18-20: Chart

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 06: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his home run during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at T-Mobile Park on May 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mariners 3 Braves 1

Seeing José Ferrer once every three business days: Bryan Woo, .35 WPA

José Ferrer every day: Cal Raleigh, -.11 WPA

Game thread comment of the day:

Sabres Could Get Key Boost With Sam Carrick Closing In On Return

A major piece of the Buffalo Sabres’ depth could be nearing a return just in time for the second round.

According to NHL.com, veteran center Buffalo Sabres welcomed back Sam Carrick to practice Tuesday at KeyBank Center ahead of Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. It marked Carrick’s first full session with the club since suffering a left arm injury during a fight with Anders Lee of the New York Islanders on March 31.

The injury, which Carrick later described as a “freak accident,” originally came with a projected recovery window of four to eight weeks. Tuesday landed exactly five weeks from the date of the injury, and while he skated in a reserve role alongside extra forwards Tanner Pearson and Josh Dunne during line rushes, his return appears to be getting closer by the day.

“He’s out there right now getting some contact, and his fitness levels are good, everything. His return to play (plan), he’s worked really hard to be ready,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “So, it will be just a day-to-day decision on him now.”

For the time being, Buffalo appears set to roll with the same lineup that closed out its first-round series against the Boston Bruins in Game 6. Alex Lyon is expected to remain between the pipes, while Logan Stanley stays on the third defensive pairing.

Carrick, now 34 and skating for the fifth organization of his NHL career, credited Buffalo’s training and development staff for helping accelerate his recovery. He specifically pointed to assistant athletic trainer Michael Adesso and skating coach Mike Ansell for keeping him sharp while sidelined. Watching the postseason from afar, however, wasn’t exactly relaxing.

“Really figured [Boston] out after a few games, so credit to the guys,” said Carrick, who appeared in 10 playoff games with the 2024 Edmonton Oilers. “It was stressful for me to watch, but they did a great job.”

Why Carrick Matters To Buffalo’s Bottom-Six

Even in a small sample size after arriving from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline, Carrick quickly carved out a meaningful role in Buffalo’s bottom six. In his Sabres debut against the Nashville Predators on March 7, he delivered two critical late defensive-zone faceoff wins to preserve a 3-2 victory. One night later, he chipped in a key goal during Buffalo’s wild 8-7 comeback win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

His impact extended well beyond scoring. Carrick posted a team-best 57.3 percent faceoff rate over 13 games with Buffalo, including an impressive 60.3 percent mark in the defensive zone. His right-handed presence down the middle gives the Sabres another option after relying heavily on left-shot centers like Dunne and Tyson Kozak during Round 1. That detail could become even more important against a Montreal squad that controlled 55.6 percent of faceoffs in its opening-round series against Tampa Bay.

Offensively, Carrick found another level after the trade, scoring five times in 13 games with Buffalo after managing just four goals in 60 contests with New York. His hot stretch included a two-goal performance against the San Jose Sharks and a third-period game-winner days later versus the Los Angeles Kings.

“I think all the goals were probably a bonus,” Ruff said, “but a real good bonus.”

Carrick also seemed to click almost immediately alongside winger Beck Malenstyn. No matter who rotated onto the opposite wing, the pair consistently tilted the ice in Buffalo’s favor. According to Natural Stat Trick, the Sabres outshot opponents 62-33 and outscored them 8-2 during their 104 minutes together at five-on-five.

“Sometimes things just gel good, and we were able to connect for a few goals, which helps the confidence, for sure,” Carrick said of that instant chemistry. “I think we just play similar games. He can fly around, get in on the forecheck early, and I can play my game as a centerman where I’m trying to be in good spots for him.”

Buffalo believes Carrick’s return could provide a meaningful boost in a series where depth play and possession battles may prove decisive.

“It’s always tough, especially getting traded to a new team and then getting hurt,” Jason Zucker said. “But he was a huge impact for us when he got here, and we’re looking forward to having him back whenever he’s ready.”

The Sabres also had another young face back on the ice Tuesday, as 2024 first-round pick Konsta Helenius joined the club for practice duties. Helenius recorded four points in a nine-game NHL stint earlier this season before producing a strong sophomore campaign in Rochester, where he totaled 63 points. He has since joined Buffalo’s playoff group as a Black Ace and, notably, has been the only extra forward skating regularly with the team.

