The Knicks will open another one of their championship defenses against the 76ers.
The teams will square off in Philadelphia on Oct. 30 on Amazon Prime for the league’s first NBA Cup group-stage game.
The Knicks memorably won last year’s NBA Cup, defeating the Spurs in the final in Las Vegas in December — which served as a preview for the NBA Finals, where they again beat the Spurs.
The Knicks celebrate winning the NBA Cup over the Spurs on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena. Charles Wenzelberg for The New York Post
That means the Knicks will begin their championship defense against LeBron James and the new-look 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Opening Night on Oct. 20, then will begin their Cup defense against the 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena 10 days later for the first group-stage game.
The full NBA Cup group-stage schedule was released Wednesday.
The Knicks will play the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 13, will host the Cavaliers at MSG on Nov. 25 for a Thanksgiving Eve clash and host the Heat at MSG on Nov. 27 for a Black Friday showdown.
LeBron James speaks onstage during The Shop Live panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center on July 17, 2026. Getty Images for Fanatics
The games against the 76ers, Pacers and Heat will be nationally televised on Amazon Prime.
The NBA Cup final will be played at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Dec. 11 — marking the first time it will be held outside of Las Vegas, which hosted the first three finals for the in-season tournament. The NBA announced that the semifinals will be played in team markets. Last year, the semis and the NBA Cup final were in Las Vegas.
Wednesday’s release means there are now seven known games on the Knicks schedule after a few marquee slots were announced Tuesday:
– vs. 76ers on Oct. 20 (Opening Night)
– at Celtics on Oct. 23
– at 76ers on Oct. 30 (NBA Cup tipoff)
– at Pacers on Nov. 13 (NBA Cup group stage)
– vs. Cavaliers on Nov. 25 (NBA Cup group stage/Thanksgiving Eve)
– vs. Heat on Nov. 27 (NBA Cup group stage/Black Friday)
Joe Lacob has heard the speculation about Steph Curry’s future with the Warriors. The Warriors owner is not buying any of it.
Appearing on “The TK Show” with Tim Kawakami, Lacob was asked directly whether Curry will sign a contract extension once he becomes eligible on Aug. 29 — and more pointedly, whether the Warriors owner could ever imagine a scenario where Curry wanted out.
“It’s not the date yet — we’re not really at that point, but we’re getting close,” Lacob told Kawakami. “We’ll have that conversation. We’ll see what we do. But my guess is Steph — I wouldn’t worry about this too much. Steph loves it here, we love him here. I don’t want Steph to go anywhere. I really can’t imagine a scenario where he’s going anywhere.”
Pressed further on whether he could envision Curry ever raising the idea of leaving, Lacob’s answer sharpened considerably.
“No, no, no. I don’t think that is even a thing,” Lacob said. “This is just a clickbait thing from all these people that do this kind of thing these days, and there seem to be a lot of them. I don’t believe any of that is true. I’m very close with Steph — he lives right near me, he’s incredibly happy with the organization, with his life… I’ve never heard a word about that, and I can’t imagine it. We certainly don’t want him to go anywhere. I just think people are completely making a bunch of crap up.”
The speculation Lacob is dismissing traces back largely to the Warriors’ failed pursuit of LeBron James this summer, which prompted some to wonder whether a disappointing offseason might push Curry to reconsider his future. But unlike the broader criticism of the team’s roster construction, the reporting on Curry’s situation specifically has been remarkably consistent — ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania have both described “mutual interest” in an extension, and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. echoed the same sentiment earlier this week.
“There’s two things I’m confident about with Steph,” Dunleavy said. “He really, really wants to win, and he wants to finish his career as a Warrior. I don’t think that changes tomorrow, August 29th, start of the season, middle of the season, end of next season.”
There is a more legitimate strategic debate happening around Curry’s extension — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has argued the 38-year-old superstar could benefit from delaying an extension to preserve cap flexibility for a future roster overhaul. But that conversation is about team-building strategy, not about Curry wanting to leave — a distinction Lacob’s frustration suggests has gotten lost in the noise.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference after Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) | Getty Images
However, that’s what’s happening in Los Angeles, and Luka Dončić has now commented on this change of ownership.
It appears Luka remains committed to his mission of winning titles with the Lakers and looks forward to meeting with Kushner and Iger.
Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA. I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to…
It’s mind-boggling how many times Luka has gone through this.
When he first arrived in LA, the Buss family was the majority owner. Walter owned the Lakers for less than a year, and now Kushner and Iger will be running things.
When Dončić was a Dallas Maverick, Mark Cuban was the majority owner, and then he sold it to the Adelson and Dumont families in 2023. Not long after that transition of power in Dallas, Luka was traded to Los Angeles.
This means Luka will have played for five different majority NBA owners once the deal closes. He is entering his ninth season. https://t.co/Of0w05h803
It’d be nice if this is the last time that Luka has to deal with this. Instability at the very top of an organization can have catastrophic consequences.
The NBA is in the middle of the offseason, so it’s unknown when Luka will have a face-to-face with this new ownership group. The next basketball-related thing on Dončić’s schedule is a mini-camp he is hosting in Slovenia this August with his Lakers teammates.
Hopefully, whenever he does have a long discussion with the new Lakers owners, it leads to stability and gives Luka confidence that things are trending in the right direction.
The good news, though, is Luka remains committed to LA. He seems as determined as ever to win an NBA title and has a long-term deal secured so he can focus on that goal.
Atlanta took game two of the series, 4-0, behind a two-run homer by Matt Olson in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. The current series is tied at one-apiece, but the Mets are 7-5 versus Atlanta this season and outscored the Braves, 62-58 in those 12 games.
After winning eight-straight games, Atlanta has gone 2-3 over the next five games versus the Yankees and Mets. Atlanta is 7-3 on the month and rank third in ERA (2.68), lead the league in OBA (.194), and fourth-best WHIP (1.11). The offense has been backed by homers. Atlanta has 16 homers, which is the third-best and they've scored the 10th-most runs (48) in August.
New York is 6-4 to start August, including a 6-2 record on this current nine-game road trip. The Mets rank top 10 in batting average (.259), home runs (15), runs scored (52), SLG (.447), and OPS (.778). On the year, the Mets have been a bottom-10 offense, so this is an impressive stretch for New York, especially without Juan Soto.
Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Mets at Braves
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 7:15 PM EST
Site: Truist Park
City: Atlanta, GA
Network/Streaming: MLB TV
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Mets at the Braves
The latest odds as of Wednesday:
Moneyline: Atlanta Braves (-174), New York Mets (+161)
Spread: Braves -1.5 (+114), Mets +1.5 (-137)
Total: 8.5
Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Braves
Wednesday's pitching matchup (August 12): Zac Thornton vs Tyler Mahle
Matt Olson is hitting .297 in August (11/37) with six home runs
Austin Riley is hitting .303 in August (10/33)
Ronald Acuna Jr is hitting .238 in August (10/42)
Bo Bichette is hitting .325 in August (13/40)
Francisco Lindor is hitting .293 in August (12/41)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mets at Braves
Atlanta is 65-55 ATS, ranking sixth-best
New York is 57-64 ATS, ranking eighth-worst
Atlanta is 58-56-6 to the Under
New York is 57-54-10 to the Under
Atlanta is 34-27 ATS at home, ranking fourth-best
New York is 29-33 ATS on the road, ranking seventh-worst
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Braves
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday's game between the Mets and the Braves:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Braves on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Braves at -1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Over on the Game Total of 8.5
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 7: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on August 7, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Even with the Orioles trying their darndest to bury their postseason chances on their own, the rest of the American League just refuses to do all that much to throw more dirt on this team. They linger on, two or three games out – currently two – and while it’s not terribly likely that they leapfrog four teams to make it in as the third wild card team, the flame of hope has not gone out entirely just yet.
Probably it will go out when their next ten games after today are against the Rays and Yankees. But it’s not out yet, so winning today’s game still matters. The Orioles flip back ahead of the Twins in that wild card picture if they win the finale today.
Elements of a decent enough team are in this mix somewhere. That’s the frustrating thing! That’s been the frustrating thing all season long. They should have been better than this. Even without the guys who were traded last week, they still could be better.
Last night’s effort by Gunnar Henderson was a tantalizing look at what “better” might look like. It’s pretty simple, really: If the guy who should have been the team’s best player starts playing like the team’s best player again, the Orioles are better off. It is fun to dream about that better Henderson re-emerging suddenly on August 11 and staying with us through the remainder of this season plus the next two as well.
