The MLB action continues this Sunday on NBCSN and Peacock, starting at 12:00 PM ET, with a Sunday Leadoff showdown featuring the Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins. Then, at 7:00 PM ET, the Detroit Tigers take on the Kansas City Royals in this week's Sunday Night Baseball thriller. See below for additional information on how to stream both games.
Four-time Gold Glove first baseman Eric Hosmer and former Detroit Tiger outfielder Andy Dirks will join play-by-play voice Jason Benetti on NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team this week.
Former relief pitcher Adam Ottavino will serve as an analyst on Sunday night and offer unique “Inside the Pitch” insights. Ahmed Fareed will host the Rangers vs Tigers pregame show alongside 2016 World Series Champion centerfielder Dexter Fowler.
How to watch Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals:
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This whole stretch has been such a whirlwind, there has been no time really spent on narratives. Beginning April 17, the Cubs played 13 games in 13 days. That included a trip to Los Angeles and San Diego in there as well as series again the Mets and Phillies, both with playoff aspirations. They aced that test with a 10-3 record, audaciously starting it with eight straight wins to run a winning streak to 10 games before stumbling out west. But in addition to those 13 games in 13 days, they had just one day off and then 10 more games. They’ve now played seven of that 10 and won them all to run a winning streak to nine games.
Not just a 19-3 run, but a 19-3 run in 25 days. If it feels like this is a historic run, I do believe that is accurate. I believe the 19-3 stretch of 22 games runs all of the way back to 1935. None of us were alive for anything like this before. Even then, baseball was vastly different than what it is today. Somehow, some way this team finds itself chasing history of the best kind. Another test awaits as they set back out on the road. But the Cubs leave Wrigley riding a 15-game home winning streak that, again, none of us has ever seen. They leave with the best record in baseball (tied with the Braves and Yankees). This has been remarkable and a whole lot of fun.
Thursday, the script was a bit different. The team got a fairly dominant start from Shōta Imanaga. Imanaga was particularly sharp over the first four innings while the game was tight. He can probably be excused a little for getting out of the zone following a fourth inning that saw the Cubs bat seemingly forever. They tallied seven runs against two Reds pitchers, including a delay for an injured pitcher.
The only blemish on the game was the bullpen not being able to limp across the finish line without Daniel Palencia getting into the game to record the last out. The offense produced seven hits and drew seven walks and a hit by pitch. As was often the case in this series, the difference defensively between an elite Cub defense and a leaky Reds defense was on display. The Reds weren’t charged with any errors, but they definitely had some miscues, including one particularly absent-minded play that robbed Ke’Bryan Hayes of a nifty highlight reel (would have been) double play.
I’ve talked in years past about the Cubs getting greedy. They are playing the greediest baseball I’ve ever seen. They’ve definitely caught some teams at the right time. But they have pounced just about every time an opponent has faltered over these last 22 games. It’s breathtaking and a whole lot of fun. Soak it in, Cubs fans. It won’t always be this way. Enjoy the ride.
Three Positives:
Michael Conforto crushed the ball all day long. Single, double, homer, walk, two runs, two runs driven in. He has just 45 plate appearances but a .361/.467/.667 line.
Shōta Imanaga threw six innings and allowed one run on six hits and three walks while striking out 10.
Miguel Amaya had a two-run single, drew a walk and was hit by a pitch.
Game 38, May 7: Cubs 8, Reds 3 (26-12)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Shōta Imanaga (.221). 6 IP, 28 BF, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 10 K (W 4-2)
Hero: Michael Conforto (.176). 3-3, HR, BB, 2 RBI, 2 R
Sidekick: Pete Crow-Armstrong (.091). 1-3, BB, RBI, R, SB
THREE GOATS:
Billy Goat: Nico Hoerner (-.094). 1-4, BB, RBI, R, DP
Goat: Moisés Ballesteros (-.049). 0-4, BB
Kid: Dansby Swanson (-.019). 0-3, BB, RBI, R
WPA Play of the Game: Michael Conforto’s solo homer in the second inning kicked off the scoring. (.115)
*Reds Play of the Game: With runners at first and second with no outs in the third inning and the Cubs up one, Rhett Lowder got Nico Hoerner to ground into an around the horn double play. (.089)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 37 Winner: Pete Crow-Armstrong received 223 of 242 votes.
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
A reminder that Imanaga was the 2024 Rizzo Award winner (nudging out Seiya Suzuki).
Current Win Pace: 110.84
Up Next: The Cubs travel to Texas to face the Rangers (17-20). The Rangers have lost seven of 10 and are just 7-8 at home. This feels like a little bit of a trap series at the end of a very long stretch of games and a closely contested series with the Reds. Ben Brown (1-1, 2.10, 25.2 IP) makes his first start after 12 relief appearances. He’s made 23 big league starts for the Cubs, including a few spectacular ones. He threw in the opener of the Reds series, so he’ll only be on three days rest. It’s hard to see him going any more than three innings. My guess is that they hope to get once through the order and then piggyback with Javier Assad. This is essentially a bullpen game with a highly depleted bullpen. Hopefully, the offense can jump out early.
