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Canadiens: Former Hab Signs With The Penguins

Last Friday, the Montreal Canadiens elected not to submit a qualifying offer to Rafael Harvey-Pinard. This didn’t necessarily mean they were done with him; they could have wanted to sign him again, but at a lower price. Still, the absence of a qualifying offer made him a UFA, and he didn’t stick around to find out if the Canadiens would throw a bone his way.

The 26-year-old Saguenay native signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 2. A seventh-round pick at the 2019 draft, Harvey-Pinard has played 84 games in the NHL so far, all with the Canadiens, recording 17 goals and 14 assists for a total of 31 points. He made a name for himself during the 2022-23 season when he made the most of the opportunity he got when several regulars were injured for the Canadiens. He found himself skating alongside Nick Suzuki on the first line and scored 14 goals and 20 points in just 34 games. In 185 regular season games in the AHL, he has gathered 126 points, the second highest total in team history.

Long Gone Canadiens Land In Intriguing New Spots
Canadiens’ GM Believes There’s Still Room For Matheson In Montreal
About the Canadiens' Second Big Trade Of The Week...
Canadiens’ Development Camp Day Two

Last season, he played only one game with the Canadiens, spending the rest of his campaign in the AHL, where he collected 19 points in 40 games. Injuries have played a considerable role in Harvey-Pinard’s fate. Last Summer, he had to undergo surgery after suffering a broken leg while training. As a result, he was on the sidelines for four months, meaning he missed training camp and spent the entire season playing catch-up.

While he may not be a big point producer in the NHL, he is as intense and devoted as a player can be. In Laval, he was often nicknamed Lavallagher, because his style and intensity were similar to that of alternate captain Brendan Gallagher.

With the Penguins set to undergo a bit of a rebuild, Harvey-Pinard may have a better chance to make the NHL there than he would have had with the Canadiens who have now turned a corner in their rebuild and are focussing much more on results than development, as evidence by Kent Hughes’ moves so far this offseason.

The Pens also signed another Quebecer on the same day when they added Anthony Mantha to the fold. The former Detroit Red Wings first-round pick has struggled to find a home since leaving Detroit and will be on his fifth team. While these signings might have prompted part of the Canadiens’ fan base to lament the fact that the Habs didn’t sign the Quebecers at one time, Hughes has ensured it wouldn’t happen this year by acquiring Zach Bolduc in a trade and signing Samuel Blais as a free agent.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Guardians at Cubs Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 3

It's Thursday, July 3 and the Guardians (40-44) are in Chicago to take on the Cubs (51-35). Luis L. Ortiz is slated to take the mound for Cleveland against Cade Horton for Chicago.

The Cubs put up five runs to beat the Guardians, 5-4, to give Chicago a chance for the sweep today. Seiya Suzuki brought in three runs yesterday and has four RBI of the 10 runs scored in the series for the Cubs.

Chicago is 3-1 in the last four games and 5-2 in the previous seven. Cleveland on the other hand has lost six consecutive games and three straight series.

Let's dive into the 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 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.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Guardians at Cubs

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 8:05PM EST
  • Site: Wrigley Field
  • City: Chicago, IL
  • Network/Streaming: CLEG, MARQ, MLBN

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 Guardians at the Cubs

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Guardians (+133), Cubs (-158)
  • Spread:  Cubs -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Guardians at Cubs

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: Luis L. Ortiz vs. Cade Horton
    • Guardians: Luis L. Ortiz, (4-9, 4.37 ERA)
      Last outing: 7.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • Cubs: Cade Horton, (3-2, 4.80 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.0 Innings Pitched, 7 Earned Runs Allowed, 8 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts

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!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Guardians and the Cubs

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Thursday’s game between the Guardians and the Cubs:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Cubs on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Cleveland Guardians at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Guardians at Cubs

  • The Cubs have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records
  • The Under is 8-1-1 in the Guardians' last 10 road games
  • Chicago is 6-3 when Cade Horton pitches this season
  • Cleveland is 6-10 when Luis Ortiz pitches this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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ICYMI in Mets Land: Jesse Winker update; Frankie Montas buzz

Here's what happened in Mets Land on Wednesday, in case you missed it...

