Rookie netminder Jakub Dobes now has six playoff wins. That’s the third-highest total for a Montreal Canadiens’ rookie goaltender in history. Sunday night’s win over the Buffalo Sabres has allowed him to overtake Carey Price, who now slides to fourth place with five wins. The Czech netminder can now set his sights on Ken Dryden, who’s in second place with 12 wins, and Patrick Roy, who’s at the top with 15. There’s only one way to overtake Roy: winning the Stanley Cup.
There’s only one rookie goaltender in NHL history who has won more playoff wins than Roy: Jordan Binnington in 2019. He led the St. Louis Blues to 16 wins and a Stanley Cup in 2019.
After 10 games, the 24-year-old has a 6-4 record, with a 2.13 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. On Sunday, the Sabres tried to get him to lose his focus, crashing the net and being very insistent to get some rebounds. Still, they couldn’t, even when Beck Malenstyn crashed into him at full speed, earning himself a two-minute penalty for goaltender interference.
Asked after the game if he had time to brace for that contact, the rookie netminder said:
No, I was focusing on the puck, and then I was on the ground. I tried to get up as fast as possible so that the spotters [the NHL concussion spotters] wouldn’t take me out of the game. I drank some water, and I was good to go for the next shift.
- Dobes on the contact with Malenstyn
When it was put to him that he was becoming a hero for the fans, he chuckled and answered:
I’m not a hero, I’m just me. I’m just a goofy goalie who tries to stop pucks. Trust me, I don’t call myself a hero. Pretty much, I will go home, eat, watch Game of Thrones and go to bed. I don’t think that’s anything heroic. When it’s time to do my job, I will do anything to win.
- Dobes on being considered a hero
That’s a far cry away from Martin St-Louis’ go-to show after a game; Seinfeld, but it seems to work well for the youngster.
Houston's Chris Cenac Jr. (5) cheers during a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Houston Cougars and Texas A&M Aggies at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday March 21, 2026. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Chris Cenac Jr. is one of the more intriguing big men in the 2026 NBA Draft, and it’s the potential that he has shown on both sides of the ball that makes him someone teams could keep their eyes on. At 6-11, the Houston center has the size to be a solid big in the league, but it’s his mobility that helps him stand out more than others at his height. To add on to that, some of the things that he does on the defense are important for what teams are looking for nowadays.
The one thing that sticks out when watching Cenac is his knack for grabbing rebounds (7.9 per game). He may be one of the best in the draft in that category, because when the ball comes off the rim, he seems to always be in the vicinity. That’s where his athleticism comes in, because he has a solid second jump that keeps him in play for grabbing rebounds.
Cenac still has a long way to go with building out his frame, and there were times throughout his collegiate career where he got outworked by bigger centers than him. There’s no doubt that he has to get stronger, especially when comparing him to what he’ll see once he enters the league. As far as perimeter defense, he slides his feet well, but it’s not something that he’s best at right now. He’ll be better off staying down low and defending players around his height.
The biggest concern with Cenac’s defense is picking up fouls. He’s typically been aggressive closing out on shooters, and he can be undisciplined if he’s on the perimeter, reaching in when he doesn’t have to or getting beat off the dribble.
On offense, Cenac has a nice mid-range jumper that can help teams spread the floor. He also took a few threes with Houston, shooting 2.4 attempts per game, and making 0.8 of them. They mostly came off catch and shoot, and he’s not known as a creator. For a center, shooting 3-pointers are big, and he’ll need to continue that when he enters the league.
As far as what he can do in the interior, Cenac’s athleticism allows him to finish well around the rim. All you have to do is throw the ball up, and he’ll throw it down, no matter where the ball is coming from. He also has a nice touch at the rim, and he has the ability to take advantage of mismatches if he has to.
Cenac has the motor that teams want in a center, but it’s the inconsistency that could hold him back at times. Nonetheless, if he’s actively engaged in the game, there will be a lot of good things to come from him.
The Atlanta Hawks had a problem with their center depth throughout the season, and adding a player like Cenac could be the start to improving that area. With his size and potential to space the floor, he’s a player the Hawks might look at with their pick later in the draft.
