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Knicks seeking ninth straight win, face struggling Jazz

NBA: New York Knicks at Washington WizardsDec 30, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) handles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Carlton Carrington (8) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Under stoic head coach Tom Thibodeau and similarly mannered de facto team captain Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks are never going to make bold declarations about their resolutions for 2025.

But the aggressive upgrading of the Knicks’ roster and its performance throughout 2024 make it abundantly clear: New York’s New Year’s resolution is to finally win the franchise’s first NBA title in more than 50 years.

The Knicks will begin their attempts to make 2025 a memorable year on Wednesday night, when they host the Utah Jazz in the final regular-season meeting between the teams.

Both teams were off on New Year’s Eve after playing Monday night, when the visiting Knicks pulled away from the Washington Wizards for a 126-106 win and the host Jazz fell to the Denver Nuggets, 132-121.

The win was the eighth straight for the Knicks, who closed out 2024 with an appropriate measure of how far they’ve come in the last 12 months. New York, which is seeking its first NBA title since 1973, went 56-27 in regular-season games during the calendar year and reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals — its deepest trip into the playoffs since a trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 2, finished with 32 points and 13 rebounds Monday in his 27th double-double of the season. OG Anunoby, playing on the one-year anniversary of the trade that sent him form the Toronto Raptors to the Knicks, collected 18 points and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges, obtained from the Brooklyn Nets on July 6, had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Holdovers Brunson and Josh Hart, meanwhile, had their usual solid games as the Knicks stand one game behind the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics for second place in the Eastern Conference. Brunson had 18 points, six assists and two turnovers in 36 minutes while Hart (23 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists) posted his third triple-double of the season.

“It’s like we have a game plan that we’re just trying to go out there and win and we know we have a lot of weapons,” Brunson said. “We’re going to go from there. We’re going to adjust. That’s everyone’s goal, to win the game.”

The short-term objectives are much different for the Jazz, whose rebuilding plan has been paused due to a spate of injuries. Collin Sexton is the only player on the roster who has yet to miss a game for Utah, which is 7-24 and on pace for the fewest wins in team history. The Jazz won just 23 games during the 1974-75 season when the franchise was located in New Orleans.

John Collins (left hip) missed a fourth straight game Monday as the Jazz were outscored 34-23 by the Nuggets during a decisive third quarter. Utah has lost four straight games, all by 11 points or fewer, and has absorbed 13 defeats this season by 11 points or fewer.

“For whatever reason, our energy faded as the game ended and that’s something we can control,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “But overall, I’m proud of some of the progress from our guys.”

Keyonte George, who missed the previous four games with a sprained left ankle, had seven points and six assists in 28 minutes.

–Field Level Media

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Curtis Mead, Keibert Ruiz help Nationals tame Giants

MLB: San Francisco Giants at Washington NationalsApr 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

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Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesFeb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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.

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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.

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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.

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Timberwolves look to shake off rust in Game 2 vs. Nuggets

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver NuggetsApr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets’ halftime adjustments in Game 1 on Saturday spurred them to a 116-105 win over Minnesota. Now, it’s the visiting Timberwolves’ turn to adjust for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Monday night.

Minnesota missed 14 of its first 16 shots in the third quarter, when Denver built a 15-point lead. The Timberwolves cut it to 97-95 in the fourth quarter, but two turnovers contributed to a Nuggets’ run that put it away.

It is only one game, and No. 6 Minnesota has an opportunity to steal one from No. 3 Denver before heading home for Games 3 and 4.

“No one wants to have a moral victory, but we understand we had every opportunity to win that game and down the stretch, we cut it to two,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “We just have to be better.”

Composure and the ability to defend without fouling will be vital if the Timberwolves want to even the series. Jaden McDaniels hit a turnaround jumper that ended a Minnesota drought in the third quarter, and then drew a technical for pushing Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the back after the bucket.

The Timberwolves had 25 personal fouls that led to 33 free-throw attempts for Denver, 16 by Jamal Murray. He didn’t miss from the line, and the Nuggets missed just three overall.

Minnesota’s chances to pull off the upset in the series hinge on star guard Anthony Edwards. He missed 11 of the final 14 games of the regular season due to a balky right knee, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said Edwards looked “rusty” Saturday.

Edwards acknowledged he struggled.

“I haven’t played in like a month, month and a half, so, I was a little fatigued,” he said despite tallying 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.

Denver is hoping to get fully healthy for the rest of the series if forward Peyton Watson can return from a right hamstring strain. Watson has not played since aggravating the hamstring injury on April 1. He initially sustained the injury Feb. 4 and missed more than six weeks.

The Nuggets do have Jokic and Murray healthy, and they were a force in Game 1. Jokic recorded the 22nd triple-double of his playoff career, and Murray scored 30 points despite going 7-for-22 from the field. He did most of his damage from the line and disputed Minnesota’s grumblings in the disparity of foul calls.

“I thought I got fouled on every single one of them. I don’t know what everybody is talking about,” Murray said. “They were real fouls.”

Denver has been on a roll since losing to Memphis on March 18. The Nuggets won their final 12 games of the regular season to overtake the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and secure a third playoff meeting in four years against the Timberwolves to build on a budding rivalry.

“I think some people say it’s the same teams. I don’t think it’s the same teams,” Jokic said. “People are more experienced, different players. One player can change the whole situation, the whole rotation, the whole momentum of the team.”

–Field Level Media

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