WNBA Commissioner's Cup: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx look to make history as Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever find their footing
It remains to be seen whether the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx will become a Finals preview.
What’s clear is that the lead offensive weapons will be battling again soon. The Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Lynx’s Napheesa Collier head into the fifth annual Cup final as All-Star captains and will draft their teams in the coming week.
That will be an exhibition, a weekend to let loose and enjoy a brief break in the marathon that is the WNBA regular season. This, on Tuesday night, is business, an opportunity to bank cash and make a statement. The Lynx (14-2) are in search of reestablishing their dominance on the national stage, while the Fever (8-8) are searching for themselves as they hover around .500, navigating turbulent waters in every direction.
“It’s a really great opportunity for us to go in there and see what we’re made of [and] to have a little pressure,” Clark told reporters on Sunday. “Also to just go out there and play our game. You don’t have to play any different than we have been playing.”
Indiana entered the season with the most promise of any team not named New York or Minnesota. At the Fever’s best, they’re worthy of the label. But they haven’t been their best enough.
Clark missed seven games and is day-to-day with a groin injury heading into the Cup championship. She’s mired in a shooting slump, unable to hit from deep and often barely finding room to attempt it as teams pick her up the length of the court with blitzes. She’s hitting 29.5% of her 3-point attempts, a double-take number in the wrong way.
Despite the low efficiency, her budding chemistry with Aliyah Boston is near full form, and they’re one of the most dangerous duos in the league. The third-year center is averaging a career-best 15.7 points per game, hitting a higher efficiency of shots than all but two players (59.7%).
Kelsey Mitchell, far too used to carrying the offensive burden in Indiana, is taking over, averaging 26 points over the last three games. Nearly half are on a scorching 59.1% mark from 3-point range.
None of that fully staved off fourth-quarter collapses last week to Golden State and Las Vegas. Through the league’s first quarter, those two are the Fever’s competition for the playoffs, rather than the league’s very best.
“It’s a gut check to see where we are and what we need and how we need to be to make a playoff run,” Mitchell said. “For us, it’s about taking this opportunity and not just shirking it off and just kind of be prepared for the moment.”
It is the first title-winning environment this young group has been in together, and the first Cup finals berth for the franchise. That always holds special meaning, head coach Stephanie White said.
Once again, the Fever’s lack of experience is stark compared to their opponents. The Lynx are out for history. No team has won back-to-back Cup championships after the Aces and Liberty each lost in their second year in the Cup finals.
“Whatever the name of the championship [is] … you want the hardware,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said after a 102-63 rout of the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. “And this will be a feather in the cap for this group."
Minnesota took down New York a year ago to make a definitive statement that the Lynx were Finals contenders. They went on to meet the Liberty in a thrilling five-game series that went down to the final minutes. The two appeared on a collision course for October, though it may have taken a hit — New York (11-5) is fading in the standings while center Jonquel Jones is out with an ankle injury.
All five Minnesota starters are back to push the Lynx better on both ends. Their 106.6 offense rating is five points better than last year, while their defensive rating is one point lower and still best in the league. Collier, who missed three games with a back injury, is the leading MVP candidate, boasting top-five averages in points (24.4, leading the league), rebounds (8.5), steals (1.8) and blocks (1.5) while flirting with a 50/40/90 shooting season.
The Lynx will host this year, and Collier expects the atmosphere to be similar to a playoff game. For the players, it’s more meaningful in at least one way.
“They’ve talked about, they’re going to make more money in a Commissioner’s Cup game than they will in a deep playoff run,” Reeve said. “So this is really meaningful to them, especially some of our younger players. And the veterans are very aware of the meaning of that.”
The winning team pockets $500,000, more than a single player’s supermax salary and one-third of a team’s hard salary cap.
“I want that bag,” Lynx point guard Courtney Williams said. “Straight up. Call a spade a spade. We gonna get that money.”
Tuesday’s 6-pack:
NBA signings:
— Lebron James opted in on his player’s option for next year, $52.6M
— Kevon Looney signed for two years, $16M with the Pelicans.
— Jaren Jackson signed a 5-year, $240M extension with Memphis.
— Ty Jerome signed a 3-year, $28M deal with Memphis.
— Santi Aldama signed a 3-year, $52.5M deal with Memphis.
— D’Angelo Russell signed a 2-year, $13M deal with Dallas.
Quote of the Day
“Love is love. Congrats to the Loves. Just happy at least one of my quarterbacks invited me to their wedding.”
Former Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari, after going to Jordan Love’s wedding
Tuesday’s quiz
In the history of the Kansas City Royals, who has stolen the most bases?
Monday’s quiz
In the TV show Magnum PI, TC’s helicopter service was called Island Hoppers.
Sunday’s quiz
Bob Uecker hit exactly .200 in his six-year major league career; he hit 14 home runs in his career.
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Notes for Big X football teams:
Arizona
Wildcats have had only one winning season the last seven years.
Arizona won four of its last five bowl games SU
Arizona State
Coach Dillingham is 7-1 ATS as a favorite.
Since 2017, Sun Devils are 41-27 ATS in league games, 9-16-1 in non-league games.
Baylor
Last four years, Bears are 10-6-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Baylor has 73 starts back on offensive line, which is good- they were 8-5 last year, only their second winning season the last five years.
Brigham Young
Coach Sitake is 17-9 ATS as a road underdog.
