one position open, and signing the right player could raise their ceiling or limit how good they can be.

On Wednesday, a report by Dave McMenamin on ESPN detailed where things stand in free agency and how important the final roster spots are to the Lakers.

A Lakers source told ESPN that the last spots “will be critical” for next season’s team.

The Lakers have had discussions with free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, sources told ESPN, pitching opportunity over the veteran minimum salary they can offer.

Since the Lakers need wings on their roster, it’s no surprise they are considering adding Jonathan Kuminga. He is a player they’ve been linked to since the Hawks declined his team option.

The Lakers have remained in contact with Kuminga’s agent and even reportedly offered him a two-year, $20 million deal. However, that hasn’t been enough to entice him to join the purple and gold.

Atlanta is even reportedly open to getting involved via a sign-and-trade to get a deal done.

LA figuring out how to sweeten the deal for Kuminga will be a challenge given their salary cap situation, but that’s the task in front of Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka.

Whether Kuminga ultimately signs here or not, the Lakers have to be smart with how they use their remaining spots.

They need a quality wing player and perhaps some more frontcourt depth. They have reportedly signed Kevon Looney, but they lost two bigs this summer with a trade sending Deandre Ayton to the Wizards and Jaxson Hayes leaving for the Jazz.

So, perhaps another center can be signed as insurance for Kessler if the Lakers can move some end-of-the-rotation players.

It should encourage fans that the Lakers are doing everything they can to maximize every roster spot. To win it all, teams need top talent and depth. That doesn’t happen unless you sign a wide variety of players with upside in different areas.

Pelinka nailing these final additions won’t be viewed as blockbuster moves, but it could be the difference between the Lakers having backups they can trust or praying none of the top players get hurt because there is no one on the bench worth playing.

Lakers fans should be hoping for the former scenario.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Report Reveals Red Wings' Asking Price For Dylan Larkin Was Another Stars' 40-Goal Forward

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Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has not found what he deems an acceptable trade package for Dylan Larkin from the mere three teams he said he'd accept a trade to. 

Despite various reports from outside sources that Larkin's camp had expanded that list by multiple teams, a new report from longtime beat writer Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press indicated otherwise. 

However, it looks as though Larkin may have expanded his list by one club to include the Dallas Stars, per fellow beat writer Ansar Khan of MLive.

The Stars are run by former Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill, but he reportedly shot down Detroit's request for goal-scoring forward Wyatt Johnston in return for Larkin. 

Like Stars forward Jason Robertson, whom the Red Wings have also been linked to, Johnston cleared the 40-goal mark this past season. He's also signed for for the next four seasons with a reasonable $8.4 million cap hit, which is slightly less than the $8.7 million cap hit Larkin's contract carries over the next five seasons. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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Johnston was selected by the Stars in the opening round (23rd overall pick) of the 2021 NHL Draft, in which the Red Wings selected goaltender Sebastian Cossa with the 15th overall pick.

While Johnston is now one of the top players for the Stars, Cossa appeared in only one NHL game from the time he was selected by the Red Wings, and was traded to the Utah Mammoth late last month. 

Dylan Larkin May Be Faced With Awkward Situation This Fall Dylan Larkin May Be Faced With Awkward Situation This Fall If Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is unable to find an adequate trade package for Dylan Larkin, there remains the possibility of an extremely awkward situation in the fall.

The Stars are in the midst of a difficult salary cap situation, while the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild, all of whom were on Larkin's original trade list, haven't been able to present an acceptable offer for him. 

With each passing day that a deal isn't reached for Larkin, the chances of him having to report to Training Camp in the fall and make the best of an awkward situation rise. 

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Thursday afternoon Orioles game thread: vs. Cubs, 1:35pm ET

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 14: Trevor Rogers #28 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 14, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Probable pitchers: LHP Trevor Rogers (6-7, 4.70 ERA, 65 Ks) vs. LHP David Peterson (4-7, 6.75 ERA, 68 Ks)

Where to watch: MASN/MASN+

There have been grey clouds hanging over Baltimore since Fourth of July weekend, and there continues to be a figurative grey cloud hanging over Birdland. After building some hope with two wins in Cincinnati, the O’s are back in the midst of their ninth three-plus-game losing streak of the season—including two close losses to start this series vs. the Cubs. 

