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2026 NBA Draft Odds, Betting: Predictions, best bets, lines including the Knicks' pick

The 2026 NBA Draft Class is as deep and talented as any class in at least the last decade. Tonight at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York you will hear names called that will at least pepper if not outright own headlines across the league for years to come. But in what order will these future stars be called? That is the question bettors are asking themselves.

The first four names to be called are expected to be AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, and Caleb Wilson in that order to Washington, Utah, Memphis, and Chicago, respectively. The odds at DraftKings reflect those names in that order.

Odds to be the No. 1 Pick in the NBA Draft

Dybantsa (-700), Peterson (+600), Boozer (+4000), Wilson (+10000)

Odds to be the No. 2 Pick in the NBA Draft

Peterson (-250), Boozer (+330), Dybantsa (+650), Wilson (+5000)

Odds to be the No. 3 Pick in the NBA Draft

Boozer (-260), Peterson (+340), Wilson (+900), Dybantsa (+2800)

Odds to be the No, 4 Pick in the NBA Draft

Wilson (-750), Boozer (+650), Peterson (+2500), Darius Acuff Jr. (+2500)

Peterson has been the lightning rod of the four as his refusal to work out for anyone other than the Wizards has raised more than a few eyebrows especially coming on the heels of the tumultuous season he had at Kansas: flashes of brilliance along with extended inactivity. However, as a point of reference, Ace Bailey refused to work out for the Jazz last Spring and Utah still drafted him. Danny Ainge and the Jazz will draft Peterson if he is available and at the top of their draftboard when their pick is on the clock. But assuming Dybantsa goes first overall, is Peterson next on Utah’s board? As noted above, the books believe he is by margin.
So where does the Draft intrigue really begin? Pick 5 appears to be Keaton Wagler (+155) to the Clippers with Mikel Brown Jr. (+240) and Darius Acuff Jr. (+450) listed next on the odds board.

Here is a trio of plays that might be worth a little pizza money to sweat.

Pick No. 6: Brooklyn Nets

News Flash! The Nets need talent. Five first round picks last year and none landed on an All-NBA Rookie team. Not good. Any or all of those players may yet develop into a key contributor so let’s be optimistic for them and call it a late-blooming draft. Regardless, do they continue to go all in on the highest ceiling in that next tier and draft a Nate Ament (+800)? Or do they take the diminutive Darius Acuff Jr. (+260) who may be more limited long-term, but who can get buckets now as he proved at Arkansas this past March? DraftKings believes they will look to get a little of both and take Mikel Brown Jr. (+170) out of Louisville.
The Nets are leaning into the Knicks’ playbook. Reset the culture with Julius Randle. Next, find a smallish guard with a chip on his shoulder. Sweat Darius Acuff Jr. (+260) as the pick going to Brooklyn.

Pick No. 9: Dallas Mavericks

The news of Dusty May leaving the Michigan Wolverines to join Cooper Flagg in Dallas plays into this selection. May saw firsthand many of the top talents in this year’s draft. He saw none more frequently than Aday Mara (+425) and Morez Johnson Jr. (+650). We will sweat the pick and bank on the fact that May believes the 7’3” Mara will be limited in terms of how many minutes he can offer each night and instead will pivot to his teammate Morez Johnson Jr. (+650). He is rising up draftboards due to the combination of his size and athleticism. No doubt he and Flagg could run the pick and roll for a decade in Dallas.

Pick No. 24: New York Knicks

Its always fun to prognosticate about the defending champs no matter the year. Are they all in on defending their title or do they have cap issues to contend with? Specific to this year’s champs, Jalen Brunson taking less money to help get the Big Apple its first chip since 1973 worked and it will help this offseason as well as the longest-tenured Knick, Mitchell Robinson, is a free agent. The oft-injured big is a favorite in the locker room but what is his actual value? Is he healthy enough often enough to afford giving him a bump in salary? At a minimum they need to groom someone who can fill in for Mitchell even if they resign him knowing the next injury is moments away. The fervor for the Knicks in Manhattan continues to build with the selection of Zuby Ejiofor (+425) at No. 24. The former St. John’s captain fits the makeup of the Knicks perfectly and fills a need.

Should news leak from front offices today, there may be other opportunities in the market. Regardless, enjoy the NBA Draft and enjoy the sweat.

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Tomljanovic accuses anti-doping chiefs of being out to get players after Vondrousova ban

  • Australian veteran says four-year ban is a ‘disgrace’

  • ITIA says strong testing means unpredictable timing

Ajla Tomljanovic has described the lengthy doping ban administered to Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon singles champion, as a disgrace and has accused the ­tennis anti-doping authorities of being out to get players even when they have done nothing wrong.

The International Tennis ­Integrity Agency announced on Monday that Vondrousova had been handed a four‑year suspension by an independent tribunal after the Czech player had refused to provide a sample to a doping control officer at her home last December at around 8pm.

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Sharks trade William Eklund to Senators, add third 2026 first-round draft pick

Sharks trade William Eklund to Senators, add third 2026 first-round draft pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Sharks now have three first-round picks in Friday’s 2026 NHL Draft, and that’s because they just shipped out a former top selection.

