SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Logan Webb #62 and Trevor McDonald #72 of the San Francisco Giants look on at Scottsdale Stadium on February 12, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants Opening Day battery for the last three seasons is as gone as gone can be. Hours after announcing the shocking trade of Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians, the Giants placed the star of their rotation, two-time All-Star Logan Webb, on the 15-Day Injured List. Webb, who has led the National League in innings pitched in each of the last three seasons, is headed to the IL for the first time since 2021. The Giants professed optimism that he’ll return as soon as the 15 days are up.
Webb’s injury, which is officially listed as right knee bursitis, is retroactive to May 6. It was that injury that led him to come out of his last game after just 61 pitches, and the Giants are hoping it’s behind his rough start to the season, as he has a 5.06 ERA and a 3.59 FIP through eight starts.
A new battery is up to replace the old one. Taking Webb’s spot is right-hander Trevor McDonald, who will slide right into the rotation. While McDonald hasn’t been having a very good season in AAA, he was sensational when called upon on Monday, holding the San Diego Padres to two hits, no walks, and one run in seven innings, with eight strikeouts. McDonald has not pitched since, so the Giants can slot him into the rotation whenever and wherever they choose.
As for Bailey, his spot is being taken by catcher Logan Porter, whose contract was purchased from AAA Sacramento. The Giants are apparently intent to go with three catchers, even with their defensive ace gone, as Porter joins Eric Haase and Jesús Rodríguez. Daniel Susac is rehabbing in AAA, and should return at some point during the team’s upcoming road trip, barring a setback.
Trevor Zegras felt if the Flyers could take just one game, the Hurricanes would “tighten up a little bit.”
But the Flyers couldn’t get that one game. They were swept out of the playoffs in the second round after suffering a 3-2 overtime loss Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Jackson Blake scored the winner 5:31 minutes into the bonus period. It was his second goal of the night.
Carolina, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, was decisively better in this best-of-seven matchup. The Flyers hung with the Hurricanes for stretches of the series and took them to overtime twice. But Carolina’s pedigree and depth were too much.
The Flyers got goals from Tyson Foerster and Alex Bump in Game 4.
Bump’s marker drew the Flyers even 5:52 minutes into the third period. The Flyers struck first when Foerster ended his scoreless postseason with a first-period goal.
In celebration, Foerster raised his arms, gazed toward the rafters and smiled. The 24-year-old winger had gone without a point through nine games, but Rick Tocchet stuck with him.
The Flyers very much exceeded expectations by not only making the playoffs, but also winning a round. Now they need to build on it. They snapped a five-year postseason drought with an impressive surge down the stretch.
The Hurricanes have not lost in these playoffs. They’ve won all eight of their games and have surrendered just 10 goals.
Going back to the start of the 2021-22 season, the Flyers have lost 20 of their last 23 games against Carolina. Just a bad matchup for the Flyers.
• Dan Vladar once again did his job, converting 37 saves on 40 shots.
He carried the Flyers and gave them a chance.
The Hurricanes took the lead 4:13 minutes into the third period when Logan Stankoven scored his seventh of the playoffs. But Bump countered 1:39 minutes later from the slot off a feed from Travis Konecny.
It was a 1-1 game at second intermission. Just 28 seconds after Jackson Blake tied the game in the middle stanza, Mark Jankowski had a go-ahead goal taken off the board. The Flyers won a coach’s challenge that deemed William Carrier interfered with Vladar.
Carolina netminder Frederik Andersen stopped 15 of the Flyers’ 17 shots. The 36-year-old held the Flyers to just five goals in the series.
He robbed Garnet Hathaway at the doorstep with 3:36 minutes left in the second period. With 10 seconds left in the frame, Andersen got some love from his one post as Christian Dvorak rung it.
The Flyers’ offense really dried up, which was a major concern heading into the playoffs. This was not a high-end scoring team during the regular season — 2.93 goals per game, good for 21st in the NHL.
Tocchet’s club scored only 10 goals over its last seven games after putting up 11 through the first three games of the playoffs. The Flyers’ top four goal scorers from the regular season — Konecny, Zegras, Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov — combined for four goals, and one of them was an empty-netter.
Tippett didn’t play in the second round because of an undisclosed injury. Michkov was a healthy scratch twice (more on that below). The Flyers lost Noah Cates to a lower-body injury for the final two games of the second round. Dvorak, who was definitely banged up, didn’t have a goal in the playoffs.
The Flyers’ league-worst power play went 3 for 36 in the postseason.
Hurricanes win in OT, sweep Flyers. Teammates went to Dan Vladar to support him. He was excellent in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/NLwLUecP1I
• Michkov sat for the second time this postseason.
The 21-year-old winger struggled. He just wasn’t noticeable with his legs and activity around the net. Tocchet has stressed pace in these playoffs. And at times, Michkov looked a step behind. He had no goals and an assist in eight games, while playing just 11:50 minutes per game.