That’s the same kind of fun that it is to dream about the stuff you’d do with a lottery jackpot in the several hundred million dollar range. It’s not going to happen, but assuming you don’t spend money you can’t afford to waste to get one or two plays, it really doesn’t cost too much to believe in it until the numbers come in.
If the Orioles prove themselves good enough to get to like 84 wins, there’s no reason they couldn’t start beating all the other flawed teams in the AL in short series. They probably won’t, but they still could. That’s better than nothing.
Orioles lineup
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Pete Alonso – 1B
Jackson Holliday – 2B
Tyler O’Neill – DH
Dylan Beavers – LF
Christian Encarnacion-Strand – 3B
Leody Taveras – RF
Christian Franklin – CF
Carlos Narváez – C
This is the lineup supporting Shane Baz. Or at least, hopefully it will support him. Baz has not gotten much run support at all this season, his 4-11 record standing as a testament to the declining value of judging a pitcher’s quality by his W-L. Baz has a 3.76 ERA (111 ERA+) and is averaging just about six innings per start. The defense behind him at times and a lack of run support at other times have not helped him. Maybe it will go better today.
Henderson continues in the leadoff spot. As mentioned above, this finally paid off last night. Will it continue? I doubt it. The Orioles have no real choice but to believe in Henderson and they are choosing to express this in the most dramatic way possible, throwing him in at the top of the lineup when his season performance this season has not earned it in any way.
One thing I think can be said about manager Craig Albernaz is that he believes in his guys. This trait would seem laudable if his supposed-to-be-good guys were playing better and if he had better guys overall. Henderson, Rico Garcia, and Grant Wolfram between them have probably generated a decent percentage of the disappointment in the first-year skipper. For Garcia and Wolfram, at least, part of the answer is that Mike Elias could have signed better relievers.
Speaking of Henderson, we’re running a poll this week that asks if he will ever have a good season for the Orioles again. Have you voted yet?
Twins lineup
Trevor Larnach – LF
Royce Lewis – 1B
Josh Bell – DH
Koby Clemens – 2B
Brooks Lee – 3B
Luke Keaschall – CF
Victor Caratini – C
Alan Roden – RF
Ryan Kreidler – SS
The Twins starter, Zebby Matthews, has a 5.23 ERA so far in this season. Orioles fans are regrettably well acquainted in the 2026 season with what this means for today’s game.
The Emirates NBA Cup is returning for a fourth season, with the league announcing the slate of games on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The league's 30 teams are each placed into groups of five within their conference, based on their win-loss records from the 2025-26 regular season.
Each team plays four group stage games against each team in their group, with two two home games and two on the road. Eight teams (group stage winners and two wild cards) move on to the single-elimination knockout stage.
Every NBA Cup game, except the championship, will count toward the regular-season standings.
Group Play starts Oct. 30 with a full slate of games, featuring a doubleheader on Amazon Prime with the defending NBA Cup and Finals champion New York Knicks against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors.
NBA Cup Schedule
Group Play: Oct. 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20, 24, 25 & 27
The quarterfinals will take place Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, with the semifinals being played Dec. 8 and Dec. 9.
The championship will be played Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Oct. 30
All times eastern.
Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards – 7 p.m., NBA League Pass
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 p..m, Prime
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics – 7:30 p.m., NBA League Pass
Kushner, who is the brother of Trump’s son-in-law, along with Bob Iger, the former Disney chief executive, confirmed to ESPN that they intend to take control of one of the most famous sports teams in the world, 14 months after the organisation’s last change of ownership.
Mark Walter, the American chief executive of Guggenheim Partners and co-owner of Chelsea Football Club, only took control of the Lakers in July 2025 with a €10bn (£7.45bn) majority stake. It broke the record for the most expensive takeover of a sports team in history. That record is to be broken again thanks to Kushner’s and Iger’s £8.88bn deal,
Kushner was the driving force behind the private investment entity that did a deal with Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, in the failed £15bn sell-off of the football World Cup. Kushner’s Thrive Eternal firm was named by Fifa as the lead investor in Fifa Forward Enterprise, through which Infantino planned to sell an approximate 20 per cent stake for $4.2bn for a share of the football governing body’s commercial rights.
