Friday, April 25, 2025
NBA playoffs: Magic hold off Celtics to cut Boston's series lead to 2-1

NBA playoffs: Magic hold off Celtics to cut Boston's series lead to 2-1

The NBA playoffs featured three key first-round matchups on Friday, including the Orlando Magic's narrow 95-93 victory over the Boston Celtics, cutting Boston's series lead to 2-1. Jayson Tatum excelled for the Celtics with 36 points, but the Magic's Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 61 points, with Wagner delivering crucial plays in the fourth quarter. Turnovers plagued Boston, leading to 26 points for Orlando, while the Magic struggled with foul trouble, highlighting areas for improvement as the series progresses. Full Article

White Sox Trade Travis Jankowski To Rays

White Sox Trade Travis Jankowski To Rays

The White Sox traded Travis Jankowski to the Rays, who will assign him to their Triple-A team in Durham, as he was on a minor league deal that doesn't require a 40-man roster spot. Jankowski, a left-handed hitter with 11 seasons in the big leagues, struggled last year with a .200/.266/.242 slash line, leading to minor league offers, but recently batted .261 with a homer in five games for Charlotte. The Rays are in need of outfield depth due to injuries, adding Jankowski alongside non-roster outfield options like Eloy Jiménez. Full Article

2025 NFL Draft: Jets draft LSU TE Mason Taylor, son of Hall of Famer and former Jet Jason Taylor

2025 NFL Draft: Jets draft LSU TE Mason Taylor, son of Hall of Famer and former Jet Jason Taylor

The New York Jets, who initially selected offensive tackle Armand Membou with the seventh overall pick, later drafted LSU tight end Mason Taylor in the second round, addressing their need for a tight end. Taylor, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, had limited college production with only six touchdowns and a maximum of 546 yards in a season, but his athleticism and size at 6-foot-5, 251 pounds made him an appealing choice. If Mason Taylor's career resembles his father's, the Jets will be thrilled with their pick. Full Article

Darius Garland questionable for Game 3

Darius Garland questionable for Game 3

Anthony Chiang reports that Darius Garland is questionable for Game 3 against the Miami Heat due to a left great toe sprain. After Garland's comments about targeting Tyler Herro defensively, Herro and teammate Bam Adebayo responded, emphasizing that players who talk should be able to back it up, with Adebayo stating they cannot "hide." The Cleveland Cavaliers have seen substantial improvement this season, with hopes high for their playoff potential as they aim to prove doubters wrong, highlighting their depth and collective strength. Full Article

Sanchez won't start Tuesday but Phillies encouraged

Sanchez won't start Tuesday but Phillies encouraged

Cristopher Sanchez will not pitch for the Phillies on Tuesday due to left forearm tightness, but recent updates on his condition are positive after he played catch at Wrigley Field. Manager Rob Thomson expressed optimism about Sanchez's progress, noting he will throw a bullpen session on Sunday, while Zack Wheeler will take his place in the rotation. Additionally, outfielder Brandon Marsh is on a rehab assignment and is eligible to return from his mild right hamstring strain on Sunday. Full Article

Panthers' Nate Schmidt Ties NHL Record With Hot Playoff Start

Panthers' Nate Schmidt Ties NHL Record With Hot Playoff Start

The Florida Panthers have made a strong start in the 2025 NHL playoffs, winning their first two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, 6-2 and 2-0, to take a 2-0 series lead. Veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt has been a standout player, scoring three goals in two games, tying the NHL record for most goals by a defenseman in the first two playoff games. Having signed a one-year, $800,000 contract, Schmidt has proven to be a valuable addition, matching his playoff career high in goals while contributing significantly to the Panthers' success. Full Article

Cardinals halt Will Johnson's slide in 2nd round

Cardinals halt Will Johnson's slide in 2nd round

The Arizona Cardinals selected Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, picking him at No. 47 overall. Johnson is recognized for his game-changing potential, showcasing strong cover skills, size for matchups against larger receivers, and agility for quicker opponents, along with nine interceptions in three seasons at Michigan, three of which were returned for touchdowns. While he may need to improve his tackling consistency and positional awareness, his playmaking ability and coverage upside indicate he has true shutdown cornerback potential, especially after recovering from a foot injury. Full Article

Heat's Tyler Herro balks at Darius Garland picking on his defense vs. Cavaliers: 'I'm not f***ing around'

