Ja Morant traded to Trail Blazers in end to troubled Grizzlies tenure

Ja Morant appears to be available in trade talks and the Milwaukee Bucks are leaders to acquire him.
Ja Morant appears to be available in trade talks and the Milwaukee Bucks are leaders to acquire him.

Two-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s most controversial players off the court, Ja Morant, was traded by the Grizzlies on Monday.

Morant was dealt to the Trail Blazers, uniting him with Portland stars Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported.

The deal ends a turbulent tenure for Morant in Memphis, where he became a household name while simultaneously finding himself in increasingly significant trouble due to gun-related incidents off the court as well as injury issues. Morant appeared in just 79 games over the past three seasons due to suspensions and injuries.

Ja Morant appears to be available in trade talks and the Milwaukee Bucks are leaders to acquire him. Getty Images

At his best, Morant is one of the top players in the NBA, and his early career reflected the talent that he possesses.

He won Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player in his first two seasons in the NBA, which included a 2021-22 season in which he averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

Morant was named to the NBA All-Star Game in 2022 and 2023, as well as earning All-NBA Second Team honors in 2021-22.

Morant played just 20 games for the Grizzlies this season AP

But things quickly turned for him in 2023, when, in March of that year, Morant was suspended for eight games for conduct detrimental to the league and then started the 2023-24 season with a 25-game ban.

Both stemmed from Morant flashing a firearm on livestreams on his social media.

He was also suspended for one game by the Grizzlies after an incident in November with head coach Tuomas Iisalo following a loss to the Lakers.

Now with Morant and the remaining two years and $87 million left on his contract gone, the Grizzlies have disbanded the core group of players that was once the cornerstone of the franchise, which included Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Grizzlies finally end Ja Morant era with stunning trade to Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Ja Morant in a trade that will send Jerami Grant and Kris Murray back to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to multiple reports.

ESPN's Shams Charania was first to report the deal.

Morant will receive a fresh start after his time in Memphis was filled with highlight reels and controversy, which was marked by off-the-court issues that led to three suspensions in the past three years. The two-time All-Star was suspended for eight games in March 2023 after he displayed a firearm in a live-streamed video from a Denver-area nightclub.

Just four months later, the NBA suspended him again, this time for 25 games, for another video in which he was showing a firearm. This season, he was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team following a postgame incident with head coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant has only played in 79 games during the past three seasons due to injuries and off-the-court issues.

Ja Morant trade details

Ja Morant contract details

Morant signed a five-year, $197.2 million contract in July 2022 and is in the third year of that deal. Morant made $39.4 million for the 2025-26 season, is due $42 million and $44 million over the next two seasons and is scheduled to hit free agency in the summer of 2028.

Ja Morant age

Morant is 26 years old. He was drafted by the Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after two seasons at Murray State. During his sophomore season with the Racers, Morant averaged 26.8 points, 11 assists and 6.2 rebounds a game, earning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors and being named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press.

Ja Morant stats for 2025-26

Playing in only 20 games this past season, Morant averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds in a career-low 28.5 minutes per game. He shot 41% from the floor and only 24% from 3-point range and was shut down in March due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow.

Ja Morant career stats

During his seven-season NBA career, Morant has averaged 22.4 points and 7.4 assists per game. The two-time All-Star was named the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player for the 2021-22 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grizzlies finally end Ja Morant era with stunning trade to Trail Blazers

Reds begin biggest series of the year on the road in Milwaukee

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 17: Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park on June 17, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If it feels like the Cincinnati Reds just got swept by the Milwaukee Brewers a minute ago, you aren’t wrong. That’s what happened in Great American Ball Park at the end of just last week, Milwaukee eeking out a pair of 1-run wins alongside a 2-0 victory in extra innings.

