CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Dennis Schroder #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (16-25) and Seattle Mariners (19-22) play the first game of a four-game series this evening at Daikan Park with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT.
RHP Peter Lambert (2-2, 2.42 ERA) will be on the mound for the Astros, opposite LHP George Kirby (4-2, 2.94 ERA) and the Mariners.
ABOUT TENG: RHP Peter Lambert tries to continue a string of strong starts that have seen him arguably be the Astros second best pitcher since he was called up..
Last App: Lambert spearheaded the only win against the Dodgers in the three game series as he outdueled Shohei Ohtani over seven sparkling shutout innings.
VS. THE MARINERS: The Astros have faced the Mariners 233 times in their history going 132—101 in the all-time series. They are 0-4 against the Mariners this season
The Astros went 5-8 against the Mariners last season including being on the business end of a three game sweep in September that helped the Mariners clinch the AL West.
REMEMBERING RENÉ: The Astros will hold a moment of silence tonight for Hall of Fame broadcaster René Cárdenas, who sadly passed away yesterday…Cárdenas was a true pioneer in broadcasting as the original Spanish-language broadcaster for the Colt .45s when the franchise was born in 1962…Cárdenas called Astros games for 14 seasons (1962-75) and after a long stint with the Dodgers, returned to the Astros Spanish broadcast in 2007…he called select Astros games since that year, while also covering the team for La Prensa, a Nicaraguan newspaper…Cárdenas was inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame in 2024.
TODAY’S AVAILABILITIES: The Astros clubhouse will be open to approved media at Daikin Park from 3-3:50 p.m. CT…Astros Manager Joe Espada will be made available in the Astros dugout at approx. 3:50 p.m.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, May 10, 12:40 p.m. CT
Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 10: Members of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after the Atlanta Braves defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tom Wilson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
What a week for Braves country, huh? Two major deaths, almost back-to-back, of notable icons, starting with Ted Turner and shortly after, Bobby Cox. The Braves took the series win against the two-time national champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers. And, surprise surprise, their pitching is holding up solid.
There’s a lot to talk about regarding the team, with a returning face in the lineup to face off against the offense-powered Chicago Cubs. Let’s get this conversation started as we look to a new week of Braves baseball.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 7: general view of the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Globe Life Field on April 7, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
RANGERS
Ketel Marte – 2B
Brandon Nimmo – RF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Ezequiel Duran – 2B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Corey Seager – SS
Adrian Del Castillo – DH
Josh Jung – 3B
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Evan Carter – CF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Joc Pederson – DH
Lourdes Gurriel – LF
Alejandro Osuna – LF
Gabriel Moreno – C
Jake Burger – 1B
Ryan Waldschmidt – CF
Kyle Higashioka – C
Michael Soroka – RHP
Cal Quantrill – RHP
Any time we go to Globe Field, memories immediately go back to the 2023 World Series, when we faced the Texas Rangers in this ballpark. It’s interesting to note that neither team has made it back to the postseason since then. Indeed, at least the D-backs have come close: the Rangers failed to post a winning record in 2024 or 2025, missing out on the playoffs by eight and six games respectively. The two sides have similar records right now as well, with Texas’s 19-21 a mere half a game behind Arizona’s 19-20. However, in the mediocre AL West, that’s good enough for the Rangers to be in second, two games back of… the Athletics? Wait, what?
Yeah, the last time before this year the A’s had sole possession of first was June 19, 2021 – y’know, back when they were in a different city, and weren’t embarrassed to name it. But, then, the AL as a whole is strikingly mediocre, with only three teams above .500: the Yankees, Rays and A’s. It’s because just four teams have winning records in interleague play, and none of those are better than 5-4. Right now, the National League is 25 games above .500 in interleague play, at 315-290. Texas are 7-8, taking two of three from the Cubs, Phillies and Pirates, but losing to the Dodgers and getting swept by the Reds (y’know back when they didn’t suck).
Last time the Diamondbacks were here was in August last season, and we took two out of three. We lost the opening game on a walkoff, 7-6, but rebounded to take the next two contests, by margins of 3-2 and 6-4. Andrew Saalfrank got the save in the final game. How long ago that all seems. We’ll see if Michael Soroka can keep the sterling streak of starts going. He was certainly a hard-luck loser last time, allowing just the one run over 6.1 innings. But that was enough in a 1-0 loss. In his last three start, the D-backs have scored a total of two runs, so hopefully he gets a bit more support tonight.