26-year-old Kumar Rocker (1-3, 4.71, 28.2 IP) makes his seventh start of the year for the Rangers. Last time out, he allowed five runs on seven hits in just two innings against the Tigers in Detroit. The 3rd overall pick by the Rangers in 2022 had made 23 career starts with a 5.25 ERA. A couple of starts ago he held the Pirates to one run in six innings and he followed that with two runs over six against the A’s. Both of those starts were in Texas.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12, 2026: Allan Castro #94 of the Boston Red Sox runs out a fly ball during the second inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex on March 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Woo Sox got a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning, which gave a position player the win as a pitcher on Thursday night over the RailRiders (NYY). Other than that, things were pretty uneventful.
Worcester had two-hit efforts from Nick Sogard, Anthony Seigler, and Allan Castro, Thursday night’s hero. Seigler homered in the 4th. Castro’s two-run shot in the 12th walked it off.
ALLAN CASTRO WALK-OFF HOME RUN IN WORCESTER!
The Boston Red Sox prospect has five homers and 23 RBI in Triple-A this season. pic.twitter.com/QhP6OL7Sb2
Catcher/First baseman Nathan Hickey got the win after pitching the top of the 12th. Hickey has actually pitched in four games this season, allowing just one run in 3 ⅓ innings over those appearances. He spoke in the postgame about it being his first win as a pitcher since high school.
Nathan Hickey went from being placed on the development list this afternoon with the WooSox to being put back on the active roster once Mickey Gasper was called up to Boston.
Then Hickey, who is not a pitcher, picked up the win on the hill in extras for AAA Worcester.
Seth Martinez got the start, allowing three runs in two innings, giving way to a slew of relievers, which the Woo Sox eventually ran out of. Braiden Ward had two walks and two stolen bases, his 15th and 16th of the season.
Worcester has not announced a starter for the 6:05 ET game this evening.
The Sea Dogs played a doubleheader against the Fisher Cats (TOR), after a Wednesday rainout. For two years running now, Dean Roussel has a voodoo doll on me, where the Wednesday games get rained out, leaving me with an extra game on the Thursday write-ups. I won’t forget this, Dean.
In Game One, the bats were cold for Portland, with both runs coming in the bottom of the ninth, neither of which was credited with an RBI. Marvin Alcantara and Brooks Brannon had two hits apiece.
Blake Wehunt got the start, allowing three runs in three innings. He’s now 0-2 with an 8.64 ERA at Double-A. Max Carlson kept things in check, throwing the final four innings, without allowing an earned run.
In Game Two, much like Worcester, the game went to three extra innings. With the doubleheaders being scheduled for two seven-inning bouts, this one went into ten, with the Sea Dogs coming up short.
Center fielder Will Turner put Portland on the board in the first, with a two-run homer. Franklin Arias, Ronald Rosario, and Max Ferguson each had two hits on the day. Portland tied the game in both the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings, thanks to an RBI single by Miguel Bleis in the eighth and a FisherCats throwing error on a bunt in the ninth.
Caleb Bolden struck out eight over 3 ⅓ innings, allowing just one earned run. In fact, only three of the seven runs allowed by Sea Dogs pitchers were earned, thanks to all of the unearned runs scored by the designated runner in extras.
The Drive hitters were raking on Thursday, totaling 16 hits on the day in the 6-4 win over the Grasshoppers (PIT). As seen in the box score above, basically the entire team had two hits.
Things got started early (as early as possible) with Justin Gonzales homering on the first pitch of the game, his fifth.
As Tyler points out, Godbout’s power has arrived this year. A second-round pick a year ago, that was his fifth home run of the season. Fangraphs rates Godbout to have a 30-grade “present” power and 40-future, but with five doubles and five bombs in 22 games, that may be changing quickly. His slash line is .281/.390/.506 on the year with a 135 wRC+.
Brandon Neely was the bulk guy on the mound in this one, gaining a win that he wasn’t particularly deserving of, allowing five hits and three runs in 3 ⅔. Matt McShane got the save.
Neither team has announced a starter for tonight, at 7:00.
Christian Doutch got the start and allowed three runs (two earned) in 3 ⅓ innings and the RidgeYaks were barely able to muster anything offensively. They ended up with five hits, with Skylar King’s single in the first being the lone RBI, and Delmarva (BAL) won 6-2.
Barrett Morgan (1-0, 0.96) gets the ball on Friday at 6:35.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 06: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians watches from the dug out against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 06, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is time for the Guardians and Twins to play again.
The Twins are 16-22, 13th in wRC+ at 99, 12th in baserunning runs above average at 0.7, 22nd in Defense at -8.4, 15th in starting pitcher ERA at 4.12 (4.08 FIP), and 29th in bullpen ERA at 5.81 (4.71 FIP).
The Guardians are 20-19, 17th in wRC+ at 97, 25th in baserunning runs above average at -1.1, 13th in Defense at -4.7, ninth in starting pitcher ERA at 3.94 (4.33 FIP), and 16th in bullpen ERA at 4.12 (4.12 FIP).
