McDavid, Draisaitl attempt to lead comeback as Panthers one win away from back-to-back Stanley Cups
The potential biggest game of the series if it doesn't go seven is Game 6 tonight in Sunrise as the Florida Panthers look to make it back-to-back Stanley Cups when returning home with a 3-2 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers.
For bettors, this matchup provides a chance to capitalize on some of our recent strong trends, like our 7-4 record through the first five games of the Stanley Cup Final.
All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers Game 6 Best Bets:
Oilers ML (+125)
Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (+120)
Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points (-104)
Connor McDavid Over 2.5 Shots on goal (-215 - Potential Parlay Add)
Over 6.5 goals (-106)
The Oilers have proven to excel when their backs are against the wall as they came one game short of completing a 3-0 series comeback versus the Panthers in last year's Final and have continued the same success this postseason.
They overcame a 2-0 series hole versus the Kings in the first round and haven't looked back since winning 12 of their next 14 games. The Panthers gave them a taste of their own medicine by rattling off three wins over the last four games after losing Game 1 in overtime.
It's been a tight, thrilling series in some games while others have made the Panthers look like an unstoppable machine. I expect this to completely flip as the Oilers know what to do in this spot.
In the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, the Panthers themselves were dominated in important games like their 9-3 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5 when Vegas claimed their first Cup in franchise history. I expect a similar performance from the Oilers as we've been long overdue for a big road game from Edmonton's biggest stars.
We covered it in a recent story that McDavid has rarely covered his over in points on the road in Florida, only doing so just once. The rest of the Oilers lineup has less than a point per game average in six road playoff games in Florida and this should change.
The red hot Leon Draisaitl has just three points, Evan Bouchard has five points and the trip of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Corey Perry and Darnell Nurse all have two points.
The truly elite Florida defence has been so for too long and it's long overdue for a blowup game like when the Oilers went on the road and won 5-3 in Game 5 of last year's Final.
The biggest games should come for Edmonton's top players in Draisaitl and McDavid. The German winger has just one goal in his last three games, the 52-goal scorer will certainly break his cold streak on the road in Florida and score a big goal.
McDavid is averaging 3.8 shots per game and should breakthrough for a multi-point game and help lift the Oilers to a massive win, forcing Game 7 on Friday.
It's Tuesday, June 17 and the Angels (34-37) are in Bronx to take on the Yankees (42-29). Kyle Hendricks is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles against Will Warren for New York.
The Angels won the series opener, 1-0, in extra innings behind Nolan Schanuel's RBI double in the 10th. Los Angeles intentionally walked Aaron Judge twice and held the New York offense to eight hits with Judge getting one.
Los Angeles was swept by the Angels after sweeping the Orioles to make them 4-3 over the last seven with the win over New York. The Yankees are on a four-game losing streak, which is the longest of the season.
Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Angels at Yankees
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 7:05PM EST
Site: Yankee Stadium
City: Bronx, NY
Network/Streaming: FDSNW, YES
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Odds for the Angels at the Yankees
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
Moneyline: Angels (+199), Yankees (-244)
Spread: Yankees -1.5
Total: 9.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Angels at Yankees
Pitching matchup for June 17, 2025: Kyle Hendricks vs. Will Warren
Yankees: Will Warren, (4-3, 4.86 ERA) Last outing: 5.2 Innings Pitched, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 1 Walk, and 4 Strikeouts
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Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Angels and the Yankees
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Tuesday’s game between the Angels and the Yankees:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New York Yankees on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Angels at +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the under on the Game Total of 9.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Angels at Yankees
The Yankees have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against AL West teams
Each of the last 4 matchups between the Angels and the Yankees have stayed under the Total
The Angels have covered the Run Line in 5 of their last 7 matchups against the Yankees
The Yankees are 8-6 on the ML when Will Warren pitches this season
The Angels are 6-7 on the ML when Kyle Hendricks pitches this season
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!
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Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett's potential move to Detroit is gaining attention as latest betting odds reveal chances of a blockbuster signing.
As the Stanley Cup Final nears its end and NHL free agency looms on the horizon, the future of Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett is quickly becoming one of the league’s more intriguing storylines.
