Apr 26, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) reacts after pitching six scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee squandered a masterpiece from Jacob Misiorowski last night, allowing the Padres to come back and eke out a ninth-inning win. Both teams have now each won one game heading into today’s rubber match, which pits Kyle Harrison against right-hander Griffin Canning.
Milwaukee has embraced a youth movement within its rotation, but Harrison (2.41 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) has been pitching like a seasoned veteran. He hasn’t allowed more than two runs in any of his seven appearances while striking out just over eleven batters per nine innings.
However, Harrison is coming off a slightly more stressful outing against the Yankees. The left-hander allowed just two runs on four hits, but walked four batters, allowed at least one baserunner in every inning, and lasted only four innings. He’ll look to bounce back against a Padres lineup that Misiorowski dominated last night.
San Diego is starting former Gold Glove winner Griffin Canning, who made his season debut on May 3 after spending the early part of the year rehabbing an Achilles tear suffered last season with the Mets. Canning posted a career-best 3.77 ERA before the injury and looked effective in his first start back (against the White Sox) but the Cardinals tagged him for six runs in his last outing.
No big surprises in today’s lineup, as the top of the order — Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras — remains unchanged. Contreras will get the day off behind the plate in favor of cleanup hitter Gary Sánchez. Andrew Vaughn is batting fifth in front of Luis Rengifo, who’s at third base today. Rounding out the order are Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, and David Hamilton, who gets the start at shortstop in place of Joey Ortiz.
Notably, Christian Yelich is again out of the lineup after Pat Murphy said yesterday that he’d been dealing with “back soreness.” Yelich reportedly tried to play last night, but given his history of back issues, it’s understandable that the Brewers want to be cautious. Definitely a situation worth monitoring over the next few days.
Today’s first pitch is set for 12:40 p.m. You can catch the game on Brewers.TV, WTMJ 620, and the Brewers Radio Network.
CORPORATE - 5/12/26 - The Disney Advertising Upfront is a showcase event that brings together all the content corners of The Walt Disney Company on one stage. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at North Javits in New York City, an incredible roster of all-star talent will tout their connections to storytelling, Disney, and each other while showcasing their latest projects for the upcoming year.(Disney/Michael Le Brecht II) COOPER FLAGG (Photo by Michael Le Brecht II/Disney via Getty Images) | Disney via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks will be on the clock with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
For a team that already has Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg leading the way, the Mavericks aren’t exactly looking for the next superstar for the franchise. Instead, they are looking for players that can complement the core and become long-term options for the future.
“Any time you have a player that can go downhill and take it to the basket – just like Kyrie can, just like Flagg can – the important factor is to remember when you pass that basketball, you’ve got to be able to have somebody that can put that ball in the hole and take advantage of all the advantages that they’ve just given you with their talents.”
This doesn’t necessarily mean the Mavericks will target a guard, especially since passing is such an important part of how frontcourt players go from good to great. Most centers coming into the league have to pass like guards in order to make it in the NBA, and the Mavs hope to have that with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
For a team that won just 26 games last season, the Mavs can’t be too picky about the position of their next rookie. Instead, they need to focus on who is the best player available.
In a draft that is very deep, the Mavericks should be able to add to their core with someone like Arizona’s Brayden Burries or Labaron Philon Jr. from Alabama.
Mavs Moneyball community, should the team go with the best player available or is there a specific player they should target with the No. 9 pick? Keep the conversation flowing in the comments below.
The Phillies and Red Sox play the rubber game of their midweek series at Fenway on Thursday.
Each team has a win, but they’ve combined for seven runs in the two games. Boston and Philly are both playing better since changing managers last month, but neither team is hitting.
Boston appears to have the better end of a southpaw pitching matchup. My Phillies vs. Red Sox predictions and MLB picks look for the Sox to take it at home.
Who will win Phillies vs Red Sox today: Red Sox moneyline (-106)
Wednesday’s 2-1 win marked the 15th time this season the Boston Red Sox have scored three runs or fewer at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 21 in their last 11 at home.
The Red Sox face lefty Jesus Luzardo who has a 5.77 ERA, although the underlying stats indicate that might be partially due to bad luck. Boston hits 96 OPS points higher against lefties and is 13% better than league average.
