In a matchup that felt inevitable, the Top 2 seeds in the Western Conference will meet for a winner-take-all matchup at Paycom Center tonight, with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.
Victor Wembanyama has been limited on the glass by OKC’s bigs, and my Spurs vs. Thunder props expect that trend to continue.
My NBA picks for Saturday, May 30, also dig into Jared McCain’s combo line and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prop, as both players will be leaned on heavily by the shorthanded Thunder.
Game 7 Prop #1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 31+ only once in this series, but his aggression and favorable home whistles will get him past his scoring line tonight.
At home, SGA has put up 22 field-goal attempts and 10.7 free throws, compared to just 16.7 FGA and 7.3 FTA on the road.
The reigning MVP has scored 30 points in two straight games following a loss in this series, and after finishing with just 15 points in the Game 6 blowout loss, I expect him to respond with a big game, making this line bettable to 32.5.
Game 7 Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Under 12.5 rebounds
Victor Wembanyama compiled 41 total and 14 offensive rebounds in Games 1 and 2, but he’s grabbed just 28 with eight offensive boards over his last four.
Since Game 3, Isaiah Hartenstein has done a great job limiting Wembanyama in the paint, and Chet Holmgren has come alive with 31 boards across his last three to lead all players in that span.
Hartenstein leads all players in this series in rebound percentage, and his size and physicality will continue to present problems for the slighter Wembanyama. I’ll bet this one down to 11.5.
Game 7 Prop #3: Jared McCain Over 17.5 points+rebounds+assists
Jared McCain’s impact in the Western Conference Finals shows why he was the best mid-season acquisition in 2025-26.
Over the last five games, McCain has averaged 20 PRA and hit the Over on this combo line four times, including both of his starts. In that span, he ranks second in minutes, usage, and total possessions behind only Gilgeous-Alexander.
With Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams out again, I expect McCain to stick with the first unit, leading to plenty of opportunities to score, rebound, and facilitate. This line should be priced closer to 21.5, making it a tremendous value.
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For the first time since 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes will play in the Stanley Cup Finals.
After three Eastern Conference Finals losses through the past seven post-seasons, Carolina has finally advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, taking down the Montréal Canadiens in five games in order to do so. They have made the post-season in every season since 2019. This year, Carolina will take on the Vegas Golden Knights.
Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Jalen Chatfield, who spent 18 games with Vancouver in 2020–21 and four total seasons with the organization, is looking to win his first Stanley Cup and the Hurricanes’ first since their victory against the Edmonton Oilers in 2006. The defenceman won the AHL’s Calder Cup Championship with the Chicago Wolves in his first season with the Hurricanes organization.
While not often known for his offensive prowess, Chatfield had himself an impressive series against the Canadiens. The defenceman put up two assists in Game 2 against Montréal, also adding one more in Carolina’s Game 4 win. As it stands, Chatfield currently has one goal and four assists in 13 playoff games this year.
The win for Carolina means that, including Chatfield, a total of four former Canucks — three players, one coach — will take part in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. For Vegas, Nic Dowd, Ben Hutton, and head coach John Tortorella will compete for this year’s championship.
May 29, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes players celebrate a goal scored by left wing Eric Robinson (50) against the Montreal Canadiens in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
2026 Stanley Cup Final Schedule:
Game 1: June 2, 5:00 pm PT
Game 2: June 4, 5:00 pm PT
Game 3: June 6, 5:00 pm PT
Game 4: June 9, 5:00 pm PT
*Game 5: June 11, 5:00 pm PT
*Game 6: June 14, 5:00 pm PT
*Game 7: June 17, 5:00 pm PT
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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First up is 30-year-old Eric Robinson of Bellmawr, New Jersey. Robinson was undrafted and signed with the Blue Jackets in 2018 after spending four years at Princeton.
After playing 266 games and recording 82 points for Columbus, he was traded to Buffalo by Columbus for a conditional pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, December 6, 2023. He then signed with Carolina as a free agent on July 1, 2024.
In this year's playoffs, he's played 13 games and has 6 points. In his two seasons with the Hurricanes, he's played in 38 games and has 10 points.
Former CBJ draft pick in 2011, Mike Reilly will also be on the Canes roster for Cup Final. He has played in 2 games and has 2 points.
Reilly famously refused to sign with the Blue Jackets in 2015, instead choosing free agency. He signed with Minnesota; the team his father was a minority owner of at the time.
Reilly has now played for 7 NHL teams since 2015.
Robinson and Reilly will be going up against Brandon Saad, William Karlsson, Keegan Kolesar, and John Tortorella, who are all ex-Blue Jackets.
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There have been some subtle changes in the things Don Mattingly has done different than Rob Thomson this season. There had to be since whatever the team was doing prior to Thomson’s firing was clearly not effective any longer.
One of, if not the, biggest changes has been the usage of Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh. Lately, they have been in the lineup not matter who is on the mound, left or right handed pitcher. They have responded by hitting much better against southpaws, their weaker side. A lot of that was out of necessity since the team really doesn’t have that much in the way of right handed alternatives for either, but it is nice to see nonetheless.