When asked about Helenius’ presence, Ruff cited the need for another center at practice with Noah Ostlund sidelined by a lower-body injury. Still, the situation could become more relevant if another injury opens the door for the highly regarded prospect later in the series.

Image

Royals vs. Guardians game 37 thread

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 27: Cole Ragans #55 of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning of the home opener at Truist Park on March 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Winners of their last five games and ten of the last thirteen, the Royals are looking to continue erasing the early struggles and get to the top of the AL Central. Today will be the third game of the Cleveland series that is going to be at worst a split for the boys in blue. A victory today would put Kansas City above the Guardians in the standings and a win over the series over the weekend could also catapult them past the now Skubaless Tigers.

Thoday’s lineup is an interesting one. Vinnie Pasquantino is in the fifth slot and Lane Thomas is batting third. Both Caglianone and Jensen will be taking the day off, at least until possible pinch hitting situations later in the game.

The big question of the day is which Cole Ragans will the team see today. His early exit after Jose Ramirez lined one off of is hand the last time he faced Cleveland has set Ragans on an odd trajectory in 2026. For two starts after that, Ragans walked a lot of batters and struggled to get his typical strike outs, both on the road. Then he came back to Kauffman and dominated the Angels with 11 Ks only to go back on the road last start and look a little uncomfortable again. Dominant or command issues, which will it be?

Opposite Cole will be Joey Cantillo who gave the Royals a very hard time in early April. He has struggled a little with walks all year but has been mostly effective. Kansas City’s offense has been much better in the last couple of weeks relative to when they saw Joey before, so hopefully they can get to the big lefty this time.

Game #36: A’s at Phillies Game Thread

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 04, 2026: Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Hohokam Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The A’s got smacked last night in the first game of the series last night. They now get another chance to get a win in Philadelphia and set up a potential series-deciding contest for Thursday evening.

It’ll be left-handed Jeffrey Springs on the mound tonight. He recently got through a rough patch that included a shorted start due to a hip issue but it seems he’s been able to put that in the near view mirror. Let’s hope we get early-season Springs this evening.

Here’s the Athletics’ lineup for this evening:

An interesting bottom third of the lineup tonight. New catcher Jonah Heinz gets his first start with the team catching Springs this evening. And we’ll get a Zack Gelof sighting at third base as well. Most of the rest of the lineup is in their usual spots.

It’s Zack Wheeler going for the Phillies tonight. He’s only just returned from his injury but has looked like his old dominant self through his first two starts. Let’s hope the A’s can handle him in his third outing of the year.

And the Philly lineup tonight for the middle game:

Gotta get the win tonight. Let’s go A’s!

Yankees vs Rangers: Will Warren vs Nathan Eovaldi

Apr 18, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren (29) follows through on a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

One night after taking down the Rangers and two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, the Yanks are at it again in the Bronx, with the chance to win their sixth consecutive series. It’s been a torrid start to the 2026 season, driven in large part by outstanding starting pitching. One of the hurlers who’s led the way takes the ball in the Boogie Down Bronx tonight.

Will Warren had a perfectly cromulent campaign for New York in ’25, but I don’t think anyone expected him to make the early leap he has thus far. Through 37.2 innings, his ERA is a sparkling 2.39, as he strikes out well over a batter per inning (10.99 K/9) and limits traffic on the bases behind him (1.062 WHIP). He’s mainly a three-pitch pitcher, with his four-seam fastball, sinker, and sweeper. But against lefties, he also features a curve and a change that have proven effective – hitters have ah combined two hits against the offerings, none for extra bases.

Meanwhile, old friend Nathan Eovaldi makes the start for Texas. If it feels like you just saw him, it’s because you did. His last start was against New York in Arlington, when he spun seven innings of shutout ball en route to victory, which also happens to be the Yankees’ last loss. Throw out his season numbers because the more pertinent information might be how well he pitches against New York. Eovaldi has a career 3.91 ERA but in 132.2 innings versus the Yankees, he’s pitched to a 3.05 mark. He’s allowed one run across his last 21 innings against New York, dating back to the start of 2025. Be prepared to be frustrated tonight.

The Yankee lineup tonight is about what you’d expect to see with no Giancarlo Stanton or Ben Rice, with Jasson Domínguez and Paul Goldschmidt filling in for them. Everyone in the lineup tonight has faced Eovaldi before, so they should have a reasonable idea of what to look for. Keep an eye on Aaron Judge. He’s historically hit Eovaldi well (.864 career OPS in 40 at-bats) and is on one of those Judgian tears at the plate – hitting .308/.459/.712 with 12 homers and 27 walks in his last 30 games.