Coach Sitake is 27-35 as a favorite.
Central Florida
Since 2019, Knights are 7-16 ATS as a road favorite.
Coach Frost is 12-6 ATS as a road underdog. He is back at UCF this year after he had previously coach the Knights in 2016-17.
Cincinnati
Last two years, Bearcats are 8-16 SU; their last bowl win was in 2019.
Coach Satterfield is 17-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Colorado
Under Coach Sanders, Colorado is 9-3 ATS as an underdog.
Last two years, Buffaloes were +21 in turnovers.
Houston
Coach Fritz is 44-27 ATS as a favorite.
Last three years, Houston was 9-16-1 in conference games.
Famous birthdays, July 1st:
Jamie Farr, 91
Freddie Lewis, 82
Dan Aykroyd, 73
Roger Carr, 73
Nelson Cruz, 45
Pamela Anderson, 58
Charlie Blackmon, 39
Kent Bazemore, 36
Iowa State
Coach Campbell is 25-14-2 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2015, Cyclones are 35-17-1 ATS coming off a loss.
Kansas
Last two years, Jayhawks are 8-3 ATS as an underdog.
Kansas won 4 of its last 5 bowl games, scoring 42 ppg, but only two of those five bowls have been played since 2008.
K-State
Coach Klieman is 25-13 ATS in home games.
Since 2016, Wildcats are 27-13 ATS coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State
Cowboys were 3-9 LY, missing a bowl for first time in 19 years.
OSU is 8-3 ATS last 11 games as a home dog, 24-9 ATS in last 33 non-league games.
TCU
Since 2018, Horned Frogs are 5-11-1 as a road underdog.
TCU has 3 starters/93 starts back on OL; they were 9-4 LY, despite a -6 turnover ratio.
Texas Tech
Last four years, Red Raiders are 16-6 ATS coming off a loss
Coach McGuire is 9-6-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Tech has 136 starts back on the offensive line; very experienced.
Utah
Coach Whittingham is 39-26 ATS as an underdog.
Utes lost their last five bowl games; they were favored in three of the five games.
West Virginia
Coach Rodriguez is 20-31 ATS as a road underdog.
Last five years, Mountaineers are 13-4 ATS as a home favorite.
NBA signings:
— Lebron James opted in on his player’s option for next year, $52.6M
— Kevon Looney signed for two years, $16M with the Pelicans.
— Jaren Jackson signed a 5-year, $240M extension with Memphis.
— Ty Jerome signed a 3-year, $28M deal with Memphis.
— Santi Aldama signed a 3-year, $52.5M deal with Memphis.
— D’Angelo Russell signed a 2-year, $13M deal with Dallas.
Quote of the Day
“Love is love. Congrats to the Loves. Just happy at least one of my quarterbacks invited me to their wedding.”
Former Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari, after going to Jordan Love’s wedding
Tuesday’s quiz
In the history of the Kansas City Royals, who has stolen the most bases?
Monday’s quiz
In the TV show Magnum PI, TC’s helicopter service was called Island Hoppers.
Sunday’s quiz
Bob Uecker hit exactly .200 in his six-year major league career; he hit 14 home runs in his career.
***********************************************
Tuesday’s Den: Happy Canada Day; here are some notes on Big X football teams
Happy Canada Day, to our neighbors to the north…….Notes for Big X football teams:
Arizona
Wildcats have had only one winning season the last seven years.
Arizona won four of its last five bowl games SU
Arizona State
Coach Dillingham is 7-1 ATS as a favorite.
Since 2017, Sun Devils are 41-27 ATS in league games, 9-16-1 in non-league games.
Baylor
Last four years, Bears are 10-6-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Baylor has 73 starts back on offensive line, which is good- they were 8-5 last year, only their second winning season the last five years.
Brigham Young
Coach Sitake is 17-9 ATS as a road underdog.
Coach Sitake is 27-35 as a favorite.
Central Florida
Since 2019, Knights are 7-16 ATS as a road favorite.
Coach Frost is 12-6 ATS as a road underdog. He is back at UCF this year after he had previously coach the Knights in 2016-17.
Cincinnati
Last two years, Bearcats are 8-16 SU; their last bowl win was in 2019.
Coach Satterfield is 17-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Colorado
Under Coach Sanders, Colorado is 9-3 ATS as an underdog.
Last two years, Buffaloes were +21 in turnovers.
Houston
Coach Fritz is 44-27 ATS as a favorite.
Last three years, Houston was 9-16-1 in conference games.
Famous birthdays, July 1st:
Jamie Farr, 91
Freddie Lewis, 82
Dan Aykroyd, 73
Roger Carr, 73
Nelson Cruz, 45
Pamela Anderson, 58
Charlie Blackmon, 39
Kent Bazemore, 36
Iowa State
Coach Campbell is 25-14-2 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2015, Cyclones are 35-17-1 ATS coming off a loss.
Kansas
Last two years, Jayhawks are 8-3 ATS as an underdog.
Kansas won 4 of its last 5 bowl games, scoring 42 ppg, but only two of those five bowls have been played since 2008.
K-State
Coach Klieman is 25-13 ATS in home games.
Since 2016, Wildcats are 27-13 ATS coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State
Cowboys were 3-9 LY, missing a bowl for first time in 19 years.