For a stretch, it looked like San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama might be suspended for his flagrant elbow to Naz Reid in Game 4.
Wemby will be in the lineup after all, and that sways our Timberwolves vs. Spurs same-game parlay for tonight's Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinal.
The San Antonio Spurs couldn't recover from Victor Wembanyama’s first-half ejection in Game 4 but did put up one hell of a fight. That’s something positive to take back to Texas. With Wemby in the paint, this defense gets back to pushing the Minnesota Timberwolves to the perimeter and dropping their effective field goal rate. The Spurs are 18-5 SU off a loss this season as well as 12-3 SU as double-digit home chalk.
SGP leg #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
Wembanyama grabbed 15 rebounds in each of the first three games of this series and was on track for another repeat of that rebounding performance before getting ejected for an ill-intentioned elbow in Game 4. Prior to that, he posted 13 or more boards in a dozen of his past 15 outings overall, and with the T-Wolves struggling to get quality shots, his rebounding chances are soaring closer to 22.0 per game.
SGP leg #3: Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
After Wemby got tossed in Game 4, the Timberwolves abandoned the outside shot at went at the rim. However, with the Spurs’ 7-footer in, Minnesota had taken 70 total triples the previous two games. Ayo Dosunmu was just 1 for 4 from distance in Game 4 after shooting 3 for 8 from outside in Game 3. With Wembanyama back in action, the T-Wolves get pushed to the perimeter, and Dosunmu is projected for at least two triples.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Timberwolves vs Spurs predictions for Game 5
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Oct 18, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; The bullpen for the Texas Rangers reacts after third baseman Josh Jung (not pictured) hit a two-run home run during the fifth inning of game three of the ALCS against the Houston Astros in the 2023 MLB playoffs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Brody Bumila did his best to boost his 2026 MLB Draft stock on Saturday, May 9.
The 6-foot-9 left-handed pitcher posted video-game numbers in his latest start for Bishop Feehan (Mass.) High School. In a perfect game seven-inning performance for the Shamrocks against Moses Brown, Bumila struck out an astonishing 20 hitters.
The 20 strikeouts broke a 60-year-old school record, with Bumila finding the majority of his success due to his fastball that can reach 100 miles per hour. The pitch helps rank him as the No. 22 Draft prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft, according to MLB Pipeline.
20-strikeout‼️ no-hitter and up to 100 mph from 6-foot-9 Brody Bumila.
2026 high school LHP was overpowering tonight for Bishop Feehan in Massachusetts. Heavy fastball attack and mixed in a quality changeup.
Bumila also worked in an advanced changeup, which kept the Quakers' lineup off balance, despite them finding a way to put the first run of the season against him on the board.
According to MLB.com, the lengthy pitcher creates 19-20 inches of induced vertical break on his fastball due to his tall frame. He has 69 strikeouts in just 27 innings of work this season.
The last left-handed pitching prospect to come out of Massachusetts was Marlins' prospect Thomas White, who is ranked No. 12 overall. Thomas went 35th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and is widely expected to make his MLB debut sometime this summer.
Bumila led the Shamrocks to a state championship in basketball earlier this academic year.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Victor Wembanyama will be in action for Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite giving Naz Reid a tracheotomy with his razor-sharp elbows.
The San Antonio Spurs star center avoided a suspension after being ejected in the first half of Game 4 for throwing a nasty elbow that would even make Ludacris blush.
With Wemby in the mix, San Antonio is favored by double digits, and my Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions aren't anticipating a blip in his production tonight.
I explain further with my NBA picks for Tuesday, May 12.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, with the game airing on NBC.
Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5 prediction
Who will win Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5?
Spurs: The Timberwolves made the most of Wembanyama’s absence in the second half of Game 4 and knotted this series at 2-2.
No other player in the NBA impacts his team’s fortunes like the lanky Frenchman. His presence in the paint allows this San Antonio defense to push everything to the outside and cheat the passing lanes, knowing Wembanyama is behind them.
Minnesota won’t go down easy, but in the end, the Spurs get the win at home. San Antonio is 12-3 SU when laying -10 or more at home, but just 6-8-1 ATS in those outings.