NEW YORK - CIRCA 1987: Walt Terrell #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the New York Yankees during a Major League Baseball game circa 1987 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Terrell played for the Tigers from 1985-88 and from 1990-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 1989 Yankees were a mostly forgettable squad. Situated squarely within the late-80s decline that came before the dynasty years of the late ‘90s, the ‘89 team combined lengthy winning and losing streaks to reach the All-Star Break with a 43-43 record — good for second in the AL East, 5.5 games behind the division-leading Baltimore Orioles. A late-July swoon, however, prompted the Bombers to swing some deals at the deadline, bringing today’s birthday boy to the Bronx: 11-year big-league pitcher Walt Terrell, who had a 13-start Yankees career.
Charles Walter Terrell Born: May 11, 1958 (Jeffersonville, IN) Yankees Tenure: 1989
Born to a factory worker and seamstress in rural Indiana, Walt Terrell grew up without either indoor plumbing or a telephone for a good chunk of his childhood, receiving the former in 1965 and the latter in 1967. Despite this, the 6-foot-7 Terrell proved to be a remarkable athlete from a young age, playing high school baseball, football, and basketball. Off the back of a strong senior season, in which he threw a no-hitter and posted a batting average above .300, he went on to attend Morehead State University in Kentucky, where he learned a changeup — and how to truly pitch, not simply throw the ball — from coach Steve Hamilton, a 12-year Major Leaguer who spent eight seasons with the Yankees.
Originally drafted in the 15th round of the 1979 draft by the New York Mets, Terrell returned to college for his senior season. In the short term, this cost him draft stock, as he wound up going to the Texas Rangers in the 33rd round the following year. In the long term, however, this turned out to be the right move: when he finally took ta professional mound that summer, he hit the ground running, steadily climbing through the system. When he was traded, along with Ron Darling, to the Mets in April 1982 for Lee Mazzilli, he was immediately added to the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate, and made his debut that September when rosters expanded.
Terrell started the 1983 season back in the minors, but returned to The Show for good that June. For the next year and a half, he was a mainstay in the rotation in Queens. At that point, though, his time with the Mets came to an end, as he was traded to the Detroit Tigers on December 7, 1984. He would go on to spend four seasons there. Across the first three, he was one of Detroit’s most reliable pitchers, averaging 34 starts per season while posting a perfectly league average 4.14 ERA. An ankle injury and underperformance ruined his 1988 campaign, however, prompting the Tigers to trade him to the San Diego Padres a few weeks after the season ended.
Terrell was an effective middle-of-the-rotation starter in San Diego, going 5-13 with a 4.01 ERA (88 ERA+) in 19 starts as a member of the Padres. With the Padres in fourth place and 9.5 games behind the first place Giants in the NL West, San Diego opted to flip the impending free agent at the deadline for struggling Yankees third baseman Mike Pagliarulo and pitcher Don Schulze.
The Yankees undoubtedly hoped Terrell would provide a jolt to the middle of their rotation as they tried to battle back in the division. That, unfortunately, did not happen. He allowed four runs or more in six of his first seven starts, getting tagged with the loss in four of them. Below is one such blow-up, when the “Why Not” Orioles—stunning contenders in ’89 after record-setting misery in ’88—got to him for five runs on eleven hits in six innings of work on August 26th:
In truth, Terrell only had one major highlight with the Yankees, a five-hit complete-game shutout at Fenway Park against Wade Boggs and the Boston Red Sox. That ended his season on a high note at the very least.
That offseason, Terrell was interested in a return to the Bronx, but ultimately signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $3.6 million. That contract lasted all of 16 starts, as the Pirates released him in the middle of July after he started his Pirates career with a 2-7 record and a 5.88 ERA. The Tigers picked him up, and he spent the last two and a half years of his career with them. He signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the 1993 season, but failed to make the team out of spring training and, when it was clear that the team had no interest in bringing him up, retired in July.
After his career, Terrell moved to Kentucky and, according to SABR, worked for Pepsi and coached high school and travel baseball. In 2005, he was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
The San Francisco Giants, ranked fourth in the NL West with a 16-24 record, face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are tied for first in the NL West with a 24-16 record. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored with a -185 moneyline compared to the San Francisco Giants' +150. Starting pitchers are Trevor McDonald for San Francisco, with a 1.29 ERA, and Roki Sasaki for Los Angeles, with a 5.97 ERA.
How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The New York Yankees, ranked second in the AL East with a 26-15 record, face the Baltimore Orioles, who are fourth in the AL East with an 18-23 record. The New York Yankees are favored with a -160 moneyline compared to the Baltimore Orioles' +135. Starting pitchers are Ryan Weathers for New York, with a 3.03 ERA, and Brandon Young for Baltimore, with a 4.35 ERA.