Win tonight and clinch the series with the finale tomorrow afternoon. After that, the Yankees leave the friendly confines of the Bronx to head on the road. Let’s do it with momentum.

How to Watch:

Location: Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NY

First Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT

TV broadcast: Amazon Prime Video, Rangers Sports Network, MLB Network

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 / 105.3 The Fan, KFLC 1270

Online stream: MLB Network (out-of-market-only)

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Cavs at Pistons Game 2: How to watch, odds, and injury report

DETROIT, MI - MAY 5: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers had plenty of chances to steal Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons, but careless turnovers, an inability to secure defensive rebounds, questionable coaching, and overall bad offensive process kept them from doing so. Whether or not they can turn around will determine how this series goes.

Winning Game 2 will be tough. J.B. Bickerstaff-led teams are 5-1 in the playoffs. The lone Game 2 loss came when he was leading James Harden and the Houston Rockets in 2016.

Cleveland hopes to break that trend in Game 2. Heading back to Cleveland down 2-0 would mean they would have to win four of the last five games of the series. That isn’t an impossible task, but far from ideal.

Overall, the Cavs have struggled on the road in the playoffs. Since trading for Donovan Mitchell, they’re just 4-12 away from Cleveland. That trend needs to end if they want to make a deep postseason run.

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WhoCleveland Cavaliers (0-1) at Detroit Pistons (1-0)

Where: Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI

When: Thur., May 7 at 7 PM

TV: Prime Video

Point spread: Pistons -3.5

Cavs injury report: Sam Merrill, – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)

Pistons injury report: Kevin Huerter – DOUBTFUL (abductor strain)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Pistons expected starting lineup: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Previous matchup: The Pistons took Game 1 due to suffocating defense on Cleveland’s guards.

Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs118.9 (8th)115 (15th)+3.9 (9th)
Pistons118.3 (10th)109.5 (2nd)+8.8 (3rd)

GameThread: Tigers vs. Red Sox, 6:40 p.m.

May 3, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Kerry Carpenter (30) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers (18-19) vs. Boston Red Sox (14-21)

Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site: Over the Monster
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: Game 38: RHP Jack Flaherty (0-2, 5.90 ERA) vs. RHP Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.30 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Flaherty729.022.717.731.26.18-0.1
Gray523.013.15.153.84.490.2

Lineups

RED SOXTIGERS
Jarren Duran – LFKevin McGonigle – SS
Willson Contreras – 1BMatt Vierling – CF
Wilyer Abreu – RFColt Keith – 3B
Trevor Story – SSRiley Greene – LF
Masataka Yoshida – DHDillon Dingler – C
Ceddanne Rafaela – CFKerry Carpenter – RF
Marcelo Mayer – 2BZach McKinstry – 2B
Carlos Narvaez – CSpencer Torkelson – 1B
Caleb Durbin – 3BJace Jung – DH

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Playoff Game Thread: Knicks vs 76ers, Game 2, May 6, 2026

May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) talks to center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the fourth quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Tonight, the New York Knicks (1-0) host the Philadelphia 76ers (0-1) at Madison Square Garden in Game Two of the Eastern Conference semifinals. New York obliterated Philly in Game One and can seize firm control of the series with another win at the Mecca. The Sixers have too much talent and pride to roll over and die, so they’re sure to come out swinging tonight. As of this writing Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Philadelphia (ankle). The Knicks appear to be fully healthy.

Game’s at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Show those Philly fans what good behavior looks like. And go Knicks!

Jarred Vanderbilt doubtful, Luke Kennard questionable for Game 2 vs. Thunder

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets on April 21, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

While losing Game 1 against the Thunder was tough for the Lakers, winning Game 2 won’t get much easier.

The team released its injury report ahead of their next contest, listing Jarred Vanderbilt as doubtful and Luke Kennard as questionable.

For Vando, not being automatically ruled out is actually good news.

He suffered a gruesome injury in Game 1 when he dislocated his right pinky finger on a failed block attempt. This wasn’t a typical dislocation as his bone poked through the skin, causing the forward to scream in agony while the Thunder bench looked away in shock.

Vando was out for the rest of the contest.

However, during Wednesday’s practice, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Vando was considered day-to-day.

The Lakers’ medical staff deserves a ton of credit for treating Vando quickly and getting him into a situation where he is not automatically ruled out.