Joshua Kushner (left) and Bob Iger, pictured at the 2025 US Open tennis tournament - Getty Images
Iger, who stood down as chief executive of Disney in March, is an adviser to Thrive Capital, the US venture capital firm that was founded by Kushner and that launched Thrive Eternal with a view to obtaining ownership opportunities in well-known cultural assets and global franchises.
Kushner’s older brother is Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.
In a statement, Joshua Kushner and Iger said: “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of [former owners] Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.”
The takeover must still be finalised and then approved by the NBA’s board of governors. It is uncertain what will happen to Kushner’s minority-stake ownership of the Miami Heat.
Walter has decided to sell the Lakers for $2bn more than he bought the side for from the Buss family last year. The news comes three weeks after LeBron James elected to leave for the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron James, one of the Lakers’ most recognisable players, left the team earlier this year - Kirby Lee/Reuters
Walter is reported to be facing a federal investigation into his finances. The LA Times reported last week that $21bn in loans from two Delaware insurers who Walter owns were allegedly received by companies with ties to him or by his TWG Global holdings company, but were not disclosed to state insurance regulators.
Walter has not publicly commented, but a TWG spokesman told the LA Times: “Mark Walter and TWG have always acted in good faith, and those who have done business with Mark know him as honest and straightforward. Nothing about these transactions was any different.”
Addressing the unexpected sale, Walter said: “Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honours of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”
As Steph Curry enters his 18th campaign in the 2026-27 NBA season, he once again will be the Warriors’ focal point. But as Curry, two-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star and four-time champion, nears the twilight of his career, Warriors owner Joe Lacob wants to make sure Golden State maximizes the end of their superstar’s legacy.
In an interview with Lacob on “The TK Show,” the San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami mentioned Curry’s remaining years and asked if the Warriors are trying to do everything they can to be competitive while he is still there, alluding to struggles the team could experience once Curry retires. And Lacob is not oblivious to the situation, acknowledging that he’s focused on keeping a Curry-led Warriors team among the NBA’s best.
“Yes, I am sensitive to it,” Lacob told Kawakami. “He might be around one year, two years, although he could be Lebron and be around at 45. We don’t know that either, he’s one of the most remarkably conditioned athletes, I would not put anything past him. But having said that, yeah, we understand that, and Draymond [Green] is older as well … it’s going to happen at some point, people are going to be done or leave or whatever. We are trying at all times to be as good as we can be.
“It’s never acceptable not to be the best team you can possibly be for your fans, for the franchise, for Steph, for everybody. We’re always trying to do that, we really are … we’re trying, and I wouldn’t make so many conclusions about what we’re going to be or how bad we’re going to be after either. Our intent is to be good at all times. …”
Winning their last title in 2022, the Warriors have shown that they can compete in today’s NBA and with Curry still playing at an elite level, they have a foundation for a win-now mindset. But entering 2026-27 without a new addition to the roster and missing the NBA playoffs last year, the clock is ticking on the team’s title window.
While Curry has expressed his desire to finish his career in Golden State, recent team struggles have led to trade rumors surrounding the Warriors guard, mostly involving contending teams. But if there is one thing that the Warriors have shown, it is that keeping Curry a member of the franchise for life is a top priority and that doing whatever it takes to win is something that Lacob and company are not afraid to do.
With left-hander Framber Valdez on the bump, the Detroit Tigers are a -122 moneyline favorite tonight against their AL Central rivals, the Cleveland Guardians.
With the struggling Foster Griffin on the hill for Cleveland, my Guardians vs. Tigers predictions are targeting Detroit in-form offense to thrive.
Read more in my MLB picks for Wednesday, August 12.
Who will win Guardians vs Tigers today: Tigers moneyline (-126)
Framber Valdez has been throwing the ball well for the Detroit Tigers. Across his last two starts, he owns a 2.37 FIP while not allowing a single home run.
Over the last month, Valdez also has a 3.79 FIP, and he now faces a Cleveland Guardians lineup that has struggled against lefties, posting an 88 wRC+.
As for Foster Griffin, he was lit up in his Cleveland debut last week, allowing five earned runs. Griffin also compiled a 5.74 xERA over his previous three appearances before that while still with the Nationals.
The Tigers are an offensive juggernaut right now, carrying a 130 wRC+ over their last 11 contests into tonight’s matchup. They also have a 100 wRC+ vs lefties.