The Philadelphia Phillies have also been hitting below league average on the season and face Boston southpaw Ranger Suarez. Philadelphia is hitting 10% below league average and 51 OPS worse against lefties.
COVERS INTEL:Luzardo is in baseball’s top 10% in strikeout percentage, swing and miss, chase rate, exit velocity against and hard-hit percentage against. His FIP (a predictor of future ERA) is below 3.00. So he should start seeing better results soon.
Phillies vs Red Sox Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-125)
Suarez left Philadelphia last winter after eight seasons, so he’s familiar with the lineup. He’s held opponents scoreless in four of his last five starts and has logged two eight-inning outings over that span. His fastball’s run value is in MLB’s top 1%, and his overall pitching value is top 5%.
Most of Luzardo’s struggles have been at home this season. He’s 2-0, 2.04 in road starts with 12 strikeouts per nine. Opponents are hitting 21% below league average against him away from Philadelphia. Add that to Boston’s offensive struggles at home (74 OPS+) and it should be low-scoring.
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 12-17 -4.26 units
Over/Under bets: 17-16 -0.33 units
Phillies vs Red Sox odds
Moneyline: Philadelphia -104 | Boston -100
Run line: Philadelphia -1.5 (+156) | Boston +1.5 (-163)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+117) | Under 7.5 (-122)
Phillies vs Red Sox trend
The Boston Red Sox have hit the Game Total Under in 18 of their last 24 games at home (+12.40 Units / 47% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Red Sox.
How to watch Phillies vs Red Sox and game info
Location
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Date
Thursday, May 14, 2026
First pitch
6:45 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Philadelphia, NESN
Phillies starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 5.98 ERA)
Red Sox starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (2-2, 2.77 ERA)
Phillies vs Red Sox latest injuries
Phillies vs Red Sox weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
DENVER — Jared Bednar may have put it best after the Colorado Avalanche erased a three-goal deficit to win their series on an overtime tally by a defenseman who hadn’t scored since January and with a different team, no less.
“That one was,” the coach said, “something.”
Something, indeed.
The Avalanche advanced to the Western Conference final for the eighth time since relocating to Denver courtesy of a Brett Kulak goal in a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild in Game 5. It’s just the second time in the last nine playoff appearances the Avalanche have made it past the second round.
On the other occasion, in 2022, the team went on capture the Stanley Cup championship.
With a team led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, it’s always a Cup-or-bust scenario. This team especially, given a regular season with captain Gabriel Landeskog on the ice, their depth — the Avalanche had 16 different players score in the Wild series — and the play of their stars.
Stanley Cup favorite
Among the preseason favorites, they led the NHL most of the regular season in capturing their fourth Presidents’ Trophy, which goes to the team with the best record.
Like Carolina, the Avalanche are rolling into the conference finals. The Hurricanes advanced with a pair of sweeps while the Avalanche required nine games, including a first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings. As of Thursday, Colorado is a slight favorite over the Hurricanes to win the Cup.
Next up for Colorado is either Vegas or Anaheim. Colorado was 2-0-1 against both the Golden Knights and the Ducks in the regular season.
Bednar understands the lofty expectations year in and out, given his talented roster. Criticism comes with the territory.
“It’s hard to win,” Bednar said. “But I wouldn’t want it any other way. I don’t think our players would want it any other way.
“People are going to get on you because you didn’t win the Cup. I’d still rather be fighting for that, having earned that type of reputation because of the way you play through the regular season and the group that you put together as an organization and the high expectations, rather than, “Let’s just try and make the playoffs.’”
Not much rattles the Avalanche these days. Not even a three-goal hole, which set up a frantic finish and the overtime winner from Kulak, who took a pinpoint pass from Martin Necas and lined it into the net to send the capacity crowd into a frenzy.
It was Kulak’s first goal since Jan. 19 when he was with Pittsburgh before being traded to Colorado the following month. It was also the first time the Avalanche won a series on home ice since 2008, when they beat the Wild in Game 6 of the conference quarterfinals.
“In an environment like this, where the building felt like it was going to start shaking at any moment, it was exciting,” said Landeskog, who played in his first regular season since 2022 after being sidelined with a knee injury. “Now, it’s kind of a sigh of relief.”
Banged-up Avalanche have chance to heal
The Avalanche have a few days to heal. They were without forward Artturi Lehkonen and defenseman Sam Malinski the last two games of the Wild series due to upper-body injuries. Makar momentarily left Wednesday’s game after a collision but returned.