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New signing Fernandez 'feels like Rangers are building'

Emmanuel Fernandez (37 Peterborough United) plays during the Sky Bet League 1 match between Peterborough and Stockport County at London Road in Peterborough
[Getty Images]

Emmanuel Fernandez admits he was "shocked" to learn of Rangers' interest in him but believes this is "the perfect place to be" after joining from Peterborough.

Fernandez, 23, signed a four-year deal with Russell Martin's side in a move he believes can "kickstart" his career.

The defender was released by League Two Gillingham in 2020 and played non-league football before spending the last four years at Peterborough.

"I heard about [the interest from Rangers] a couple weeks ago and to be honest, I was shocked because I was thinking that's a big club, they play in Europe, they have a great fan base.

"I've watched a lot of games before, I've watched the Old Firm derby as well and it's a place where I really wanted to be."

Fernandez also believes the timing of his move is "100% right" after becoming Rangers' fourth summer signing.

"It feels like the team's building,"he added. "The team's going to grow with a new manager.

"Also, I've seen his style of play and it's a style of play that I'm used to coming from Peterborough, so it's something I definitely can't wait to get started on and it's something I really want to do."

An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
[BBC]
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White Sox at Dodgers Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 3

It's Thursday, July 3 and the White Sox (28-58) are in Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (55-32). Aaron Civale is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Dustin May for Los Angeles.

The Dodgers stole the second game of the series, 5-4, on Wednesday after trailing 4-1 entering the 9th inning. Shohei Ohtani crossed the finish line for the game-winning run with two outs as Freddie Freeman drove him in via a single. The night was epic overall as Clayton Kershaw earned his 3,000th career strikeout and L.A. reached an 8-1 record in the last nine games.

Let's dive into the 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 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.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch White Sox at Dodgers

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 10:10PM EST
  • Site: Dodger Stadium
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Network/Streaming: CHSN, SNLA

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 White Sox at the Dodgers

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: White Sox (+236), Dodgers (-295)
  • Spread:  Dodgers -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for White Sox at Dodgers

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: Aaron Civale vs. Dustin May
    • White Sox: Aaron Civale, (1-4, 4.91 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.0 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Dodgers: Dustin May, (4-5, 4.68 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 3 Strikeouts

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!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the White Sox and the Dodgers

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Thursday’s game between the White Sox and the Dodgers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago White Sox at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the under on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of White Sox at Dodgers

  • The Dodgers have won 9 of their last 11 games at home
  • The Under is 5-1-2 (63%) in the Dodgers' home games this season with Dustin May starting
  • Los Angeles is 8-7 on the ML when Dustin May pitches this season
  • Chicago is 0-3 with Aaron Civale pitching this year

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Angels at Braves Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for July 3

It's Thursday, July 3 and the Angels (42-43) are in Atlanta to take on the Braves (39-46). José Soriano is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles against Bryce Elder for Atlanta.

The Braves evened up the series 1-1 after a 8-3 victory on Wednesday thanks to a seven-run sixth inning on two homers via Sean Murphy (3 RBI HR) and Matt Olson (grand slam). However, Atlanta is 2-5 in the past seven games, while Los Angeles is 5-3 over the last eight.

