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2023 NHL Draft Looks Like A Masterclass For Chicago Blackhawks, Kyle Davidson

The Chicago Blackhawks made 11 selections in the 2023 NHL Draft. 2 of them were in the first round, 4 were in the top 50, and 8 were in the top 100.

The Chicago Blackhawks also kicked off the draft by taking Connor Bedard of the Regina Pats with the first overall pick. 

Three full seasons later, it is clear that this draft has the potential to be an incredible class for the organization. There are already a handful of players who have roles in the NHL ahead of schedule, with more on the way. The class is as follows:

1. - Connor Bedard

19. - Oliver Moore

35. - Adam Gajan

44. - Roman Kantserov

55. - Martin Misiak

67. - Nick Lardis

93. - Jiri Felcman

99. - Alex Pharand

131. - Marcel Marcel

167. - Milton Oscarson

195. - Janne Peltonen

Connor Bedard is the star that the Blackhawks selected him to be. He is also far from being a finished product in his development. He is trending towards being an elite number one center on a contending team. It’s only a matter of time, and maybe a linemate or two, before he becomes known amongst the league’s best. 

Oliver Moore was the other first-round pick from 2023. He is arguably the fastest player that the Chicago Blackhawks have in the entire organization, and his skills match his speed. He is a diverse forward who gives an honest effort at even strength, on the power play, and on the penalty kill. Moore’s speed is always going to be the number one thing people bring up, but as soon as his production starts to climb, he has the potential to be a high-end middle-six winger. 

At 35th overall, the Blackhawks made a goalie selection. Adam Gajan is a Slovakian net-minder who has really ascended as a young player within the pipeline. Playing for the University of Minnesota, he was one of the best goalies in college hockey during the 2025-26 season. He didn’t dress, but he was even named to be an Olympian with Team Slovakia in Milano Cortina. 

Roman Kantserov, whom the Chicago Blackhawks selected 44th overall, may be the biggest steal of the Kyle Davidson era. There is a long way to go, but he put up some incredibly encouraging numbers in the KHL, including leading the league in goals. Kantserov has top-line winger potential, and he may get a crack at it as soon as opening night. 

As far as other prospects from 2023 that Chicago is banking on, Nick Lardis is amongst the quickest risers. He went from being a 3rd round pick to scoring a legendary amount of goals in the OHL with 71 and scoring at a 20-goal pace during his rookie NHL season. Lardis could become one of the best pure snipers on the team with his ability to put the puck in the net from close or far. 

Most of the rest are still trying to impress their way to NHL contracts, which may or may not come for them. Bedard, Moore, Lardis, and Kantserov are safe bets to play on the opening night roster. 

Gajan will start as part of a tandem in the AHL, but it won’t be long before he gets his chance to make his NHL debut. For Misiak, Felcman, Pharand, Marcel, Oscarson, and Peltonen, more time is needed. Roster spots are not as available as they once were, so everything will have to be earned. 

If the Blackhawks get four good forwards and a good depth goaltender out of one draft, it’s a big win. That’s especially true when one of them is a borderline generational talent. Early in the rebuild, these selections were consequential, as we are learning in 2026. By 2030, the draft may look even better. 

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Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa: Europa League final – as it happened

Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendía and Morgan Rogers were all on target in Istanbul as Unai Emery’s side outclassed their opponents

Villa have form for goalkeeper woes in European finals. Jimmy Rimmer went into the 1982 European Cup final with a sore neck, having taken a whack in training a couple of days before the match. He lasted nine minutes before giving way to 23-year-old substitute goalie Nigel Spink, who went on to have the match of his life. So all won’t be lost should the worst happen to Martinez …

… though our man on the spot, Ben Fisher, has just reported that “the glove is now back on and he’s practising claiming crosses from coaches and the other goalkeepers.” So panic over, for now at least.

Emi Martinez may have an issue here: Villa’s goalkeeping coach, Javi Garcia, has just spent the past couple of minutes taping one of Martinez’s fingers and now the Argentinian World Cup winner is continuing to warm up with his right goalie glove in his left hand. He looks very mobile, but it doesn’t seem ideal.

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“State Of The Rotation”: A Projected Weakness, An Actual…?

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on April 29, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In baseball, rarely does everything unfold as expected. The unpredictability of baseball is one of its gifts as well as one of its most confounding aspects. The Seattle Mariners were widely believed to be the cream of the AL West crop, projected to win well over 90 games. Who thought they would sit 4 games under .500 and that Cal Raleigh, on Memorial Day, would be on the IL sitting on 1/3 of a season batting .161/.243/.317 with 7 HR?