San Jose has traded forwards William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to the Ottawa Senators for the No. 9 overall pick in Friday’s draft.

The Sharks now have the No. 2, No. 9 and No. 27 selections in the first round.

It’s the second trade the Sharks have made in recent weeks involving a first-round selection.

Last Wednesday, San Jose sent the No. 20 overall selection to the Buffalo Sabres for defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick.

Eklund was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and established himself as an everyday player during the 2023-24 season.

In three full seasons and parts of two others, Eklund recorded 50 goals and 113 assists in 252 games. He was a minus-91 during his time in San Jose.

With three first-round picks in hand, it’s unclear whether general manager Mike Grier plans to use all of them Friday or package some of them for an established player. But he spoke to reporters on Tuesday and said there is legitimate interest in the No. 2 overall pick.

So Grier and the Sharks might not be done wheeling and dealing with roughly 72 hours until the draft.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

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Sharks trade William Eklund to Senators, add third 2026 first-round draft pick

Sharks trade William Eklund to Senators, add third 2026 first-round draft pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Sharks now have three first-round picks in Friday’s 2026 NHL Draft, and that’s because they just shipped out a former top selection.

San Jose has traded forwards William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to the Ottawa Senators for the No. 9 overall pick in Friday’s draft.

The Sharks now have the No. 2, No. 9 and No. 27 selections in the first round.

It’s the second trade the Sharks have made in recent weeks involving a first-round selection.

Last Wednesday, San Jose sent the No. 20 overall selection to the Buffalo Sabres for defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick.

Eklund was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and established himself as an everyday player during the 2023-24 season.

In three full seasons and parts of two others, Eklund recorded 50 goals and 113 assists in 252 games. He was a minus-91 during his time in San Jose.

With three first-round picks in hand, it’s unclear whether general manager Mike Grier plans to use all of them Friday or package some of them for an established player. But he spoke to reporters on Tuesday and said there is legitimate interest in the No. 2 overall pick.

So Grier and the Sharks might not be done wheeling and dealing with roughly 72 hours until the draft.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

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SB Nation Reacts Survey: The Returning Astros SP To Have Biggest Impact?

DENVER, CO - APRIL 08: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

You can’t tell the story of the Houston Astros the last 3 seasons without addressing their historic amount of injuries, especially to the starting pitching.

Each of the past 2 seasons, the Astros depended on pitchers returning from injury, with less than optimal results.

This season is no different, and the team is counting on several starting pitchers to be able to return from injury and be productive members of the staff.

Among those returning starting pitchers, which one do you believe is likely to have the biggest positive impact on the team?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Astros fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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Rockets have a rich person’s problem

“Is this just not our year?”

These are never the words that an NBA fan wants to hear from their general manager. If a team is rebuilding, it goes without saying. If they’re competitive, it’s a brutal concession.

Yet, those were the words that came out of Rafael Stone’s mouth as the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline approached. The Houston Rockets were waving the white flag. That was confirmed when the deadline passed, and they did precisely nothing.

Was that the wrong move?

Rockets smart to hold at deadline

One frustrating quality a lot of fans share is that they seemingly rely on their team to bring them joy in their lives. They need the dopamine rush that comes with the notification: The Houston Rockets have acquired…

When they don’t get it, they’re mad. How could Rafael Stone just sit on his hands? Why did we acquire Kevin Durant if we’re not making a title push? How am I supposed to find the will to live if Coby White isn’t on this roster?

Here’s the problem: White was traded for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three future second-round draft picks. Ayo Dosunmu? Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round draft picks. Personally, I wanted the Rockets to get Jose Alvarado, but it feels like the Pelicans willingly sent him to his hometown New York Knicks.

That worked out pretty well for him.

You may be thinking: Sure, but the Rockets could have beaten either the White or Dosunmu packages. That is correct. They could have rendered those deals laughable.

They could have traded Alperen Sengun, and/or Amen Thompson for them.

Too much? Agreed. Do me a favor. Load up the trade machine, and identify the package the Rockets could have offered that was more than either the White or Dosunmu package, but less than “too much”.

Exactly.

The Rockets have a rich team’s problem: They (almost) only have premium assets. Houston has enough second-round draft capital to acquire a rotation player, but excluding Alvarado, both of the needle-moving guards that got moved at last year’s deadline fetched more than, say, Dorian Finney-Smith and all the second-round picks the Rockets could legally move.

Seriously. Is Finney-Smith and seven second-rounders (the most Houston can move) a better package than Sexton, Dieng, and four second-rounders? I’d rather take the flyer on Dieng.

Imagine this. Your friend has a Pokémon card (why not?) that he’s looking to sell. It’s worth $25. Your other friend is willing to give him $30 dollars for it, because he really wants it (because you are children, presumably). You also want it, but you only have $100 bills (because you are rich children, apparently), and about ten bucks in change. Do you want it badly enough to fork over $100?

You have enough for the card: In fact, you have too much for the card. That’s Stone’s issue:

So what’s the solution?

Rockets need to stay the course

Exactly what Stone has been doing: Nothing.

The Rockets don’t have a spare player that any team is trading multiple future seconds for. They have young players with first-round value and veterans who are either too integral to the team or not worth multiple future seconds. So, diversifying their portfolio by recouping some second-round equity is out.

