Game Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (74-45) @ San Diego Padres (63-57)

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JULY 8: Kyle Harrison #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on July 8, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a rough start to the series yesterday, the Brewers are looking to bounce back in game two against the Padres. They will try to do that behind Kyle Harrison tonight.

The revolving door of the bullpen continued moving as they made another roster move before today’s game. Bryse Wilson is back on the roster just three days after being designated for assignment and one day after electing free agency. He signed a one-year contract and is back on the active roster for tonight’s game. To clear a space for him, Lyon Richardson was designated for assignment. Also, Drew Rom was selected off waivers by the Athletics.

Kyle Harrison makes his second start since returning from the IL tonight. This is his second start against the Padres this season. He pitched five shutout innings on May 14, allowing just five hits and striking out seven. Harrison is coming off another five-inning start last Wednesday, where he struck out 10 and allowed only one hit and one walk. He finished that start with eight straight strikeouts, but cramps prevented him from continuing that one.

For the Padres, Walker Buehler makes the start. He has a 5.07 ERA and 4.37 FIP over 23 starts and 108 1/3 innings this season, along with 95 strikeouts compared to 45 walks. In his last start against the Diamondbacks, he pitched just four innings and allowed one run and struck out three. The Brewers missed him the first time they played the Padres, and last faced him in 2024 when he was with the Dodgers. In three previous career starts, he has a 2.93 ERA and a .211 batting average allowed over 15 1/3 innings.

With the Brewers still hurting on the left side of the infield, they are going with a less traditional lineup for today’s game. Brice Turang will make his first start at shortstop since 2023 tonight. Meanwhile, Jihwan Bae will play second base and bat ninth in his first Brewers start. Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Jake Bauers are batting second through fourth. William Contreras and Christian Yelich move up to fifth and sixth in the lineup, and Luis Lara and David Hamilton round out the lineup. Joey Ortiz gets another day of rest, but was available if needed yesterday.

First pitch is at 8:40 p.m. It will be on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.

UPDATE: Manager Pat Murphy provided an update on Cooper Pratt before the game. He’s making solid progress with his hamstring injury and is expected back in late August.

Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres stands on-deck in the fourth inning during the game against the Houston Astros at Petco Park on August 10, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Milwaukee Brewers (74-45) at San Diego Padres (63-57), August 11, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan



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Colorado Rockies @ Arizona Diamondbacks: Tomoyuki Sugano vs Mitch Bratt

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 5: Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Coors Field on August 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In Game 1, the Colorado Rockies found themselves on the wrong end of a 9-0 Arizona Diamondbacks thrashing.

Tonight, they will look to even the score.

Starting for the Rockies is Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之). This will be his 21st start for the Rockies in 2026.

The righty has a 4.51 ERA in 107.2 IP. He’s struck out 61, walked 26, and given up 22 home runs. Sugano has a 1.26 WHIP. 

Taking the mound for the Dbacks will be LHP Mitch Bratt.

Currently, he has an ERA of 3.90 in 27.2 IP. He’s struck out 21 while giving up 18 walks and four home runs with a 1.52 WHIP.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 7:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups:

For the visiting Rockies:

Colorado Rockies lineup @ Arizona Diamondbacks (8.11.26) McCarthy (LF); Karros (3B); Carrigg (CF); Goodman (C); Castro (1B); Moniak (DH); Beck (RF); Norby (2B); Tovar (SS); Sugano (SP)

And the home Diamondbacks:

Arizona Diamondbacks lineup vs. Colorado Rockies (8.11.26) Nootbaar (LF); Carroll (RF); Moreno (DH); Marge (2B); Arendao (3B); McCann (C); Tara (1B); Vargas (SS); Waldschmidt (CF); Bratt (SP)

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Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Game 120 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Anaheim Angels

Aug 10, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Cam Cauley (27) runs after flying out against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Texas Rangers @ Anaheim Angels

Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 8:38 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Angel Stadium

LHP Cody Bradford vs. RHP Ryan Johnson

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSANGELS
Joc Pederson – DHZach Neto – SS
Wyatt Langford – LFMike Trout – CF
Corey Seager – SSNolan Schanuel – 1B
Brandon Nimmo – RFVaughn Grissom – 3B
Ezequiel Duran – 3BOswald Peraza – 2B
Evan Carter – CFMoises Ballesteros – DH
Jake Burger – 1BJose Siri – LF
Austin Wynns – CWade Meckler – RF
Nicky Lopez – 2BTyler Heineman – C
Cody Bradford – LHPRyan Johnson – RHP

Go Rangers!

