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Why AJ Dybantsa might be the perfect franchise player for Washington

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives against Texas Longhorns forward Nic Codie (10) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The 2026 NBA Draft is coming up in less than a month. And with the Washington Wizards holding the No. 1 pick, they have a chance to get a true franchise player for the rest of the 2020s into the 2030s. The consensus No. 1 pick is former Brigham Young star AJ Dybantsa. And here, let’s be DMV Dybantsa-stans for a second and say why he is the perfect franchise player for Washington.

Dybantsa fits the prototype of a future superstar scoring wing

The league has increasingly revolved around big perimeter creators. Teams spend years tanking and rebuilding, hoping to find a player like this. Dybantsa projects as a 6’8″-6’9″ wing who can create offense, defend multiple positions, and eventually carry an offense late in games. Washington has not had perimeter talent of that caliber in …. a long time.

Yes, John Wall was an elite floor general. Yes, Gilbert Arenas was elite offensively in the 2000s. But the Wizards need someone who has the potential to be a future Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic or even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dybantsa is the prospect closest to reaching that level of potential.

If Dybantsa reaches even 80 percent of his ceiling, the Wizards suddenly have the most important asset in the NBA right now: a true franchise wing.

The Wizards desperately need star power and marketability

As you know, the NBA brought back John Tesh to play “Roundball Rock,” not to show Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen dominate with the Chicago Bulls. Now, it’s to show LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama dominate with their teams.

How many times did you hear “Roundball Rock” every two minutes on WRC-TV, our local NBC station show Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly? None.

It’s not just that the Wizards were bad in 2025-26. The Wizards have been systemically bad or irrelevant. Remember 2013-14 when the Wizards made the playoffs? Sure the playoff games were on national TV, but during the regular season? They had NO games on ESPN or TNT. So it shouldn’t be surprising that the Wizards are left out of a lot of national TV games when they have:

  • 0 conference finals appearances since 1979
  • 0 50-win seasons since 1979
  • Poor attendance and weak national TV relevance compared to similar large NBA markets

A true superstar changes revenue, ticket sales, jersey sales, sponsorships, and national relevance. If Dybantsa becomes a 25-points-per-game caliber scorer, that changes the entire trajectory of the franchise for the next decade. And we’ll get to see John Tesh play his song at Capital One Arena too.

The Wizards are probably drafting Dybantsa anyway

Well, let’s look at the betting market with our partners at FanDuel. Remember to play responsibly.

Anyway, when we are looking at who could win the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs and the Eastern Conference Champion New York Knicks, the Thunder, Spurs and Knicks all have a wing player in Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson, respectively, who Dybantsa could be like in the future.

Hopefully, Dybantsa isn’t a late bloomer like Brunson. And yeah, the Thunder are the favorites per FanDuel’s odds. We should be seeing odds on the Wizards’ selection at No. 1 as we get closer to the NBA Draft itself. And if those odds were out there, they’d still say that if the draft was right now, Dybantsa is playing for Washington this fall given what most NBA draft gurus are thinking.

Now, this is just one piece singing praises to Dybantsa. There are three players whom the Wizards COULD pick at No. 1. So, let me ask you all. Do you think Dybantsa fits the perfect franchise player profile for Washington? Let us know in the comments below.

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Editor-in-chief: POBO candidates, Knicks in the Finals, NBA Draft looming

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Bob Myers looks on during the 2025 NBA Draft - Round Two on June 26, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It’s been a minute, friends.

After some time to digest things, I’m back with a mailbag. We’ll make this a weekly thing again now that the Sixers’ offseason is in full swing — with a lot of business to attend to.

The most important first step for the Sixers is finding a new president of basketball operations. It appears Bob Myers has narrowed it down to four reported candidates — Mike Gansey (GM, Cleveland Cavaliers), Matt Lloyd (GM, Minnesota Timberwolves), Nick U’Ren (GM, Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)) and Jameer Nelson, the only internal candidate.

