Lakers Even Series, Pacers & Thunder Dominate, Final NFL Draft Rankings Revealed

🏀 Good Morning to All, But Especially to…

The Los Angeles Lakers

The series between the Lakers and Timberwolves is shaping up to be a compelling matchup. Los Angeles secured a tough 94-85 win over Minnesota, evening the series at one game apiece. This defensive battle saw both the Timberwolves score their fewest points and the Lakers allow their fewest points of the season.

Luka Dončić contributed 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists for the Lakers, while LeBron James added 21 points and 11 rebounds. Los Angeles overcame poor three-point shooting (6 for 29, 21%) because Minnesota also struggled from deep (5 for 25, 20%).

While offensively challenging to watch, the Lakers can be proud of matching the Timberwolves` physicality after being overpowered in the first game. Minnesota was reportedly unhappy with the officiating.

Earlier in the night, the Pacers took a 2-0 series lead by defeating the Bucks 123-115. Indianapolis` offense is performing exceptionally well. Tyrese Haliburton (21 points, 12 assists) silenced critics who voted him the NBA`s most overrated player by his peers. Pascal Siakam also had a strong showing with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Finally, the Thunder continued their dominant performance against the Grizzlies with a 118-99 victory in Game 2. Oklahoma City has now outscored Memphis by a staggering 70 points across the first two games, marking the second-largest margin through two games in NBA series history.

👍 Honorable Mentions

• In Cowboys news, Micah Parsons is reportedly nearing an extension, Jerry Jones mentioned having `two pretty substantive trades` in progress, and Stephon Gilmore visited.
• Brock Purdy attended 49ers voluntary workouts, while George Kittle did not.
• Payton Pritchard won Sixth Man of the Year.
• The 2026 College Football Playoff schedule has been released.
• The Cubs plan to pursue an extension with Kyle Tucker this season.
• Isaiah Evans is returning to Duke.
• Paige Bueckers penned her farewell to UConn.
• Andrew Luck participated in quarterback reps at Stanford practice.
• North Carolina will play TCU to open the 2026 college football season in Ireland.
• Simone Biles is considering participation in the 2028 Olympics.

🏀 And Not Such a Good Morning For…

The Milwaukee Bucks

Watching the Bucks` loss to the Pacers felt less like a playoff game and more like a regular-season setback, perhaps on the second night of a road back-to-back – one of those games you just want to end. That`s how poor their defensive effort appeared.

However, this was a crucial playoff game with Milwaukee already trailing the series 1-0. Time and again, Pacers players easily drove to the basket and found wide-open three-pointers.

The Bucks seem old, perhaps even `ancient.` But beyond the roster age, there are consistent communication breakdowns. Damian Lillard`s return boosted the offense, but as Jack Maloney notes, it meant little with such a porous defense.

• Maloney: “The Bucks simply cannot keep opponents in front of them defensively. The Pacers, with their quick guards and fast-paced style, are a particularly difficult matchup… Following the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers specifically criticized his starters for failing to provide sufficient resistance, especially on the perimeter.”

👎 Not So Honorable Mentions

• Jayson Tatum (wrist) is doubtful for tonight`s Celtics-Magic Game 2.
• Anthony Edwards was fined $50,000 for `inappropriate language` and an `obscene gesture` directed at a fan.
• Davante Adams described Aaron Rodgers` goodbye meeting with the Jets and revealed which team gave him a low free agency offer.
• Jameson Williams posted a cryptic social media message.
• Lions president Rod Wood made a comment directed at the Packers.
• The Orioles haven`t ruled out moving Charlie Morton to the bullpen.
• Jaden Rashada will not visit North Carolina after all.
• Lou Lamoriello is out as Islanders president and GM.

🏈 NFL Draft: First-Round Mock, Final Big Board, Latest Rumors

Just one day until the NFL Draft begins, and the rumors continue to circulate. The Titans were always unlikely to trade the top pick, but the Browns and Giants are reportedly receiving calls regarding the No. 2 and No. 3 selections.