The surprise from this injury report, though, is the inclusion of Kennard.

He is a key rotational player for the Lakers, and this is the first time we are hearing about neck discomfort for the guard. The Lakers need all the help they can get to beat the defending champs. If he can’t play, that is a huge blow.

Kennard is questionable, so we’ll have to wait until closer to game time to see if he’s upgraded to available. If he can’t play, then players like Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. will have to step up in his absence.

Luka Dončić remains out, but he spoke with the media and provided an update on his health.

Unfortunately, it’s not a positive one. Dončić is still out, hasn’t done any full-contact work and his original projected time to return is at the end of May.

If he doesn’t come back before then, Los Angeles will have to play the entire series against OKC without their best player.

If that happens, then LeBron James will have to be magnificent, and Austin Reaves will have to play a whole lot better so that they can extend the season long enough for Dončić to play again.

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

NBA Playoffs Wednesday discussion

May 4, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives in against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Here are the NBA playoff games for Wednesday, May 6, 2026:

  • Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks — 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)  
  • Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)  

Enjoy the games!

Cubs’ Matthew Boyd needs meniscus surgery after sitting down with his kids

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Wrigley Field on May 3, 2026.

Matthew Boyd is going to be on the shelf for the foreseeable future.

But this time it had nothing to do with any on-field injury.

The Cubs left-hander is set to undergo meniscus surgery on his left knee, manager Craig Counsell told reporters Wednesday. The skipper said Boyd suffered the injury Wednesday while sitting down to play with his children. Boyd then underwent an MRI that revealed the meniscus injury.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Wrigley Field on May 3, 2026. Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

As of now, there is no exact timetable for Boyd’s return to the field. According to the Cleveland Clinic, recovery from meniscus surgery can range from a few weeks to a few months.

Boyd previously spent time on the injured list this season with a left biceps strain. He’s been limited to five starts, posting a 6.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. He did look better in his last start on Sunday, however, allowing two runs across a season-high six innings.

But between the injuries and downturn in his stats, 2026 has been something of a disappointment for Boyd after he was a National League All-Star for the first time last season. It helped him earn a spot on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster this spring.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) prepares to pitch prior to the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field on April 22. Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Cubs, even with Boyd’s struggles and time off the field, have been one of the better teams in baseball with a 24-12 record and are three games ahead of the Cardinals for first place in the National League Central.

To take Boyd’s roster spot, the Cubs called up reliever Trent Thornton.

Giants fall furthest below .500 since 2019 after series loss to Padres

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Baseball player Jesus Rodrigue slides on the ground attempting to catch a baseball, Image 2 shows San Francisco Giants player wearing a helmet and uniform, Image 3 shows Mason Miller and Freddy Fermin embracing on the field

SAN FRANCISCO — Jesus Rodriguez’s first six innings in right field as a major leaguer had gone off without a hitch. So, of course, with the score tied and two on and two out in the seventh, the ball came his way.

The multipositional 24-year-old playing his third career game gave chase to the fly ball from Ty France cutting toward the right field foul line. He dove, outstretched his glove but couldn’t make the play.

The ball glanced off his glove and rolled to the wall as France chugged into third base and the two go-ahead runs scored in the Giants 5-1 loss to the Padres on Wednesday.

The Giants’ Jesus Rodriguez dives for a fly ball in the seventh inning Wednesday against the Padres. AP

Rafael Devers supplied the Giants’ only offense with a solo shot to left off Matt Waldron in the fifth. Devers’ third homer of the year tied the score at 1 after Gavin Sheets opened the scoring in the fourth with a Splash Hit — San Diego’s only damage off Giants starter Adrian Houser.

Houser turned in his best outing with the Giants but came away with nothing to show for it. He held the Padres to three hits over six-plus innings in his longest start of the season.

The seventh inning started in the same way the Giants’ fate was sealed: With a misplay in the field. The first batter of the inning, Fernando Tatis Jr., reached when Matt Chapman couldn’t handle his hard chopper to third and scored when Rodriguez wasn’t able to corral France’s fly ball.

Not for nothing: Rodriguez contributed the only two hits the Giants’ got besides Devers’ home run. They struck out 13 times as a team and failed to draw a walk for the second straight game.


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What it means

San Francisco dropped two of three to the Padres to fall to 14-23, the furthest below .500 the franchise has been since it was 39-48 on July 5, 2019. 