So far, what has been your favorite thing Mattingly has done that has been different than that of what Thomson did? Maybe it’s the idea of letting Marsh and Stott play more, maybe its in his handling of Andrew Painter or some other reason.
Cubs left-hander Shōta Imanaga was off to such a good start this season. Over his first nine starts he posted a 2.32 ERA and allowed just five home runs in 54.1 innings. Maybe, just maybe, he had put the home-run issue from last year in the past?
Well, nope, or so it now seems. Over his last three starts Imanaga has an 11.49 (!) ERA and eight (!) home runs served up in just 15.2 innings. Perhaps needless to say, the Cubs have dropped all three of those games, including Friday’s 6-5 loss to the Cardinals.
Still, the Cubs might have had a chance to win this game if not for yet another bad outing from Phil Maton, who gave St. Louis the insurance run they needed in the eighth. Do the Cubs still score in the ninth if it’s 5-4 instead of 6-4? Pitch sequencing might have been different. Still, Maton dug the hole deeper and that’s exactly what the Cubs did not need.
More on that later. Let’s start at the beginning, which was actually good.
After the first two Cubs grounded out, Michael Busch and Alex Bregman singled.
This is classic Happ — cold streaks followed by hot streaks. Here’s hoping the hot streak lasts a while.
What did not last was that lead, as Imanaga gave up the first of the three home runs in the bottom of the first, to, of all people, former Cub Nelson Velázquez. Velázquez was playing his first MLB game since 2024. More on that three-run homer from BCB’s JohnW53:
Shota Imanaga also gave up a three-run homer that wiped out a 3-0 lead last season, on Sept. 25 at home against the Mets.
Of the last 10 three-run shots that came with the Cubs up by three, seven have been with the score 3-0.
Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon did it in 2024, three days apart; Jeremiah Estrada and Justin Steele in 2023; and Adbert Alzolay in 202.
Last night’s was just the third of 88 total three-run homers with a 3-0 lead that came in the bottom of the first. The first was off Kerry Wood, at San Francisco in 2000, and the second off Steve Smyth, at Houston, in 2002.
Smyth’s was the 60th of the 88 such homers.
The Cubs took a 4-3 lead in the second. With one out, Dansby Swanson singled. One out later, he stole second and Nico Hoerner walked.
That’s where the game stayed until the fourth, when St. Louis’ Thomas Saggese homered off Imanaga to make it 4-4. And in the next inning, the Cardinals took a 5-4 lead on the third homer off Imanaga, that one by Ivan Herrera.
Cubs pitchers have allowed 82 home runs, most in MLB (Nationals are second-worst with 79). For individual pitchers, Jameson Taillon has served up 19, four more than anyone else (Zack Littell of the Nats, 15). Third is Brady Singer of the Reds with 14, then Imanaga with 13 (tied with five others, including, of all people, Jacob deGrom). None of this is any good for the Cubs, who rank 18th in fewest runs allowed.
More on all the home runs given up by Cubs pitchers this year from John:
This is the eighth game of the season in which the Cubs have surrendered at least three home runs.
Through the first 58 games of previous seasons, they gave up three or more nine or more times in 10 years and eight in seven, including a year ago.
The most were 11, in 1956, 2000 and 2022.
They did it 10 times in 1999 and 2020, and nine in 1959, 1960, 1966, 1994 and 2017.
After the Cardinals took that fifth-inning lead, the Cubs went down meekly in the sixth and seventh, and also in order after a leadoff single by Seiya Suzuki in the eighth.
Ethan Roberts, who relieved Imanaga with two out in the sixth, retired five of the six Cardinals he faced, two by strikeout. Roberts got helped out by this nice defensive play by Busch [VIDEO].
Roberts has been very effective recently and the Cubs can really use another trustworthy reliever.
That’s in part because Maton has become the opposite of “trustworthy.” What’s a good word for that? Don’t answer that question.
Maton allowed a one-out single to Velázquez, then struck out Alec Burleson. Okay so far, but… two more line-drive singles scored the sixth Cardinals run. Craig Counsell had to call on Hoby Milner to bail out Maton, which he did with an infield popup.
Maton, who Jed Hoyer signed after he had a solid year in 2025 split between the Cardinals and Rangers, has been just awful in 2026. He has a 7.64 ERA (5.10 FIP) in 20 appearances, his walk rate is way up (11.6 percent compared to 9.5 percent last year) and he’s already allowed as many home runs (three) in 17.2 innings as he did all of 2025 in 61.1 innings.
This kind of feels like the relief pitching version of the Trey Mancini signing in 2023 — a two-year deal for a guy who didn’t really rate that sort of contract. The Cubs simply cannot use Maton in any more high-leverage situations and if they do and he does this again, they might have to think about just eating the rest of the deal and letting him go.
Now, does that ninth inning go exactly like that if Maton doesn’t give up the run in the eighth? Obviously we’ll never know, but it sure would have been better to go into the ninth down one run instead of two.