The positive, in my humble opinion, is there are no retreads on this list. Myers appears to be targeting people behind the curtain who are due for a turn running their own team. Nelson feels least likely, but all indications suggest he will have a large role in the organization, no matter who gets the POBO role. The three external candidates seem to have good track records as far as scouting, something the Sixers desperately need either for their current roster or their eventual rebuild.

As far as the current playoffs, the New York Knicks have already emphatically punched their ticket to the Finals while the WCF return to Oklahoma tied at 2-2. Anything you’re gleaning from the playoffs? Feeling better or worse about the current Sixers?

The NBA Draft is also less than a month away. The Sixers have the 22nd overall pick and need as much depth as possible. We’re going to start our prospect previews in earnest next week, but I’ve been cramming, so hit me with any of your draft questions!

Anything else on your mind? Hit up the comments.

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Premier League 2025-26 season review: our predictions v reality

We picked Liverpool as champions, Chelsea as challengers and tipped Brentford and Sunderland to go down. Oh dear

What we predicted: Mikel Arteta vowed this would be a “big summer” after finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for a third season in succession and the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has delivered on a number of signings in his first transfer window. The question now for Arsenal supporters is whether Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga can help them take that elusive final step to becoming champions for the first time since the Invincibles in 2004.

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Astros vs Rangers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Texas Rangers will look to rebound following an ugly blowout loss to the Houston Astros in their series opener. 

My Astros vs. Rangers predictions expect the home team to turn things around quickly and even things up Tuesday night.

Let's break it all down with my MLB picks for May 26. 

Who will win Astros vs Rangers today: Rangers moneyline (-135)

The Houston Astros are riding a four-game winning streak while the Texas Rangers have dropped four in a row. Even so, the underlying data favors the Rangers offense of late.

The Astros own a .290 wOBA, .652 OPS, and 35.1% hard hit rate over their last six games. 

Despite getting no-hit Monday, the Rangers have fared better in each category over the same period. They are sporting a .333 wOBA, .757 OPS, and 39.4% hard hit rate.

Jack Leiter has also out-performed Jason Alexander in ERA, FIP, xFIP, and K%, making the Rangers a buy up to -140.

Covers COVERS INTEL: In this game, four of the Top-5 batters in OBP vs. righties this month play for the Rangers.

Astros vs Rangers Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-110)

Globe Life Field is very pitcher-friendly, and that’s evident looking at the Rangers’ home numbers. They rank 29th in wOBA vs. righties at home compared to third on the road. 

The Rangers are not the kind of team that will blow up a lesser pitcher, which will allow for Jason Alexander to grind out some innings.

Conversely, the Astros are hitting .205 against righties over the past two weeks and now find themselves in a pitcher-friendly park. Leiter’s xERA is a full run lower at home, setting him up for a quality start.

Play the Under to -115.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 18-16, -3.08 units
  • Over/Under bets: 16-17-1, -3.51 units

Astros vs Rangers odds

  • Moneyline: Astros +110 | Rangers -130
  • Run line: Astros +1.5 (-175) | Rangers -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: Over 8 (-110) | Under 8 (-110)

Astros vs Rangers trend

The Rangers have hit the game total Under in 20 of their last 25 home games (+15.7 units, 57% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Rangers.

How to watch Astros vs Rangers and game info

LocationGlobe Life Field, Arlington, TX
DateTuesday, May 26, 2026
First pitch8:05 p.m. ET
TVSCHN, RSN
Astros starting pitcherJason Alexander
(1-0, 7.30 ERA)
Rangers starting pitcherJack Leiter
(1-4, 4.61 ERA)

Astros vs Rangers latest injuries

Astros vs Rangers weather

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Ex-MLB star Wander Franco granted judicial pardon despite being found guilty of sexual assault

Wander Franco in a white button down walks out of a courthouse between two people as onlookers reach out
Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco leaves court Monday after his retrial on charges of sexually abusing a minor in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. (Ricardo Hernandez / Associated Press)

Wander Franco is guilty of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in 2023, a judge in the Dominican Republic made clear Monday.