Timberwolves vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds (-125)
Before getting the boot in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama had four boards on 9.0 potential rebounds in just 12 minutes. That opening effort put him on pace for another 15+ rebounding performance.
In the three games prior, Wembanyama snatched up 15 rebounds in each outing on almost 22 rebounding chances per game. Wemby has plucked at least 13 boards in a dozen of his previous 15 games prior to the Game 4 ejection.
With the series swinging back to San Antonio, Minnesota’s shooting could take a dip. That means more rebounding chances for Wembanyama, who is projected for as many as 15+ boards again.
San Antonio showed a lot of fight after Wembanyama got tossed in Game 4. The San Antonio Spurs were able to go small and got excellent efforts from De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper.
That gives this team something to take back to San Antonio, where its 7-footer will patrol the paint and push Minnesota to the outside. The Timberwolves haven’t been great from beyond the arc in the series, shooting just 35% from deep.
Those misses turn into long rebounds, which feed the San Antonio transition offense.
Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP
Spurs moneyline
Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Shootout at the Alamo
Game script says the Timberwolves trail big and need to hit some triples to close the gap.
With Victor Wembanyama back on the floor, Minnesota gets pushed to the perimeter, where Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu do the heavy lifting.
The Spurs counter, as Wemby and Fox both shoot considerably better from beyond the arc at home.
Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 threes
De’Aaron Fox Over 1.5 threes
Anthony Edwards Over 2.5 threes
Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
Timberwolves vs Spurs bonus bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes (+110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves shot nine of their 27 total 3-point attempts in the first quarter of Game 4. But when Wembanyama got bounced, the T-Wolves bailed on the outside shooting and attacked the unprotected rim.
Minnesota had shot 30 and 40 3PAs in the two games prior, so with Wembanyama clear of a suspension, expect the T-Wolves to get pushed back out to the perimeter in Game 5.
Dosunmu went 1 for 4 from 3-point range in Game 4, which was a stark decline from his 3-for-8 effort from outside in Game 3. He missed Game 1 due to injury and was limited to only 10 minutes in Game 2, shooting 0 for 1 from distance.
In Round 1, Dosunmu averaged 2.4 triples on 4.4 3PAs and knocked down 1.8 makes from long range at a 44% clip during the regular season. His 3-point prop for Game 5 is offering great value on the Over 1.5, considering game script and projections at 1.8 3PMs.
Over/Under: Over 218.5 (-110) | Under 218.5 (-110)
Timberwolves vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs have gone Over their team total in 27 of their last 45 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Spurs.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Tuesday, May 10, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Timberwolves vs Spurs latest injuries
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after dunking the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have numerous decisions ahead of them this upcoming offseason, including multiple restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and players with trade value. The following series will examine those decisions as our writing team presents both a point and a counterpoint for each.
Mark Williams. The acquisition came moments after the Phoenix Suns drafted Khaman Maluach, leaving many people confused. It was obvious Phoenix already had a deal lined up with the Charlotte Hornets before the draft even started. Then the Duke center falls into their lap at 10, and the Suns still execute the trade to acquire another Duke center anyway. A team that had almost no depth at center suddenly had plenty of it. They also had a built-in succession plan.
The question with Williams was always the same. Can he stay healthy? Because if he can, the skill set is there for him to be a quality starting center in the NBA. He rim runs. He has strong hands. He provides rim deterrence. The wingspan is massive. Above all else, he runs. The motor is real.
That’s what made this season important. The Suns essentially got a test drive. They acquired him on a $6.3 million contract with a team option, one they ultimately picked up, and now they have a clearer picture of what he is heading into restricted free agency.
So now comes the next phase of the Mark Williams conversation. Do you bring him back? And if you do, how much are you willing to pay?
I’ll start by acknowledging that Mark Williams had a good year for the Phoenix Suns. He exceeded expectations relative to games played, appearing in 60 contests and blowing past his previous career high by 15 games. When called upon, the production was there. He averaged 11.7 points on 64.4% shooting, adding 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
Part of me still wonders what it could have looked like if the Suns leaned into him more offensively. It felt like whenever they involved him, the results were positive. Too often, the team drifted back toward perimeter-heavy basketball, and Williams’ overall numbers suffered because of it.
As the season wore on, the injuries piled up. We never saw him in the postseason, and that matters when discussing his value on the open market. Through the first 50 games of the year, Williams played in 45, and his value was climbing. Then the back half of the season reminded everyone what the risk is with him. Injuries are part of the equation. If you’re making the argument to keep Mark Williams, that has to be part of the conversation.