OSU is 8-3 ATS last 11 games as a home dog, 24-9 ATS in last 33 non-league games.
TCU
Since 2018, Horned Frogs are 5-11-1 as a road underdog.
TCU has 3 starters/93 starts back on OL; they were 9-4 LY, despite a -6 turnover ratio.
Texas Tech
Last four years, Red Raiders are 16-6 ATS coming off a loss
Coach McGuire is 9-6-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Tech has 136 starts back on the offensive line; very experienced.
Utah
Coach Whittingham is 39-26 ATS as an underdog.
Utes lost their last five bowl games; they were favored in three of the five games.
West Virginia
Coach Rodriguez is 20-31 ATS as a road underdog.
Last five years, Mountaineers are 13-4 ATS as a home favorite.
WNBA
Dunkel
Tuesday, July 1
WNBA
Tuesday, July 1
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Trend Report
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Indiana Fever
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 9 games
Indiana is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Indiana
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Dunkel
Tuesday, July 1
WNBA
Tuesday, July 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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Indiana Fever
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 9 games
Indiana is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Indiana
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Who is playing in the 2025 Commissioner's Cup Championship?
The Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx will meet at the Target Center to play in the Commissioner's Cup Championship on July 1 at 8pm ET (Watch on Prime Video).What is the Commissioner’s Cup?
The Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase is an annual in-season competition. The tournament features a 36-game schedule from June 1-17.The team from each conference with the top record in Commissioner’s Cup games will compete for a $500,000 prize pool in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship presented by Coinbase. In addition, Coinbase has committed $120,000 in cryptocurrency to the prize pool, which includes $5,000 for each player in the championship game. The title game will be played on Tuesday, July 1 hosted by the team with the best winning percentage in Cup play.
How will the Commissioner’s Cup tournament directly impact community organizations?
For each Cup game from June 1-17, winning teams earned a monetary donation of $3,000 for their chosen local organization; losing teams earned $1,000 for their selected organization. An additional $10,000 donation will be made to the non-profit organization aligned with the winner of the Championship Game of the Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase and $5,000 will be made to the organization of the runner-up. The donations will be presented to each organization following the conclusion of the Commissioner’s Cup Championship.To learn more about the local charities selected by each team, click HERE.
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Wednesday’s 6-pack:
— Arizona 8, Giants 2- Zac Gallen struck out 10 guys in 7 IP.
— Blue Jays 12, New York 5- George Springer had seven RBI.
— Astros 6, Rockies 5- Victor Caratini hit a grand slam.
— A’s 4, Rays 3- A’s are 4-4 on their three-city road trip.
— Angels 4, Braves 0- Game was scoreless after seven innings.
— Pirates 1, Cardinals 0- Game was scoreless after seven innings.
Quote of the Day
“That’s a move you talk yourself into in the boardroom in July when you have nowhere else to go, and you turn a bad situation into a worse one. They’re going to look at this in two years and say, ‘What did we do?'”
Unnamed NBA executive, talking about the Bucks signing Myles Turner, waiving Damian Lillard
Wednesday’s quiz
In the history of USC football, who holds the record for most passing yards?
(Hint: He played in the NFL, mostly as a backup)
Tuesday’s quiz
In the history of the Kansas City Royals, Willie Wilson has stolen the most bases.
Monday’s quiz
In the TV show Magnum PI, TC’s helicopter service was called Island Hoppers.
NFC East
Dallas
Missed playoffs LY for first time in four years.
Since 1998, they’re 4-12 in playoff games.
17-8 ATS in last 25 games as a home favorite.
NJ Giants
Missed playoffs 11 of last 13 years.
Last two years, went 6-11/3-14.
Last seven years, they’re 9-12 ATS in NFC East home games.
Philadelphia
Since 2017, they’re 10-5 in playoff games (2 Super Bowl wins)
Since 2018, Eagles are 19-24-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last four years, over is 21-12 in Philly’s regular season home games.
Washington
LY, Commanders made playoffs for second time in last nine years.
Before last year, Washington’s last playoff win was in 2005.
Last year, over was 12-5 in Washington’s regular season games.
NFC North
Chicago
Last four years, Chicago went 21-47, missing playoffs every year.
Since winning Super Bowl 40 years ago, Bears are 6-12 in playoff games.
Last five years, Bears are 10-20 ATS in divisional games.
Detroit
Last three years, Detroit went 36-15 in regular season, 2-2 in playoffs.
In the entire Super Bowl era, Lions are 3-14 in playoff games (0-12 on road)
Lions are 14-8 ATS in last 22 games as a home favorite.
Green Bay
Packers made the playoffs 12 of the last 15 years.
Since winning Super Bowl 15 years ago, Green Bay is 8-11 in playoff games.
Packers are 26-17-1 ATS in their last 44 games as a home favorite.
Minnesota
Vikings were 14-3 LY, but let QB Darnold walk anyway.
Since 2010, Minnesota is 2-6 in playoff games.
Vikings are 10-2-1 ATS in last 13 games as a road favorite.
NFC South
Atlanta
Falcons missed the playoffs the last seven years.
Since 2014, Atlanta is 20-40-1 ATS as a home favorite.
In their history, Falcons are 6-2 in home playoff games, 4-12 otherwise.
Carolina
Carolina missed the playoffs the last seven years.