How to watch New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Sacramento Kings landed the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which might seem like a consolation prize.
The Kings had a tie with the Utah Jazz after both posted 22-60 records during the 2025-26 season and thus a pretty good chance at landing a top-4 pick. That decision was decided by a coin flip and resulted in Utah getting the No. 2 pick.
With the No. 7 pick solidified, Sacramento can start figuring out who it'd select in the draft. General manager Scott Perry has said that he was prepared with at least nine prospect during an April exit interviews in April.
It most likely won't be AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, Darryn Peterson or Caleb Wilson that the Kings select but there are still number of prospects that they could grab at No. 7.
Perry said the team would select the "best player available" during his exit interview with media, but acknowledged that the team needs a starting-level point guard for the long-term future.
Here's which prospects USA TODAY Sports and other sports experts predict the Kings could select at No. 7 in the 2026 NBA Draft:
The Kings need a potential star like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. – Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY
The Kings fell from No. 5 to No. 7 in a critical draft for the franchise, considering their older, expensive roster and the need for a younger face to rebuild around as general manager Scott Perry enters his second season. If there's a silver lining, it's that Sacramento has a clear need at point guard, with several options likely on the board at this spot.
Flemings' explosive speed and winning intangibles swayed NBA executives this season, and he projects as a lead playmaker who puts downhill pressure on defenses and should also add value as a defender. The continued progression of his jump shot is key for him and something he'll need to demonstrate effectively in team workouts, but he got positive results at Houston (38.7% from 3, 84.5% from the line) and has shown growth already in that area. – Jeremy Woo, ESPN
Flemings is an elite athlete who can get a piece of the paint on demand, rise up explosively at the rim, get to his pull-up at virtually any time, and be solid on the defensive end. His swing skill is his shooting, and if it holds up, then he too has legit star-type outcomes. In Sacramento, Flemings will have an opportunity to earn the starting point guard job from day one. – Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports
Kings fans must be disappointed by not moving up in the draft, but there are tons of guards available in this range who could run the show for the next decade. The most electric one? Acuff is a wiry scorer who can get a bucket from anywhere on the floor with a quick trigger, slippery handle, and a feel for manipulating defenses. He has a knack for clutch moments too. He is not the biggest guard or the most explosive athlete, but he reads defenses like someone who's been in the league for a decade. He emerged as a freshman as a skilled, low-turnover playmaker. The question that follows every undersized guard into the draft is whether the brilliance survives contact with bigger, longer, faster defenders. The Kings will have to find big wings and forwards, plus a rim-protecting center to support Acuff. But for now, fans can enjoy the Acuff show. – Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports
The Golden State Warriors have got a couple questions answered about their future: they know their coach will be and which pick they'll have in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Next, the Warriors found out at the lottery that they would have the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft in June.
A team that's looking to add a superstar in the offseason whether it's via trade or a free agent signing, that No. 11 pick could look enticing to suitors. But also, the Warriors could choose to take a look at some of the prospects on the board projected to fall between No. 10 to 15.
Golden State is nearing the end of its Stephen Curry era. Whether they package the pick in a trade or utilize it is yet to be determined. However, in the event the Warriors get young talent to add to their core, experts have them adding a ready-now player.
Here's which prospects USA TODAY Sports and other sports experts predict the Warriors could select at No. 11 in the 2026 NBA Draft:
Karim López had a low usage rate and played few minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. – Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY
The Warriors had long odds and no luck in their first draft lottery since 2021. They have an important decision to make with this pick, as they weigh the long-term health of the roster versus maximizing the team's competitive chances with Stephen Curry still playing at a high level. Coach Steve Kerr agreed to an extension Saturday and presumably didn't sign on for a rebuild. Selecting a younger player such as Lopez, who has the experience to potentially slot in early on his rookie deal, might help mesh the short- and long-term goals. Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) is another player who will draw strong consideration here.