“The playoffs are a long grind and you want to keep your focus narrow,” said Kulak, who made the Stanley Cup Final with Edmonton last season. “We can get some rest.”
Colorado has a 3-4 record in the conference finals since arriving in town before the 1995-96 season. All three times the team has advanced, though, a banner has followed — 1996, 2001 and 2022.
“They’re a really good team,” Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes said.
Depth on display
A strength of Colorado has been its depth. The 16 different players to score in the second round is tied for the most in a singles series, according to NHL Stats.
“The depth is what’s going to win, coming down the stretch here in the playoffs,” Landeskog said. “Guys are stepping up all over the place.”
In net, too, even if a goalie dilemma may now be a storyline.
Scott Wedgewood took over in the second period after Mackenzie Blackwood surrendered three first-period goals. Wedgewood stopped all seven shots he faced in the second and third periods (he saw none in OT).
“Just proud,” Wedgewood said of making the conference final. “Proud of our group ending it and finding a way to do that because we knew going into the series, it wasn’t going to be an easy out. There’s a long road ahead, a lot of stories to write and just preparing for that.”
San Diego Padres first baseman Gavin Sheets (30) hits a three-run home run during the ninth inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
San Diego Padres (25-17) at Milwaukee Brewers (23-17), May 14, 2026, 10:40 a.m. PST
Watch: Padres.TV
Location: American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wisc.
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HOUSTON, TX - MAY 12: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners looks on from the on deck circle during the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michaela Schumacher/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
For the first time in his career, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has been placed on the injured list. After resting and attempting to play through some side discomfort, the Big Dumper seemed to aggravate his side discomfort in Wednesday’s game. He was eventually replaced by Mitch Garver behind the dish, and now the club will be without their superstar backstop for at least 10 days with an oblique strain, with C Jhonny Pereda recalled in his place.
The news is unsurprising, but troubling, as Raleigh now faces the uncommon challenge of rehabbing an oblique injury as a switch-hitter, an issue noted by Daniel Kramer of MLB.com as one of the factors that may complicate his recovery timeline. Raleigh will receive imaging on Friday when Seattle begins the second leg of the Vedder Cup as they play host to the San Diego Padres.
While Raleigh has struggled immensely in 2026, and it is some small relief to see him receive the time to effectively heal, that’s a bronze lining at best. Cal’s absence puts serious strain on a catching corps that has not demonstrated strength. Mitch Garver signed to a minor league deal this winter after the club soured swiftly on their initial backup plan of Andrew Knizner, who was released before Opening Day despite signing a big league deal. He’ll be expected to take on the primary role in the interim.
Garver, of course, originally came to the Mariners in 2024 with the intention of full-time DH work, as he’d done overwhelmingly in his time with the Texas Rangers. While Garver’s 2024-25 were disappointments, and saw him relegated into a backup role again, he’s been a fairly stalwart, but a major reason for Garver’s DH shift was durability issues, which saw him placed on the IL at least once a year from 2019-2023. Garver has not missed time with the M’s, but it’s a concern point now to see the 35 year old pushed into more serious duty.
That may mean a more even split of time with Pereda, who has fewer big league games under his belt than Garver has played in seven different seasons. Pereda is no Alejandro Kirk, but he does bring a more contact-focused approach at the plate than Garver. The 30 year old is in his eighth MLB organization, and faces primarily a titanic task of filling the shoes and sliding shorts of the Big Dumper for an indefinite period of time. Pereda has hit well in Triple-A Tacoma (his seventh different Triple-A club), running a .321/.414/.417 line in 100 plate appearances, and has historically performed well at the top level of the minors regardless of whether it’s earned him big league opportunities. This will likely be his most significant stretch of play in his career, though it’s possible Seattle looks externally for another option.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 23: Daryl Morey talks to the media during Paul George's Philadelphia 76ers introductory press conference on July 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A lot of terrible things have happened to the Philadelphia 76ers in the last decade.
But how many of them actually happened under Daryl Morey’s watch?