After winning the first game of the series and pulling ahead 4-1 early Tuesday, the Giants were outscored 14-2 over the final 15 innings of the series.

The Giants’ Rafael Devers rounds the bases after hitting a home run Wednesday. Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Who’s hot

Devers far from squared up an outside fastball from Waldron, but the high fly ball carried just far enough to clear the wall in left field for his first home run since April 8. He’s hit safely in his past seven games, batting .318 with an .833 OPS over one of his most productive stretches this year.

The Padres’ Mason Miller and Freddy Fermin celebrate their victory over the host Giants on Wednesday. AP

Who’s not

Luis Arraez was held out of the lineup for a second straight game with soreness in his left thumb. The Giants are hopeful he’ll be back Friday after the team’s day off.

Chapman’s hitless streak extended another three chances to his past 24 at-bats, while Jung Hoo Lee went 0-for-3 to drop his OPS below .700 for the first time since April 23.

Called on in a lower-leverage situation, onetime closer Ryan Walker served up a two-run homer to Xander Bogaerts that extended the Padres’ lead to 5-1 in the eighth, raising his ERA to 5.52.

Up next

The Giants are off Thursday before they host the Pirates for three games. They at least catch a break and won’t see Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes or its No. 2, Mitch Keller.

Nick Nurse rejoins 76ers after brother's funeral, says Steve Nurse would want him to coach

NEW YORK (AP) — Nick Nurse rejoined the Philadelphia 76ers after attending his brother's funeral, saying Wednesday that Steve Nurse was a fan who would want him at Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Nurse was in Ankeny, Iowa, on Tuesday, the day between the first two games of the series against the Knicks in New York.

"I mean, kind of the film and the practice and the game and all that stuff kind of takes care of some time, right?" Nurse said before the game. “But I’m here coaching and my brother would expect me to be. He was a huge fan. He wants us to go play, he wants us to play hard, so that’s what we’re going to try to do tonight.”

Steve Nurse died unexpectedly at age 62 last Wednesday. Nick Nurse had remained with the 76ers as they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to knock off Boston in the first round, then fell to the Knicks 137-98 on Monday.

Nick Nurse said he and his family had received a lot of support, thanking opposing coach Mike Brown for offering his condolences when he began his news conference after the Knicks practiced Tuesday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Lakers’ Luka Doncic shouldn’t hurry back: ‘Be very careful’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Luka Doncic, wearing a grey jacket, with his arms outstretched among teammates in Lakers jerseys, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) falls to the court during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY — Don’t rush back, Luka Doncic. 

It’s not worth it. The Lakers can’t beat the defending champion Thunder. You can’t risk further injury. 

Doncic spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since suffering a strained hamstring on April 2. He said doctors initially told him he’d be sidelined eight weeks, which would coincide with the start of the NBA Finals.

He confirmed he went to Spain for platelet-rich plasma injections to expedite his return.  

“I’m working every day,” he said. “I feel better every day.”

With an original timeline of 8 weeks, Lakers star Luka Doncic just passed the 4-week threshold in his recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

The Lakers desperately need Doncic, who was the league’s best player last month, averaging 37.5 points a game while leading the Lakers on a 16-2 run.

But it’s not worth the risk.

The Lakers are facing the reigning champion Thunder in their second-round playoff series, trailing 1-0 after losing 108-90 on Tuesday. They need offense against the team’s historically great defense. 

They need Luka Magic.

But it’s not worth the risk.

Doncic recently started running. He’s not yet doing contact drills. There’s no timeline for his return. Game 2 on Thursday is exactly five weeks after he suffered the injury.

Lakers fans are getting impatient. Rightfully so. 

Doncic is currently running but has yet to progress to 1-on-1 work and physical contact on the court. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

In Game 1, they watched the 41-year-old LeBron James play brilliantly, finishing with a game-high 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, including 3-for-6 from deep. They watched Marcus Smart bottle up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 18 points and seven turnovers, his fewest points and most turnovers this season. They saw Deandre Ayton play with force, grabbing 11 rebounds. 

They felt like the Lakers had a chance. 

If only Austin Reaves had scored more than eight points. If only Luke Kennard wasn’t 1-for-4 from the field. If only the best player on the team was on the court. 


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Wrestling legend Ric Flair took to X to express his frustration, tweeting, “Please Get In The Game! Take A Shot Of Cortisone And Deal With The Pain! They Are Paying You 50 Million A Year, And You’re Not There! WTF!”

