WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: José Tena #8 of the Washington Nationals is showered with ice water 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
After their first home series win of the season, the Nats hit the road looking to keep up the momentum. The Nats have been road warriors, with a 12-7 record away from home. However, series openers have been an issue for them lately. They will do battle with the Marlins for the first time this season.
With a lefty on the mound, Blake Butera made a few alterations. James Wood will be off his feet today, getting the start at the DH spot. That means Joey Wiemer will be out in right field. Curtis Mead will remain the first baseman and hit second. After his fantastic game yesterday, Keibert Ruiz will get another start behind the plate. Foster Griffin will toe the slab for the Nats.
it was revealed to us in an email we get from our comms team
The Marlins have a highly touted prospect making his MLB debut tonight. Robby Snelling, the number 32 prospect in baseball, will be pitching tonight. The lefty has been outstanding in AAA, possessing big time swing and miss stuff. He will be throwing to a rookie catcher as well in Joe Mack. The Marlins middle infield duo of Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards have been outstanding this year, and are at the top of the Marlins lineup.
The Nats come into this series with some good vibes after finally exorcizing their home demons. Now they hit the road to play a divisional foe. This will be a good test for the boys, as the Marlins are a team that will punish you if you are not up for the fight. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
Pope Leo XIV (C) reacts wearing a Chicago White Sox baseball team cap as he meets newly wedded couples during the weekly general audience in St Peter's Square at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
The Mariners take their talents to the South Side of Chicago tonight, where temperatures will be in the high 50s, with winds under 10 mph and no rain in the forecast. Could the Mariners possibly play a normal game at Guaranteed Rate Field?
Emerson Hancock will take the ball for the sailors, fresh off one of the great games of recent Mariners history in which he struck out 14 and walked none over seven innings against the Royals. It brought his K%-BB% up to 25.2%, good for fourth among qualified starters, ahead of names such as Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal.
Sean Burke will pitch for Chicago, hoping to continue the improvements he’s shown this season, thanks in no small part to the devlopment of his sinker into a real weapon.
Lineups
That sound you hear is the collective sigh of relief across the Northwest upon seeing the most normal starting lineup since the season’s early days. Brendan Donovan has been activated off the IL, and Cal Raleigh will get the start at catcher.
This is their best collection of nine hitters, and they’ve only used it five prior times, and not since April 17th.
The White Sox’ main attraction right now is power hitter Munetaka Murakami, who will play first base and bat second. But I’m curious to get a look at this Jarred Kelenic kid in right field. His stats pages don’t indicate a strong record of production, but he’s apparently a former #6 overall pick.
Game Info
First pitch: 4:40 PDT TV: Mariners TV Radio: Old reliable
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers' lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday night after he missed the previous game against the New York Knicks with a sprained right ankle and a sore right hip.
Embiid struggled through a short night in the Knicks’ 137-98 romp in Game 1, scoring 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting before the starters were benched with the game out of reach.
Embiid had been listed as probable to play in that game and the Knicks repeatedly took advantage of his lack of mobility to create open shots.
He had been expected to play Game 2 but was ruled out hours beforehand.
Embiid had an appendectomy late in the regular season. He returned during Game 4 of Philadelphia’s first-round series against Boston and helped the 76ers overcome a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Celtics.
Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaland Lowe (15) reacts with center Malachi Moreno (24) and forward Jayden Quaintance (21) against the St. John Red Storm in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Yes, this projection has Moreno going 24th overall to the New York Knicks, while Quaintance goes 29th to the Cleveland Cavaliers, nearly falling out of the first round altogether.
This would be both a shocking rise for Moreno and a stunning fall for Quaintance, though perhaps an earned one for the latter after he missed most of this past season due to the longest case of knee swelling ever recorded (we think).
I don’t agree with this projection, but if it turns out that this is how NBA executives view Moreno and Quaintance, you’d think there’s actually a chance Moreno stays in the draft and Quaintance returns to college.
