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Suns Trade Rumors: Aaron Gordon is the latest name to set the Valley rumor mill on fire

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 25: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is rumor central in Suns’ land, as every day it seems a new name pops up on social media, with fans discussing whether the team should trade for them. That is what comes with the offseason: speculation from fans, and it runs rampant when a team gets eliminated, too. This is where the latest rumor comes from, as in his latest reporting, Brett Siegel from Clutch Points stated this snippet.

Well, this is now interesting, isn’t it? Denver has just lost in the playoffs, and with their finish, it is clear that changes will take place. One of those could be Aaron Gordon, who struggled to stay healthy this year for the Nuggets. Yet even if that is the case, how do the Suns even do this, and does it even make sense?

How could it get done?

The Suns have multiple ways to get to Gordon’s remaining $71 million he is owed over the next two seasons, with the 2023 NBA Champion owed $31.9 million in 2026-27. One is with using Dillon Brooks, whom one Denver page has suggested.

Another is using Jalen Green’s contract to move off the young guard. Lastly, it is combining Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale’s deals to reach $30 million to trade for Gordon.

Which would make the most sense?

In my view, the first point doesn’t make sense, as Brooks has already shifted the culture for Phoenix, and there is no need to ship him out for someone who would do the same. Brooks also makes less than Gordon and is set up for an extension, one that the Suns want to pay him, so it does not look like he is on the move.

Green could make sense salary-wise for the Suns, but for the Nuggets, it does not at all. The Nuggets need to shed salary this year to resign Peyton Watson, so taking on Green does not make that easier. He would also be in a troubling situation with Jamal Murray.

Realistically, the last option makes the most sense for both parties. Denver can get some scorers alongside Nikola Jokic, and the Suns get a power forward. I still see a problem with this trade.

Why does it not get done?

This is due to the Nuggets realizing that, with this move, they are still dealing with salary issues. As I said earlier, the Nuggets want to re-sign Peyton Watson, and rumors have swirled that they might trade guys like Gordon to do so. Even with saving a little over $4 million on this deal, that is not enough to get a deal with Watson. Forcing the Nuggets to have them move off one of Allen or Royce to figure out how to still do cap gymnastics with Camreon Johnson or Christian Braun. This is a headache the Nuggets would rather not get into, even if it splits one of their contracts into two smaller ones.

For the Suns as well, yes, this allows more development time for Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn, while slotting Gordon as the permanent power forward. With his injury history and larger contract, this is something I’d rather not jump on. Even if he brings championship experience and is a great fit, it is risky. If he is hurt, does this mean Fleming or Dunn is shoved to be the PF at one point? What if they are not ready? Will fans turn on them as they did with Oso Ighodaro when he was out of position at the beginning and end of the year? Those are questions I would rather not get into, because with this fanbase, we already know the answers.

As Mat Ishbia stated, continuity will be a big part of this team. I don’t think that means no moves will happen, but a change for a star role player doesn’t make sense.

What do you think? Do you think the Suns should do this?

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San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series preview

Jan 17, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) try to keep San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) from a rebound in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The Spurs will host the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday as heavy favorites despite the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Edwards’ status. Even if the injured superstar guard returns, he’ll likely be limited by two knee injuries, so San Antonio is expected to win this series, as long as they play with the focus and intensity required for any postseason matchup.

So far, the “young team struggling with the bright lights” narrative hasn’t fit this group, but they will face a tough test against Minnesota. If Edwards remains out, they will have to avoid complacency and put away a veteran team with two consecutive trips to the Conference Finals on their back. If Edwards does return and looks anything closer to his best self, they’ll face a formidable opponent.

It’s an interesting matchup in many ways, but one that is hard to preview because of the potential absence of a superstar. For now, let’s assume Edwards will either be out for a few games and/or severely limited at least for the first few.

The Spurs should run their offense through Wembanyama, but without forcing things

Rudy Gobert is coming off a terrific series against the Nuggets in which he contained Nikola Jokic’s scoring largely by himself in the first few games, a feat that only a few others can even hope to achieve. He’ll get another chance at proving his many, many haters wrong about his playoff impact when he matches up with Wembanyama, but it’s arguably going to be a tougher battle for the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, as long as San Antonio plays smart

Unlike the Nuggets, the Spurs have enough shot-creation elsewhere to have Wemby to act as a decoy and draw Gobert out of the paint, putting tremendous pressure on a perimeter defense that is missing integral pieces. If Gobert sags off of Wemby to try to remain near the paint, as he did in their one regular-season matchup, Wemby can get open threes. The Timberwolves might decide to bet on Wemby, a streaky shooter, struggling to make them pay, but Wembanyama can also attack off the dribble if he has a runway and a well-spaced floor, and Gobert has traditionally struggled with agility more than strength.