Detroit has the edge. Play this pick up to -140.
COVERS INTEL: The Guardians have struggled to produce offensively on the road, posting an 86 wRC+ compared to a 103 mark at Progressive Field. That gives Valdez another matchup edge in Detroit.
Guardians vs Tigers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-121)
This total sits at 8.5, and I'm liking the Under. While neither bullpen has been perfect lately, both offenses are showing very little power right now. Cleveland owns a .111 ISO over the last week, while Detroit sits even lower at .090 during that span.
The Tigers’ bullpen has been manageable with a 4.07 FIP over the last week while allowing 1.27 HR/9. Cleveland’s pen is more concerning with a 5.19 FIP and 7.25 BB/9, but the Guardians’ lineup has not shown enough thump lately to fully push this toward the Over.
With both offenses lacking power, this profiles as a lower-scoring game.
Play this pick up to -130.
Guardians vs Tigers home run prediction: Jo Adell (+510)
Jo Adell may only have one home run in his last seven contests, but he is smashing the baseball right now, even if it has not left the yard as often as he’d like. The slugger owns a 46.7% hard-hit rate and 20% barrel rate over the last two weeks.
What really stands out is the 20-degree average launch angle. Adell is consistently getting lift on the baseball, with a 60% fly-ball rate during that span. He has also smoked 10 homers off lefties this season and owns a .269 ISO against them.
Adell is a solid candidate to go yard.
Play this pick down to +500.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 48-58, -17.92 units
Over/Under bets: 58-45, +6.31 units
Guardians vs Tigers weather
Weather at Comerica Park looks playable tonight after some earlier afternoon storm risk in Detroit. Conditions should be partly cloudy to mostly clear by first pitch, with temperatures falling from about 81°F at 7 p.m. to 72°F by 11 p.m. Overall, it looks mild with no major weather edge for scoring.
Guardians vs Tigers odds
Moneyline: Cleveland +117 | Detroit -122
Run line: Cleveland +1.5 (-186) | Detroit -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+113) | Under 8.5 (-117)
Guardians vs Tigers trend
The Detroit Tigers have hit the Moneyline in 24 of their last 35 games (+9.35 Units / 19% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Guardians vs. Tigers.
How to watch Guardians vs Tigers and game info
Location
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Date
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
First pitch
6:40 p.m. ET
TV
CleGuardians.TV, DSN
Guardians starting pitcher
Foster Griffin (12-4, 3.31 ERA)
Tigers starting pitcher
Framber Valdez (7-7, 4.17 ERA)
Guardians vs Tigers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Chicago White Sox sit as a -148 home favorite on Wednesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET at Rate Field.
However, my Reds vs. White Sox predictions are backing Cincinnati as a road underdog behind a pitching matchup that is far closer than the price suggests.
Who will win Reds vs White Sox today: Reds moneyline (+134)
The Chicago White Sox have been the better team this season, but I don’t see enough separation in Wednesday’s pitching matchup to lay this price.
Luis Castillo owns a 5.30 ERA and is 0-3 with a 6.33 ERA over his last five appearances, including five earned runs in four innings in his White Sox debut.
Rhett Lowder’s 5.26 ERA doesn’t look much better on paper, but his recent work is far more encouraging. He's allowed only two earned runs in each of his last three starts.
Chicago deserves to be favored at home, but at +134, the Cincinnati Reds don’t need to be the likelier winner for there to be value. With Lowder trending up and Castillo trending down, I’d play this pick to +120.
Reds vs White Sox Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-116)
Lowder’s recent improvement makes the Under tempting, but there’s enough volatility on both sides of this matchup to prefer the Over at 8.5.
Castillo is the biggest reason, pairing his 5.30 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP and a career-high home run rate.
Chicago punishes mistakes as one of baseball’s stronger home run clubs, hitting three solo homers in Tuesday’s opener. Cincinnati’s relief group has been one of the weakest in baseball, while Chicago’s just coughed up a three-run eighth-inning lead in the opener.
With two starters carrying ERAs north of 5.25 and shaky pens behind them, I like the number at 8.5, and I’d play this to -130.
Reds vs White Sox home run prediction: Sal Stewart (+474)
I’m chasing a Reds home run here because Castillo has been extremely vulnerable to the long ball, allowing at least two homers in three of his last four outings. His most-used pitch, the four-seam fastball, has become a liability.
