June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 90 of 184).

NBA Finals Game 5 Preview, Desmond Bane traded to Magic, Ja Morant’s future and Kevin Durant trade rumors

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Jared Greenberg preview Monday’s huge Game 5 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

Next, Vince and Jared react to Desmond Bane being traded to the Orlando Magic and discuss if Orlando gave up too many assets in the trade.

Later, Vince and Jared take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies and debate what they should do moving forward with Ja Morant. Also, Vince and Jared give their thoughts on if the Miami Heat or Houston Rockets should make a push for Kevin Durant.

(1:56) NBA Finals Game 5 preview

(10:00) Rick Carlisle brings up officials

(17:01) Orlando Magic trade for Desmond Bane

(24:22) What does Bane trade mean for Ja Morant, Grizzlies?

(33:09) Can Ja Morant be the best player on a contending team?

(35:36) Should the Rockets pursue Ja Morant, Kevin Durant?

(41:58) Does Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat make sense?

(50:38) NBA needs to rethink Draft Night coverage

Desmond Bane traded from Memphis Grizzlies to Orlando Magic. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
(AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

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David Ortiz responds to Red Sox’s Rafael Devers trade: ‘You’ve got to put your ego aside’

Legendary Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz understands why the team traded Rafael Devers. In his first comments since the deal, Ortiz took the team’s side, saying, “You have to give the club the benefit of the doubt.”

That’s a departure from Ortiz’s take earlier in June, when he seemed to agree with Devers’ decision to stick at designated hitter following an injury to first baseman Triston Casas. At the time, Ortiz said, “He’s doing great as the DH. They asked for it, and he’s doing great as the DH.”

But following Sunday’s deal, which saw Devers traded to the San Francisco Giants, Ortiz reversed course, implying that ego and maturity played a role in the team’s decision, per The Athletic.

“The organization is always going to be there. Players come and go. As a player, sometimes you’ve got to put your ego aside and understand that once you get paid, you’ve got to find a way to do what you’re told,” Ortiz said.

“That’s a message for all young players who think they turn out to be bigger than the game. I’m not saying that Devers was like that. He’s humble. He’s a good kid. But sometimes when you’re young and immature, you (don’t realize that).”

Ortiz explained that he experienced friction with the Red Sox during his career but “was mature enough to understand and keep things internal.”

That wasn’t the case with Devers, who made multiple public comments about his dissatisfaction with the Red Sox’s approach to having him change positions. After signing Alex Bregman in the offseason, the team asked Devers to play designated hitter. He bristled at the idea before eventually signing off on it. 

A few weeks later, Casas went down with a season-ending injury. The Red Sox then approached Devers about playing first. Devers refused and ripped president of baseball operations Craig Breslow in the process.

Despite all that drama, Devers performed on the field. After a glacially slow start, he recovered and was hitting .272/.401/.504 at the time of the trade. He’ll take a career-high 152 OPS+ to San Francisco.

Ortiz was careful to avoid directly throwing Devers under the bus, but he implied that Devers’ youth prevented both sides from reconciling.

“I think it would be easier, if they pay you that kind of money, to go, ‘F*** it, let’s do it.’ But players’ egos play a big role sometimes. I’ve seen it with so many players. Sammy Sosa. A-Rod, my friend Manny Ramirez, you name it. And guess what? At the end of the day … you know you did wrong. Once you mature, you understand.”

Ortiz added that in these situations, the team holds all the power. He said that’s something that can be “hard to understand” when you’re a young player. 

While Ortiz no longer plays for the Red Sox, he’s still linked to the organization. He signed a “forever” contract with the team in 2017, allowing him to serve in a variety of roles. He let some of that loyalty show when talking about the Devers trade, saying, “I prefer to play in Boston than freezing-ass San Francisco for the next 10 years.”

With Devers gone, the Red Sox will try to turn the page on a drama-filled year thus far. Despite all the outside noise, the Red Sox are coming off a three-game sweep of the rival New York Yankees and are still very much in the playoff hunt in the American League. 

Trading Devers will almost certainly hurt in the short term, but it wasn’t a white flag trade. Maybe Ortiz was right about giving the team some credit, though it doesn’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to trading away elite talent. 