In their history, Panthers are 9-8 in playoff games (5-2 at home)
Carolina’s last seven home games went over the total.
New Orleans
New Orleans missed the playoffs the last four years.
Since winning Super Bowl 16 years ago, Saints are 4-7 in playoff games.
Since 2014, Saints are 26-38-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers made the playoffs the last five years (27-24 last 3 years)
Tampa Bay is 5-2-1 ATS last eight games as a home favorite.
Last three years, Buccaneers are 3-5-1 ATS in NFC South home games.
NFC West
Arizona
Cardinals missed playoffs the last three years, and eight of last nine.
Since making it to the Super Bowl 17 years ago, Arizona is 2-4 in playoff games.
Cardinals are 8-4 ATS in last 12 games as a home underdog.
LA Rams
In eight years under McVay, Rams made playoffs six times (1-1 in Super Bowl)
McVay has a 8-5 record in playoff games.
Rams are 4-8-2 ATS last 14 games as a non-divisional road underdog.
San Francisco
49ers missed playoffs LY for first time in four years.
Since 2012, 49ers made playoffs six times; they went WWL all six years.
49ers are 7-9 ATS in last sixteen games as a home favorite.
Seattle
Seattle missed playoffs 3 of last 4 years, after making it 12 of previous 16 years.
Since losing Super Bowl 11 years ago, Seahawks are 3-6 in playoff games.
Last year, Seahawks were 1-6 SU/ATS in last seven home games.
Famous birthdays, July 2nd:
Robert Ito, 94
Polly Holliday, 88
Larry David, 78
Joe Pisarcik, 73
Tony Armas, 72
Jon Sundvold, 64
Jose Canseco, 61
Steve Sparks, 61
Chad Henne, 40
Margot Robbie, 35
Derrick White, 31
Daulton Varsho, 29
AFC teams
AFC East
Buffalo
Since 2017, Bills are 86-45 SU in regular season, 7-7 in playoffs.
Buffalo is 11-5-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog.
Over is 10-2 in their last 12 regular season games.
Miami
Dolphins made the playoffs twice in McDaniel’s three seasons as HC.
Dolphins lost their last six playoff games (last win, 2000)
Miami’s last six home games went over the total.
New England
Patriots made the playoffs once in five years since Brady left.
Vrabel’s is New England’s third HC in three years (4-13/4-13 last 2 years)
Patriots are 7-17-1 ATS in their last 25 home games.
NJ Jets
Jets have had nine consecutive losing seasons, last made playoffs in 2010.
Jets haven’t played a home playoff game since 2002.
Since 2018, Jets are 7-14 ATS in AFC East home games.
AFC North
Baltimore
Lamar Jackson is 70-24 in regular season games, 3-5 in playoff games.
Ravens are 2-3 SU in last five home playoff games.
Last two years, Baltimore is 19-12 ATS as a favorite.
Cincinnati
Bengals went 9-8/9-8 last two years, but missed playoffs both years.
2021-22, Bengals went 22-11 in regular season, 5-2 in playoffs.
From 1991-2020, Cincinnati was 0-7 in playoff games.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven home games.
Cleveland
Since returning to NFL, Browns are 1-3 in playoff games.
Cleveland made playoffs twice in last five years, were 3-14 LY.
Last year, Browns were 3-12 ATS in their last fifteen games.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh made the playoffs eight of the last 11 years.
Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016.
Steelers are 25-14 ATS in last 39 games as a road underdog.
AFC South
Houston
Texans won AFC South last two years, six of last 10 seasons.
Texans are 6-1 in home playoff games, 0-6 in road playoff games.
Since 2019, Houston is 6-15 ATS as a home favorite.
Indianapolis
Colts missed playoffs last four years, and eight of last 10 seasons.
Last year, over was 7-1 in their last eight games.
Over is 11-5 in their last sixteen home games.
Jacksonville
Jaguars made the playoffs once in last seven seasons.
In their history, Jacksonville is 8-8 SU in playoff games.
Since 2016, Jaguars are 10-3 ATS as a home dog vs AFC South rivals.
Tennessee
Last three years, Titans missed playoffs, going 16-35 SU
Tennessee is 5-4 SU in its last nine road playoff games.
Last year, Titans were 1-7 SU/0-8 ATS at home.
AFC West
Denver
Broncos made playoffs last year for first time in nine years.
LY’s playoff loss in Buffalo was their first road playoff game since 2011.
Denver won/covered six of its last seven home games.
Kansas City
Last six years, Chiefs went 3-2 SU in Super Bowls.
Since 2019, Chiefs are 16-3 SU in playoff games.
Since 2020, Chiefs are 17-22 ATS as a home favorite.
Las Vegas
Raiders made the playoffs twice in the last 22 years.
Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since 2002.
Pete Carroll made playoffs in four of his last six years in Seattle.
LA Chargers
Chargers made playoffs two of last three years.
Jim Harbaugh is 55-25-1 SU as an NFL coach, 5-4 in playoff games.
Chargers’ last six regular season road games went over the total.
— Arizona 8, Giants 2- Zac Gallen struck out 10 guys in 7 IP.
— Blue Jays 12, New York 5- George Springer had seven RBI.
— Astros 6, Rockies 5- Victor Caratini hit a grand slam.
— A’s 4, Rays 3- A’s are 4-4 on their three-city road trip.
— Angels 4, Braves 0- Game was scoreless after seven innings.