Tocchet made a pair of eye-opening moves by putting Jett Luchanko and Oliver Bonk into the lineup for their playoff debuts. Luchanko took Michkov’s spot and Bonk played in place of Emil Andrae.
So, along with Bump, Denver Barkey and Porter Martone, the Flyers had five rookies in their Game 4 lineup. A combined 78 games of NHL regular-season experience between those five — not even a full season’s worth.
On Carolina’s go-ahead third-period goal, Bonk couldn’t stay in front of Taylor Hall, who set up Stankoven.
• The offseason begins for Danny Briere and company.
Zegras and Jamie Drysdale are the team’s notable restricted free agents that need to be re-signed.
Unrestricted free agency come July 1 could be an interesting period for the Flyers. They have some dead money coming off the books and the NHL salary cap is climbing by $8.5 million.
It’s a lean market, though, at the center position, if the Flyers were looking to add there. They could address their defense or backup goaltending. Samuel Ersson is a restricted free agent, as well.
Don’t rule out Briere getting creative on the trade market. He acquired Zegras last offseason via trade.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Yuki Matsui #1 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at Petco Park on May 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This was a tough one for the Friar Faithful to take in.
The San Diego Padres didn’t do a whole lot to help their case as they lost their second consecutive game to the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s been a difficult stretch that has been marked by a poor Friars’ offense.
But the offense wasn’t the Padres biggest problem last night. Their defense ended up losing the game, being the main reason that six runs came across the board in the fifth inning, with right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. making his first error since May of last year. That call was controversial, this one was not.
With the bases loaded, JJ Wetherholt hit a single into right field. It would have been only one run with the play at the plate to get the lead runner, but the ball trickled under Tatis glove as he rushed to make the play and ended up at the wall. It went from a single to a little league grand slam.
But the Cards wouldn’t even need that many, with the Padres failing to score against the St. Louis pitching staff, despite having opportunities to do so. They’ll need to put some runs together tonight in order to right the ship in what has been a difficult stretch of baseball for San Diego.
Taking the mound
Dustin May (STL) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
May has been middling but just good enough for the Cards, pitching to a 5.15 ERA over 36 2/3 innings. But the best thing for the righty is the simple fact that he’s healthy. In the past, that’s been a major struggle.
2025 was May’s first season pitching more than 60 innings with 132 1/3 innings. It was a mediocre year with May posting a 4.96 ERA but his health earned him a modest contract in St. Louis.
The Padres faced May plenty of times while he was a Los Angeles Dodger, and they played well against him then. There’s nothing to suggest that that wouldn’t remain the case this time around. The Friars need to scratch some runs across after failing to score very much in this series.
Vásquez has looked incredible for San Diego so far this season, but the last two starts have been shaky. In 10 2/3 innings, the righty has given up eight runs. That’s raised his ERA from 1.88 (as of April 21) to a 3.20 mark heading into tonight’s matchup.
That’s not to say he’s been bad, he hasn’t. But Vásquez has struggled with command, issuing five walks in those recent starts. If he can regain his command tonight, the Friars should have no trouble.
Batter up!
Of the Padres’ lineup, Manny Machado and Tatis have the most experience against May (53 combined at-bats). They own a combined .283 batting average with three homers against the right-hander. If those two bats can come alive, that would be a major improvement for the Friars.
Jackson Merrill, CF
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, DH
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Ramón Laureano, LF
Ty France, 1B
Sung-Mun Song, 2B
Freddy Fermin, C
After having two knocks in his debut start, Song’s bat has gone cold, it would be great for it to return against the lower-leverage starting May. Andujar has been in a similar state, cooling off after his eight-game hitting streak came to an end.
Merrill batting leadoff has been an interesting development in the lineup. It seemed to work initially, but hasn’t in the last two games. Manager Craig Stammen has seemed to let things linger before doing away with something so it seems likely that the center fielder continues to bat leadoff.
Relief corps
Yuki Matsui made his 2026 debut last night after spending the year rehabbing from a groin injury. He was mostly alright, pitching a solid 1 2/3 innings before being asked to return for the seventh inning. After striking out Wetherholt, he allowed the next three batters to reach before getting out of the jam.
With the game well out of hand, the Friars then went to Wandy Peralta and Ron Marinaccio to close out the eighth and ninth innings, respectively. That will leave the ‘pen fresh for tonight’s game.
Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be available to pitch in relief after Vásquez’s outing concludes. Those five are all high-leverage options for Stammen to go to, and will each be trusted to turn to in a close game.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 8: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks the shot of Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs once again reclaimed home-court advantage by winning their first road game of the Western Conference Semifinals. It was a tightly contested battle that came down to fourth-quarter heroics. Victor Wembanyama had the best playoff game of his young career, putting up 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks on the way to a 115-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wembanyama’s performance felt like his first “legacy game.” With the game on the line, San Antonio’s face of the franchise dominated both ends and willed the Spurs to victory. It was an obvious A+ performance.
Wembanyama leads the player grades for Game Three. As a quick reminder, these grades are based on each player’s on-court performance, going beyond just the stat sheet. A “B” grade represents the average performance for an individual. If a player logs fewer than 5 minutes or plays only in garbage time, their grade will be incomplete.
