Knicks' Historic Run + Stafford is Sticking Around and Bears Are Moving
And French Open odds with Carlos Alcaraz out of the field
In Today’s Issue: Ty Simpson, Matthew Stafford, Jesús Made, Leo De Vries, Taylor Moore, Brooks Koepka, Jesper Svensson, Scottie Scheffler, Si Woo Kim, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Josh Hart.
WHAT TO READ
The Knicks are on a historic run, winning nine straight while outscoring their opponents by 212 points — which CBS Sports reports is the largest point differential in NBA history, playoffs or regular season. New York looks poised for its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 after going up 2-0 on the Cavaliers. Read about why this is obviously good news for the Knicks, but their competition hasn’t exactly been stellar. (CBS Sports)
The Rams aren’t planning on lining up first round draft pick Ty Simpson under center anytime soon, locking up quarterback Matthew Stafford with a massive contract extension. Los Angeles added one year and $55 million to the 38-year-old’s deal that was set to expire after the upcoming season, meaning he now has $105 million remaining on his contract. Read about the Rams’ decision to lock down the reigning NFL MVP through the 2027 season. (ESPN)
The Bears made it as clear as possible that they’re leaving Chicago, announcing there’s “not a viable site in the city,” and that the franchise will only consider Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana. The team has played in Chicago since 1921, starting at Wrigley Field then moving to Soldier Field in 1971. Read about what Arlington Heights, a Chicago suburb, and Hammond, which is across the border but only 25 miles from their current home, are offering the franchise to move. (Associated Press)
In another big NHL conference final Game 1 upset, Montreal embarrassed Carolina at home in a 6-2 win. The Hurricanes had been 8-0 in the playoffs and were rewarded with an 11-day break, the longest since at least 1920. Read about how the rest advantage could have turned into rust for the favorites. (SB Nation)
ESPN updated its top 50 MLB prospect rankings, with shortstop Jesús Made, in the Brewers’ system, moving up to the top spot. Another shortstop, Leo De Vries (Athletics), made one of the biggest jumps from 11th to 2nd after the 19-year-old switch-hitter already climbed to Double-A. Read the full list to see which clubs could be getting young reinforcements. (ESPN)
WHAT TO WATCH
8am — The CJ Cup Byron Nelson on CBS, Paramount+ and ESPN+: Round 2 gets underway after a low scoring first day, with American Taylor Moore starting with the lead at -9, followed by Brooks Koepka and Jesper Svensson at -8. (Scheffler +260, Kim +600, Koepka +700)
8pm — Golden Knights vs. Avalanche on ESPN: Vegas shocked Colorado with a 4-2 upset in Game 1, and now the Avalanche are down to a 51% chance to win the series on Kalshi. (VGK +160, COL -192)
8:30pm — Thunder vs. Spurs on NBC: San Antonio is looking to keep the advantage it won with its Game 1 victory in Oklahoma City with its first matchup at home in a tied series. (SA -1.5, Total: 217.5)
WHAT TO TRACK
The French Open starts on Sunday, and with Carlos Alcaraz out of the men’s draw with an injury, No. 1 Jannik Sinner doesn’t have much standing in his way to earn his first win at Roland Garros. Kalshi gives Sinner a 73% chance to complete his career Grand Slam (1.34x), with Alexander Zverev next at just 8% (13.4x). The women’s side is much tighter, with No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at 26%, four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek at 24%, and last year’s winner, American Coco Gauff, at 13%.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I was kind of frustrated. I’ve been putting in the reps. It’s not translating right now. I just knew I would keep shooting and if I did that, I would be good.”
— Knicks guard Josh Hart after breaking out of a slump to score a game-high 26 points in the Knicks 109-93 Game 2 win over the Cavaliers.
See you Monday,
Abe