Matchups: Game One: Parker Messick, LHP 2.20 ERA (3.07 FIP) vs. Connor Prielipp, 3.86 ERA (4.14 FIP) Game Two: Tanner Bibee, RHP 4.58 ERA (4.51 FIP) vs. Joe Ryan, RHP, 3.72 ERA (3.04 FIP) Game Three: Gavin Williams, RHP 3.28 ERA (4.15 ERA) vs. Taj Bradley, RHP, 2.87 ERA (3.52 FIP)
As luck would have it, the Guardians will face the best of the Twins’ starters this weekend. All eyes will be on Joe Ryan after he left his last start with elbow soreness. It will be key to get the Twins’ starters out of the game as soon as possible and take advantage of their poor bullpen. Let’s get Bibee and Williams back on track and take a series.
The NBA playoffs really bring out the competitive side in people.
In 2020, LeBron James famously led the Lakers to the NBA title in a season massively disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Anthony Davis was great during that run, Alex Caruso was the breakout star. His two-way ability as a glue guy was proof that those types of players can flip an entire series — just as Caruso did.
Six years later and that competitive fire still burns deep inside James and Caruso. However, instead of teaming up to win another title, they’re battling on opposite sides.
And it got heated Thursday night.
After winning the 2020 NBA title together when with the Lakers, LeBron James and Alex Caruso got into an NSFW argument during Thursday’s Game 2.Getty Images James was sensational for the Lakers with 23 points in the losing effort, while Caruso was a +17 in 22 minutes in the win.Getty Images
With 22.2 seconds remaining in the third quarter and the Lakers trailing 92-80, cameras overhead an NSFW argument between James and Caruso while OKC’s Ajai Mitchell was shooting free throws.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees hits a three run RBI double during the game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on May 7, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, LSB.
The Rangers lost to the Yankees yesterday, 9-2.
Evan Grant writes about the slim margin of error the Rangers have to work with in order to get a win these days.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: A detailed view of the jacket worn by Cleveland Guardians third-base coach Rouglas Odor during the team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field on April 29, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians somehow managed a split in Kansas City and now they return home to play the Twins. Finally, some sweet AL Central action.
Here’s our recap of yesterday’s 8-5 win over the Royals. Tim Stebbins reports that Slade Cecconi felt like his off-speed was the key for a better performance. He still gave up six hits and three walks, so I’m going to hold on to some skepticism, but I love Slade, so I hope it’s real.
I did a Disgusting Baseball Podcast with Mike Mahoney where we talked through six wins and six losses for the 2026 Guardians who look mostly like a .500 team so far.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals tags out Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres as he attempted to steal second base during the seventh inning of a game at Petco Park on May 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Pardes starting pitcher Michael King deserved better than what he got. The right-hander has returned to form as the ace of the staff, especially with Nick Pivetta, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove, on the injured list and he delivered a six-inning performance allowing one run on one hit before he was removed from the game after 86 pitches. When King walked off the mound, the game was tied, 1-1 but the Padres allowed another run to the St. Louis Cardinals in the top of the seventh inning and lost the game, 2-1 to open a four-game set at Petco Park.
King’s one hit allowed was a solo home run off the bat of Alec Burleson in the top of the fourth inning, which tied the game at 1-1. King was dominant throughout the game and looked to be in control recording six strikeouts, while allowing two walks. Bradgley Rodriguez took the mound for King in the top of the seventh inning and allowed a leadoff double to Jordan Walker. He struck out Nolan Gorman, but then allowed a triple to Masyn Winn, which gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead. To his credit, Rodriguez stranded Winn at third base, getting the next two batters to strikeout and groundout to end the inning.
San Diego got on the board in the bottom of the first inning with a check swing flyball off the bat of Xander Bogaerts that sailed over the infield and dropped into right field for a single that allowed Manny Machado to score to give the Padres a 1-0 lead. The San Diego offense could not get anything going after that, scratching out just four hits against St. Louis pitching. Two of those hits came from Fernando Tatis Jr. who opened the bottom of the seventh inning with a single to right field. Tatis Jr. then stole second base, or so it appeared, but he was called out. The play went to review, but the call was upheld although it was clear his right foot contacted the base prior to him being tagged. There was no way to know at the time, but Tatis Jr. would be the last Padres batter to reach base in the game.
San Diego will continue searching for offensive consistency today against St. Louis at 6:45 p.m.
Jase Bowen impressed in Spring Training and he continues to do so in El Paso as the outfielder slugged his eighth home run of the season for the Chihuahuas.
The New York Yankees are reportedly calling up outfielder Spencer Jones to replace Jasson Dominguez who was injured when he hit the wall in their 9-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
The Philadelphia 76ers aren’t sweating a 0-2 hole against the New York Knicks as their Round 2 series swings to Philly on Friday night.
The Sixers rallied in Round 1, and my Knicks vs. 76ers props believe they could face a very different New York roster, considering the injury report for the Knicks.
I sort through the individual odds for Game 3, giving my best NBA picks and prop predictions for May 8, featuring V.J. Edgecombe.