Perhaps what was most impressive about Wembanyama’s Game Three performance was the diversity of his impact. He scored in the post, on lobs, got to the rim for finishes with strength and finesse, and hit threes on flare screens. On defense, he guarded on the perimeter, made sharp rotations, and controlled the paint, even when he played with five fouls in the fourth quarter.
He did all of it while playing through the physicality of a playoff matchup. Minnesota went at Wembanyama all night, holding him, clawing at him, pushing and shoving him (even when he was airborne). Wembanyama took an absolute beating, but fought through adversity to pull out a win. He is rising to the occasion in a way not many young players can.
His dominant play is a big reason why the Spurs are -186 favorites to win Game Four on FanDuel.
It was a tale of two halves for Fox. He got going near the end of the second quarter by attacking the basket and finishing in the paint. He carried that momentum into the second half, scoring at opportune times and giving the team a boost during a wild, back-and-forth third quarter. Fox didn’t get a ton of shots to fall, but he made timely buckets that played a big role in the win.
Interestingly, Fox wasn’t on the court for a lot of crunch time. He finally checked when the Wolves were full-court pressing the Spurs and did a nice job taking care of the ball.
Castle had a double-double with an eye-popping 12 assists. He’s been great all season long at pushing the pace in transition, or getting downhill for physical finishes, or passes to open players when the defense collapses. While Castle had an inefficient shooting night, he made up for it by getting to the free-throw line, where he went 6-8.
Castle was a bit loose with the ball, particularly late in the game. To be fair, he faced a ton of defensive pressure on the perimeter. The Wolves were sending multiple big bodies at him late in the game to force turnovers. He’ll need to clean up some of these turnovers as the series goes on.
Champagnie played a slightly different role in Game Three and thrived nonetheless. He only knocked down two of his six three-pointers, but made up for it with good defense and rebounding. Champagnie grabbed 12 boards, 4 of them offensive. One of his biggest plays of the game was an offensive rebound on the break, leading to a huge three by Keldon Johnson. Champagnie also held his own on the perimeter and picked up two steals in the win.
Vassell’s three-point shooting struggles continued in Game Three. He is shooting 30.4% from deep in the playoffs, and he only hit one of his six attempts on Friday. A lot of these shots are pretty open. He just hasn’t found the same rhythm that he’s experiencing on his mid-range jumpers. Thankfully, those mid-range jumpers have been money. His pull-up looks really good right now. He had an awesome step-through finish around Rudy Gobert in the first half.
It was interesting that Mitch Johnson elected to make Vassell the primary defender on Anthony Edwards in Game Three. I’m not sure it was the best decision. Edwards had a series-high 32 points. Vassell is at his best playing in the passing lanes off the ball, rather than acting as a stopper guarding the ball.
Harper had a much harder time getting to the basket in Game Three. The Wolves want him to shoot mid-range jumpers or tough contested three-pointers. Harper was only able to get one of those tough mid-range shots to go. Despite a lackluster offensive game, Harper remained strong defensively. I love the matchup with him on Edwards. He has the strength, length, and lateral quickness to make him work.
The Spurs generally struggled with over-rotating on defense or missing rotations completely in Game Three. Johnson was a primary culprit. He would overhelp on drives, which led to some open threes, even though Wembanyama was in a solid position in the paint.
He made up for those defensive mistakes with his best three-point shooting game of the playoffs. Johnson’s energy, primarily in transition, has made a difference in the Spurs’ two wins this series.
San Antonio just barely survived the Kornet minutes. He was outclassed by Gobert inside, after playing well against him in Game Two. The bright side was that Wembanyama was so good that he completely negated the point differential when Kornet was in the game.
Grade: C
Harrison Barnes
6 minutes, 1 rebound, 1 steal, +3
Barnes didn’t play much. and didn’t make much of an impact while he was in the game. He did grab a steal in his limited playing time.
Bryant hit two huge threes and played some solid defense. Johnson had him guarding Julius Randle, which isn’t the best matchup for him. Bryant is much better at creating havoc on the perimeter with his size, strength, and speed. He’s at a bit of a disadvantage banging with the bigger Randle down low.
Grade:B
Inactives: Harrison Ingram, David Jones-Garcia, Emanuel Miller
DENVER, CO - MAY 3: Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on May 3, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, that was quite the way to open the series.
The Colorado Rockies survived another blown lead to manage an exciting extra-inning win against the Philadelphia Phillies last night. Colorado carries a two-game winning streak into the matchup, as the teams meet for the second time this weekend and the fifth time already in this young season.
Tonight, Kyle Freeland takes on Aaron Nola.
Freeland enters with a 1-3 record in five games started, with a 5.04 ERA, 1.360 WHIP, eight walks, and 24 strikeouts. He’s had an equal mix of very good games and pretty shaky games. In two of his earlier starts, he gave up eight hits and two earned runs in both games combined. On the other side of things, he gave up eight hits and six earned runs in his last game, the 11-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves last Sunday. He’ll aim to bounce back today.