The Cubs will look to even up the series Saturday evening in St. Louis. Ben Brown will start for the Cubs and Kyle Leahy goes for the Cardinals. Game time is 6:15 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Fox-TV (regional — coverage map, scroll down to the bottom of that link). A reminder that if you subscribe to MLB.TV or MLB Extra Innings, you can watch this game via those services even if it’s not on the Fox affiliate in your market. Announcers: Eric Collins, John Smoltz and Ken Rosenthal.
May 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) high fives teammates after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
It’s only been two hits. Two hits over two days. Can you declare someone back from the dead after two hits, especially in such venues as Fenway Park and Great American Ball Park? But did you see the hits though? Let me help you with that. Here’s Thursday in Boston:
As someone who witnessed the home run last night, this ball was crushed loud and far. You can’t really hear it from the audio here. But along the third base side was a flock of loud Braves fans. Acuña’s home run and the robbed Harris II home run lit up the left side of the stadium.
Here is Ronald’s rolling xwOBA. Where this chart starts to dip is May 19th, the day that Ronald returned from the Injured List with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. Is he feeling better now? Is a month a good recovery time for a guy with some other lower body injuries? During Thursday’s game he acquired a .684 xwOBA. I’m guessing last night would be in that neighborhood as well. Even the grounders were loud, especially the one that De La Cruz required a spin and throw to get Ronald.
So is Ronald Acuña Jr. back now? It sure sounds like it. Literally.
With wins in four of their last five, the Chicago White Sox look for a second straight series win when they play the middle game of their 3-game set against the Detroit Tigers.
Last in the AL Central, Detroit is reeling, with 19 losses in its last 23 starts. Despite this, the Tigers are -113 favorites on the moneyline.
My Tigers vs. White Sox predictions and free MLB picks have the White Sox hammering the team with the worst road record in the American League on Saturday, May 30.
Who will win Tigers vs White Sox today: White Sox moneyline (+108)
The Detroit Tigers have hit rock bottom, batting .196 and ranking Bottom-3 in strikeouts over the past two weeks.
That’s crippled their run production (second-worst), and they're facing a Chicago White Sox team that’s Top-3 in run production over the same period.
Chicago has mashed lefties all year, ranking second in homers and Top 4 in slugging and OPS.
Bad news for Detroit’s Framber Valdez, who has struggled with command, allowing 14 earned runs and 21 hits over four starts, ballooning to a 6.10 ERA.
With three of the White Sox's last four wins over Detroit coming by multiple runs, I not only like them on the moneyline, but would hit the alternate run line at +223 for Chicago to win by two or more.
COVERS INTEL: Detroit ranks near the bottom of the majors in run value vs. the four-seam fastball, Anthony Kay’s money pitch.
Tigers vs White Sox Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-110)
With good offense comes good run totals, so it’s no surprise the White Six have seen the Over go 7-3-0 in their last 10 outings.
Chicago is also one of baseball’s better scoring teams at home this season, putting up 4.93 runs per game, which ranks sixth.
In three of their last four wins vs. Detroit, the teams have cruised past 7.5 runs.
Detroit puts up far fewer runs, but Valdez’s recent form has helped push the score Over 7.5 runs in three of his last four appearances.
Run line: Tigers -1.5 (+138) | White Sox +1.5 (-144)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+117) | Under 8.5 (-122)
Tigers vs White Sox trend
The Chicago White Sox have covered the Run Line in 21 of their last 30 games (+10.40 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. White Sox.
How to watch Tigers vs White Sox and game info
Location
Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Saturday, May 30, 2026
First pitch
2:10 p.m. ET
TV
Detroit SportsNet, CHSN
Tigers starting pitcher
Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.28 ERA)
White Sox starting pitcher
Anthony Kay (4-1, 3.96 ERA)
Tigers vs White Sox latest injuries
Tigers vs White Sox weather
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.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 24: Willson Contreras #40 of the Boston Red Sox tosses his bat after hitting a two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on May 24, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Adrian Beltre is often pointed to as the best one-year player to don the Red Sox uniform.
Boston signed him to a one-year, $9 million contract for the 2010 season at age 31. All he did in that season was lead baseball with 49 doubles, slug 28 home runs with 102 RBIs while leading all third basemen in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS (.919).
That tremendous season in Boston, though it marked the first of three consecutive playoff absences for the Red Sox, earned Beltre a six-year, $96 million deal with the soon-to-be back-to-back reigning American League champion Texas Rangers.
Fast forward to 2026. Willson Contreras isn’t quite to that level of production and is three years older at age 34. Nonetheless, in what will likely be a short stay in Boston, Contreras is the most productive player in the Red Sox lineup as a rare source of consistent energy and pop.
Contreras ranks third among MLB first baseman with an .894 OPS in ranks in the top-six in several other offensive categories at the position. Given how much inconsistency in personnel the Red Sox have had at that position over the previous two seasons, it’s hard to ask for anything more from the veteran. He hits, plays solid defense, leads in the clubhouse and plays with energy unreflective of a team that’s nine games under .500.
Contreras should be an All-Star with a ticket to Philadelphia in mid-July. He’s made a fantastic impact for a Red Sox team that hasn’t left much to be fondly remembered when this season ends, barring an unrealistic turnaround.
