Sports
Bucks meet Grizzlies in matchup of struggling teams
Oct 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles down the court during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images The Milwaukee Bucks weren’t given a break by the NBA schedule-makers.
They are in the midst of playing four of their first five games on the road — and five of their first seven.
The results have not been pleasant.
When the Bucks visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, Milwaukee will try to snap a three-game losing streak, which includes back-to-back road losses to the Brooklyn Nets and the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
But the Bucks are attempting to remain even-keel.
“The best teams, when it’s going good (and) when it’s not going good, they trust in themselves to do the right things on both sides of the ball,” guard Damian Lillard said. “They don’t change when they are doing great, and they don’t change when things aren’t going great.”
Despite the team’s struggles, Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a torrid start. He is averaging 28.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists through four games.
Lillard has nearly matched Antetokounmpo’s output, averaging 28.0 points and 6.3 assists.
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers also has been impressed with the play of 17-year veteran center Brook Lopez. He had 13 points and six rebounds in 32 minutes at Boston on Monday.
“He was phenomenal,” Rivers said. “We need to extend his minutes.”
Like Milwaukee, Memphis enters Thursday’s game struggling early in the season. The Grizzlies have lost two straight games — both at home — including Monday’s collapse against the Chicago Bulls. Memphis was ahead by 20 points in the second quarter and 14 at halftime but lost 126-123.
On Wednesday night, the Grizzlies were undone by turnovers and injuries. Memphis committed 22 turnovers and lost two starters to injuries — Marcus Smart (ankle) in the first quarter and Desmond Bane (oblique) in the third quarter.
But Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said it’s too early to push the panic button.
“It’s (only) five games in,” Jenkins said. “I think we’ve been playing some decent basketball except for the last two games and the second half at Houston.”
Memphis was outscored 69-43 during the second half of a road loss to the Rockets last week.
Jenkins has been critical of his team’s defensive efforts recently; the Grizzlies allowed the Bulls to tie a franchise record with 25 made 3-pointers on Monday.
As for the injuries, Jenkins said the Grizzlies will have to depend on their depth if Smart and Bane miss extended time.
“It’s a great Bucks team,” Jenkins said. “We’ve got to bring a better effort, and whoever is available to play, we just have to go out and compete better than we have the past two games. Those guys know it is unacceptable. We’ve got to find a way. I’ve got to lead better.”
Jenkins had to be encouraged by reserve forward Brandon Clarke, who scored 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field in 20 minutes in a 119-106 loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday. It was Clarke’s best performance since he returned from an Achilles injury that limited him to six games last season.
Seven-foot-four Zach Edey, the Grizzlies’ 2024 first-round draft pick, out of Purdue, also appeared more comfortable. He scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 18 minutes against the Nets.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Keller directs Pirates over Rays to clinch series win
Apr 19, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) tags Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) out at second base on a steal attempt during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Mitch Keller pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs to help the host Pittsburgh Pirates score a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.
Coming off a 13-inning loss on Saturday where Pittsburgh used six relievers, Keller (2-1) preserved some arms for the Pirates bullpen and helped his team take two of three games against the Rays, who entered the series having won six in a row.
Bryan Reynolds backed up the pitching with two hits and three RBI to lead Pittsburgh’s bats, while Spencer Horwitz and Nick Yorke each hit solo home runs.
Nick Gonzales had two hits and an RBI and Jake Mangum also had two hits. The Pirates did it with the long ball and small ball as they recorded three bunt singles in a game for the first time since 1998.
After picking up his first win in three years in his previous start, Rays starter Shane McClanahan (1-2) was unable to follow up that success, nor spare Tampa Bay’s own taxed bullpen a day after it used seven relievers. He allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out five over 4 1/3 innings on 90 pitches.
Keller picked up his second win in his fifth start of the season after not doing so last season until his 17th start. He struck out five and gave up five hits and did not issue a walk on 89 pitches.
The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth on a two-run single by Hunter Feduccia off Keller, which was one of Tampa Bay’s six hits overall. Jonny DeLuca followed a Richie Palacios double and then stole second to set up Feduccia’s go-ahead hit.