Though the margins between the two teams were slim in those games, the reality is that Milwaukee is light years ahead of the Reds in the standings. 11.5 games, to be exact. The first place Beers have a +120 run differential so far this year that’s second best to only the Los Angeles Dodgers in the entire sport, and they have owned the NL Central by winning 12 of their 17 contests played within the division this year.

The Reds, sporting just a 4-17 record against the Central, enter the four-game series in Milwaukee today with a -51 run differential that’s the second worst in the National League behind only a Colorado Rockies club that barely exists. Maybe the Reds barely exist at this point outside our little corner of the internet – it would be hard to argue otherwise – and this series might well be their last shot to prove that they actually are tangible for the remainder of 2026.

Four games to make a statement. Four games to dig back into the race. Four games, while currently sitting four games under the .500 mark with the All Star break and trade deadline looming.

These are the biggest four games of the Cincinnati Reds season.

Getting the start for the first one will be lefty Nick Lodolo, whom the Reds desperately need to be the vintage version of himself again. He enters with a ghastly 5.59 ERA across 46.2 IP, though he did look hands down the best he’d looked all year in his most recent start before taking a 107 mph comebacker off his left wrist and being forced to exit early. All signs point to his long-term prognosis being just fine, but we’ll have to cross our fingers that there are no lingering issues with it during tonight’s start.

Going for the Beers will be lefty Robert Gasser, and the Reds have juggled their lineup accordingly. The bad news is that despite a lefty on the mound, Eugenio Suarez is not in the starting lineup after being beaned on the hand by the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday. The good news, I suppose, is that he wasn’t placed on the IL, so hopefully it’s just a day to day thing that he’ll get over quickly.

Elly De La Cruz will DH in this one, while the middle infield will feature the red hot Edwin Arroyo at 2B with Matt McLain back in the lineup at short.

Here’s how the Reds will line up to start tonight, which features a first pitch at 7:40 PM ET:

Dallas Mavericks 2026 Offseason Preview

CBAMavs here and I’m back after a long hiatus. This is a small preview at the last minute to help you know what the Mavericks can legally do to improve the roster for the 2026-27 season. It was important to wait until after the draft to use the actual numbers for the draft picks.

This is what the Mavericks’ current cap sheet looks like:

Under or Over?

The Mavericks are slightly under the salary cap ($2,960,632) but will operate over the cap. This is because staying over the cap allows them to take advantage of different salary cap exceptions that they’d have to renounce to actually dip below the salary cap. To operate under the cap, the Mavericks would have to renounce all their free agent’s cap holds (Middleton, Powell, Bagley, Williams, Cisse), lose their Traded Player Exceptions (TPE) ($20,830,154) [Davis], ($6,000,000) [Hardy], ($2,296,274) [Exum] and lose access to the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (NT-MLE) ($15,048,000 up to 4 years) and the Bi-Annual Exception (BAE) ($5,478,000 up to 2 years). The Mavericks would gain back the Room Exception ($9,369,000 up to 3 years) by going under the cap, but the Room Exception + the cap space acquired is less than the Non-Tax Mid-Level Exception by itself.

And they would be able to use these since the Mavericks currently sit $45,616,047 below the 1st apron.

This is what the Mavericks Cap Sheet looks like if they used the NTMLE, the BAE, and their largest TPE.

They would still be $4,259,893 below the 1st Apron even after using these exceptions. As they will be operating over the cap and are $45,616,047 below the 1st Apron. How can the Mavericks use that Apron Room?

Free Agents

Own Free Agents

Cap Holds

  • Khris Middleton $51,018,518 (Full Bird)
  • Marvin Bagley $2,450,001 (Non-bird rights)
  • Brandon Williams $2,450,001 (Full Bird)
  • Dwight Powell $7,600,000 (Full Bird)
  • Moussa Cisse $2,185,633 Restricted Cap Hold 

Re-signing these players

Bird Rights: We can offer them anything they’d like, up to their specific max. 0-6 years’ experience is 25%, 7-9 years’ experience is 30%, and 10+ years’ experience is 35%. Not that any of our players deserve anything close to a max, though.