So why should the Phoenix Suns retain Mark Williams? I think it starts with the organization’s timeline. You have a young center in Khaman Maluach who will be 20 years old next season. The flashes are there, still, there’s a lot of development left in front of him. If you have the opportunity to build a buffer and support system around that development, it should be a priority. That’s where Williams comes in.
The key becomes the contract, and this is where Phoenix has leverage. Williams is a restricted free agent, meaning he can test the open market and see what teams are willing to offer. The Suns then decide whether they want to match. At the same time, Phoenix can use the threat of matching to push for a sign-and-trade if another team values Williams higher than they do.
Let’s use the Brooklyn Nets as an example. Say Brooklyn offers Williams three years, $60 million. Personally, I think that’s above where his value should land, and I’d imagine Phoenix feels similarly. At that point, the Suns have two options. Option one: let him walk. He heads to Brooklyn and earns $20 million a season. Option two: force the conversation into sign-and-trade territory. Phoenix tells Brooklyn that if they want Williams, they need to work with the Suns. Otherwise, Phoenix threatens to match the deal.
It becomes a high-stakes game of chicken. If multiple teams are bidding, Phoenix gains leverage. If only one team is truly interested, that leverage starts to disappear.
That being said, with his qualifying offer at $9.6 million, I think the Phoenix Suns would be smart to offer Mark Williams a three-year, $36 million deal, with the final season as a team option. It gives Williams security over the next couple of years and gives him runway to position himself for a bigger payday later if the health and availability continue trending in the right direction. It also gives Phoenix two more years, with the option for a third, to continue developing Khaman Maluach. That’s the priority here. If Maluach starts accelerating faster than expected, you can always move off Williams later, and that contract would be attractive to another team.
My guess is the Suns probably come in higher than that. Something closer to three years, $48 million, around $16 million annually. Hopefully, they build in that team option. Even at that number, I don’t know if I’d be upset. It might be a slight overpay. But if you’re viewing this through the lens of the next few seasons, it becomes a tradable contract if needed.
The goal for Phoenix right now is continuity and development, and bringing back Williams supports both. You still have to be financially responsible in how you approach it. At the same time, retaining him should be a priority. He’s a good player and an ideal bridge option before eventually passing the baton to Khaman Maluach when the time comes.
For those reasons, I think you keep Mark Williams.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 9: The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As basketball fans, we know that there is no rest for the weary. Sure, the Washington Wizards have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But life and the playoffs go on. Here are the games for today, May 11, 2026.
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers — 10:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Laker fans cheer during a slam dunk by LeBron James. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
It’s true that the arena feels more like a stage than a furnace. ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke commented on it just before tipoff of Game 3 between the Thunder and Lakers.
“Is this building remarkably quiet for a playoff game?” she asked Dave Pasch. She wasn’t wrong. But she wasn’t entirely right either.
A Lakers game doesn’t behave like other NBA arenas. It’s not meant to be a college-like atmosphere, or have a PA announcer yelling at the crowd what to do every second of the game.
Lakers fans cheering at Game 2 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Former Lakers’ owner Jerry Buss always envisioned a Lakers game as a theatrical experience.
He wanted fans to experience a “show.” He added a live band, the Laker girls, and courtside celebrities. He dimmed the crowd lights low and put a spotlight on the court. He mixed basketball with Hollywood glamour, music and performance. He wanted you to feel like you were in “the hottest night club” in town.
It was a must-see event, and fans flocked to be seen.
And that is still the vibe to this very day.
Bad Bunny sitting courtside at a Lakers game. Getty ImagesMatthew Stafford and Kelly Hall watching a Lakers game. Getty Images
In OKC, the experience is engineered. A voice booms through the speakers, directing every emotional beat. “Stand up!” “Get Loud!” Chant “De-fense” on cue.
The arena is much smaller, the ceiling lower, the acoustics sharper. The sound has nowhere to go but down. Yes, it’s louder, and an exceptional atmosphere, but it’s also a lot different than LA for a reason.
In Houston, at the Toyota Center, they leaned on volume too—sometimes artificially.