Daryl Morey was hired by the Philadelphia 76ers on November 2, 2020. By my calculations, most of the bad luck, incompetence, witchcraft, inexplicable disasters and tragicomedy that has resulted in the royally screwed 2026 76ers happened before November 2, 2020. Trading the Jayson Tatum pick for the Markelle Fultz pick? Before Morey. Jimmy Butler trade? Before Morey. Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons contracts? Before Morey. Trading Mikal Bridges for Zhaire Smith? Before Morey.
Morey was recently fired by the 76ers, ending his long and high-profile tenure as one of the league’s most philosophically convinced executives: 3-pointers and layups, no long twos. In service of that philosophy, he made mistakes, as does every GM. But most of the damage had already been done, and I honestly believe he positioned the 76ers as well as he possibly could have in his six-year tenure. His firing signalled that it was time for a new philosophy, but Morey gave the team a pretty good shot given the hand he was dealt.
Upon his hiring in November 2020, Morey was immediately presented with two non-negotiables. First, Doc Rivers was his head coach, having been hired just a month earlier. Second, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were his franchise players. Every move the 76ers had made for three full years was in service of that plan. Morey was handed the keys, sure, but they were for a company car with engine issues. So he quickly drafted Tyrese Maxey 16 days into his job, and got to work with what he was given.
That, in essence, is what Morey was presented with.
He never got to test drive anything, never really got to buy his own car. And he had to stick with Embiid, the man who a tortured city’s hopes were all pinned on after years of intentional failure. Once Embiid finished second, second and first in MVP voting between 2020 and 2023, that was it. Morey would be paying Embiid whatever he wanted for the rest of his career, no matter what.
Then there’s Ben Simmons, a basketball/personal/financial/metaphysical disaster that will go down in mysterious legend. Morey famously executed a year-long standoff with Simmons before trading him for James Harden, but I may need to write a book titled “The Four Years that Made and Broke Ben Simmons” to explain to future generations that, prior to his on-court collapse in Game 7 of the 2021 Hawks series, Simmons was an All-NBA-level player. He was incredible, and then he was gone. We may never know exactly what happened, but the fact that Morey managed to acquire Harden — a great player, for all that comes with him — for a deflated asset like Simmons was remarkable.
Harden was perhaps Morey’s kryptonite, a player with the tantalizing offensive tools that served his philosophy far better than Embiid or Simmons, with the former enjoying the mid-range jumper (Morey’s arch nemesis) and the latter incapable of shooting 3-pointers. He was convinced Harden was one of the most impactful players of his generation, and had built team after team around him in Houston. Had he instead committed to Maxey sooner, a player he drafted, perhaps Morey could have avoided the eventual blow up that ended he and Harden’s relationship.
The 76ers’ current problems are mostly due to two contracts for Embiid and Paul George that are slated to pay out nearly $300 million in the next three years. In the era of the apron luxury tax, that is not a feasible way to build a basketball team. And while I won’t say Morey had no choice in handing them out (you always have a choice), Embiid was a non-negotiable. I also think clearing cap space for George and then actually signing him into it was an impressive maneuver at the time. Nobody ever sings a real, big free agent anymore, and 76ers didn’t have to give up anything to get him. That fourth year player option really hurts, I get it, but any GM in his position would have done it to get it done.
Those contracts were peak “if they don’t work, I’m going to get fired anyway so what do I care?” deals. They were big swings, and Morey hung his job on two expensive deals for injury prone players who just didn’t play enough to justify them. But what else was he supposed to do? Use the cap space to fund a lemonade stand? Would 76ers fans have preferred Morey not pay Embiid after he dropped 50 in a playoff game and have him demand a trade instead?
It is interesting that the 76ers, the team most synonymous with rebuilding because of “The Process” has almost gone a full decade without tearing anything down — a period that spans Morey’s entire tenure. He was hired not to save the 76ers but to push a clearly talented roster out of the second round. Instead, he basically just became a crisis manager, always seemingly one step behind the next avalanche ready to bury the 76ers between every rock and every hard place.
But imagine if Morey had not drafted Tyrese Maxey at No. 21, and instead taken Zeke Nnaji or Leandro Bolmaro or R.J. Hampton, the three players pick after him? Imagine if Morey had salary-dumped Ben Simmons instead of acquiring Harden, or had filled the Paul George cap space with Buddy Hield, Royce O’Neale and DeMar DeRozan? What if he had filled it with another Tobias Harris extension?
Would Philadelphia actually be better off?