2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: 76ers take Edgecombe, Grizzlies select Sorber after Bane trade

There is no offseason in the NBA. Before the Finals have even ended, we already have a blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. That deal also slightly altered mock drafts, with pick 16 heading to Memphis, giving the Grizzlies a first-round pick.

That doesn’t guarantee that they’ll hold that pick; they could certainly swing it to another team over the next nine days before the draft begins. Every rumor has indicated that this will be a busy offseason, so it isn’t surprising that it got started early.

The official draft withdrawal date has officially passed, and a few international prospects, such as Neoklis Avdalas, Ben Henshall, and Momo Faye, withdrew and will reportedly evaluate their options for next season to help improve their stock ahead of the 2026 draft. That leaves the depth of this draft even thinner.

Still, there is a ton of talent at the top, and this is how our team thinks the 2025 draft will go with a little over a week before it begins on June 25.

Round 1

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

For all the talk about Flagg’s high ceiling coming into this draft — MVP candidate, top-five player in the league for a stretch — what’s more important is his high floor. That starts with the fact that Flagg is a high-motor, competitive defender whose rim-protecting skills have always been his strength. Flagg is likely a multi-time All-Star at worst. That’s what makes his selection such a no-brainer. – Kurt Helin, NBC Sports

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

The obvious choice here for the Spurs is Harper, even if they have multiple talented guards on the roster. He’s just that good. It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Mitch Johnson utilizes Harper in the rotation with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but Harper has too much upside as a prospect for San Antonio to pass on. He will form a dangerous duo with Victor Wembanyama that could last for at least a decade. – Noah Rubin, Rotoworld

3. Philadelphia 76ers

V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor

In the eyes of many, the draft begins with the 76ers at No. 3. While Philadelphia may move down in the draft, staying put could net the team an attractive piece for the future. Rutgers’ Ace Bailey is a possibility, but so is the ultra-athletic Edgecombe, who would provide a dimension the current 76ers’ perimeter rotation lacks. The 6-foot-5 guard does not need the ball in his hands to be impactful on offense, and defensively, he’s a high-level competitor. Edgecombe does need to become a more efficient offensive player, but Philadelphia has the talent to compensate for that. – Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld

4. Charlotte Hornets

Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

The Hornets need more talent. A lot more talent. Bailey has the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft with the build and look at times of a prototypical NBA wing. If he can be that guy and thrive in the spacing of the NBA game — and playing off LaMelo Ball — the Hornets may have a key piece of the future. – Helin

5. Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

The Jazz have experimented with multiple point guards in recent years, and while Isaiah Collier had a strong rookie year, he wasn’t good enough for Utah to avoid drafting another lead ball handler. Fears’ efficiency was an issue during his lone season at Oklahoma, but he was productive in a high-usage role in a tough conference after enrolling a year early. The 18-year-old has the potential to solve the point guard problem for the Jazz. – Rubin

6. Washington Wizards

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

While the Wizards did select Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick in last year’s draft, he’s more of a modern big who likes to spend equal time on the perimeter and in the paint. Therefore, adding Maluach would not be an issue if he’s still on the board. Just 18 years old, the 7-foot-2 center out of Duke is excellent in the paint on both ends of the floor. Maluach will need time to develop, which should not be an issue for a Wizards franchise that fully embraced a rebuild last season. – Johnson

7. New Orleans Pelicans

Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Whatever the Pelicans roster looks like after Joe Dumars is done tinkering with it this summer, it will need more shooting and guard depth. Knueppel fills those roles. Shooting is his strength — he hit 40.6 percent of his three-pointers last season for the Blue Devils — and he can do some secondary shot creation, while also being a solid defender. He can step right in and give Willie Green some minutes. – Helin

8. Brooklyn Nets

Tre Johnson, G, Texas

This is just the start of a long rebuild for Brooklyn, and Johnson would be an excellent piece to add. He is one of the best shooters and scorers in the draft and will immediately provide the Nets with a potential franchise player. He’ll have a chance to develop other aspects of his game over the next few seasons, but the scoring should be there from day one. Though Flagg will be the heavy favorite, Johnson would be a dark horse candidate to win Rookie of the Year in a situation like Brooklyn. – Rubin