Bennett, 28, is in the midst of a standout postseason and could become one of the most sought-after forwards on the market if he tests free agency this summer. With the Detroit Red Wings looking to add a physical, playoff-tested presence to their forward group, the question emerges: Could Bennett make the move to Hockeytown?
This postseason has showcased the very best of Sam Bennett. He has emerged as a force in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying 14 goals and 20 points through 20 games, including multiple clutch performances in the Final against Edmonton. His breakaway finish in Game 3 was not just a turning point in the series, but also his record-breaking 12th road goal of the postseason, setting an NHL playoff record.
He tied the Panthers' franchise record for most goals in a single postseason, and his impact extends beyond the scoresheet. Bennett’s physical edge, defensive awareness, and timely scoring have drawn high praise from around the league, with Panthers coach Paul Maurice describing him as “an animal” in the playoffs.
Bennett’s strong two-way game and ability to thrive in pressure situations make him an attractive target for teams with playoff ambitions. The Red Wings, fresh off a season of growth under Steve Yzerman’s leadership, are expected to be aggressive this offseason. With more than $21 million in projected cap space, Detroit has the flexibility to add a player like Bennett.
His ability to play both center and wing would give the Red Wings versatility in their top six, while his gritty style of play fits the identity they’ve been working to build. Moreover, his Ontario roots and history with Canadian junior systems offer a close to home destination that Bennett could find appealing.
However, there are notable barriers like Bennett is expected to command a contract in the range of $7 to $8 million annually, which could be a stretch for the Red Wings depending on how they prioritize their spending on the backend. While he brings intensity and playoff experience, his regular season production, most recently 51 points, may not fully justify a top-dollar investment, especially if Detroit is looking for long-term foundational scorers to get them to the postseason.
Some analysts also question whether Bennett is a true top-line talent or more of a complementary player who thrives in a very specific system like Florida’s. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Bennett is most likely to stay with the Panthers, with odds at –230. The Toronto Maple Leafs follow at +500, while teams like Vegas (+900), Boston (+2200), and Ottawa (+2600) round out the mid-tier options.
Detroit comes in at +3700, indicating that while it’s not out of the question, it’s certainly considered a long shot. Still, the Red Wings have surprised in the past, and Yzerman has shown a willingness to pounce when the right opportunity arises.
If he chooses to test the open market, Detroit has the cap space, the culture, and the vision to make a compelling case. Whether they’ll be able or willing to outbid teams with more urgent short-term needs remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: if Sam Bennett becomes available, the Red Wings will be a team worth watching.
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When the 12 nations that will take part in the Olympic tournament announced their first six players on Monday, a single Montreal Canadiens player was named: Juraj Slafkovsky with Team Slovakia. That’s not to say Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Patrik Laine won’t be representing their respective countries come February, but they haven't made the cut yet.
A former Hab was part of Denmark’s first six selection: Lars Eller. The 36-year-old center spent six seasons in Montreal after being acquired by Pierre Gauthier in the controversial Jaroslav Halak trade. With the Canadiens, the Dane became a complete player and a reliable defensive center. He played 435 games with the Tricolore, accumulating 154 points and 297 penalty minutes.
At the 2016 draft, GM Marc Bergevin traded him to the Washington Capitals for two second-round picks before acquiring Andrew Shaw from the Chicago Blackhawks; those trades kicked off a busy five days for the Canadiens’ GM, who would trade P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators for Shea Weber a few days later.
In his second season with the Capitals, Eller became a Stanley Cup champion. While he’s not usually a huge point producer, he was the one who scored the Cup clinching goal against the Vegas Golden Knights and finished the playoffs with 18 points in 24 games, by far the best performance of his career in the postseason (the only time he even came close was when he put up 13 points in 2014 with the Canadiens).
Eller stayed in Washington until the trade deadline in 2023, when the Caps traded him to the Colorado Avalanche in return for a second-round pick. In the off-season, the Dane signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent, but 17 games into his second season in Pennsylvania, the Caps reacquired him in return for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Unfortunately for the Caps, he wasn’t able to find his playoff form this time around and could only manage a single point in nine postseason games. Still, he performed well enough to be named to Denmark’s Olympic squad along with Nikolaj Ehlers, Frederik Andersen, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jonas Rondbjerg and Jesper Jensen Abo.