Or are the 76ers’ present issues arguably the best possible situation for a team built around one of the least available superstars in the history of the league? Perhaps his philosophy has expired, and a new voice in the room should be welcomed or elevated. But I don’t think Morey should be blamed for the check engine light, the brakes seizing up and for the eventual crash — it wasn’t his car.
The San Antonio Spurs have a chance to deliver the knockout punch in Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Led by the dynamic duo of Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio brings a dangerous one-two punch.
While Wemby grabs the spotlight, my Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions see Fox landing the decisive blow that could send Minnesota packing.
My NBA picks are taking Fox to top his scoring prop on Friday, May 15.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis, with the game airing on Prime Video.
UPDATE: Added +825 SGP & who will win prediction.
Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 6 prediction today
Who will win Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 6?
Spurs: San Antonio closes out this Western Conference semifinal set with a road win. Minnesota is running out of time and struggling to find solutions for a deep Spurs attack.
Top star Anthony Edwards is playing on one good leg, and his support cast either can’t hit a shot (Julius Randle) or can’t stay on the floor due to foul troubles (Jaden McDaniels).
Books have the Spurs as road chalk, and I agree. San Antonio puts the Wolves away in Game 6.
Spurs vs Timberwolves best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (-115)
Despite playing with sore ankles in Game 5, De’Aaron Fox topped his points prop for the third straight outing.
Fox scored 18 points with the bulk of those buckets in and around the key.
Fox is second on the team in points in the paint (9.0) and sees a clearer path to the rim if the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to tinker with their rotation.
Minnesota played rim protector Rudy Gobert a playoff-low 23 minutes in Game 5, opting to go small. With Victor Wembanyama in high screen action, Fox finds easier looks inside with Gobert gone and an extra day to rest his wheels.
Projections sit at 17+ with a ceiling of 20 points.
COVERS INTEL: Fox has done well vs. Minnesota guards Ayo Dosunmu (injured) and Mike Conley (old) in this series. Jaden McDaniels is a rare T-Wolves player having success against Fox (34.5 FG%), and he’s expected to match up on Wembanyama more in Game 6.
Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 6 same-game parlay
The San Antonio Spurs had six players score at least 12 points in the Game 5 win, and that depth is wearing down Minnesota while exhausting all defensive counters.
The T-Wolves just don’t have the horses to keep up with that offense, especially with Anthony Edwards not at 100%, and the T-Wolves’ poor outside shooting is unable to close the gap.
Wembanyama keeps topping his rebounding props, snatching at least 15 boards in four of the first five games. The only game he didn’t top that prop is when he was tossed 12 minutes into Game 4.
San Antonio’s paint protection is forcing Minnesota into low-percentage looks, and that’s creating ample rebounding opportunities for the 7-footer.
Spurs vs Timberwolves SGP
Spurs moneyline
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
Victor Wembanyama Over 13.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Star Fox
The T-Wolves are suffering from bad starts versus the Spurs, and head coach Chris Finch told reporters they need to do a better job of being patient and creating better shots. That could slow things down in Game 6.
On top of Fox getting to the paint against a smaller Minnesota rotation, he should also find opportunities to find teammates on drive-and-kick and screen-and-roll options with Wemby.
Over/Under: Over 218.5 (-110) | Under 218.5 (-110)
Spurs vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
San Antonio has hit the moneyline in 30 of its last 40 away games (+26.65 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 6
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Friday, May 15, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Spurs vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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In a lengthy ESPN feature about the 60-year-old published Thursday, writer Wright Thompson shared how Kerr subtly referenced the pop singer throughout the course of the 2022-23 NBA season. The result? An end-of-year compilation of clips featuring the coach narrating her song, “All Too Well.”
“Three years ago, to entertain himself in his press conferences, Steve worked phrases from Swift’s song ‘All Too Well’ into his interview answers, smoothly enough that nobody noticed,” Thompson wrote. “For instance, to get the first line of the song, he took the podium after beating the Rockets in March of 2023 and said, ‘I walked through the door of the locker room at halftime.’
“Over a long season he got most of the lyrics done, crossing them off as he went. His son Matthew later edited them into a video for their family group chat, so that Kerr appeared to have recited the whole song.”
While the video never has been made public, Thompson shared that Swift eventually saw it through a mutual friend and found it “creative and funny.”