Let's dive into the 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 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.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Angels at Braves

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 7:15PM EST
  • Site: Truist Park
  • City: Atlanta, GA
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNW, FDSNSO

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 Angels at the Braves

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Angels (+119), Braves (-141)
  • Spread:  Braves -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Angels at Braves

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: José Soriano vs. Bryce Elder
    • Angels: José Soriano, (5-5, 3.99 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.0 Innings Pitched, 8 Earned Runs Allowed, 9 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Braves: Bryce Elder, (2-5, 5.82 ERA)
      Last outing: 2.0 Innings Pitched, 9 Earned Runs Allowed, 8 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts

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!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Angels and the Braves

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Thursday’s game between the Angels and the Braves:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Atlanta Braves on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Angels at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Angels at Braves

  • The Angels have lost 22 of 43 games this season following a defeat
  • The Under is 47-33-5 in Braves' games this season
  • Atlanta is 1-6 in the last seven games that Elder has pitched and 5-8 overall
  • Los Angeles is 3-1 in Soriano's last four starts and 7-10 overall this year

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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No New Contract From Maple Leafs Was ‘Tough,’ Says Pontus Holmberg

Pontus Holmberg spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since signing a new two-year contract worth $1.55 million per season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although he seemed happy to be getting a raise with his new NHL team, he did describe the emotions of the past few days that saw his former club not tender him a qualifying offer.

"First, it was tough," Holmberg told reporters in a Zoom call on Wednesday. "I'm happy to come to Tampa for a bit of a restart of my career."

Holmberg had seven goals and `12 assists in 68 games last season. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube liked Holmberg's game to the point where the player saw some key minutes at times on the second line during their 2025 playoff run. 

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said they liked Holmberg, but they couldn't agree on a number for a new contract. The Leafs could have tendered Holmberg a qualifying offer of $866,000 to retain his rights, but Toronto was concerned about the money the player could get in an arbitration award. Any AAV under $4.85 million, the Leafs must honor, and there was fear the player could get a number they weren't comfortable paying.

In many ways, Holmberg was a success story for Toronto's scouting department. A sixth-round pick (156th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Swedish forward established a reputation for being a tough player to knock away from the puck. 

Although Holmberg played in 12 playoff games, he managed just one assist and has just one point in 19 career playoff games. The player admitted that he hasn't been able to demonstrate his offensive skills as much as he would like to at the NHL level, but hopes to get that opportunity in Tampa. Projected to play in the bottom six, Tampa appears to be enthusiastic about the player's defensive ability and speed. The Lightning will also like the player's ability to draw penalties, where he led all Leafs with 28 and was 21st in the NHL. 

Why The Maple Leafs Didn’t Qualify Pontus Holmberg As Player Signs With Lightning Why The Maple Leafs Didn’t Qualify Pontus Holmberg As Player Signs With Lightning Pontus Holmberg is moving on from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He told The Hockey News that he was good at drawing penalties his entire career, including the SHL where the player helped the Vaxjo Lakers HC win an SHL championship in 2021. Holmberg took SHL Playoffs MVP that year and also won Swedish Forward of the Year honors.

(Photo credit: Tampa Bay Lighting YouTube Channel)

Why the Maple Leafs Are Expected to Target Top-Six Forward Help Through Trades, Not Free AgencyWhy the Maple Leafs Are Expected to Target Top-Six Forward Help Through Trades, Not Free AgencyThe Toronto Maple Leafs have a Mitch Marner-sized hole in their lineup opted for a sign and trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. But when the clock struck noon for the opening of free agency, the Leafs were quiet. Why The Maple Leafs Signed Vinni Lettieri To A One-Year, $775K ContractWhy The Maple Leafs Signed Vinni Lettieri To A One-Year, $775K ContractThe Toronto Maple Leafs have added another depth player via NHL free agency. 'We Wanted To Get Through The First Part Of Free Agency': Maple Leafs Not Closing The Door On Max Pacioretty Return'We Wanted To Get Through The First Part Of Free Agency': Maple Leafs Not Closing The Door On Max Pacioretty ReturnEven after a quiet free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't closing the door on bringing Max Pacioretty back.
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Athletics' Nick Kurtz named AL Rookie of Month after Jacob Wilson in May

Athletics' Nick Kurtz named AL Rookie of Month after Jacob Wilson in May originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Thousand Oaks High School alumni get it done. 