At his best, Wembanyama is also less post-oriented than Jokic and can do work coming off screens and acting as a rim-runner. If Wemby’s shot is off and Gobert does a good job containing him one-on-one, allowing the Timberwolves to deny the corner three-pointers their defense does a terrific job of preventing, San Antonio can just force the big man to chase Wemby through the perimeter as they set him up for open jumpers. They can also use Wemby’s tremendous gravity as a roll man to get their guards going, as Gobert would likely focus on trying to prevent lobs and staying in place for defensive rebounds.

If the Spurs use Wembanyama smartly and Gobert struggles to guard him without much help, it might lead Chris Finch to do what other coaches have tried in the past: use a forward on Victor. Julius Randle had some success guarding Wembanyama on his own during the regular season as long as he was allowed to be physical with him, especially when the Spurs tried to get their superstar going through touches at the elbow or free-throw line. The problem then is that there’s no true safe place to slot Gobert. The Trail Blazers put their center on Stephon Castle, but he has hit shots and, equally importantly, has known when to take them and when to continue running the offense, even when he’s initially open.

The Timberwolves’ defense can be great at times, especially when Gobert is shining, but San Antonio has ways to hurt them, as long as they don’t fall for the trap of trying to get any one player going. Wembanyama, in particular, seems to understand now that at this point in his career, in which he lacks a go-to move, his versatility is his best weapon. As long as the ball and players move, scoring should not be too hard despite Minnesota having a few elite defenders.

The perimeter defense needs to be suffocating

While the big man matchup seems to be the key on offense for the Spurs, on the other end, the biggest battle will probably be waged on the perimeter. Julius Randle will score, and Naz Reid could take advantage of his size advantage against a smaller Spurs forward group, but San Antonio can live with that. The most important task with Edwards out or limited will be to prevent the other Wolves’ guards and Jaden McDaniels from going off, as they did in turns against the Nuggets.

Stephon Castle will likely be tasked with guarding McDaniels, unless Mitch Johnson makes the bold decision to put him on Randle. The Wolves wing is mostly known for his defense and might be an 11-point-per-game scorer for his career, but he averaged close to 18 against the Nuggets despite his outside shot abandoning him. He can use his length to shoot over defenders from midrange, and if he’s not pressured, he can get to his spots off the dribble on drives, finishing with finesse near the rim or with explosiveness at it. The Spurs have handled craftier scorers, but the importance of making McDaniels look like the elite role player he’s been instead of a nascent star ready to make the leap would have a direct impact on both Minnesota’s offense and their confidence.

Beyond McDaniels, the Wolves have some guys who can’t be discounted when it comes to exploding for big scoring nights. Ayo Dosunmu dropped 43 off the bench in one game against the Nuggets, and he’s a dynamic two-way guy with limitless energy. Bones Hyland might shoot a team out of a win, or he might string together enough buckets to keep the offense going for a stretch by himself. Shannon Jr. is not gun-shy, and his confidence should be sky-high after his performances in the last two games against Denver. Mike Conley, who is closer to retirement than his prime, can still pick apart a lazy defense or hit open shots if they are conceded to him.

It’s tempting to focus on the Timberwolves’ one true advantage on offense: their size at the big forward spots, and especially Randle’s scoring. But they are a team first and foremost, built around defense and a transcendent perimeter scoring talent that shouldn’t be at his peak whenever he returns. Preventing others from stepping up and filling that void is arguably the most important task for the Spurs this series.

Prediction: Spurs in 5

As mentioned, it’s hard to preview and even harder to predict a series in which there’s uncertainty about such a major factor. If Edwards returns early in the series and looks like himself, there’s no way the Wolves don’t make it a long battle that could go either way. If he takes a while to return or looks hobbled, and the Spurs play with appropriate fear against a tough, experienced opponent, their talent advantage should be enough to overcome a size disparity that favors Minnesota and get to the Conference Finals without suffering too much.

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Braves place Ronald Acuna on IL in major injury blow

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. smiling in his uniform, Image 2 shows Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss helps Ronald Acuña Jr. off the field after he was injured

Ronald Acuna Jr. was placed on the injured list on Sunday morning due to a hamstring strain that he suffered the day before. 

Acuna had come out of the Braves’ 9-1 win over the Rockies on Saturday after starting to limp in pain during the second inning when he was running out a ground ball he hit to second base. 

Acuna had undergone an MRI in Denver to understand how severe the injury was and will now be on the IL with a left hamstring strain. 

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. was placed on the IL. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The MRI revealed a Grade 1 hamstring strain and Braves manager Walt Weiss said it “could have been a lot worse.” 

“Not too serious, but serious enough that we had to put him on the list,” Weiss told reporters on Sunday. “It’s not going to be just a couple of days. It’s going to be more than, so we need to put him on the IL. Hopefully, it will be sooner than later. No idea with these soft tissue injuries, how long they’re going to take. 

“But I think the silver lining is the MRI showed it wasn’t too serious.”