The top player in a thin international prospect class, Lopez has a chance to help himself in pre-draft workouts, where teams will gain a better sense of his physical traits and skill level coming off a positive year in the NBL. Showing progress as a perimeter shooter in those settings would help his case to sneak into the top 10. – Jeremy Woo, ESPN
Mara kept getting better as the college season went on and ultimately led Michigan to a national championship. At 7-foot-3, he's a giant, even by NBA standards, and a tremendous rim protector. He's also got sneaky mobility, good hands, real passing ability, and provides vertical spacing. With Steve Kerr returning next season, the Warriors' style of play will be staying largely the same, and Mara's facilitating ability fits that. – Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports
It's been a brutal year. The Warriors lost Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL and Moses Moody to a torn patellar tendon, watched Steph Curry miss 27 games with knee issues, and finally gave up on Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State has been desperately searching for a young star to extend Curry's championship window, and bridge into whatever comes next. It will be harder to do that here after not getting lucky in the lottery. But maybe the Warriors will still find a hit prospect. López is the best basketball prospect Mexico has ever produced. He left Hermosillo at 14 to play professionally in Barcelona, then at 17 moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where he shined for two years in the NBL Next Stars program. He checks a lot of boxes with his excellent physical tools, a hardnosed approach, and a well-rounded ability to defend multiple positions, handle the ball, and a blossoming shot. But he’s thus far more of a jack of all trades since his jumper runs hot and cold and he lacks the burst to blow by defenders off the bounce. Regardless, not every player is drafted with stardom in mind. López has all the requisite skills to enhance a star teammate as a key piece on a winning team — and the Warriors could be looking to win now after Steve Kerr re-signed on a two-year deal. And sometimes those players with high floors end up proving their ceiling is a lot higher than you think. – Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers checks an iPad in the dugout during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The good news is that, unlike last week the Dodgers did hit a home run this week, eight of them in fact. But outside of two solid hitting games in Houston, the offense was mostly shut down in the other four games, leading to a split of six games against the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves.
Though the Dodgers scratched together a win against Chris Sale on Friday night, the Dodgers only scored seven runs in three games against Atlanta, owners of the best record in baseball, none against starters Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder on Saturday and Sunday. The Dodgers in their three losses this week didn’t score until the eighth, ninth, and eighth innings. Two hits in Sunday’s loss was a season low.
Scoring has been an issue for a while now for the Dodgers, with three or fewer runs eight times in their last 11 games, and 12 times in their last 21 games. That’s the recipe for going from a 15-4 start to the season to just 9-12 since.
“We have some guys that aren’t in the spot they want to be in right now, and they’re trying to figure it out. It’s kind of tough to compete when you’re trying to figure things out,” third baseman Max Muncy said. “We’ve preached in the past that you have to forget what you’re doing off the field and when you get into the batter’s box you have to compete. That’s probably something we need to harp on again right now, because there are a lot of guys trying to find some mechanics. And it’s hard to hit when you’re doing it.”
In addition, the stability of the starting rotation, which did some real heavy lifting over the first month and a half this season, finally took a hit with Tyler Glasnow sidelined with back spasms. The Dodgers got Blake Snell back, but earlier than originally planned which led to lots of rust on Saturday.
Andy Pages was the standout thanks in part to his three-homer game (see below), but even if you remove that game he still would have led the team in hits for the week.
Honorable mention goes to Kyle Tucker, who doubled twice, homered, and led the team with five walks.
Pitcher of the week
Shohei Ohtani struck out eight in a season-high seven innings on Tuesday in Houston. He allowed only two runs, on the first two home runs he has allowed this season, but suffered the tough-luck loss thanks to the aforementioned offensive struggles.
We are seven weeks into the season, and Ohtani has won pitcher of the week more times (twice) than he has batter of the week (once).
Week 7 results
3-3 record 28 runs scored (4.67 per game) 22 runs allowed (3.67 per game) .609 pythagorean win percentage
Year to date
24-16 record 203 runs scored (5.08 per game) 134 runs allowed (3.35 per game) .681 pythagorean win percentage (27-13)
Century mark: First baseman Freddie Freeman started using a slightly different stance at the plate, turning his front foot inward to help his stance stay closed and keep his right hip from flying open during his swing. It paid off this week with three extra-base hits, including on Friday the first home run by a left-handed batter off Chris Sale since last May 23. That home run on Friday — “I would have taken a broken-bat bloop against Chris,” Freeman quipped — was Freeman’s first since April 6, snapping a 114-plate-appearance drought that’s the fourth-longest of his career. That Friday home run was also Freeman’s 100th with the Dodgers, the 37th player in franchise history to hit triple-digit homers. Freeman also ended the week with 299 extra-base hits for the team — 190 doubles, 100 home runs, nine triples — just one shy of joining the group of 32 others with 300 extra-base hits for the Dodgers.