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz on Thursday earned the AL Rookie of the Month award for June after teammate and shortstop — in the pros and prep scene — Jacob Wilson took home the nod for May.

Kurtz, whom the A’s selected No. 4 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft last July, slashed .264/.329/.597 over 19 games in June with 19 hits, 17 RBI, 11 walks and seven home runs and a .926 OPS. 

He missed the first eight days of June on the 10-day injured list retroactive to May 25 with a strained left hip flexor, making his feat and a couple of walk-offs even more admirable.

Wilson preceded Kurtz after slashing .368/.437/.538 with 39 hits, 16 RBI, 11 walks and four homers and a .975 OPS over 27 games in May.

And on Wednesday, Wilson, the A’s choice with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 draft, was named a historical AL starter for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.

The A’s, again, find themselves in the AL West basement with a 36-53 record during the 2025 MLB season. But their young core of position players is quite promising.

Kurtz, Wilson and outfielders Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom are all young and exited June with strong season numbers.

The monthly honor for Kurtz only serves as the latest piece of hopeful evidence for A’s fans and the organization’s decision-makers.

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Sharks sign Dmitry Orlov, claim Nick Leddy to surpass NHL's $70.6M salary floor

Sharks sign Dmitry Orlov, claim Nick Leddy to surpass NHL's $70.6M salary floor originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Sharks have been busy filling out their roster since NHL free agency opened Tuesday, and they made two more important moves Thursday.

Veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov signed a two-year contract with the Sharks worth $6.5 million annually.

San Jose also claimed 34-year-old defenseman Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman first reported news of Leddy being claimed.

Leddy has a $4 million AAV for the 2025-26 season, meaning the Sharks added $10.5 million in salary Thursday, putting them above the $70.60 million salary floor.

Per PuckPedia, the Sharks currently have $72.55 million in salaries — second-lowest in the NHL — for next season.

Orlov is a 13-year NHL veteran, having spent time with the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and most recently, with the Carolina Hurricanes.

In 76 games with the Hurricanes last season, Orlov scored six goals and recorded 22 assists. He has 327 points in 867 career NHL games.

“Dmitry is a strong, two-way defenseman who brings physicality and versatility on the ice,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement released by the team. “He has a wealth of NHL experience, both in the regular season and playoffs, and his Stanley Cup championship pedigree is a valuable addition to our team. We are happy to have him.”

Leddy brings even more experience to the Sharks, having played for the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Blues during his 15-year NHL career.

He appeared in just 31 games for the Blues last season, registering two goals and three assists. In 1,042 career NHL games, he has 416 points.

The Sharks are building an exciting young core, but the downside of that strategy is that they have one of the NHL’s youngest teams.

Adding Orlov and Leddy, both of whom have won the Stanley Cup, gives the Sharks two much-needed veteran leaders.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

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Wheeler wraps up historic June being named NL Pitcher of the Month

Wheeler wraps up historic June being named NL Pitcher of the Month originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

After one of the best months of his career, Zack Wheeler gets to cap off June as NL Pitcher of the Month.

The Phillies’ ace has gotten the honor one other time in his career in May 2022.

The 35-year-old had a historic June, going 2-1 with an MLB-best 0.58 ERA, 42 strikeouts to 7 walks, in 31 innings.

Wheeler joined a select few in franchise history to post a 0.60 ERA or lower with more than 30 innings in a month (Cliff Lee — 0.21 ERA June 2011 and 0.45 ERA August 2011, Tommy Greene — 0.29 ERA May 1991 and Lee Meadows — 0.23 ERA July 1919).

His most recent start against the Padres, Wheeler pitched 8 scoreless innings. It was his longest outing of the season and his 10 strikeouts marked the third time this year he’s reached double-digit K’s while walking none.

“It’s phenomenal,” said manager Rob Thomson Monday. “I’m not sure if I’ve had a pitcher that – whether I’m coaching or managing – that has had a month like that. He was pretty much dominant the whole month.”