The Braves called up José Azócar to fill the spot left by Acuna. 

The five-time All-Star was off to a slow start this season, slashing .252/.362/.378 over 152 plate appearances, while hitting just two home runs. 

Atlanta has also dealt with its fair share of injuries this season, with the loss of Acuna being the latest one. 

The Braves have eight pitchers listed on their IL as of Sunday, with a varying degree of injuries that they’re recovering from, which includes closer Raisel Iglesias, reliever Dylan Dodd and starter Spencer Schwellenbach.

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss, left, helps Ronald Acuña Jr. off the field after he was injured while running out a ground ball in the second inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Saturday. AP

The Braves won Sunday’s game 11-6 over the Rockies to take the weekend series. 

Atlanta is in first place in the National League East with an 8 ½ game lead over the Marlins.

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Yankees officially option shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 04: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees in action during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on October 4, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

When Anthony Volpe began his minor league rehab assignment on April 14th, it felt like a foregone conclusion that he has headed to the big league roster once he completed it. Fast-forward to today, and the organization has made the decision to go the other direction, activating him from the IL just to option him down to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

The move comes after days of speculation, as manager Aaron Boone was notably noncommittal on Volpe’s immediate future with his rehab assignment nearing the end. What was seen as his likely activation target in the start of this most recent homestand with the Orioles came and went without a word on his status, pushing the final decision into the weekend. Eventually, time ran out and the Yankees showed their hand, sending down their everyday shortstop since his arrival to the majors in 2023 in favor of keeping José Caballero as the starter.

Caballero’s play has been the biggest factor in this development, seeing as general manager Brian Cashman deemed Volpe’s return a near-automatic assumption right before Volpe’s rehab began, saying “that’s always been the plan.” Caballero was hitting for a paltry .384 OPS at the time of those comments, but has since gone on a heater raising his OPS to .719. His last 12 games he’s been particularly hot, hitting for a .302/.348/.535 triple slash (.883 OPS). Coming off of a season where he played most of the year hurt and consequently looked terrible, Volpe needed his competition to look unimpressive if he hoped to be handed the starting gig back, but that just hasn’t happened.

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During his rehab assignment, Volpe played four games with Scranton and eight with Double-A Somerset, earning a .683 OPS with one homer and six RBI when combining his games across the two teams. Had he hit the ground on fire during his rehab, perhaps he still could’ve won out and retained his position, but the team’s last-minute decision indicates that they were waiting to see something from the 25-year-old that didn’t manifest in time for them to feel comfortable inserting him back in their lineup. Volpe will now have to work on his game in Triple-A in order to earn his playing time back, in what may prove to be his first real run through the level of competition. Volpe played just 22 games with Scranton at the end of the 2022 season before winning the starting job with the Yankees in spring training ahead of 2023, and had been with the team through the good times and hard times since.

Volpe’s future will also be impacted by the development of George Lombard Jr., the team’s top prospect who was also recently promoted to Triple-A after raking to start the year in Somerset. Lombard’s trajectory through the organization could see him make his MLB debut as early as the end of this season, with a decent shot at earning a role with the 2027 team. Lombard shifted over to third base to allow Volpe to play his natural position during his rehab, and the fastest track to the majors might see Lombard move around the infield should the team want to play him over Ryan McMahon or Jazz Chisholm Jr., but he’s already an elite defender and finding his bat in the upper levels of the minors. That’s reminiscent of how a young Anthony Volpe looked when he was the team’s top prospect and rising through the organization, but now he finds his security in the team’s future threatened in the short and long-term if he cannot tap into that nascent talent again.

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Start time of tomorrow’s Mets game moved up to 5:40pm EDT due to inclement weather

DENVER, CO - APRIL 4: A Colorado Rockies fan uses an umbrella to avoid the snow in the first inning of the home opener against the Athletics at Coors Field on April 4, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tomorrow’s series opener between the Mets and Rockies at Coors Field has been moved up from 8:40pm EDT to 5:40pm EDT. Adjust your viewing plans accordingly.

The change was made due to the expected inclement weather, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 70 around midday before diving into the 30s in the evening. This, paired with forecasted freezing rain, has resulted in an earlier start time, much like what the Mets did earlier in the year for some home games.

The team will face some weather whiplash after leaving Anaheim, where they took two of three from the Angels this weekend. At their lowest, temperatures during the series never dipped below 60 degrees. To contrast, Denver is expecting snow later in the week, which could potentially affect the later games in the series. For now, no further changes have been announced. The high temperatures for Tuesday and Wednesday’s games are not expected to eclipse 40 degrees.

The Mets announced that they will use an opener on Monday, with David Peterson serving as the bulk man for New York following his most recent ineffective outing. The Mets have not revealed who the opener will be, but he will be opposed by Rockies’ right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. Freddy Peralta and Christian Scott will pitch on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, weather permitting.