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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It's Tuesday, June 17 and the Royals (34-38) are in Arlington to take on the Rangers (36-36). Seth Lugo is slated to take the mound for Kansas City against Jack Leiter for Texas.
The Rangers have won four straight games and seven of the last eight contests, while the Royals lost six consecutive outings and eight of the previous nine. Both teams come in fresh with an off day for travel yesterday.
Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Royals at Rangers
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 8:05PM EST
Site: Globe Life Field
City: Arlington, TX
Network/Streaming: FDSNKC, RSN
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Odds for the Royals at the Rangers
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
Moneyline: Royals (+105), Rangers (-125)
Spread: Rangers -1.5
Total: 8.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Royals at Rangers
Pitching matchup for June 17, 2025: Seth Lugo vs. Jack Leiter
Rangers: Jack Leiter, (4-3, 3.88 ERA) Last outing: 4.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 3 Strikeouts
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Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Royals and the Rangers
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Tuesday’s game between the Royals and the Rangers:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Texas Rangers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Kansas City Royals at +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Royals at Rangers
The Rangers have won 13 of their last 15 home matchups against the Royals
The Under is 46-23-1 for the Rangers' home games and the Royals' road games combined this season
The Royals have failed to cover the Run Line in 7 of their last 9 matchups against the Rangers
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!
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It's Tuesday, June 17 and the Orioles (30-41) are in Tampa to take on the Rays (40-32). Dean Kremer is slated to take the mound for Baltimore against Zack Littell for Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay won the opening game of the series, 7-1, and is riding a four-game winning streak. The Rays offense has scored at least seven runs in all four games during the current winning streak. The loss snapped Baltimore's three-game winning streak as they are now 4-2 in the last six.
Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Orioles at Rays
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 7:35PM EST
Site: George M. Steinbrenner Field
City: Tampa, FL
Network/Streaming: MASN2, FDSNSUN
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Odds for the Orioles at the Rays
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
Moneyline: Orioles (+110), Rays (-130)
Spread: Rays -1.5
Total: 9.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Orioles at Rays
Pitching matchup for June 17, 2025: Dean Kremer vs. Zack Littell
Orioles: Dean Kremer, (5-7, 4.99 ERA) Last outing: 7.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 8 Strikeouts
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Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Orioles and the Rays
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Tuesday’s game between the Orioles and the Rays:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Tampa Bay Rays on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Baltimore Orioles at +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 9.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Orioles at Rays
The Rays have won 4 of their last 5 games at home against divisional opponents
5 of the Rays' last 7 matchups with the Orioles have stayed under the Total
The Rays have covered in their last 3 games against the Orioles
Baltimore is 5-9 on the ML when Dean Kremer pitches this season
Tampa Bay is 8-6 on the ML when Zack Littell pitches this season and is 8-1 in the last nine
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!
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Tyrese Haliburton is going to play in Game 6.
"It's the Finals, man," Haliburton said. "I've worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can."
If Indiana is going to win that game and give itself a chance in a Game 7, it will need more from the orchestrator of its offense than it got Monday night: four points on 0-of-6 shooting, seven rebounds and six assists with three turnovers. While Pascal Siakam and T.J. McConnell had great games to keep the Pacers within striking distance of the Thunder, the Pacers could not get over the hump without a burst from Haliburton.
"I was not great tonight by any means, but it's not really a thought of mine to not play [in Game 6]," Haliburton said. "If I can walk, then I want to play. They understand that. And it is what it is. Got to be ready to go for Game 6."
Haliburton was slowed after he tweaked his left calf, which was reported during the broadcast as "calf tightness," and he said postgame that the issue was in the same area that had him limping slightly after Game 2. Haliburton slipped on a first-quarter drive and appeared to aggravate that calf injury. He left the game, went back to the locker room, but returned to the game about five minutes later and played 34 minutes.
Tyrese Haliburton injured his right leg and went back to the locker room after this play.