“Can I put it on social media?” she asked, according to Thompson.
But Kerr asked that it remain private, but it only should be a matter of time before Warriors and Taylor Swift fans alike comb through the postgame footage to make a video of their own.
We’re just wondering how the Warriors coach was able to weave, “But you keep my old scarf, from that very first week” into a press conference.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 11: Allen Graves looks on during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Fresh off another drama-filled lottery, the league has turned its attention to the NBA Draft Combine, with the 2026 class shaping up to feature some of the best depth in years. Prospects are getting their measurements updated and putting themselves through agility tests, workouts and scrimmages.
With mock drafts popping up from reputable sources and the draft just over a month away, let’s look at what the early indications say the Philadelphia 76ers can do with the 22nd pick.
ESPN provides some of the better draft coverage out there, with Jeremy Woo spearheading their latest mock. At 22, Woo slots in Santa Clara’s Allen Graves over names like Koa Peat, Isaiah Evans, Dailyn Swain and Amari Allen.
This feels like a strong pick given the available talent. Graves has a smooth offensive game and a legitimate frame to match, measuring 6’7.75 barefoot with a 7’0 wingspan and 8’10.25 standing reach. He had a late growth spurt and brings a lot to the table offensively, with advanced ball skills, a serviceable jumper and consistent playmaking reads. His game personally reminds me of former Sixer Nic Batum, with Naz Reid being another player he shows shades of.
Graves would be a compelling pick at 22. He is relatively unproven in terms of competition level, but there is plenty to like in a vacuum and even more so as a theoretical fit with the Sixers. He could slot in alongside Paul George and Joel Embiid, providing connective play and floor spacing without sacrificing size or mobility.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor brings a lot more variation in his latest mock, with names like Swain, Graves and Allen all coming off the board well before pick 22. O’Connor has the Sixers selecting Henri Veesaar, an experienced third-year big out of North Carolina. Notable names still on the board in this mock include Jayden Quaintance, Bennett Stirtz, Tounde Yessoufou and Evans.
This sits toward the ceiling of Veesaar’s range, barring any last-minute rise. Most mocks have him going in the late first round or even into the second.
So what would justify the reach? Veesaar is quite different from most of the bigs Philadelphia has been accustomed to. He features a legitimate perimeter game and a real shooting touch, knocking down over 40 percent from three on solid volume, with enough offensive versatility to do damage in other ways as well. On paper, he has enough of an offensive arsenal to either back up Embiid or play alongside him in supersized lineups.
That said, I would be pretty surprised if Veesaar is the name the Sixers land on at 22. In many eyes he would not be the best available prospect, and it is hard to imagine the team using their highest pick on a big that many draft boards have sliding. However, if Embiid’s availability is that serious of a concern, spending draft capital on a center when the position figures to be overhauled this summer is not without logic.
The Ringer is no stranger to controversial rankings and mock drafts. J. Kyle Mann and Danny Chau are manning their draft board this cycle, and they currently have the Sixers selecting Cameron Carr at 22. Notable names still on the board include Chris Cenac, Karim Lopez, Allen and Evans.
Carr is a fascinating pick for several reasons. He boasts a real frame to grow into, measuring 6’4.5 barefoot with a 7’7.5 wingspan and 8’8 standing reach. He is one of the better off-ball shooters in this class, with a proven jumper to go along with his wiry frame. Similar to VJ Edgecombe, Carr is also an unusually good rim protector for his size and position, offering serious two-way upside in the long view.
So what makes this pick complicated? Carr will need time and development, particularly when it comes to adding weight to his frame. The defensive flashes are real, but he will need to show stronger and more consistent effort on that end, and self-creation on offense is limited at best. Still, factoring in what he brings right now, with a standout frame and a smooth jumper, it is easy to see why the Sixers might be willing to roll with Carr even if he needs some seasoning. He would provide the largest wingspan-to-height ratio among perimeter players in this class, with real vertical ability and the upside to get even better.
If the Sixers are looking for a connective wing who can provide length behind the backcourt without sacrificing perimeter shooting, there are not many names that fit the bill better than Carr.
It’s worth noting that Carr crushed the scrimmage portion of the combine Wednesday, which might put him out of the Sixers’ range.
Last up is The Athletic, led by renowned draft expert Sam Vecenie. In his mock, Vecenie has the Sixers selecting Amari Allen at 22, over names such as Graves, Joshua Jefferson and Yessoufou.