Colorado already got a look at Nola in the 10-1 home opener loss. As the score might suggest, he dominated the Rockies in that one. While he did give up the lone run, he surrendered just five hits alongside nine strikeouts, controlling the game with a lead in his 6.1 innings pitched.
Since then, Nola’s production has fluctuated. He picked up one more win and three losses across five starts since his early season appearance at Coors. His last start (on Monday against the Miami Marlins) was his best of the season. He pitched a scoreless six innings, notching five hits and five strikeouts in a 1-0 win. In his two starts before that, Nola gave up five earned runs in a loss to the Chicago Cubs and six earned runs on two homers in a loss to the Braves. He currently sits at 2-3 across seven starts, with a 5.06 ERA, 1.446 WHIP, 13 walks, and 40 strikeouts.
The Saturday night showdown gives us two pitchers (and honestly, two offenses) that have had a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde season. The two starters boast essentially identical ERAs and a similar mix of ups and downs. If last night is any indication, we’re in for another fun one!
Anaheim Ducks sharpshooter Cutter Gauthier has been stymied to start this series against the Vegas Golden Knights, but you need to trust the process.
My Golden Knights vs. Ducks predictions expect the young star to break through on home ice en route to an Anaheim victory.
I dig deeper with my full NHL picks on Sunday, May 10.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win tonight's game.
Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 4 prediction tonight
Who will win Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 4?
Ducks: The Ducks have won the expected goal battle in two of the three games. They have the more dynamic offense, and Lukas Dostal outperformed Carter Hart during the regular season. Look for them to get on track in Game 4.
Golden Knights vs Ducks best bet: Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points (-150)
Cutter Gauthier has been extraordinarily productive in Anaheim, recording 20 points over his last 18 home games.
Gauthier was not held pointless in back-to-back home games over that stretch, and that's something he'll be looking to avoid against the Vegas Golden Knights.
He is yet to hit the scoresheet in the series but appears on the verge of a breakout. The star winger leads the Anaheim Ducks in shot attempts (25), scoring chances (13), and expected goals (1.53) through three games.
He has played more minutes than anybody, and a lot have aligned with Gauthier. The two have shared the ice for 75 minutes across all situations. No forward on the Ducks has spent more time with LaCombe, offering great correlation.
The Ducks have generated more high-danger chances at 5-on-5 than any other team in the second round, a sign they're not in over their heads against the Golden Knights. Look for them to even the series at home.
Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 4 goal scorer pick
Cutter Gauthier (+170)
Gauthier is a goal-scoring machine at home, tallying 17 goals over his last 18 games. The Ducks need to get him producing, so he should see a steady dose of offensive zone starts against lesser competition.
Golden Knights vs Ducks SGP
Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points
Jackson Lacombe Over 0.5 points
Ducks moneyline
Golden Knights vs Ducks odds for Game 4
Moneyline: Golden Knights -115 | Ducks -105
Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+205) | Ducks +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Golden Knights vs Ducks trend
The Ducks are 3-1 as home underdogs in the playoffs. Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Ducks.
How to watch Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 4
Location
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Puck drop
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN, Sportsnet
Golden Knights vs Ducks latest injuries
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.
STREAKING: The current season is only the fourth since 1901 in which the Cubs have enjoyed multiple double-digit winning streaks — and the first in 91 years. They won 14, 12, 10 and 10 in a row in 1906. They won 11 and 10 in 1910. They won 21 and 11 in 1935. The Cubs had one streak of at least 10 wins in six seasons before 1935 and have had one in 10 seasons since then. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
STEALING: The Cubs stole three bases last night. They had swiped three in only two earlier games this season: a 10-2 win at home over Nationals on March 28, second game of season, and a 9-2 win at Tampa on April 8 — 27 games before yesterday. They have stolen two bases twice, March 30 and April 15, and one base in 13 games, for a total of 18 with a steal and 21 with none. Last season, the Cubs stole at least three bases in 19 games, stole two in 23 and stole one in 40, for a total of 82 with a steal and 78 with none. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
BEST IN THE BIZ: This season is just the fifth since 1901 in which the Cubs have had the best record in baseball after their 39th game. The last time, as you might have guessed, was in 2016,. They were 28-11 and the Orioles were second, at 24-15. The Nationals were second among National League teams, at 25-16. The three earlier times came in a span of five seasons in the first decade of the 1900s. In 1903, the Cubs were 28-11 and the Giants were 26-11. In 1904, the Cubs were 26-11, to 27-12 by the Red Sox and 26-12 by the Giants. In 1907, the Cubs were 30-9; the Giants, 28-11; and the White Sox, 27-12. A year earlier, the Cubs had been the best in the NL, at 26-13, but the Athletics of the AL, at 22-10, had a higher winning percentage, .688 to .667. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
THE SEIYA FILES: Seiya Suzuki, last 20 games since April 15: .329/.432/.658 (24-for-73) with three doubles, seven home runs, 12 walks, 15 RBI and 17 runs scored.