Yet in his next breath, the same judge ruled that the former Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop will not be sentenced to prison because he was a victim of blackmail and extortion by the girl’s mother.

Celebrity justice in the D.R. can be perplexing, and Judge José Antonio Núñez admitted as much. But he also contended that the judicial pardon he granted Franco was the result of “logical and legal reasoning.”

“It seems contradictory to declare criminal responsibility and, at the same time, exempt him from punishment,” Núñez said. “The court has granted Wander Franco a judicial pardon due to the particular circumstances that made him a material victim, but not a legal one.”

The court found that the girl’s mother extorted thousands of dollars from Franco. The woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and money laundering.

Read more:Rays' Wander Franco found guilty in sex abuse case, receives two-year suspended sentence

The odds are long that Franco will return to Major League Baseball any time soon. The fact that the court found him guilty of repeatedly having sex with a minor puts him squarely in violation of MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

The league is in the midst of an investigation into Franco’s conduct.

“We respect the legal process and the decision issued by the court,” the Rays said in a statement. “This is a serious matter, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the case.

“The Rays will continue to cooperate fully with Major League Baseball as it completes its review under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Out of respect for the legal process and all parties involved, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Franco’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for MLB teams that hand out long-term contracts years before players become free agents. The Rays signed a 20-year-old Franco to an 11-year, $182 million deal in November 2021 after he batted .288 with 30 extra-base hits in 70 games as a rookie.

Franco appeared on his way to stardom during a stellar 2023 season, but according to court filings he carried on a relationship with the 14-year-old victim for several months.

Read more:A star pitcher at USC, he was cut after six years in the minors. Then Banana Ball came calling

An investigation was launched in August of 2023. Franco was arrested Jan. 1, 2024, after failing to appear before Dominican authorities who sought to interview him.

Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list early in the 2024 season, voiding his contract.

Franco was found guilty in a June 2025 trial. Although prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence, he was given only a two-year suspended sentence by Justice Jakayra Veras.

“Look at us, Wander,” Veras said in open court. “Do not approach minors for sexual purposes. If you don’t like people very close to your age, you have to wait your time.”

An appeals court in December ordered a new trial, which took place Monday and resulted in his pardon.

“Thank God for everything,” Franco said as he embraced his mother, Nancy Aybar, after Judge Nuñez announced the pardon.

As he departed the courthouse, Franco was asked by a reporter how he felt.

“I feel calm,” he said.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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How Knicks in NBA Finals, World Cup 2026 could collide in NY — and cause absolute chaos

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows A
The 2026 NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup 2026 could clash in New York and New Jersey for some commuters.

Summer in New York City took on a whole new meaning when the Knicks reached the 2026 NBA Finals.

After completing a four-game sweep of the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals Monday night, the Knicks brought the NBA Finals back to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1999.

The Knicks have nine days off before the series begins June 3, and will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Outside Madison Square Garden Knicks fans celebrate winning Game 4 of the Eastern conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals on May 25, 2026. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post

The Western Conference finals is tied at 2-2 heading into Tuesday’s Game 5.

The New York/New Jersey area is already going to be congested as one of the hosts of the World Cup starting June 11, with MetLife Stadium hosting the World Cup final on July 19.

There could be commuting chaos at New York Penn Station for fans on Tuesday, June 16 — when a potential Game 6 of the Finals could take place at The Garden on the same day France and Senegal will be playing a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, which was temporarily renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.

If the NBA Finals reaches a Game 6, the Knicks will host their opponent at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Outside Madison Square Garden and New York Penn Station Knicks fans celebrate winning Game 4 of the Eastern conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals on May 25, 2026. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post

The France-Senegal matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.

Despite being hours apart, fans returning from the World Cup match and fans heading to a potential Game 6 could be in for a nightmare commute.

New York Penn Station and NJ Transit have made major changes for commuters.

A “We are New York New Jersey” banner is displayed at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on May 9, 2026 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. AFP via Getty Images

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, New York Penn Station will restrict access for New Jersey Transit commuters for four hours prior to kickoff in order to safely accommodate the high volume of match-day travel.