But Lakers fans need to keep their perspective. 

If Doncic returned too early, he’d greatly increase his risk of suffering a worse injury, such as an ACL tear, which can rob a player of an entire season. 

No one is more upset than Doncic. 

After leading the NBA in scoring, the Lakers are missing a massive piece of their puzzle with Doncic’s absence. NBAE via Getty Images

Basketball is his refuge. Amid the chaos in his personal life, it’s where he has found peace. Amid the drama in his career, it’s where he has silently fought back with an MVP-caliber campaign. 

“I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is,” Doncic said. “All I wanna do is play basketball, especially [at] this time.”

But Doncic also knows he can’t be shortsighted.

“It’s a tough one for me because I came back from injuries before too soon, and it wasn’t the best result,” he said. “But like I say, this is the first time I have the hamstring injury. It’s not the same like other injuries. You have to be very careful.”

Doncic strained the same hamstring earlier this season, missing four games. But this injury was more severe. 

Returning during the intensity of the playoffs against a team with one of the most suffocating defenses ever sounds like a potential recipe for disaster. 

Doncic needs to err on the side of caution. He needs to prioritize his health over a quick return against a team that won all four regular-season meetings against the Lakers by an average of 29.3 points. He needs to ignore the noise. 

Lakers coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment. 

“It’s very simple,” Redick said. “When he’s ready to play, he should play. That comes with the athlete having confidence. It’s no different from Austin [Reaves].”

At this point, it would take a minor miracle for Doncic to return in time for the Western Conference semifinals vs. the Thunder. AP

Reaves, who suffered a sprained oblique April 2, returned after a month in Game 5 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Rockets. 

How’s that going? 

Over three games, he has averaged postseason career-lows in points (15) field goal percentage (30.4) and 3-point percentage (11.8%).

At least with Reaves, he’s not risking a worse injury. He’s likely playing through pain. But he’s not putting himself in danger.

When it comes to Doncic, this is not an injury to be rushed, regardless of how tantalizing it may be to have the Lakers’ superstar on the court.

Everyone knows what the Lakers are up against right now.

“When you play against the world champions and [miss] having a guy that averages 34 [points] and eight [rebounds] and nine [assists] and is that special, that’s [tough],” James said. 

But it’s not worth the risk.

Doncic is doing everything he can to return, including traveling to another continent for a regenerative treatment in which he received injections of his own concentrated blood platelets to accelerate hamstring healing.

But Lakers fans need to accept reality.

Doncic may not return. He probably shouldn’t return.

Not against this team.

Not with what could be at stake.

Matthew Boyd injury update: Cubs pitcher will have knee surgery

The Chicago Cubs rotation just took another hit.  

Manager Craig Counsell announced Wednesday that left hander Matthew Boyd will undergo surgery for a left meniscus injury, with no timetable to return. The news is another blow to a Chicago starting staff that has been devastated by injuries since opening day.  

Boyd, 35, had already missed time this season with a left biceps strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list from April 6-22. He returned to make several starts and appeared to be rounding into form Sunday against Arizona, when he turned in his first quality start of the season. He allowed two runs over six innings to lower his ERA to 6.00.  

ESPN reported that Boyd suffered the injury while playing with his children.  

This is a blow to a staff that has been hit hard. Cade Horton, who was expected to be a key part of the rotation, is already done for the year after an MRI revealed UCL damage in his right elbow. Justin Steele, Chicago’s opening day starter in 2024, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn't expected back until later this month or early June. With Boyd now headed to the operating table, the Cubs are running dangerously low on starting pitching.  

Edward Cabrera and Shota Imanaga figure to anchor the rotation with Jameson Taillon still struggling. Javier Assad and Colin Rea, both of whom filled in during Boyd’s biceps absence, figure to see increased workloads again.  

Boyd signed a two-year, $29.5 million contract with Chicago before the 2025 season. He rewarded the Cubs with a career year earning his first All-Star selection. He was 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and a team-leading 179 2/3 innings pitched. He has a $15 million mutual option for 2017.  

Matthew Boyd injury update

Boyd has an extensive injury history.  

He has dealt with a flexor tendon strain, Tommy John surgery, a biceps issue this year and now the meniscus injury that requires surgery. Despite that, he remained one of the more reliable starters just a year ago.  

The Cubs entered play Wednesday at 20-14 and in first place in the National league Central.  

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd out indefinitely after knee surgery