Non-Bird rights mean the Mavericks can only give a 20% raise. For Bagley, that means the Mavericks can only offer up to $3,697,105 using the non-Bird rights. This is likely not enough, so they would have to use another exception to sign Bagley if they wanted to keep him.

Signing other Free Agents

NT-MLE: 15,048,000 (up to 4 years with 5% raises) (total for 4 years/$64,706,400)

BAE 5,478,000 (up to 2 years with 5% raises) (total is 2 years/$11,229,900)

The MLE (and BAE) can be split among multiple players. The first year salary is what is used to reduce the MLE/BAE.

In the new CBA, the MLE and BAE can also be used at Traded Player Exceptions, in addition to the normal path of using them to sign a free agent.

Trading for Players

Trade rules below the 1st Apron

  • Up to $7.25 million in outgoing salary can bring back 200 percent plus $250,000
  • $7,250,001 to $29 million will be padded by a flat $7.5 million
  • Above $29 million will be limited to 125 percent plus $250,000

How Traded Player Exceptions work?

  • They are only able to absorb contracts
  • TPE cannot be combined with anything. 
  • It can bring back its own value + 250k

Mavericks TPEs

  • $20,830,154 (+ $250k = $21,080,154) [Anthony Davis]
  • $6,000,000 (+ $250k = $6,250,000) [Jaden Hardy]
  • $2,296,274 (+ $250k = $2,546,274) [Dante Exum]

At the end of the day, the Mavericks can use these different avenues to maximize their roster, but will have to stay below the 1st Apron $209,000,000.

Boston Celtics Daily Links 6/29/26

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: The sneakers worn by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

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Spencer Schwellenbach could be back by late-August or early-September, per report

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 28: Spencer Schwellenbach #56 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Truist Park on June 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Not much is going right for the Atlanta Braves at the moment as they’re essentially riding on the excellent pace that they set during the first half of the season as they try to navigate this current rough patch. They certainly need some starting pitching help at the moment and while the following news is defintely good news, it’s not anything that’ll help in the immediate near future.

Still, it’s nice to hear that Spencer Schwellenbach is eying a return for this season. Mark Bowman of MLB.com has reported that Schwellenbach could be heading to the Florida Complex League in the near future and that could be the start of Schwellenbach’s path back to Atlanta’s rotation.

I hate to go full Chip Caray on y’all but if Schwellenbach does indeed make it back for this season and hits the ground running, it would, in fact, be like making a trade after the trade deadline. It would also come at a position of need for the Braves, as the uncertainty that surrounded the rotation heading into this season has finally materialized here in the early second half of the season. Chris Sale and Martín Pérez have emerged as the only truly reliable starters at this particular moment with Spencer Strider injured and inconsistent, Bryce Elder crashing back down to earth and the fifth spot being in complete flux as well.

Before Spencer Schwellenbach went under the knife to end his 2025 season, he was a consistent source of production on the mound as he delivered an ERA of 3.09 (73 ERA-) and a FIP of 3.25 (81 FIP-) and his career numbers over two seasons have been solid as well with an ERA of 3.23 (77 ERA-) and a FIP of 3.27 (81 FIP-). It would be wishful thinking to see Schwellenbach make his return a seamless one but it sure would be nice to see and something that the Braves would gladly welcome — no matter what the rotation looks like once Schwellenbach eventually makes his return.

Again, this isn’t anything that’ll move the needle right now (and to be quite honest, the words “could” and “likely” are carrying a lot of weight when it comes to Bowman’s reporting here) but it’s good news for the future. Hopefully things will get to the point in the future where Schwellenbach’s return is a luxury and not a desperate need. We’ll see what happens.

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

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The Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians begin a three-game set tonight, with the struggling Texas bullpen looking to find its form behind opener Tyler Alexander. 