Enter Sal Stewart, the Reds’ best four-seam masher, who slugs .643 against the pitch with a +14 run value. The rookie has 25 home runs this season and has gone deep six times in his last 22 games.
I love his price and I’d play this down to +400, at a half unit.
Reds vs White Sox weather
Weather at Rate Field leans hitter-friendly on Wednesday night, with warm temperatures and high humidity near 90%, one of the muggiest environments on the MLB slate. The ballpark already ranks among the best in baseball for home runs, so those conditions give a slight boost to offense and to the Stewart home-run pick.
Reds vs White Sox odds
Moneyline: Reds +134 | White Sox -148
Run line: Reds +1.5 | White Sox -1.5
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Reds vs White Sox trend
Cincinnati has cashed the moneyline in seven of its last 10 games as a road underdog. Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. White Sox.
How to watch Reds vs White Sox and game info
Location
Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
Reds.TV, CHSN
Reds starting pitcher
Rhett Lowder (4-7, 5.26 ERA)
White Sox starting pitcher
Luis Castillo (3-9, 5.30 ERA)
Reds vs White Sox latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 07: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler #45 reacts during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays on August 7th, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Who wins the rubbermatch today? Will Luis Arraez get a hit? Do the Phillies score more than 0-1 runs? Come find out starting 2:15 today with Zack Wheeler on the mound! Lineups:
We’re three-quarters of the way through the season, and while Drew Rasmussen and I really wanted the Yankees to trade for Reid Detmers at the deadline, there are two pitchers gunning for the AL Cy Young. New York’s Cam Schlittler has surpassed expectations for his sophomore season, and Dylan Cease has been just about the only watchable player on a bad Blue Jays team.
At time of writing, the two were separated by 0.1 fWAR, a difference that is quite literally negligible. Cease has done it in about 20 fewer innings, so on a per-inning basis he’s been slightly more valuable, but Schlittler leads the AL in innings pitched and I think that does matter, even in the five-and-fly era we find ourselves in. Although Cease is posting an insane 36.1-percent strikeout rate, Schlittler’s superior control means he’s a hair ahead in K-BB rate at 26.1 percent to 25.5 percent; I personally consider this to be the single most useful pitching stat.
To keep up the fun, they even mirrored each other in recent starts. Last Thursday at the Friendly Confines, Cease went seven shutout innings against a likely playoff team, striking out 10 against a single walk. The Jays lost. On Sunday, Cam went seven innings against a likely playoff team, allowing a single run, sitting down 11 on strikes while walking nobody, and the Yankees lost. It’s one of those strange things about baseball; position dictates the two men will never actually face off against one another, but they’re going blow-for-blow in a heavyweight fight.
There’s 40-ish games left this year, and that means about eight starts apiece for the two favorites. The question isn’t what they’ve done so far in 2026, it’s how they’ll close down the stretch. The big mark against Schlittler is his home runs, a symptom of throwing so many pitches in the zone — as of Tuesday morning, Cease put the ball in the zone 42 percent of the time, Schlittler 49 percent. It seems a major focus of the Yankee’s season has been making guys hit their way aboard, and while that’s worked for the most part, he’s allowed twice as many homers as his northern rival.
Now to Cease’s credit, one of the goals of his season seems to be controlling contact quality. He’s running the lowest barrel rate, average exit velo, fly ball rate, and second-lowest hard-hit rate of his career, exactly what you’d want to do to keep the ball in the yard. xFIP, which adjusts FIP to assume a normal home run rate, does expect some slight regression down the stretch, pegging him for a 2.68 mark instead of his current 2.40 ERA. This has less to do with any choices Cease is making, and more to do with the fact that it’s just unlikely for any pitcher to surrender so few home runs. (Indeed just yesterday, he gave up multiplehomers in a start for just the fourth time this year.)
We can try and map out who Schlittler will face down the stretch — it’s imperfect as the Yankees have a key series with Boston at the end of the month that Cam’s currently not tabbed to start in, and it might make sense for the club to shuffle the rotation around to make sure he makes an appearance over say, Will Warren. There’s also a persistent rumor that Carlos Rodón will return to the team, but hey I’ll believe that when I see it. Those caveats aside, Cam’s tabbed for four starts on the road, against the Blue Jays, Angels, Padres, and Diamondbacks. This is critical when we’ve seen him develop a pretty stark home/road split this season, with a paltry 1.10 ERA/2.39 FIP on the road, compared to a 3.95 ERA/2.95 FIP at the Stadium.