Overpaying shouldn’t be an option. The Rockets could have offered Finney-Smith and a future first for White or Dosunmu. They’d have still not won the NBA championship, and now they’d be contemplating whether to keep either White or Dosunmu in free agency, and they’d be down one valuable future first.

Partly, this is a hole Stone dug for himself. He flipped four second-rounders for Steven Adams. That was good. Attaching two second-round picks to Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington just to make space for a Brook Lopez that never was, was not. The Rockets also moved a pile of second-rounders for Durant, which is hard to argue with.

It feels myopic to hold Stone’s feet to the fire over the two second-rounders he wasted on Garuba et al. The reality is that Stone has (mostly) already used the bulk of his second-rounders (relatively) well.

He’s got enough left to make a move for an Isaiah Joe, or a Klay Thompson, or a Malik Monk this summer. That’s about it. Largely, the Rockets will either have to focus on upgrading their rotation through the draft, or use their premium assets to make a blockbuster deal:

Luckily, they have lots of those.

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Three different prospects hold the key to the Toronto Raptors’ future

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 11: Jayden Quaintance #21 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks on prior to the first round of the 2026 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament against the LSU Tigers at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NBA Draft has finally arrived. Here are three players that our Raptors HQ experts believe the Toronto Raptors should take at pick 19 to take the next step.

Jayden Quaintance

An awesome choice at this pick is Jayden Quaintance. Some draft projections have him going too early for Toronto to get, but other boards have him somewhere in the 20s. It would be totally possible for him to still be available to the Raptors, as some teams have concerns about an Achilles and meniscus tear he sustained last year. Of course, the Raptors have proven they’re patient and able to help rehab a player back into peak playing form.

His biggest asset is his defence (where have we heard that before). He’s big: six-foot-nine barefoot and 253 pounds with a standing reach of just over nine feet. With explosive strength and athleticism, he’s already a great rebounder, something that Toronto desperately needs. I’m imagining him and Collin Murray-Boyles sharing the court and collecting almost everything that comes off the boards. He also seems to have a motor, something that would fit well with what Toronto is building alongside guys like Jamal Shead and Murray-Boyles.

His offensive game is still a question mark (again, where have we heard that before), as he even struggles from the free-throw line. He shot 6-32 from long range during his college career, but did manage a 53 per cent field-goal percentage largely as a lob threat, operating in the paint, and rim running.

This could be a bit of a gamble, but Toronto got Ja’Kobe Walter at 19 two years ago, so perhaps this will be a lucky pick for the Raps. – Rebecca Schapelhouman

Chris Cenac Jr.

Chris Cenac would be my pick at number 19. Recently mocked as going 20th overall, the big man from Houston stands at 6’11, and has the potential to be the missing piece in Toronto’s offence. Not only is he a capable interior threat, but he has a great looking outside shot, adding some flexibility that the Raptors currently lack.
Cenac’s length exceeds that of other big men projected to be taken towards the middle of the draft, and while the Cougar is not known for his rim protection, extra height is never a bad thing when contending in the modern NBA. Having another centre could only help Toronto better navigate its murky situation at the 5, and with this draft relatively light on big men, grabbing him at pick 19 looks like the right way to go. A stretch big who is also capable on the boards does not come around often, so the front office should attempt to snap him up if he remains available.

Cenac’s ability to contribute offensively without being in the paint could open up offensive opportunities for RJ Barrett drives and Scottie Barnes post moves, allowing the stars to shine even more. Chris and Murray-Boyles could form an undersized “twin towers” duo, pairing the rookie’s lob threat with the sophomore’s interior presence. And considering the whispers about the Raptors trying to pick up Myles Turner, adding a true rebounding centre to balance out that deficiency could mean the difference as Toronto continues to shake up its roster. – Julian Apolinario

Christian Anderson

While I appreciate the idea of selecting a big man, I think the 2026 NBA Draft should be used to add someone who can contribute right away, especially if that prospect has an elite transferable skill. Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson is viewed by many analysts as the best shooter in this year’s draft. The Raptors were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league last season. It’s a perfect fit.

Anderson shot a blistering 41.5 per cent on 7.9 three-point attempts. While the Raptors selected Gradey Dick out of Kansas for his shooting prowess (40.3 per cent on 5.7 attempts), Anderson has something different. The film shows the six-foot-one guard harnessing a shooting-aura that blankets perimeter defenders with dread. Anderson has unwavering confidence and legitimate game-breaking range that fits on any contending NBA bench. The next time defences load up on Scottie Barnes or Brandon Ingram in the playoffs, Raptors fans will want Anderson to get 3-4 attempts at a clean look from three.