The real story here is these recent mock drafts and rankings continue to suggest there’s a very real chance Moreno could hear his name called toward the end of Round 1. Could that be enough to sway him into keeping his name in the draft?
Next week’s NBA Draft Combine in Chicago could go a long way in deciding where Moreno is playing basketball next season.
Elsewhere, Iowa State transfer and Kentucky recruiting target Milan Momcilovic went 46th overall to the Phoenix Suns. While Momcilovic reportedly prefers to stay in the draft, if that’s the kind of projection he’s getting from NBA decision-makers, then it’s hard not to see him returning to college and collecting an NIL paycheck that could cross $5 million.
Saying this, it only takes one team to fall in love with you, and with Momcilovic’s ability to shoot scorched earth from deep, it won’t be a surprise if someone in the first round will take the gamble on him.
Also, there’s likely going to be a host of players ranked ahead of Momcilovic who return to school, including Andrej Stojaković, Matt Able, Billy Richmond, Flory Bidunga, Rueben Chinyelu, Tyler Tanner, and potentially Moreno.
It’s going to be a process, one that I’d now expect to go into deadline day on May 27 for Moreno and Momcilovic (and Quaintance if his stock really is this bad right now).
Finally, new UK graduate Otega Oweh hears his name called at pick No. 59 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the second-to-last pick of the draft. There haven’t been a lot of mock drafts with Oweh being drafted, so this is nice to see for a guy who’s undoubtedly been the MVP of the Mark Pope era thus far in Lexington (and I selfishly hope we get to see him again playing for La Familia one day).
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight, the Knicks (2-0) visit the Philadelphia 76ers (0-2) at Xfinity Mobile Arena for Game Three of the Eastern Conference semifinals. It’s a chance for New York to take a commanding 3-0 lead on the road, but it won’t come easy. Although ESPN.com etting sites peg the Sixers as slight favorites at home. That’s mainly because the hosts will get Joel Embiid back, while the guests may be without OG Anunoby (hammy) and Josh Hart (bum thumb).
Game time is at 7 p.m. EST on Prime Video. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Show those Philly fans what good behavior looks like. And go Knicks!
Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles infielder Pete Alonso (25) hits a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The Orioles are back home after a brutal 2-5 road trip. Tonight starts a six-game homestand with three games vs the Athletics followed by three games vs the Yankees. It would behoove the Orioles to get off to a good start against the A’s.
The A’s are, in fact, a first-place team. They are just one game above .500 in the extremely lackluster American League. So far this season, the Orioles have scored more runs than the A’s but have also given up way more. Kyle Bradish, tonight’s starter, has been part of that problem with his 5.03 ERA in seven starts.
Starting for the A’s is lefty Jacob Lopez. It’s bad news that he’s a lefty, but good news that he’s given up even more runs than Bradish. In seven games (six starts), Lopez is sporting a 6.60 ERA. His WHIP is 1.900. Both of tonight’s starting pitchers have walked a ton of guys this year. This is kind of an even match up.
I haven’t given up on Bradish turning it around. He has the track record! Also, what choice do we have but to hope he gets better? There aren’t exactly a lot of other options.
With the lefty on the mound, Samuel Basallo has the day off. After his game-losing error yesterday, Coby Mayo is slotted in as the DH tonight. At least from there, only his bat can hurt us. Blaze Alexander will take third in his place. Lefty batting Dylan Beavers is also out of the lineup. Maybe tonight will be the night Tyler O’Neill finally starts mashing lefties.