— Pirates 1, Cardinals 0- Game was scoreless after seven innings.
Quote of the Day
“That’s a move you talk yourself into in the boardroom in July when you have nowhere else to go, and you turn a bad situation into a worse one. They’re going to look at this in two years and say, ‘What did we do?'”
Unnamed NBA executive, talking about the Bucks signing Myles Turner, waiving Damian Lillard
Wednesday’s quiz
In the history of USC football, who holds the record for most passing yards?
(Hint: He played in the NFL, mostly as a backup)
Tuesday’s quiz
In the history of the Kansas City Royals, Willie Wilson has stolen the most bases.
Monday’s quiz
In the TV show Magnum PI, TC’s helicopter service was called Island Hoppers.
**************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Trends for NFL teams……
Notes for NFL teams:NFC East
Dallas
Missed playoffs LY for first time in four years.
Since 1998, they’re 4-12 in playoff games.
17-8 ATS in last 25 games as a home favorite.
NJ Giants
Missed playoffs 11 of last 13 years.
Last two years, went 6-11/3-14.
Last seven years, they’re 9-12 ATS in NFC East home games.
Philadelphia
Since 2017, they’re 10-5 in playoff games (2 Super Bowl wins)
Since 2018, Eagles are 19-24-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last four years, over is 21-12 in Philly’s regular season home games.
Washington
LY, Commanders made playoffs for second time in last nine years.
Before last year, Washington’s last playoff win was in 2005.
Last year, over was 12-5 in Washington’s regular season games.
NFC North
Chicago
Last four years, Chicago went 21-47, missing playoffs every year.
Since winning Super Bowl 40 years ago, Bears are 6-12 in playoff games.
Last five years, Bears are 10-20 ATS in divisional games.
Detroit
Last three years, Detroit went 36-15 in regular season, 2-2 in playoffs.
In the entire Super Bowl era, Lions are 3-14 in playoff games (0-12 on road)
Lions are 14-8 ATS in last 22 games as a home favorite.
Green Bay
Packers made the playoffs 12 of the last 15 years.
Since winning Super Bowl 15 years ago, Green Bay is 8-11 in playoff games.
Packers are 26-17-1 ATS in their last 44 games as a home favorite.
Minnesota
Vikings were 14-3 LY, but let QB Darnold walk anyway.
Since 2010, Minnesota is 2-6 in playoff games.
Vikings are 10-2-1 ATS in last 13 games as a road favorite.
NFC South
Atlanta
Falcons missed the playoffs the last seven years.
Since 2014, Atlanta is 20-40-1 ATS as a home favorite.
In their history, Falcons are 6-2 in home playoff games, 4-12 otherwise.
Carolina
Carolina missed the playoffs the last seven years.
In their history, Panthers are 9-8 in playoff games (5-2 at home)
Carolina’s last seven home games went over the total.
New Orleans
New Orleans missed the playoffs the last four years.
Since winning Super Bowl 16 years ago, Saints are 4-7 in playoff games.
Since 2014, Saints are 26-38-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers made the playoffs the last five years (27-24 last 3 years)
Tampa Bay is 5-2-1 ATS last eight games as a home favorite.
Last three years, Buccaneers are 3-5-1 ATS in NFC South home games.
NFC West
Arizona
Cardinals missed playoffs the last three years, and eight of last nine.
Since making it to the Super Bowl 17 years ago, Arizona is 2-4 in playoff games.
Cardinals are 8-4 ATS in last 12 games as a home underdog.
LA Rams
In eight years under McVay, Rams made playoffs six times (1-1 in Super Bowl)
McVay has a 8-5 record in playoff games.
Rams are 4-8-2 ATS last 14 games as a non-divisional road underdog.
San Francisco
49ers missed playoffs LY for first time in four years.
Since 2012, 49ers made playoffs six times; they went WWL all six years.
49ers are 7-9 ATS in last sixteen games as a home favorite.
Seattle
Seattle missed playoffs 3 of last 4 years, after making it 12 of previous 16 years.
Since losing Super Bowl 11 years ago, Seahawks are 3-6 in playoff games.
Last year, Seahawks were 1-6 SU/ATS in last seven home games.
Famous birthdays, July 2nd:
Robert Ito, 94
Polly Holliday, 88
Larry David, 78
Joe Pisarcik, 73
Tony Armas, 72
Jon Sundvold, 64
Jose Canseco, 61
Steve Sparks, 61
Chad Henne, 40
Margot Robbie, 35
Derrick White, 31
Daulton Varsho, 29
AFC teams
AFC East
Buffalo
Since 2017, Bills are 86-45 SU in regular season, 7-7 in playoffs.
Buffalo is 11-5-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog.
Over is 10-2 in their last 12 regular season games.
Miami
Dolphins made the playoffs twice in McDaniel’s three seasons as HC.
Dolphins lost their last six playoff games (last win, 2000)
Miami’s last six home games went over the total.
New England
Patriots made the playoffs once in five years since Brady left.
Vrabel’s is New England’s third HC in three years (4-13/4-13 last 2 years)
Patriots are 7-17-1 ATS in their last 25 home games.
NJ Jets
Jets have had nine consecutive losing seasons, last made playoffs in 2010.
Jets haven’t played a home playoff game since 2002.
Since 2018, Jets are 7-14 ATS in AFC East home games.