So, what’s his future like in Boston?
That’s weird to ask two months into his first season with a new team, but the reality is that if the Red Sox choose to fully sell at the trade deadline (which they should), Contreras is among the most intriguing names teams could call on.
His contract could sway the trade-or-keep decision each way. Contreras is under contract through the 2027 season with a club option for $20 million in 2028. The Red Sox could keep him as the answer at first base through then or use that to haul a more enticing return from a contender at the end of July.
Contreras is fantastic in a Red Sox uniform. The only question is how long will it last?
Eight years after an exasperated Knicks fan infamously sold his “fanhood” on eBay because the team was so bad, insists he’s not crying foul now that they’ve cruised into the NBA Finals.
“I have zero regrets,” turncoat Evan Perlmutter told The Post, after the Knicks clinched their first appearance in the championships since 1999.
Evan Perlmutter, 40, went from hoop dream to hoop meme after infamously selling his Knicks “fanhood” on eBay because the team was so bad. Courtesy of Evan Perlmutter
The sports marketing exec from Long Island auctioned off his lifelong loyalty to the home team in 2018.
His “mounting frustration” had grown steadily as the powerhouse team of the 90s — with players like Patrick Ewing and Larry Johnson, whose posters adorned his childhood room — devolved into a league laughingstock.
The frustrated 40-year-old fan blamed the team’s front office, saying “the circus . . . started from the top.”
So in one final act of desperation, he wrote an impassioned 2,000-word cry for help on eBay, entitled, “Infuriated New York Knicks fan has had enough, selling my fanhood.”
“I really made him a Lakers fan,” Riedel, 30, triumphantly told The Post, noting the 2020 championship win that Perlmutter relished.
Perlmutter told The Post, “I have zero regrets,” after the Knicks clinched their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post
Perlmutter, a former Madison Square Garden ad-sales employee, says he’s never looked back.
“All the coaches the Knicks went through, the horrible trades, the management, how they treated the fan base year over year, decade after decade, added up,” he said.
But as the Knickerbockers this month bulldozed through one playoff opponent after another (and the Lakers were unceremoniously knocked out in round 2), he’s begun to pay the price.
“You know you want to root for the Knicks now” and other taunting texts from friends are pouring in.
Still, the traitor won’t back down.
“It’s a false sense of the team being good,” he sniffed. “The cards have fallen in their favor. They’re more lucky than good.”
And he had this prediction for Knick fans: “The Knicks aren’t going to win the finals.”
But “The Damn Knicks,” a short film by Knick fan and filmmaker Bobby Friedman loosely based on Perlmutter’s life, has a different ending: The New Yorker who sell his Knicks loyalty becomes the laughing stock of the basketball world when the team turns itself around.
May 14, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez (99) hits a double to drive in a run in the second inning against the San Diego Padres at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Once again, the Yankees boast the best offense in the American League. Ben Rice might actually get more MVP votes if they were tallied today than Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger has made everyone forget who Kyle Tucker is. Even Trent Grisham has started to hit like a key member of a powerful lineup, and Anthony Volpe has come off the IL looking like the top prospect we always wanted to be.
Just don’t mention Austin Wells.
Or JC Escarra.
The Yankees have the best offense in the AL, but only the Angels and Pirates have gotten less offensive production from their catchers. You accept that your catcher will very rarely be a top-half-of-the-lineup hitter, especially when that catcher is an above-average or better fielder. You can’t really accept a 59 wRC+ or .557 OPS no matter how good the defender is.
Now I’ve advocated all season for Austin Wells to simply not swing the bat, because he does walk a lot and is seeing a career-low rate of pitches in the zone. I think he should take this weekend in Sacremento and just stand there in the batter’s box, see what happens, can’t really do worse than you’re doing. However, I also think the Yankees might be wise to bring in an outside option, preferably someone hitting from the right side that can work as a true tandem. But who would those options be?
The initial problem with the catching market is how beat up, or more specifically, broken some key parts of it are. Two of the immediate possible solutions are on the IL with broken bones, Ryan Jeffers with a busted hamate and Sean Murphy out until July with a broken finger. Jeffers is a pure rental, and despite the injury might still be the best overall option. He’ll earn just over $3 million from the time he returns — likely the first week of July — until the end of the season, had a sparkling 166 wRC+ across his first 150 plate appearances this year, and while that won’t hold up, Jeffers has posted a 110 mark in the two seasons previous to this, so he’s no slouch at the plate.
We’re also fairly good at diagnosing, treating, and recovering from broken hamates. You don’t want anyone to break that little hand bone, but returning from the injury is more manageable than, say, consistent soft tissue injuries in the legs. The biggest downside that I see with Jeffers is the Regression Monster, if we assume he’s closer to a 110 wRC+ hitter than a 166 (he is), he’s going to hit at a lower level to bring that mark down. Fortunately for his career, he’s handled lefties to the tune of an .851 OPS, more than 350 points better than what Wells and Escarra have managed against southpaws.