Edward Cabrera has been remarkably consistent this year. After starting with two scoreless outings, he has allowed exactly three earned runs in each of his last five starts. So you pretty much know what you’re getting with a Cabrera start.
This will be Cabrera’s first-ever start against the Rangers. So, most of the Rangers have not faced him. One who has, from their common time in the NL East, is Brandon Nimmo (6-for-16, a double, seven walks).
Jack Leiter is the son of former MLB pitcher Al Leiter, and so the first cousin of former Cub Mark Leiter Jr.
Highly touted, he was picked in the first round in 2021 (second overall) by the Rangers.
He had a pretty good year in 2025 (29 starts, 3.86 ERA) but this year has been a bit rough, with a 5.45 ERA and seven home runs allowed in 38 innings.
This will be Leiter’s first-ever start against the Cubs. Only three Cubs (Alex Bregman, Carson Kelly and Nicky Lopez) have ever faced him, and have gone a small sample size 0-for-9.
Please visit our SB Nation Rangers site Lone Star Ball. If you do go there to interact with Rangers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
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The Lakers will try to avoid a 3-0 deficit when its playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder shifts to Los Angeles tonight.
The game was a tightly contested battle through the first half, with the Lakers actually holding a slim 58–57 lead at the break, but Oklahoma City’s offense overwhelmed Los Angeles in the second half.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back, scoring 22 points in the game. Chet Holmgren also put up a 22-point performance, while rookie Ajay Mitchell provided another significant spark with 20 points and 6 assists.
Toinght’s (May 9) Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch Lakers vs. Thunder for free:
If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the Lakers game for free.
DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes ABC (plus most channels you’ll need for the WNBA season). When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $44.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.
TRY DIRECTV FOR FREE
You can also tune in to today’s game with fubo’s Pro or Sports and News plans. Live TV plans from fubo start at $44.99 and also include a five-day free trial.
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
May 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) celebrates after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
First Pitch: 1:10 pm CDT TV: Twins.TV Radio: TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM / Audacy
Forty games of baseball is probably “enough” games of baseball to feel like you have a sense of the team you’re watching. After 40 games, my sense is roughly the same as it was after 34 games, when I remarked that the team was, in no uncertain terms, “ass.”
Since we last left off, the Twins had salvaged a split against the Blue Jays, then handed the Washington Nationals their first home series win (a la last season’s Colorado Rockies), and got jumped by the Cleveland Guardians on Apple TV. For all the chatter about the relative weakness of the division, Minnesota remains dead last in the American League Central with a 16-23 record, and are dangerously close to being the worst outright team in the league.
That one Detroit/Boston week notwithstanding, the Twins are starting to look like the bits-and-pieces roster that preseason assessments identified.
FUN STUFF, GANG!
Today, Joe Ryan makes one of his last starts on the team. Maybe, at the very least, we can be excited for his future and what it holds. He’s got forty strikeouts so far — one for every game the Twins have played! He didn’t get one per game, though. He doesn’t pitch that often, you silly billy.
Meanwhile, Tanner Bibee is looking to get his first win of the year after an 0-5 record in eight starts to begin 2026. It’s as good an opportunity as any!
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies walks off the court after the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The conversations on who the Suns should look to add to this team continue, and so do these articles, as we have another rendition of Suns Trade Verdict for you all to dissect. This has been a fun series I started, and the responses to the recent articles have shown me that you enjoy them too. In recent pieces, we have looked at power forwards and guards, and today that trend continues.
The fans have asked for this player, and there has been some reporting that the Suns could be interested as well.
The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have interest in trading for Ja Morant, per @ScoopB
You also add the fact that Ja Morant was seen watching the Phoenix Suns’ Play-In game, and it may look like a connection could be there this offseason.
Ja Morant in a suite at the Suns and Warriors play-in game 👀
Now, Morant did see his former teammate, Desmond Bane, in the playoffs with Jaren Jackson Jr., so this could be him supporting his friends since Dillon Brooks was on his former team. However, it could mean more than many expect.
How could this get done?
Well, for Phoenix, they would be trading for Morant’s $87 million remaining split over the next two seasons. He made slightly above $42 million this year, so for the Suns, finding contracts to match that becomes an issue. One-for-one, they can only do this deal: Jalen Green for Ja Morant. This would require Phoenix to take back more salary.
In most articles, you can trade the salaries of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale to get a deal done, but in this one, the Suns are taking back $4 million that they cannot acquire.
Phoenix can make this deal by adding either O’Neale or Allen with Green to shed salary, something they may consider in this scenario for their impending free agents. They could also add those players or draft capital, even to expand the deal to get something else from Memphis.
Which would make the most sense?
Two of the three options make sense for both parties. The last one does not work as the Suns are giving up too much value for Morant. That then leaves us with either the Suns selling Royce to save money or doing a one-for-one swap.