Best Knicks vs 76ers props for Game 3
Player
Pick
V.J. Edgecombe
Over 13.5 points
-110
Paul George
Over 2.5 threes
-112
Jalen Brunson
Over 6.5 assists
-105
Game 3 Prop #1: V.J. Edgecombe Over 13.5 points
-110 at bet365
Philadelphia 76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe’s usage didn’t shift too far between Game 1 and Game 2. The Sixers’ stylistic approach in the last outing, however, was more Edgecombe’s speed and he finished with 17 points.
Philadelphia played with pace and tried to avoid getting stuck in halfcourt sets against the New York Knicks. The 76ers will try to do that again in Game 3 but against a banged-up New York defense. As of this writing Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are listed as questionable.
Hart has been Edgecombe’s primary defender in the two games with New York, but those injuries may force a shakeup in the Knicks’ rotation, pulling smaller players off the bench to guard the 6-foot-4 shooting guard.
Edgecombe’s scoring prop was at 15.5 O/U in Game 2 with Joel Embiid sidelined but with the big man trending toward playing in Game 3, his total is down to as low as 12.5 at some books.
Projections are very positive for Edgecombe, even with Embiid in, with only one model coming up short of 14 points. His ceiling sits at 15.5 and my number is at 14.3 points in Game 3.
Game 3 Prop #2: Paul George Over 2.5 threes
-112 at bet365
Paul George has been the Sixers' most consistent score in the postseason, anchoring in his action from 3-point land.
The veteran small forward is shooting 52.5% from distance in the playoffs, including a collective 9 for 19 from deep in this series. With Embiid out in Game 2, he launched up 13 3-pointers (hitting five) after starting the first quarter on a tear from outside.
With Embiid in tonight, the Knicks defense will get compressed, creating more room on the outside for PG. With him out, George gets increased touches and more FGAs. He’s knocked down three or more triples in seven straight outings, going back to Game 3 with Boston.
Forecasts for George sit between 2.0 and 3.0 makes from downtown, with most models leaning toward three 3-pointers on Friday night.
Game 3 Prop #3: Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 assists
-105 at bet365
If you read my breakdown of Game 3, you’ll see I’m fading Jalen Brunson when it comes to his scoring prop. This bet on the Over for his assists goes hand-in-hand.
The 76ers did a great job defending Brunson in Game 2, using longer defenders like Kelly Oubre and Edgecombe to get a hand in his face. Brunson was able to get inside for easier looks and drew fouls, scoring from the free-throw line.
But with Embiid back patrolling the paint and those longer arms on the perimeter, he’s going to have to create for his teammates. What’s more, injuries to Hart and Anunoby force New York to dig into the reserves, with a lack of scoring threats off the pine. That offers Philadelphia more opportunities to double Bruson with less risk of getting burned.
Brunson’s scoring has put his playmaking on the backburn in those first two games, finishing with three and six dimes. He wrapped Round 1 with an average of 6.2 assists but did dish out seven or more helpers in four of those six games.
Tonight’s player models point toward seven assists, with a ceiling of 7.5. My projection comes out to 7.2 dimes from Brunson on Friday.
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It was a welcome winning day on the dinger market yesterday, and I’m asking the four-bag gods for some Friday home run luck and a little more love from the MLB player props.
I don’t think bettors put enough value into attacking bad bullpens, especially when paired with short-leashed starters, and that’s the approach I’m taking today.
See why Adley Rutschman is featured in my favorite home run props for Friday, May 8.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Sal Stewart
+420
Brent Rooker
+475
Adley Rutschman
+575
💲Today's HR parlay
+15932
Home run pick: Sal Stewart (+420)
This is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair. The wind is blowing out at Great American Ball Park, both bullpens have ERAs north of 7.00 over the last two weeks, and neither starter is likely to go deep.
The Cincinnati Reds should be able to hit around Mike Burrows, who owns a Bottom-30 HR/FB rate among MLB starters. There aren’t many great prices on the board, but getting Sal Stewart at +380 or better projects as +EV.
He homered yesterday at Wrigley, is up to 10 on the season, and the bat-tracking numbers are strong. Nothing elite, but his fast swing percentage, square-up percentage, and ideal attack angle all grade out positively.
Cincinnati will also get a crack at a Houston Astros bullpen that owns the second-worst HR/9 among MLB relief corps over the last week.
The Reds have the worst mark themselves. This game could turn into a shootout.
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Reds.TV, Space City Home Network
Home run pick: Brent Rooker (+475)
Someone finally blew the dust off Brent Rooker this month. Entering May, he was slugging just .288, but he’s found his swing with a .600 SLG over his last six games while hitting .320 with two home runs.
It comes at the perfect time for bettors because his +475 price to go deep is too long in a matchup against Kyle Bradish, who has been prone to the long ball and rarely works deep into games. That should force Baltimore to lean on a bullpen that owns the fourth-worst ERA over the last two weeks while also logging the second-most innings during that stretch.
Rooker’s fair price today is around +410, and it’s tough to find an Athletics bat above +380 that’s worth backing on this Friday slate.
