DETROIT — Cade Cunningham had 32 points and 12 assists, Tobias Harris added 30 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday to win a playoff series for the first time in 18 years.
Cunningham averaged 32.4 points for Detroit, which last won a postseason series by beating Orlando in the second round in 2008. The Pistons advance to play the winner of Sunday night’s Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors. Game 1 will be Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena.
“We were pushed to the limit,” Cunningham said. “And it made us really reflect on how we were playing, what got us to this position and what made us win as many games as we won in the regular season. And it got us back to playing the basketball that we knew we were capable of.”
Duncan Robinson (55), Daniss Jenkins (24), Cade Cunningham (2) and Javonte Green (31) of the Detroit Pistons react during Game 7 against the Orlando Magic. NBAE via Getty Images
The Pistons became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit and the second in the last two nights, after the Philadelphia 76ers came back to eliminate Boston.
“I mean, it’s expected,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of his team’s resiliency. “And that’s the amount of belief that we have in this group. This is a special group. And you can’t count us out. No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, I like our chances to fight our way back.”
They trailed by 24 points in Game 6 in Orlando before rallying to take the series at home. Orlando only scored 113 points in the final six quarters of the series — an average of 18.8 per period.
Cunningham and Harris became the first Pistons teammates to score 30 points in a playoff game since Bob Lanier (33) and Howard Porter (30) against the Golden State Warriors on April 17, 1977.
“We really bonded this season,” Cunningham said. “This group is super tight. We think we can do anything. We’ve had our backs against the wall at times in the regular season, but we stuck together and we found our way out of it.”
Paolo Banchero scored 38 for the Magic.
Each team needed a second scoring option in Game 7. Cunningham had carried the Pistons while Banchero was Orlando’s only weapon after Franz Wagner was injured in Game 4.
Harris filled that role for Detroit, but Orlando only had one other player reach double figures in the first three quarters, as Desmond Bane had 10.
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Getty Images
“We just couldn’t find the basket,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “We were playing well on defense, but we couldn’t put the ball in the hole.”
The Pistons also got a big game from All-Star center Jalen Duren. He was outplayed by Wendell Carter Jr. in the first six games, but put up his first double-double of the series with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Harris scored 17 points in the second quarter as the Pistons finished the half on a 9-2 run to take a 60-49 lead.
The Pistons’ surge continued into the second half, as they opened the third quarter with a 11-2 run to go up 71-51. Nine of the points came from Cunningham and Harris.
The Magic finished the third quarter with 15 points — the third time in their last five periods they couldn’t reach 20 points.
Daniss Jenkins hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Detroit a 83-64 lead going into the fourth, and the Magic never threatened down the stretch.
“They fought and battled the whole way,” Mosley said. “We just didn’t get the job done.”
For just the fourth time this season, the Mets won a series, as they beat the Angels by a 5-1 score in the rubber game of their series this afternoon in Anaheim. No matter what happened today, the Mets were destined to retain sole possession of the worst record in baseball come tomorrow morning, but a series win sure is a sight for sore eyes for a team that had won just three of its previous twenty games coming into the weekend.
Most of this game was close. The Angels opened the scoring on an RBI single by Jorge Soler in the bottom of the first, but that was the only run Clay Holmes gave up in six-and-two-thirds innings of work. He threw 99 pitches, struck out six, walked three, and gave up four hits, and he has a 1.69 ERA on the season.
The Mets took the lead in the top of the fourth when Mark Vientos hit a two-run home run. And while Vientos continues to struggle with routine plays at first base, his bat turned out to be the best one the Mets had on the afternoon.
After Carson Benge drove in an insurance run with a double in the top of the eighth, Vientos hit another two-run home run to extend the lead to four. And thanks to Luke Weaver throwing one-and-one-third scoreless innings in relief of Holmes before Luke Raley threw a scoreless ninth.
None of the Mets’ pitchers did it alone, as outfielder MJ Melendez and Carson Benge and shortstop Bo Bichette, who played just his second game this season at his old position, each made a great defensive play along the way.
When the game was closer in the early going, the Mets once again didn’t challenge a play that could’ve made a big difference in the game and looked like it would’ve easily gone in their favor. With a runner on first in the top of the third, Juan Soto hit a ground ball to first base that got stuck in the webbing of Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel’s glove as he went to make a throw to second base. He instead took off his glove and tossed it to Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz at first. He bobbled the glove as Soto crossed first base, but the first base umpire called him out.
Fortunately, that wound up being a moot point, and weather permitting, the Mets will attempt to win another series as they travel to Denver to play the Rockies in a three-game series that’s set to get underway tomorrow night.
Big Mets winner: Clay Holmes, +32% WPA Big Mets loser: Marcus Semien, -13% WPA Mets pitchers: +42% WPA Mets hitters: +8% WPA Teh aw3s0mest play: Mark Vientos hits a two-run home run in the fourth, +22% WPA Teh sux0rest play: Jorge Soler hits an RBI single in the first, -9% WPA
TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Maple Leafs hired former captain Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser of hockey operations and John Chayka as general manager Sunday.
The moves mark a reset of the club’s front office after a season that ended with Toronto missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The team said Sundin will provide support across hockey operations, with a focus on team culture, player development and leadership support.
“This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that,” Sundin said in a release.
Toronto fired GM Brad Treliving in March, near the end of the disastrous campaign for the Maple Leafs, who entered the season among the Stanley Cup favorites.