However, with Parker Messick dominating, my Rangers vs. Guardians predictions and MLB picks are targeting Cleveland to walk away with a victory here. 

Who will win Rangers vs Guardians today: Guardians moneyline (-142)

The Texas Rangers will hand Tyler Alexander the ball tonight, but after working just one inning in each of his last two starts, they'll once again lean heavily on their bullpen. That's a concern, considering Texas' relief corps owns a 5.24 FIP over the last week while allowing a 39.8% hard-hit rate.

The Cleveland Guardians counter with Parker Messick, who has been outstanding lately. The left-hander owns a 2.15 FIP across his last two appearances while striking out 12.63 hitters per nine innings and allowing just 0.66 home runs per nine.

Cleveland holds the clear pitching edge, and I'll play this pick to -150.

Covers COVERS INTEL: This Rangers bullpen has given up 2.57 HR/9 across the last week, compared to just 1.13 overall this season. 

Rangers vs Guardians Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-116)

Parker Messick has been excellent lately, but I don't expect him to completely silence Texas. The Rangers are swinging the bat well, carrying a 45.3% hard-hit rate over their last seven games, and should be capable of scratching out a few runs.

Cleveland's offense hasn't produced consistently, with just a 69 wRC+ over the last week, but this is still a favorable pitching matchup after Tyler Alexander exits early. The Guardians don't need an offensive explosion to cash this Over, and a game in the 5-4 range feels well within reach.

I'll play this pick up to -130.

Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 31-27, +1.65 units
  • Over/Under bets: 32-25, +2.53 units

Rangers vs Guardians weather

Conditions at Progressive Field should provide a slight boost to offense tonight. Temperatures around 90 F and warm summer air could help the ball carry a bit better, while light 4.7 mph winds aren't expected to have much impact. Overall, the weather leans modestly toward hitters and supports a few extra scoring opportunities.

Rangers vs Guardians odds

  • Moneyline: Rangers +133 | Guardians -138
  • Run line: Rangers +1.5 (-163) | Guardians -1.5 (+156)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-104) | Under 7.5 (-100)

Rangers vs Guardians trend

The Rangers have cashed the Over in 20 of their last 35 games for +5.80 units and a 15% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Guardians.

How to watch Rangers vs Guardians and game info

LocationProgressive Field, Cleveland, OH
DateMonday, June 29, 2026
First pitch7:10 p.m. ET
TVESPN
Rangers starting pitcherTyler Alexander
(1-1, 2.62 ERA)
Guardians starting pitcherParker Messick
(7-4, 2.67 ERA)

Rangers vs Guardians latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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.

Angels vs Mariners Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners meet tonight, with the dominant George Kirby on the hill. 

Behind the righty, my Angels vs. Mariners predictions eye Seattle to grab a home victory in the series opener. 

Find out more in my MLB picks for Monday, June 29. 

Who will win Angels vs Mariners today: Mariners -1.5 (-103)

The Los Angeles Angels hand Ryan Johnson the ball tonight. He's only made two starts since being recalled, but opponents have still managed a 40.8% hard-hit rate while Johnson has allowed 1.64 home runs per nine innings. That's a dangerous combination against a Seattle Mariners lineup that sees the ball better at home.

George Kirby, meanwhile, has been lights out. Over his last four outings, the right-hander owns a 2.82 FIP while allowing just 0.82 home runs per nine innings. Kirby also sports a solid 3.79 FIP at T-Mobile Park this season.

I'll play this pick to -130.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Seattle's offense has compiled a 109 wRC+ at home compared to just 94 on the road.

Angels vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 runs (-103)

While Ryan Johnson has been vulnerable, Seattle's offense hasn't exactly been rolling either, carrying just a .290 wOBA over the last week. That should help keep this total in check, even if the Mariners find some early success against the Angels' starter.

Both bullpens have also been outstanding lately. Los Angeles owns a phenomenal 1.24 FIP across its last 26 1/3 innings, while Seattle's relief corps has posted a 2.33 FIP over the past week. Both units have done an excellent job limiting damage late in games.