He may be the player who has sold me the most over the last two seasons, but the streaky slugger is a buy right now, and both the matchup and setting work in his favor.
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, NBCSCA
Home run pick: Adley Rutschman (+575)
It’s a good time to buy into Adley Rutschman. He’s been on a tear lately with a .985 OPS since returning to the lineup 12 games ago, and he owns a 1.285 OPS at home during that stretch with four home runs.
Jacob Lopez is firmly on the fade list after making his first start following a bullpen move and allowing six runs and two home runs over 96 pitches against a light-hitting Cleveland lineup. Right-handed hitters have been punishing him, and Rutschman has done a lot of his damage batting right-handed this season.
It’s also an Athletics bullpen that ranks in the bottom five in baseball in HR/9 and lacks a defined closer. This sets up as a strong game environment for runs, and while I do want Pete Alonso exposure, I’m not paying +350 when a red-hot, matchup-friendly Rutschman is sitting at +575.
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, NBCSCA
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 11-63,-6.89 units
Today’s HR parlay
Sal Stewart
Bet Now +15932
Brent Rooker
Adley Rutschman
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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Staring down the possibility of a 3-0 series deficit, the 76ers return home to South Philadelphia to host the New York Knicks for Games 3 and 4 of their second-round playoff series.
The Sixers trail the Knicks 2-0 in the series thus far after dropping the first two games at Madison Square Garden. Game 1 was an absolute blowout at the hands of New York, but Game 2 offered up a much more competitive contest. The issue for Philadelphia in the end of that one was simply being outlasted by New York’s deeper squad, with the Knicks finally pulling ahead in the final minutes of the game. By that point, no one for the Sixers could make any shot, Tyrese Maxey looked absolutely exhausted (having played almost every minute of the game) and the Knicks pounced to take full advantage, snagging the 108-102 win.
Now, things shift to Xfinity Mobile Arena for Games 3 and 4 this weekend. First up is Game 3 on Friday night.
There are some major names on the injury report as of Friday morning. For the Sixers, Joel Embiid is questionable for Game 3 with injuries to his right ankle and his hip, the same ailments that caused him to miss Game 2. As is frequently the case with him, I wouldn’t be surprised if we aren’t sure if Embiid will play until much closer to tipoff.
The Knicks have a few big question marks as well for Friday, with OG Anunoby questionable due to a right hamstring strain. Anunoby subbed out of Game 2 with 2:31 left to play after clearly struggling with the discomfort, limping significantly for moments before. ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the hamstring strain diagnosis on Thursday, noting that the forward is considered day-to-day. No OG would be a massive loss for the Knicks, with Anunoby playing some of his best basketball as of late. He is the second-leading scorer for New York this postseason, notching 21.4 points per game and been shooting 64% from the field against the Sixers in this series.
The other uncertainties for the Knicks are Josh Hart, questionable with a left thumb sprain picked up in the second half of Wednesday’s contest, and Mitchell Robinson, probable to return for Game 3 after missing the last game due to illness.
Regardless of whether or not Embiid plays, the Sixers are susceptible to falling to the same issues that plagued them (and ultimately made the difference) in Game 2. Especially if Embiid is out, the team relies so heavily on Tyrese Maxey to be the offensive force, to the degree that Nick Nurse doesn’t feel comfortable subbing him out for even a minute. Maxey played 46:48 of 48 possible minutes on Wednesday, and he looked (understandably) completely wiped as things drew to a close. After playing nearly every minute of the first half, he played the entirety of the second half, posting just seven points on 3-for-9 field goal, 0-for-3 long range shooting with three turnovers in those 24 minutes. He was a sloppy shell of himself by the end of that.
Again, it’s hard to really fully blame Maxey himself… who wouldn’t be completely gassed by then? This is the difference between the Sixers and some of the other teams in the playoffs: depth. Nurse clearly does not have faith in the bench to put up points or sustain any high level of play even in small stints just to get his starters some rest. It’s a fair assessment too, since the bench has been lackluster at best throughout the postseason minus a few decent individual performances here and there — but it means having a team that can be run into the ground throughout a game and simply outlasted once the fatigue sets in.
That “glut of guards” would sure come in handy right now, huh?
But I digress. The last contest showed that the Sixers absolutely have a chance to steal a win away from this Knicks squad — they damn near did it in Game 2. But to get across the finish line into the W column this series, it feels like it’s really going to take someone off the bench stepping up in a way that allows Nurse to let his starters at least catch their breath. Otherwise, even if they compete their asses off, they run the risk of having the exact same result as Wednesday: a valiant battle that completely sputters out at the end due to fatigue.
There’s no time like the present, too, if you’re Philly. Friday is an absolutely pivotal contest: a 2-1 series deficit feels a whole lot different than 3-0. One obviously hopes Embiid is good to go to give the team that boost, but it’s going to take a number of stars to align to keep this series… well, a series.
Game 3 tips off from South Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET.