Murphy and his behind should be a name Yankee fans are familiar with, as he was an excellent catcher with the A’s and has been solid over parts of four seasons with Atlanta. He’s under contract at $12.17 AAV through the end of 2028, but while he was a two-win player and above-average hitter for the position last season, he’s been on the IL twice already to start 2026, with that broken finger and earlier this season with a hip injury. I’m not putting any stock in his -72 wRC+ across just 14 plate appearances, but I’m putting stock in the health challenges. Drake Baldwin is the catcher of the now and future for Atlanta, so they might be willing to get out of that final year and a half for Murphy but I’m very, very worried about that body holding up.
The rest of the market doesn’t really seem very promising. You need a catcher good enough to be an upgrade, on a team that has a reason to move him, and the Yankees care about their budget regardless of whether we do. Jake Rogers is terrible, Travis d’Arnaud isn’t an upgrade, ditto on Kyle Higashioka. There just isn’t a lot of other opt-
Yo Soy Gary, indeed.
Yes, Gary Sánchez has a 131 wRC+ as the backup catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. I know it’s tempting to think about that swing chugging line drives into the gap at Yankee Stadium. Gary perhaps broke my heart more than any Yankee in the post-dynasty years. However, I have already issued an opinion on the matter:
There’s also the small matter of the Brewers being atop the NL Central, and likely looking to add pieces at the deadline. Maybe a deal could be swung where the Yankees give a current need for a current need, but from Milwaukee’s perspective they could probably get that need from somewhere else.
I don’t expect the Yankees to make a deal for a couple of weeks yet, even if I do expect some kind of move coming well before the actual trade deadline. Injuries and ineffectiveness are the current bottlenecks in the catcher market though, so for right now we’ll just have to hope Austin Wells stops swinging the damn bat.
The weekend is here, and that means there’s plenty of baseball on deck.
My MLB player props for Saturday, May 30, home in on Michael Harris and Ian Happ, two of the hottest hitters in the majors, as well as Toronto Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Michael Harris II
Over 2.5 HRRBI
+123
Ian Happ
Over 1.5 HRRBI
-111
Trey Yesavage
Over 6.5 strikeouts
-105
Michael Harris II Over 2.5 hits + runs + RBI (+123)
Michael Harris II has been on a tear over the past seven days, batting .400 with 10 hits and seven RBI in six outings. The Atlanta Braves center fielder has cashed in 3+ hits, runs, and RBIs in three of his last four games, and he’ll feast against the Cincinnati Reds tonight.
Singer’s favorite pitch is his sinker, which he goes to nearly 46% of the time, but it’s been a stinker. Opposing teams are hitting .322 vs. that pitch, while Harris himself is batting .343 when he sees it.
Atlanta has scored 18 runs over its last two contests while averaging 5.29 runs per game this season, third-best in MLB. Harris will get on base plenty vs. the Reds, and his teammates will have no problem driving him home.
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FOX
Ian Happ Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-111)
This prop feels like a steal at close to even money, and there’s even an argument to take a swing at Over 2.5 H+R+RBI for Ian Happ at +183.
The Chicago Cubs outfielder has been one of the deadliest sluggers in the majors this week 11 RBI in five games and a dinger in each of his last three outings. Happ has recorded 2+ hits, runs, and RBIs in four straight contests and will enjoy a favorable matchup tonight.
St. Louis Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy was crushed for seven hits, two homers, and five earned runs by the Reds last time out, and the right-hander has a subpar 4.44 ERA and 1.58 WHIP on the season.
The switch-hitting Happ has really enjoyed batting vs. righties this year. He owns a .923 OPS vs. right-handers and 24 of his 31 RBI have come against them.
Happ is crushing the four-seam fastball against righties for a .364 BABIP and 3.1 wRAA, and that happens to be Leahy’s most common pitch (31.7%).
The Toronto Blue Jays starter has recorded at least six punchouts in each of his last five starts, and eight Ks in his second-last appearance. He’s also seen his pitch count steadily increase, topping out at 98 on Monday, when he nearly pitched through the seventh inning. That’s a great sign for the Jays, and for those of us betting the Over.
Yesavage is known for his deadly splitter, which he goes to over 34% of the time. That pitch is getting whiffed 45% of the time, and it’s also a pitch the Baltimore Orioles have not seen much of this year.
Orioles batters have faced just 260 total splitters, the 12th-fewest among all clubs. They’re also swinging at splitters in the zone 80% of the time. Yesavage’s unique release point, combined with Baltimore’s unfamiliarity, will add up to a lot of strikeouts this afternoon.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Sportsnet, MASN
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 0-2, -2 units
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May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) in the dugout prior to game against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
“It’s important because you only get two challenges a game, offensively and defensively,” Smith said. “The whole team only gets those two. So the harder I can make it on the other team to challenge pitches, the better. The more strikes I can get and not have to challenge, the better. I think overall, it almost makes it more important, in a way.”
Of Ryan, who struck out eight and walked none in six innings with one unearned run allowed on Thursday, Law wrote, “He should be pitching in someone’s rotation by the start of July, and I don’t mean Oklahoma City’s.”