9. Toronto Raptors

Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Current starting center Jakob Poeltl has one guaranteed season remaining on his current contract, with a player option for 2026-27. While teams don’t usually go for need in the draft, this is a spot where the Raptors can do so while also getting the best available player on the board. Queen is a versatile big who boasts a polished offensive skill set that still has ample room for growth. His perimeter shot improved late in his lone season at Maryland, and there’s also the ability to facilitate for others. Queen does need to improve defensively, but having Poeltl will give the Raptors time to develop the rookie on that end of the floor. – Johnson

10. Houston Rockets (via PHX)

Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

The Rockets are expected to extend Fred VanVleet this summer, but they need some point guard depth behind him and Jakucionis can be that guy. He’s a strong floor general who understands how to run an offense, is a creative passer, and averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game last season. Ultimately, how good he is depends on his shooting and defense, but he’s going to be in the NBA for a long time. – Helin

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm, France

Essengue is still playing for Ratiopharm Ulm right now, so he wasn’t able to attend the NBA Draft Combine. However, he had some measurements done recently that put him at 6-10 without shoes on, which is a bit taller than expected, along with nearly a 7-1 wingspan. He’s not a ball-dominant player, and he does a little bit of everything else, which will help him fit in right away with Portland’s young core. He will provide them with another formidable perimeter defender on the wing, and Scoot Henderson should be able to find him for some easy shots at the rim. If the Trail Blazers want to turn a corner this year, Essengue can contribute immediately, but he also won’t turn 19 years old until December. – Rubin

12. Chicago Bulls

Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina

With long-time starter Nikola Vucevic and backup Zach Collins both entering the final season of their respective contracts, there may be an added sense of urgency to add a young big to the fold. The Bulls can do that here by selecting Murray-Boyles, a versatile frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center. The basketball IQ, tenacity and defensive ability help compensate for Murray-Boyles’ lack of height, and the Bulls have the scorers (and in Vucevic, a floor-spacer) needed to cover for his limited perimeter shooting. – Johnson

13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)

Danny Wolf, F, Michigan

Onyeka Okongwu is the starting center in Atlanta, and with Clint Capela almost certainly gone via free agency, the Hawks want some depth at the five. Wolf gives them that. He has a strong feel for the game with guard-like passing skills. He may not defend well enough (or be explosive enough as an athlete) to be a starting five, but he has an NBA role. – Helin

14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant has been a late riser in this class, and there is a decent chance he goes earlier than this when the draft rolls around next week. However, San Antonio would be thrilled if the board fell like this. Bryant didn’t play a large role at Arizona, but the upside here is tremendous, especially on defense. With Wembanyama healthy, the Spurs will be looking to return to the playoffs next season. Bryant has the ability to contribute early on defensively, with upside to turn into much, much more. – Rubin

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)

Egor Demin, G, BYU

Do the Thunder need another point guard? Probably not, especially with 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topic due to be available after sitting out this season with a torn ACL. However, Demin is the best available player on the board, and he has the size to play multiple positions. How successful he is at the NBA level will depend on his perimeter shot, which needs a lot of work. The good news here is that Oklahoma City has enough talent to remain patient in developing Demin. – Johnson

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL)

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Memphis has this pick as one of the stunning four first-round picks it got in the Desmond Bane trade. That trade also gave the Grizzlies good guard depth (with the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony), so they may look for more help along the front line. Sorber is a bit undersized for an NBA center (6-9) but his 7-6 wingspan and strong NBA build will allow him to play inside, and he has a good feel for the game. – Helin

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)

Cedric Coward, G, Washington State

Coward only played six games last season before a torn labrum ended his year early. He committed to transfer to Duke next season, but his name rose up draft boards, and he opted to forego another year in college. Based on the number of other players that opted to return to school and enjoy NIL money while improving their draft stock, Coward wouldn’t have done that if he wasn’t going in the first round. He boasts a 7-2 wingspan, and he’s a knockdown shooter. He should immediately provide Minnesota with yet another two-way wing. – Rubin