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Carson Benge caps most complete game as a Met with spectacular diving catch

Carson Benge is looking more and more comfortable at the big-league level with each passing day, and on Sunday afternoon he put together easily his most complete showing to this point. 

The youngster helped the Mets on both sides of the ball as they defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 to secure their first series win in nearly a month. 

Benge pieced together tremendous at-bats each of his first two times up, walking on six pitches in the top of the third and then eight pitches in the fourth.

The second one proved to be a big one, as the Mets took the lead just two pitches later when Mark Vientos crushed his first two-run homer of the day. 

Benge grounded out in the sixth but was able to do some damage of his own in the eighth, lining an RBI double down the right-field line to give New York an insurance run. 

Vientos followed that again with a two-run shot, putting this one away for good.

The 23-year-old wasn’t done there, though, as he made the best catch of his career to this point to rob Vaughn Grissom of extra-bases in the bottom of the ninth. 

Benge raced over to the right-field line before laying out full extension to somehow make the pulchritudinous play, as Gary Cohen described it on the SNY broadcast. 

"I was kind of surprised to tell you the least," Benge said. "If I see a ball that I think I can get to, I'm going to go after it -- I'm just glad that I was able to come down with that one there."

"If that ball falls that's a completely different inning," Carlos Mendoza added. 

This is just the latest of what’s been a string of strong performances from the former first-round pick as he continues finding his footing at the big-league level. 

He's now hitting .290 with three XBH’s, four RBI, and a .333 OBP over his last 10 games. 

“It just feels like a juiced baseball game now," Benge said. "It kind of took me a while to get my feet settled and different things like that, but now I feel like I’m finding my groove and getting comfortable out there."

"He can play," Mendoza added.

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Raisel Iglesias expected to be activated from IL Tuesday

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 15: Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after getting the last out as MLB was honoring Jackie Robinson Day during the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves on April 15, 2026 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After today’s victory against the Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that closer Raisel Iglesias will be activated from the 15-day Injured List on Tuesday in Seattle where the Braves will be taking on the Seattle Mariners.

Iglesias’ return will help fortify the Braves bullpen has it has dealt with significant turnover in the past two weeks.

The Braves, who are 25-10 after sweeping the Rockies, should also get back catcher Sean Murphy in Seattle, but the exact day Murphy will be activated is not known. With outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr. going on the 10-day IL due to a hamstring injury and fellow outfielder Michael Harris II nursing a quad injury, Atlanta could have an interesting decision to make with Murphy’s activation. It is possible Harris II could go on the IL.

Iglesias has yet to allow a run this season, striking out 11 in 8.2 inning across eight games. He has also saved five games, which still leads the team.

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Braves at Rockies series recap: Typical Coors, Atypical Atlanta

DENVER, CO - May 1: Atlanta Braves Michael Harris II (23) celebrates after his ninth inning two-run home run during a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As long as baseball continues to be played at altitude in Coors Field, there will be the potential for a whole bushel of runs to be scored in any given game. With the Atlanta Braves running as hot as they have to start this season, there was plenty of potential for the Braves to put in some serious work at the plate.

Even with the Rockies sending some decent starting pitching to the mound for this series, it was clear that they’d have a pretty big task on their hands to keep this Braves team quiet. As it turned out, there wasn’t much that Colorado’s pitching staff could do to stop Atlanta during this series as the Braves did a bunch of hitting early and often. How much damage did they end up doing? Let’s go into detail!

Friday, May 1

Braves 8, Rockies 6

This one got off to an extremely poor start for Grant Holmes and the Braves, as the Rockies lit him up for five runs in the first inning and then added on another one in the second via a solo homer from Mickey Moniak to make it a 6-0 lead. That’s how it stayed through three innings as the Braves were forced to dig themselves out of a hole from the middle innings onward. Fortunately, Holmes ended up staying out there for five innings and was able to successfully pass the baton to Anthony Molina, Didier Fuentes and eventually, Robert Suarez.

Now, how on Earth did Robert Suarez end up getting involved? That’s because Holmes calming down and the bullpen clamping down ended up being crucial as the Braves started to claw their way back. Matt Olson got the Braves on the board with a solo homer in the fourth and then it all came unraveled for Colorado once Jose Quintana exited the game following the sixth inning. A productive out from Jonah Heim cut the deficit to four runs in the seventh and then the eighth was when Atlanta delivered the haymaker.

The top of the order managed to load up the bases with one out, which set the stage for Mauricio Dubón to continue his surprisingly-good start to the season at the plate with a big hit here. He didn’t hit it out but he hit it to the wall and in an outfield as big and expansive as Coors Field, that’s massive trouble. Dubón’s triple cleared the bases to tie the game and then he scored on a sacrifice fly from Ozzie Albies to tie it up in Atlanta.