I expect Seattle to score enough to win behind George Kirby, but runs could be difficult to come by after the starters exit.

I'll play this to -120.

Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 31-27, +1.65 units
  • Over/Under bets: 32-25, +2.53 units

Angels vs Mariners weather

Conditions at T-Mobile Park should have little impact on tonight's matchup. Temperatures around 70°F with light 8.1 mph winds create a fairly neutral environment, offering minimal assistance to either hitters or pitchers. The game is more likely to be decided by the starting pitching and bullpen matchups than by the weather.

Angels vs Mariners odds

  • Moneyline: Angels +194 | Mariners -203
  • Run line: Angels +1.5 (-113) | Mariners -1.5 (+104)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-108) | Under 7.5 (+104)

Angels vs Mariners trend

The Seattle Mariners have hit the game total Under in six of their last eight games (+3.80 Units / 43% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Mariners.

How to watch Angels vs Mariners and game info

LocationT-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
DateMonday, June 29, 2026
First pitch9:40 p.m. ET
TVMariners.TV, ABTV
Angels starting pitcherRyan Johnson
(1-2, 8.85 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcherGeorge Kirby
(6-7, 3.94 ERA)

Angels vs Mariners latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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.

Padres vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The San Diego Padres visit the heavily favored Chicago Cubs (-150) at Wrigley Field to start a three-game set Monday, June 29.

My top Padres vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks call for the Chicago lineup to pull away and take the series opener tonight.

Who will win Padres vs Cubs today: Cubs -1.5 (+129)

The wind is forecast to be blistering out at Wrigley Field, and the Chicago Cubs have paced the majors with 6.6 runs per game during their 12-4 heater while also ranking fourth in wOBA and seventh in xwOBA.

So, with the San Diego Padres sending righty Griffin Canning to the bump tonight, I’m anticipating another big night from the Chicago lineup.

Canning has surrendered a 52.1% hard-hit rate, which is tied for the lowest mark in the majors among pitchers with 40 innings.

Of course, the Padres also rank 29th in baseball against left-handed pitchers, so I’m expecting Chicago southpaw Shota Imanaga to hold the San Diego bats in check enough for the Cubs to pull away tonight.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Chicago Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga boasts a high-end 30.3 whiff percentage and 14.5 swinging-striking percentage, which positions him to both keep the San Diego Padres off balance at the plate while paving the way to Chicago covering the run line and keeping the number Under the inflated total.

Padres vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 11.5 (-126)

The wind is forecast to be blistering out at Wrigley Field tonight, so we’re receiving an inflated total

In addition to the noted struggles the Padres have had against lefties this season, they also rank 24th in overall xwOBA while averaging just 3.9 runs per game in June. 

Plus, San Diego has played to the Under in 26 of its past 45 road games (+6.20 Units / 13% ROI), and the Padres have only hit the Over in 21 of their last 50 games (-11.10 Units / -20% ROI).

Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 29-15, +15.57 units
  • Over/Under bets: 16-13, +1.97 units

Padres vs Cubs weather

High temperatures reaching 90°F paired with a strong 12-to-16 mph wind blowing straight out to left field will create favorable hitting conditions at Wrigley Field tonight.

Padres vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: Padres +130 | Cubs -150
  • Run line: Padres +1.5 (-145) | Cubs -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: Over 11 (-110) | Under 11(-110)

Padres vs Cubs trend

The San Diego Padres have hit the Under in 26 of their last 45 away games (+6.20 Units / 13% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Padres vs. Cubs.

How to watch Padres vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateMonday, June 29, 2026
First pitch8:05 p.m. ET
TVSDPA, Marquee
Padres starting pitcherGriffin Canning
(1-5, 7.38 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherShota Imanaga
(5-6, 4.40 ERA)

Padres vs Cubs latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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.