Orioles lineup
Taylor Ward (R) LF Gunnar Henderson (L) SS Adley Rutschman (S) C Pete Alonso (R) 1B Tyler O’Neill (R) RF Coby Mayo (R) DH Leody Taveras (S) CF Jeremiah Jackson (R) 2B Blaze Alexander (R) 3B
Athletics Lineup
Nick Kurtz (L) 1B Shea Langeliers (R) C Tyler Soderstrom (L) LF Brent Rooker (R) DH Carlos Cortes (L) RF Jacob Wilson (R) SS Lawrence Butler (L) CF Zack Gelof (R) 3B Jeff McNeil (L) 2B
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Jacob Lopez #57 of the Athletics pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on May 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, the Athletics put together one of their most impressive performances of the season to salvage the final game of the team’s three-game series at the Philadelphia Phillies. The A’s hit four two-run home runs, providing more than enough run support for starting pitcher J.T. Ginn, who allowed just one run on four hits over eight innings— the longest outing by an A’s starter this season.
Now, the first-place Athletics are in Baltimore to begin a three-game weekend series against the Orioles tonight. Having lost their previous two series, these next few games are a prime opportunity for the A’s to snap this series-losing streak and maintain their lead atop the American League West. However, the Orioles will be a tough opponent, as they feature a talented offense led by standouts Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and marque offseason acquisition Pete Alonso. After winning two of three at the Miami Marlins, the Orioles seek to continue their winning ways against the A’s.
Left-hander Jacob Lopez will take the mound tonight for the visitors. The 28-year-old has been the weakest link in the A’s five-man rotation this season. Lopez enters his seventh start with a 2-2 record, 6.60 ERA, a 1.90 WHIP and a horrific 23-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He did not fare well in his last start against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing six runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings.
The team briefly moved him to the bullpen earlier this season, skipping one start before quickly moving him back into the rotation. If Lopez has another bad outing tonight, that could be the last start he gets for a while. The A’s may move him back to the bullpen or demote him to Triple-A to fix his command issues. In response, the team could call up another pitcher and give him the chance to start a few games.
The A’s are going with the same starting lineup for the second-straight day. It seems like this has become manager Mark Kotsay’s preferred lineup against opposing right-handed pitchers. Zack Gelof is starting at third base once again. He has more than earned everyday playing time, contributing consistently at the plate and seamlessly adapting to center field and now third base — two positions he had not played at the Major League level before this season.
Kyle Bradish will make his eighth start of the season for the Baltimore Orioles. The 29-year-old is off to a poor start this year, carrying a 1-4 record, 5.03 ERA and 1.82 WHIP into tonight’s outing. Like Lopez, Bradish struggled in his last start, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks in four innings. In the wake of scoring 12 runs last night, the A’s offense is primed to generate more runs against the Orioles’ talented but vulnerable starter.
Beyond Henderson and Alonso, the Orioles boast several power threats throughout their lineup. As a result, Lopez will have to be careful against a group capable of launching balls onto Eutaw Street.
Given that both starting pitchers have struggled through the season’s first month, tonight’s matchup could be a high-scoring affair. As such, the A’s offense needs to get to Bradish early to force the Orioles to turn to their bullpen sooner than they would like.
A Friday night win would be a great start to Mother’s Day weekend. Let’s go A’s!
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers 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
The news comes after Anunoby scored 24 points in a 108-102 win in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Anunoby has been a key factor in the series so far for the Knicks, so not having him in the first road game against Philly could hurt their chances of taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
With Anunoby on the sidelines, there is a good chance the Knicks will go with Miles McBride in the starting lineup as he had the most minutes off the bench in Game 2 with 21.
For the Sixers, they might also be dealing with some injuries of their own. All-Star center Joel Embiid missed Game 2 with a litany of injuries and is deemed questionable for Game 3 against the Knicks. If he were to play, it might benefit the Knicks to give Mitchell Robinson more minutes and slide Karl-Anthony Towns to the power forward slot in placement of Anunoby.
Ultimately, regardless of who the Sixers trot out on the court, the Knicks have to focus on how they execute their game plan. They had a good idea going into the game that Anunoby might not be available, so they have to respond accordingly and try to pull out a win despite the tough circumstances.