While it’s true that Anderson will be hunted on the other side of the court, Toronto has enough weapons to absorb any potential problems. What’s the point of having elite defensive geniuses like Barnes and Murray-Boyles or pesky on-ball defenders like Shead and Walter if they can’t hide an offensive explosion waiting to happen like Anderson? – Kristian Cuaresma

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Detroit Pistons, other NBA Draft rumors and open thread

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #29 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks on the court during warmups before their game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on March 19, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade has finally happened … and the Detroit Pistons were not involved. Yet. Despite weeks of speculation, when the Milwaukee Bucks superstar’s trade was broken by Shams Charania of ESPN, it involved just the two primary two teams — the Buck and Miami Heat. The Pistons were seen as a natural fit for and highly interested in Miami’s Tyler Herro, who did, indeed, get shipped in the deal. The Wisconsin native is currently slated to be a member of the Bucks, but the deal will not be made official until the new league year on July 6. That gives plenty of times for other organizations, including Detroit, to join the fray.

Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls decided to sacrifice their cap space to take on Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton in a deal that also saw the Minnesota Timberwolves jettison Julius Randle to the Nets. That opened up the flexibility for Minnesota to agree to a massive new deal for Ayo Donsunmu for north of $100 million. It also might also eat into the cap space for Brookyln, but I have heard there are structures that would allow them to do the deal without using cap space that I don’t quite understand.

If the Nets and Bulls are mostly out on major free agent acquisitions, that leaves the Lakers as the only potential threat, however minor, to lure Jalen Duren with a big offer sheet. I anticipate a multi-year deal for Duren to return to Detroit any day.

Donsunmu getting such a huge contract hints at the going rate for ball-handlers and scorers, which is precisely what Detroit is on the market for. In other words, it expensive.

That is why the Pistons are one of the “many” reported suitors for new Buck Tyler Herro, and why the cost for Detroit might have been as much as Isaiah Stewart, plus Ron Holland, plus stuff.

One other free agent target has also fallen off the board for Detroit with CJ McCollum agreeing on a deal to return to the Atlanta Hawks for another go-round. Oh yeah, and Aaron Wiggins was shipped off the OKC to save a boatload of cap space and put less pressure on them to deal Isaiah Joe, another Detroit target, though a trade might still be needed for financial reasons.

The Pistons currently have the No. 21 pick in the draft, and that feels like the range to be able to grab a skilled guard or wing. It also could present opportunities to draft another defensive-minded big if you really want to take all these Isaiah Stewart trade rumors to heart.

Langdon has said he’s more likely to trade up to get a targeted player than he is to trade down in the draft. We will see what happens.

If any other juicy rumors pop up, add them in the comments. If anything really interesting comes along that involves Detroit, expect that to get its own post.

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

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The Atlanta Braves visit the San Diego Padres tonight at Petco Park, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. 

My Braves vs. Padres predictions are eyeing Griffin Canning to quiet Atlanta's offense and continue his improved form at home. 

Read more in my MLB picks for Tuesday, June 23.

Who will win Braves vs Padres today: Padres moneyline (+101)

The Atlanta Braves will hand JR Ritchie the baseball tonight, and the rookie has struggled lately. He owns a 6.70 FIP over his last 10 innings while allowing an alarming 46.2% hard-hit rate.

It doesn't get much better on the road, where Ritchie has posted a 5.24 FIP this season.

Griffin Canning hasn't been in peak form lately either, carrying a 5.46 xERA across his last five appearances. However, the right-hander has pitched considerably better at Petco Park, compiling a respectable 3.48 xFIP.

Atlanta's offense is also cold. The Braves were shut out in Monday's series opener and haven't scored more than four runs in a game since last Wednesday.

I'll play this pick up to -120.

Covers COVERS INTEL: The Braves own just a .120 ISO over the last week compared to a .166 mark on the season, suggesting their power production has cooled considerably.

Braves vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-131)

There may be two inconsistent starters on the mound, but neither lineup is swinging the bats particularly well. Atlanta owns a 67 wRC+ over its last six games and is averaging just three runs per contest during that span.

San Diego has been slightly better offensively, but its .313 wOBA doesn't suggest a lineup capable of carrying this total on its own. Both bullpens have also been solid lately. Atlanta's relief corps owns a 3.59 xERA over the last week, while the Padres' pen has posted a stellar 2.51 ERA across the last two weeks.

Between the bullpen form and recent offensive struggles, the Under offers value.

I'll play this pick up to -140. 

Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 29-24, +2.63 units
  • Over/Under bets: 31-21, +5.60 units

Braves vs Padres weather

Conditions at Petco Park should be fairly neutral tonight. Temperatures are expected to be around 70°F with 8.1 mph winds, 73.1% humidity, and virtually no chance of rain. The mild weather and light breeze shouldn't provide much assistance to either pitchers or hitters.

Braves vs Padres odds

  • Moneyline: Braves -108 | Padres +104
  • Run line: Braves -1.5 (+150) | Padres +1.5 (-170)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+113) | Under 8.5 (-117)

Braves vs Padres trend

The Padres have hit the Under in 16 of their last 22 games at home (+9.50 Units / 40% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Padres.

How to watch Braves vs Padres and game info

LocationPetco Park, San Diego, CA
DateTuesday, June 23, 2026
First pitch9:40 p.m. ET
TVESPN
Braves starting pitcherJR Ritchie
(1-2, 4.54 ERA)
Padres starting pitcherGriffin Canning
(1-5, 6.64 ERA)

Braves vs Padres 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.