Projection system were not in love with the A’s rotation, ranking it near the bottom going into the season. Here’s how it is shaping up as we fast approach the 1/3 mark — significant because it’s traditionally when front offices take a hard look at their team and make changes if need be.

Health: Let’s not overlook, with relief, how the A’s starting pitchers have stayed healthy. They opened the season with Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Aaron Civale, Jacob Lopez, and Luis Morales and none has had to miss a turn, or go to the IL. Morales was replaced by JT Ginn who, despite a brief scare, was able to make his next start and is only getting better.

Now onto performance…

Luis Severino

In a way, Severino has been about as expected: flashing plus stuff, very inconsistent, high pitch/inning counts and high walk totals, prone to giving up runs in flurries, sometimes brilliant.

The A’s may have paid for a front of the rotation SP but what they have is also valuable, just not as valuable, and that is a #4 SP whose 4.45 ERA approximates how he has performed.

Expectations going forward: Probably more of the same as this has been Severino much of his career since his hey days of 2017 and 2018.

Jeffrey Springs

Springs started like gangbusters, hit a rough patch, and then gave the A’s an excellent start against the Giants his last time out. Overall he has pitched like he did in 2025: terrific on the road, less so at home. Springs’ away ERA this season is 3.04 whereas at home, where he has given up 6 of his 8 HRs, it balloons to 4.60.

Expectations going forward: Springs will generally give you a chance to win, but will also require a fair amount of bullpen support as he averages between 5-6 innings/start. Like Severino, Springs is a luxury to have as your #4 SP — and you are pushing your luck to ask him to be more.

He’s also a good one to push back a day if it means starting a road trip instead of finishing a home stand — though unfortunately, Severino’s and Ginn’s struggles at home make it hard to do any clever manipulating.

Aaron Civale

Civale has been great. Using a wide variety of pitches and mixing them up to keep hitters off balance, he has been everything the A’s could have asked for and more. Civale’s 2.70 ERA would rank 7th in the AL if he had enough innings to qualify (he barely misses but will qualify after tonight’s start assuming he lasts at least 2.1 IP).

However, Civale’s success does come with a caveat: all the underlying metrics suggest he is due for a big regression. His xERA is 4.38, his xFIP 4.66, his K rate just 6.75/9 IP. Civale needs to be very fine with his location and he has mostly been so far. He has also been unsustainably terrific with runners on base, stranding 90.3%, far above his career rate of 74.5%.

Expectations going forward: Take nothing away from what Civale has done, but you have to expect some rougher times ahead just naturally from a pitcher whose results so far have greatly exceeded the predicted outcomes.

Jacob Lopez

Ruh roh. What to do with Lopez. Has he pitched his way out of the rotation after failing to complete the 4th inning when staked to a 6-0 lead? As good as Lopez was in 2025 he has been bad in 2026.

The stats which pop out, besides his unsightly 6.14 ERA, are 30 BB in 44 IP and a K rate that has plummeted from 10.97 last season 6.55 this season. Lopez is a mess and while he was given more rope than Morales you have to wonder if the A’s will continue to trot him out every 5th day.

Expectations going forward: With the dreaded 1/3 mark upon us, figure the A’s will shake things up in some way either moving Lopez to the bullpen, where he can compete with Jose Suarez for “lefty who scares you, not opponents, when he is summoned, or to AAA (Lopez has one remaining option). Maybe the A’s just ”stay the course” a while longer with Lopez in the rotation, but don’t count on it as he’s been über-shaky for a long stretch now.

Luis Morales

Morales was terrible in spring training, worse to start the season, and was quickly demoted to AAA — where if it’s even possible, he pitched even worse yet.

Only in his last 3 appearances (out of the bullpen) has Morales started to right the ship a bit, and it’s really more “he hasn’t been terrible”: 4 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. It has brought his AAA season ERA down to 9.72 with 24 hits in 16.2 IP, 6 of them HRs, along with 13 BB.

Expectations going forward: Morales is still in the A’s future plans, but 2026 might wind up being a “get right” season. I wouldn’t look for a call up to Sacramento any time soon.

JT Ginn

We all know what Ginn did his last start. What’s less obvious is how solid he has been in aggregate, posting a 2.97 ERA. Is it for real? It may just be.

The key is that Ginn has finally figured out how to get LH batters out. Here’s the comparison between 2025 and 2026:

LH batters in 2025: .340/.416/.630, 10 HR in 38 IP

LH batters in 2026: .233/.331/.398, 4 HR in 27.1 IP

That’s worth a “Fosse wow” right there. What hasn’t shifted as much is the huge home/away splits where Ginn, after his no-hit bid, holds a 1.67 ERA on the road but a 5.21 ERA at home.