Dodgers vs A's Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers are small -115 favorites over the Athletics in the series opener.

While it's rare to get the Dodgers at such an enticing price, my Dodgers vs. Athletics predictions and MLB picks believe the home team is set up for success Monday night.

Who will win Dodgers vs A's today: Athletics (-105)

Gage Jump has posted a 2.56 xERA or lower in four of six starts, including three in a row.

He should make life difficult on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who surprisingly rank 24th in wOBA and 26th in average vs. lefties since May 1.

Although Eric Lauer has pitched better since being scooped up by the Dodgers, he has benefited from luck. He owns a 2.83 ERA over the last month despite a 5.17 xFIP.

Regression should set in against an Athletics attack sitting first in home wOBA and SLG against lefties.

Back the Athletics to -115.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Gage Jump ranks in the 88th percentile in Pitcher Run Value and xERA.

Dodgers vs A's Over/Under pick: Over 10.5 (-110)

Lauer is sporting a sky-high 51% fly-ball rate and has allowed 2.23 homers per nine innings.  

He profiles as the exact kind of pitcher who will struggle mightily against a powerful Athletics offense in a very hitter-friendly ballpark. 

The Dodgers haven’t fared all that well against lefties of late, but there is no doubt they have the talent to be much better. Jump has also allowed at least three runs in two of three home starts, with a putrid Angels team being the lone exception.

Both offenses should chip in plenty. Bet the Over to -125.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 46-34, +2.55 units
  • Over/Under bets: 42-34-4, +3.79 units

Dodgers vs A's weather

Temperatures in the 90s are expected with slight winds blowing outward. Perfect conditions for the offenses to hit for power.

Dodgers vs A's odds

  • Moneyline: Dodgers -115 | A's -105
  • Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (+135) | A's +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under: Over 10.5 (-110) | Under 10.5 (-110)

Dodgers vs A's trend

The Athletics have hit the game total Over in 10 of the last 17 home games (+3.35 units, 18% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. A's.

How to watch Dodgers vs A's and game info

LocationSutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA
DateMonday, June 29, 2026
First pitch9:40 p.m. ET
TVNBCS-California, SportsNet LA
Dodgers starting pitcherEric Lauer
(3-5, 4.87 ERA)
A's starting pitcherGage Jump
(3-1, 2.04 ERA)

Dodgers vs A's latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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.

James Harden opts out of contract, plans to re-sign with Cavs

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 31, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

James Harden declined his player option and plans to sign a new deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Harden’s player option was worth $42.3 million dollars next season.

Harden’s new deal could be in the $28-30 million a year range, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.

“Harden’s yearly salary is expected to drop into the $28 million to $30 million range, but he can sign a contract that extends for up to three seasons.”

Editor’s note: The Athletic has since updated their story and changed Harden’s expected salary to $32-$38 million.

The Cavs understood this was part of the deal when they traded for Harden in February. This was never going to be a one-year rental. Cleveland is working to restructure a team-friendly contract that keeps both sides happy. Harden gets long-term insurance while the Cavs are able to cut costs.

Harden’s new deal could help them get under the second apron and put them in a position where ducking the first apron becomes possible. Though that would require additional moves. The Cavs have decisions to make regarding Keon Ellis and Dean Wade’s future.

Cleveland had the highest payroll in league history last season. This culminated in a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced a swift exit at the hands of the New York Knicks.

Harden averaged 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 4.3 turnovers in the Conference Finals. He shot 38.9% from the field and 17.9% from the three-point line. No one on the roster can feel proud of the way that series went down. The eventual champs ran them out of the gym.

The Cavs are hoping to take another step next season. They’re betting on internal growth, generally indicating that the core of this team will be back for another run. Signing Harden to a new deal is another sign of this. Of course, things can change quickly, and actions speak louder than words.

Harden is likely entering the final chapter of his career. He turns 37 in August, and a three-season deal would take him to the edge of his 40s. This could be the last major deal that Harden gets to sign as an NBA player.