18. Washington Wizards (via MEM)

Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

Considered by some to be a lottery pick early in the pre-draft process, Richardson’s measurements at the combine negatively impacted how he’s viewed in some circles. While he does not possess the size most teams prefer off-ball scorers to have, the former Michigan State standout has the offensive skill set required of a combo guard. While the Wizards added Bub Carrington to the mix in last year’s draft, the team is still in rebuilding mode. And if Richardson is available here, Washington would be hard-pressed to leave him on the board. – Johnson

19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)

Liam McNeeley, G/F, Connecticut

The Nets head into the draft needing… everything. McNeeley thrived at Montverde Academy (on the same team as Flagg and Queen) but was pushed into a role as a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, which was not a fit. The Nets are betting he can return to his high school form and be part of their wing rotation. – Helin

20. Miami Heat (via GSW)

Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State

Every year, it feels like there is a pick that is a match made in heaven for the Heat. It usually ends up being a tough, two-way player who can contribute immediately. Clifford feels like that guy this year. At 23 years old, he doesn’t have the same room for growth that some of the other players in this class do, but he should be at least a rotation piece from day one, with the upside to start as a rookie. Miami isn’t going to kickstart a rebuild this year, and adding Clifford will help them improve the roster. – Rubin

21. Utah Jazz (via MIN)

Maxime Raynaud, F/C, Stanford

The 7-1 Raynaud is one of the most skilled big men in this draft class. During his time at Stanford, the All-ACC center showed off the ability to score from all over the floor, and his rebounding improved as his career progressed. While the Jazz appear to have their center of the future in Walker Kessler, he’s not the most skilled big man offensively. Adding Raynaud would give Utah a floor-spacer in the frontcourt, especially if they were to move John Collins via trade. – Johnson

22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija, France

As noted above when I had them drafting Wolf out of Michigan, the Hawks need depth at the five. Beringer is more of a long-term bet. He showed potential as a shot-blocking, rim-running big in the Adriatic League last season, but he’s a project. Atlanta is betting on its player development skills here. – Helin

23. Indiana Pacers

Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia

Once unanimously considered to be a lottery talent, the opinions on Newell have changed. He can still be a phenomenal player, but he may need the right situation for that to happen. Indiana feels like the perfect place for that. He’s not much of a shot creator, but the Pacers’ style of play will get him easy looks. He’s not a great defender, but he’ll have Myles Turner behind him to clean things up. Newell also fills some gaps for the Pacers as a backup center that can also spend time at power forward if they want him to. – Rubin

24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)

Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin, France

Initially projected to be a lock for the draft lottery, Traore’s limited perimeter shooting is an issue for some draftniks. However, he’s a quick point guard who can be a high-level playmaker for others, provided he keeps the turnovers in check. Oklahoma City certainly doesn’t need another point guard, but Traore on the board at this point could be too enticing to pass up. – Johnson

25. Orlando Magic (via DEN)

Will Riley, G/F, Illinois

While Orlando moved into a “win now” mode by trading for Bane, Riley is the best player on the board and a bet by the Magic on their player development and long-term success. The Magic believe in the Riley we saw score 22 points on 12 shots in a win against Xavier in the NCAA tournament (and ignore the times he faded into the background of games this season). – Helin

26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK)

Drake Powell, G, UNC

The Nets have a ton of needs, but with Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe on the roster, they do have some centers with upside. That’s why it isn’t an issue for them to select wings with three of their four first-round picks, even if they opt to address different positions on draft night. Powell played a limited role at North Carolina after entering as a five-star freshman, but he boasts a 7-0 wingspan and a 43-inch vertical. He still has upside as a creator on offense, but it was his 37.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc and his defensive prowess that make him a strong selection for the Nets. – Rubin

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

The Nets have embraced the rebuild, and point guard is a position of need, regardless of what happens with D’Angelo Russell in free agency. So, why not add a point guard who led his team to a national title and can make plays for himself and others? Despite being considered by some to be a bit small for an NBA point guard, Clayton would fit that mold. There’s room for him to grow as a finisher, but adding a quality leader with a championship pedigree can work out well for a rebuilding franchise. – Johnson