Game Details
When: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Watch: Prime Video Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: Gus Varland #47 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Like so many of these Nats relievers, Gus Varland has bounced around a lot in his career, and is no stranger to the waiver wire. However, it really feels like the 29 year old has finally found a home in the back of the Nats bullpen. He has become the Nats closer, and has become a trustworthy presence in that role.
When Blake Butera needs big outs at the end of games, Varland is the man he turns to. That is what he did yesterday against the Twins. He called on Varland to get four big outs against his home town team. After allowing a single to Byron Buxton in the 8th, Varland blew away the next four batters he faced, getting his 4th save of the season.
Gus Varland gets his 4th Save of the season as the Nationals win the series and push towards a .500 record
— Baseball Unstitched (@BaseUnstitched) May 7, 2026
In a game where expanding arsenals are becoming all the rage, even for relievers, Varland keeps things simple. He throws a mid-90’s fastball with a lot of carry at the top of the zone and a high 80’s bullet slider that plays well off the heater. Varland throws each pitch about half of the time, and dares hitters to beat him.
Both of Varland’s pitches are good, but neither is a truly elite pitch. That means the right hander has to execute and control his arsenal. Varland absolutely fills up the zone, which can be rare to see from a reliever. He is only walking 1.84 batters per 9 innings, an elite number. Lately, he just has not been walking anyone at all. The last time Gus Varland issued a walk was on April 14th.
Varland can be hittable at times, with a .276 batting average against. However, as long as those hits are staying in the ballpark, it is not a big deal. You know Varland will not beat himself with walks, so allowing a couple hits here and there is not the end of the world.
Right now, Gus Varland has a 3.07 ERA and an even lower FIP at 2.46. Even when Clayton Beeter comes back, it is clear that Varland should be the main man in the bullpen. While Beeter’s fastball/slider mix is nastier, his control is nowhere near as good as Varland’s. Gus Varland has become the first Nats reliever of the year where you don’t have to hold your breath at all times when he is pitching.
Pitching is a family affair for the Varland’s. If you have been following baseball this year, you would know that 2026 has been the year of the Varland family. While Gus has been a big asset in the Nats bullpen, he is not even the best reliever in his own family. His brother Louis has been one of the best relievers in baseball for the Blue Jays this season.
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) May 6, 2026
Louis is like a turbo charged version of his brother. His fastball is harder, he has a deeper mix, but still has good control. The rise of the Varland brothers is almost unfathomable. Both went to Concordia University in Minnesota and were picked in the 14th and 15th rounds respectively. Now, both brothers are closers and have been two of the better relievers in the sport.
It was not meant to be like this for the Varland’s. Both making the big leagues, let alone being good big leaguers was against the odds, but here we are. The kids from Minnesota are kicking ass and taking names right now.
I remember talking to Gus, and he was telling me about what a privilege it is to pitch in the big leagues. After some rough outings in Spring Training, Varland worked on the mental side of the game, and it really seems like something has clicked for him. He is throwing the ball the best he has in his career.
Gus Varland has had to work for everything he has gotten. This is a 14th round pick who has been DFA’d four times in his career. That hard work looks like it is finally paying off in a big way. After mowing down the Twins yesterday, fans of his hometown team were upset that they did not give the local kid a shot. Like the rest of the league, they had many chances to claim Varland, but decided not to.
Gus Varland has been DFA'd four different times and not once did the Twins care to grab the St. Paul product.
While this is the best he has pitched, this is not the first time Gus Varland has had success in the big leagues. Back in 2024, Varland posted a 3.42 ERA and 3.13 FIP in 26 outings with the Dodgers and White Sox. However, just as he was gathering momentum, he was hit with the injury bug in 2025. He only pitched in 8 games, none of them in the big leagues.
Like a lot of pitchers these days, Varland has dealt with a lot of injuries. He told me that he has had four surgeries in his career, but now he is healthy again. As he has shown in his past couple stints at the MLB level, a healthy Gus Varland is an effective big league pitcher.
Paul Toboni made a lot of bets on the waiver wire this offseason, and Varland was one of them. Not all of the moves have worked out, but there have been some hits. Those moves are a big reason why the Nats bullpen has improved so far this season. Guys like Varland, Richard Lovelady and Paxton Schultz have been reliable pieces for this bullpen. The other two have not been as good as Varland, but they have been solid, and that is exactly what the Nats need.
When building a bullpen, you do not need to splash the cash. Sure, a couple free agent additions can be helpful, but you can build a good bullpen with lesser known guys. Instead of paying stale veterans like Lucas Sims and Jorge Lopez, Paul Toboni has built the bullpen a different way. He is trying to find undervalued talent and cycle through guys until he finds the right mix. Gus Varland has been the biggest success story so far.
May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) keeps the ball from San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) and guard Stephon Castle (5) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
My discussion with Thilo Widder from Canis Hoopus continues as the series shifts from San Antonio to Minneapolis all tied up at 1-1. Before Game 1, we discussed how the Spurs would need to be prepared for the Timberwolves’ size advantage. Then, after a last second loss in which the Spurs got little offensive help from their their stars, we discussed what needed to change to get them going again. Now, after a blowout Spurs win in Game 2, we review what the Spurs did to create such an amazing turnaround and what adjustments the Wolves must make to get themselves back on track.