However, Haliburton wasn't the same after aggravation. While he moved fairly well, he could not push off and accelerate a drive with that leg the rest of the night. By the fourth quarter, Alex Caruso started to shade his coverage, forcing Haliburton in a direction where he could not accelerate enough to get separation.
If this were the regular season, Haliburton likely would miss a game or two as a precaution, just because aggravated calf issues can lead to much worse injuries if the muscle is weakened. But this is the NBA Finals, the calculations are different.
"He's not a hundred percent. It's pretty clear," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "But I don't think he's going to miss the next game. We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing. I thought he made a lot of really good things happen in the second half. But he's not a hundred percent."
Carisle also said the Pacers' medical team would evaluate how Haliburton is feeling Tuesday morning. However, Haliburton was not limping when walking around postgame, a very good sign with a couple of days off and plenty of time to get treatment.
His teammates know they can count on Haliburton.
"He's a fighter. He's been our rock all year," Pascal Siakam said. "He's a big reason why we're here. I don't know exactly what's wrong, but I know he's fighting and he's going to give us everything he's got. We are a hundred percent behind him and we support him.
"I think one thing he showed, his resiliency. He showed that all year. I think that we can continue to count on him to keep fighting. I admire that from him, just because I know that it's hard. We've got a couple of days. Take care of our bodies, rest well and be ready for Game 6."
The Pacers will need that resiliency in Game 6, because their season is on the line.
First six players from each participating nation revealed for Men's Ice Hockey at 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have gotten more interesting in the last few days as several nations participating in the Ice Hockey event revealed the first six players on their rosters with some of the biggest names in the sport like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby.
Officially known as the Milano Cortina 2026, the Olympic games will be hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22 with NHL players returning to Olympic ice for the first time since the Four Nations Face-Off this past February. The men’s hockey tournament promises to be one of the premier events of the Games.
Early betting odds have already been posted for the event with Canada leading the pack at +150 with Team USA trailing behind in second with +200 odds.
FanDuel's Current Betting Odds for the Gold Medal:
Canada enters the 2026 Olympics as the clear favorite, led by stars Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart. With Jordan Binnington likely to regain the crease after a stellar Four Nations Face-Off, he can add to this powerhouse team looks poised to take gold. Anything less would be a major disappointment.
The United States is ready to make a serious run at gold in 2026 with one of the deepest rosters it has ever assembled. Newly announced names include Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy, culminating in a fast, physical, and skilled core. With Connor Hellebuyck likely in goal and Adam Fox anchoring the blue line, Team USA looks built to finally end its Olympic gold drought dating back to 1980.
Sweden’s 2026 Olympic roster is already shaping up to be a contender, with newly announced names including William Nylander, Adrian Kempe, Lucas Raymond, Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin, and Gabriel Landeskog. The mix of veteran leadership and dynamic youth gives Sweden a well-rounded attack, and if goaltending holds up behind a strong blue line, the Tre Kronor have the pieces to push for gold.
Finland enters the 2026 Olympics once again as a disciplined, defensively sound contender with a roster built on structure and selflessness. Newly announced players include Aleksander Barkov, Sebastian Aho, Mikko Rantanen, Esa Lindell, Miro Heiskanen, and Juuse Saros, giving the Finns a balanced attack, a mobile blue line, and elite goaltending. With their 2022 Olympic gold still fresh, Finland remains a serious threat.
Czechia has added David Pastrnak, Martin Nečas, Pavel Zacha, Ondrej Palát, Lukas Dostal, and Radko Gudas to its Olympic roster, injecting scoring, grit, and experience across all positions. Pastrnak and Nečas lead the offense, with Zacha and Palát adding depth and versatility. Gudas shores up the blue line, while Dostal joins Petr Mrázek and Karel Vejmelka in net.
Tomas Hertl’s status remains uncertain due to injury, leaving a key hole up front. While not favorites, Czechia’s growing roster gives them real upset potential.
Switzerland has named Roman Josi, Nico Hischier, Kevin Fiala, Nino Niederreiter, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler to its Olympic roster, adding star power across the lineup. Josi anchors the defense, while Hischier, Fiala, and Meier lead a skilled forward group. Depth remains a question, but with this core, Switzerland is well-positioned to challenge for a quarterfinal upset.