The threat of rain has moved Game 3 up from 6:35pm to a 1:35pm, matinee start time. After being let down by the offense in Game 1 and slugged to death in Game 2, Trevor Rogers and the O’s will try and salvage a win in the series finale. Baltimore’s Opening Day starter has been on a heater over the last five weeks, posting a 1.77 ERA across 35.2 IP while limiting opponents to a .188 average. In his most recent outing, he pitched five shutout innings against the Reds, leading the O’s to a 3-0 victory. 

Rogers’ only other career start vs. the Cubs was one of the best (and unluckiest) starts of his Orioles career. The stingy southpaw tossed an eight-inning complete game in Wrigley Field, allowing only four hits and one run while punching out eight. Unfortunately for Rogers and Birdland, he took the L that day as the O’s lost 1-0. 

Opposing him is soft-tossing lefty David Peterson. The longtime former Met is making his third start since joining the Cubs at the end of June and is coming off a really rough start vs. the Cardinals. Peterson only lasted into the 4th inning against the Red Birds, allowing 9 H, 10 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB and 3 Ks. 

The O’s have struggled against even the worst left-handed starting pitchers this season. After a poor performance against Matthew Boyd on Tuesday, Baltimore is down to 24th in OPS against left-handed starters. And in contrast to his recent struggles, Boyd does have a strong recent history against the Orioles. 

In a start last season in Camden Yards, the 30-year-old lefty limited the Orioles to one run and five hits over seven innings. Baltimore won that game thanks to an 8th inning homer from Gunnar Henderson off the Mets bullpen, but will need more offensively today against the Cubs. 

Orioles lineup

  1. Adley Rutschman (S) DH
  2. Taylor Ward (L) LF
  3. Gunnar Henderson (L) SS
  4. Pete Alonso (R) 1B
  5. Tyler O’Neill (R) RF
  6. Coby Mayo (R) 3B
  7. Samuel Basallo (L) C
  8. Blaze Alexander (R) 2B
  9. Leody Taveras (S) CF

Cubs Lineup

  1. Pete Crow-Armstrong (L) CF
  2. Alex Bregman (R) 3B
  3. Seiya Suzuki (R) RF
  4. Carson Kelly (R) DH
  5. Michael Busch (L) 1B
  6. Nico Hoerner (R) 2B
  7. Ian Happ (S) LF
  8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
  9. Miguel Amaya (R) C
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Ducks make $90 million Leo Carlsson decision after jaw-dropping Flyers offer sheet

Leo Carlsson celebrates his empty net goal.
Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson celebrates his empty net goal during the third period of Game 6 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Edmonton Oilers, April 30, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif.

The Anaheim Ducks matched a five-year offer sheet extended to Leo Carlsson by the Flyers.

The contract, which boasts an average annual value of $18 million, will begin this upcoming season and last through the 2030-31 campaign.

The deal makes Carlsson, 21, the highest-paid player in the NHL.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson celebrates his empty net goal during the third period of Game 6 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Edmonton Oilers, April 30, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

“Matching the offer sheet was an easy decision, as [general manager] Pat [Verbeek] has intelligently left enough cap space to give us the ability to retain Leo,” Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said.

“We have extremely high expectations for Leo. We firmly believe he will continue his strong growth trajectory and become one of the truly elite centers in the league, while continuing to make a strong impact in our community.”

Carlsson recorded 67 points in 70 games for Anaheim last season. His 29 goals were the second-most goals in a single season by a Ducks player 21 or younger.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (91) celebrates with his teammates after he scores a goal during the second period when the New York Islanders played the Anaheim Ducks Thursday, December 11, 2025 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“We are very happy to have Leo under contract for five years,” Verbeek said. “We have viewed Leo as a franchise player since the moment we met him prior to the 2023 draft. He’s a character person on and off the ice. Leo is viewed as a top player in this league, and it was always our intention to match any offer sheet.”

