Warriors-Grizzlies Play-In game felt like playoff basketball. Plus, NFL Draft prep gets real
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Good morning! Eat all the spaghetti you please today.
The record books might not remember these NBA Play-In games, which exist in a weird void between the regular season and playoffs, but we'll be thinking about the late game last night for a while:
So now the No. 7 seeds are set: The Warriors will face Houston in the first round, while Orlando, after a blowout vs. the Hawks, will match up with the Celtics. Memphis and Atlanta will get another shot to advance Friday. Whew. Also: Marcus Thompson joined NBA Daily live to break it all down. Watch.
Over in the NHL, only one spot remains undecided in the Stanley Cup playoffs race after the Wild and Blues clinched berths last night. The Canadiens currently sit in the final wild-card spot in the East, but only lead the Blue Jackets by two points with one game each left to play. Buckle up!
The NFL feels so constant and universal that its biggest events can actually sneak up on you. It's draft season? Of course it's draft season. It's always draft season. It's already next year's draft season, and half of the upcoming football season will be about it.
Oh wait, it's actually draft season now, like for real. The first round in Green Bay is next Thursday.
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With one week of final mock drafts and workouts and trade buzz still to go, we huddled with Jacob Robinson, author of our free NFL newsletter, for three quick questions. A few recent headlines might be tea leaves, smoke screens or some other metaphor entirely.
Cam Ward at No. 1 to Tennessee feels locked in, pending a big trade. After that, which teams are likeliest to set the tone for everyone else?
💬 Zac Jackson's recent reporting from Cleveland suggests to me that the Browns seem likely to pass on a quarterback at No. 2, though he doesn't rule out a trade up to No. 1. 👀 The other team to watch? The Giants, who hold the No. 3 pick and recently scheduled a private workout with Shedeur Sanders and other QBs. If he goes third, the entire draft board shifts.
This draft looks light on top QBs, yet a run still feels possible. Which is more likely: Sanders falls out of the top 10 … or at least four QBs go in the first round?
💬 That's a tough one! Given the Saints' developing need at QB and No. 9 positioning, plus the success of last year's QB class (remember Bo Nix had been graded as a second-round talent by many evaluators), I'd say it's more likely four quarterbacks go in the first round, especially with prospects like Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe attending the draft in person, which could be a signal that they've heard favorable evaluations.
If this QB crop is lacking, though, which positions are especially strong in this class?
💬 This draft is defined by three positions:
Dane's full seven-round mock draft, just published today, envisions a first round light on QBs (as does Nick Baumgardner's mock from a few days ago). And let's link once again to The Beast, a tab you might as well just keep open for the next two weeks or so.
Dallas GM has no regrets
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison said he has 'no regrets' about trading Luka Dončić, and that Dallas targeted Anthony Davis because of its philosophy that 'defense wins championships.' Harrison — in his first media availability since the day after the trade — also said he thinks the Mavericks are still a 'championship-caliber' team when healthy, noting that fans got to see his vision come to life for '2 1/2 quarters' after the trade before Davis got hurt. Woof.
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📺 UCL: Arsenal at Real Madrid
3 p.m. ET on Paramount+
Real Madrid trails Arsenal 3-0 heading into the second leg of this Champions League quarterfinal. The defending champs will need a miraculous comeback against the unexpected tournament favorites.
📺 NBA: Mavericks at Kings
10 p.m. ET on ESPN
The Bulls and Heat begin today's Play-In action at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, but this one is where the intrigue lies. The Mavs are 0-3 against the Kings this year, with the most recent edition ending Kyrie Irving's season. Do Dallas fans even want this season to go on any longer?
Get tickets to games like these here.
What's it like playing the waiting game during the NFL Draft? Jayna Bardahl details how prospects cope with the anxiety.
Will Rory McIlroy follow up his Masters win with another major this year? The oddsmakers don't think so.
Former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks refuses to let a terminal cancer diagnosis diminish his spirit. A truly inspiring story worth your time today. (Reminder: Free to read.)
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Keith Law ranks his top 50 MLB Draft prospects, headlined by 2022 No. 1 pick Jackson Holliday's brother.