Slovakia has announced six key names to its Olympic roster: Simon Nemec, Juraj Slafkovsky, Erik Cernak, Martin Pospisil, Tomas Tatar and Martin Fehérváry, blending youth, size and experience. Slafkovsky will be a focal point of the offense, with Tatar offering veteran leadership and Pospisil bringing a physical edge. On defense, Nemec, Cernak and Fehérváry form a promising core. Goaltending and depth remain concerns, but Slovakia’s grit and emerging talent make them a tough out.
Germany has announced six players to its Olympic roster: Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle, Moritz Seider, Lukas Reichel, Nico Sturm, and Philipp Grubauer, highlighting a talented and balanced team.
Draisaitl remains one of the world’s best players, with Stützle adding dynamic offensive skill. Seider and Reichel strengthen the lineup, while Grubauer provides key goaltending experience. Building on their 2018 silver medal, Germany has a real chance to shock hockey fans and match or surpass that success.
Latvia has announced six players to its Olympic roster: Elvis Merzlikins, Arturs Silovs, Uvis Balinskis, Teddy Blugers, Zemgus Girgensons, and Rodrigo Abols, building on their surprising bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. While they may lack NHL star power, Merzlikins provides strong goaltending, and Balcers leads an experienced, physical, and disciplined team that is never an easy opponent.
Denmark has announced six players to its Olympic roster: Nikolaj Ehlers, Lars Eller, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Frederik Andersen, Jonas Røndbjerg, and Jesper Jensen Aabo. Ehlers and Bjorkstrand lead a skilled offense, while Andersen provides reliable goaltending. Despite their talent, limited depth may prevent Denmark from advancing beyond the group stage.
Italy has announced six players to its Olympic roster: Thomas Larkin, Diego Kostner, Luca Zanatta, Tommy Purdeller, Damian Clara, and Daniel Mantenuto. As co-hosts, they’ll be motivated to put on a respectable showing. While the talent gap remains significant, home-ice energy and contributions from experienced dual-national players like Kostner could help Italy stay competitive in a game or two.
France has announced six players to its Olympic roster: Alexandre Texier, Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, Jordan Perret, Yohann Auvitu, Hugo Gallet, and Jules Boscq. Texier and Bellemare bring valuable NHL experience, but overall depth and defensive consistency remain concerns. As underdogs, France will focus on gaining experience and continuing to grow as a hockey nation.
Speaking to Eurosport Germany, Sabalenka said her remarks after her defeat by Gauff at Roland Garros this month were a mistake. In her post-match press conference in Paris, Sabalenka had suggested that the result was more due to her own errors than to Gauff’s performance.
According to Frank Seravalli, the Chicago Blackhawks are open to moving the third overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. This provides a bit of insight into what the Blackhawks think will happen with the New York Islanders at No. 1 and the San Jose Sharks at No. 2.
Frank Seravalli: The Blackhawks' 3rd overall pick is in play; looking to trade for a difference-maker - DFO Rundown
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 16, 2025
Prior to the 2025 NHL Draft Combine, it seemed like there were a few players who the Islanders could take with th first pick. After leaving the 2025 Draft Combine, 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer seemed to separate himself from the pack with his interviews.
Additionally, forward Michael Misa told his roommate Malcolm Spence at the combine that he'd love to go to San Jose, which suggests that Misa knows he's not going No. 1.
Looking at the Blackhawk's prospect pool, even after drafting defenseman Artyom Levshunov second overall in 2024, it's clear they had an interest in Schaefer, given that he's the best blue-liner in the draft.
The second-best defenseman is Radim Mrka, who could go anywhere from fifth overall to the mid-teens. Maybe Chicago's goal is to trade back and snag him. Then again, they have bolstered their blue line, so, as Blackhawks writer for Bleacher Nation and The Fourth Period, Tab Bradford shared that Chicago is looking for scoring.
That ties into the next point.
What's left out of that initial tweet is that Seravalli also said that the Utah Mammoth are also fielding calls on the fourth overall pick.