The club also did not replace president Brendan Shanahan after he was let go in May 2025.
Sundin and Chayka arrive with the organization still searching for its first Stanley Cup since 1967.
The Maple Leafs’ career points leader, Sundin had a complicated Toronto exit in 2008 before a brief stint with the Vancouver Canucks, but remains a fan favorite for his 13 seasons in blue and white.
The 55-year-old Swede, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012 and returned home to start a family after retiring, has never held a formal management position in the game.
The 36-year-old Chayka became the NHL’s youngest GM when he was hired by the Arizona Coyotes a decade ago. His time in the desert was marked by an analytics-heavy push and bold trades.
“I’m honored to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” Chayka said in a statement. “This is one of hockey’s most historic franchises, with a passionate fan base who want to win."
Chayka abruptly resigned in July 2020 on the eve of the league’s pandemic restart and was subsequently suspended by commissioner Gary Bettman for one year in 2021 for “conduct detrimental to the league and game” after pursuing job opportunities with other teams while still employed by the Coyotes.
Arizona was also docked first- and second-round picks for holding unauthorized workouts with draft prospects under his watch, in breach of the league’s scouting combine policy.
Jan 17, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks up in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Anthony Edwards might not miss much of the Timberwolves’ series against the Spurs, per reports. He had been making progress and was initially likely to suit up in Game 3 or Game 4, according to ESPN’s Sham Charania. Apparently, his return could come earlier than that, as he has been listed as questionable for Game 1, and he could play if his knee feels good after a workout on Monday, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.
Edwards suffered a hyperextended knee injury with a bone bruise in Game 4 of the Timberwolves’ first-round series against the Nuggets. He was also previously dealing with a persistent issue in his other knee, so he was expected to miss several games, if not the entire series, against the Spurs. It looks like he has progressed faster than expected because there’s a chance he could play Monday.
Edwards is not doubtful. He’s questionable. That tells you he has every intention of playing. Tomorrow at shootaround likely will be a big test
If Edwards does indeed play, it would be shocking. Timberwolves’ medical staff has called him “Wolverine” because of how fast he heals, but not even the most optimistic observers thought it would be possible for him to be ready this quickly.
Despite the credible reports, there are some big questions that still remain unanswered. Could the Timberwolves be trying to play mind games with the Spurs by surprisingly listing him as questionable a day before the matchup with no intention of playing him? And even if Edwards suits up, how will he look? Edwards’ runner’s knee was already limiting him in the series against the Nuggets before the bone bruise. Now he’ll have discomfort in both knees.
One thing is clear: Whether Edwards is ready to go by Game 1 or later, it seems that he will play in the series at some point.
Other than listing Edwards as questionable, the Timberwolves’ injury report also includes Donte DiVincenzo as out due to an Achilles injury that will sideline him for the rest of the playoffs, and Ayo Dosunmu as questionable due to calf soreness that held him out of Game 6 against the Nuggets.
The Spurs listed Carter Bryant as questionable due to an ankle sprain, but no one else appears in their injury report.
The Mets won their first road series in nearly a month after taking two out of three against the Los Angeles Angels thanks to a 5-1 win on Sunday.
Here are the takeaways...
-- The first inning was an unconventional slog for Clay Holmes who needed 27 pitches to get through the frame which is the most he's thrown in any inning this season. Holmes allowed a run on Jorge Soler's one-out single after walking the first two hitters he faced and was in need of a double play to get through the inning. The ground ball pitcher, who surprisingly entered the game with just two double plays turned behind him this season, got exactly what he was looking for at the perfect time, getting Jo Adell to ground into an inning-ending double play and limit the damage to a run.
In need of a quick inning in the second, Holmes walked his third batter in the first seven hitters but managed to induce another ground ball double play, this one handled by Bo Bichette, making his first start at shortstop with New York, who stayed with it after it took a funky hop and turned two to get Holmes out of the inning after just 11 pitches.
From there, Holmes cruised through 6.2 terrific innings and retired 12 of the last 15 hitters he faced, helped out by a diving catch by MJ Melendez in the sixth and a leaping grab at the wall in right field by Carson Benge in the seventh. The last batter Holmes faced reached base on a throwing error by Bichette, but Luke Weaver entered the game and struck out pinch-hitter Yoan Moncada to end the inning.
Holmes' final line: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K on 99 pitches (71 strikes) and he lowered his season ERA to 1.69, fourth-best in the majors.
-- Shut out for the first three innings against Jack Kochanowicz despite a few chances with runners on, the Mets finally got to the right-hander in the fourth and it was Mark Vientos who delivered the big blast, launching a two-run shot that went 427 feet and put New York ahead, 2-1.
Benge worked a fantastic eight-pitch walk in front of Vientos, his second walk of the game, that led to the home run and had a solid day at the plate, finishing 1-for-2 with an RBI double and two runs scored to go along with those two walks.
-- The Mets wouldn't score again until the eighth as their collective slump at the plate continued, including strikeouts by Juan Soto and Austin Slater in the seventh with a runner at second base and a chance to extend their lead. Soto went 0-for-5 with two Ks and was visibly upset with himself on a few of his at-bats.
-- New York finally got the insurance run (and a hit with RISP) it was looking for on Benge's double that drove in Brett Baty who led off the inning with a hit by pitch before advancing to second on Marcus Semien's groundout to the catcher. They got two more when Vientos smacked his second two-run homer of the game that put the Mets ahead, 5-1.