The Pirates answered immediately when Joey Bart doubled and Billy Cook followed with a bunt single and stole second. Two batters later, Gonzales singled to drive in Bart, and Reynolds followed with a two-run single to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-2.
Right-hander Wilber Dotel was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and made his major-league debut in the ninth. He allowed a solo home run to Junior Caminero, but then struck out Jonathan Aranda and retired Yandy Diaz on a ground out, and Cedric Mullins on a fly ball to center. The Pirates optioned reliever Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Curtis Mead, Keibert Ruiz help Nationals tame Giants
Apr 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead (45) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Curtis Mead hit a two-run homer, Keibert Ruiz had two hits and the Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 3-0 in Washington on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.
Andrew Alvarez (1-0), called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Rochester, pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings for the win, allowing three hits and striking out five without a walk.
PJ Poulin opened for Washington and was replaced by Miles Mikolas with two outs and two on in the first. Mikolas, who began the day with an 11.49 ERA, pitched four scoreless innings while allowing four hits in his best outing of the young season.
Rafael Devers and Drew Gilbert had two hits each for the Giants, who had won three straight, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
San Francisco’s Robbie Ray (2-3) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked one.
The Giants put runner on first and second with two outs in each of the first two innings but did not score.
The Nationals got an infield single and a walk to open the third inning but couldn’t cash in. Curtis Mead hit a blooper to shallow left field that dropped, but Keibert Ruiz briefly broke back towards second and was thrown out at third. Brady House flied to the warning track in center and CJ Abrams flied out.
Washington took a 3-0 lead in the fifth. Nasim Nunez reached on a bunt single and stole second. Ruiz hit shot to left center and Heliot Ramas made a diving effort but couldn’t come up with it. Nunez scored and Mead lined the first pitch he saw from Ray out to left for a two-run homer.
The first two Giants reached base in the eighth inning on an error and a single, but Casey Schmitt grounded into a double play and pinch hitter Jerar Encarnacion struck out.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
It’s hard to believe that the 2026 NFL Draft is already almost here. It’s the perfect time to cash in on some draft betting picks.
Over the last few months, countless NFL mock drafters have taken stabs at where these top prospects could be selected.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best value on the board, utilizing FanDuel Sportsbook odds. Remember, this doesn’t mean that we’re predicting these players will be drafted in these spots.
Rather, we’re going to try to cash in on some valuable plus money opportunities for the NFL Draft, an event that is always capable of a few surprises.
No. 3 Overall: Francis Mauigoa (+650)
The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick – and they have needs all over their roster.
David Bailey (+110) and Arvell Reese (+260) are the betting favorite to come off of the board in this spot. But what if the Cardinals want to hook up new offensive minded head coach Mike LaFleur with a player to help fix his offense?
That could lead the Cardinals to Mauigoa, who was a standout right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. 31-year-old veteran Elijah Wilkinson is expected to start at right tackle for the Cardinals.
They’ll probably take an edge rusher. But if they don’t Mauigoa would be the play at +650.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
No. 6 Overall: Caleb Downs (+1200)
The Cleveland Browns don’t need a defensive player. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to float the idea of the team trading down. It’s a safe bet to expect the Browns to try and trade back.
Who would be worth another organization deciding to trade up for? Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs, who should still be on the board if the New York Giants select his Buckeyes teammate, Sonny Styles, at No. 5 overall.
Obviously, a lot has to go right for this selection to cash. But Downs is one of the best players in the draft. If he’s still available outside of the top five selections, he won’t last much longer.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
No. 10 Overall: Jordyn Tyson (+440)
Tyson is the one player in this class that could cause a major shakeup inside the top 10 picks.
According to reports, 20 teams attended the Arizona State star’s private workout, where the consensus seemed that most teams were comfortable with his medical situation.
The Giants just acquired the No. 10 selection from the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Giants GM Joe Schoen had dinner with Tyson the night before the private workout.
If Tyson is still available at No. 10 overall, the Giants could load up on offense for Jaxson Dart.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