Anaheim selected Carlsson second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and he’s since appeared in 201 NHL games and earned 141 points.

In 12 postseason games, Carlsson recorded 11 points to lead all NHL players 21 and younger in postseason points and assists.

He was named to the Swedish Olympic team for Milano Cortina 2026, but did not play due to injury. He donned the Sweden jersey in the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, and appeared in two World Championships and one World Junior Championship.

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How to watch every former UVA basketball player in the NBA Summer League

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Jacari White #50 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on July 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Summer League officially tips off on Thursday afternoon in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Virginia Cavaliers are well represented. The Summer League is one of the most raw and exciting events of the NBA calendar, so to get you set for all the action inside the Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center, here’s a look at every former ’Hoo set to take the floor over the next two weeks.

Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons)

The only former ’Hoo selected in the 2026 NBA draft, Ugonna Onyenso, will get his first taste of professional basketball with the Detroit Pistons (who acquired his draft rights from the New York Knicks shortly after Onyenso was selected 53rd overall).

Despite his wholesome disbelief at being selected on draft night, Onyenso should play a big role in the Pistons’ Summer League rotation. Onyenso will be expected to step in as a defensive stopper and shot-swatting force from day one.

When and where to watch Onyenso:

  • July 9: Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers at 5:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 12: Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at 4:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 13: Pistons vs. New York Knicks at 4:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 15: Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns at 6:00 p.m. (ESPNU)

Malik Thomas (Toronto Raptors)

Another face of Virginia’s 2025-26 roster, Malik Thomas, will get his Summer League opportunity with the Toronto Raptors despite going undrafted. The second-leading scorer for the ’Hoos this past season (12.4 points per game), Thomas will need to show more consistency from beyond the arc while flexing his knack for getting to the bucket to stand out this summer.

When and where to watch Thomas:

  • July 10: Raptors vs. Boston Celtics at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)
  • July 11: Raptors vs. Houston Rockets at 9:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 13: Raptors @ Indiana Pacers at 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
  • July 16: Raptors @ Miami Heat at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN2)

Jacari White (LA Lakers)

Perhaps the most exciting Cavalier this past season, Jacari White, will get the chance to make some highlights with the Los Angeles Lakers. L.A. took part in the California Classic from July 3-6, giving it three games under its belt before heading to Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, White has had a tough time cracking the Lakers’ rotation in the early going, seeing the floor for just ten minutes in their third game, an 88-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs. White finished with five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3PT) in the contest, hopefully a sign he deserves more playing time in Vegas.

Regardless, White has already found his professional home for the coming season, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Antwerp Giants of the BNXT League (the former pro home of Thijs De Ridder) this past week.

When and where to watch White:

  • July 10: Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 11: Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks at 10:00 p.m. (ESPN)
  • Tuesday, July 14: Lakers vs. LA Clippers at 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Thursday, July 16: Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls at 6:00 p.m. (Prime Video)

Reece Beekman (Washington Wizards)

Reece Beekman made 36 total appearances between the Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets during his rookie season in 2024-25 but spent the entire 2025-26 season in the G League with the Osceola Magic. Now, Beekman will get a chance to reignite his NBA career this summer with the Washington Wizards.

With the eyes of the basketball world on No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, Beekman will have the perfect opportunity to prove his worth as a defensive stopper (beginning with a big test against No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson on Thursday evening) and as the offensive glue for Washington’s young Summer League roster.

When and where to watch Beekman:

  • July 9: Wizards vs. Utah Jazz at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)
  • July 12: Wizards vs. Sacramento Kings at 8:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 14: Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls at 8:00 p.m. (Prime Video )
  • July 15: Wizards vs. LA Clippers at 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Long-lost ’Hoos edition: Isaac McKneely (Atlanta Hawks), Jabri Abdur-Rahim (OKC Thunder), Igor Milicic Jr. (San Antonio Spurs)

The Atlanta Hawks got in some early action at the Salt Lake City Summer League, where Isaac McKneely averaged 8.3 points per game over three contests. The former Cavalier, who spent his final collegiate season at Louisville, flashed his three-point stroke throughout the week in Salt Lake City and debuted newfound range, connecting on 7-of-16 attempts from beyond the arc (43.8%). McKneely will continue his Summer League journey as the Hawks begin their week in Sin City against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday afternoon (4:30 PM ET on ESPN 2).