P&T Community, what do you think of the news regarding Anunoby? Chime off in the comments section below.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — OG Anunoby was ruled out for Game 3 on Friday night with a strained right hamstring, but the New York Knicks forward appears to have avoided a serious injury and remained day to day in the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Anunoby was having another strong game Wednesday before appearing to suffer a leg injury and motioning to come out of the game. He went to the locker room area and did not return to the bench before the end of the Knicks’ 108-102 victory.
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points per game in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, who is considered the Knicks’ top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana. He missed the next four games and played just a few minutes in Game 7 as the Pacers rallied to win the series.
Defiant Knicks fans flooded into enemy territory Friday night for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers — in a swift rejection of Joel Embiid after the Philly star whined that New York’s faithful are not welcome in the City of Brotherly Love.
Dozens of diehards traveled down the Turnpike by chartered bus to Xfinity Mobile Arena in a bid to “really piss Philly fans off” as the Knicks look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“We’re gonna fill the place up with as many Knicks fans as possible,” vowed Vincent Puleo, co-owner of Big Knick Energy, which helped organize the bus trip.
Knicks fan packed into a charter bus to cross into Philly. Stephen Yang for NY Post
“Trying to send the message: don’t try to ban New Yorkers from anything!” he warned, adding he wants to “really piss Philly fans off.”
Puleo’s threats come after Embiid — the 76ers’ oft-injured superstar center — groused Saturday about the last time the two teams locked horns in the NBA playoffs in 2024, when Knicks fanatics flooded Philly and made it feel like “[Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East.”
Puleo insisted Friday he took Embiid’s whining “as a personal invite.”
“We weren’t gonna go until Embiid said something,” he admitted.
Fans riding the bus also blasted the Philly bigman — as their arrival behind enemy lines neared.
“Forget Embiid. Embiid could say whatever he wants. Embiid could tell us, ‘don’t sell the tickets to the Knicks fans.’ We’re taking over,” Huntington resident Justin Almonte, 25, slammed.
“We’re going to take over Philly. This is home field advantage for our team in a different state. I hope we catch a W.”
Fans were ready for Game 3 in Philly. Stephen Yang for NY Post
Hudson Perl, of Livingston, New Jersey, said Embiid’s plea “just shows how … sorry a fan base” the 76ers have.
“Like you should not be saying to people, ‘don’t sell your tickets.’ Your fans should be there automatically,” griped the 19-year-old, who flew to Atlanta for the Knicks clincher against the Hawks in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Jalen Brunson-led Knicks toppled the Hawks in six games before controlling the first two games against the 76ers at MSG — leaving the Big Apple buzzing with hope of the organization’s first championship since 1973.
The bus trip from Big Knick Energy charged fans $75 for a round trip to Philly for Game 3. AP
Embiid, meanwhile, was listed as questionable for Friday night’s pivotal matchup, but 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said pregame he thinks his center “is gonna give it a shot.”
The bus trip from Big Knick Energy, which is also run by Angelo Pellegrino and Leros Transportation Group, charged fans $75 for a round trip to Philly for Game 3 and is also offering the shuttle for Sunday’s Game 4.
“I think we’re gonna go in and we’re gonna overtake Philly,” declared Dix Hills resident Jake Bornstein.
“We’re gonna mess with the Philly fans. It’s gonna be hella fun.”
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Rolando Blackman poses for a photograph during 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on May 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Convention Center. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA draft lottery takes place on Sunday, when the Golden State Warriors will learn whether their 2% chance at the No. 1 pick pays off and which pick they’ll be offering to the Houston Rockets this summer in a rejected trade offer for Kevin Durant. It all depends on the combination of ping-pong balls drawn in a closed room, where the Warriors will send legendary public relations man Raymond Ridder to observe.