The ninth inning rolled around and Michael Harris II was called upon for pinch-hitting duty after Jonah Heim led off the frame with a walk. Sure enough, Money Mike was able to deliver another big hit off of the bench as he crushed one into the seats in right field to give the Braves-partisan crowd in Denver something to roar about. That’s how Robert Suarez ended up getting involved and making his fourth save of the season in order to complete a fantastic comeback win for the Braves.

Saturday, May 2

Braves 9, Rockies 1

This one was a bit more straight-forward for the Braves as they ended up rolling to a wire-to-wire beatdown of the Rockies in this one. Drake Baldwin crushed a dinger in the first inning and that was the first of three dingers for Atlanta in this one — and the first two RBI of four on the day for Baldwin. Austin Riley got some frustration out in the fifth inning with a two-run shot that made it 8-1 and then Matt Olson demolished a no-doubter in the ninth inning that brought us to our final score.

While this was all going on, Chris Sale put in another great evening of work on the mound. Sale went seven innings while only giving up one run on three hits and three walks. He also struck out11 batters in the process. Pitching in this series wasn’t easy for anybody so it was very impressive to see Sale go out there and continue to be dominant despite the extremely hitter-friendly environment tripping up other pitchers over the course of this series. Sale’s strong effort meant that the Braves only needed to turn to Dylan Lee and Hunter Stratton to close things out from the bullpen.

The only real blemish in this game for the Braves (outside of missing out on a rare Coors Field shutout win thanks to an RBI double from Jordan Beck) was that Ronald Acuña Jr. strained his left hamstring and ended up having to go on the 10-day IL as a result. The obvious hope is that it’ll be closer to 10 days on the shelf for Acuña rather than anything longer than that but it’s still a bummer to see that the injury bug has once again continued to pester the Braves.

Sunday, May 3

Braves 11, Rockies 6

The initial story heading into this game was Spencer Strider’s 2026 regular season debut. This was always going to be a tricky way to start the season for Strider and sure enough, that was the case. He only made it through 3.1 innings and while he did strike out six batters, he walked five and conceded four hits on his way to giving up three runs during his time out there. It also didn’t help matters that Aaron Bummer came in and got knocked around for two runs while he recorded an inning’s worth of outs.

Fortunately, it helped that the Rockies continued to provide little-to-no resistance to Atlanta’s lineup. In fact, this game was all about Jonah Heim, of all people. Heim went into this game with just three RBI to his name over the course of 11 games played. He now has eight, after he pushed five runs across the plate with his bat. Heim picked a great day to collect five RBI (his most in a single game since September 11, 2023 against the Blue Jays) since you can see what the score ended up being. Heim’s breakout ended up making a big difference as his efforts at the plate pushed the Braves to their second sweep so far this season — both on the road, no less!

With the series win, the BravesVision broadcast pointed out that the Braves are now off to their best 35-game start since 1892. Yes, you read that correctly: THE YEAR OF OUR LORD EIGHTEEN-HUNDRED-AND-NINETY-TWO. That is wild and this stat from Sarah Langs of MLB.com with the added contest of the top five 35-game starts makes it even wilder.

What do all of those other starts have in common? They’re all in the 1800s! This is the best start that any of us currently living have ever seen from the Braves over this many games. Getting this deep into the season with this many wins banked is absolutely vital. They could slow down eventually but even if there is a downturn in form, as long as there isn’t a major slump then the Braves are going to be right in the thick of it as far as Postseason contention for the whole season.

The performance at Coors Field was impressive as well. Now granted, the Rockies are the Rockies (which is to say they don’t figure to be great this season) but they also still have to be taken seriously in their home stadium. It’s a venue that can bring up any type of result at any given moment and one where offense is expected but also not a given. If you don’t believe me then take a look at last year’s series for the Braves in Colorado, which is one that they managed to win while scoring only 15 runs (including a game where they only scored one run) and hitting zero home runs. This time, they scored 28 runs and cracked seven dingers. The offense is clearly in a much better place right now than last season and that’s been the engine that has powered the Braves to their lofty spot in the standings so far.

The Braves will now look to continue taking care of business as they will continue their trip out West with a visit to Cascadia to face off with the Mariners. Seattle has gotten off to a mediocre start so far and Atlanta will have to rely on the bottom of the rotation to continue getting the job done. With that being said, we’ve gotten to the point now where the Braves have to like their chances whenever this current version of Bryce Elder takes the mound and JR Ritchie has been encouraging as well. Grant Holmes will need a turnaround performance and hopefully the pitcher-friendly environment of T-Mobile Park will provide that opportunity for Holmes. It’ll be tricky (there’s that word again) but with the way the Braves have been playing so far in 2026, it’s more-than-possible that they can keep this going in Seattle with another series win. We’ll see what happens!