-- After hitting a double on Saturday night, Vientos has begun to heat up and show off his power as his last four hits have been for extra-bases. He's now slashing .250/.297/.440 on the season and his four home runs are tied with Francisco Alvarez for the team lead.
-- Weaver turned in a good performance, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and Brooks Raley finished things off in the ninth as Benge made another incredible catch, this one diving to his left on a tailing fly ball.
Game MVP: Mark Vientos
The Mets needed a spark offensively and they got it off the bat of Vientos.
DENVER, CO - MAY 3: Starting pitcher Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 3, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After letting a sweep slip through their hands on Thursday, the Braves heaped another hurting on the Rockies, scoring 11 runs en route to a blowout win in Spencer Strider’s 2026 debut.
Let’s start with Strider, because besides “yeah this offense rules” and some interesting bullpen stuff, this game felt like a fait accompli at times.
To be candid, Strider looked about as off in this game as I’ve ever seen him. I’m sure Coors Field had something to do with that, but whatever the reason or reasons, it was kind of a nasty outing. Strider walked two in his first inning of work: the leadoff batter, and after a two-out bloop scored the game’s first run, another batter afterwards. Fortunately, he struck out two in the frame, so it wasn’t all bad, but it wasn’t great, either. The second was kind of the same: strikeout, single, walk, strikeout, walk. Things looked like they could get out of hand with Hunter Goodman at the dish with the bases loaded and a 3-1 count, but Goodman took a down-the-pipe 95 mph fastball and hit it deep but not quite deep enough to right for a loud out rather than something that could’ve busted the game open.
Strider didn’t really recover after that inning — the first batter he faced in the third (TJ Rumfield) took a low-in-the-zone 93 mph four-seamer and destroyed it 420-plus feet into right center. There was another strikeout and walk in the frame, but no more damage. And then, to start the fourth, Strider threw another 94ish mph fastball down the middle, which turned into a leadoff triple. It actually could’ve been a leadoff inside-the-park homer off the bat of Jake McCarthy, but McCarthy slid into third rather than picking up the windmill motion of his third base coach. After a final strikeout, Strider departed.
His final line was a weird one: a 6/5 K/BB ratio and a homer allowed in 3 1/3 innings. He faced 19 batters, and twelve had one of the “three true outcomes.” Put that together, and it wasn’t a heartening debut, adding up to a 7.95 FIP and 5.76 xFIP. Hopefully, his next effort at a place less challenging than Coors works out better.
When Strider departed, the Braves had a slim, 3-2 lead, but McCarthy on third was the tying run. In came Aaron Bummer to face the lefty-swinging Mickey Moniak, and three pitches later, Moniak jumped on a sweeper in the zone and crushed it for a no-doubter into right field to turn the game around. It was the third time in four games that Bummer had allowed a homer. I’m not sure if he’s still recovering from his shoulder woes of last year, or if it’s just his time to drop off the aging cliff, but the Braves might want to look into something where he gets a breather, because this is pretty brutal, and it’s not like he was pitching that well before the homers began, either.
Okay, time to talk about the offense. The offense was at Coors Field, and it was great, so put those together and it was a painful afternoon to pitch to them, as it has been throughout this series. The damage came from sources both likely and unlikely, through the whole affair.
The second inning started with a leadoff double from Matt Olson. Kyle Freeland struck out both Austin Riley and Eli White, but Jonah Heim found a hanging curve and smashed it 420-plus feet for a go-ahead no-doubter. On the very next pitch, Jorge Mateo turned on an inside fastball and yoinked it at 112 mph into the left-field corner for another dinger, making it 3-1 Braves. The bottom of the order stranded White after a leadoff triple in the fourth, but then got the lead back after Moniak’s homer in the fifth anyway: Drake Baldwin singled with one out, and Freeland walked both Ozzie Albies and Olson to load the bases. (I’m not sure why Freeland was pitching to the Braves’ lineup a third time through having already gotten thrashed by almost everyone in the lineup previously, but hey, thanks, Rockies.) I fully expected Riley to fall prey to the WPA vortex once again, but he actually “singled” on an 0-2 count by hitting a hard grounder that hit the third-base bag and spun in the air, allowing Baldwin to tie the game. Freeland then walked White to push the go-ahead run across, and after departing, Heim popped a sac fly off Antonio Senzatela.
Oh, but the Braves were nowhere near done. Albies added a two-out RBI single in the sixth, and then Olson doubled him home. There was more pouring on in the top of the ninth thanks to the bottom of the order once again: Albies walked, White singled, Heim doubled, and Mateo blooped another single to push three more across.
After the Braves went ahead 6-4 and chased Freeland, Bummer stayed in for the bottom of the fifth… but two grounder singles and a bunt chased him in favor of Didier Fuentes. This game was interesting because Walt Weiss didn’t do a punt (a la Carlos Carrasco/etc.), but instead went with his in-the-bullpen-right now arms, along with his primary relievers, as a mix-and-match that ultimately worked out. The Rockies got a sac fly and a groundout against Fuentes, who gave way to Lee in the sixth. Lee carved up the top of the Colorado order (nine pitches, two strikeouts, a groundout), and then the Braves inserted Reynaldo Lopez. The Rockies didn’t score on Lopez: weak single, walk, strikeout, groundout, and a hard liner flagged down in right field. Moniak crushed another monster homer in the eighth, this time off Tyler Kinley, but it came with two out and none on; Kinley otherwise struck out two in his frame.