Throwback outing: Justin Wrobleski’s errant throw prevented a sure inning-ending double play in what became a four-run second inning that decided Sunday’s game. But after that, Wrobleski retired 16 in a row to get through seven innings on only 80 pitches. After heavy bullpen usage over the previous three days, Wrobleski’s role at this point shifted to soaking up as many outs as he could, so he remained in while trailing. He allowed home runs in the eighth and ninth innings and three more runs, but still only needed 100 pitches to record 26 outs, finally removed after hitting Mike Yastrzemski in the head with a pitch. Wrobleski’s final line of 8 2/3 innings and seven runs allowed was a combination only seen one other time by a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher — Rick Sutcliffe allowed eight runs in 8 2/3 innings in a winon July 25, 1979. Wrobleski now leads the Dodgers with 44 2/3 innings this season
Welcome back: After Wrobleski departed, Wyatt Mills got the final out in the top of the ninth inning on Sunday, after allowing two hits of his own. It was the first major league outing since 2022 with the Kansas City Royals for Mills, who was called up earlier in the day.
Transactions
Wednesday: After missing the first 36 games of the season, Brock Stewart was activated off the injured list, with left-hander Jake Eder optioned to Triple-A.
Saturday: Southpaw Blake Snell was activated off the injured list to make his season debut, but Stewart landed back on the IL with a bone spur in his left foot. Stewart is expected to miss at least three weeks this time around.
Sunday: The fresh arm express started revving up, with Wyatt Millscalled up to replace Gervase, who took down three innings in relief the night before. Edwin Díaz was moved to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.
The Dodgers have a full week running the Greg Minton gauntlet, finishing off the homestand with four games against the San Francisco Giants, before traversing down Interstate 5 to play the Angels in Anaheim. The Angels broadcasts of the weekend games in Anaheim will also be simulcast to over-the-air television, with Friday’s game on KTTV channel 11, then Saturday and Sunday each on KCOP channel 13.
Mon, 5/11
Tue, 5/12
Wed, 5/13
Thu, 5/14
Fri, 5/15
Sat, 5/16
Sun, 5/17
Giants
Giants
Giants
Giants
at Angels
at Angels
at Angels
7:10
7:10
7:10
7:10
6:38
6:38
1:07
Sasaki
Yamamoto
Ohtani
Sheehan
Snell
Wrobleski
Sasaki
McDonald
Houser
Ray
Roupp
Kochanowicz
Soriano
TBA
SNLA/MLB
SNLA
SNLA/MLB
SNLA
SNLA/KTTV
SNLA/KCOP
SNLA/KCOP
Saturday at Angels also televised by MLB Network, out of market only
Although the Pittsburgh Penguins made the playoffs this year, they are still very much a team that is focused on the future. Because of this, they will be looking to hit with their first-round pick this year.
In his latest mock draft for The Athletic, Corey Pronman predicted that the Penguins would select defenseman Ryan Lin with the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Lin would have the potential to be an excellent pickup for the Penguins' prospect pool if he is still available when they are on the clock. The 5-foot-11 offensive defenseman has shown plenty of promise at the junior level and would immediately become one of Pittsburgh's most fascinating prospects if selected.
In 53 games during this season with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Lin recorded 14 goals, 43 assists, and 57 points. This is after he had five goals and 53 points in 60 games during this past season with the Giants. With numbers like these, it is clear that Lin has good offensive upside, and he could be a strong pickup for the Penguins because of it.
It will be interesting to see if Lin ends up being the Penguins' first-round pick this season. They could use another right-shot defenseman, and Lin is among the most notable as we inch closer to the draft.
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 19: Ha-Seong Kim #9 of the Atlanta Braves rounds the bases during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Friday, September 19, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Bradburn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After an an eventful and emotional week for Braves Country, we’ve arrived at a well-deserved off day.
The Braves will be back in action tomorrow night, kicking off the homestand with a series versus the Chicago Cubs. Tuesday’s shaping up to be an eventful opener.
Ha-Seong Kim set to return to the majors, updates to come on Sean Murphy as Eli White hits IL
Per reports from Korean outlet SBS News and Lindsay Crosby, Ha-Seong Kim has completed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett and is set to be activated for his season debut tomorrow night.
NEWS out of Gwinnett:
Ha-Seong Kim's rehab has been completed, and he's expected to be activated for Tuesday's series opener versus the Cubs.