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 28: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All good things must come to an end, including the Western Conference Finals and my Fraternizing with the Enemy series of back-and-forth conversations with Cray Allred of the Daily Thunder. We discuss Game 6, or expectations of the deciding game, and what our favorite parts of the series have been so far.
J.R.
I’m so excited because … it’s cliche picking time! Shall we go with all the marbles? Or do you prefer win or go home? Maybe put up or shut up? Possibly winner takes all? While I like the whole nine yards, it sounds football related, even though it isn’t, and that’s more about intensity and extent and less about finality. Here, I’ve got it: we’re headed to Game 7 for the whole shebang. Yeah, that’s the stuff. A little light-hearted, kinda quirky but gets the job done. Perfect!
Speaking of perfect, I feel like the first half of G6 was just what we needed from this series. It was more like G1 and if there’s anything better than two powerhouse squads going blow for blow through four quarters, I don’t know what it is. If I can’t get an entire game of it, 24 minutes will have to do. Seems like we’ve kinda been making do since that gem of a game two Sundays ago when it took two overtimes to decide it.
After kind of losing their way in Game 5, when the Spurs only got Wemby the ball with a chance to both pass or score (i.e. non-lob opportunities) on 25% of their plays, they ratcheted things up and took that stat to 54% on Thursday night. That’s a huge shift and I found that even though I was hoping for Victor to live in the lane again like he did in G1, there were enough clever San Antonio plays that I didn’t miss it.
Unfortunately, OKC’s shooting didn’t travel well which deprived us of another all-timer. But both teams’ road shooting has been disgusting recently, and I don’t know that I can expect that to change since Game 7’s are famously poor-shooting affairs what with everyone emptying the tank because there’s no tomorrow for the losers. Whoops, one of the cliches snuck out of the first paragraph.
Alright, I’m interested in hearing from you about what you saw on the last game, and what kind of game you expect on Saturday night.
Cray
Gosh, that double overtime Game 1 feels like a lifetime ago. It’s been so thrilling to write through such an epic series with you, even if the games haven’t been down to the wire much since that opener.
I wouldn’t be shocked by a rock fight to conclude the Western Conference Finals for the reasons you mention. I do wonder, though, if the relatively fresh legs from the Thunder (for everyone except Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, sadly) and the last gasp from the Spurs could propel us to a more high powered finish. There was no drama that would lead to a letdown for the Spurs, and low minutes were had by all the Thunder players thanks to the blowout.
I don’t know if I’ve studied the series too much or am just out of ideas, but my analysis hasn’t changed much. Here’s my copy/paste pregame analysis of Game 6, which still sounds about right to me:
“Game 5’s offensive explosion masked some cracks in the defense for OKC, which had kept them in the series through four. An elimination Game 6 should be the boost of all boosts for the Spurs, even if they’re gassed…Wemby digging deep to find another gear is something the greats all eventually get around to. Harper could recover more health, or energy, or confidence, whatever combination of those things are holding him back.”
Wemby, Harper, and the jackals delivered for San Antonio. Shai, Chet, and tragically, JDub couldn’t for Oklahoma City.
And here’s where I was at ahead of Game 5, the last time the Spurs clawed back even with the Thunder:
“I’m taking heart in [an even] series, the bounceback capabilities of Shai and the Thunder bench, and the reality that crazy things happen in the playoffs. Shai has always been OKC’s hope, and I still believe. SGA will find a way to look more like himself, even as the sole playmaker.”
We’ve been here before, and Shai has always found a way. He’s got less help than ever, against the most formidable defensive matchup he’s faced in his postseason career. Seven games is a long time for him to crack the code, but it’s not yet too late.
I’m curious if you agree with Stephon Castle’s assessment after Game 6: has the WCF shown the Spurs to be “collectively” better than the Thunder in your eyes, or have they been fortunate to hang with OKC without their second best player virtually all series?
J.R.
The first thing I remind myself of when I hear an athlete talking about something related to confidence is that this is a person that is literally paid to maintain a positive attitude in the face of often ridiculous odds. Here’s an example, the Spurs were down 20 points in the second half of a game this year and came back to win. How ridiculous is that? How incredibly short must your memory be to keep taking shots when they have all been missing, while still expecting that the next one is going to go in?
This is part of the reason that it’s not just talent and size that separates us from professional athletes, there’s a mindset difference that is a big part of the equation. And that’s the kind of sodium chloride that I season with, because sometimes a pinch isn’t enough, and you need to take things with a grain silo of salt.
As far as whether the Spurs have been good or fortunate, I’m with the girl from the Old El Paso ad: Why not both? Once San Antonio had solidified themselves in the second seed in the Western Conference, there was a lot of talk about how they wouldn’t go very far in the playoffs because they lacked experience. And then an increasing number of NBA analysts began backtracking from that point of view. But there was enough noise in that chorus that the Spurs began championing their lack of experience. There were comments made about how they had no experience and they were proud of it and how experiences is overrated or unnecessary.