Robert Suarez wrapped up the game despite the five-run difference. His inning included a weird play where Troy Johnston was thrown out after trying to extend a single into a double but then thinking better of it and retreating to first, where Ozzie Albies nailed him with a return throw. After a bloop single, Brett Sullivan lined out hard to Mauricio Dubon in center, and that was that.
It was kind of a weird game for the Braves — their pitching staff had a 13/6 K/BB ratio and allowed three homers while using seven different arms, but because the offense drew six walks and hit two homers of their own, it never really felt like the game was going to slip away. The Rockies maybe should’ve pulled Freeland earlier, but the Braves were feasting on pretty much every pitcher they saw, so it may not have mattered. Heim drove in five of Atlanta’s 11 runs; it remains to be seen whether the Braves retain him once Sean Murphy comes off the Injured List later on this road trip.
Sweep secured, the Braves will now continue westward to face the Mariners in Seattle on Monday night.
Sep 20, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a one run single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the tenth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Brewers continue their road trip to begin the week, as they’ll visit the St. Louis Cardinals for three games beginning Monday evening. The Brewers, who have taken two of three against the D-backs and Nationals in their last two series, are now 18-15 on the season, sitting in fourth place in the deepest division in baseball. Just above them in those standings are the Cardinals, tied for second at 20-14. The Cardinals had their six-game win streak — including a four-game sweep of the Pirates and two wins over the Dodgers — snapped on Sunday.
I already provided a more in-depth rundown of the Brewers’ injured list earlier today, but for the quicker version, read on. The big news here is that first baseman Andrew Vaughn should be back with the team for the first time since Opening Day as he finishes his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. Alongside Vaughn, outfielder Jackson Chourio was also expected to return Monday, but after he fouled a ball off his foot/ankle on Saturday night, that return may be slightly delayed. Regardless, we should see him soon. Jacob Misiorowski is the other big name to mention, as he exited Friday night’s win with cramps — he would be slated for the series finale in St. Louis, but the Brewers still have that spot listed as TBD. More on that below. Rounding things out: Angel Zerpa (extended absence as he weighs whether to undergo Tommy John surgery), Brice Turang (day to day after he was scratched with an illness on Sunday), Brandon Woodruff (right arm inflammation; should be back in a couple weeks), Quinn Priester (rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome), Christian Yelich (has begun running and hitting as he recovers from a groin strain); Jared Koenig (on a throwing program); Rob Zastryzny (playing catch again); Akil Baddoo (TBD, but no earlier than a June return). Oof.
The Cardinals have a much smaller injured list, as they’re only without outfielder Lars Nootbaar and right-hander Matt Pushard. Nootbaar underwent surgery on both heels and hasn’t appeared in a game this season. On the 60-day IL, he is eligible to come off the IL on May 24, with the team tentatively scheduling a rehab assignment to begin around May 10. Pushard is currently with Triple-A Memphis as he works his way back from right knee tendinitis that has kept him out since the end of March.
The not-so-heavy-hitting Brewer offense is currently led by Brice Turang and William Contreras, both of whom are close to batting .300 (.298 for Contreras, .291 for Turang). Tyler Black, who was recalled last week, has shined in six games with the team, hitting .429 with nine hits (four doubles) and seven RBIs over 21 at-bats. Jake Bauers and Gary Sánchez have provided the little bit of power Milwaukee has had, though they’ve both been sitting with five homers for a couple of weeks. Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, David Hamilton, Greg Jones, Brandon Lockridge, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Luis Rengifo round out the offense, though two players will have to be optioned to make room for Vaughn and Chourio this week. As a team, the Brewers .239/.335/.354 (.689 OPS ranks 24th), with 22 homers (29th), 172 runs (eighth), and 38 steals (first).
Jordan Walker got off to a scalding hot start and leads the Cards with 10 homers this season, adding 27 RBIs, 27 runs, and six steals as he’s hitting .307/.373/.591. Rookie JJ Wetherholt adds seven homers, while Alec Burleson, Nathan Church, and Nolan Gorman have five homers each. The Cardinals also have a solid combo of catchers in Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés. Masyn Winn is the team’s starting shortstop, though he’s a defense-first player, with Yohel Pozo, Ramón Urías, José Fermín, Thomas Saggese, and Victor Scott II rounding things out. As a team, the Cardinals are hitting .241/.325/.403 (.728 OPS ranks ninth), with 44 homers (tied for fourth), 166 runs (ninth), and 26 steals (12th).
It seems like we haven’t seen Grant Anderson and Aaron Ashby quite as often in the last couple of series, but they still lead the Crew with 17 and 16 appearances, respectively. Abner Uribe, DL Hall, Shane Drohan, and Brian Fitzpatrick have also been solid recently, and Trevor Megill has improved drastically after a ridiculously cold start. Jake Woodford has served as a long-relief arm in a few of the Brewers’ blowout games this year, as he’s a former starter/swingman for these Cardinals. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.56 team ERA (fifth), including a 3.47 starter ERA (fifth) and a 3.67 bullpen ERA (eighth). They’ve struck out 309 batters (seventh) over 293 1/3 innings.