Yoo Byung-min of Korean outlet SBS News was first with the news
— Lindsay Crosby, big baseball guy (@CrosbyBaseball) May 11, 2026
Kim ends his Triple-A rehab stint slashing .263/.333 /.316 with a .649 OPS in five games with the Stripers. Factoring in his four games with the Double-A Columbus Clingstones, that line is .286/.412/.321 with a .733 OPS.
In additon to the corresponding move for Kim, the Braves are expected to report an update on Sean Murphy’s hand tomorrow.
UPDATE: The Braves make it official and have reinstated Kim. The corresponding move for now is Eli White to the 7-day concussion IL. Feel better soon, Eli!
The #Braves today returned INF Ha-Seong Kim from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and placed OF Eli White on the 7-day concussion IL.
Well, that escalated slowly. While Arsenal left it late to score their winner against West Ham on Sunday, they got the job done and now find themselves a couple of straightforward wins against the second worst team in the league and Crystal Palace Under-9s from the Premier League title that has eluded them for 22 years. Except this Arsenal team doesn’t really do “straightforward”, as they showed when letting West Ham nab an added-time equaliser, only for it to be snatched away following an intervention from the curtain-twitching buzzkills in their Stockley Park joy-vacuum. If Football Daily was an Arsenal fan, our soul would almost certainly have left our body as we watched Chris Kavanagh repeatedly rock-and-roll the footage on his touchline monitor, trying to pick through the weeds of the 1,057 different fouls being committed simultaneously by players from both teams. Eventually, he arrived at what (everyone except Peter Schmeichel and a few Pearly Kings agreed) was probably the correct decision.
I write with admiration of Stockport’s Dave Challinor for one or indeed two hidden skills (Friday’s Still Want More, full email edition). May I explain: he either has great willpower for not eating the Smarties on his tactics board and/or he knows how long he can keep his finger on the confectionery before it melts while the picture is taken” – Shaun Clark.
I really enjoyed the photo of Dave Challinor. My question: does he prefer using Skittles, M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces on his whiteboard? I’ve experimented with all three candies in my coaching sessions with U8 and U10 teams over the years. I’d appreciate his expert insight about which is most effective. Or tastes best” – Mike Wilner.
A corner. A melee. Bodies everywhere. Blocks and tugs, pulls and shoves. A VAR decision. Fury. Empty noise. A title perhaps decided; a significant impact on the relegation battle. Shouting. Confused pundits ranting. Social media figures rallying to the side they were always going to take. Welcome to modern soccer.
After what looked like an injury-time equaliser for West Ham was ruled out on Sunday, Arsenal now need only to beat Burnley and Crystal Palace to be sure of their first Premier League title in 22 years. In the relegation scrap, West Ham are a point behind Tottenham, who play at home to Leeds, now safe, on Monday evening. But the big issue is a VAR decision. Of course it is: this is 2025-26.
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 28: Caleb Wilson #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels takes pregame shots with a cast on his hand before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies on February 28, 2026 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 82-89. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now that the NBA Draft Lottery has taken place, the top of the NBA Draft is now set with the top five picks belonging to the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Caleb Wilson seems to be a consensus top five pick so with the order now set, what would be his best and worst fit?
Best Fit: Memphis Grizzles
Before the lottery, my choice for this spot would’ve been either the Indiana Pacers or the Atlanta Hawks, as both have good rosters and would allow Wilson to join a winning program. Obviously, neither team made the top five (the Pacers actually did land pick number five but had to surrender it to the Clippers). I went with the Grizzlies over the Clippers because Wilson seems to fit better with timeline in Memphis as opposed to Los Angeles, though that could change based on the moves the Clippers make regarding players like Kawhi Leonard.
In Memphis, Wilson would get to play with a young team that has an opening in the post after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz this past season. With Ja Morant also likely soon out the door the team looks to turn to younger players like wings Cedric Coward, who finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year race, and Jaylen Wells as well as a young center in Zach Edey.
Worst Fit: Utah Jazz
I went back and forth between the Jazz and the Wizards. Both have front courts already in place, and of course neither have shown the ability to win with both finishing in the bottom of the league the past three seasons. However, Washington seems to have made better moves to actually try to win next season (and they play in the East where making the playoffs is easier) by acquiring veterans in Trae Young and Anthony Davis and with Davis’s health, there is a way for Wilson to get some playing time.