There’s a good chance Wheeler will be representing the Phillies at the All-Star game in his hometown of Atlanta and his case to win his first Cy Young Award continues to grow.

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Why Tatum could be an X-factor in Celtics' pursuit of Damian Lillard

Why Tatum could be an X-factor in Celtics' pursuit of Damian Lillard originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Do the Celtics really have interest in signing Damian Lillard — and would Lillard really have interest in coming to Boston?

The answer to both of those questions might be yes.

The Celtics — along with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors — are “known to be among the many teams” eyeing Lillard on the free-agent market after the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly waived the nine-time All-Star on Tuesday, per The Athletic.

And according to The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, the Celtics could be on Lillard’s radar as well.

“A league source also made it clear that Lillard could have interest in Boston, too, citing his respect for the organization and his long friendship with (Jayson) Tatum,” Himmelsbach wrote Wednesday.

Lillard’s “long friendship” with Tatum is worth exploring, especially since both players suffered serious Achilles injuries during the 2025 NBA playoffs — Lillard on April 27; Tatum on May 12 — and are expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season. If Lillard wants a rehab partner and has a desire to play alongside Tatum in 2026-27, that could make Boston a more intriguing destination for him.

So, how far do Lillard and Tatum go back? The two All-Stars appeared to have a close relationship as early as 2021, when Lillard contacted Tatum and convinced him to play for Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

Lillard and Tatum won a gold medal together that summer in Tokyo, with their young children even spending some time together as USA Basketball prepared for the Olympics in Las Vegas. (Tatum’s son Duece was born in 2017, while Lillard’s first son Damian Jr. was born in 2018.)

In the summer of 2023, after Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, Tatum pitched the veteran guard on joining him in Boston, with Andscape’s Marc Spears reporting that Tatum “tried to get in (Lillard’s) ear” about coming to the Celtics.

Tatum’s recruiting efforts fell short, as the Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks in a deal that helped bring Jrue Holiday to Boston. But the fact that Tatum wanted Lillard in Boston just two years ago is certainly relevant now as the Celtics explore their options in an uncertain offseason.

Signing Lillard would have its obvious risks; he’ll be 36 years old at the start of the 2026-27 season and has missed at least 24 games in three of the last four seasons. While Lillard’s talent is undeniable, there’s no guarantee he’d return to All-Star form after an Achilles surgery at age 34 — which came on the heels of a scary blood clot issue back in March.

Lillard may not cost much, however, and could accept a deal close to the veteran minimum while he’s paid the remainder of his contract with Milwaukee ($22.5 million annually over the next five years).

Whether the Celtics want to go down that path with Lillard or continue their full roster “reset” by getting younger around their core of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard remains to be seen. But at the very least, we’d imagine Tatum will advocate for Boston taking a chance on Lillard to realize his vision from two summers ago.

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Twins at Marlins Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 3

Its Thursday, July 3 and the Twins (41-45) are in Miami to take on the Marlins (38-46) in the finale of their three game series.

David Festa is slated to take the mound for Minnesota against Eury Pérez for Miami.

They say it takes a village and that theory was on full display Wednesday afternoon as the Simeon Woods Richardson combined with five Twins' relievers to limit the Marlins to a single run in a 2-1 win. Carlos Correa drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the fourth.