28. Boston Celtics

Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Real Madrid, Spain

The Celtics can afford to be patient (not like anyone they were going to draft here was going to come into this veteran team and make a big impact). Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game, and shows real promise as a defender, he has the kind of game that would fit well on the Celtics (or Pacers, or a lot of deep teams), but the question is his shot. He hit just 29 percent from deep last season. Don’t be surprised if he spends another year in Spain working on that before coming over. – Helin

29: Phoenix Suns (via CLE)

Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s

This would be quite the steal for Phoenix. He didn’t create much in college, but the 6-9 forward has a 7-5 wingspan and shot 39 percent from deep. The Suns don’t have much of their own draft capital over the next five years, so even if they acquire picks in exchange for Kevin Durant, there is no incentive for them to rebuild. Fleming may not have All-Star upside, but he can be a star in his role for Phoenix, which would be an excellent pick for them at the end of the first round. – Rubin

30. Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Clippers are in a good spot regarding the starting center role, as Ivica Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. But there is a need for a backup, and Kalkbrenner can certainly offer value. Three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he made strides as a rebounder and defender during his time in college. Kalkbrenner will need to improve his strength and mobility, but there will be time for him to develop playing on a team that’s already set at the center position. – Johnson

Round 2:

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda, F, Le Mans, France

32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Kam Jones, G, Marquette

33. Charlotte Hornets: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas

34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOR): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State

35. Philadelphia 76ers: Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao, China

36. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm, Israel

37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Bogoljub Marković, F, KK Mega Basket, Serbia

38. San Antonio Spurs: Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings

39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest

40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): John Tonje, F, Wisconsin

43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee

44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets

45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Johni Broome, C, Auburn

46. Orlando Magic: Alijah Martin, G, Florida

47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga

48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Javon Small, G, West Virginia

50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Koby Brea, G/F, Kentucky

51. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN): Sion James, G, Duke

52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Kobe Sanders, G/F, Nevada

53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Dink Pate, F, Mexico City

54. Indiana Pacers: Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown

55. Los Angeles Lakers: Mark Sears, G, Alabama

56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis, G/F, St. John’s

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Eric Dixon, F, Villanova

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, F/C, Illawarra Hawks

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson

Secretary Rollins Announces Major Step Forward for the Resolution Copper Project

(Washington, D.C., June 16, 2025) – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Forest Service has posted the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision for the proposed Resolution Copper Mining Project. These documents, now available on the Tonto National Forest website, represent an important step in advancing President Trump’s goal of emergency and mineral independence by boosting domestic mineral production.

Ticket prices skyrocket for Padres-Dodgers game ahead of Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 pitching debut

Dodgers ticket prices are soaring, as Shohei Ohtani is set to make his 2025 pitching debut for Los Angeles on Monday against the San Diego Padres. 

“He’s ready to pitch in a major-league game,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters after his team’s 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. “He let us know that.”

Hours later, the Dodgers announced on social media that Ohtani would pitch Monday. This will be his first time pitching since Aug. 23, 2023, when he was still with the Angels. Ohtani had his right elbow surgically repaired the following month.

Even with Ohtani expected to pitch only one or two innings, according to TickPick, ticket prices went up by 174% after the team announced Ohtani’s season debut. The get-in price for Monday’s game rose from $51 to $137. 

Back in March, a report from Vivid Seats noted that the average ticket price for a Dodgers game increased after the team won the World Series against the New York Yankees in October.

The average price of Dodgers tickets, home or away, was $181, according to the report. That average cost was $40 more than the next-highest mean MLB ticket price, held by the Boston Red Sox.

The Dodgers managed to secure the World Series crown last year without having Ohtani on the mound. Now the defending champions get a boost, building up their two-way star with plenty of runway left in the season. 

Apart from the game tickets ballooning, a Bluesky user who identified themselves as a Dodger Stadium tour guide highlighted that tour tickets for Monday skyrocketed to $202.25. The tour usually costs $40 for adults and $30 for children. The user, Tavi, noted that tour guides make minimum wage, and their wages do not increase with ticket rates. 

Ohtani last pitched in 2023 for the Angels, throwing 132 innings with 167 strikeouts and a 3.14 ERA that season. At the plate this season for the Dodgers, he’s hitting .297/.393/.642 with a National League-leading 1.035 OPS and 25 home runs.