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Timberwolves vs Spurs Same-Game Parlay for Monday's NBA Playoffs Game 1

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The Minnesota Timberwolves already sprung one upset this postseason, three of their four wins against the Nuggets in the first round coming as underdogs. Now the San Antonio Spurs await, with both a rest advantage and homecourt advantage.

This Timberwolves vs. Spurs same-game parlay anticipates Minnesota preemptively adjusting before Game 1 on Monday, May 4.

Our best Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP for Game 1

SGP leg #1: Rudy Gobert Under 10.5 Rebounds (+102)

This is not a knock on the Minnesota Timberwolves or Rudy Gobert. This is a reality of facing Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. If Minnesota wants to get to the rim, it needs Wembanyama out of the paint.

When Gobert is on the court, Wembanyama can set up in the paint. So, quite frankly, Gobert’s minutes should fall in this series. Playing a five-out lineup will be the Timberwolves’ best approach to dragging Wembanyama out of the paint.

SGP leg #2: Rudy Gobert Under 8.5 Points (-110)

Even when Gobert is on the court, he will likely be playing against one of the few players taller and longer than he is, not to mention the Defensive Player of the Year. Do not expect Gobert to reach double-digit points unless Minnesota plays him directly counter to Wembanyama’s minutes.

That approach may come, but seeing such a bold thought in Game 1 would be a surprise.

SGP leg #3: Julius Randle Over 6.5 Rebounds (-140)

If Gobert’s minutes do fall, someone else's have to rise. Julius Randle may give up seven inches to Wembanyama (and three to Gobert), but he has the physical strength to perhaps keep Wembanyama away from the rim.

This is going to be a challenge for Randle, but the sheer minutes and position of it should yield an opportunity.

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See our full Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 1 preview

Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Timberwolves vs Spurs predictions for Game 1.

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Mark Vientos homers twice as Clay Holmes shuts down Angels to give banged-up Mets rare series win

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mark Vientos tossing his bat after hitting a home run, Image 2 shows New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes celebrates in the dugout after exiting a game

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Baby steps.

The Mets are banged up, and their lineup remains challenged, but a series victory is no small feat for this careening crew, so their weekend in Orange County should be celebrated, albeit cautiously.

Mark Vientos provided rare thunder Sunday with two home runs, and Clay Holmes’ latest strong performance carried the Mets to a 5-1 victory over the Angels.

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The Mets won two of three games for only their second series victory since April 5.

“The only thing it does is make sure our flight is happier,” Vientos said. “I think that’s about it. We have got to win [Monday].”

Before the game, the Mets placed Ronny Mauricio on the injured list with a left thumb fracture.

Mauricio joined Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr. and Jared Young among the sidelined position players.

Vientos’ second homer of the day, a two-run shot in the eighth inning, provided breathing room for the bullpen.

Mets’ Mark Vientos tosses his bat after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday, May 3, 2026. AP

Luke Weaver pitched 1 ¹/₃ scoreless innings before Brooks Raley recorded the final three outs in a non-save situation.

“That’s our goal, to start winning series,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Holmes kept his string of superb starts intact by allowing one earned run on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts over 6 ²/₃ innings as his ERA dropped to 1.69.

Mets first baseman Mark Vientos (27) gestures after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. William Liang-Imagn Images

Holmes has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his seven starts this season. He’s pitched at least six innings in each of his past three starts.

Holmes walked Zach Neto on 11 pitches to start his day.

After Mike Trout walked, Jorge Soler delivered an RBI single for the game’s first run.

Holmes limited the damage, getting Jo Adell to ground into an inning-ending double play.

“I got out of that with the one run and kind of really settled in,” Holmes said. “The defense made some good plays behind me.”

Vaughn Grissom walked in the second, but Holmes got Oswald Peraza, who beat the Mets the previous night with an RBI single in the 10th inning, to hit a grounder that became an inning-ending double play.

Juan Soto’s grounder to first baseman Nolan Schanuel in the third was notable because the ball got lodged in Schanuel’s webbing as the pitcher, Jack Kochanowicz, ran to cover the base.

Schanuel flipped his glove, with the ball stuck in it, to Kochanowicz for the out. The Mets left two runners stranded in the inning when Brett Baty struck out.

Vientos launched a two-run homer in the fourth that gave the Mets a 2-1 lead.

Carson Benge walked before Vientos crushed a shot 427 feet to left center for his third homer this season and first since April 18 at Wrigley Field.

“I like my at-bats the last two days,” Vientos said. “I just want to keep on it. Keep putting good at-bats together and take it to Colorado.”

Holmes retired six straight batters before allowing a two-out single to Sebastián Rivero in the fifth.

Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, center, celebrates with teammates in the dugout after exiting during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Sunday. AP

But the right-hander got Neto to hit a grounder to Baty at third base that became the inning’s third out.

MJ Melendez’s diving catch in the left-center gap on Soler’s drive kept Schanuel at first base in the sixth. Holmes retired Adell on a fly to left for the third out.