AFC North
Baltimore
Lamar Jackson is 70-24 in regular season games, 3-5 in playoff games.
Ravens are 2-3 SU in last five home playoff games.
Last two years, Baltimore is 19-12 ATS as a favorite.
Cincinnati
Bengals went 9-8/9-8 last two years, but missed playoffs both years.
2021-22, Bengals went 22-11 in regular season, 5-2 in playoffs.
From 1991-2020, Cincinnati was 0-7 in playoff games.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven home games.
Cleveland
Since returning to NFL, Browns are 1-3 in playoff games.
Cleveland made playoffs twice in last five years, were 3-14 LY.
Last year, Browns were 3-12 ATS in their last fifteen games.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh made the playoffs eight of the last 11 years.
Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016.
Steelers are 25-14 ATS in last 39 games as a road underdog.
AFC South
Houston
Texans won AFC South last two years, six of last 10 seasons.
Texans are 6-1 in home playoff games, 0-6 in road playoff games.
Since 2019, Houston is 6-15 ATS as a home favorite.
Indianapolis
Colts missed playoffs last four years, and eight of last 10 seasons.
Last year, over was 7-1 in their last eight games.
Over is 11-5 in their last sixteen home games.
Jacksonville
Jaguars made the playoffs once in last seven seasons.
In their history, Jacksonville is 8-8 SU in playoff games.
Since 2016, Jaguars are 10-3 ATS as a home dog vs AFC South rivals.
Tennessee
Last three years, Titans missed playoffs, going 16-35 SU
Tennessee is 5-4 SU in its last nine road playoff games.
Last year, Titans were 1-7 SU/0-8 ATS at home.
AFC West
Denver
Broncos made playoffs last year for first time in nine years.
LY’s playoff loss in Buffalo was their first road playoff game since 2011.
Denver won/covered six of its last seven home games.
Kansas City
Last six years, Chiefs went 3-2 SU in Super Bowls.
Since 2019, Chiefs are 16-3 SU in playoff games.
Since 2020, Chiefs are 17-22 ATS as a home favorite.
Las Vegas
Raiders made the playoffs twice in the last 22 years.
Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since 2002.
Pete Carroll made playoffs in four of his last six years in Seattle.
LA Chargers
Chargers made playoffs two of last three years.
Jim Harbaugh is 55-25-1 SU as an NFL coach, 5-4 in playoff games.
Chargers’ last six regular season road games went over the total.
Thursday’s 6-pack:
Fewest postseason (baseball) wins since 1998:
2— Reds
3— Pirates
6— Orioles
9— Rockies, Twins
10— Blue Jays
11— Mariners
Quote of the Day
“I got to talk to my teammates and to the fans and to everyone and to put it behind me. It’s all about winning. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win every night.”
Jurickson Profar, after returning from his 80-game suspension
Thursday’s quiz
What is the actor’s name who played Newman on Seinfeld?
Wednesday’s quiz
In the history of USC football, former NFL QB Matt Barkley holds the record for most passing yards; Carson Palmer is 2nd on the list.
Tuesday’s quiz
In the history of the Kansas City Royals, Willie Wilson has stolen the most bases.
**************************************************
Pittsburgh went 6-0 on this homestand.
Cardinals were outscored 13-0 in the three-game series.
Mitch Keller tossed seven IP for the Pirates.
— Brewers 7-3, Mets 2-7
Joey Ortiz hit a tie-breaking grand slam in 6th inning.
Lindor went 3-4 with 3 RBI batting 2nd in the nightcap.
Mets have lost 14 of their last 18 games.
— Blue Jays 11, New York 9
Toronto blew a 9-1 lead, scored winning run on a wild pitch.
Teams are now tied for first place in the AL East.
New York is 13-18 since May 28th.
— Braves 8, Angels 3
Jurickson Profar homered in his return from an 80-game PED suspension.
Matt Olson had three hits, including a sixth inning grand slam.
— Giants 6, Diamondbacks 5 (10)
Patrick Bailey’s sac fly scored the game-winning run.
San Francisco snaps a four-game losing skid.
— Twins 2, Marlins 1
Loss snaps Miami’s 8-game winning streak.
Minnesota had lost its previous nine one-run games.
— Dodgers 5, White Sox 4
Dodgers scored three runs in bottom of the ninth.
Clayton Kershaw got his 3,000th career strikeout.
— Great factoid from Christopher Kamka:
Cesar Geronimo was Bob Gibson’s 3,000th strikeout.
Six years later, Geronimo was Nolan Ryan’s 3,000th strikeout.
— Famous birthdays, July 3rd
Betty Buckley, 78
Jan Smithers, 76
Frank Tanana, 72
Bruce Altman, 70
Tom Cruise, 63
Greg Vaughn, 60
Moisés Alou, 59
Neil O’Donnell, 59
Derrick Chievous, 58
Grant Wistrom, 49
Cole Tucker, 29
T.J. Hockenson, 28
— Bobby Bonilla must enjoy the first week of July every year; way back in 2000, the Mets wanted to buy out the remaining $5.9M on his contract. Instead of just giving him a check for $5.9M, they agreed to pay the former Mets’ slugger $1,193,248.20 a year for the next 35 years, which made/makes no freakin’ sense, but they did.