That’s how the NBA ensures fairness, or if you’re a conspiracy theorist, where Adam Silver gets all 14 officials to agree to give the No. 1 overall pick to whoever most recently helped the Los Angeles Lakers and then never tell a soul. But the real stars are the on-stage representatives, who appear on camera and help bring luck — or awful, franchise-ruining disappointment — to their teams.
Here’s a ranking, from worst to first, of the 14 different legends, team officials, active players, and owner’s children attending the big lottery draw.
14. Scott Perry, Sacramento Kings
Perhaps Perry feels the need to show his face at the draft lottery after one season at the helm of the Kings, one where he traded last year’s Kings lottery rep, Keon Ellis, along with his big free-agent signing, Dennis Schroder. But does he have to remind the poor Sacramento fans that the man who previously used lottery picks on Elfrid Payton, Mario Hezonja, Frank Ntilkina, and Kevin Knox is in charge of their draft? At least he’s not a blood relative of Vivek Ranadive.
13. Larry Harris, Golden State Warriors
Did the Warriors reward a longtime scout and executive with a place in the spotlight? Or did no one more exciting than Del Harris’ son volunteer to go to Chicago for the event?
12. Tayshaun Prince, Memphis Grizzlies
Prince is the Memphis Grizzlies’ vice president of player affairs, but he’s primarily associated with the glory days of the Detroit Pistons, not the 139 games he played for the Grizzlies. This also feels like a situation where other executives weren’t interested in the task and Prince drew the assignment. Was Tony Allen busy?
11. Mallory Edens, Milwaukee Bucks
Edens is a social media influencer who rose to fame at age 18 when she represented the Bucks at the 2014 lottery draw and the internet got inappropriately horny about a girl who hadn’t graduated from high school yet. Bill Simmons said, “The Cavs won the lottery and Mallory Edens won the Internet,” which Jerry Seinfeld would probably agree with.
Gross! Anyway, Doc Rivers got fired and Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting traded, so the Bucks might as well send the daughter of their billionaire owner to the lottery. Edens is a film producer and — allegedly — the ex-girlfriend of Aaron Rodgers, so expect her to do her own research instead of accepting the NBA’s so-called “lottery odds.”
10. Nick Collison, Oklahoma City Thunder
There’s no one who could make the Oklahoma City Thunder sympathetic in the lottery draw for a draft that might take place a week after they win their second straight title. Collison is as good a choice as any, a veteran who spent all 15 years of his career with the Thunder and became the first player to get his jersey retired in OKC. Plus, he’s used to taking a pounding in the low block so if observers start throwing things at him when the Thunder jump into the top three, Collison can take it.
9. Vince Carter, Brooklyn Nets
No shade to Vinsanity, who was great in his time with the Nets, but are the Nets really the team you’d associate with Carter? Then again, the Nets are woefully short on franchise legends, since most of their greatest players spent more time with other teams, like Jason Kidd or Derrick Coleman, or reached greater heights elsewhere, like Brook Lopez or Julius Erving. Maybe they can call on Kerry Kittles the next time they’re in the lottery.
8. Onsi Saleh, Atlanta Hawks
Is sending the general manager of your team a little boring? Usually yes, but Saleh deserves a chance to be in the TV spotlight as a reward for pulling off the heist that got the Hawks into this room in the first place — swapping last year’s No. 13 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and this year’s Pelicans first-rounder. Now they have a 29.3% chance at a top-four pick and a 6.8% chance at No. 1.
Saleh also landed a promising young forward named Jonathan Kuminga who has inspired very little discussion among our commenters in the past few seasons.
7. Rolando Blackman, Dallas Mavericks
Trotting out Cooper Flagg, last year’s No. 1 pick, isn’t going to get any sympathy for the lottery gods, to whom the Mavericks sacrificed former general manager Nico Harrison early last season. Instead, they’re using Blackman, a four-time All-Star and former Mavericks assistant coach — who just happened to be their rep at the Flagg lottery last year.
6. Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
‘Zo is a legend in South Beach, winning a title in 2006 and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. For younger fans, Mourning is the subject of one of the world’s greatest GIF’s, where the veteran goes through a full gamut of emotions while seated on the bench. Imagine his reaction if the Heat get lucky!
Choosing a promising young player to attend the draft generally has good vibes. It feels like the hypothetical lottery pick is being welcomed early. Knueppel is a strong choice because he finished second in the Rookie of the Year and unlike 60% of the Hornets starting lineup, he doesn’t have legal issues regarding domestic violence, reckless driving, or being an accessory to murder.
4. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
George is another good-vibes pick, especially since he’s the biggest draft success story so far in the Jazz’s multi-season tanking odyssey. He outranks Knueppel because he’s had to go through more misery by enduring three seasons on the Jazz. Knueppel only knows the Hornets as a playoff team!
3. Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls
Kukoc has a non-specific front office role as a “special adviser to the team president and CEO,” but his real role is “Member of the 1996-98 Bulls.” It’s a strong selection and more exciting than the rep the last time the Bulls won the draft lottery in 2008: Bulls executive vice president of marketing/broadcasting Steve Schanwald, who was called ‘Stan” during the telecast.
2. TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers
McConnell could be a controversial choice as a draft lottery guy, because he wasn’t drafted coming out of college. However, that’s also the case with Ben Wallace, the only modern-day undrafted NBA player to make the Basketball Hall of Fame, and he was the Detroit Pistons representative in 2021 when they won the lottery and landed Cade Cunningham. The basketball gods reward hard work and hustle!
1. John Wall, Washington Wizards
Wall may be the biggest bright spot for the Wizards since Wes Unseld retired 45 years ago. That says a lot about the franchise, but Wall was a tremendously exciting, five-time All-Star whose career was derailed by a freak injury (He slipped and ruptured his Achilles tendon while recovering from Achilles surgery). He was also the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft, making him the perfect Wizard rep. Plus, if they sent Anthony Davis or Trae Young, they’d probably get hurt climbing into their seats.
Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to your weekend.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the sites ToS, it’s fair game here.
BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: NBA Draft Analyst, Mike Schmitz looks at his phone during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks are turning to an Arizona alum to take over their franchise.
The Mavericks on Friday announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as general manager ahead of next month’s NBA Draft. Schmitz spent the last four seasons on the Portland Trail Blazers staff after serving as a draft analyst for ESPN.
Schmitz attended the University of Arizona from 2009-12, where he covered UA athletics for the Daily Wildcat. Schmitz’s Arizona basketball beat helped showcase his eye for identifying talent, according to a 2018 profile in the Daily Wildcat.
Schmitz worked for Yahoo Sports and Draft Express before joining ESPN. He worked for the Worldwide Leader for five years, then transitioned to a front office role in Portland. He most recently served as the Trail Blazers’ assistant GM.
“Mike is one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA,” said Dallas president Masai Ujiri. “He brings intelligence, discipline, humility and a relentless work ethic to everything he does.”
Schmitz takes over a Mavericks franchise that a year ago won the NBA Draft Lottery, earning the rights to the No. 1 pick, which they used on Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Dallas went 26-56 this season and holds a 29% chance at receiving a top-four pick in this Sunday’s Draft Lottery.
Dallas is more likely to receive a mid-lottery pick, and some mock drafts have linked the Mavericks to Arizona guard Brayden Burries.
The Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks face off in Game 3 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Las Vegas. Game 3 is in Anaheim. The Golden Knights are slight favorites in Game 3 at 1.5 goals.
How to watch Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks
The Sixers now face an even bleaker picture than they did after falling behind 3-1 in their first-round playoff series with the Celtics.
They suffered a 108-94 loss Friday night to the Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena, sliding to a 3-0 deficit in their second-round series. No NBA team has ever won a series after trailing 3-0.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson tallied 33 points and nine assists. Mikal Bridges added 23 points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a playoff career-high 22 points for the Sixers and grabbed eight rebounds.