Expectations going forward: Ginn has historically had trouble staying healthy, but if the arm holds up the A’s might have themselves a gem who has figured out how to leverage his stuff — and with that you can expect that so long as LH batters don’t pose a huge issue for him, the home performance will improve and the home/away splits will move closer to one another.

Overall: The A’s don’t have a lot of SPs who get deep into games — only Ginn has really shown that strength — and there really aren’t front of the rotation arms there unless you buy into Ginn as an emerging staff leader. It’s kind of a “5.1 IP, 2 or 3 ER” group waiting for the arrival of an exciting young arm attached to Gage Jump or Wei-En Lin.

What would you like to see the A’s do, at the 1/3 mark, with this rotation, given who they have in MLB, who they have at AAA, and what the trade market looks like as we head towards trading season? No easy answers here, just an AL West that currently would require only 81 wins to get fitted for a crown.

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

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The Milwaukee Brewers can complete a sweep of the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night and we like their chances to do so. 

Here are my Brewers vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks for May 20.

Who will win Brewers vs Cubs today: Brewers ML (+104)

The matchup screams Milwaukee Brewers again. They now have the lowest whiff rate in the sport and a 26% chase rate, also bottom of the league, and that contact-first profile is a problem for Edward Cabrera. 

Cabrera's chase rate is elite, but Brewers hitters don't expand, which forces his game plan into the zone where his stuff plays down. When that happens, his bottom-40 % barrel rate and poor expected ERA come into play.

On the other side, Kyle Harrison has more than enough stuff to slow the Chicago Cubs. I’d play the Brewers to -120.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Edward Cabrera's fastball run value sits in the 10th percentile.

Brewers vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 6.5 (-115)

It's a small number, but Wrigley winds loom large again. Gusts could reach up to 25 mph, along with temperatures in the 50s. Thus, before you even get to the handicap, this is the biggest story.

Now, when you think about Kyle Harrison, it gets clearer. His hard hits will suppress ball carry even further, as they sit in the 94th percentile of the sport.

In addition, Cabrera, despite his hard-contact issues, owns a 93rd percentile offspeed run value that helps mitigate damage when the changeup is working. I wouldn't play this past 6.5, but it's good to -125.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 19-18, +0.16 units
  • Over/Under bets: 23-14, +11.54 units

Brewers vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: Brewers +100 | Cubs -120
  • Run line: Brewers -1.5 | Cubs +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5

Brewers vs Cubs trend

The Milwaukee Brewers have hit the Moneyline in 15 of their last 20 games (+8.50 Units / 33% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Cubs.

How to watch Brewers vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateWednesday, May 20, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVBrewers.TV, Marquee
Brewers starting pitcherKyle Harrison
(4-1, 2.09 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherEdward Cabrera
(3-1, 4.06 ERA)

Brewers vs Cubs latest injuries

Brewers vs Cubs 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.

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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Mariners Reacts Survey: Six Men Out

May 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryce Miller (50) throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Well, Mariners fans, I’d be lying if I told you this season was off to an ideal start, or even a good start, or even an average start. At least then they’d be above .500. The team has struggled in all aspects with performance and injuries including, but not limited to, Brendan Donovan, Cal Raleigh, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, Victor Robles, Carlos Vargas, and Logan Evans. This has led to a variety of patchwork lineups and stopgap fixes in the hopes that they will all return sooner rather than later, and the Mariners’ record has suffered for it.

Despite these issues, the Mariners have had quite a bright spot this year in the form of longtime organization Quad-A player Emerson Hancock. Hancock has had his fair share of pots of coffee, but this most recent one seems to have stuck. Hancock has dominated teams throughout the AL to start the season, posting an impressive 3.02/3.64 ERA/FIP alongside a very solid WHIP of 1.01. It’s come thanks to the absence of poor old Bryce Miller, who has been suffering at the hands of repeated elbow issues since last season. But Miller is now back and healthy, and everyone looks around awkwardly, as it seems Hancock has displaced him. The Mariners reacted with a temporary six-man rotation to test things out, resisting the urge to displace Luis Castillo or Emerson Hancock right away.

Now the Mariners have run this rotation for a week and, with more feedback, have progressed to “piggybacking” Bryce Miller and Luis Castillo together on Tuesday night. While the Mariners ended up walking out with the loss, Miller looked pretty good in his 5 innings, and Castillo seemed serviceable in his two and a third. Jerry Dipoto has already expressed resistance to moving either to the bullpen full-time, as he told reporters recently:

“If you go to the bullpen, you don’t maintain your pitch volume for very long. And that’s the worst thing that could happen to the depth of our starting rotation is taking one of our top six starting pitchers, send them to the bullpen, and then 10 days later, their pitch volume is no longer a factor.”