I also think the innings matter!
Cease has been more valuable on a per-inning basis, like I said above. On a 200-inning pace, Dylan would have a 6.9 fWAR season, Cam would be at “just” 6.3. But Dylan Cease isn’t going to throw 200 innings, averaging exactly six innings a start he may not make it to 180. If—and it’s a big if—Cam ends the season effectively tied with Cease across multiple metrics but has a clear lead across the AL in innings pitched, I actually think that makes him more deserving of the award.
Yes, yes, per-inning basis and all, but there’s a certain security you have when you know your pitcher is going to go deep into the game every fifth day. It brings stability to the rotation and nobody’s rotation stays healthy all season, it gives you more options the day before Cam’s start, where Aaron Boone can say “OK, let’s make XYZ move because Schlittler is probably pitching deep tomorrow.” It also gives you more options the day after, since the bullpen is probably a little more rested after the righty starts.
My biggest complaint with the rise of the bullpen game is that the more pitchers you use, the greater the chance that one guy just doesn’t have it that day. He slept funny the night before and his neck has a pinch, or he can’t get a handle on his slider, it’s not really his fault but he just doesn’t have it. The fewer pitchers you use, the fewer possible points of failure. Bulk does matter, to me.
With a quarter of the season to go, figuring out the home runs, the Yankee Stadium issue — which may be one and the same, Cam gives up 1.11 HR/9 in the Bronx and 0.70 away — and continuing to pitch deep into each start is the trifecta for a Cy Young season. Dylan Cease may see some regression, especially on the home run front, but you can’t win a major award by hoping the other guy slows down. I expect this to come right down to the wire, but hopefully Cam ends up on top.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 10: Zebby Matthews #52 of the Minnesota Twins looks on with the Budweiser Clydesdales against the Los Angeles Angels on July 10, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
FIRST PITCH: 1240p Central TELEVISION: Twins.TV, presented by Progressive RADIO: WCCO 830 AM, KMNB 102.9 FM, Dan Gladden Radio Network, Audacy App KNOW THE FOE:Camden Chat
The Minnesota Twins walk into yet another rubber match as they look to take the series from the visiting Baltimore Orioles this afternoon. Winning this series will mean a sixth series victory in a row for the home nine as well as gaining a game against the Orioles as they are also in the hunt for the American League Wild Card race.
Shane Baz will take the mound for Baltimore. He faced Minnesota in the opening series of the season and went 5.1 innings en route to an 8-6 win for them. He gave up seven hits and four earned runs while striking out four and did not earn a decision in the game. The rest of his campaign has been good so far this year in a strong Baltimore rotation; he owns a 3.76 ERA/3.35 FIP over 23 starts, but his strikeout numbers are down compared to last year.
Minnesota will call upon Zebby Matthews to start today. He continues to stretch himself out from a season perspective has he’s already eclipsed his total number of innings pitched from last season. The Twins have won the last two games behind Zebby – both five-inning outings, both allowing three earned runs, both allowing two walks, and one game where he notched 10 Ks against the Seattle Mariners. He’s been dealing with a blister on one of his feet, so that is something on which to keep an eye. (That does not allow you to open the door to Twinkie Town After Dark!)
Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter attends a press conference announcing a new partnership between the Los Angeles Dodgers and UNIQLO at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The partnership renames the Dodger Stadium playing field to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. (MediaNews Group RM)
Just days before Walter agreed to give up his role as Los Angeles’ controlling owner to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, it was reported that US prosecutors have been probing the businessman over the way billions of dollars had allegedly moved inside his companies.
The Securities and Exchange Commission alongside the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan are investigating how around $16 billion in loans ended up in Walter’s conglomerate TWG Global balance sheets, according to the Wall Street Journal, with the feds exploring if any fraud had taken place.
Mark Walter’s sudden sale of the Lakers comes as he’s being looked into by federal investigators. MediaNews Group via Getty ImagesThe LA Lakers have been sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion. NBAE via Getty Images
A spokesperson for TWG Global, however, has denied wrongdoing, insisting Walter and his companies have “always acted in good faith.”