I guess that kind of talk is helpful in the same way that the guys who had to guard Michael Jordan found it useful to think of themselves as the best players in the world instead of MJ. (I’m certain Vernon Maxwell felt that way!) After all, how successful can someone be trying to defend the goat while thinking that they shouldn’t even be on the court with him? So when I hear Castle say that, I don’t mind, but I’m also not investing in it. Of course San Antonio has benefited from Oklahoma City’s injuries. Just like the Thunder has benefited from San Antonio trying to figure out who they are on the fly and from Fox and Harper being hobbled. To say otherwise would be silly.
Speaking of silly, I feel myself getting excited for the game like I was for the series before it began, which makes no sense as these teams have now being playing each other for almost two weeks! What have been your favorite parts of the series so far, and what have you least enjoyed?
Cray
Jared McCain’s flurries, especially Game 3. Not just because of how lovable a personality and player he is, but because of how chaotic the Thunder have been pushed to play thanks to their injuries and opponent both. McCain was not Plan A, *or* B for the Thunder rotation, but worked his way into the starting rotation with fearlessness and off the bounce juice that they so sorely needed.
This postseason has become an inverse of last regular season for OKC, health-wise. In 2024-25, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein missed huge chunks of the season while JDub and Alex Caruso led the small ball Thunder to keep enforcing their defensive will on the league’s frontcourts.
Those wings played the Mighty Mouse in the House role while their teammates scrapped and clawed at entry passes, gathers, and uh-oh kickouts when other teams fed their big trying to press the size advantage. Now underhanded in the backcourt, McCain has been the surprise next man up.
When McCain repeatedly took Kornet and Wemby to the cup in that Game 3, I was beside myself. Our smiley little prince had in fact come to slay giants.
The brief one-on-one possessions between Shai and Wemby have been another favorite, especially since SGA has tipped Vic over a couple times. I would love to see that matchup down the stretch in a close Game 7. I can already envision the slowmo shot of the ball barely clearing outstretched arms on a Shai jumper to win or lose the game–or to watch Wemby close the gap that looked to be available for the Clutch Player of the Year’s hero shot.
Honorable mentions: Isaiah Hartenstein’s impossibly accurate rainbow floaters skying higher and higher over Wemby, and Cason Wallace’s rude ripped dribbles from Dylan Harper in the full court.
What about your favorite moments and performances? I’d imagine it would be hard for much to come close to that transcendent Wemby Game 1.
J.R.
Wemby’s exploits are always eye-catching, and it really is astounding how often he does something I’ve never seen before. The average play is Wemby going full steam down the lane into a spin move that he finishes while traveling at near full speed with his left hand as he flies past the backboard. The extraordinary play is when he pulls up from half court at the end of a half and nails a 43-footer that nearly everybody I’ve talked to about it says that they knew was good as soon as it left his hand.
Early in the series, there were terrific plays by Harper before his injury largely took him out of his scoring in Games 2 through 5, although his defense and rebounding allowed him to keep contributing as he healed. Now he seems back to terrorizing ball handlers, driving for dunks and pulling up for jumpers all over the floor.
I’ve loved Castle’s bowling ball routine and his relentless defense. I’ve appreciated Vassell’s pinpoint shooting and his perfectly timed blocks on the much taller Holmgren. KJ’s renaissance and energy has kept the Spurs in games. And before Champagnie’s shooting came back around, his defense and intelligent play have been the setting while his timely drives for buckets have been the diamond.
Maybe most of all there’s been the chess match we discussed before; the one that has only gotten more complicated now that we’re at the ultimate game. OKC has installed entire play sets to lift Wemby out of the weak side corner so he can’t help on drives, and San Antonio has pulled Wemby away from rebounding during free throws to the front court prep lightning quick attacks because it’s safe to assume that Shai won’t miss from the line. Finally, the wrinkles that San Antonio unveiled in Game 6 with an early flare screen leading to a high pick and roll from the left side created a whole series of scoring opportunities that OKC have yet to show they can defend.
Which brings us to today’s concluding game where we’ll see if Wemby can go off again and lift his young team into the Finals, or whether OKC thrills their home crowd and sends the visitors back to Texas to plan for next season. It’s peak BBIQ and elite execution and while I wanted to see the Spurs advance after 5 or 6, I can’t say I’m sorry it’s come down to the best of seven. Thanks for accompanying me on the journey. All the best to you.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 12: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against Ronald Holland II #5 of the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 12, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the postseason continues, the offseason discussion is just beginning for the Phoenix Suns. As many on social media know, fans are trying to solve the team’s issues from last year. They want this team to succeed, and even if most of the team is back, some changes will occur.
That leaves us to discuss another player the Suns could pursue this offseason. With the Suns’ trade verdict series going strong, I want to continue that discussion by looking at another position of need. As we know, the power forward position was a glaring hole for this Suns team, and some more size was needed.
In today’s article, we will look at someone I personally have wanted the Suns to trade for in previous years and have written about in the past. That player could step in to play the power forward position in a supplementary role, still allowing the depth to develop alongside him.
So how could the Suns go about acquiring a player like Obi Toppin? Let’s break it down.
Just curious Suns fans but how would you rank these four players if the Suns were interested in them? pic.twitter.com/QEVNjokiyd
When performing a one-for-one trade, there are three possibilities the Suns have up their sleeves. The first is trading Dillon Brooks for Obi Toppin, helping the Suns shed some money.