We know, from conversations at the combine, that Utah is very high on Brady Martin, who is projected to go at No. 6 to the Philadelphia Flyers, per Craig Button's latest mock draft:
Matthew Schaefer sits ahead of Michael Misa and Anton Frondell in Craig Button’s FINAL edition of “Craig’s List.” 👀 @CraigJButton
Long Island native James Hagens continues to be disrespected in these mock drafts, as his stock, at least amongst the collective media, seems to fall a bit every day even though he was the consensus No. 1 pick for a few years.
However, if this mock draft and others are on the money or in the ballpark of what the lottery team general managers are thinking, the farther Hagens falls, the more likely it is that the Islanders trade back into the draft to grab the Hauppauge native.
I wrote about this the other day. The Islanders, at least I don't think, will be making a pre-draft trade to get back into the first round. After drafting Schaefer, if that's truly their intended route, they'll see how the rest of the draft plays out after the second pick and go from there.
If general manager Mathieu Darche believes that Hagens should be an Islander and a lane that makes sense opens up, I wouldn't be shocked if he pulled the trigger. But, it has to be a deal that makes sense.
The question is, with a few teams now being vocal about moving their pick, a pre-draft trade not involving the Islanders may make things more complicated when it comes to bringing Hagens home.
I believe there are many teams looking to move up in the draft to select Hagens, which would put a wrinkle in potential plans.
Again, we have no idea how much Darche values Hagens.
Chicago, like any team looking to move a top-five pick, is seeking specifics in returns — a difference-maker. They should take Anton Frondell, an Aleksander Barkov type, but hey, to each their own.
Who do the Islanders have that could be a difference maker for a Blackhawks or Utah team?
Immediately, you think of Noah Dobson, a restricted free-agent defenseman who could command north of $9 million -- my prediction is $9.15 million on a long-term deal -- as a difference maker.
I think another underrated difference maker that the Islanders have is forward Simon Holmstrom, who is also a restricted free agent. He'll command between $3-$4 million. I think it would be a mistake to move on from the Swedish forward, as I think he's only going to get better.
Given his defensive game and his overall growth in his offensive game, Holmstrom has proven to be a top-six forward at just 24 years old. It would be a mistake to move on from him, but we know Utah is looking for top-six help for pick No. 4.
If it meant getting Hagens, would you move Dobson to Chicago or Holmstrom to Utah?
Could defenseman Alexander Romanov be in play? What about Maxim Tsyplakov?
To be honest, I'm not so sure the Islanders should move. My mindset is that if you can trade a pick or a prospect for a proven NHLer -- of course, not the first overall pick -- you do it nine times out of 10.
I am pretty high on Hagens, and I think he's going to be a fantastic player in this league, but there's certainly risk involved, especially if the Islanders are moving on from a No. 2 defenseman or a young, controllable top-six winger -- the Islanders lack depth at the wing position.
The NHL Draft begins on July 27 in Los Angeles.
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A scouting report on NBA draft prospect Kon Knueppel:
Position: Wing
Height: 6-foot-5 (without shoes)
Weight: 219 pounds
College: Duke
Strengths
Knueppel is an undeniably great shooter. He has an excellent base, always aligns his shoulders toward the rim and makes open jumpers look quite easy.
The 19-year-old shot 40.6 percent from three-point range in his one Duke season and hit 117 of 128 free throws (91.4 percent). He averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Knueppel’s passing is a significant plus. He thrived with center Khaman Maluach in the pick-and-roll, spotted open teammates on the weak side, and dished the ball with nice touch and timing. And, while it’s impossible to quantify, Knueppel seems to possess a strong blend of correctly anticipating what defenses will do and reading the action as it unfolds.
Knueppel has decent size for an NBA shooting guard and he’s savvy about shielding off defenders, playing through contact and drawing fouls.
Though he won’t soar over defenders, Knueppel is good off of two feet in the mid-range and paint. He uses subtle fakes, changes of pace and sharp footwork.
Jeff Hornacek might not be a bad old-school player comparison for Knueppel as a sharpshooting, below-the-rim two-guard with useful passing and ball handling chops. In an era with far fewer three-point attempts, Hornacek shot 40.3 percent beyond the arc over his NBA career and averaged 14.5 points, 4.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds.
Weaknesses
Knueppel does not have a “turn on the jets” option.