Justin Bruihl leads the Cardinals’ bullpen with 18 appearances, though he has a 5.29 ERA. Closer Riley O’Brien has been solid, with a 2.20 ERA and nine saves in 11 opportunities. JoJo Romero, George Soriano, and Gordon Graceffo have all been solid, while Ryne Stanek (7.71 ERA) and Matt Svanson (9.68 ERA) have struggled. Jared Shuster, who was selected and DFA’d by the Cardinals earlier this season, rounds out the bullpen after once again being selected on Friday. He’s made three appearances with a 3.18 ERA over 5 2/3 innings this season. As a staff, the Cardinals have a 4.54 team ERA (23rd), including a 4.27 starter ERA (17th) and a 4.92 bullpen ERA (26th). They’ve struck out 236 batters (last) over 307 innings.
Probable Pitchers
Monday, May 4 @ 6:45 p.m.: RHP Chad Patrick (2-1, 2.57 ERA, 4.33 FIP) vs. RHP Kyle Leahy (3-3, 5.52 ERA, 5.64 FIP)
Patrick continues to outpace his FIP, as his 2.57 ERA is nearly two runs lower than his 4.33 FIP through six appearances (four starts) this season. The former fourth-round pick picked up his second win of the year his last time out, allowing two runs on a hit and five walks while striking out five in a 13-2 win over the D-backs. He made three appearances (two starts) against St. Louis last season, going 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA and six strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings.
Leahy, who served as the Cardinals’ set-up man for the majority of last season, has transitioned into a starter this season. Through six starts, he’s an even 3-3, though he has a not-so-pretty 5.52 ERA and 5.64 FIP, striking out 22 over 29 1/3 innings. He picked up the win his last time around against Pittsburgh, allowing three runs on nine hits and striking out seven over 5 1/3 innings. He’s alternated wins and losses in each appearance this year, though, which means he’s due for a loss. In eight appearances (all relief) against Milwaukee, Leahy has a 3.65 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 12 1/3 innings.
Tuesday, May 5 @ 6:45 p.m.: RHP Brandon Sproat (0-2, 6.75 ERA, 6.38 FIP) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (3-2, 3.73 ERA, 4.68 FIP)
It has been a rough start for Sproat in his first season in Milwaukee, as he has a 6.75 ERA and 6.38 FIP with 25 strikeouts over 26 2/3 innings. He made a pair of solid outings against the Nationals and Blue Jays a few weeks ago, allowing just two runs and striking out nine over 10 1/3 innings in those games, but he’s struggled his last two times out against the Tigers and D-backs. Against Arizona on Wednesday, he allowed four runs on six hits (two homers) and a pair of walks, striking out five in a 6-2 loss. This marks his first career appearance against St. Louis.
Pallante, 27, is now in his fifth season with St. Louis and his third as a full-time starter. After a rough -1.1 bWAR season last year, he’s bounced back to begin the 2026 season. Through six starts, he has a 3.73 ERA, 4.68 FIP, and 26 strikeouts over 31 1/3 innings. A former fourth-round pick, Pallante went six innings against the Pirates his last turn through the rotation, allowing one run on five hits and striking out six. A familiar opponent for Milwaukee, Pallante has made 15 appearances (three starts) against the Brewers, with an 0-2 record, a 5.06 ERA, and 19 strikeouts over 32 innings.
Wednesday, May 6 @ 12:15 p.m.: TBD vs. LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 5.84 FIP)
As I noted above, the Brewers haven’t yet announced a starter for Wednesday’s series finale, as this would be Misiorowski’s turn in the rotation. Miz exited Friday night’s game against the Nationals with cramping, but it seems more likely than not that we’ll still see him in this one. If that is the case, I’ll note that Miz had his best stuff in his last outing, striking out eight and allowing no hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings in the win over Washington. He made three starts against St. Louis last year (including his MLB debut), going 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings.
Liberatore, 26, is also in his fifth season with the Cardinals. He made 29 starts with a 4.21 ERA a year ago, and he looks to be on track for a similar season in 2026. Through seven starts, he has a 4.50 ERA, 5.84 FIP, and 23 strikeouts over 36 innings. He picked up the win in Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers, going 5 2/3 innings with two runs allowed on five hits and a pair of walks, striking out four. Liberatore has made 11 appearances (four starts) against Milwaukee for his career, with a 4-0 record, a 1.26 ERA, and 31 strikeouts over 28 2/3 innings.
How to Watch & Listen
Monday, May 4: Brewers TV and nationally on FS1; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Tuesday, May 5: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Wednesday, May 6: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Prediction
The Cardinals have gotten off to a solid start thanks to a strong offensive showing across the lineup. I think the Brewers’ pitching staff can hold them, though, and the return of Vaughn (and maybe Chourio) should be big for Milwaukee’s inconsistent offense. I’ll take the Crew to win two of three.
After a 3-0 Game 1 trouncing at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes, the Philadelphia Flyers must recognize that the game has changed for them in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
A mediocre Flyers offense was already cooling off in the second half of the Round 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and, by the end, needed a Cam York prayer to beat an injured Arturs Silovs.
The Flyers' staunch defense, which was initially tasked with marshalling and silencing the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson, now faces an entirely new task altogether.
Instead of worrying about defense and fundamentals, the blueline corps now has to learn how to play fast under pressure. It's the only way they'll bypass the Hurricanes' disruptive forecheck and subsequently retain possession and create offense.
The problem, though, is that they aren't built for that, and the Flyers will have to adapt.
Veteran defenseman Noah Juulsen, who has done a solid job for the Flyers in limited action, struggles to move the puck and isn't capable of using his legs as a weapon.