On the other side of that Thursday afternoon matchup is Igor Milicic Jr., who will suit up for San Antonio. Milicic bounced around college basketball after leaving Virginia following the 2021-22 season, spending two seasons at Charlotte and one at Tennessee, before playing professionally for the Delaware Blue Crabs in 2025-26. Milicic was on the outskirts of San Antonio’s rotation in their early action at the California Classic, registering just 23 total minutes in two appearances (3.5 PPG).

Another major blast from the past, Jabri Abdur-Rahim, is the final former Cavalier taking the floor this summer. Abdur-Rahim, one of the highest-rated high school recruits of the Tony Bennett era, had a cup of coffee in Charlottesville in 2020-21 before transferring to Georgia and later finishing up his collegiate career at Providence. Abdur-Rahim spent the 2025-26 season with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G-League, where he averaged over 10 points per game on 38.8% shooting from the floor, but he played just three total minutes across three OKC games at the Salt Lake City Summer League.

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Anaheim Ducks keep Leo Carlsson, matching Flyers’ $90 million offer sheet for young center

NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Anaheim Ducks

Mar 18, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (91) moves in for a shot as Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York (8) and center Trevor Zegras (46) help goaltender Dan Vladar (80) defend the goal during the overtime period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Anaheim Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, keeping their rising young star at an extraordinary cost.

The Ducks announced their decision Thursday on the 21-year-old Carlsson, who now is the NHL’s highest-paid player under the five-year, $90 million deal extended by the Flyers one week ago.

Carlsson signed the Flyers’ offer sheet as a restricted free agent after a year of fruitless negotiations with Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek, whose typical hardline approach in contract talks with his restricted free agents backfired tremendously this time.

Carlsson’s new contract is worth much more than the league expected he would get as a restricted free agent, and the $18 million average annual value is significantly more than he had already indicated he would accept. The deal surpasses the salary of Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, who would have been the NHL’s highest-paid player at $17 million.

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England defeat India in fourth men’s T20 cricket international – as it happens

Harry Brook pyrotechnics take England to a thrilling first T20 series win over India at Bristol

3rd over: India 24-1 (Abhishek 6, Ishan 1) Not quite working for Sooryavanshi yet here in England, he looks to the skies and pulls off his helmet, shaggy teenage hair hanging in disappointment.

A big hit too many, squares up his body and throws the bat at a ball creeping up on him– the ball shimmies at the moon before falling into the hands of Curran at mid on.

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GUARDIANS AT TWINS: Ober vs. Williams, discussion

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 05: Gabriel Arias #13 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates his three-run home run on the base paths during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on July 05, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is in times like this where I have to intentionally remind myself how much I will miss baseball during the lockout.

I swear, if they can’t hit Bailey Ober AGAIN today…

Here’s the Guardians’ lineup:

Here’s the Twins’ lineup:

Let’s go, Guardians!

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MLB Strikeout Props & Pitcher Best Bets for Today, July 9

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A slate full of struggling pitchers take the mound this evening, headlined by Merrill Kelly's recent slump on the bump.

Let's take a look at who joins him in my three favorite MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks and MLB picks from Thursday’s slate on July 9.

Player PickOdds
Rangers Nathan EovaldiOver 7.5 Strikeouts+125
Diamondbacks Merrill KellyUnder 3.5 Strikeouts+132
Reds Brady SingerOver 2.5 Earned Runs-153

Strikeout prop: Nathan Eovaldi Over 7.5 strikeouts (+125)

With MacKenzie Gore going over for us last night but failing to cash the ladder, the amount of opportunities he had makes me like Nathan Eovaldi to shove this evening.

Does that correlate? Who knows, but the Los Angeles Angels are still one of the highest strikeout teams in baseball.