However, in Utah they have a young front court of the aforementioned Jackson Jr and former one time Tar Heel Walker Kessler, and though neither are the epitomes of health, both are still young and would be much more established making it harder for Wilson to get the playing time he needs to further develop into the superstar he could easily become.
Projected Spot: Chicago Bulls
Wilson is rated as the fourth overall pick and therefore is being mocked as such to the fourth overall team, which in this case would be the Bulls. The Bulls do have history with former Tar Heels — most recently with Coby White and most notably with Michael Jordan — but are horribly run and currently don’t have a head coach. The Bulls do need size and Wilson would get lots of playing time, but until they hire a coach the situation would look murky due to the ownership alone.
So what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 9: G League Prospect Aiden Tobiason #3 shoots a free throw during the game during the 2026 G League Combine on May 9, 2026 at Windtrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
One of the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team’s new names is currently in Chicago looking to impress scouts and other NBA personnel.
Aiden Tobiason, who announced he was transferring to the Orange from Temple in April, was among dozens of players picked to suit up for the 2026 AWS NBA G League Combine. Tobiason is currently one of 44 prospects participating in this weekend’s combine, which allows them to showcase their skills through various drills and five-on-five scrimmages.
Right off the bat, we do have some new numbers about how Tobiason measures out:
The nearly 7-1 wingspan definitely stands out the most. Tobiason is definitely bringing a reputation of being a scorer going from the Owls to the Orange. He had a career year in 2025-26, averaging 15.3 points in 35.3 minutes per game on 48% from the field, 34% from three, and 80% from the foul line.
The wingspan could be intriguing if he can improve on the 1.2 steals per game he had last year and truly be a point of attack defender at the one. Tobiason being close to 6-4 will also, in theory, help in that department.
We’ve also got some stats from scrimmages Tobiason took part in. On Saturday, he played nearly 15 minutes and finished with five points on 2/5 shooting, one assist, and one steal. He was plus-eight in his minutes for “Team One,” which defeated Team Two 77-74.
Boxscore from Game 1 of the G League Combine.
Monster game from Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn with 17+12.
USC's Jacob Cofie did a little bit of everything on both ends.
On Sunday, Tobiason had 13 points on 4-9 shooting (2-4 from 3 and 3-4 from the foul line) but his team was on blown out 98-68.
Tobiason previously confirmed to Syracuse.com that he would participate in the pre-draft process, which includes the combine, then head to Upstate New York to participate with the program.
It seems scouts, on first impression, seem to agree.
I did not watch these games, I'm not in Chicago. I'm purely going off of what scouts told me.
I like Tobiason as an intriguing long-term guy but think he should clearly go to Cuse.
Tobiason will be entering his junior year with Syracuse and Orange fans shouldn’t be surprised when he starts appearing in 2027 mock drafts.
Syracuse commit Aiden Tobiason with some nice moments as the youngest player in the camp. Great length, shoots a pretty ball, competes defensively. Turns 20 tomorrow. Intriguing one to keep on the draft radar for 2027 and beyond. https://t.co/HFpfjRpFjc
For the second straight season, the Knicks are going to the Eastern Conference Finals, this time on the back of a 4-0 sweep over the 76ers. New York won the series by a combined 89 points, averaging out to roughly a 22-point blowout per game, despite most expecting a competitive six- or seven-game series.
Instead, the Knicks delivered their most dominant stretch of basketball in recent history, and will look to build off that momentum to make their first NBA Finals appearance in over a quarter-century. Here’s how they did it, and what we can glean from it going forward.
From a bird’s eye view, there was no area of the game that the Knicks didn’t spectacularly outperform. In the series, they scored 129.1 points per 100 possessions, eight points higher than the regular-season leader, and allowed only 106.3, or worse than the rock-bottom Nets.
However, let’s start with the defense, as it was the foundation for this conclusive win. The Philly offense is run through its two cornerstones – Joel Embiid and TyreseMaxey – and New York was able to stop them at the source.
Embiid’s 26.9 points per game during the regular season dropped to a measly 18.7 against New York, though he was relatively efficient and able to get Karl-AnthonyTowns and the Knicks in foul trouble. That was seemingly the ceiling to his contributions, though.
In Game 1, Embiid went just 3-for-11 from the field, despite largely being covered solo. After missing Game 2, the Knicks went to a more aggressive strategy, sending a second defender on every touch.