It’s looking unlikely that either will have an extended stay in the bullpen, so now we have to ask ourselves: should the Mariners run a six-man rotation for the rest of the year? Let us know what you think via the poll and comments below.

Of course, they don’t have to run six men, but if they don’t, then who is the odd man out? Presumably, barring sudden injury (knock on wood), it could be any one of Hancock, Castillo, or Miller. Personally, I think it’s extremely likely that Castillo is moved to mostly long relief/piggyback starts, with the hope they can trade him later this season. Obviously, if they switch him to a full-time reliever, he loses value, as much value as a starter with a 6 ERA can have anyway, so the idea would be to keep him stretched out and available for spot starts and the like until such a time as he can be moved on. But let us know what you think, answer the poll, and leave comments below on your thoughts!

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

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SEC baseball tournament: Vytas Valincius blasts two homers in same inning

Baseball players dream of a two-homer game.

How about a two-homer inning?

Mississippi State outfielder Vytas Valincius lived that dream Wednesday in Hoover, as the Bulldogs rolled in their 2026 SEC Tournament debut 12-2 over Missouri, advancing to tomorrow’s Quarterfinals against top-seeded Georgia.

And Valincius did his damage to break open what was a two-run game.

The Mississippi State outfielder came to the plate to leadoff the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Bulldogs leading 4-2. He attacked the first pitch he saw, a 91-mph fastball over the heart of the plate, and quickly deposited that fastball over both walls in left field:

The blast also set a new single-season record for team home runs at Mississippi State:

But Valincius was just getting started in the sixth, and that new program record would grow soon enough.

Because the Bulldogs batted around in the inning, bringing Valincius to the dish again in the sixth with a pair of runners on the bases.

This time, Valincius homered on a blast to straight-away center:

By the time the inning ended, Mississippi State had a 12-2 inning thanks to an eight-run sixth, and the Bulldogs recorded three outs in the seventh to complete the win via the run rule.

Now the Bulldogs face … the Bulldogs on Thursday, with a spot in the SEC baseball tournament Semifinals on the line.

We’ll see what Valincius has up his sleeves tomorrow.

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

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After swapping first place in the NL West over the first two games, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres play the rubber match of their series in San Diego. The Dodgers are up by half a game and will send Shohei Ohtani to the mound.

The Padres counter with Randy Vasquez, who is having a breakout year but may not match up well. My Dodgers vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks call for the Dodgers to tighten their hold on first place with a win.

Who will win Dodgers vs Padres today: Dodgers -1.5 (+100)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have their Cy Young candidate set to throw.Shohei Ohtani is in the Top 2% in pitching, fastball, and breaking ball value and has an ERA and WHIP below 1.00.

He's also back in the lineup after being held out in recent starts. He’s 10 for his last 19 with 21 total bases and 10 RBI.

The San Diego Padres start Randy Vasquez (5-1, 2.68 ERA), with career-best rates in several statistics. His swing and misses are up, but he’s allowing solid contact more often than in past seasons, a danger against this L.A. lineup.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Randy Vasquez has added more than a mph to his fastball and sinker velocities, and opponents haven’t caught up. Still, they’re hitting .364 against his cutter and .300 against his curve, both up significantly from last year. Plus, the Dodgers have four batters (Ohtani, Hernandez, Muncy, Tucker) in MLB’s Top 40 against either the sinker or four-seamer.

Dodgers vs Padres Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (+100)

Vasquez is getting batters to swing and miss, but when they make contact, they drive the ball. He’s in MLB’s bottom quartile in average exit velocity allowed, as well as hard-hit and barrel rate.

The Dodgers have four batters in MLB’s Top 40 in barrel rate, four in the Top 50 in hard-hit percentage, and three in the Top 40 in average exit velo. Blowing it past them seems like a shaky prospect.

Ohtani has been lights out on the mound for the Dodgers this year, but L.A. used five relievers for 66 total pitches on Tuesday. San Diego’s pen is even more fatigued after they used five for 78 pitches.

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 14-19, -4.33 units
  • Over/Under bets: 18-19, -2.51 units

Dodgers vs Padres odds

  • Moneyline: Dodgers -163 | Padres +156
  • Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (+105) | Padres +1.5 (-125)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-102) | Under 7.5 (-118)

Dodgers vs Padres trend

The Dodgers have covered the run line in 24 of their last 40 road games for +9.25 units and a 19% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Padres.

How to watch Dodgers vs Padres and game info

LocationPetco Park, San Diego, CA
DateWednesday, May 20, 2026
First pitch8:40 p.m. ET
TVSportsNet LA, Padres.TV
Dodgers starting pitcherShohei Ohtani
(3-2, 0.82 ERA)
Padres starting pitcherRandy Vasquez
(5-1, 2.68 ERA)

Dodgers vs Padres latest injuries

Dodgers vs Padres 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.