Over their last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, six Angels hitters own at least a 23.3% strikeout rate, with four of those hitters sitting at 33.3% or higher.

Eovaldi has posted a 29.51% strikeout rate over his last five starts. Across his last 90 batters faced, he owns a 33.1% called strikes plus whiffs rate and a 17.2% swinging strike rate.

This is a great spot for another strikeout pitcher to go over his prop against one of the most swing-happy teams in baseball.

  • Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: RSN, ABTV

Strikeout prop: Merrill Kelly Under 3.5 strikeouts 

Coming into today, Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly owns one of the worst pitcher ratings on Batters-Box, including the lowest matchup strikeout rate. His trends in poorly rated spots are also very appealing.

Across 17 poorly rated games, Kelly has stayed under 4 strikeouts 47% of the time. In six games this season with a poorly rated matchup strikeout rate, he has stayed under this prop 66.67% of the time.

Over his last 5 starts, Kelly's strikeout rate has remained below 13%, and on the road this season, that number drops to 10.34%.

Despite the San Diego Padres' 28% strikeout rate over their last 6 games, this lineup has been seeing the ball well over the last 21 games. I expect plenty of contact and fewer whiffs from Kelly in San Diego this evening.

Arizona has also been one of the toughest teams to strike out, owning the highest contact percentage in baseball over their last 21 games.

  • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: SDPA, ARID

Earned Runs prop: Brady Singer Over 2.5 Earned Runs (-153)

After the Cincinnati Reds put up nearly two touchdowns last night, I fully expect the Phillies to come back with a chip on their shoulder and return the favor.

Brady Singer draws a fully elite rated Phillies lineup over on Batters-Box, that features three elite rated hitters and two more with strong ratings. The wildest part about those three elite bats? They all own at least 57.6% arsenal coverage against Singer’s pitch mix.

On top of that, the Philadelphia Phillies have been swinging a hot bat as a team, posting a 111 wRC+, .332 wOBA, and .167 ISO over their last 12 games. With me already expecting Philadelphia’s star hitters to bounce back this evening, I think this is a strong spot to fade Singer.

  • Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: CINR, NBCSP
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • Prop picks: 282-526, -15.5 units

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Patrick Sandoval makes long-awaited team debut chasing sweep vs. White Sox

The Red Sox push for their sixth consecutive win in a season-best hot stretch. Boston eyes a sweep against the surprising American League Central-contending Chicago White Sox. Patrick Sandoval, who signed with Boston before the 2025 season, finally makes his team debut after an extensive rehab process. 

Here’s who the Red Sox will send to the plate behind him Thursday afternoon at Rate Field. 

The White Sox counter with Anthony Kay, who sports a 4.29 ERA and a 6-3 record in 84 innings this year. 

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Ducks match Flyers' massive offer sheet to Leo Carlsson: What it means

The Anaheim Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, keeping the rising star and creating a little bit of a cap squeeze for the team.

The $18 million average annual value on the offer sheet makes Carlsson, 21, the highest-paid player in the NHL, passing the $17 million for Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov. The Flyers would have owed the Ducks four first-round picks if they had not matched.

With the match and the recent re-signing of defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Tyson Hinds, the Ducks have about $9 million in remaining cap space according to puckpedia.com

Cutter Gauthier, the team's leading scorer, still has to sign and that cap space might not be enough after a 41-goal season. The Ducks' defense also could use an upgrade. That means general manager Pat Verbeek might have to trade a veteran or two to be cap-compliant.

Here's what to know about the Ducks matching the Flyers' offer sheet:

Leo Carlsson contract details

The Flyers' offer sheet was structured to make Carlsson's payouts mostly signing bonuses. Here are the details:

Leo Carlsson stats

Carlsson was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft behind Chicago's Connor Bedard. He had a breakthrough 67 points in 70 games last season. He was named to the Swedish Olympic team but wasn't able to play because of a leg injury.

In his first three years, he has 141 points in 201 games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ducks match Flyers' massive offer sheet to Leo Carlsson: What it means