Joel Embiid returned after missing Game 2 with right ankle and right hip injuries. He had 18 points, six assists and five rebounds. Tyrese Maxey posted 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting and seven assists.
OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain) sat out Game 3 for New York. His status is considered day-to-day, Knicks head coach Mike Brown said pregame.
Miles McBride replaced Anunoby in New York’s starting lineup. The Sixers resumed business as usual with Embiid as their starting center.
Embiid dished out two early assists to George and the Sixers surged to a quick 9-0 lead.
Though there was a vocal contingent of Knicks fans in the building, the Sixers certainly felt the home crowd behind them for the first time this series. Brown called timeout after two straight Maxey-to-VJ Edgecombe alley-oops.
George nailed his third triple of the first quarter to put the Sixers up 23-12. He had another excellent, sweet-shooting start, scoring 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting in the first quarter.
The 36-year-old is up to 34 made threes in the playoffs, which is the most of any player. He cooled off badly Friday, scoring zero points after the first quarter, but George has mostly been what the Sixers envisioned as a consistent, efficient two-way wing next to Embiid and Maxey.
All Knicks on boards, off bench in first half
Brunson started 0 for 4 from the floor. Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined by foul trouble for much of the first half.
The Sixers were still unable to extend their lead. Former Sixers guard Landry Shamet made a major impact off of New York’s bench, posting nine first-half points. Shamet leaked out for a dunk early in the second quarter to tie the game at 33-all. The Knicks went on top with a second-chance Jose Alvarado jumper.
New York built its lead largely through exploiting two Sixers weaknesses that have popped up often this season — poor defensive rebounding and lack of quality depth. The Knicks posted 13 of the night’s 15 second-chance points. They had a 16-0 halftime advantage in bench scoring, too.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse played a nine-man rotation. Quentin Grimes remained the team’s sixth man, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona both got brief shifts at backup center, and Dominick Barlow stayed in the rotation. The Sixers continued to rely heavily on their starters and no second-unit player fared particularly well in the first half.
Oubre’s buzzer-beating three dropped in to cut the Sixers’ deficit to 60-52 at halftime.
Knicks have no problem sealing the deal
Embiid was obviously not at optimal health. Both his mobility and his leaping looked to be limited, although he did have explosive moments here and there.
The Sixers had stretches where they assigned Embiid to Josh Hart and essentially used him as a defensive roamer. On the other end, Embiid was upset about multiple no-calls and only managed eight points in the first half on 3-for-7 shooting.
Oubre helped the Sixers stay within striking distance and Towns picked up his fourth foul with 6:27 left in the third quarter. Oubre sunk a corner three and Embiid spiked Josh Hart’s shot inside during a third-quarter Sixers run. Embiid’s second-chance layup trimmed New York’s lead to 78-76.
As they had in Game 1, the Sixers intentionally fouled Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson, sending him to the line late in the third quarter. Robinson went 3 for 4 on the foul shots generated by the Sixers’ hacking, although he did later have an 0-for-2 trip.
The Sixers’ offense missed some good looks in the final minutes of the third quarter and the Knicks made them pay. After Grimes air balled a three long and George’s jumper hit the front rim, Shamet drilled a triple with 7.1 seconds left in the third to give the Knicks an 88-79 edge.
Grimes scored the Sixers’ first bench points with a three-ball early in the fourth quarter. He canned another to pull the Sixers within four points and prompt a New York timeout.
The Knicks regained control and the Sixers continued with a George-Barlow frontcourt until Embiid subbed back in with 6:05 left in the game. Brunson scored in transition seconds after Embiid entered and the Sixers’ deficit grew to 99-86.
While the Sixers have had promising patches in the last two games, the bottom line is the Knicks have been the better, deeper team and the series scoreline reflects that. Once more, the Sixers will stare down an elimination game Sunday.