Secondly, they could trade Grayson Allen in the deal and save some money, too.
Lastly, it is the one logging Royce O’Neale, which is the only one where they would take back a little over $4 million.
With Toppin making $31 million over the next two years, this would be a solid addition without breaking the bank or making problems worse, given the dead cap money already owed.
What makes the most sense?
As I’ve stated in previous pieces, trading Brooks isn’t the right move. He has embraced this new culture and identity that the team wants to represent. Not only that, but there have been rumors surrounding his extension with Phoenix already, and he goes to Mercury games often. He is staying to put.
I swear, Dillon Brooks has lived in Mortgage Matchup Center all season. The Villain is here yet again for the Mercury pic.twitter.com/PW5aCvnXj6
The other two deals, though, are where the discussion truly begins. Indiana ranked 18th in 3-point percentage at 35.6% but struggled throughout the season. Both Allen and O’Neale would add to that and bolster their role in that department.
The question, though, is with Ben Shepperd and Johnny Furphy, do they need Allen? Both of those players resemble what he could bring to their rotation, with Sheppered being a solid shooter and Furphy a driver (even if Furphy is more of a high-flyer). This points to the fact that they already have guys on cheaper contracts, which is the case. Even if Phoenix saves money in that deal, it is not the best for Indiana.
That is why, even though the Suns do take back more money in this deal, I think the best swap is Toppin for O’Neale. He would still be in that wing room, but is more of a catch-and-shoot scorer, something the Pacers lack. Add that to a veteran role off the bench, and it makes sense.
Why this could get done
for Toppin for the Suns since the 2024 offseason. His skill set would be a perfect addition at the power forward position, without giving up too much.
The power forward room needs an upgrade, and it also needs room for Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn to develop. That is why they need someone to fill the starter role (like Royce) and aid their development. Toppin would do that perfectly, coming on a team-friendly contract for starters.
Then you discuss his game, and it’s clear the rebounding, high-flying forward would bring some pizazz to this team. With his fantastic finishes, he would definitely get the fans pumped with some nice lob catches or dunks. We already witnessed Collin Gillespie with Mark WIllimas and Oso Ighodaro this year. Imagine him throwing lobs to Toppin; it’s cinema. Add that with his solid rebounding and ability to block shots, and he could fit in nicely.
This year, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, limiting him to only 24 games. Yet in the previous two years, he missed two games combined, showing that it was only one injured year. He is someone who has excelled more as a bench player, but can fill the shoes if tasked.
You add that with a 6’9” frame, and you did find the size you were lacking in the front court from last year. For a small addition, without sacrificing too much, this is a swing I’d feel comfortable with the team taking.
For the Pacers, this is where it gets difficult. With them losing their lottery pick, it is expected they will still make a win-now move. They have the core with Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and now Ivica Zubac to make another deep playoff run. That is why keeping Toppin makes sense for them, as he has been a great culture and scheme fit. However, the question arises about Jarace Walker and his long-term future. Do they prioritize the veteran Toppin and trade Walker for a better fit, or extend Walker and trade Toppin?
Personally, I think they would rather keep Toppin, but if they were interested, Royce would aid them in three-point shooting. As I mentioned earlier, having him on the perimeter as a veteran wing could help with their shooting struggles with the young guys. With Aaron Nesmith presenting a similar playstyle, he could pose as a veteran to aid his game, while also filling in if he goes cold one night.
If the Suns really value what Toppin can bring, I am sure there is a way to get him to the Valley. With Brian Gregory and Mat Ishbia at the helm, we know they can be aggressive if they want something. That is why nothing is ever out of the question with them, and that is why I think it is still possible. If the Pacers are really looking to make moves, the Suns should call about this one.
What do you think, though? Should the Suns trade for a guy like Obi Toppin, and if so, what move would you make to get it done?
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates in the dugout after his grand slam home run against Chicago White Sox in the fifth inning at Oracle Park on May 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball is drawing to a close, which means it’s time to pick our Player of the Week!
Sometimes you have to make decisions in life that aren’t necessarily easy. This week, I wanted to feature two players who had huge moments for the Giants this week. But I can only pick one for player of the week, so I’m going to have to give today’s honors to Rafael Devers, who had the better week overall (and you’ll see the other one tomorrow).
Devers came up HUGE in Sunday’s 8-5 win over the Chicago White Sox, with two hits, a run, and five RBI. However it was his at-bat in the bottom of the fifth inning of what was, at the time, a tied game with bases loaded.
He did the thing we all pretended we were doing in our backyards, or neighborhood lots, and he cleared those bases with a grand slam to give the Giants the four runs they would need to take the win in that game.
Who is your pick for Player of the Week?
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants play game two of this three-game series against the Colorado Rockies tonight at 6:10 p.m. PT.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Victor Wembanyama
COVERS INTEL: Detroit ranks near the bottom of the majors in run value vs. the four-seam fastball, 
Michael Harris II
Ian Happ
Trey Yesavage