He’s widely viewed as subpar in the athleticism department for a top NBA prospect. Knueppel rarely beats his man through quickness or leaping ability.
He was a sound, competitive defensive player at Duke, but NBA offenses hunt mismatches, especially in the playoffs, and Knueppel will need to show that he’s not a weak link.
For what it’s worth, Knueppel’s athletic testing results at the draft combine were a mixed bag. His 31.5-inch standing vertical leap was surprisingly higher than VJ Edgecombe’s. His lane agility time of 11.92 seconds was the worst among perimeter players.
Fit
As long as he’s passable defensively, Knueppel’s game should be broadly appealing. He’s a fantastic shooter and also not a mere specialist.
Most of the Sixers’ stats from the injury-stuffed 2024-25 season mean little, but we’ll note that the team’s 34.1 three-point shooting percentage ranked 27th in the NBA. Knueppel would presumably help there and be a smooth overall fit offensively. Defensively, we imagine Sixers head coach Nick Nurse would approve of Knueppel’s effort while still asking him to prove he can hold his own as a professional.
On a lighter note, Knueppel already knows all about Brotherly Love. He has four younger brothers — Kager, Kinston, Kash and Kid.
Adding youth, size and outside shooting to this group would be a smart move this offseason. Perhaps the best place to find that talent is the 2025 NBA Draft later this month.
Raynaud can score. He averaged 15.5 points as a junior and improved to a career-high 20.2 points per game as a senior. One of the reasons for that jump was he shot 34.7 percent on a career-high 5.5 3-point attempts per game.
In fact, his points and rebounds per game improved in each of the last three years. Raynaud isn’t super physical, but he’s a very good rebounder and showed some decent rim protection as a senior with a career-high 1.4 blocks per game.
Our Celtics insider Chris Forsberg likes Raynaud’s outside shooting, but notes there are some concerns about his defense at the next level.
“French 7-footers are all the rave in the NBA, and this one improved in each of his four seasons at Stanford,” Forsberg said, as seen in the video player above. “Offensively, he thrives at attacking closeouts. Can he hit 3-pointers? Oui, oui. Raynaud shot 35 percent from beyond the arc as a senior.
“There are questions about whether he’ll fit defensively at the NBA level, and he’s going to have to improve his foot speed to stay on the court. Still, he could fall in the range the Celtics are scheduled to pick at No. 28 and No. 32.”
Its Tuesday, June 17 and the Mets (45-27) are in Atlanta to open a series against the Braves (31-39).
David Peterson is slated to take the mound for New York against Spencer Schwellenbach for Atlanta. Tonight marks a rare occurrence in baseball. Both starters take the mound after pitching complete games in their last outing.
Tonight opens a stretch of ten in a row for the Mets against the Braves and the Phillies. They enter said stretch after getting swept over the weekend by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Braves enter the series having won three of their last four to pull to within 13 games of the Mets in the National League East. It is a crucial stretch for Atlanta while offering New York an opportunity to bury a long-time nemesis.
Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Mets at Braves
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 7:15PM EST
Site: Truist Park
City: Atlanta, GA
Network/Streaming: SNY, FDSNSO, MLBN
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.
Odds for the Mets at the Braves
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
Moneyline: Mets (+112), Braves (-133)
Spread: Braves -1.5
Total: 8.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Braves
Pitching matchup for June 17, 2025: David Peterson vs. Spencer Schwellenbach
Mets: David Peterson (5-2, 2.49 ERA) Last outing: 6/11 vs. Washington - 9IP, 0ER, 6H, 0BB, 6Ks
Braves: Spencer Schwellenbach (5-4, 3.11 ERA) Last outing: 6/11 at Milwaukee - 9IP, 2ER, 5H, 0BB, 9Ks
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 to know ahead of Mets at Braves
The Mets have won 4 straight games against the NL East
The Under is 8-5-1 in the Braves' divisional matchups this season
The Mets have failed to cover the Run Line in 4 straight games
Francisco Lindor was 3-11 in the 3-game series against the Rays
Matt Olson is riding a 7-game hitting streak (9-26)
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 for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Braves
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Tuesday's game between the Mets and the Braves:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Mets at +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.
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