Sabres Still Involved in Trade Talks With Jets For Connor Hellebuyck

The Connor Hellebuyck saga in Winnipeg is not over just yet as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed on Monday's edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast that trade discussions between the Jets and the Buffalo Sabres are still ongoing.

Friedman explained to listeners that he still thinks Winnipeg and Buffalo are talking and that he does not believe that chapter is closed.

The news comes days after reports surfaced that the Sabres had presented the Jets with a significant pre-draft offer for the superstar goaltender.

Buffalo's reported package included the fourth overall pick, starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, a player believed to be Jack Quinn and at least one additional asset. Hellebuyck himself had reportedly signed off on a move to Buffalo, yet Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff declined to pull the trigger.

With the draft now in the rearview mirror, the negotiating landscape has shifted considerably in Winnipeg's favor. The fourth overall pick was the centerpiece of Buffalo's original offer and that card has already been played when they drafted defenseman Daxon Rudolph. 

How the Sabres reconstruct a comparable package without that asset is one of the central questions hanging over any renewed discussions, and it is hard to imagine Cheveldayoff settling for something less appealing than what he already turned down.

The hesitation from the Jets side has always been rooted in the same concern. Hellebuyck is not simply a starting goaltender.

The 33-year-old Michigan native has been the backbone of everything Winnipeg has built in recent years, the kind of elite netminder capable of single-handedly keeping a team in games and one of the best in the world at his position for several seasons running. 

Replacing him with Luukkonen, a goaltender who showed volatility this past postseason and was not even receiving every start for Buffalo in the playoffs, represents a significant downgrade in net and a real gamble on the team's ability to remain competitive.

That competitive window matters enormously for a Jets organization that still has core pieces like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey who want to win and want to do it in Winnipeg

Any decision involving Hellebuyck cannot be made in isolation. It has to account for what the team looks like in net the day after a trade and whether the returning pieces genuinely move the needle for a team trying to remain a contender.

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San Diego can’t find footing against rivals, searches for bounceback in Chicago

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres holds his hand after being hit by a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park on June 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres continued their trend against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, winning Game 1 before dropping the next two. It was an electric first game followed by two depressing contests against L.A. The club’s biggest struggle was its starters. Randy Vásquez and Michael King combined to surrender 11 runs between their two outings.

In hindsight, it’s easy to say that manager Craig Stammen could have pulled both earlier with plenty of the bullpen available. That said, in the moment, both starters have proven they deserve a longer leash, and the Friars should have been able to put together more run support for King in the series finale. The lineup went a measly 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. They’ll need to do much more against the Chicago Cubs before facing the Dodgers again this weekend.

Taking the mound

Shota Imanaga (CHC) v. Griffin Canning (SD)

The left-hander returned to the Cubs despite a song-and-dance routine this offseason that saw him decline a $15 million player option before accepting a qualifying offer from Chicago. He’ll be a free agent at the end of this year but hasn’t done much to boost his stock.

Imanaga owns a 4.40 ERA on the season, continuing to shown signs of regression since his stellar rookie campaign in 2024 (2.91 ERA, 173.1 IP). He struggled in his last outing against the New York Mets, surrendering four runs in 5 1/3 innings, but has a good history against the Friars. The Padres will need to jump on his mistakes to end their current losing streak.

Canning, like most of the Padres’ rotation, has been woefully inconsistent this season. He just had his worst outing yet against the Atlanta Braves, going just 2/3 of an inning while giving up four runs. Hopefully, the right-hander can bounce back from the tough start and deliver San Diego a much-needed win.

It was rumored that Germán Márquez could be a part of the Friars’ pitching plans today, but the club announced he’ll be making another rehab start on Tuesday in El Paso. He’ll likely be activated later this week to replace either Canning or JP Sears.

Batter up!