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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Matt Brash activated to boost Mariners thinned bullpen

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 15: Matt Brash #47 of the Seattle Mariners arrives prior to the game between the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Friday, May 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Connor Jalbert/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Seattle Mariners announced Wednesday morning that they have activated RHP Matt Brash off the 15 day injured list, where he’d been healing from inflammation in his right lat. Correspondingly, LHP Robinson Ortiz was optioned back to Triple-A Tacoma. Brash made a pair of rehab assignments with the Rainiers, having been out since the first of May.

It’s a huge relief to see Brash back in close to the minimum needed time. The righty was sharp in the first month of the season, helping quell threats and bridging the gap between starters and closer Andrés Muñoz. Since Brash went down, Seattle has had to lean on some of their less-heralded options in the pen, and to their credit they’ve largely stepped up. Jose Ferrer has been sterling, while Alex Hoppe, Cooper Criswell, Domingo Gonzalez, and Nick Davila have been quite effective, albeit in mostly low-leverage usage. However, extended usage and thinness among the more trusted arms has likely contributed to seeing some M’s starters left in long enough to blemish their numbers. Brash’s return also may take some heat off Eduard Bazardo, who has been taxed heavily over the past, well, year and a half.

Ortiz will sadly have to wait even longer for his first big league moment. The 26 year old southpaw has been a professional baseball player for 10 years and got to spend Tuesday night as a big leaguer at last. For his sake, hopefully the southpaw merits another opportunity to turn his spectral cup of coffee into one with genuine form.

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One Lakers’ fan guide to who root for in the playoffs

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 16: A generic photo of the Larry O'Brien championship trophy during the NBC Sports and Rockefeller Center 30 Rocks Activation in Celebration of the NBA's Return to NBC and Peacock on October 16, 2025 at Rockefeller Center in New York , New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After both the Nuggets and the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, Lakers fans of the more petty variety could rejoice that their most recent and their most longstanding playoff rivals were no longer in contention to win the championship. Add in the Clippers and the Warriors not even escaping the play-in, and there’s been a near clean sweep of the most offensive teams who could claim the Larry O’Brien trophy all out of the mix.

One could argue, then, that any of the four remaining teams would not only make a worthy champion but would be a mostly unoffensive title holder to Lakers fans.

I, however, won’t argue that.

You see, I’m someone who, despite loving the NBA beyond the Lakers, truly does root for great performances regardless of what non-Celtic delivers it and wants to see the best games on a night-to-night basis. I am not immune to having rooting interests that are at least somewhat informed by a certain pettiness and dislike fomented by whatever thing matters only and specifically to me.

These things can be small or large, be rooted in historical truths or grievances of the more made-up variety, or just plain old resentment. What can I say? I might pride myself on being objective about the Lakers and seeing them through clear eyes, but I’m not above finding a reason to either cheer on or root against someone else’s team.

With that, let’s take a look at the final four teams and who I think Lakers fans should be rooting for to advance to the Finals and then win it all.

Western Conference Finals — Thunder vs. Spurs

It feels like two bad choices here.

The Thunder just swept the Lakers out of the playoffs. Some might say that having them advance as far as possible helps the Lakers in the eyes of history in a “at least they lost to the eventual champion” sort of way, but I don’t care about that this time!

Because while OKC is a wonderful team that deserves all the praise and respect they get, they are also a team who, despite their nightly advantages in top-end talent and depth, will foul on defense and flop on offense to gain even more of an edge over their usually overmatched opponents. And while I’m sure this can sound like — and even might be! — sour grapes, the sheer irritation I feel when watching them milk every microadvantage out of a possession when simply being naturally better is enough against nearly every team endures beyond my general appreciation for how good they are.

As for the Spurs, they’re also a historical rival of the Lakers whose five title run over the last 25-plus years has them consistently discussed as a model franchise even though the Lakers’ run to six titles in that same time frame — which included dispatching San Antonio out of the playoffs more times than they did the Lakers — doesn’t earn the same accolades, which continues to irk me to this day.

Yes, the Lakers had some lean years over that stretch before LeBron signed with them in free agency, but the Spurs current team is built on the strength of six straight sub-35-win seasons, which netted them the picks that turned into Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.

My point is, rooting for the Spurs to win feels antithetical to the rivalry these teams have shared over the past quarter-century.