The same, to a lesser extent, applies to Nick Seeler, too.
Juulsen, in particular, was victimized by the Hurricanes' intensity in Game 1, as he was forced into an error with the puck in his own zone that led to Logan Stankoven cashing in for his second goal of the night, making it 3-0 and effectively burying the Flyers where they stood.
The Flyers have options, though there is risk involved.
Youngsters Emil Andrae and David Jiricek each boast premium puck-movement skills; Andrae is more nimble, while Jiricek is overall more talented.
The Flyers probably won't want to throw someone like Jiricek, who has yet to make his playoff debut despite playing in 85 NHL games, into the fire, but other prospects who are considered important parts of the franchise's future have felt the flames already.
Players like Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Porter Martone, and Matvei Michkov are all 22 or younger and going through this for the first time, but that isn't the case on defense.
Jiricek, 22, is virtually penciled in for a roster spot on the Flyers next season, if for no reason other than being unable to be sent to the AHL without passing through waivers first.
The recent trade acquisition is the Flyers' most talented defender with the puck on his stick, and it isn't close.
Will Jiricek struggle with defending and the pace of play in the playoffs? Sure, but didn't everyone else in Game 1?
If the Flyers want to have a fighting chance for the rest of the series, they would be wise to turn to Jiricek, who can at least buoy the disgraceful power play and help the team move the puck up the ice in transition with his passing skills.
Juulsen has done a solid job defensively, but he's played more than 12:29 just once this postseason--the Game 6 win over the Penguins that went deep into overtime (14:46).
Those minutes should be going to a player who needs the experience, if they're going to be so limited.
It's clear the Flyers are going to need more juice to weather the Hurricanes, and Jiricek has the ability in spades.
The Cardinals won the recruiting Ekezie sweepstakes against Arkansas, BYU, Kentucky and Maryland, according to the Louisville Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. His dad, Obinna Ekezie Sr., played in the NBA for four seasons.
"I have chosen to commit to (the) University of Louisville as I feel it's the best situation to develop, showcase my game and strive to win a national championship," Ekezie told ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi on why he chose Louisville. "Coach Kelsey separated himself with his detailed plan for my development, specifically being able to play and develop at both the 4 and 5. His excellent staff was completely bought in to helping me reach my goals. But honestly, what put it over the top was the visit. Louisville felt like home from the moment I got there."
Ekezie not only brings a 7-foot frame to the Cardinals, but also adds to their growing depth at the forward position. He was also a consensus five-star and top-five ranked recruit, according to different recruiting outlets.
As noted by the Courier Journal, Ekezie participated in the Basketball Without Borders camp at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in February, where he earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors.
Obinna Ekezie Jr. 247 ranking
Stars: Five
National ranking: No. 4
Positional ranking: No. 2
State ranking: No. 2
Ekezie is listed as a five-star prospect and the No. 4 overall recruit in the 2027 recruiting class by 247Sports Composite rankings. He is the No. 2 center and No. 2 player in the state of Florida in the 2027 class, as well.
His classification rankings are not updated to the 2026 recruiting class at the time of this writing.
Ekezie becomes the eighth addition to the Cardinals' 2026-27 roster after Louisville swarmed the transfer portal following their first-weekend exit from the men's NCAA tournament. Louisville should be a top-15 ranked team — if not within the top-10 — in preseason polls with a roster that includes Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad and Arkansas transfer Karter Knox.
Here's an updated look at Louisville's offseason acquisitions with Ekezie's commitment and re-classification:
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Anthony Edwards might be back for Game 1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, barely a week after appearing to suffer a serious knee injury.
The All-Star guard, who averaged 36.7 points in three games against San Antonio this season, has been “cleared for on-court basketball activities,” the Timberwolves said Sunday.
After three Game 7s and a few upsets in between, the 2026 playoffs have definitely started off strong. It should keep improving as the margins tighten.
Now only eight teams remain. In the Western Conference, No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder will continue its repeat bid against the No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 2 San Antonio Spurs will clash with the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.
Out East, the No. 1 Detroit Pistons survived a Game 7 to face No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers, a fellow Game 7 victor. The No. 3 New York Knicks will battle against another Game 7 winner in the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers.
With all four series in place, let’s rank the matchups from least to most intriguing:
No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers
Orlando didn’t beat Detroit, but it exposed many flaws in the Pistons’ chances at a deep run. Detroit is heavily reliant on Cade Cunningham, while Jalen Duren has struggled to adapt his game to the postseason. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson also aren’t quality enough to be a playoff team’s third and fourth scorers, so Cleveland will have a strong chance if it capitalizes on the opportunity.
The Magic likely would’ve held on to their 3-1 lead had Franz Wagner not been injured. Cleveland will have James Harden and Donovan Mitchell as their main scorers and initiators, with Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus being the key role players. Detroit might need seven games again to advance, but the lack of star quality here is the main reason it comes first.
No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
There will not be a Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic matchup this year. The Spurs did their part by completing a gentleman’s sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers, but the Denver Nuggets failed to impose themselves against a Minnesota side without Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Minnesota’s placement here is highly dependent on Edwards returning as DiVincenzo will be out a lengthy period. Rudy Gobert will give everything defensively against Wembanyama, but they’ll need consistent juice offensively for another upset. Jaden McDaniels is trending upwards after a standout series, but San Antonio’s deeper team and quality will make for an interesting battle. Even without Edwards for a few games, Minnesota won’t go down easily.