“Those who have done business with Mark know him as honest and straightforward,” the rep said. “Nothing about these transactions was any different. We are confident these matters will be resolved favorably.”
Walter, a majority owner of the Lakers, is pictured with Jeanie Buss, minority owner of the Lakers. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
While Walter gained notoriety in the business world after co-founding Guggenheim Partners — a global investment and advisory firm — he’s become a known name in the sports landscape following his establishment of TWG Global.
Through the org., Walter’s acquired affiliations with the Dodgers, Chelsea, the LA Sparks and the Cadillac Formula 1 team, among others.
Follow the latest on the multibillion-dollar LA Lakers sale:
“Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family,” Walter said in a statement to ESPN following the news of the sale.
“I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”
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After last night's win, the Atlanta Braves (-175 moneyline favorites) look to secure the series win over New York Mets.
My Mets vs. Braves predictions and MLB picks for Wednesday, Aug. 12, see Atlanta pull off the win at home.
Who will win Mets vs Braves today: Braves moneyline (-175)
Not the sexiest price tag for the Atlanta Braves to come out on top, but I really like this spot.
Tyler Mahle has been lights out over his last five starts, posting a 2.73 ERA and 1.04 WHIP while doing a great job limiting hard contact and barrels.
On the other side, New York Mets southpaw Zac Thornton has some underlying metrics pointing toward regression. He owns a 2.52 ERA on the year, but his xERA sits at 4.11, according to HandiGraphs.
The Mets’ lineup has been seeing the ball very well over the last week, but with how well Mahle has been pitching, I think he can hold them down.
Plus, the Braves own a 114 wRC+, .333 wOBA and .762 OPS over their last 12 games.
I think this is a great spot for the Bravos.
COVERS INTEL: Five Braves hitters own an OPS above .956 over their last 30 plate appearances against left-handed pitching.
Mets vs Braves Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+101)
I am expecting a pitching duel this evening in Atlanta between Mr. Thornton and Mr. Mahle, as both pitchers have done an excellent job limiting hard-hit balls and, especially, barrels. Across both pitchers’ last five starts, their opponents have stayed under an 8.5% barrel rate.
Even with my concerns about Thornton’s expected numbers this season, he has done a spectacular job of not allowing opposing hitters to generate much hard contact against him.
Both offenses have been outstanding over their last 12 games, but if these pitchers are hitting their spots this evening, I expect runs to be at a premium.
Mets vs Braves home run prediction: Matt Olson (+325)
Another game with slim pickings for long-ball looks, but we’ll go with a bat that has been barreling up lefties a ton over his last 30 plate appearances against them.
That would be Braves slugger Matt Olson, who owns a 26.35% barrel rate, .714 SLG and .464 ISO during that stretch.
Despite the lefty-on-lefty matchup, Thornton has been allowing left-handed bats to produce a ton of hard-hit balls and barrel up his offerings at a 12.5% clip over his last 30 faced. During that stretch, those bats have a .296 xBA, .495 xSLG and .522 wOBA.
“But he homered yesterday.”
Okay? Junior Caminero went back-to-back days with a home run over the last two days. It means nothing!
If you’re looking for a Met, I’m leaning Francisco Alvarez. His barrel rate has been through the roof lately.
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Season Record: 387-752, -17.4 Units
Home Run Record: 97-346, +8.7 Units
Mets vs Braves weather
First pitch temperatures should be in the upper 80s, with a slight wind blowing out to left.
Mets vs Braves odds
Moneyline: New York +158 | Atlanta -175
Run line: New York +1.5 (-142) | Atlanta -1.5 (+124)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-112) | Under 8.5 (+101)
Mets vs Braves trend
The Atlanta Braves have covered the Run Line in 9 of their last 11 games (+9.75 Units / 78% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Braves.
How to watch Mets vs Braves and game info
Location
Truist Park, Cumberland, GA
Date
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
SNY, BravesVision
Mets starting pitcher
Zac Thornton (3-2, 2.52 ERA)
Braves starting pitcher
Tyler Mahle (3-9, 4.83 ERA)
Mets vs Braves latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
COVERS INTEL: The Guardians have struggled to produce offensively on the road, 