The in-house sound system is the loudest we’ve ever heard. It’s constantly blasting music that rattles your chest and hurts your ear drums. But turn that music off and you’ll notice a half-empty arena for a playoff game with at least 40% of the fans in attendance wearing purple and gold.
When the Lakers go on a run, and the music stops playing, guess which fanbase you hear?
Once again the Toyota Center is half-empty at tipoff. The red you see are empty seats with t-shirts on them. For those in attendance, there’s a lot of purple and gold pic.twitter.com/oqppXrH33F
At a Lakers game, there is no conductor commanding the crowd or music to drown out everyone.
Lakers fans operate on instinct. They recognize matchups before they unfold. They sense momentum shifts like a change in the wind. When the moment demands it, the building responds organically. Not because it was told, but because it knows it has to.
Lakers fans watch a game from the sidelines. William Navarro-Imagn Images
During several sequences in Game 3, the referees didn’t blow the whistle on obvious fouls committed by the Thunder.
ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke commented on the atmosphere just before tipoff of Game 3 between the Thunder and Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
They knew the history of one of the worst officiated games ever seen in Game 2. “Refs you suck!” The sellout crowd chanted in unison. Minutes later, after Rui Hachimura drained a corner three, they chanted “Rui! Rui! Rui!”
That nuance doesn’t always translate on television.
It’s Leonard DiCaprio, Will Ferrell, and Noah Wyle.
Emmy Award-winning actor Noah Wyle with his wife Sara Wells clapping at a Lakers game. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Some celebrities are diehards. Some are guests. Some are there because a studio handed them a seat hours before tipoff to promote their new movie, show, or album. The result can feel detached through a screen.
But that’s only a fraction of the room.
Beyond the floor is a different audience.
Season-ticket holders who have been through every era of Lakers basketball. They know the playoffs are not a fashion show but a war of attrition. Fans will save for months just to sit in the upper bowl and cheer for four quarters. Tourists from all over the world come for the experience of seeing LeBron James and the Lakers in action.
But the Lakers are just one experience in a city that never stops moving.
Flea sticking out his tongue next to Melody Ehsani at a Lakers game. Getty Images
On any given night you can see the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers a few miles away. LAFC and LA Galaxy are kicking off down the street. There’s concerts, movie premieres, live shows. It’s a constant competition for attention.
OKC doesn’t have that problem. The Thunder are the main event in town. They are the only event in town.
So yes, Lakers fans can arrive late and leave early. Traffic will do that to you. They’ll take photos because everything in L.A. is a backdrop. And yes, they’ll even bet against their own team. But they’re also one of the largest and well-represented fanbases in the world.
The Lakers playoff atmosphere might not be the loudest in the NBA.
But it might be the most misunderstood.
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 10: José Caballero #72 of the New York Yankees dives back to first base against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees are dealing with their fair share of injuries these days, but most of them are cases that they have known about for a while and are currently rehabbing or working their way back. There were no new concerns… until Monday.
Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reported that infielder José Caballero, who had been solid as a fill-in for injured shortstop Anthony Volpe, hurt the middle finger on his right hand while sliding back to base on Sunday.
Per the insider, Caballero has received treatment, but feels enough discomfort to warrant an MRI, which is definitely not what the team wanted to hear. There is a chance the finger is not fractured, and the infielder himself believes that’s not the case, but we know better than trusting players on their own physical ailments.
After the conclusion of Monday’s game, Caballero is expected to return to New York to see a hand specialist as well as Dr. Christopher Ahmad, the Yankees’ physician, to get a look at the injury. Bombers’ manager Aaron Boone told Phillips that “there’s definitely some concern” over Caballero’s finger.
Aaron Boone said "there's definitely some concern" over José Caballero's finger. He's gonna go back to NY to see a hand specialist and Dr. Ahmad after tonight's game. #Yankeeshttps://t.co/BymUichwJO
Caballero had a rough start to his season, but has improved considerably in recent weeks. He is slashing a solid .259/.320/.400 with four home runs, 18 runs scored, 13 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and a 104 wRC+. He’s already at 1.1 fWAR, fourth on the team among position players behind Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Ben Rice.
Caballero had been so good that the Yankees recently optioned starting shortstop Anthony Volpe to the minor leagues after his own rehab stint was up. If the former needs a trip to the injured list, the latter will almost certainly be back on the major league roster.
Max Schuemann is playing shortstop for the Yankees on Monday’s opener against the Baltimore Orioles in Caballero’s absence.