Vecenie describes Allen well in his write-up as a swiss army knife type of player with a wide range of skills. Allen has excellent size at 6’5.25 without shoes, weighing in at nearly 205 pounds, with a 6’8 wingspan and 8’3 standing reach. As a wing, he is one of the better playmakers in this class, capable of making smart reads and playing well within his strengths. Unlike many prospects, he avoids forcing risky passes and rarely turns the ball over or telegraphs his intentions. Allen also features a serviceable jumper, shooting 34 percent from three and 74 percent from the foul line. The percentages are not eye-popping, but his shot passes the eye test. It is smooth and repeatable, and with some minor tweaks, could become a real strength in the years ahead. The closest comp for Allen’s overall game is the Knicks’ Josh Hart, minus the elite rebounding.
Allen’s range varies drastically depending on who you ask. Some analytics have him as high as the late lottery, while others, as seen here, slide him deeper into the first round. Teams are always hunting for wings who can handle, pass and shoot without being a liability on defense, and Allen checks those boxes. If the Sixers want a ball handler outside of their backcourt with plenty of upside to grow into at just 20 years old, they could do a lot worse than Allen at 22.
Italian rider beats Jasper Stuyven in city centre finish
Portugal’s Afonso Eulálio retains overall lead
Davide Ballerini won stage six of the Giro d’Italia as a crash on the cobbles took out several sprint specialists near the finish in Naples on Thursday.
Italian Ballerini (XDS Astana Team) comfortably beat Belgium’s Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step) on the city centre finish after a flat 142km ride from Paestum.
Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) pitches in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF Bo Bichette – SS Juan Soto – DH Mark Vientos – 1B MJ Melendez – LF Brett Baty – 3B Marcus Semien – 2B A.J. Ewing – CF Hayden Senger – C
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Tigers lineup
Kevin McGonigle – SS Colt Keith – 3B Riley Greene – LF Dillon Dingler – DH Gage Workman – 2B Zach McKinstry – RF Spencer Torkelson – 1B Wenceel Perez – CF Jake Rogers – C
SP: Keider Montero – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:10pm EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 13: Simon Mathews #53 of the Washington Nationals walks out to the mound to talk with Jake Irvin #27 of the Washington Nationals during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 13, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a dramatic come from behind win, the Nats have a chance to sweep the Reds and get to .500 on the season. They will have to do it in an early afternoon game, which has been tough sledding for them the past few years. The Nats will also have to face a high octane arm in Chase Burns.
With a righty on the mound, Blake Butera made some tweaks to his lineup. The red hot Luis Garcia Jr. is back in there at first base. Jorbit Vivas will make his first start of the series in the DH spot. With a day game after a night game, Drew Millas will also get his first start of the series, looking to redeem himself after the debacle in the Marlins game. Nats surprise ace Foster Griffin will take the mound with a chance to get his team to .500.
With a lefty on the mound, this Reds lineup looks very different. It is a new look outfield, with Spencer Steer in left, Dane Myers in center and Blake Dunn in right. Sal Stewart will move to first base and JJ Bleday will be DH. Ke’Bryan Hayes will also be in the lineup. Backup catcher Jose Trevino will get his first start of the series. Chase Burns has pitched like an ace and has electric stuff. He will be on the mound, and will look to stop the bleeding for the Reds.
The bullpens have gotten a lot of work in this series, so both starters will be expected to go deep in the game. Both teams have the right guy on the mound to do that as well. Offense has king in this series, but the pitching matchup indicates that may change today. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
The White Sox (21-21) will be looking for a sweep of their three-game series tonight in the Windy City when they take the field against the Royals (19-24).
Surprise contenders in the American League Central, the White Sox remained just 1.5 games behind division-leading Cleveland with a 6-5 win last night over KC. Colson Montgomery was the offensive catalyst for the Chisox with three hits including his 11th home run of the season and scored two runs. Tyler Davis picked up his first win of the season coming on in relief of Chicago starter Noah Schultz. Seth Lugo was bad for Kansas City allowing five runs in five innings to drop to 1-3 on the season. KC’s ace has been anything but the last month as he has allowed less than four runs in just one of his last four starts. Bobby Witt Jr. cracked his 7th home run of the season (and 7th since April 26th) for the Royals in the loss.