Ohtani is in the second season of his 10-year, $700 million contract, and the Dodgers are 43-29 on top of the NL West. 

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Red-hot Ryan McMahon among key hitter pickups for Week 12

The Boston Red Sox traded the only remaining member of their 2018 World Series team, Rafael Devers, to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. That’s a serious move for the Giants, who have the fifth-best record in the National League. If you’re like the Giants and want to bolster your squad, here are five hitters to pick up in fantasy baseball in Week 12.

Ryan McMahon – 3B, Colorado Rockies (29% rostered)

Adding McMahon is more of a matchup and schedule play in the latter part of the week, with Colorado hosting the Diamondbacks over the weekend. McMahon is feasting at home, slashing .291/.426/.544 in 32 games this season. He was a top-30 player in Week 11 after hitting .316 and belting three homers with five runs and five RBI. If you want to wait to pick him up for the Rockies’ homestand, that makes sense. However, don’t sleep on the fact that he’s swinging a hot bat right now.

Sal Frelick – OF, Milwaukee Brewers (30% rostered)

Frelick is putting together a strong campaign with his high contact rate and speed on the bags. I’d add him immediately if you are looking for an outfielder who is batting near .300 and well on track to shatter his previous high of 18 stolen bases in a season. Over the past month, Frelick has been a top 50 player in fantasy, collecting 13 runs, two dingers, 16 RBI, six stolen bases and batting .327. With matchups against the Cubs and Twins this week, he should see plenty of ABs with no lefties scheduled to take the mound.

The catcher market is bleak, with Cal Raleigh as the only catcher ranking in the top 100 in fantasy through Monday. Kirk is performing like a top-10 catcher however, which means he should be rostered as such. Over the past two weeks, he’s batting .370, amassing six runs, two homers and eight RBI. His Baseball Savant page is a sea of red, and with Kirk hitting so well, it’s no surprise he’s bouncing between the three and five spots in the batting order. As long as he’s on a heater, fantasy managers need to take notice and pick him up.

J.P. Crawford – SS, Seattle Mariners (20% rostered)

The leadoff man for the Mariners crushed the fifth grand slam of his career on Sunday, and what better time than celebrating his first Father’s Day? It wasn’t just yesterday’s performance, though, as Crawford’s been consistently hitting all season, slashing .296/.411/.413 through 68 games. Sure, the grand salami fueled his jump to a top-30 player in Week 10, closing out the week with a homer, five RBI, two runs and two stolen bases. Outlier week or not, his plate discipline has been exceptional, pacing over the 90th percentile for chase and walk rates. So, if you’re looking to improve your batting average or on-base percentage, Crawford is worth adding.

Max Muncy – 2B/3B/SS, Athletics (8% rostered)

Being at the bottom tier of the MLB standings has its perks when it comes to developing young players. Despite the bad record, the Athletics are producing a top-10 offense in June. Muncy, the Athletics’ seventh-ranked prospect, is maturing quickly since being called up and is thriving in the fifth spot in the order. The underlying metrics aren’t favorable, but he’s been producing at the dish, ranking 84th over the past two weeks. The recent power surge is driving his rise up the ranks, slashing .244/.262/.537 over the past 10 games. He has four homers and 11 RBI in that span, and while his sprint speed is pacing well above league average, more steals would elevate his appeal beyond a short-term steamer. Muncy’s positional versatility also enables you to plug him into three spots in your lineup.

Giancarlo Stanton to reportedly make 2025 Yankees debut vs. Angels on Monday

The New York Yankees — already one of the best teams in the American League — are about to get stronger. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton will reportedly make his 2025 season debut Monday, according SNY’s Andy Martino.

Stanton is expected to be in the lineup when the Yankees take on the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. He’ll face off against Angels starter Jose Soriano.

Stanton, 35, is returning from injuries to both his elbows. He was shut down during spring training due to tendonitis in his elbows. He received PRP injections to help the issue in March and has made steady progress since then.

He started a rehab assignment Thursday and played in three minor-league games. Stanton had three hits in those contests, including a double.