But, I’m doing it anyway. At least for now. Because from my vantage point, I’d prefer to see the Thunder bounced and their burgeoning dynasty put on hold in favor of a Spurs team that has had their number all season. Also, that the “If OKC wins the title for the second straight year with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning back-to-back league and Finals MVP’s, is SGA better than Kobe???!!!” stuff that is on the tips of so many people’s tongues feels fairly disrespectful and I want that put to a halt ASAP.

So, for one round at least, go Spurs go.

Eastern Conference Finals — Knicks vs. Cavs

If the previous series felt like there was no good answer, this one feels much more like a strain to find a bad one.

The Cavs not only have no historical rivalry with the Lakers, they did a trade with the Lakers back at the 2018 trade deadline that helped the Lakers clear the cap space they used to sign LeBron in free agency in July of that year!

The Cavs also have multiple players whom I either like or am neutral on, with Donovan Mitchell being someone I think quite highly of, and both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen being players whom I’ve thought would be good Lakers trade targets before their salaries got too big with their latest deals. James Harden is not my fave and is someone whose grift-heavy style and big game struggles have led to me cracking jokes at his expense, but there are plenty of other players I’ve enjoyed watching fail more than him.

As for the Knicks, they have several players I like a lot and I generally don’t have much anything bad to say about them. Jalen Brunson certainly hunts his fair amount of fouls, but he’s also a supremely clutch player whose Game 1 push in the fourth quarter is the stuff playoff legends are made of.

The rest of their team is either guys I would love to have on the Lakers, including OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and one of my favorite former Baby Lakers in Josh Hart. I’ve even warmed up to Karl Anthony Towns, whose general game bothered me more in his early days in Minnesota, but his playoff effectiveness of the last few years has mostly washed that away for me.

Because of these factors, and despite James Dolan (another one of not my faves), I was already slightly leaning towards the Knicks, but them being the only big market team remaining in the playoffs swings things all the way in their favor in this series.

Us big market fan bases gotta stick together.

NBA Finals — Spurs vs. Knicks

This is easy. Knicks all the way. Call it the revenge of the lockout Finals of 1999 — a title that no one seems to go out of their way to disparage the way that some do the 2020 Lakers title, but I digress.

One of the only reasons I can justify rooting for the Spurs in the Conference Finals is because I think the Knicks pose an interesting challenge to them with their combination of a spacing big man in Towns, a great pick-and-roll guard in Brunson, a bruising offensive rebounder like Mitchell Robinson and the elite defensive wings in Bridges and Anunoby.

The Spurs would clearly be favored if such a matchup happened, but that would only make the Knicks winning more fun and sweeter. Plus, considering the general rivalry between Boston and New York, if having the Knicks win a year after eliminating the Celtics from the playoffs were to give that city and their fans one more thing to be even slightly upset about, it’s worth it.

You can follow Darius on BlueSky at @forumbluegoldand find more of his Lakers coverage on the Laker Film Room Podcast.

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Duke Brennan working out for Detroit Pistons as interest heats up

Former Villanova center Duke Brennan is beginning to gain plenty of heat from teams ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Brennan’s agency shared that the big man will work out for the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-10 center spent last season at Villanova. He averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while shooting 65.8% from the floor. Brennan tied a program record with 14 double-doubles as he was a driving force at the Wildcats returning to the NCAA Tournament.

Brennan showed an interest in returning to school as he entered the transfer portal following the announcement that the NCAA could be moving toward a five-year eligibility rule change — although it felt like a long shot.

It will be interesting to see how Brennan’s game is viewed at the next level. He struggled from the free throw line while also displaying a lack of a jump shot. To Brennan’s credit, his motor was unmatched and he proved to be a strong rebounder and defender at the rim. He worked to get his field goal percentage up as he was able to finish around the rim at a high rate.

The Pistons finished at the top of the Eastern Conference standings during the regular season, earning the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Detroit is coming off a Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

There is a chance that Brennan can be taken in the second round of the draft, but if not, he will be an undrafted free agent option for many teams.

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What Jalen Brunson told Knicks teammates during impassioned timeout speech in Game 1 win

Jalen Brunson’s passionate message to his Knicks teammates during a timeout in the third quarter of Game 1 spread quickly on social media Tuesday. 

Brunson was seen taking the lead with his teammates during a timeout in the third quarter with Knicks down 63-54.

According to Mike Brown, Brunson was telling his teammates to play faster, in general, and with more focus on defense.

Another part of the Knick captain’s message?

"Obviously they were down, and he was telling them to keep fighting, keep battling," people who were close enough to hear the message told SNY. "He was saying that even if they lose (Game 1), they needed to keep fighting because they could take that (approach) into Game 2."

The message didn’t pay immediate dividends as the Knicks fell behind by 22 points with just under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. But it ultimately was an important precursor to one of the most memorable comebacks in Knicks playoff history.