New Jersey-bound trains from Penn Station will prioritize those who have World Cup match tickets.

New Jersey Transit advised commuters not attending a match to avoid traveling on match days unless travel is essential.

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Knicks fans flooded 7th Avenue outside of Madison Square Garden after New York’s 130-93 Game 4 clincher in Cleveland.

NYPD had their hands full as some fans climbed street lights, brought brooms to the pavement and stood on top of subway structures.

Jalen Brunson of the Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Cavaliers during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland. NBAE via Getty Images

Imagine just how raucous it would be with Knicks fans near New York Penn Station during the NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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Yankees vs Royals Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The New York Yankees will look to extend a lengthy streak tonight when they face the Kansas City Royals in the second of a three-game set.

The Bronx Bombers have simply owned the Royals. Yesterday's comeback win gave New York its 12th straight win over Kansas City, and I like them to make it 13 straight tonight in impressive fashion.

Read all about it in my Yankees vs. Royals predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, May 26.

Who will win Yankees vs Royals today: Yankees -1.5 (-120)

As has become the case in Cam Schlittler starts, I’m not overthinking this. The New York Yankeesare my runline play, and I’d take them to -144.

Schlittler owns a 2.60 expected ERA, top 9% of MLB, and he forces hitters into mistakes with a 95th percentile chase rate.

The path against him is discipline plus loud contact, but the Kansas City Royalsdon’t profile that way. They are average in barrel rate at 8.5% and chase rate at 30.2%.

Against a starter with few obvious holes, average is not enough. The Yankees roll. 

Covers COVERS INTEL: Cam Schlittler has managed a 1.50 ERA despite having a breaking ball run value in the bottom 32 percentile of the sport which tells you just how impressive the rest of his arsenal has been.

Yankees vs Royals Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)

For the second straight game in this series, I’m nearly identical to the market with a projection of 8.8 runs, but I still lean Over 8.5 and would play it to -122.

Bailey Falter serving as an opener creates a spot where the Yankees can attack early. The only top-10 barrel rate team Falter has faced this season was the Atlanta Braves who hit him hard with two earned runs in three innings.

The Royals’ rested bullpen arms do not scare me either, with hard-hit issues across the group. Yankees do the heavy lifting, Royals find two.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 22-19, +2.56 units
  • Over/Under bets: 26-15, +13.34 units

Yankees vs Royals odds

  • Moneyline: New York -210 | Kansas City +170
  • Run line: New York -1.5 | Kansas City +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Yankees vs Royals trend

The New York Yankees have covered the Run Line in 28 of their last 50 away games (+10.85 Units / 20% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Royals.

How to watch Yankees vs Royals and game info

LocationKauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
DateTuesday, May 26, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVYES, Royals.TV
Yankees starting pitcherCam Schlittler
(6-2, 1.50 ERA)
Royals starting pitcherBailey Falter
(0-1, 9.82 ERA)

Yankees vs Royals latest injuries

Yankees vs Royals weather

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Cardinals vs Brewers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Milwaukee Brewers have struck gold with Kyle Harrison, and he's in a prime spot against the St. Louis Cardinals tonight.

My Cardinals vs. Brewers predictions expect the southpaw to stifle St. Louis' offense to cover the spread while also hitting the Under with our MLB picks for Tuesday, May 26.

Who will win Cardinals vs Brewers today: Brewers -1.5 (+123)

The Milwaukee Brewers will win this game, but I do not like the moneyline juice at -178 or worse. 

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael McGreevy is playing with fire, and his 2.40 ERA is fool's gold. He boasts an expected ERA of 5.86 (ninth percentile) and relies on opponents hitting the ball directly at the defenders behind him.

So far, that's been successful... but it isn't sustainable. Not when he's getting barreled in the 18th percentile with a 41.1% hard-hit rate (37th percentile). Eventually, that hard contact will translate into some crooked numbers.

What the Brewers lack in power, they make up for with contact and speed. 