Kansas City turns to Kris Bubic to try and snap the Royals’ now three-game losing streak. The White Sox are gunning for their fifth straight win. They will send Anthony Kay to the bump. After struggling at the end of April, Kay has been solid in May allowing just two runs over his last two starts / 10 innings. Bubic has been good his last three starts. Over his last 17.2 innings, the left-hander has allowed 12 hits and just five runs while striking out 18.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
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Game Details and How to Watch: White Sox vs. Royals
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 7:40PM EST
Site: Rate Field
City: Chicago, IL
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, CSN, Royals.TV
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: White Sox vs. Royals
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Chicago White Sox (+113), Kansas City Royals (-136)
Spread: White Sox +1.5 (-149), Royals -1.5 (+123)
Total: 8.0 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers: White Sox vs. Royals
Pitching matchup for May 14:
White Sox: Anthony Kay Season Totals: 35.0 IP, 2-1, 4.89 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 25K, 17 BB
Chase Meidroth had his 11-game hitting streak snapped last night (0-2)
Carter Jensen was 2-2 last night, is 4-9 over his last 4 games but is hitting just .176 in May
Bobby Witt Jr. has hit safely in 11 of 12 games in May with 17 hits including 5 HRs in 49 ABs (.347)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: White Sox vs. Royals
The Royals are 6-14 on the road this season
The White Sox are 11-9 at home this season
The White Sox are 24-18 on the Run Line this season
The Royals are 18-25 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 19 times in games involving the Royals this season (19-24)
The OVER has cashed 23 times in White Sox games this season (23-19)
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions: White Sox vs. Royals
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the White Sox and the Royals:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Royals on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 8.0 runs
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Although the Philadelphia Flyers largely stuck with the same group of players throughout their run in the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, the team hopes that many of the young players who watched on standby will benefit from the experience.
Top Flyers prospects like Spencer Gill, Nikita Grebenkin (upper-body), Carson Bjarnason, Oliver Bonk, Jett Luchanko, Jack Berglund, and David Jiricek were all present in the press box for the Flyers' five home games in the postseason.
Only Bonk and Luchanko managed to play in a game, the Flyers' Game 4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, and Jiricek was a participant in warmups.
All of the players, however, got to see and hear what playoff hockey was like in Philadelphia.
The intensity of the games against seasoned opponents like Pittsburgh and Carolina, the cheers and boos from the crowd, and the boisterous standing ovation following the end of the season, which Flyers general manager Danny Briere lauded multiple times in his end-of-season press conference.
"We always ask a lot about our fans, and we ask them to invest in the team and spend money and time to come and see us. What they did last game was truly, truly amazing," Briere said to start his press conference.
"I wanted them to know that it was our players who took notice of that. I probably had seven or eight guys in my exit meetings that specifically mentioned how the fans reacted at the end of the game. They knew how special it was to play in the playoffs in Philadelphia. They didn't realize how special it was."
Now that the Flyers have gotten a taste of that, they want everyone to be hungry to get back to the playoffs every year and continue to learn and improve.
That includes the prospects who will be important parts of this process in the near future.
"We didn't know our fans would react the way they did, which was fantastic. That was amazing. Along the way, we didn't know if Oliver Bonk or David Jiricek would play games, but they got the chance to go on the ice for a few warmups. That was all part of the experience," Briere said.
"We had Jack Nesbitt and Spencer Gill here at the end of the season. Even though they couldn't play, they came in, spent a few days being around the team to see what it was like, the atmosphere of the playoffs, and get a taste of how exciting it could be. It goes beyond just the guys who were playing. A lot of our young guys were here. To have them around to experience that, we hope will help their development."
With Noah Juulsen a pending free agent and the future of Rasmus Ristolainen uncertain, it would certainly seem that Bonk and Jiricek have strong chances to parlay that experience into roster spots and improvement in their games next season.
Luchanko, who replaced Matvei Michkov for Game 4 against Carolina, will assuredly make his bid to make the Flyers out of training camp for a third consecutive season.
Berglund played seven playoff games with the SHL's Farjestad BK before helping the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with their playoff push on an AHL tryout, then watched the Flyers from afar.
The Flyers hope that all of these prospects will take something from the two-round playoff run and apply it in the near future.
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