Pirates pull Paul Skenes from start vs. Marlins after just 65 pitches

The Pittsburgh Pirates caused a bit of a stir Tuesday night when they lifted starter Paul Skenes after just 65 pitches.

It marked the fifth-shortest outing of Skenes' career by pitch count.

The Pirates' ace, who has been battling to find his Cy Young form in the second half of the season, exited after five innings with the Pirates down 2-0 to the Miami Marlins.

Skenes gave up a home run to Esteury Ruiz in the bottom of the third inning, then his fifth inning unraveled a bit when he hit Ruiz with a pitch. Ruiz would score the next batter, racing around from first to score thanks to shortstop Jacob Gonzalez's throwing error.

Skenes' last pitch of the night was nearly a home run, with Bryan Reynolds coming up with the robbery to end the inning and keep the score 2-0.

But Skenes did not come back out for the sixth inning, yielding to Yohan Ramirez.

The Pirates have not provided any public updates on if Skenes' removal was injury related. Codify Baseball noted that Skenes' top pitch Tuesday night maxed out at 96.5 mph.

Paul Skenes' postgame comments

When asked if he was surprised he was pulled after 65 pitches, Skenes said "not really."

"If I were the manager I'd probably do it too," Skenes said. "He walked me through everything and it all made sense.

"Wish I could have gone more but, you know, it kind of is what it is."

Skenes' postgame scrum can be seen below:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pirates pull Paul Skenes from start vs. Marlins after just 65 pitches

All Blacks great Ma’a Nonu performs solo haka against New Zealand in South Africa tour match

  • Nonu on Sharks bench after signing for South African side last week

  • ‘I thought it was the right thing to do,’ says 104-cap former All Black

South African rugby teams love facing the haka. None have ever replied to New Zealand’s traditional pre-match challenge with another haka until Tuesday.

Ma’a Nonu stepped in front of his new Sharks teammates and performed a solo haka in what will probably be the lasting memory of a tour match the New Zealanders won 54-0 in soggy Durban.

Continue reading...

Game #120: Rays at Athletics Game Thread

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Jacob Wilson #5 of the Athletics hits a double that scored a run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park on August 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Okay, last night was tough to swallow. You don’t expect to blow a 6-2 lead with just a few outs to go, but that’s just how this season has gone for the A’s. A bit fitting in a way. Starting strong, before fading late. Hopefully that doesn’t follow this club into next year as well.

The series continues tonight and the A’s have a chance to make things right with a win this evening. At-72 the A’s are only better than one other team in the American League: the Los Angeles Angels. The playoffs aren’t happening but the goal the rest of the season should be to finish above them. Who knows. Maybe the Mariners collapse and third place is a possibility in September.

Taking the ball for the home team will be youngster Mason Barnett. The right-hander is making his third start since seemingly rejoining the rotation. He had a terrific first start against the Red Sox last week but got tagged for five runs his last time out against the Reds. Most of the damage from those two teams came later in the game so keep an eye on how Barnett is faring after the first time or two through the Rays’ batting order.

Here’s how the Athletics’ lineup stacks up tonight for the middle contest against our AL East foe:

Jeff McNeil is back atop the lineup for the second straight day. No Soderstrom in the starting nine as he gets a full day off, with Zack Gelof taking his place in left field and batting second. Shortstop Jacob Wilson is back in the three hole followed again by Carlos Cortes, who will be the DH this evening after handling the outfield last night.