Even if McGreevy continues to outpitch his peripherals, the St. Louis bullpen owns a 4.41 ERA (22nd in MLB) and a 20.2% strikeout rate (25th). Ideally, this line doesn't go any shorter, but I'd play it to +115.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Kyle Harrison’s Milwaukee glow-up features 95th-percentile strikeout and hard-hit rates. Trust his elite swing-and-miss profile to lock in both the Brewers -1.5 and Under 7.5.

Cardinals vs Brewers Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (+105)

Harrison was always a pitcher with promise. The lefty raced through the San Francisco Giants system, showed flashes of success after reaching the majors in 2023, but never lived up to his potential. He was one of the key pieces sent to Boston in the Rafael Devers trade, but was unceremoniously dumped to Milwaukee for Caleb Durbin this offseason.

Well, as has become custom, the Brewers have unlocked the version of Harrison that Giants fans caught glimpses of. Unlike the aforementioned McGreevy, everything looks good under the hood, as well.

Harrison's 1.77 ERA isn't sustainable, but an xERA of 2.96 tells us that he's not suddenly going to transform into a pumpkin. The southpaw is inducing chase and whiff at strong levels, and the Cardinals' offense has been woefully wobbly of late after punching above its weight class to start the season.

Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera, and Masyn Winn have all handled lefties well this season, but Walker also has a near-30% K-rate against southpaws. Given Harrison's leveling up and the Brewers' solid bullpen behind him, I like the Under to -105.

Jason Wilson's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 1-0, +0.67 units
  • Over/Under bets: 1-0, +1.05 units

Cardinals vs Brewers odds

  • Moneyline: Cardinals +170 | Brewers -178
  • Run line: Cardinals +1.5 (-133) | Brewers -1.5 (+127)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-117) | Under 7.5 (+113)

Cardinals vs Brewers trend

The Milwaukee Brewers have covered the run line in 30 of their last 50 games (+14.10 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Brewers.

How to watch Cardinals vs Brewers and game info

LocationAmerican Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
DateTuesday, May 26, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVCardinals.TV, Brewers.TV
Cardinals starting pitcherMichael McGreevy
(3-3, 2.40 ERA)
Brewers starting pitcherKyle Harrison
(5-1, 1.77 ERA)

Cardinals vs Brewers latest injuries

Cardinals vs Brewers weather

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Jonas Vingegaard obliterates Giro d’Italia rivals with stage 16 win in Swiss Alps

  • Dane collects fourth stage victory of this year’s race

  • Gall comes in second, with Hindley in third place

Jonas Vingegaard underlined his dominance on uphill finishes at the Giro d’Italia, launching a solo attack on the climb to Carì to claim victory on stage 16. It was the Dane’s fourth stage win of the race and further tightened his hold on the leader’s jersey, with overall honours now looking increasingly assured.

On Monday’s rest day, Vingegaard declared his desire to win a stage while wearing the pink jersey, and quickly followed up that promise in Switzerland on the 113km ride from Bellinzona. His lead at the top is now more than four minutes.

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Where to watch Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 26

The Colorado Rockies, ranked fifth in the NL West with a 20-35 record, face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are first in the NL West with a 34-20 record. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored with a -235 moneyline compared to the Colorado Rockies' +190. Starting pitchers are Kyle Freeland for Colorado, with a 7.04 ERA, and Eric Lauer for Los Angeles, with a 6.69 ERA.

  • Date: Tuesday, May 26

  • Time: 10:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. PT

  • Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

  • TV Channels: SportsNet LA, Rockies.TV

  • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Colorado Rockies: 20-35 (fifth in NL West)

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: 34-20 (first in NL West)

  • Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers -235 / Colorado Rockies +190

  • Over/Under: 9.0

Colorado Rockies: Kyle Freeland (1-5, ERA: 7.04, K: 35, WHIP: 1.70)

Los Angeles Dodgers: Eric Lauer (1-5, ERA: 6.69, K: 26, WHIP: 1.49)

Series: Game 2 of 3 (series tied)

Weather: 62°F at first pitch

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Shutting Down The Montreal Canadiens Watch Party In Gatineau Was Just Smart Business

One of the Senators' biggest goals, as a business, is to try to build a bigger fan base on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. But the recent shutdown of a Habs fan watch party in Gatineau isn't earning them much goodwill at the moment.