The Knicks ended up on a 44-11 run, igniting the crowd and forcing overtime. They outscored the Cavs 14-3 in the extra period to earn an improbable comeback win.

Brunson has talked often about the importance of this team sticking together through adversity, remaining focused on each possession. With Game 1 slipping away, the Knicks captain delivered a similar message during a timeout huddle.

"There were a couple things that he felt, and he made sure that we knew (them) and our guys responded to him," Brown said.  

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Knicks' Historic Comeback Cashes Massive Spread Ladder Bet

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A BetMGM user won nearly half a million dollars Tuesday thanks to the New York Knicks’ improbable overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1.

The user laddered $775,000 in wagers on five different Knicks spread lines, resulting in $466,718 in winnings.

Key Takeaways

  • The bets ranged from $75,000 on Knicks -2.5 to $70,000 on Knicks -6.5.

  • This same bettor won several spread ladders for five- and six-figure payouts earlier in the playoffs.

  • ESPN Analytics said the Knicks only had a 0.1% live chance to win Tuesday.

The Knicks trailed the Cavs by 22 points with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation. Teams that had faced a deficit of that size at any point in the fourth quarter were 1-594 since 1997-98.

With 7:49 remaining, the Knicks had fallen to a 0.1% chance to take the Eastern Conference finals opener. New York went on a 30-8 run from that point until the end of the quarter before eventually stealing the game in overtime, 115-104.

While the Knicks took a morale-boosting series lead in front of their home fans, perhaps nobody secured a bigger win than the BetMGM user. Their five-staged bet slip required the Knicks to win by at least seven points to maximize the winnings, meaning they needed every ounce of magic in the comeback to get there.

The Knicks went on to win the overtime period 14-3, giving them an 11-point margin of victory. 

The bettor’s wagers included:

  • $75,000 on Knicks -2.5 (-210)
  • $350,000 on Knicks -3.5 (-185)
  • $185,000 on Knicks -4.5 (-160)
  • $95,000 on Knicks -5.5 (-140)
  • $70,000 on Knicks -6.5 (-120)

A winning history

BetMGM has not confirmed the identity of the big-bank bettor - but they did offer a clue.

Earlier in the playoffs, BetMGM shared that one user won a series of similarly laddered spread bets for multiple five- and six-figure payouts. 

In Game 2 of the conference semifinals between the Detroit Pistons and Cavaliers, the user risked $225,000 for a total payout of $419,641.58. They followed that up on the same day by placing $190,000 in bets on the Oklahoma City Thunder to cover against the Los Angeles Lakers, claiming $291,860.10 after the defending champs won by 18 points. 

BetMGM did not provide a name for the bettor, but he was referred to as “our ladder bettor” in the tweet promoting the wagers for Tuesday’s matchup.

No ladder wagers have been shared for any upcoming games. That lines up with previous rounds, during which the bettor only laddered spreads for select contests. Plus, they may still be recovering from the sweat of the Knicks’ historic victory.

NBA championship odds update

The conference finals have already provided two of the most exciting games of the year, and both needed extra time to produce a winner. 

While the San Antonio Spurs find themselves up 1-0 over the Oklahoma City Thunder, OKC is still a +130 leader in NBA championship odds and -115 to win the West. The Spurs are +150 to win it all and -105 to advance to the Finals.

The Knicks are +400 to win the NBA Finals and strong -450 favorites to advance past their ongoing series. The Cavs have the longest championship odds on the board at +4,000 and are +350 to eliminate New York.

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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Cale Makar to miss Game 1 of Western Conference finals against Vegas

The Colorado Avalanche, owners of the best record in the NHL during the regular season, could be in trouble for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. Star defenseman Cale Makar will miss Game 1 with an upper body injury. His absence was confirmed by coach Jared Bednar Wednesday, May 20.

Despite Makar being listed as day-to-day, there was always concern that he could miss time during the Western Conferene finals. On Tuesday, Makar's teammate and fellow blueliner Sam Malinski said, "You can’t replace him, and we’re going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him."

His comments hinted that he knew the team would likely be without Makar.

Previously, Makar missed some time during Game 5 of the Avalanche's series against the Minnesota Wild, but ;later returned. That game happened a week ago. Though many fans believed that would be ample time for the Norris Trophy winner to recover, he clearly needs longer than what was originally anticipated. Here's what we know.

How long will Cale Makar be out?

Although there is no timeline for Makar's return right now, Avalanche fans can breathe a little easier knowing that he was seen skating on his own during practice Wednesday morning, which could mean he is due for a return earlier in this series rather than later.

What is Cale Makar's injury?