JD Vance isn't the first to publicly fumble a trophy. Lauren Merola takes a look back at other, equally hilarious, trophy mishaps.
Most-clicked in the newsletter yesterday: Our story on how sportsbooks took an L on Rory's Masters win.
Most-read on the website yesterday: Matt Baker's glimpse at how involved Bill Belichick's girlfriend is at UNC.
Ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
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USA Today
31 minutes ago
- USA Today
Panthers vs. Oilers live updates: Score, highlights from Stanley Cup Final Game 2
Panthers vs. Oilers live updates: Score, highlights from Stanley Cup Final Game 2 Show Caption Hide Caption Are Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup bound? Former NHLer weighs in Former NHL winger Riley Cote explains what he loves about this Edmonton Oilers team ahead of the Western Conference Finals. Sports Seriously The Edmonton Oilers have two things they didn't have in last year's Stanley Cup Final: home-ice advantage and a lead in the series. The Oilers' 4-3 overtime win in Game 1 means the Florida Panthers will need to come back if they're going to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Game 2 is Friday night. "We learn more from adversity than we do from winning," Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe told reporters on Thursday. The Panthers blew a second intermission lead for the first time in the playoffs in three years under coach Paul Maurice. They were outshot 14-2 in the third period as Edmonton tied the game and won in overtime on Leon Draisaitl's power-play goal. "They dictated more of the game than we did," forward Matthew Tkachuk said. "It is what it is. Back to the drawing board. Just try to play better than them (Friday)." Florida has lost two in a row only once this postseason but rallied to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the second round. "We just need to be ready for it, that they are going to be better," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. Here's what to know about Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, including how to watch: Brad Marchand scores on a short-handed breakaway after a feed from Anton Lundell. Florida kills off the rest of the penalty. Niko Mikkola is called for holding. The Panthers need to stay out of the penalty box. Let's see if it costs them. Note: It doesn't. Florida has been getting a lot of zone time in this period and it connects to tie the game on a wrist shot from point by Dmitry Kulikov at 8:23. Matthew Tkachuk was setting the screen in front. Panthers have two goals tonight from defensemen. Evander Kane, Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard are dangerous on the rush, but Bobrovsky stops Bouchard's shot. Panthers start on power play, and it's killed. Evan Bouchard gets a chance as he comes out of the penalty box. McDavid's assist on Leon Draisaitl's goal is worth watching. He makes moves around Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad, sending Ekblad tumbling, before he feeds Draisaitl. That was the highest-scoring first period since the 2016 Stanley Cup Final, per TNT. The Oilers have the lead because of a big game by their stars. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard have combined for seven points. McDavid's play on the Draisaitl goal is highlight reel-worthy. But the Panthers kill a 5-on-3 late in the period to stop the damage and will start the second with a power play. Shots are 15-10 Edmonton and the Oilers are also leading 15-8 in hits. Evan Bouchard is called for cross-checking. Panthers get a couple shots and 41 seconds of the power play will carry into the second period. Niko Mikkola goes off for roughing. Then a Seth Jones penalty makes it 5-on-3. First part is killed off and now the second part. Panthers needed that. The Oilers need just 24 seconds to connect as Leon Draisaitl scores after a great play by Connor McDavid. Two points each for McDavid and Draisaitl and three points for Evan Bouchard. Looks like Mattias Ekholm pushes Sam Bennett into Stuart Skinner, who's down for a while. Oilers going on power play. The Panthers like to have their defense to get up in the play and it pays off again. Seth Jones sneaks in from the point and is wide open for an Eetu Luostarinen pass. Defenseman Nate Schmidt gets his second point of the game. Evan Bouchard's initial shot is blocked by Aleksander Barkov and then he rips a shot past a screened Sergei Bobrovsky. That's goals on back-to-back shots for Edmonton. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl get the assists. Small scrum breaks out after Sam Bennett goes for a rebound. Edmonton's Darnell Nurse and Florida's Matthew Tkachuk head to the penalty box. Evander Kane ties the game with a shot to Sergei Bobrovsky's glove side at 7:39. That's six playoff goals for Kane, who missed the entire regular season after multiple surgeries. Aaron Ekblad is called for holding the stick. But the power play doesn't last long as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is called for tripping. It's 4-on-4. Everyone out of the penalty box now. Sam Bennett gets a good shot off but Stuart Skinner makes the save. Red-hot Sam Bennett scores on the power play after a Nate Schmidt pass. That's 13 goals for Bennett in the playoffs, including a record 12 on the road. The goal ends Edmonton's nine-game streak of scoring first. Oilers are upset that Bennett kicked Mattias Ekholm's stick away from him. Evander Kane called for high-sticking Carter Verhaeghe 37 seconds into the game. Florida's Aleksander Barkov line vs. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl line. Edmonton fans are starting early with the "Sergei, Sergei" chants - before the national anthems. When is Stanley Cup Final Game 2? Panthers vs. Oilers game time The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will face off at 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local) at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, on Friday. What TV channel is Panthers vs. Oilers Game 2 on? TNT and truTV are broadcasting Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final. Kenny Albert will provide play-by-play, while Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Darren Pang and Jackie Redmond will provide analysis and reporting. Stream the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Sling How to watch Panthers vs. Oilers Game 2 Date: Friday, June 6 Friday, June 6 Location: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta Time: 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. MT) 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. MT) TV: TNT, truTV TNT, truTV Streaming: Max, Sling TV Panthers coach Paul Maurice is starting the Aleksander Barkov line and Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is countering with the Leon Draisaitl line. Maurice has moved Carter Verhaeghe to the top line and Evan Rodrigues to the second line. In Game 1, it was the Barkov line vs. the Connor McDavid line to start. Draisaitl scored 66 seconds into the series opener. Maurice moved Carter Verhaeghe to the top line and Evan Rodrigues to the second lline. Oilers' Stuart Skinner (7-4, 2.49 goals-against average, .904 save percentage) vs. Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky (12-6, 2.17, .912). Skinner has a five-game winning streak. The Oilers have four of the top five scorers in the series: McDavid has a league-best 28 points, followed by Leon Draisaitl (27) and Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with 18 each. Draisaitl has a team-high nine goals. The Panthers have 10 players with double-digit points, led by Sam Bennett (18) and Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk (17 each). Bennett is the playoffs' leading goal scorer with 12. No Canadian team has won since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings in five games. A Canadian team has reached the Final eight times since then, including the Oilers three times. They're the second team with home-ice advantage, joining the 2011 Vancouver Canucks. They hold the first series lead since the Canucks led 3-2 that year. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch will put Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together later in games if Edmonton needs an offensive boost. 'It's nice to know when those two get together mid-game that the results are pretty good," he said. But Knoblauch doesn't do it all game long so he can spread the offense out. The two used to go out together on the shift after a penalty kill, but McDavid has started killing penalties. The Panthers forward is tracking toward a return but will sit out a second consecutive game on Friday. "We think if he tracks out, he'll be available for Game 3," coach Paul Maurice said. Jesper Boqvist has taken Greer's place on the fourth line. Panthers forward Tomas Nosek said it was "tough" after the Oilers scored in overtime on the power play after his delay of game penalty. "You don't want to be the one guy who cost us the game, but obviously everybody can make a mistake," he said, adding, "It's in the past and now looking forward to just keep doing my job and focusing on tonight's game." He said his teammates were "very helpful" and supportive of him. "Most of the guys came to me and said, 'Don't worry about it.' " he said, according to TSN. Panthers coach Paul Maurice was asked Friday about the Dallas Stars' firing of coach Peter DeBoer. Maurice and DeBoer are friends. "He'll be all right. He's a good coach. I think elite teams, you've got to push them real hard to get them where they get to, then at some point," he said, trailing off. "You get a summer off, pick your spot, he's going to be OK." All times Eastern; (x-if necessary) Game 1: Oilers 4, Panthers 3 (OT) | Story Oilers 4, Panthers 3 (OT) | Story Game 2: Friday, June 6 | Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m | TNT, truTV Friday, June 6 | Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m | TNT, truTV Game 3: Monday, June 9, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Monday, June 9, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Game 4: Thursday, June 12, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Thursday, June 12, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV x-Game 5: Saturday, June 14, Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Saturday, June 14, Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV x-Game 6: Tuesday, June 17, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Tuesday, June 17, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV x-Game 7: Friday, June 20, Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV All odds via BetMGM (as of Friday, June 6) Spread: Oilers (-1.5) Oilers (-1.5) Moneyline: Oilers (-110); Panthers (-110) Oilers (-110); Panthers (-110) Over/Under: 6.5