This forced Embiid into more of a playmaker role, where he struggled with six turnovers in the final two games. New York did a strong job of bodying up the paint, so Embiid had to generate much of his offense on the perimeter, where his jumpshot wasn’t bailing him out this series.
He wasn’t 100 percent, but the Knicks strong-armed and schemed him out of his comfort zone as well. Ditto for Maxey, who looked even less like himself than Embiid did this series.
Maxey went from scoring 28.3 points a night in the regular season and 26.9 against Boston in the first round to just 18.3 versus New York, shooting a rough 43.3 percent from the field and 16 percent from three. Credit to Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride for the jobs they did one-on-one, tracking the explosive Maxey.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) in the third quarter during game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Both did an excellent job on the scout and keeping Maxey out of the paint, where he causes the most havoc. He never scored less than 20 against the Celtics and did it three times against the Knicks, in large part due to their defensive talent.
They also schemed Maxey super aggressively, high-hedging or trapping every one of his screens, especially anything towards the baseline where he loves to get going downhill. This forced him to continually burn energy trying to turn the corner on Towns, who’s having the defensive postseason of his life, or try and force passes over the outstretched arms of Knicks defenders.
Maxey couldn’t find the easy targets – if dumped off to Embiid, who needs a beat to make the next read, the defense recovered. The rest of the Sixers didn’t have the scoring or creation chops to continually take advantage of a 4-on-3 halfcourt, especially with how quickly and accurately the Knicks rotated.
Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson and the rest of the roster cannot be overlooked here. They each did their jobs on multiple different matchups, allowing the heavy-handed defense on Embiid and Maxey to work.
When the Sixers would miss, the Knicks did a phenomenal job of securing the defensive boards to take advantage on the other end. The ensuing transition opportunities helped open up the gates for their offense.
The truth is, New York’s offense was historically anomalous in Games 1 and 4, while doing just enough in Games 2 and 3. A lot of that has to do with the mental side of the game and some shooting luck, but the headline from the series is the Knicks found their winning recipe on this end.
Their strategy carried over from the back end of the Hawks series – have Towns facilitate from the high elbow, and watch the embedded motion offense and top-tier talent make use of the space. Towns averaged 7.5 assists against Philly in a show of comfort with the pivot.
This flow got the Knicks so many looks and the Sixers so worried about Towns's passing, that in one Game 4 possession running the same action, Towns kept pivoting for a pass, until his man bizarrely left him wide open for a mid-range swish. It was a hilarious signal of Philly’s panic in trying to cover the Knicks’ vexing attack.
Of course, Brunson was the star of the offense, averaging 29 points and six assists on 51 percent shooting from the field. While he benefited from ample transition opportunities and off-ball looks playing off Towns, he also reminded folks of the gaping chasm in talent between him and the rest of the league.
Philly simply did not have the bodies to guard Brunson, who was a bit slower against Dyson Daniels and the big-winged Hawks. The 76ers opted for sticking rookie VJ Edgecombe, a feisty but smaller defender, on Brunson for most of the series.
Other teams, even the Sixers of two years ago, would have sent more double teams or different, bigger defenders at Brunson. They kept it conservative with Brunson this series, opting to let him beat them one-on-one, and he did so efficiently time and time again.
New York needed more than just their two stars to step up. Anunoby had 18 and 24 points in his two contests before going down with a hamstring injury, and Bridges stepped up in his wake to average 17.5 on 64 percent shooting from the field on the series.
Both were pivotal to the offense converting at this rate, knockdown from range, decisive in attacking smaller defenders, and methodical in their cuts and transition breaks.
Both took on pick-and-roll reps to ease the creation from their stars, while filling in corners and making the little plays required that don’t fill up the stat sheet. But perhaps the Knicks' biggest edge here came from their bench.
While the 76ers struggled to field a true eight-man rotation, the Knicks were finding sparks from all over their pine. Mitchell Robinson was an unsurprising lift, McBride broke out in Game 4 with 25 points on seven threes, Landry Shamet joined the rotation late and delivered two massive games, all while Jose Alvarado and JordanClarkson provided steady hands throughout.
It can be hard to judge a team’s true ability to contend during the regular season, when stakes are lower and randomness much higher. But Knicks fans who waited until the postseason to draw their conclusions are being rewarded handsomely.
These last seven games have been the best basketball New York has played this millennium, with this Philadelphia sweep serving as Exhibit A in their case for competing. If they can build off what got them here, the Knicks have a real chance at accomplishing what they’ve been desperate to.