The back half of the lineup is also fairly similar to last night’s except infielder Tommy White returns to the lineup and playing third base this evening. The highly-rated prospect has encountered his first slump at the plate in his big league career, with just four hits in his last 27 at bats. Mark Kotsay gave him a day off yesterday and now he’s batting ninth so hopefully an extra day of rest and hitting in a low-pressure spot in the lineup can help spark him in the batter’s box. We’ll be seeing plenty more of White with Nick Kurtz’s injury.

Tampa Bay meanwhile has Nick Martinez getting the start for them this evening. An offseason acquisition for Tampa, Martinez has been an absolute steal for the Rays. In 22 starts the 26-year-old has a career-best 2.65 ERA, good for fourth in the American League. Signed to a one-year contract, Martinez is likely to get some down-ballot Cy Young votes thanks to his work with the Rays and is looking at a fairly sizable contract this coming winter. Possible A’s target if the wallets open up?

And Tampa’s lineup:

The same top of the order but a much different looking backend of the lineup. Hopefully that throws of their good juju from last night.

Let’s get back to our winning ways and play some spoiler. Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast

The Suns are officially out of the Christmas conversation again

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns meets with fans before the Christmas game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 25, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

For just the second time in six seasons, the Phoenix Suns will not be playing on Christmas. After trading Kevin Durant and buying out Bradley Beal during the 2025 offseason and once again being projected to go under .500 by the sportsbooks, Phoenix will not be one of the ten teams suiting up on the holiday for the second straight season.

The premier holiday teams play on during the regular season, Phoenix is 13-9 all-time on Christmas, and in their four straight years playing on December 25th from 2021-2024, the Suns went 1-3 with their lone victory coming back in 2024 when Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant combined for 54 points to beat the Denver Nuggets 110-100.

Once Durant was traded and the Suns’ national spotlight dwindled, it was inevitable the team would not be playing on the holiday as often. It’s now been two seasons since Phoenix played on Christmas, and now Durant and Houston are not playing on the holiday as well, as Houston finished last season fifth in the West and lost in the first round to the Lakers. With the emergence of the San Antonio Spurs and a poor season, Houston’s status as a top team in the NBA has diminished, and they are not playing on the holiday despite employing the former Phoenix Suns superstar.

Suns fans will have to wait at least one more year to watch their team on the holiday again.

Jake Bauers' patience has come through in baseball and in life

Former Marina first baseman Jake Bauers has 21 home runs for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Former Marina first baseman Jake Bauers has 21 home runs for the Milwaukee Brewers. (Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

With the blink of an eye, years go by so fast covering high school athletes. It seems like only yesterday Jake Bauers was a senior at Marina High collecting 48 hits with a .571 batting average. Thirteen years later, Bauers has a beard, tattoos and is in his seventh major league season as the first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The last time I saw him was the Division 1 championship game at Dodger Stadium. His team lost 1-0 to Harvard-Westlake and Jack Flaherty at Dodger Stadium.

Fast-forward to Tuesday afternoon. He’s in the visiting clubhouse at Petco Park preparing to face the San Diego Padres, the team that drafted him in the seventh round in 2017. He’s as levelheaded and as comfortable as he was living in Huntington Beach. He has 21 home runs this season. Not bad for someone who didn’t get to play varsity baseball until his junior season.

Wearing No. 11 on her cheek at Marina games was his girlfriend, Lauren Carr, now his wife and mother of his two children.

“Same one,” he said of his biggest fan.

Not playing varsity until junior year is now considered a little unusual for top players, but Bauers said it’s nothing to think deeply about.

“We had a good team,” he said. “Maybe it was frustrating at the time. In hindsight, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re a good player, you’ll keep playing.”

The Brewers can call themselves the best team with the most Southern California natives. Trevor Megill, a high school teammate of Bauers, joins Joey Ortiz (Garden Grove Pacifica), Brice Turang (Corona Santiago), Garrett Mitchell (Orange Lutheran) and Christian Yelich (Westlake) as the SoCal group.

“We got a lot of guys from Southern California,” Turang said. “It’s cool. A lot of guys played against each other in high school.”