Personally, I think the deal with O’Neale illustrates the plan, but it is just too much for Morant. If they could somehow get their pick back from Memphis in a deal like this, I’d consider it, but with Memphis tanking and developing players, they will not toss that in.
Therefore, I think the only way this deal gets done as currently constructed is the one-for-one swap: Green for Morant. Even though I think it is the best deal, does it make sense for the Suns to do?
Why does it not get done?
Suns
Sadly, even with all this discussion about wanting Morant, I think the realization sets in about what he can be for Phoenix. Some believe he can be this great playmaker alongside Booker and help alleviate some of those on-ball duties. Morant can also bring the same level of shooting that Green does, shooting mid-range and using his speed and athleticism to attack the basket.
The questions, though, then arise with his three-point shooting. As we know, Phoenix values the three-point ball a bunch, and sometimes lived or died by it this season for Morant, who is a career 31% three-point shooter and is not going to cut it. Now, Green was also not a great three-point shooter, but he did have some success this season. Morant has gotten worse, shooting just 24% this year.
That, added with his injury history, like many other players in this series, also adds a factor. Morant has consistently been injured in his entire career. Just this season, he was out for most of it, playing only 20 games, and even if the Grizzlies wanted to tank, it limited his ability to come back late; it was still an issue. The Grizzlies knew this, and that is why they ended up blowing up their team halfway through; they did not have enough to compete.
Not to mention the off-court issues Morant has had throughout his career. When he was younger, we all know what happened, resulting in suspensions for the young guard. That is something added with his frustrations with two head coaches that really makes you question this move. His reluctance to work with Taylor Jenkins or Tuomas Iisalo suggests he may be difficult to coach, something the Suns might not want to put Jordan Ott through in his second year of coaching.
Grizzlies
For a team in the midst of rebuilding and finding its new identity, Green would be a perfect fit. He would not have the expectations of being on a playoff team, but one where he can grow as a player. Memphis, as well, for how well they can develop young talent, I’m sure, would love to take on this experiment and see where it goes.
Green can be a part of their new young core with Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer, Zach Edey, and whoever the Grizzlies select with their lottery selection this season. This could be a new fun core to look at for the fans after just blowing up their season in the middle of it.
Green’s athleticism would add a layer to this offense that they lacked all year without Morant. Personally, Memphis is one of the best teams for Green to reach his true potential, in my opinion, but I think they want this deal more than Phoenix.
Final Thoughts
Even for someone who believes in second chances for players and not giving up on them early, I think for the Suns, this is the player not to do so. When you look at it, you are adding on money, taking a risk on someone who could cause some waves in the locker room when the chemistry is already good. You also take a risk on his availability. This leaves too many questions with too much baggage for the Suns to actually pursue.
As I stated earlier, if you can expand this deal and add the Suns getting their pick back from Memphis, I’d have to reevaluate it, but to me, the Morant fit would not make sense for the Suns.
What do you think, though? Would you do this deal if you were in the Phoenix Suns front office?
After getting promoted from Double-A to Triple-A earlier in the week, Mets pitching prospect left-hander Zach Thornton made his Syracuse debut on Saturday afternoon.
In his first start for Triple-A, Thornton pitched six innings and allowed three earned runs on five hits, including a home run, and two walks while striking out four. The lefty threw 84 pitches (60 strikes) and was pulled with his team down 3-2.
Rochester, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, got to Thornton in the first inning after two doubles sandwiching a walk scored a run. After a strikeout, Thornton made a nice play on a ball hit to him, throwing home to nab the runner trying to score.
The left-hander allowed two more runs in the third on a two-run shot by Yohandy Morales on a 1-2 sinker to put Syracuse down 3-0. From there, though, Thornton locked in and retired 11 of the final 12 batters he faced.
Thornton took the loss as the Mets’ offense was mostly quiet, although No. 9 hitter Jackson Cluff homered to lead off the bottom of the sixth to get Syracuse closer, 3-2. The Mets went on to lose, 7-4, but it was a solid start for Thornton who now has a 3.77 ERA in six starts between Double-A and Triple-A.
With their backs against the wall in a 3-0 series hole, the Philadelphia Flyers have some decisions to make ahead of Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday evening.
Forcing some of those decisions is the absence of forward Owen Tippett, who has been out for the Flyers since Game 6 of the Round 1 series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Despite skating with the team, head coach Rick Tocchet announced Saturday that Tippett won't return for the Flyers just yet, marking his fourth consecutive absence due to an undisclosed injury.
The Flyers are again without Noah Cates and Tippett, which has forced Denver Barkey into the center position with Alex Bump establishing himself in the lineup.
As for further lineup changes, the defense has been a topic of discussion recently, given how anemic the Flyers' power play has been all year long.
Owen Tippett out for Flyers in Game 4 vs. the Hurricanes. Coach Rick Tocchet said there could be other lineup changes, including the possibility of rookie defenseman Oliver Bonk entering the lineup. "He's in the mix to look at."
Jamie Drysdale made a costly gaffe on the hapless man advantage in Game 3 on Thursday night, and Rasmus Ristolainen has offered next to nothing on the second unit.