Local Montreal Canadiens fans were invited to a viewing party on Saturday to watch Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Final at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, where 400 of the 4000 seats had been sold at $13 apiece.

Organizers got the okay from TVA Sports, whose TV feed they would be using, but they didn't run it by the NHL or the Senators. So, shortly after tickets went on sale, the league intervened, telling the organizers that holding a Montreal Canadiens-based event of this scale in Gatineau is in violation of the Senators' exclusive territorial marketing rights.

Now, according to the Globe and Mail, there's a petition making the rounds to push back against the league's decision to shut the event down. The paper says the petition has nearly 6,500 signatures so far.

Naturally, organizers were disappointed by the decision, as was the charity involved. The Globe and Mail reported that the money from the event, after costs, was slated for Le Boulev’Art de la Valle, a local mental health organization, which could have received as much as $20,000 from the event.

The plan is to eventually present the petition to the league and the Senators, presumably with hopes of approval for events like this, if not this year, then in the future. The Canadiens are still alive this spring, trailing the NHL Eastern Final 2-1 after dropping back-to-back overtime games to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Senators are in a tricky spot.

They'd like to build a bigger fan base in Gatineau, and it obviously doesn't serve them well to allow another NHL franchise, one of their heated rivals, to be celebrated by thousands at a big event right in their backyard. It literally helps to get Ottawa-area hockey fans super excited about an NHL product that isn't theirs.

Critics have suggested that the Sens are being petty, and what's more, if they had allowed the watch party to go ahead, there probably wouldn't be this much talk about the event, nor would there be negative Globe and Mail headlines about hockey fan petitions being shoved in their face, or charities missing out.

In the short term, I would agree that this probably set back their goal of building support in Quebec more than allowing the party would have. 

But this is a long-term decision that comes with short-term pain, and like ripping off a bandaid or yanking out a tooth, the Sens will soon be glad they did it.

If the Senators had played nice and looked the other way on this event, then there's another one just around the corner. And another, and another, and another.

Without a hint of hyperbole, it could evolve into a Gatineau tradition; NHL customers gathering by the thousands in Senators' territory to celebrate an NHL product that isn't Ottawa's. Local TV stations will then beam the images of the Habs fan party into every Ottawa-Gatineau living room and social media account.

If territory doesn't matter, maybe the Branchaud-Brière complex will want to host a Montreal Canadiens fan fest this summer. Maybe the new rink at Lansdowne will one day be a good spot for some Habs preseason games. Let's beam Habs-Bruins games into the Ottawa market at the same time as a Sens-Penguins game.

With apologies to charity groups, who receive millions from the Sens Community Foundation every year, but allowing major promotion of the Montreal Canadiens in the Ottawa market won't help the Senators with their long-term goal of flipping Gatineau.

Admittedly, it's an extremely tall order hat that probably requires a downtown rink and a championship, but why make it harder than it has to be?

The NHL wisely and fairly set up territorial rights to protect its 32 member teams and help each of them have success in the geographical market directly around them.

The question shouldn't be 'Why didn't the Senators allow this?' It should be 'Why would they?'

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

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Senators 2020 Draft Pick Back On NHL Prospect Radar After 50-Point Season

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Where to watch New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 26

The New York Yankees, ranked second in the AL East with a 32-22 record, face the Kansas City Royals, who are fourth in the AL Central with a 22-32 record. The New York Yankees are favored with a -200 moneyline compared to the Kansas City Royals' +165. Starting pitchers are Cam Schlittler for the Yankees, with a 1.50 ERA, and Bailey Falter for the Royals, with a 9.82 ERA.