Thilo Widder
Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have called the last frat “slightly braggadocious” but alas, when else am I going to be able to use that word?
That was certainly a game. Not a good one, but it was certainly one. The Wolves guards imploded under the weight of a Stephon Castle without foul trouble while Jaden McDaniels unfortunately found himself on the wrong side of Scott Foster.
The Wolves continue to be one of the least consistent teams in the league, but a 16-7 (Spurs) run was enough of a run to build a 25-point lead that just got worse and worse. That run was the least of the numerous problems Minnesota had, as their guards shot 10/36 on the game.
Ayo Dosumnu, who I highlighted as a swing player, had only a block and a steal in 10 minutes of playtime before getting injured again. Bones Hyland continues to play very badly. Anthony Edwards is still so clearly hobbled.
If that was a representation of the rest of the series, that would suck (for me as a fan at least, I’m sure you’d disagree). Fortunately for us as content creators and fans of good basketball, it probably won’t be.
On that note though, I’m curious what the biggest changes you saw and if they are sustainable. Obviously, DeAaron Fox and Victor Wembenyama played better, but that was always to be expected. What turned this from a neck and neck Game 1 to a blowout of that scale in Game 2?
J.R. Wilco
One of the reasons we watch sports is to see something that we don’t expect. And nothing fulfills that purpose less than a blowout. I had an absolute blast watching Game 1, and even though the evening ended poorly for me, I have good memories of that tightly contested game that felt like each play mattered.
In the regular season, when the other team goes on a run, you tell yourself that there’s plenty of time in the game and your team can definitely make it back. But in a game like we saw on Monday, even a seven point lead seems daunting. Both teams dialed-in to that extent is one of the joys of being a fan. Nothing else quite touches it.
Of course, another joy of being a fan is watching your team absolutely pummel a squad that they’ve recently lost to, and so I’m not gonna lie: Wednesday night was fun too. Just a different kind of fun. Fox was slithering through the lane. Wembanyama was flying all over the court — I mean that literally and not just vertically, because I saw a still shot taken at the beginning of the play he got his rebound dunk on, and Victor isn’t even on the screen when Julian Champagnie starts his shooting motion. And the screen covered all the way to mid court! Julian and Devin Vassell pulled off one of the most rare plays in basketball, the alley-oop three-pointer. I’m still geeking out about it.
I’m also geeking out about the chess match Johnson and Fitch are engaged in. Here are the things that I think are responsible for the way the Spurs ran the table.
They turned Edwards and Julius Randle into passers by doubling and trapping, much like OKC did in last year’s WCF. When the Wolves doubled back on all of the talk about how Wemby would have to keep blocking every shot they took, he recognized that they weren’t coming at him and stayed down so he could just challenge and rebound instead of trying to go after every attempt. That kept Minnesota’s possessions mostly one and done. Third, San Antonio committed to running at every opportunity, especially after scores. They just had so many buckets early in the shot clock and Minny looked unprepared for those quick strikes.
Those are the things Finch needs to respond to. What do you see happening in Game 3?
Thilo
God, hard to say. The Wolves of yesteryear (or yesteryesteryear, I forget) were absolutely incapable of stopping the fast break, or any team with pace in general. I don’t doubt that this is a return to that form.
The Wolves are built first and foremost on turning defense into offense, not in the typical sense but by wearing out their opponents with their defense until Minnesota faces no pushback on the other end.
It is, by and large, a war of attrition.
However, for that to work, you cannot allow any easy points. 29 fast break points is far too much. Hell, 15 is probably too much for the “beat them with hammers” approach to work.
I think part of that problem will fix itself with Ayo and Ant getting healthier – more bodies back typically means less opportunities on the break – but I think the solution is in committing to one of two extremes
The Wolves of the past, the ones that would bleed points in transition, were violently pursuant of offensive rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns would crash the glass. Rudy Gobert would crash the glass. Jaden McDaniels would crash the glass. There were even possessions where Minnesota would leave Michael Conley Jr. as the only man back in pursuit of those ever alluring extra possessions.
Now, would I suggest doing that against the eight foot demigod and his trusty sidekick, possibly the fastest player in the league? No, probably not. That would be dumb and obscenely risky and I simply would not have the heart to bring that up in fear of being yelled at like an old school scout on the set of Moneyball.
But it is an option.
The other, more likely option is far less fun. Instead of going all in on extra possessions, you do the opposite. You abandon the offensive glass as much as you can. A five-on-four break is infinitely easier to defend than a two-on-one or three-on-one alternative. Rudy Gobert becomes your only offensive rebounder. Julius Randle commits to getting back after his mid-range shots.
This sucks though. And more importantly, it doesn’t fix the turnover problem. Quite simply, this is also a part of who the Wolves are. They’re not 22 per game bad, but they tend to play fast and loose with the ball far too often.