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Washington Nationals ace Foster Griffin spun yet another gem

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Foster Griffin #22 of the Washington Nationals pitches to the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Nationals Park on June 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After the game, Foster Griffin told me, “You are not done until the manager shakes your hand and says you are done”. Last night, that hand shake did not come until one out in the 8th inning. When Blake Butera took the ball from Griffin, the crowd that stuck through a long rain delay erupted in cheers.

It has been that kind of season for Foster Griffin. In his first season back from Japan, the crafty lefty has been an absolute horse for the Nationals. On the season, he has a 3.15 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 91.1 innings. That is borderline ace stuff, or at least high end number 2 starter production for a guy who signed for $5.5 million.

Griffin has had a lot of good outings, but tonight may have been his best. As he put it, there are only 4 or 5 outings across the season where everything is working, and tonight was one of those nights. Griffin was using his entire 7 pitch mix to perfection, and it baffled the Phillies. He tied his career high with 9 strikeouts.

While Griffin’s cutter is always his bread and butter pitch, it was particularly dominant tonight. He got 8 of his 17 whiffs on the cutter, which he threw 29% of the time. Seeing all his pitches work together was truly beautiful. As usual, he had his fastball and breaking stuff, but his changeup and splitter were also on point tonight. That changeup was just perplexing right handed hitters.

Foster Griffin has honestly been a true ace outside of back to back blowup starts in May. When he had those rough outings, there were questions about if the soft tossing lefty had been figured out. However, he has had his best month of the season so far in June. Griffin has allowed exactly one run in each of his four outings this month.

Griffin’s performances have left a real mark on his teammates as well. Luis Garcia Jr. was quick to remark that Griffin is impressive every time he pitches, not just tonight. He also said that you can rely on Griffin to go 6 or 7 innings almost every time out. Garcia is pretty spot on in this assessment, as Griffin has gone at least 6 frames in 8 of his last 12 outings.

Curtis Mead was very impressed by how Griffin kept the Phillies hitters off balance. He said that, “It felt like the swings (from Phillies hitters) were not as good as those guys are capable of”. Seeing what Griffin did to a lineup that thrashed the Mets the last couple days made this even more impressive. Kyle Schwarber has been on one of his home run binges, but Griffin made him look silly.

That has been a trend for Griffin. He just has hitters second guessing themselves with all of the different pitches he can throw. I am not saying he is Max Scherzer obviously, but last night felt like a Scherzer outing, even down to the solo homer he gave up. It has been a while since I have seen a Nats starter in such control of an outing that deep into the game.

One key part of Griffin’s outing is that he did not walk anyone. That has been a trademark for him all season, but especially lately. In his last 7 starts, Griffin has just 5 walks in over 40 innings. Just seeing a Nats pitcher not beat themselves while also having the stuff to beat opposing hitters just gives me so much joy.

The Nats will have an interesting decision to make with Griffin at the deadline. He is only on a one-year deal, so there is a chance he could be moved. However, with how the Nats are playing, moving him is not the lock that it may have been earlier in the season. As Spencer Nusbaum put it, Griffin is one of the faces of Paul Toboni’s trade deadline conundrum. 

It would be wrong for Toboni not to at least explore the market. However, I also think it would be a mistake for Toboni to not check in with Griffin’s representation to see what an extension would look like. With underlying numbers that are more average than elite and stuff that does not jump off the page, Griffin might be more valuable to the Nats than he is on the trading block.

A Griffin trade is still obviously on the table, but an extension for 2 to 3 years should be as well. It all comes down to where the Nats are sitting in a month and what Griffin’s number would be. I doubt teams would pay Griffin the way most 3.15 ERA guys are paid in assets or money. That could make an extension easier, but this could be the best we get from Griffin. Just look at Erick Fedde, who had a great first season back from Asia and regressed after that.

This will be a complicated decision for the Nats front office. However, that is not the main focus right now. Instead, let’s close out by talking about how brilliant the lefty has been for this team. He was a real under the radar pickup, but has been one of the steals of the offseason. It is tough to imagine where the Nats would be without Griffin, but they sure would not be in a Wild Card race.

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Former Maple Leafs President And GM Brian Burke Deserving Of Hockey Hall Of Fame Nod

When the Hockey Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 on June 22, Brian Burke’s selection in the Builders category felt both overdue and entirely fitting. The longtime NHL executive, whose fingerprints are on Stanley Cup success, franchise revivals, league discipline, Olympic hockey and a generation of media coverage, joins Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk and Cindy Curley in the Hall. For Burke, it is recognition not just of titles won or drafts executed, but of a career defined by relentless engagement with the game at every level.

Burke’s path through the NHL reads like a map of modern hockey’s front-office evolution. He served as director of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks in the early 1990s before a brief stint as general manager of the Hartford Whalers. He then spent six seasons in the NHL’s league office as executive vice-president and director of hockey operations, where he became the league’s chief disciplinarian,  the man charged with interpreting and enforcing the rulebook during an era of evolving physical play and expanding scrutiny. That experience gave him a league-wide perspective few executives possess.

He returned to club management as president and general manager of the Vancouver Canucks from 1998 to 2004, helping stabilize and re-energize a franchise that had struggled for relevance. The Sedin twins, drafted and developed during his watch, became cornerstones of sustained success. From there Burke moved to the Anaheim Ducks as executive vice-president and general manager, guiding the organization to its first Stanley Cup in 2007,  a validation of his belief in building through a mix of high-end talent, physical identity and cap-aware roster construction.