The nature of Makar's injury has not been publicly disclosed. All that has been revealed is that it is an upper body injury.

There is belief that Makar's collision with Minnesota's Ryan Hartman may have caused the injury. Makar recovered from the hit but came up holding his shoulder and arm.

When do the Avalanche play next?

The Avalanche are set to host Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Wednesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. ET. Interested fans can watch the game on ESPN.

The next time Makar may be able to play is Game 2. That contest is set for Friday, May 22, at 8 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cale Makar injury to keep Avalanche star out for Game 1 vs Vegas

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That time a bunch of hoopers brought elation to Knicks nation

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks prays prior to the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I’ve never done time in San Quentin,
but MSG must have felt like the legendary penitentiary.
James might be able to tell you
after spending Tuesday at the venue.

Torture chambers weren’t meant
for multipurpose arenas,
but there they were.
Intimidated, threatened, bullied,
harassed, coerced, and terrorized.
Ultimately, all of it combined
for the men in black to get disgraced.

Neither Mike nor Kenny called for a late break.
The former wanted and was denied,
while the latter didn’t even entertain it—
nor benching Harden.

You see, anyway, them the Knicks.
They got both the lead plumber and the pipe fixer.
Dr. Mario got the pills, the beard trimmer, and the ill will.

Duck after duck, the Cavs saw their advantage vaporize.
Large feet didn’t win in their first-ever ECF trip.
Bright lights were too bright for the former Brooklynites.

Lose by 40 or lose by 10,
a loss’ a loss
that you can’t escape.

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Jarren Duran’s 2026 by the numbers (so far)

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 19: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If there was one player mentioned more than most this past offseason, it was Jarren Duran. As a trade candidate.

The thinking was, supposedly, simple: too many outfielders

Roman Anthony is set to be on the Red Sox forever. He’s a capable corner guy. There’s not a completing reason to move him to first base or DH as he turns 22.

Ceddanne Rafaela is the best centerfielder in baseball. He’s staying.

And Wilyer Abreu? He’s coming off a Gold Glove 2025 and was acquired for half a season of Christian Vazquez (thanks for everything, 2018 etc., but also that was a steal!).

Which brings us back to Duran.

He had an All-Star 2024, including winning the ASG MVP. He slashed .285/.342/.492 and was a 21 homer/34 steal guy.

2025 was a step back to 16/24 with a .256/.332/.442 line.

But there were trades for pitchers, first base, third base, and no move of Duran. He was to be slotted in as the left fielder, part-time DH, and center field replacement when Rafaela was out of the lineup.

And he started the season brutally. Remember his initial callup in 2021? The rough times? He posted a .578 OPS. in 2022. It wasn’t until 2023 that he played 100 games in the majors. This time he was better: an OPS of.828 and a sign of the big 2024 yet to come! But in 2026, even after Tuesday’s game, Duran is sitting on an OPS of .593. That’s part of a .189/.262/.331 line with 5 homers and 10 stolen bases. He’s on pace for around a 16 and 30 season. That’s pretty close to his 2025 output, though he’s way down on doubles with just 8 in 43 games.

After a tw0-hit Opening Day, Duran’s slash line was .400 across the board. Combined with four walks over the first four games of 2026 and his OBP was tacked up high for a while even as the slump would begin. Duran would walk just two more times during Alex Cora’s stint as manager.

While it is nearly Memorial Day, we are still early enough in the season that one good day can make change. Duran would fall down to a .162 batting average during the first game of the Yankees first visit of the season to Fenway Park. He’d get three hit the next day and soar to .194. Then with another three hit day, this time against the Tigers in Detroit, he’d climb all the way to .203. His first time above the Mendoza Line since April 5th. After the Tigers he’d go hitless in the entire series with the Phillies. A series the Red Sox would lose games with scores of 1-2 and 1-3. Games where hits could have really made a difference.

Is he hitting righties? Not really, .168/.241/.298 vs. .270/.335/.477 career. How about lefties ? Well, also no, at .229/.270/.314 vs. .232/.283/.335 in his career. For all the talk in the offseason and Spring Training about Cora wanting guys like Duran and Abreu to get more plate appearances against lefties, for Duran it hasn’t really worked, And righties are carving him up.

Which is all part of the point.

Jarren Duran is still here. He wasn’t traded.

Essentially no matchup is currently favoring him. But he had another twohit night and he’s up to .189 again. Could he be over .200 for Memorial Day? And then approach something near his .260 career batting average going forward? The Red Sox have to hope so, because he’s still in their plans and they need someone who looks at least like 2025 Duran if they’re going to coax more runs out of this lineup without a major trade, an idea which Craig Breslow has already splashed water on.