Heat's Tyler Herro balks at Darius Garland picking on his defense vs. Cavaliers: 'I'm not f***ing around'

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro reacted strongly to Darius Garland's comments about the Cleveland Cavaliers targeting him as a "weak defender" in their playoff series. Herro criticized Garland's defensive skills, stating, "Somebody that doesn’t play defense shouldn’t be talking either," despite both players having poor defensive ratings. As the series progresses, Herro's defensive performance will be under scrutiny, especially with Game 3 approaching, where Garland's participation is uncertain due to an injury. Full Article

Losing streak reaches 5 for the .500 Phillies, who can't buy a big hit

Losing streak reaches 5 for the .500 Phillies, who can't buy a big hit

The Phillies' losing streak has reached five games, marking their first .500 record of the season after a defeat at Wrigley Field. Struggling with offensive consistency, they are producing few extra-base hits and have only four players with more than one home run. Despite their pitching staff performing well, the team is facing a significant slump, compounded by bad luck, and veterans are being tested early in the season as they attempt to regain their competitive edge. Full Article

2025 NFL Draft Tracker: Rounds 2 & 3

2025 NFL Draft Tracker: Rounds 2 & 3

The 2025 NFL Draft Tracker provides live updates on player selections and profiles for prospects chosen on day two. Notable picks include UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger by the Cleveland Browns at 33, Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins by the Houston Texans at 34, and South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori by the Seattle Seahawks at 35. Further selections include Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins at 36, Arizona OL Jonah Savaiinaea at 37, and Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson at 38, among others. Full Article

Palmer's goalless run a mental thing – Maresca

Palmer's goalless run a mental thing – Maresca

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, 22, has not scored since January 14, going 16 games without a goal despite having the highest number of shots in the Premier League during this period. Manager Enzo Maresca attributes Palmer's struggles to mental factors rather than tactical or technical issues, emphasizing that Palmer remains the same player who scored 14 goals in 20 games. Maresca also stated that this season is "not a failure," noting Chelsea's improvement compared to the last two years, even as they risk missing Champions League qualification. Full Article

‘I can’t breathe’: Michael Slater sentenced after vicious attacks and months of abuse

‘I can’t breathe’: Michael Slater sentenced after vicious attacks and months of abuse

The disturbing downfall of Australian Test star Michael Slater has been revealed in court, showcasing months of alcohol-fueled violence, stalking, and threats, including two brutal strangulation attacks. The former cricketer was sentenced to four years in prison for these violent domestic offenses but was immediately released on a fully suspended sentence after spending over a year in custody. This case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the troubling behavior exhibited by Slater during this period. Full Article

Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brown in vs. Magic, Jrue Holiday out

Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brown in vs. Magic, Jrue Holiday out

Michael Scotto reports that Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are available for Game 3 against the Orlando Magic, while Jrue Holiday is out due to a right hamstring strain. Multiple Twitter updates indicate that Tatum has been upgraded to questionable, with coach Joe Mazzulla noting he is feeling better but was previously unable to play due to a severe wrist injury. Additionally, Jaylen Brown has been added to the injury report as questionable due to a right knee impingement, indicating uncertainties for the Celtics heading into the game. Full Article

Report: Cubs backed out of Luzardo trade due to medical concerns

Report: Cubs backed out of Luzardo trade due to medical concerns

The Chicago Cubs decided against trading for then-Miami Marlins pitcher Jesús Luzardo after concerns regarding his back and elbow emerged from his medical records, according to sources. The Marlins subsequently traded Luzardo to the Philadelphia Phillies, along with minor-league catcher/outfielder Paul McIntosh, in exchange for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd. Luzardo has excelled in his early season appearances, boasting a 2.08 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP over five starts, and is arbitration-eligible through 2026. Full Article

Jahdae Barron asks to thank everyone in the organization after Broncos drafted him

Jahdae Barron asks to thank everyone in the organization after Broncos drafted him

In his 45th draft, Broncos coach Sean Payton experienced a unique moment when Texas safety Jahdae Barron, selected 20th overall, requested to address the draft room over speaker phone. Barron expressed gratitude for the team's decision, stating they changed his and his mother's lives, and he felt compelled to thank everyone involved in the process. Joining the Broncos' secondary, which includes standout players like Pat Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga, Barron's heartfelt gesture marked a memorable occasion in the draft history for Payton. Full Article