Lets dive into this afternoon'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 tipoff, 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.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Twins at Marlins

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 12:10PM EST
  • Site: LoanDepot Park
  • City: Miami, FL
  • Network/Streaming: MNNT, FDSNFL, MLBN

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 Twins at the Marlins

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Twins (-119), Marlins (-100)
  • Spread:  Twins -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Twins at Marlins

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: David Festa vs. Eury Pérez
    • Twins: David Festa (2-2, 5.40 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/27 at Detroit - 5.2IP, 0ER, 2H, 0BB, 6Ks
    • Marlins: Eury Pérez (0-2, 6.19 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/27 at Arizona - 4.1IP, 3ER, 2H, 3BB, 3Ks

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 Twins at Marlins

  • The Twins have won 13 of their last 21 road games against teams with losing records
  • The Under is 25-18 in Marlins' home games this season
  • Kyle Stowers homered for the second straight game Wednesday and has now hit safely in 9 straight games (13-30)
  • Carlos Correa has 14 hits in his last 41ABs

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for this afternoon’s game between the Twins and the Marlins

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Thursday's game between the Twins and the Marlins:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Minnesota Twins on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Marlins at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Posted on

Brewers at Mets prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for July 3

Its Thursday, July 3 and the Brewers (48-38) are in Queens to take on the Mets (49-38) in the finale of this three-game series.

Jose Quintana is slated to take the mound for Milwaukee against David Peterson for New York.

These teams split a doubleheader Wednesday with the Brewers taking Game 1, 7-2, and the Mets winning the nightcap, 7-3. Freddy Peralta and a couple of relievers held the Mets to two hits in the opener. Blade Tidwell surrendered all three runs but earned the win for New York. It was Tidwell's first career win.

Lets dive into the series finale 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 tipoff, 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.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Brewers at Mets

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 7:10PM EST
  • Site: Citi Field
  • City: Queens, NY
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNWI, SNY

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 Brewers at the Mets

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Brewers (+130), Mets (-155)
  • Spread:  Mets -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Brewers at Mets

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: Jose Quintana vs. David Peterson
    • Brewers: Jose Quintana (6-2, 3.30 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/27 vs. Colorado - 5.2IP, 4ER, 7H, 2BB, 5Ks
    • Mets: David Peterson (5-4, 3.30 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/27 at Pittsburgh - 4.2IP, 5ER, 7H, 3BB, 5Ks

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 Brewers at Mets

  • The Brewers have won 5 of their last 6 road games
  • The Mets' last 5 games have gone over the Total
  • Francisco Lindor is 5-33 over his last 8 games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for today’s game between the Brewers and the Mets

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Thursday's game between the Brewers and the Mets:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Milwaukee Brewers at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Posted on

Tigers at Nationals Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 3

Its Thursday, July 3 and the Tigers (54-33) are in Washington for the series finale against the Nationals (36-50).

Dietrich Enns is slated to take the mound for Detroit against Jake Irvin for Washington.

These teams split a doubleheader Wednesday. The Tigers took the opener, 11-2. Riley Greene homered twice and drove in six to pace the attack for Detroit. Washington returned the favor in the nightcap scoring six in the eighth to win Game 2 of the series, 9-4. Nathaniel Lowe drove in four runs with a couple of hits to propel the Nats to their 36th win of the season.

Lets dive into the series finale 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 tipoff, 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.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Tigers at Nationals

  • Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
  • Time: 6:45PM EST
  • Site: Nationals Park
  • City: Washington, DC
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNDT, MASN

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 Tigers at the Nationals

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Tigers (-161), Nationals (+135)
  • Spread:  Tigers -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Tigers at Nationals

  • Pitching matchup for July 3, 2025: Dietrich Enns vs. Jake Irvin
    • Tigers: Dietrich Enns (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/26 vs. Athletics - 5IP, 0ER, 1H, 2BB, 4Ks
    • Nationals: Jake Irvin (6-3, 4.73 ERA)
      Last outing: 6/27 at Angels - 4.1IP, 8ER, 9H, 4BB, 5Ks

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 Tigers at Nationals

  • The Tigers have won 5 of their last 7 at National League teams
  • The Nationals' last 5 games have gone over the Total
  • Riley Greene is 6-16 in his last 4 games
  • Gleyber Torres was 1-8 in the doubleheader Wednesday

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for today’s game between the Tigers and the Nationals

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Thursday's game between the Tigers and the Nationals:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Detroit Tigers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Washington Nationals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)