Back then, the Wilpon family owned the Mets; they were in business with fraudster Bernie Madoff, which makes it make a little sense, but not much.
So every July 1st from now through 2035, Bonilla banks a very large check.
— Monday night in Boston, Red Sox OF Wilyer Abreu hit a grand slam, then later hit an inside-the-park home run. He is the first big leaguer to do that in the same game since Roger Maris, in 1958.
— Former big league pitcher/current Mets’ TV analyst Ron Darling was talking the other day about gloves that ballplayers wear. Darling said that in his 13 years in the major leagues, he only used two different gloves, which seems surprising.
— Last weekend in Anaheim, the Angels walked Washington OF James Wood intentionally four times in one game, first time that happened in the majors since Barry Bonds, in 2004.
— Was watching a replay of HBO’s Hard Knocks from last year, when they followed the Giants’ front office before/during the draft; always a good program. Liev Schrieber is the narrator for Hard Knocks; never would’ve guessed that in 100 years. Am used to hearing talk like he did in Ray Donovan, the great Showtime series.
— NBA salary cap for next season is $154.6M; Golden State’s three stars, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, will earn a combined $139.6M, so guess the Warriors will be going over both salary cap aprons.
— Seattle Redhawks are bolting from the WAC to the WCC; this time next year, college sports are going to look a lot different than they do now.
Seattle was 14-18 last year, after winning 20+ games the three years before that.
Fewest postseason (baseball) wins since 1998:
2— Reds
3— Pirates
6— Orioles
9— Rockies, Twins
10— Blue Jays
11— Mariners
Quote of the Day
“I got to talk to my teammates and to the fans and to everyone and to put it behind me. It’s all about winning. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win every night.”
Jurickson Profar, after returning from his 80-game suspension
Thursday’s quiz
What is the actor’s name who played Newman on Seinfeld?
Wednesday’s quiz
In the history of USC football, former NFL QB Matt Barkley holds the record for most passing yards; Carson Palmer is 2nd on the list.
Tuesday’s quiz
In the history of the Kansas City Royals, Willie Wilson has stolen the most bases.
**************************************************
Thursday’s Den: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….
— Pirates 5, Cardinals 0Pittsburgh went 6-0 on this homestand.
Cardinals were outscored 13-0 in the three-game series.
Mitch Keller tossed seven IP for the Pirates.
— Brewers 7-3, Mets 2-7
Joey Ortiz hit a tie-breaking grand slam in 6th inning.
Lindor went 3-4 with 3 RBI batting 2nd in the nightcap.
Mets have lost 14 of their last 18 games.
— Blue Jays 11, New York 9
Toronto blew a 9-1 lead, scored winning run on a wild pitch.
Teams are now tied for first place in the AL East.
New York is 13-18 since May 28th.
— Braves 8, Angels 3
Jurickson Profar homered in his return from an 80-game PED suspension.
Matt Olson had three hits, including a sixth inning grand slam.
— Giants 6, Diamondbacks 5 (10)
Patrick Bailey’s sac fly scored the game-winning run.
San Francisco snaps a four-game losing skid.
— Twins 2, Marlins 1
Loss snaps Miami’s 8-game winning streak.
Minnesota had lost its previous nine one-run games.
— Dodgers 5, White Sox 4
Dodgers scored three runs in bottom of the ninth.
Clayton Kershaw got his 3,000th career strikeout.
— Great factoid from Christopher Kamka:
Cesar Geronimo was Bob Gibson’s 3,000th strikeout.
Six years later, Geronimo was Nolan Ryan’s 3,000th strikeout.
— Famous birthdays, July 3rd
Betty Buckley, 78
Jan Smithers, 76
Frank Tanana, 72
Bruce Altman, 70
Tom Cruise, 63
Greg Vaughn, 60
Moisés Alou, 59
Neil O’Donnell, 59
Derrick Chievous, 58
Grant Wistrom, 49
Cole Tucker, 29
T.J. Hockenson, 28
— Bobby Bonilla must enjoy the first week of July every year; way back in 2000, the Mets wanted to buy out the remaining $5.9M on his contract. Instead of just giving him a check for $5.9M, they agreed to pay the former Mets’ slugger $1,193,248.20 a year for the next 35 years, which made/makes no freakin’ sense, but they did.
Back then, the Wilpon family owned the Mets; they were in business with fraudster Bernie Madoff, which makes it make a little sense, but not much.
So every July 1st from now through 2035, Bonilla banks a very large check.
— Monday night in Boston, Red Sox OF Wilyer Abreu hit a grand slam, then later hit an inside-the-park home run. He is the first big leaguer to do that in the same game since Roger Maris, in 1958.
— Former big league pitcher/current Mets’ TV analyst Ron Darling was talking the other day about gloves that ballplayers wear. Darling said that in his 13 years in the major leagues, he only used two different gloves, which seems surprising.
— Last weekend in Anaheim, the Angels walked Washington OF James Wood intentionally four times in one game, first time that happened in the majors since Barry Bonds, in 2004.
— Was watching a replay of HBO’s Hard Knocks from last year, when they followed the Giants’ front office before/during the draft; always a good program. Liev Schrieber is the narrator for Hard Knocks; never would’ve guessed that in 100 years. Am used to hearing talk like he did in Ray Donovan, the great Showtime series.
— NBA salary cap for next season is $154.6M; Golden State’s three stars, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, will earn a combined $139.6M, so guess the Warriors will be going over both salary cap aprons.