In the seventh, Vientos couldn’t field Bo Bichette’s one-hop throw to first on Peraza’s grounder.

Holmes was removed and Weaver struck out pinch hitter Yoán Moncada to conclude the inning.

In the eighth, Benge stroked an RBI double that gave the Mets a 3-1 lead after Baty got plunked leading off.

Vientos followed with his second homer of the game.

“We haven’t seen that in a while, but when he gets hot, he can carry a team,” Mendoza said. “That is the power and the hitter he is capable of being.”

In the ninth, Benge went full extension by the right field foul line to rob Grissom of an extra-base hit.

Benge, who reached base three times in addition to the defensive gem, had maybe his strongest game this season.

“I was kind of surprised, to say the least,” Benge said of his catch. “If I see a ball I think I can get, I’m going to go after it.”

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Here’s when Jalen Williams could return for Thunder vs. Lakers

The Lakers aren’t the only team that has been without a star player during the NBA playoffs because of a hamstring injury.

The Thunder, whom the Lakers will play in the second round of the playoffs, were without star forward Jalen Williams for the final two games of their first-round series.

Thunder star forward Jalen Williams (center) should return sometime during the series against the Lakers. Getty Images

Williams suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 2 of the series against the Suns on April 22. His status for Tuesday’s Game 1 against the Lakers is uncertain.

The Thunder said April 23 that Williams would be reevaluated weekly.

Grade 1 hamstring strains typically heal in one to two weeks.

InStreetClothes, an NBA injury database run by certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts, said the average time lost for the type of injury Williams suffered is about 12.4 days.

Those timelines could put Williams back in the lineup for Game 1, which is 13 days after he suffered his injury.

Game 2, scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City, is 15 days after he suffered the injury.

When asked about Williams on Saturday, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said: “He’s chipping away at his rehab. He’s doing a good job.”

Williams averaged more than 17 points and five assists during an injury-riddled regular season. NBAE via Getty Images

Realistically, Williams should be back in the lineup when the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 (Saturday) and Game 4 (May 11).

And when he returns, the Thunder will get a significant difference-maker back in the lineup. 

Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds during an injury-riddled season, playing in 33 regular-season games.

He was sidelined for the Thunder’s first 19 games, during which they went 18-1, because of offseason surgery on his right wrist. 

Williams was sidelined for 10 games between January and February because of a right hamstring strain, playing in two games, before aggravating the hamstring and missing another five weeks.

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These are the NBA teams that overcame a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs

These are the NBA teams that overcame a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Coming back down 3-1 in the NBA playoffs is a rare feat.

It’s already been achieved twice in the first round in 2026.

The No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers did it first, taking down the No. 2 Boston Celtics on the road in Game 7 with Joel Embiid back in the lineup and dictating the action. Boston didn’t have Jayson Tatum in the final game, but it’s a tough loss to take regardless.

The No. 1 Detroit Pistons then pulled it off the very next day, routing the No. 8 Orlando Magic at home as Franz Wagner missed the last two games due to injury. The No. 3 Denver Nuggets and No. 5 Houston Rockets had a chance to push their respective series to a seventh game, but both fell in Game 6.

So, what teams have come back down 3-1 and how many? Here’s what to know:

How many NBA teams overcame a 3-1 series deficit?

In the NBA, only 15 teams have achieved a successful 3-1 comeback dating back to the 1960s.

Has an NBA team overcame a 3-1 deficit in the Finals?

Out of the 15, only one 3-1 comeback was successfully completed in the NBA Finals. That came in 2016 when the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers won at the Golden State Warriors.

List of NBA teams that overcame a 3-1 playoff deficit

These are the 15 teams in the history books for overcoming a 3-1 deficit (bolded teams also won the Finals that year):

  • 1968 Eastern Division finals: Boston Celtics defeat Philadelphia 76ers
  • 1970 Western Division semifinals: Los Angeles Lakers defeat Phoenix Suns
  • 1979 Eastern Conference finals: Washington Bullets defeat San Antonio Spurs
  • 1981 Eastern Conference finals: Boston Celtics defeat Philadelphia 76ers
  • 1985 Western Conference semifinals: Houston Rockets defeat Phoenix Suns
  • 1997 Eastern Conference semifinals: Miami Heat defeat New York Knicks
  • 2003 Eastern Conference first round: Detroit Pistons defeat Orlando Magic
  • 2006 Western Conference first round: Phoenix Suns defeat Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2015 Western Conference semifinals: Houston Rockets defeat Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2016 Western Conference finals: Golden State Warriors defeat Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Golden State Warriors
  • 2020 Western Conference first round: Denver Nuggets defeat Utah Jazz
  • 2020 Western Conference semifinals: Denver Nuggets defeat Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2026 Eastern Conference first round: Philadelphia 76ers defeat Boston Celtics
  • 2026 Eastern Conference first round: Detroit Pistons defeat Orlando Magic

Has any NBA team come back from a 3-0 series deficit?