The Brewers also drafted in the last two years the Ebel brothers from Corona, Brady and Trey, so when they make visits to Dodger Stadium, it’s a big deal.

“Crazy,” Turang said of the Southern California players getting asked for tickets.

Bauers, 30, certainly hasn’t lost his passion for fun. He was playing two Brewers in a video game before heading out to the field.

He said people change as they get older.

“Years of experiences, you gain perspective if you’re willing to look at yourself,” he said.

Turang was asked what high school kids today need to do to succeed in their journey to major league baseball.

“You have to practice every day. This doesn’t come easily,” he said.

Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Tuesday night Orioles game thread: @ Twins, 7: 40 ET

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 25: Brandon Young #63 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 25, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s definitely been a frustrating road trip for the Orioles. They’ve had two series against wildcard contenders to stake their place in the playoff hunt, but the same flaws keep appearing. The offense just isn’t there, and the bullpen is wildly erratic.

After dropping two of three to the Rangers last series, the Orioles got handled in Game 1 against the Twins, especially painful fashion by one of their former own, Dean Kremer, who held them to one run over seven innings, not even a week after being dealt at the Trade Deadline.

Orioles will try to get it going again with right0hander Brandon Young on the mound. With an 8-3 record and 3.43 ERA, the righty has unexpectedly been one of their most consistent starters, although his last two times out were not his best: he allowed four earned runs against the Phillies on July 31, and threw just 4 ⅔ innings last week in a loss to Los Angeles.

Facing Young is certified big guy Bailey Ober, who at 6’6” is more commanding than his 7-3 record and 4.45 ERA. Ober faced the Orioles once this season, allowing three runs in four innings back in April.

Orioles lineup

  1. Gunnar Henderson SS
  2. Pete Alonso 1B
  3. Jackson Holliday 2B
  4. Tyler O’Neill RF
  5. Christian Encarnacion-Strand 3B
  6. Coby Mayo DH
  7. Christian Franklin CF
  8. Jeremiah Jackson LF
  9. Yohel Pozo C

Twins lineup

  1. Trevor Larnach LF
  2. Ryan Jeffers C
  3. Josh Bell DH
  4. Kody Clemens 2B
  5. Royce Lewis 1B
  6. Brooks Lee 3B
  7. Luke Keaschall CF
  8. Alan Roden RF
  9. Kaelen Culpepper SS

Former Yankees first baseman Nick Swisher surprises NYC softball team

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 12: Nick Swisher speaks during the 2026 MLBx All-Star 3-on-3 Challenge presented by ITO EN at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

What was thought to be a normal Sunday of friendly summer softball turned into the shock of a lifetime for so many in Central Park.

Angry Orchard, a hard cider brand based in Walden, NY, approached Nick Swisher on Sunday to help bring some life to the Sons of Pitches, a rec softball team in New York City that appeared to have lost all hope of securing a victory.

They were set to face the Fattened Calves, one of the most dominant teams in the league, and had little idea how to break their 14-game losing streak. However, once the Angry Orchard team announced that Nick would be joining the Sons of Pitches, it was game on.

“I think it’s such a cool idea that Angry Orchard is not only investing in the winners, but also the underdogs,” Swisher said at the event. “Everybody gets frustrated, but there is always some fun to be found in frustration!”

It was unforgettable to witness the amazement on the faces of almost every player and spectator at North Meadow Ballfield #9. Crowds gathered around the area to watch the former Yankees first baseman take to the plate and crush a couple of home runs into the blaring sun.

Luckily for Swisher, the heat was giving the chunky ball a bit more height than initially expected.

“I learned to play this game through fun,” Swisher said. “If I’m going to go out there, I’m going to do it my way. I’m going to smile and have the best time ever because I know I’ve put the work in the back half. I know I’m prepared to go out and play. When I go out and play, my excitement is infectious.”

Since joining the Pinstripes after getting traded from the White Sox, Swisher contributed to the Yankees’ success both on and off the field. He takes pride in bringing a glowingly positive mentality to the clubhouse while also serving as a leader both at the plate and in the infield.