  • New York Yankees: 32-22 (second in AL East)

  • Kansas City Royals: 22-32 (fourth in AL Central)

  • Spread: New York Yankees -1.5

  • Moneyline: Kansas City Royals +165 / New York Yankees -200

  • Over/Under: 8.5

New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler (6-2, ERA: 1.50, K: 75, WHIP: 0.86)

Kansas City Royals: Bailey Falter (0-1, ERA: 9.82, K: 6, WHIP: 2.86)

Series: Game 2 of 3

Weather: 83°F at first pitch

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Lights appear to go out on Landry Shamet during ESPN interview after Knicks’ sweep

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A man with a beard, wearing a black baseball cap backwards and a headset with a microphone, speaks while wearing a grey

The Knicks shot the lights out of the Rocket Arena, but nobody took that old adage literally. 

That was until the lights really went out during a postgame interview Monday night.

Landry Shamet, the sharpshooting Knicks guard, was around one minute into his interview with ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” when it appeared most of the lights in the arena shut off. 

Knicks guard Landry Shamet at the start of his interview on ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” on May 25, 2026.

During the interview, Shamet praised his entire team for its shooting successes throughout the playoffs. 

“The beautiful thing of this group is it could be a different guy every night,” Shamet said.

“Josh Hart had a great shooting night this series when they were sagging off him, he made a bunch of shots. It could be Duece, it could be anybody off the bench.”

Landry Shamet after the lights appeared to go out during his “Inside the NBA” interview on May 25, 2026. YouTube/NBA on ESPN

Shamet went 11-for-12 from 3-point range over the four games, a hot streak that nobody in NBA playoffs history has ever matched percentage-wise. 

Coincidentally, the last time the playoffs saw a lights-out shooter like Shamet in a series was in 2017, when Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver went 11-for-20 from beyond the arc against the Raptors.

Shamet’s sharpshooting was a key piece in the Knicks’ Eastern Conference finals sweep.

Landray Shamet in the second quarter of Monday night’s win Getty Images

Out of the 11 3s he made, none were more important than his game-tying 3-pointer with just 47 seconds left in Game 1.

That crucial shot helped propel the Knicks to win in overtime, setting the momentum for the rest of the series.

Shamet shooting a three-pointer in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals. Getty Images

The Knicks secured their Finals spot for the first time since 1999 by beating Cleveland by double-digits in every game of the series.

They became the first team the first team to win by such margins in a sweep preceding the NBA Finals since the 1950 Lakers.

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The Knicks also hold a +19.4-point differential throughout the playoffs, the highest in NBA history since the 2017 Golden State Warriors’ +16.3. 

The team will now have a long stretch off until the finals start June 3.

The players and fans will continue to wait to see who their opponent is, as the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are tied 2-2 in the Western Conference finals.

One thing is certain: The lights are still on in the Knicks’ quest toward an NBA championship.

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PGA of America president Don Rea Jr is out after Ryder Cup controversies

  • Response to New York crowd behavior was criticized

  • Rea: abuse was no worse than at ‘youth soccer game’

Don Rea Jr, who was cricitized for his response to verbal abuse directed at European players during last year’s Ryder Cup, is out as president of the PGA of America, effective immediately.

Tuesday’s news came on the heels of the PGA of America’s board of directors suspending Rea for the remainder of his two-year term, which ends in November. PGA of America vice-president Nathan Charnes was named acting president.

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Where to watch Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 26

The Cincinnati Reds, ranked fourth in the NL Central with a 28-25 record, face the New York Mets, who are fifth in the NL East with a 22-32 record. Cincinnati is favored with a -130 moneyline compared to New York's +100. Chase Burns starts for Cincinnati with a 1.83 ERA, while the Mets' starter is TBD.

  • Cincinnati Reds: 28-25 (fourth in NL Central)

  • New York Mets: 22-32 (fifth in NL East)

  • Spread: New York Mets +1.5

  • Moneyline: New York Mets +105 / Cincinnati Reds -130

  • Over/Under: 7.5

Cincinnati Reds: Chase Burns (6-1, ERA: 1.83, K: 64, WHIP: 0.95)

New York Mets: TBD

Series: Game 2 of 3 (series tied)

Weather: 73°F at first pitch