While there seems to be a general consensus on a top three (Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter), Pete Prisco suggests a different approach in his `What teams should do` mock draft:

1. Titans: WR/CB Travis Hunter
2. Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter
3. Giants: QB Cam Ward
4. Patriots: OT Josh Simmons
5. Jaguars: RB Ashton Jeanty

Note that this is Prisco`s recommendation, not a prediction of what will happen. However, this top three aligns with the final CBS Sports prospect rankings, where Mason Graham and Tetairoa McMillan complete the top five.

Shedeur Sanders is ranked 28th on the final big board. With the Steelers holding the 21st pick, there`s been much discussion about this potential fit, and Mike Tomlin has spoken positively about Sanders while also acknowledging the Aaron Rodgers situation. However, in our staff`s live mock draft, Bryan DeArdo selected Jalen Milroe for the Steelers after Sanders was taken ninth by the Saints.

In his analysis of major draft rumors, Jordan Dajani also believes Sanders will be drafted earlier than some anticipate.

Finally, regarding the quarterbacks, this isn`t considered the strongest class ever. Tom Fornelli provides a formula-based ranking of the signal-callers.

Here`s more:

• Matt Snyder argues that Hunter is not the next Shohei Ohtani.
• Hunter`s father has received permission to attend the NFL Draft.
• Could a Kirk Cousins trade occur during the draft?
• Titans GM Mike Borgonzi remains committed to Will Levis, even with Ward`s likely arrival.
• Interesting deep dives are available on Carter and Derrick Harmon.
• NIL is having an impact on the NFL Draft process.

🏈 Winners, Losers from Nico Iamaleava`s Transfer to UCLA

Nico Iamaleava`s departure from Tennessee and transfer to UCLA was arguably the most dramatic event of the NIL era. Not receiving enough money led to negotiations, which stopped when the team moved on. This prompted a transfer portal move where the destination needed both football opportunities and financial viability.

It was a messy situation – clearly no longer amateur sports, yet not fully professionalized, as Richard Johnson described. Cameron Salerno points out that Iamaleava`s finances took a hit.

• Salerno: “Iamaleava`s high-profile exit from Tennessee will be a notable event in retrospect. He sought a new deal from Tennessee worth $4 million annually, nearly double his initial reported agreement… Iamaleava is projected to earn significantly less this season than he originally expected. Assuming his new deal is around $1.5 million (an educated guess), that amount goes roughly half as far in Los Angeles compared to Tennessee.”

Nico isn`t the only Iamaleava brother who transferred dramatically to UCLA. His brother, Madden, moved from Arkansas, which is now encouraging its NIL collective to recoup its buyout.

John Talty offers an inside look at how NIL is keeping college football coaches concerned – with team costs potentially reaching $40 million. It`s a captivating story. Could a decision in the upcoming House vs. NCAA settlement, potentially involving revenue sharing, help stabilize the situation?

• Talty: “Can revenue sharing agreements bring stability to the current unrestricted free agency in college sports? Will large collectives and NIL money continue to dominate, or will the new NIL clearinghouse enforcement finally have some effect?… With limited clarity or direction, each school and coach must determine their strategic approach in this new landscape.”

The House vs. NCAA case is also a factor behind the large number of players without remaining eligibility entering the men`s basketball transfer portal, according to Kyle Boone.

Cincinnati OL Jeremiah Kelly Dies at 18

Cincinnati offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, the university announced. He was 18 years old.

• The cause of death was not disclosed by the school.
• Kelly was a three-star recruit from within the state in the 2025 class who enrolled early and participated in spring practice with the Bearcats.
• “The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” said coach Scott Satterfield in a statement. “In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room.”

📺 What We`re Watching Wednesday

• ⚾ Phillies at Mets or Padres at Tigers, 1:10 p.m. on MLB Network
• 🏀 Magic at Celtics (Celtics lead 1-0), 7 p.m. on TNT/truTV
• 🏒 Canadiens at Capitals (Capitals lead 1-0), 7 p.m. on ESPN
• ⚾ Dodgers at Cubs, 7 p.m. on MLB Network
• 🏀 Heat at Cavaliers (Cavaliers lead 1-0), 7:30 p.m. on NBA TV
• 🏀 Warriors at Rockets (Warriors lead 1-0), 9:30 p.m. on TNT/truTV
• 🏒 Stars at Avalanche (Series tied 1-1), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
• 🏒 Oilers at Kings (Kings lead 1-0), 10 p.m. on TBS