It’s hard to pinpoint just where the Friars’ offensive switch-up came, but Samad Taylor was certainly a problem. After being a spark plug for the San Diego offense, Taylor would go a dismal 0-for-10 against L.A., with four strikeouts in the series finale alone. That being said, he took his walks (four BBs), but found himself in the first slump of an otherwise incredible start to his Padres tenure.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
  2. Samad Taylor, RF
  3. Jackson Merrill, CF
  4. Manny Machado, 3B
  5. Gavin Sheets, LF
  6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  7. Miguel Andujar, DH
  8. Ty France, 1B
  9. Freddy Fermin, C

Andujar has the most success against Imanaga, albeit in a smaller sample size. In four at-bats against the lefty, he’s gotten two hits including a solo home run for a 2.000 OPS. The slugger has been mired in a slump since breaking out in early May and has struggled to get out of it. Perhaps tonight will be the night.

Relief corps

Thankfully, King was able to make it through four solid innings of work before reaching trouble in the fifth. He tried to pitch through it but couldn’t, with the Padres calling on Yuki Matsui to get him out of the jam. He recorded two strikeouts and pitched the sixth inning as well. Jason Adam twirled a one-hit seventh before Wandy Peralta finished out the game with two perfect innings.

That saves the Friars’ ‘pen for tonight’s series opener. If the Padres can manage to put together some runs against Imanaga, the ‘pen will have no shortage of arms to turn to. Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and David Morgan will each be available for San Diego.

Report: Senators Cut Ties With Belleville Sniper Who Scored 40 Goals This Season

The Ottawa Senators have decided not to issue a qualifying offer to RFA winger Arthur Kaliyev, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The move was first reported by Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, and Kaliyev no longer appears on the club's Puckpedia page.

Kaliyev arrived in Ottawa last summer hoping it would provide the fresh start he needed to revive his NHL career.

The former second-round pick had shown flashes of being a productive scorer with the Los Angeles Kings, recording 71 points in 202 NHL games over parts of four seasons. But a series of injuries derailed his progress.

During the 2023-24 season, Kaliyev suffered an upper-body injury in training camp that kept him sidelined until December. Once healthy, the Kings attempted to assign him to the American Hockey League, but he was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers in January.

His stint in New York was brief. Kaliyev dressed for just 14 games before another upper-body injury ended his season.

The Rangers elected not to qualify him last summer, allowing the 24-year-old to hit the open market. Ottawa quickly signed him to a one-year, two-way contract, a move that seemed logical given his previous relationship with Senators owner Michael Andlauer and general manager Steve Staios.

Kaliyev played for the Hamilton Bulldogs when Andlauer owned the club and Staios served as general manager, helping the franchise capture the 2022 OHL championship.

Despite remaining healthy throughout the season, Kaliyev never earned an extended look with Ottawa, appearing in only two NHL games.

Instead, he spent the bulk of the year with the Belleville Senators, where he reminded everyone of his offensive ability. Kaliyev scored 40 goals in 70 AHL games and was named to the league's All-Star Team, finishing as the American Hockey League's top goal scorer.

Even with that production, it wasn't enough to convince Ottawa to keep him around.

Kaliyev's season also included an off-ice distraction after allegations involving money and gambling were made by a former girlfriend. The NHL investigated the matter and cleared him of any wrongdoing in February.

There's little question Kaliyev has excellent offensive instincts, particularly on the power play, where his heavy shot remains elite, even by NHL standards. The bigger concern continues to be his five-on-five game, including his skating and defensive play.

With the Senators choosing not to qualify him, Kaliyev now returns to the open market looking for another opportunity to turn his offensive talent into a permanent NHL role.

Garrioch also says that RFA Leevi Merliainen has been qualified, but Riley Kidney was not. Other restricted free agents in Belleville include Tyler Boucher and Xavier Bourgault.

**This story will be updated as additional qualifying-offer decisions become official ahead of and after Monday's 5:00 p.m. deadline.**

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

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