It was in Toronto, however, where Burke became a daily fixture for those of us on the beat. Named president and general manager of the Maple Leafs on November 29, 2008, he took over a franchise desperate for direction and star power. He spoke bluntly about the team’s identity, the need for physicality, and the realities of competing in a salary-cap world.

When I joined the Leafs beat in 2011, Burke was still the GM and president. He was always approachable and available. He believed in what he called the “rules of engagement”  a straightforward philosophy he would articulate plainly: if you were asking questions to promote the team or seeking legitimate information about the organization, he would answer. There was no gatekeeping for its own sake. In an era when some executives viewed the media as an obstacle, Burke treated reporters as part of the ecosystem that helped sell the product. He understood that accessibility built trust and, ultimately, grew interest in the team. Practices, morning skates, off-day scrums, he was there, often holding court with the same candor he brought to the draft table or trade calls.

The Leafs did not reach the playoffs during Burke’s tenure, finishing with a 129-135-42 record across parts of five seasons before he was relieved of his duties in January 2013. Yet the foundation he helped lay — in scouting, player development and a willingness to accumulate draft capital — contributed to the infrastructure that later executives inherited. More than the wins and losses, what lingered was the way he conducted himself: honest, passionate, and never above explaining the “why” behind a decision.

After Toronto, Burke served as president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames and later held the same role with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also served as general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic team that captured silver in Vancouver. In every stop, the through-line was the same: a commitment to the game’s integrity, player development and the business of selling hockey.

Even now, years removed from day-to-day management, Burke remains a visible and influential presence in Toronto. He continues to do the media rounds, offering sharp analysis on television and radio, while regularly attending games from the press box at Scotiabank Arena and showing up at practices. That continued engagement speaks to who he has always been: someone who loves the game too much to step away completely. Younger reporters and front-office staff still seek him out for counsel. His willingness to share hard-earned lessons has made him a de facto mentor in a league that too often treats institutional knowledge as disposable.

Burke’s induction is a reminder that the Hockey Hall of Fame honors builders in the fullest sense of the word. It is not only about championships or individual accolades, though he has both. It is about the cumulative impact on the sport, the franchises he stabilized, the players he helped develop, the standards he upheld in the league office, and the example he set for how executives can and should interact with the people who cover the game. In an industry that can feel increasingly guarded, Burke’s career stands as proof that openness and accountability are not liabilities. They are part of the job.

Burke is one of the most prominent advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in hockey and was the driving force behind the You Can Play Project, which operates under the philosophy that "if you can play, you can play"

He's the definition of a builder, and Burke's call to the Hall is well deserved.

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Winners, losers from Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami

The Miami Heat got their man. Again.

Miami was the frontrunner to land Giannis Antetokounmpo going back to the February trade deadline — it was the most persistent suitor then, and it was one of the two teams standing in the end.

Milwaukee is trading Antetokounmpo to Miami for four players and three draft picks, but which team won this trade? And who were the losers?

Let's break it down. But first, a reminder of this trade.

Miami gets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis
Milwaukee gets: Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the 2026 No. 13 pick, Miami's unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 pick swap, and Miami's 2033 second-round pick

Winner: Giannis Antetokounmpo

In the end, Antetokounmpo got his wish.

After 13 years in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo was ready to leave the only team and city he has ever called home. From the outside, you could both see this divorce coming in slow motion — the traded and then misfires on draft picks sped up the process — yet still understand why Milwaukee had to stay on the path it had chosen.

For the second half of Antetokounmpo's Bucks tenure, the team kept making short-term, win-now moves — and it paid off with the 2021 championship. But when the bill for those moves came due in the past couple of years, Antetokounmpo realized he wanted another shot at a ring more than anything else. Antetokounmpo wanted out and to go to a place he believed he could contend, and that was no longer Milwaukee.

Miami was one of the teams on Antetokounmpo's short list. In the end, the star got traded to the place he wanted to go. NBA superstars almost always get where they want to go.

Now we'll see if this story ends happily ever after.

Winner (with work to do): Miami Heat

The bar is set high in Miami with these kinds of bold moves. After LeBron James made his decision and Miami landed him and Chris Bosh in 2010 free agency, the Heat appeared in the next four NBA Finals, winning two. After landing Jimmy Butler in 2019 free agency, the Heat appeared in two of the next four NBA Finals.

Miami has work to do to live up to those expectations — even with a healthy Antetokounmpo, the Miami Heat are not a contender today, as constructed.

However, they are a whole lot closer than they were when Charlotte eliminated them from the play-in two months ago.

Miami has been a star-driven franchise (dating back to Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal winning a ring together), and landing Antetokounmpo makes them both relevant and interesting again — and much better. While the Heat sent out some of their best young players to make this trade happen, this is still a solid roster: Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, a re-signed Norman Powell (he is a free agent but expected to return to the Heat), Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell are the starters, with Bobby Portis off the bench. That is a really good defensive roster and, while there are questions about having enough ball-handling and shooting, it's going to be a good team. Top six in the East, maybe top four, depending on health.