Despite Alex Rodriguez missing the first month of the 2009 regular season, Swisher stepped up and carried the Yankees’ offense through. At the end of April, Swisher had a 1.144 OPS with a .744 slugging percentage. He also adapted to play right field while Xavier Nady missed the remainder of the season with an elbow injury. As the Yankees continued to generate success and overcame injury challenges, Swisher made his mark as one of the most memorable 2009 World Series Champions. He finished the season batting .249 with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs.

As part of their campaign, Angry Orchard scoured the nation to find one of the worst rec softball teams in America that never stopped showing up and giving their all on the field. They recruited Swisher to participate as an Angry Orchard Super Sub and give the Sons of Pitches a much-needed morale boost.

Swisher ultimately helped the Sons of Pitches gloriously secure their victory, celebrating with cheers and several pours of Angry Orchard. It was an incredible day that helped shift the perspectives of so many players and inspire some tenacity to defy expectations and keep a positive attitude.

The Ultimate 2026 Christmas Sports Schedule: Get Primed for the Most Loaded Day of the Year

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December 25 is no longer just about opening presents, eating too much, and debating whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

It’s become one of the best days of the year for sports fans.

2026 takes that to another level, with eight NFL and NBA games running from noon ET until late into the night. The NFL brings three marquee matchups, while the NBA has just announced its five-game showcase.

Here’s our guide to the ultimate Christmas Day sports schedule, including every NFL and NBA game, current odds, an early pick and — most importantly — how to plan your day around the action.


Your 2026 Christmas Day schedule🎅

  • 1:00 p.m. ET — Spurs at Knicks
  • 1:00 p.m. ET — Packers at Bears
  • 3:30 p.m. ET — Heat at Celtics
  • 4:30 p.m. ET — Bills at Broncos
  • 6:00 p.m. ET — 76ers at Lakers
  • 9:00 p.m. ET — Thunder at Timberwolves
  • 9:15 p.m. ET — Rams at Seahawks
  • 11:30 p.m. ET — Nuggets at Warriors

Spurs at Knicks (1 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Spurs at Knicks opening odds

Spurs SpursKnicks Knicks
-105Moneyline-115
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 228.5 (-110)TotalUnder 228.5 (-110)

🎁 Presents: OPENED

The real festivities begin with a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals, as San Antonio heads to Madison Square Garden to face the defending champion Knicks.

While you mix in a mimosa or two, expect the more motivated Spurs side to avenge last year's Finals loss to New York, with Wemby playing Grinch in Gotham. 

Early pick: Spurs moneyline (em-105 at DraftKings/em)

Packers at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Netflix)

Packers at Bears opening odds

Packers PackersBears Bears
-102Moneyline-118
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 47.5 (-110)TotalUnder 47.5 (-110)

🍳 Breakfast: OUT OF THE WAY

The NFL gets its Christmas Day party started with one of the league's oldest rivalries... and one that no longer features Aaron Rodgers putting belt to ass. 

Chicago hosts Green Bay after beating the Packers twice last season, including a miracle comeback in the Wild Card round. 

I expect Chicago to be even better in Ben Johnson's second year, so I'll take the Bears at home. 

Early pick: Bears moneyline (em-118 at DraftKings/em)

Heat at Celtics (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Heat at Celtics opening odds

Heat HeatCeltics Celtics
+154Moneyline-185
+5.5 (-110)Spread-5.5 (-110)
Over 229.5 (-110)TotalUnder 229.5 (-110)

🦃 Turkey: IN THE OVEN

Last call to get the turkey into the oven, and it's time to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo cook at the Garden.

Erik Spoelstra's team is 9-0 on Christmas, and I'm all over Miami in this spot. 

Early pick: Heat moneyline (em+154 at DraftKings/em)

Bills at Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix)

Bills at Broncos opening odds

Bills BillsBroncos Broncos
-130Moneyline+110
-1.5 (-115)Spread+1.5 (-105)
Over 46.5 (-110)TotalUnder 46.5 (-110)

😴 Pre-Dinner Nap at Halftime: MANDATORY

Josh Allen gets another crack at the Broncos, just like you do at another helping of your favorite Xmas dishes.