Fox News
an hour ago
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Cowboys great, Super Bowl champion Tom Rafferty dead at 70
Former NFL star Tom Rafferty died in Colorado Thursday, The Dallas Morning News confirmed. The 1978 Super Bowl champion was 70. Rafferty recently had a stroke, and the former offensive lineman had been hospitalized since early May. He played guard and center during his standout career with the Dallas Cowboys. Rafferty played for the Cowboys from 1976-89. During that span, he was a key part of an offensive line that helped protect Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. Before he became a fourth-round draft pick, Rafferty played for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Rafferty earned a Super Bowl ring when the Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos in the 1978 Super Bowl. He played in another Super Bowl after the 1978 season, albeit in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Perhaps Rafferty's most memorable career moment happened in January 1983 when he delivered the key block to help spring Tony Dorsett's record-setting 99-yard touchdown run in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. After his playing days, Rafferty spent time working in sports equipment sales. He is survived by his wife, their two children and grandchildren. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former Executive Says Ravens' Lamar Jackson Will Lead NFL in Passing
Former Executive Says Ravens' Lamar Jackson Will Lead NFL in Passing originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has long been one of the best quarterbacks in the sport. With one-of-one athleticism, an uncanny ability to find explosive plays out of structure, and tantalizing accuracy over the middle of the field, he is thoroughly among the pantheon of the NFL's elite. Advertisement That lends itself to hype and industry-wide respect from fans, analysts, players, and coaches. No serious person is doubting a two-time MVP at the peak of his powers. But it is important to tether expectations for his performance. Former Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson dropped his bold take about the Ravens' superstar on 'Good Morning Football,' suggesting that Jackson will lead the NFL in passing this season. "He's got Zay Flowers, he's got [DeAndre] Hopkins, he's got [Mark] Andrews, he's got [Isaiah] Likely, he's got [Offensive Coordinator] Todd Monken cooking up plays for him," Robinson said. "He's been an MVP in the past. They're knocking on the door of going to a Super Bowl." Robinson is right that Baltimore is well equipped to improve on offense and that a Super Bowl is very much within the range of outcomes. Leading the league in passing yards, though, feels like a bridge too far for Jackson – and that's probably for the best. Advertisement Since Jackson's meteoric rise in 2019, the following quarterbacks have been named the NFL's passing champion: 2019: Jameis Winston 2020: Deshaun Watson 2021: Tom Brady 2022: Patrick Mahomes 2023: Tua Tagovailoa 2024: Joe Burrow Winston's 30-touchdown, 30-interception season was as productive as it was chaotic, a statistical anomaly defined by unrelenting aggression. Watson led the league on a 4-12 team that needed to find explosive plays to feign competitiveness. Brady and Mahomes are inner-circle Hall-of-Fame-level pocket passers. Tagovailoa's offense supplanted the run game by funneling passers to the sport's most explosive receiving corps, and Burrow's defense demanded he perform like an MVP for much of the season. Jackson is never going to produce in the risk-laden ways that Winston did. The Ravens, and by extension, their defense, should be good enough to block the paths Watson and Burrow took to the top of the leaderboard. As far as Brady and Mahomes go, Jackson is similarly potent, but does so much more of his work on the ground. That's what makes Baltimore's offense special, and not an indictment of his talent. If Jackson had to stand in the pocket and deliver, maybe a 4,500-yard season would be in store. But with how important his legs are to creating explosive plays that's not going anywhere any time soon. Advertisement Further, Baltimore, by design, throws the ball infrequently. According to nfelo, the Ravens have posted a negative pass rate over expectation in every year since Jackson became the full-time starter. With about half the league boasting better odds at various sportsbooks, Jackson is a longshot to make good on Robinson's prediction. We won't put anything past the NFL's most electric player, but Jackson's success on the ground and the scoreboard make passing titles a race for other quarterbacks to run. Related: Ravens QB Set to Make Acting Debut Related: Ravens Reveal First Impressions of Star Receiver This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