Stanton’s return creates a potential roster crunch for the Yankees. With him expected to primarily fill in at designated hitter, the team will need to get creative with lefty slugger Ben Rice’s playing time. Rice hasn’t hit for a high average in 2025 but has been a solid source of power. The 26-year-old is slashing .227/.311/.460 with 12 home runs in 239 plate appearances. Rice, who played catcher in the minors, could see time at that position with Stanton back.

Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Stanton has experienced an uneven tenure. While he put up strong numbers with the team between 2018 and 2021, injuries have often kept him away from the field. Injuries remain an issue for Stanton — he has averaged 108 games over the past three years — but he has also started to see some age-related decline, hitting .212/.291/.454 since 2022.

Despite that, Stanton still has moments when he looks like a power-hitting superstar. He played a major role in the team’s playoff success last season, slugging .273/.339/.709 with seven home runs in 14 postseason games. That performance wasn’t enough to lift the Yankees over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, however. 

Stanton’s return comes at a crucial time for the Yankees. While the team has the second-most wins in the American League, it just got swept by the division-rival Boston Red Sox in three games. 

Any sadness about that series was immediately erased when the Red Sox shockingly traded slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. That, combined with Stanton’s return, should give the Yankees the boost they need to get back on track vs. the Angels.

Pacers vs. Thunder odds: Best bets, predictions for NBA Finals Game 5

The Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 4 of the NBA Finals 111-104 over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, covering their first spread on the road this postseason. The Thunder are now 1-8 against the spread on the road in the 2025 playoffs, but 8-3 ATS at home.

Oklahoma City came into the NBA Finals as huge -700 favorites at BetMGM, and it’s shocking the series is tied 2-2 and has been as competitive as it’s been. But even with the series knotted up, Oklahoma City is still an overwhelming -625 favorite to win the series at BetMGM with two potential home games remaining. Indiana is a +450 underdog.

Oklahoma City is a 9.5-point home favorite in Game 5 with a total of 224.5. Three of the four games in the finals have gone under the total. 

Yahoo Sports asked handicapper Michael Fiddle for his thoughts on Game 5 of the Finals and a best bet:

Game 5: Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9.5, 224.5)

Fiddle: “I like Oklahoma City on the moneyline here at -405. This is the basement price for OKC correlated to -9.5, as the line closed higher than this for both Game 1 and Game 2 with late action on the Thunder. I think [that late action] comes again and this closes around -415 or -420 consensus price, [so it’s] worth it to be ahead. 

“I prefer the moneyline to the spread here because Indiana does play so game-theory optimal [a poker term for the correct math-type play every time] late in games when down with fast possessions, high volume 3s, low turnovers, various players looking to create, etc.

“Oklahoma City has been insanely dominant at home this postseason, going 9-2 with a +236 point differential through 11 games.”

Best bet: Thunder ML -405

Pacers vs. Thunder odds: Best bets, predictions for NBA Finals Game 5

The Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 4 of the NBA Finals 111-104 over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, covering their first spread on the road this postseason. The Thunder are now 1-8 against the spread on the road in the 2025 playoffs, but 8-3 ATS at home.

Oklahoma City came into the NBA Finals as huge -700 favorites at BetMGM, and it’s shocking the series is tied 2-2 and has been as competitive as it’s been. But even with the series knotted up, Oklahoma City is still an overwhelming -625 favorite to win the series at BetMGM with two potential home games remaining. Indiana is a +450 underdog.

Oklahoma City is a 9.5-point home favorite in Game 5 with a total of 224.5. Three of the four games in the finals have gone under the total. 

Yahoo Sports asked handicapper Michael Fiddle for his thoughts on Game 5 of the Finals and a best bet:

Game 5: Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9.5, 224.5)

Fiddle: “I like Oklahoma City on the moneyline here at -405. This is the basement price for OKC correlated to -9.5, as the line closed higher than this for both Game 1 and Game 2 with late action on the Thunder. I think [that late action] comes again and this closes around -415 or -420 consensus price, [so it’s] worth it to be ahead. 

“I prefer the moneyline to the spread here because Indiana does play so game-theory optimal [a poker term for the correct math-type play every time] late in games when down with fast possessions, high volume 3s, low turnovers, various players looking to create, etc.

“Oklahoma City has been insanely dominant at home this postseason, going 9-2 with a +236 point differential through 11 games.”

Best bet: Thunder ML -405