This matchup will most definitely be pivotal for AFC seeding, and I like Buffalo to exorcise some demons at Mile High.

Early pick: Bills moneyline (em-130 at DraftKings/em)

76ers at Lakers (6 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

76ers at Lakers opening odds

76ers 76ersLakers Lakers
-105Moneyline-115
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 235.5 (-115)TotalUnder 235.5 (-105)

🍽️ Dinner: SERVED

LeBron James makes his 21st Christmas Day appearance as he returns to Los Angeles, this time in a Sixers uniform.

This feels like the kind of game where Philly dominates for three quarters before the Lakers inexplicably pull off a massive fourth-quarter comeback and set Twitter on fire.

Take the home side and bet on a Hollywood finish. 

Early pick: Lakers moneyline (em-115 at DraftKings/em)

Thunder at Timberwolves (9 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Thunder at Timberwolves opening odds

Thunder ThunderTimberwolves Timberwolves
-162Moneyline+136
-3.5 (-115)Spread+3.5 (-105)
Over 232.5 (-110)TotalUnder 232.5 (-110)

🍗 Leftovers: IN PLAY

Jon Metler is bullish on LaMelo Ball taking Minnesota over the top against OKC in his NBA Christmas Day predictions, and we're in firm agreement. 

If your family is still gathered around the table, maybe keep the phone in your pocket, and if you're going to take any peeks, this is a great time to follow the game along on our brand-new Covers app!

Early pick: Timberwolves +3.5 (em-110 at DraftKings/em)

Rams at Seahawks (9:15 p.m. ET, FOX)

Rams at Seahawks opening odds

Rams RamsSeahawks Seahawks
+110Moneyline-130
+1.5 (-105)Spread-1.5 (-115)
Over 47.5 (-110)TotalUnder 47.5 (-110)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Time: OPTIONAL

Last year, we got Chris Oladokun vs. Bo Nix (woof), but this time, Christmas night brings a matchup between arguably the two best teams in the NFL.

This divisional rivalry has produced one-score finishes in all five of their meetings under Mike Macdonald and Sean McVay. 

The 12th Man is going to be rocking in the PNW, and while Los Angeles may be the Super Bowl favorite, it’s hard to go against the defending champs on primetime.

Early pick: Seahawks moneyline (em-130 at DraftKings/em)

Nuggets at Warriors (11:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Nuggets at Warriors opening odds

Nuggets NuggetsWarriors Warriors
-155Moneyline+130
-3.5 (-110)Spread+3.5 (-110)
Over 238.5 (-105)TotalUnder 238.5 (-115)

🎄Christmas: SURVIVED

Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry close out the night in the Bay Area, with two of the biggest stars of their generation taking the floor.

Jokic is no stranger to lighting it up on the Xmas stage, last boasting a 56-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist performance against Minny last season.

Everybody else has already fallen asleep. I'm tallying up Jokic's PRA and taking the Nuggets to win. 

Early pick: Nuggets moneyline (em-155 at DraftKings/em)

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.

Warriors open the season on the road against Lakers once again

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looking to pass the ball is guarded by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 28, 2026 in San Francisco, 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Just because LeBron James is eating Tastykakes and Wawa sandwiches in the City of Brotherly Love this season, that doesn’t mean the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t still the Golden State Warriors’ biggest rival. The NBA agreed, sending the Dubs down to Los Angeles to open their 2026-27 season against Luka Donic, Austin Reaves, and a revamped Lakers team.

Lakers-Warriors remains a “marquee” matchup for the NBA, so the clash at the Crypto.com Arena will headline ESPN’s doubleheader on the second night of the season, following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first game as a member of the Miami Heat and LaMelo Ball, who drives like a Floridian, playing his first game with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s the second season in a row for this matchup and the fourth time in the last six years the Warriors have opened the season against the Lakers.