However, as New York showed in its run to the title, depth matters. That feels especially true when the guy the Heat just traded for has missed all or part of the last three playoffs due to injury.

Miami has a lot of work to do to round out this roster. Part of why Antetokounmpo wanted to go to Miami was trusting the organization to get those players and coach Erik Spoelstra to get the most out of them. Now the pressure is on to do just that because the expectations in Miami are sky high — exactly where Pat Riley wants them.

Loser: Boston Celtics

Technically, the Celtics are losers because they came in second in the bidding for Antetokounmpo. However, the bigger loss could be the franchise's relationship with Jaylen Brown.

Boston with Jayson Tatum and Antetokounmpo — who would put pressure on the rim and make the team less 3-point dependent, plus help the Celtics' defense — would have been a title contender. One could argue the Celtics offered the better trade package for Antetokounmpo because it returned an All-NBA star in his prime (Jaylen Brown), but Milwaukee preferred Miami's offer (something reportedly driven by Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam).

Reports out of Boston are that the Celtics are not shopping Brown and are not looking to trade him, he was available only for the two-time MVP Antetokounmpo. Except Brown went through this same thing a year before when it was Kevin Durant. It's fair of him to ask how much Boston really wants to keep him — Brad Stevens has some work to do to mend that relationship.

Losers: Milwaukee Bucks fans

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in Milwaukee franchise history, and he just followed in the footsteps of the only other person who could lay claim to that crown — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — by forcing his way out of town.

This sucks for Bucks fans, who have been loyal to Antetokounmpo to a fault and are now going to watch their team rebuild for years — the return in this trade is a lot less than they might have gotten a year ago, or even at the trade deadline. And with the new draft lottery system, it's going to be even harder for genuinely bad teams to turn things around.

Antetokounmpo brought Bucks fans a title and some of the best years in franchise history, he will ultimately be remembered fondly. But the next few years are going to be rough.

Winners: NBA fans done with Antetokounmpo saga

The will-he/won't-he of Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially forcing his way out of Milwaukee has been going on for what seems the better part of a decade. Each time he would threaten to leave, the Bucks front office would make a grand gesture — getting Jrue Holiday (which led to a title) or landing Damian Lillard — and in the end, Antetokounmpo would re-sign with the Bucks. Then there would be about a one-year lull in the rumors before they would start back up again.

Finally, our long national nightmare is over — Antetokounmpo has been traded. This saga is over and he ended up with one of the league's glamour franchises. Bucks fans are left to pick up the pieces, but now the rest of NBA fans can move on… and figure out who is the next superstar whose future will become a constant topic of rumors and conversations.

Winner: Portland Trail Blazers

Trying to make a big splash, new Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon tried to push his team into the mix for Antetokounmpo, which was never realistic, but gave him good "look how much I want to win" PR to try to win over Portland fans unsure of him.

However, Dundon's team wins because Portland controls Milwaukee's 2029 first-round pick and holds first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, all thanks to the 2023 Lillard trade. The one word of caution here is that, with the NBA's new lottery system and flattened odds, it's much harder to predict where those picks might fall and gauge their value. That said, Milwaukee is going to struggle for a few years, and Portland controls its draft picks for much of that period, which could work out well for the team in the Pacific Northwest.

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NHL & Islanders News: Mocking drafts; Beau-T day; Hall of Fame

Now that was a day. | Getty Images

The Islanders are just days away from adding another top prospect to their system, unless they trade their pick for a 30-year-old. The mock drafts overfloweth; someone rated between 10th and 18th will probably be theirs. It will be both brilliant and inexcusable, a steal and a reach.

Islanders News

  • This day in Islanders history: Anthony Beauvillier extends the series and closes the Coliseum with an OT winner. [Isles]
  • Here’s a mock draft with the Isles taking 6’5″ Swedish defenseman Malte Gustafsson, if OHL LW Ethan Belchetz and NCAA C Tynan Lawrence are off the board. [Athletic]
  • Here’s another saying Lawrence or else “two-way forward” Oliver Suvanto. [NHL]

Elsewhere

  • The latest Hall of Fame class was announced and no-brainer Patrice Bergeron is joined by Keith Tkachuk and Penne Rinne for some reason. (Brian Burke, too…by sheer volume, I suppose.) [NHL]
  • Rumblings on Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson, the Panthers’ goalie conundrum and more. [ESPN]
  • More on the Brady Tkachuk trade, which Steve Staios confirmed came from a trade request. [NHL]
  • The “Real Kyper” trade board is updated with LOTS of names, many of them plausible, though no Islanders on the list. [Sportsnet]
  • Darren Raddysh talks about the poetry of returning home to Toronto, where fans will surely chase him out like he’s Larry Murphy within a couple of seasons. [TSN]
  • The Sabres have decisions to make with Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch. [TSN]
  • The Oilers have extended Connor Murphy for five years. [TSN] Not sure that and the Dickinson deal are the slam-dunk, defense-is-fixed moves they’re making it out to be. [TSN]
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Morning Flurries: Avalanche to play four preseason games

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 21: The Colorado Avalanche stand during the singing of the national anthem prior to a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center on October 21, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Eli Rehmer/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

You know the 2026-27 NHL season is right around the corner when dates start getting released. For now only four Colorado Avalanche ehhibition dates have been announced, though the rest of the schedule is expected sometime in July. Rumor has it that the NHL regular season will begin on September 29th after an abbreviated training camp and preseason.