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers
Oklahoma City has earned significant rest with a sweep of Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are a more balanced team than Phoenix, though Luka Doncic’s absence is a big blow on offense. LeBron James led L.A. past Houston in six games, but Kevin Durant did not play and the rest of the roster lacked offensive initiating prowess. The 41-year-old will need to pull off a miracle to repeat that against a more dominant Thunder side.
Still, the NBA’s past vs. the NBA’s present in James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should make for elite viewing, even if the Thunder complete a probable gentleman’s sweep.
No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
Could the Eastern Conference winner be from this matchup? The Knicks got past the Atlanta Hawks with more trouble than they would’ve liked, while Philadelphia rallied down 3-1 to stun the Boston Celtics. The Knicks are in a make-or-break year with this current core headlined by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. A conference finals berth should be the minimum, but an NBA Finals appearance is what’ll move the needle.
The same applies for Philadelphia in a sense, but with much less pressure. Joel Embiid has struggled with another injury-riddled season, though he has an improved core of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe. Will that be enough legs and quality to reach the Finals as a 7-seed? It seems unlikely, but the series win over Boston should provide the momentum that’ll make the New York matchup the most enthralling. Both teams have the ability to upset No. 1 Detroit — No. 8 Orlando was a healthy Wagner away — if that’s the next matchup.
After three Game 7s and a few upsets in between, the 2026 playoffs have definitely started off strong. It should keep improving as the margins tighten.
Now only eight teams remain. In the Western Conference, No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder will continue its repeat bid against the No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 2 San Antonio Spurs will clash with the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.
Out East, the No. 1 Detroit Pistons survived a Game 7 to face No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers, a fellow Game 7 victor. The No. 3 New York Knicks will battle against another Game 7 winner in the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers.
With all four series in place, let’s rank the matchups from least to most intriguing:
No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers
Orlando didn’t beat Detroit, but it exposed many flaws in the Pistons’ chances at a deep run. Detroit is heavily reliant on Cade Cunningham, while Jalen Duren has struggled to adapt his game to the postseason. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson also aren’t quality enough to be a playoff team’s third and fourth scorers, so Cleveland will have a strong chance if it capitalizes on the opportunity.
The Magic likely would’ve held on to their 3-1 lead had Franz Wagner not been injured. Cleveland will have James Harden and Donovan Mitchell as their main scorers and initiators, with Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus being the key role players. Detroit might need seven games again to advance, but the lack of star quality here is the main reason it comes first.
No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
There will not be a Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic matchup this year. The Spurs did their part by completing a gentleman’s sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers, but the Denver Nuggets failed to impose themselves against a Minnesota side without Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Minnesota’s placement here is highly dependent on Edwards returning as DiVincenzo will be out a lengthy period. Rudy Gobert will give everything defensively against Wembanyama, but they’ll need consistent juice offensively for another upset. Jaden McDaniels is trending upwards after a standout series, but San Antonio’s deeper team and quality will make for an interesting battle. Even without Edwards for a few games, Minnesota won’t go down easily.
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers
Oklahoma City has earned significant rest with a sweep of Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are a more balanced team than Phoenix, though Luka Doncic’s absence is a big blow on offense. LeBron James led L.A. past Houston in six games, but Kevin Durant did not play and the rest of the roster lacked offensive initiating prowess. The 41-year-old will need to pull off a miracle to repeat that against a more dominant Thunder side.
Still, the NBA’s past vs. the NBA’s present in James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should make for elite viewing, even if the Thunder complete a probable gentleman’s sweep.
No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
Could the Eastern Conference winner be from this matchup? The Knicks got past the Atlanta Hawks with more trouble than they would’ve liked, while Philadelphia rallied down 3-1 to stun the Boston Celtics. The Knicks are in a make-or-break year with this current core headlined by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. A conference finals berth should be the minimum, but an NBA Finals appearance is what’ll move the needle.
The same applies for Philadelphia in a sense, but with much less pressure. Joel Embiid has struggled with another injury-riddled season, though he has an improved core of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe. Will that be enough legs and quality to reach the Finals as a 7-seed? It seems unlikely, but the series win over Boston should provide the momentum that’ll make the New York matchup the most enthralling. Both teams have the ability to upset No. 1 Detroit — No. 8 Orlando was a healthy Wagner away — if that’s the next matchup.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 03: Daniss Jenkins #24, Cade Cunningham #2, Tobias Harris #12 and Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate a basket against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It has been 18 years since the Detroit Pistons have won a playoff series when they defeated the Orlando Magic in 2008.
It has been 23 years since the Detroit Pistons came back from a 3-1 series against the 8th seeded Orlando Magic in 2003.
This year’s Detroit Pistons team just accomplished both of those feats.
History tends to repeat itself, doesn’t it?
The Pistons got out to a 10-5 lead after a lob from Cade Cunningham to Jalen Duren, a rare sighting throughout this series. Paolo Banchero responded with back-to-back threes and all 11 of Orlando’s first points, mostly from jump shots. Duncan Robinson attempted six three-pointers that were all good looks, but only could connect on one of them. Orlando took a 22-20 lead after the first quarter with Detroit shooting 7-for-20 from the field.
Banchero was doing his best KD impression knocking down multiple tough jumpers. After Orlando went on an 8-0 run, Detroit responded with their own 7-0 run that forced a Jamahl Mosley timeout after Cunningham knocked down his third three of the day to give the Pistons a 38-35 lead. Daniss Jenkins and Desmond Bane would trade three-pointers to tie the game at 43.