The Warriors battled Doncic and Reaves separately in the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. It’s been entertaining viewing, especially since Doncic is one of the rare NBA players who yells at the referees more than Draymond Green. The Lakers have a big group of new players for 2026-27, including:

  • Walker Kessler
  • Sandro Mamukelashvili
  • Quentin Grimes
  • Collin Sexton
  • Kevon Looney
  • Jaden Hardy
  • Matisse Thybulle
  • Cameron Carr

They lost

  • LeBron James
  • Rui Hachimura
  • Marcus Smart
  • Luke Kennard
  • Deandre Ayton
  • Jaxson Hayes

They’re also rumored to be interested in adding Jonathan Kuminga, a transaction that will no doubt be perfectly reasonable and easy to complete with his realistic and understanding agent. But Looney should get a lot of hugs, daps, congratulations for escaping the New Orleans Pelicans, and offensive rebounds where he doesn’t jump more than two inches off the ground.

That’s quite a bit of roster turnover, so the Warriors should have a marked advantage in continuity, veteran leadership, Social Security accruals, folksy sayings, ability to whittle, and slipperiness from Ben-Gay cream.

Another Warriors’ California rival will host the Dubs for their home opener as well. The Warriors will head up Interstate 80 to the Golden 1 Center on Oct. 24 for the beginning of the Darius Acuff Era in Sacramento, which Sacramento Kings fans also hope will mark the beginning of the end of the Zach LaVine Era in Sacramento.They’ll either be lighting the beam or lighting themselves on fire in the capital!

The Warriors are opening the season against the Lakers. The world changes, but some things stay the same every year.

Padres rally late to take opener, setting up key middle game of series

San Diego Padres CF Jackson Merrill (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

FriarWatch: August 11 Edition

The San Diego Padres use some late-inning fireworks to take the opening game of the three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. Jackson Merrill hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Padres a 3-2 lead. Mason Miller recorded his National League-leading 30th save to preserve the victory.

Scoring late in games with a shutdown closer has been the perfect combination, as the Friars have won 13 of their last 17 games to get back in the Wild-Card chase. 

Tonight’s game offers another quality pitching matchup, Kyle Harrison vs Walker Buehler, as the Brewers bats must figure out how to be more productive in their at-bats. They must win this series to build momentum before facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in Chavez Ravine this upcoming weekend.

Taking the mound: Kyle Harrison (MIL) vs Walker Buehler (SD)

The Brewers will try to get back on their winning ways by sending Harrison (9-2, 2.84 ERA) to the mound. Finally, he unlocked his potential as a starting pitcher. Both the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox lost patience with Harrison because of his control issues in starts. The former prospect failed to throw strikes consistently.

The Brewers’ pitching development staff refined his delivery mechanics by adjusting his arm angle and moving Harrison from the third-base to the first-base side of the rubber. The results have been outstanding.

Immediately, he increased the velocity of his four-seam fastball from 92 MPH in past seasons to 95 MPH in 2026 starts. It has allowed him to work at the top of the strike zone. Opposing hitters are having trouble tracking his sweeper and changeup because of the vertical drop.

His revamped pitching style has allowed Harrison to get ahead in counts and record more quality starts than ever in his four-year major league career.

The Padres will counter with Walker Buehler (6-5, 5.07 ERA), who is battling to remain a consistent starter for the final two months of the 2026 season. He has failed to record a quality start since June. Buehler has averaged 4.2 innings over his last six starts.

No question, it has been a process for Buehler to transition from being a power pitcher to using his full repertoire in games. He has a seven-pitch mix (four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, slider, changeup, sweeper, and knuckle-curve) that keeps hitters off balance.

The days of him earning a complete-game victory are over. But Buehler can get through the Brewers batting order twice before they figure out his pitch sequence. He must work the corners against such a potent lineup. 

However, Buehler cannot challenge them with his fastball; it will be a losing proposition. The velocity has dropped, as teams are hitting .393 off his four-seamer.

The Friar Faithful can expect the bullpen to play a role in this evening’s game.

Today’s lineups