The NBA is the only major sport with a best-of-seven playoff series that has not seen a 3-0 deficit be overcome.

Four teams — 1951 New York Knicks, 1994 Denver Nuggets, 2003 Portland Trail Blazers and 2023 Boston Celtics — have forced a Game 7 down 3-0, but all failed to win.

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ESPN's Inside the NBA pokes fun at the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini situation

For the most part, ESPN has tiptoed around the situation involving Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini, formerly of The Athletic. On Sunday, ESPN's Inside the NBA studio show jumped into the fray, with both feet.

The show makes "gone fishing" graphics when a team's season has ended. With the Boston Celtics losing on Saturday night to the Philadelphia 76ers after leading the series 3-1, Inside the NBA has created an image that includes among the high-profile Celtics aficionados Vrabel and Russini.

They'e at the front of the boat, in the pose made famous by Titanic.

It's a bold move, one that comes from a show that has always been bold and brash and above all else funny and entertaining. Still, Inside the NBA is now an ESPN property. And ESPN had been steering clear of the incident generally, at least until Vrabel announced (in a statement given to ESPN) that he'd miss the third day of the draft to attend counseling.

Russini previously worked for ESPN. Ten days ago, the New York Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini in a New York City bar on March 11, 2020. She worked at ESPN until joining The Athletic in 2023. ESPN has declined to comment on whether it is reviewing her reporting as it relates to Vrabel and the Titans, the team he coached at the time.

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Civale and Soderstrom lead Athletics to a Sunday Victory

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 3: Tyler Soderstrom #21 of the Athletics celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park on May 3, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Kelley L Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Following two-straight losses to open the series, the Athletics sought to win the series finale and prevent the Cleveland Guardians from completing their first series sweep of the season. They did just that, defeating the Guardians 7-1 in front of a sold-out Sunday afternoon crowd to salvage the final game and remain in first place in the American League West.

Cleveland Wastes Early Scoring Chances

Making his seventh start of the season, A’s right-hander Aaron Civale got into some trouble in the first inning. He allowed two singles before striking out Cleveland’s third baseman Daniel Schneemann to escape that early jam unscathed. His counterpart, Guardians left-hander Parker Messick, also turned in a scoreless first inning of work.

Cleveland threatened again in the second inning. Second baseman Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, led off the inning with a single and then he stole second base. The Guardians left him at third, wasting another early scoring chance.

A’s Strike First

A’s right fielder Colby Thomas gave his team the early lead with his first home run of the season, a solo shot to left field off of Messick on his first pitch of the bottom of the second inning.

In the third, the Guardians attempted to immediately respond. Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo hit two-straight singles with two outs. Like in the first inning, Civale got Schneemann out to end the inning and keep his team in front. Through three innings, the Guardians had five hits, yet went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Chase DeLauter Continues to Haunt the A’s

With one out in the fifth inning, Guardians red-hot rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter tied the game with his sixth home run of the season. He finished this series 8-for-11, playing a major role in Cleveland’s success this weekend.

A’s Offense Answers Back

The Athletics instantly regained the lead. Center fielder Zack Gelof led off the bottom of the fifth inning with his second home run of the season, a solo blast that landed way beyond the left field fence.

Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom blasted his fourth home run of the season over the short right field fence, going back-to-back with Gelof.

The A’s were not done scoring runs that inning. With one out, third baseman Darell Hernáiz and second baseman Jeff McNeil singled. Shortstop Jacob Wilson grounded into a force out for the second out. That brought up designated hitter Brent Rooker, who hit an RBI infield single scoring Hernáiz for the A’s third run of the frame.

Civale Goes Six Strong

Pitching with the lead again, Civale recorded his second shutdown inning of his outing. He only allowed DeLauter’s home run over a season-high six innings, giving the A’s the quality start they desperately needed this afternoon.

A’s Increase Their Lead

In the bottom of the sixth, the Athletics extended their lead off Guardians reliever Peyton Pallette. The hosts loaded the bases with one out as Gelof and Wynns walked and Soderstrom singled. Hernáiz did not come through as he flew out too shallow to center field. However, McNeil made sure the scoring chance did not go to waste. His two-out bases-clearing double down the right field line extended the A’s lead to 7-1.

With a six-run cushion, the A’s turned things over to their bullpen. Right-handed relievers Justin Sterner, Mark Leiter Jr. and Joel Kuhnel finished off the game, each throwing a scoreless inning as the Athletics snapped their two-game losing streak.

More importantly, the win ensured the team finished the home stand with a .500 record. The A’s now get to enjoy a happy flight to Philadelphia. They have an off day tomorrow before beginning a three-game series against the Phillies on Tuesday. Luis Severino will open the road trip on the mound for the A’s, while the Phillies have yet to announce their starting pitcher for that matchup.