Ultimately, I think Chris Finch will try incredibly hard to make this series be played in the half court entirely. That could mean a lot of conservative calls. Rebounding is the start of that, but I think Mike Conley probably gets more run, simply because he’s not as prone to bad choices as TJ Shannon or Bones Hyland.
To follow that up, I think Bones has lost his spot in the playoff rotation of this series. While the Thunder of last year absolutely broke Julius Randle with ball pressure and pass-forcing, the Spurs are breaking Bones by simply letting him overdribble.
That may not be a full answer, but it’s certainly a start: play slower, be more boring, keep going to the rim, and, Jaden: stop fouling.
To that point, it feels like the underspoken most important data point of this series will be who can foul out the opposing team’s perimeter stopper first. McDaniels and Castle are so hugely important in these next three to five games that it feels like losing either loses the game.
How did the Spurs play without Castle during the regular season? Is there a backup plan if he’s sitting like he was in Game 1? How do the Wolves attack him without burning through their usable possessions?
(God, Donte would be eating the Spurs drop coverage alive right now. Truly a crushing loss. Fly high, Big Ragu.)
J.R.
There was a point when one of the main fears I had about the T-wolves was how they could keep DiVincenzo from going off for an entire series. Talk about a man who can’t be left alone at the arc! I’ve been an admirer of Donte’s for a while now. All the best to him, and a quick recovery. Now to your questions.
San Antonio was 11-3 without Castle this year, but that was the regular season and we know that the playoffs are a different animal. But one of the accidental benefits of the Spurs’ bottoming out wasn’t just the timing, it was the repetition. Trading for Fox and then lucking into the second pick last draft means that we have a three-headed guard lineup, which is an incredible crutch to lean on when any of them have to take a breather, need a night off … or happen to foul out.
We love our Castle, no doubt, but I know a number of Spurs fans who swear that Harper will be even better than Steph. Yeah, the fact that backup plan is a rookie point guard would usually terrify me, but Harper isn’t your typical rookie, and while he’s not yet the defender that Castle is, Dylan shoots a higher percentage, is impossibly smooth around the basket, and takes better care of the ball. As much as Steph’s defense is missed when he’s not on the floor, the team plays quite well without him.
If the rest of this series turns into a battle of defensive aces struggling against foul trouble, that’ll be a shame. We already have too much talk about the timing and the frequency of the whistles in the rest of the matchups for that mess to invade ours too. But it’s 2026 after all, what else should we expect if not some top-tier controversy? Hopefully, we’re spared that, and Friday night’s game is another competitive and enjoyable contest.
On this day five years ago, Yasmani Grandal joined Babe Ruth in the AL record book. | (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
1912 Pitching most of his career in the dead-ball era, it’s no shock that all-time hurling great Walter Johnson allowed just 97 home runs over his 802 career games and 5,914 1⁄3 innings. But you might be startled to know that in a 7-6 loss to the White Sox, Johnson surrendered two home runs (2.1% of his career home runs allowed) — and they were the only homers he allowed all season!
White Sox third baseman Harry Lord and center fielder Ping Bodie victimized The Big Train in this one.
Because game accounts and box scores from more than a century ago are incomplete, and Washington committed one error in the game, there is no earned run count in the game record for Johnson, who entered action having surrendered just one in the three prior starts with full stats available from 1912. But box score logic dictates that the White Sox slapped at least five earned runs on Johnson in this game, which almost assuredly would place this as one of the worst efforts of his career.
The win powered the White Sox to their 16th win in 21 tries to start the season, and the third win in an eight-game winning streak, as they sat atop the AL by 3 1⁄2 games over second-place Boston. The White Sox pushed their record to a gaudy 21-5 and their league lead to as many as 5 1⁄2 games before tumbling down to an eventual fourth place, 28 games out, at 78-76-4.
1966 New White Sox manager Eddie Stanky gave a real indication that the season was not going to be like any other, and that he was a lot different from former skipper Al Lopez.
On this date, the Sox dropped a 3-1, 11-inning game to the Tigers. Stanky was asked by reporter Watson Spoelstra of the Detroit News what pitch Bob Locker threw to Detroit’s Gates Brown in a key situation (Brown stung a two-run double in the 11th inning off of the pitch.) Stanky, who was preparing to change into his street clothes, went temporarily crazy. He launched an abusive tirade at Spoelstra, while ripping his jersey to shreds. Then he took off his spikes, and threw them crashing against the wall!
1967 White Sox outfielder Ken Berry was part of the cover shot for Sports Illustrated for a story describing “The Tangled American League” race.
1995 Among 16,485 fans who saw a 4-2 White Sox win over the Minnesota Twins, one was the 10 millionth fan to cross the turnstiles at the new White Sox Park.
2021 How do you hit .000 in a game and match Babe Ruth in the record books? If you’re White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal, you walk four times in a 9-1 win over the Royals in Kansas City. That gave him 13 walks in four games, tying an American League record first set by Ruth in 1930. If you add in the National League, Bryce Harper (2016) is the only other player to accomplish this feat.
Eric Samulski
V.J. Edgecombe
Jalen Brunson
Sal Stewart
Brent Rooker 
Adley Rutschman