With those two power play quarterbacks not working, the Flyers figured adding Cam York next to Ristolainen on the second unit would help... it did not.
According to Tocchet, though, prospect defenseman Oliver Bonk, with his one game of NHL experience and half a season of pro experience in the AHL, is "in the mix" to play for the Flyers in Game 4.
Bonk, 21, has power play experience and can do the job in limited minutes, but it's a tough spot for him nonetheless.
Fellow defenseman David Jiricek could also be an option for the Flyers given his talents and power play prowess, though he has not played an NHL game since January, when he was still with the Minnesota Wild.
Jiricek, 22, has two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points in 85 career AHL games, ripped off 13 points in 15 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms post-trade, and has been playing pro since the 2019-20.
The Flyers have some interesting decisions to make in a win-or-go-home Game 4, and it may serve them well to get some prospects into an NHL playoff game, especially against an intense team like the Hurricanes.
A new report shared by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, indicates that the Florida Panthers are at risk of losing their current director of player personnel, Bryan McCabe.
McCabe has been with the Panthers organization since 2012, when he started as a development coach. After one season, he moved to the director of player personnel, a role he has held since.
In his time with the Panthers, the 50-year-old has won two Stanley Cups.
In Friedman’s report, he indicates that New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta, the former Panthers assistant GM, could be interested in bringing McCabe into their organization.
“One of the people I’m curious to see if Mehta will try to add is Bryan McCabe.”
In addition to the Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in reuniting with McCabe, as he spent seven years of his NHL career in Toronto playing with the new senior executive advisor of hockey operations, Mats Sundin.
“Bryan McCabe, the former Maple Leaf defenseman, has a really good reputation for player development,” Friedman said on the latest 32 Thoughts episode. “Mackenzie Weegar is one of the guys that has credited McCabe in the past for really helping him become the player he’s become.”
Including his time in a developmental role in Florida, McCabe finished his NHL career as the captain of the Panthers, but was traded to the New York Rangers during the season. He spent two-and-half seasons as the captain of the Panthers.
But according to Friedman, McCabe isn’t the only Panthers front office member Mehta might be eyeing.
Braden Birch, the Panthers’ current director of hockey operations, has been with the Panthers since 2016 and has held this title since 2017. Birch, like McCabe, has won two Stanley Cups with the Panthers and has quietly been a crucial part of the Panthers’ success.
“The other guy I heard could be on Sunny Mehta’s radar is a guy by the name of Braden Birch,” said Friedman.
Panthers GM Bill Zito could be a very busy man this off-season, in addition to building his NHL roster, as he has already lost one assistant GM and is now at risk of losing another assistant GM, Brett Peterson, as well as his director of player personnel and his director of hockey operations.
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Two of the biggest reasons for the Montreal Canadiens' resurrection are Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and they will live up to their budding reputations against the Buffalo Sabres tonight.
My Sabres vs. Canadiens predictions are bullish on the duo as Montreal looks to go up in this key clash.
I explain further with my full NHL picks for Game 3 on Sunday, May 10.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Sabres vs Canadiens Game 3 prediction tonight
Who will win Sabres vs Canadiens Game 3?
Canadiens: The Canadiens earned a split on the road and outscored the Sabres by a pair at 5-on-5, despite zero production from star Cole Caufield. He won't stay quiet forever, and I see him leading the charge in Game 3.
Sabres vs Canadiens best bet: Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists (-135)
That's highly unusual, as Suzuki recorded an assist on 49.3% of the goals he was on for during the regular season. He also picked up a helper in 62% of all games, and last went more than four straight without one in October.
With linemates Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield set for positive shooting regression, Suzuki is well-positioned to bounce back.
Sabres vs Canadiens Game 3 same-game parlay
Caufield's success goes hand in hand with Suzuki's. The two are attached to the hip at 5-on-5 and on the top power play unit, and one doesn't usually produce without the other. Suzuki has an assist in nine of the past 10 games in which Caufield recorded at least one point.
Noah Dobson has recorded seven shots on 11 attempts through the first two games of this series. He sees a lot of offensive zone faceoffs, and Montreal has a big edge in the dot, leading to easy shooting opportunities off draws.
Sabres vs Canadiens SGP
Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists
Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points
Noah Dobson Over 1.5 shots on goal
Sabres vs Canadiens Game 3 goal scorer pick
Cole Caufield (+165)
Montreal's star sniper scored just once over the past eight games despite generating 18 chances. His shooting percentage during that stretch (7.14%) was barely more than half his career rate (14.20%), a sign the tide should turn sooner than later.
Nick Suzuki has recorded 11 assists over his last 12 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Canadiens.
How to watch Sabres vs Canadiens Game 3
Location
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, ESPN
Sabres vs Canadiens latest injuries
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.
Lakers coach JJ Redick. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
It hasn’t been Oklahoma City’s superstar burying the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. That’s what’s made this series so vexing for the shorthanded Lakers.