Kicking off a big week of news, the NHL has announced their 2026 Hall of Fame class. Congratulations to Patrice Bergeron, Brian Burke, Cindy Curley, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, and Keith Tkachuk!

It’s the offseason of change for the entire organization as the new ECHL affiliate New Mexico Goatheads have announced Zack Stortini as the first head coach of their expansion franchise. He was previously an assistant coach for the Tucson Roadrunners AHL squad.

Even more news about the Goatheads is confirmation they have revealed their new threads for the inaugural season. The slight nod to the Avalanche sweaters is a nice touch.

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Tuesday Posted & Toasted Notes

BRONX, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 9: The Bronx Zoo transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors as fall foliage surrounds its animal habitats in New York, United States on November 9, 2025. Visitors enjoy the mix of wildlife and seasonal scenery, with golden leaves creating picturesque views across one of New York City's most famous attractions. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images

Happy Tuesday from the basement. Temperatures are set to hit 99 F later today at the place I’m typing this thing from, so I guessed it’d be better to do it now before the keyboard melted. Such is life in sunny Spain, where summers are not as cool and fun as they look.

  • It’s Draft Day! Not that we care (that much) with the Knicks coming off winning the title, but SNY’s Ian Begley put together a comprehensive report of who’s worked out in New York, potential targets, and everything else for those watching on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
  • Most interestingly, and in the lone insider-like note included in his write-up, Begley named St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor as someone with “fans” within the Knicks organization. Color me excited, we’re finally getting Ron Artest!

“If Robinson and Shamet are back, the Knicks probably look at size on the wing or a player who can handle the ball. Ejiofor has some fans in the organization. If they think they are losing Robinson or Hukporti, maybe the Knicks draft a center? Tarris Reed Jr. from UConn would be a strong pick in New York’s range.”

  • The Knicks are set to sign the realest Frenchman hooper to a four-year, $10.5 million deal. Hooray!
  • Loud Monday night across the Association, with two All-Stars moving places in Giannis Antetokounmpo (destination Miami) and Julius Randle (back to New York, but the bad one).
  • As ClydeWingo pointed out on Monday night’s post-trade comments, and something I wasn’t aware of or simply had forgotten, Randle was seemingly key in the hiring of Tom Thibodeau as the man to lead the Knicks out of wherever the hell they were a few years ago, after Leon Rose asked him about it given his A1 role back then. Gotta love good ol’ Jules.
  • The Celtics balked at adding players to the Giannis deal, ended up submitting a one-for-one package built around Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks, failed to convince the Bucks, kept trying to ostracize one of their two superstars, and seem poised to move new-generation Carlos Boozer anyway, says ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Windhorst argued that Boston has simply realized the Celtics don’t have enough to beat the Knicks as currently constructed, and the only way out of purgatory is by dealing Brown away and quickly. Music to my ears.

“The Celtics took a hard look in the mirror and decided, we weren’t going to beat the Knicks”

  • Windhorst surely was on a hot run yesterday, also saying that Brown “is accepting (the Celtics want to trade him) and realizes this is a chance to turn the page in his career and he may be getting his own team.” For the next chapter, tune in on whatever platform he streams his life so you get his take on it from the rawest possible source.
  • On Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania brought the Knicks name back into the Giannis trade conversation. Remember when NYK was close to pulling it off a few months ago? Here’s some tiny additional details.

“Antetokounmpo pushed for a trade, with his reps making it clear that the New York Knicks were his preferred destination. The Bucks and the Knicks briefly engaged in discussions last summer, but New York never believed Milwaukee seriously considered trading its superstar. The Bucks, on the other hand, believed the Knicks’ offers were never serious enough.”

  • John Wall thinks it’s time.
  • Speaking of Carlos Boozer, he was a bit salty about his son Cameron undoubtedly not getting drafted with the No. 1 overall pick, but the No. 2 either. Have a great time in Memphis, Bozo.
  • The Knicks are going to need some depth next season, and if they really don’t cross the second apron, well, they will need to work the vet-min market with pinpoint accuracy and savviness. Helping New York, however, is OAKAAK Frank Ntilikina, who just left Olympiacos by mutual agreement. How we feeling?
  • Vegas has its first backer for an NBA franchise once expansion comes to fruition, and it’s the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights owner, Bill Foley, who is set to pony up as much dough as needed to bring hoops to Sin City. Years away, yes, but just for fun, if the expansion draft happened tonight, which eight players would you leave unprotected from the Knicks’ title-winning roster?

Knowing Leon Rose and how the Knicks have operated under his guidance, I was always (and still am) convinced they’d move their first-round pick, leaving us all waiting for something to enjoy on Tuesday night on the cold, and with no prospect to call one of ourselves. Anyway, I still think they will end up drafting someone at some point in the second round, and then the UDFA market will open for undrafted prospects.

That’s all for today, fellas. Exciting times ahead!