That’s when it turned into the Tobias Harris show. Tobi helped Detroit close the quarter on a 20-6 run, including 11 straight coming from Harris. He knocked down a three-pointer, post jumpers, and got to the rim for some tough finishes to finish with 17 points in the quarter alone. The Pistons would take a 60-49 halftime lead over the Magic.
Detroit was led by Harris and Cunningham who combined for 34 first half points. Harris added four rebounds and Cunningham had nine assists. Duren look solid with nine points and eight rebounds while Ausar had two steals and two blocks. Orlando was led by Banchero who had 23 points while shooting 4-for-6 from three, but no other Magic player was in double-digits – Bane was second on the team in scoring with eight points.
It looked like the postseason hopes from Orlando was dwindling after three early turnovers. Cunningham got a dunk in transition that forced an Orlando timeout with Detroit up 66-51. They were able to respond with a 7-0 run that led to a JB Bickerstaff timeout, but he got Cade back in the game and another Cunningham three made it a 78-58 Detroit lead. After Daniss hit a three at the buzzer, the Pistons took a 83-64 lead heading into the final frame.
With only 12 minutes left to seal a Game 7 victory and the first Pistons playoff series win since 2008, Detroit looked to put Orlando out of their misery. A three from Javonte Green put Detroit up 22, a Daniss three put them up 23, and another Tobias three put them up 25 – each shot gave Detroit their largest lead of the game. Orlando put the full-court pressure on and forced some Detroit turnovers that led to a 15-4 run, but Tobias hit a corner three for his 30th point that would be the dagger that would officially end the Magic’s season.
Detroit would go on to win 116-94 behind two 30-bombs from Cunningham and Harris. Cade would finish with 32 points and 12 assists while shooting 10-for-18 from the field while Harris added 30 points and nine rebounds on 11-for-18 shooting. The two combined to make nine of their thirteen three-point attempts. As good as Cade has been this series, Tobias absolutely deserves his own shoutout stepping into the #2 scoring role this series. He scored 20+ points in the previous four games before dropping 30 tonight. If you ask me, Tobias deserves to wear a Pistons jersey for the rest of his career.
Jalen Duren had his best game of the series with 15 points and 15 rebounds along with three assists. Daniss Jenkins added 16 points and five assists off the bench. Duncan Robinson had 10 points despite shooting 2-for-10 from beyond the arc, all of which felt like good looks.
The Los Angeles Kings are searching for a head coach, according to GM Ken Holland. While D.J. Smith is a candidate for the job after filling in as the interim coach of the Kings from March 1 to the end of the season, there's a good chance Holland will look for new blood.
There is a selection of head coaches that are available for hire, and some great veteran bench bosses at that. But what if the organization wants to go a different route and hire someone who isn't a household name?
Sometimes, teams will look to bring in an assistant coach from another, relatively successful team, and that could be the case here with Los Angeles.
Here are three NHL assistant coaches who could wind up being the Kings' head coach for the 2026-27 campaign.
Jay Woodcroft, Anaheim Ducks
For Jay Woodcroft he's actually a well-known coach in the NHL, especially in the Kings community, as he was the bench boss of the Edmonton Oilers.
He led the Oilers from behind the bench for just one full regular-season campaign, and two stints in the post-season, none of which were Edmonton's back-to-back Stanley Cup final appearances.
Therefore, Woodcroft does have experience in running a team behind the bench, even if it wasn't a lengthy period.
In his one full regular season, he helped the Oilers register a 50-23-9 record, accumulating 109 points in the standings, finishing two points off Pacific Division winners, the Vegas Golden Knights.
In the playoffs, Woodcroft took the Oilers as far as a Western Conference final sweep at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
This season, he joined the Anaheim Ducks' coaching staff as an assistant coach to Joel Quenneville. In Anaheim, his duties are with the offense and power play.
An offense-minded coach could be the shakeup the Kings need after sitting back and playing defensive hockey for several years to this point.
Muse doesn't become the coach with one of the most impressive campaigns of this NHL season without a competent coaching staff around him, and Nelson has a say in that.
In terms of other NHL experience, Nelson's most recent role was as an assistant with the Dallas Stars for four seasons from 2018-19 to 2021-22. Dallas made a Stanley Cup final appearance in that span.
Nelson has also spent many years as a head coach in the AHL, including stints with the Hershey Bears, Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Oklahoma City Barons.
Furthermore, in the last 10 years, Nelson has won three Calder Cups as the champion of the American League. Others who have won the Calder Cup and gone on to be respectable NHL coaches include Jared Bednar, Jon Cooper, Sheldon Keefe and Ryan Warsofsky.
Neil Graham has spent the past eight years in the Stars organization, most of which in the head coaching role with the AHL's Texas Stars.
In his final three seasons as Texas' coach, they've made the American League post-season. The team's best campaign came in his last year when the AHL Stars advanced to the third round of the playoffs.
Following that tenure in the minors, Graham then became a prime candidate to become the head coach of Dallas, following the sacking of Peter DeBoer in the aftermath of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Nonetheless, since Graham was close to landing the job with Dallas, he could very well be a name that Holland is keeping a close eye on as the next head coach of the Kings.
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DETROIT, MI - MAY 02: A general view of Comerica Park before a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers on May 02, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