After the Thunder dominated the Lakers in minutes without reigning most valuable player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the court in Game 2, flexing their superior depth, athleticism and pace, Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team had to “look at everything.” The second-year Lakers coach is the latest to face a problem that almost no one in the NBA has solved.
How do you stop the inevitable when it comes to the Oklahoma City Thunder?
The defending NBA champions rolled to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals despite relatively quiet performances from Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder put the Lakers in danger of getting swept out of the playoffs for just the 10th time in franchise history.
Playing without Luka Doncic, the NBA's leading scorer, the Lakers can only continue to do what they’ve done all year: adapt.
“The thing I love about the playoffs,” Redick said before the Lakers’ second-round series, “is you only can worry about the task at hand.”
The Lakers have already shown their resilience this postseason by winning a first-round playoff series over the Houston Rockets in six games despite being without their superstar guard and only getting second-leading scorer Austin Reaves back for two games.
When the star guards both suffered regular season-ending injuries against the Thunder on April 2, it looked like a sure disaster. The Lakers were just beginning to show their potential as a team.
Lakers coach JJ Redick gives instructions to guard Luka Doncic during a game in March. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
They grieved through a three-game losing streak. They regrouped. Then they won.
“Going through this series, we could have really folded a little bit and could have had a lot of all type of excuses,” center Deandre Ayton said after the Lakers polished off the first-round series, “but I felt that we came in, JJ didn't give a damn who was out there with him.”
Between shocking trades and major injuries, it’s felt like Redick has coached at least six different teams during his first two seasons. His intense focus can help take the emotion out of any unforeseen circumstance. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade that brought Doncic to L.A. or an untimely injury that sidelines the superstar guard at the most important time of the season, Redick is able to compartmentalize each day’s mission.
“He just stays locked into what he has to do in the moment,” said Stan Van Gundy, who coached Redick in Orlando and is now an analyst for Amazon Prime Video. “He's as focused as anybody you'll run into."
Sometimes Redick’s tasks are simply checking in with certain players. Other times it’s cooking up new plays with the coaches. Redick focuses fully on each one at a time. Learning to prioritize the tasks has kept him more sane during his second season in one of the most high-profile coaching jobs in sports, he said.
“A little more sane,” Redick clarified with a bashful grin.
Reaves isn't buying it.
The Lakers guard still sees Redick combusting on the Lakers' bench after a particularly egregious turnover or a missed assignment. He saved his ire for officials during the Lakers’ Game 2 loss in Oklahoma City during which Redick received a technical foul.
Redick got into heated exchanges with Doncic and Jarred Vanderbilt this season. The video clips went viral, casting doubt on Redick’s relationship with players, especially the moment with Doncic in February. But Redick maintained both were ordinary conversations among competitive people.
Lakers coach JJ Redick reviews his notes before a game against the Utah Jazz in April. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Even after Redick's sideline dust-ups, Reaves knows he can still talk it through with the coaching staff.
"It just shows the care factor,” Reaves said. “Like there's no bad intentions with any of it. … It's a healthy relationship. It's not just with myself, it's the whole team. Everybody can talk to one another. It's not just us to coaching staff, it's player to player, coaching staff to coaching staff, we all hold each other accountable and it's a beautiful thing to see."
In his second season at the helm, Redick set out to make a player-led team culture. Redick and his staff intentionally let players discuss between themselves during timeouts before coaches join the huddle.
For as much spotlight head coaches get in the NBA, a team’s culture ultimately comes down to players, Van Gundy said. What coaches do is acquire and elevate the players who have the cultural traits the team needs. For the Lakers this season, it’s been about adaptability.
LeBron James exemplified the mantra when he shape-shifted from the high-usage star he’s been for more than two decades to the most accomplished tertiary option in NBA history. When Reaves and Doncic were hurt, James turned back the clock again to star in the Lakers’ first-round series win.
The high-impact performances have trickled down the roster.
Rui Hachimura shot a career-best 44.3% on threes during the regular season and 58.6% from three in the first round. Long criticized for inconsistent energy, Ayton reemerged as a postseason force in the first round. Marcus Smart resurrected his career as a tenacious defender at 32 years old. Luke Kennard’s emergence as an emergency point guard was a late-season revelation. Jaxson Hayes was out of the postseason rotation last year and is now an important counterpunch behind Ayton.
"[Redick] has found ways to maximize all of these guys, whether it's through motivation, Xs and O's or both,” Van Gundy said. “He's really, really been impressive in what he's done, and it's not an easy thing to do."
Redick, who never coached outside of his sons’ youth teams before taking the Lakers job, became the first coach to lead the Lakers to back-to-back 50-win seasons since Phil Jackson in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Redick held back tears when general manager Rob Pelinka presented him with the game ball in the locker room on March 31 and showed a video of Redick’s sons, Knox and Kai, congratulating their dad.
When asked about joining a list of Lakers coaches that includes Jackson and Pat Riley, Redick demurred. He doesn’t deserve the mention, he said.
“I’ve got a lot left to accomplish, for sure,” Redick said.