As the Montreal Canadiens push for a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres, all eyes will be on goaltender Jakub Dobes.
My Sabres vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks expect Buffalo to throw everything they have offensively to stay alive, but Dobes is primed to meet the moment and stand tall on Tuesday, May 12.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win & goal scorer pick.
Sabres vs Canadiens Game 4 prediction
Who will win Sabres vs Canadiens Game 4?
Buffalo Sabres: This has the makings of a back-and-forth series, and I’m anticipating a pushback from Buffalo in Game 4.
The Sabres have only scored three times on Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes across the past two games despite recording an impressive 6.94 expected goals, and Dobes’ .947 save percentage during the two-game stretch is set to dip.
Sabres vs Canadiens best bet: Jakub Dobes Over 25.5 saves (-110)
The Montreal Canadiens have received elite goaltending from Jakub Dobes, with a .947 save percentage and 3.94 goals saved above expected over the past two games, and he sports a .918 SV% with 0.591 GSAx per 60 minutes in the postseason.
Buffalo converted at a 49.2% rate during the regular season and 46.6% mark in Round 1. So with an added emphasis on funneling pucks to the net, in addition to a slight statistical correction in converting attempts into shots, Dobes is set to be busy again in Game 4.
Sabres vs Canadiens Game 4 same-game parlay
Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov collected an assist in Games 1 and 3, and he’s been on the ice for five goals and 4.37 expected goals through three games. He’s a key puck distributor on the No. 1 power-play unit and has averaged 5:04 per night with the man advantage this postseason.
Additionally, while Demidov has been held to just three shots during Round 2, he’s registered 14 attempts (21.4%). I’m anticipating him converting attempts to shots at a higher rate in Game 4 after hitting the net 17 times on 43 attempts in Round 1 (39.5%) and at a 45.0% rate during the regular season.
Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Lane Hutson has recorded two or more shots in six of 10 postseason games while quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit and pacing the Habs in offensive zone starts at 5-on-5.
Sabres vs Canadiens SGP
Ivan Demidov Over 0.5 assists
Ivan Demidov Over 1.5 shots
Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots
Sabres vs Canadiens Game 4 goal scorer pick
Alex Tuch (+225)
Buffalo veteran Alex Tuch has been a force for the Sabres despite looking for his first goal of the series. Tuch has paced the club with 1.63 expected goals and 10 scoring chances, while his five high-danger scoring chances rank second. Plus, the go-to winger continues to skate on the top line and No. 1 power-play unit, and he scored four times across six Round 1 games.
The Montreal Canadiens have won 17 of their last 25 games (+8.45 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Canadiens.
How to watch Sabres vs Canadiens Game 4
Location
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Date
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
CBC, ESPN
Sabres vs Canadiens latest injuries
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Feb 27, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; A detail view of Toronto Blue Jays spring training hat during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
So a day with actual Jays’ news. Barger to IL, Lauer to anywhere else. Pinango back and Yariel back on the 40-man and the 26-man all at the same time.
De’Aaron Fox has been listed as questionable for Game 5 on May 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with left ankle soreness. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at Frost Bank Center with the series knotted at 2-2.
The left ankle soreness is a new concern for Fox, who hasn’t missed a game since March 25. He played 37 minutes in Game 4 on Sunday, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in the Spurs’ 114-109 loss. He only shot 8-for-23 and 1-for-7 from 3-point range.
Fox’s role, the player who can get into the paint and create when Wembanyama draws extra defensive attention, has been critical to San Antonio’s success this postseason. Over four second-round games, he has averaged 16.8 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals. In the first round against Portland, he put up 21 points and nine assists in the clincher, then went for 28 in Game 4 to help set up the close.
He has helped keep the Spurs offense moving when Wembanyama is being schemed against and San Antonio relies on him.
With the series tied and home court back on their side, the Spurs have a chance to reclaim control in Game 5. Doing it without Fox would put enormous pressure on Wembanyama and a supporting cast that has been inconsistent.
If Fox cannot play, Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson would likely see increased playing time. Harper posted 24 points on 72.7% shooting in Game 4 and has emerged as a reliable secondary creator. Johnson finished with just four points in 17 minutes.
San Antonio enters Game5 has heavy favorites. The series winner advances to the Western Conference Finals to face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder–Los Angeles Lakers series.