— Seattle Redhawks are bolting from the WAC to the WCC; this time next year, college sports are going to look a lot different than they do now.
Seattle was 14-18 last year, after winning 20+ games the three years before that.
WNBA
Thursday, July 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Las Vegas Aces
Las Vegas is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Las Vegas's last 7 games
Las Vegas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Las Vegas is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Las Vegas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana Fever
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games
Indiana is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Indiana is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
Indiana is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Las Vegas
Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Los Angeles's last 14 games
Los Angeles is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Los Angeles is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New York
New York Liberty
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Seattle Storm
Seattle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games
Seattle is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Seattle is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
Seattle is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Dream
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Dallas Wings
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games
Dallas is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Washington Mystics
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Las Vegas Aces
Las Vegas is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Las Vegas's last 7 games
Las Vegas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Las Vegas is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Las Vegas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana Fever
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games
Indiana is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Indiana is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
Indiana is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Las Vegas
Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Los Angeles's last 14 games
Los Angeles is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Los Angeles is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New York
New York Liberty
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Seattle Storm
Seattle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games
Seattle is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Seattle is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
Seattle is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Dream
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Dallas Wings
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games
Dallas is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Washington Mystics
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA BEST BETS FOR JULY !
07/03/2025.................6 - 2 - 2..................75.00%................+ 19.00
07/01/2025.................1 - 1 - 0..................50.00%................- 0.50
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BEST BETS BY MONTHS
JUNE TOTALS....................58 - 52 - 1...............52.72%................+ 19.50
MAY TOTALS......................39 - 22 - 0...............63.93%................+ 68.50
07/03/2025.................6 - 2 - 2..................75.00%................+ 19.00
07/01/2025.................1 - 1 - 0..................50.00%................- 0.50
TOTALS......................7 - 3 - 0..................70.00%.................+ 18.50
********************************************************************************
BEST BETS BY MONTHS
JUNE TOTALS....................58 - 52 - 1...............52.72%................+ 19.50
MAY TOTALS......................39 - 22 - 0...............63.93%................+ 68.50
Friday’s 6-pack:
Most sacks allowed last season:
68- Bears
66- Browns
54- Texans, Seahawks
52- Patriots, Titans
50- Raiders, Commanders
49- Vikings, Steelers
Quote of the Day
“Omar and his team have done a great job over the past three years in constructing our roster through the NFL Draft, strategic trades, and free agency. We look forward to continuing that trend that will lead to even more success on the field.”
Steelers president Art Rooney II, after giving his GM 3-year contract extension
Tuesday’s quiz
In the movie Hoosiers, Hickory High star Jimmy Chitwood took 49 shots; how many did he make? (a Division I basketball coach charted his shots while watching the movie)
Thursday’s quiz
Wayne Knight is the actor who played Newman on Seinfeld.
Wednesday’s quiz
In the history of USC football, former NFL QB Matt Barkley holds the record for most passing yards; Carson Palmer is 2nd on the list.
*****************************************
Few years ago, we did the best/worst days to have a birthday (February 29 is most definitely the worst). Sometime this summer, we’ll re-visit that topic.
— Duncan Robinson has played guard for the Miami Heat for the last seven years, scoring 11.3 ppg, mostly because he has shot 39.7% on the arc- shooting is marketable.
He just signed a 3-year, $48M deal with the Detroit Pistons, $16M a year.
Robinson has earned just over $73M in his career, which is amazing for one reason; the first year he was in college, he played at Williams, which plays Division III, non-scholarship ball. This new contract will put him at around $121M for his career.
There are many very good players at the D-III level, but the odds of someone playing D-III ball, then banking $120M+ playing in the NBA have to be astronomical.
— New York Knicks are expected to hire former Cavaliers/Lakers/Kings coach Mike Brown as their next head coach. Brown has a 454-304 record in regular season games, 50-40 in playoff games. He was an assistant coach for Spurs/Warriors teams that won NBA titles- his team in Cleveland got the NBA Finals in 2007, but lost in the Finals.
Knicks just had their best season in 25 years but fired coach Tom Thibodeau anyway.
— There will be at least five more years of labor peace in the NHL; the league and players agreed to a four-year extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will carry through the 2029-30 season.
— Clayton Kershaw recorded his 3,000th career strikeout this week, the 20th pitcher to do it, only the 4th left-handed pitcher.
— Atlanta Braves P Spencer Schwellenbach broke his elbow, is out for an indefinite time. This year, Schwellenbach was 7-4, 3.09 in 17 starts.
Not sure how you break your elbow pitching, but this is yet another injury for an injury-ravaged Atlanta pitching staff.
— Quick facts on the Arizona Cardinals:
Head coach and both coordinators are in their third year with Arizona.
Arizona was 7-2 ATS as an underdog last year.
Last two years, Cardinals were 11-6 ATS at home.
Last year, Arizona was +11 in sacks (41-30)
Last year, Arizona was minus-3 in turnovers (17-20)
Last year, Cardinals were 8-9, 3-5 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
— Famous birthdays, July 4th
Emerson Boozer, 82
Horace Grant, 60
Harvey Grant, 60
Vinny Castilla, 58
Todd Marinovich, 56
Josh McCown, 46
Brock Berlin, 44
Ömer Aşık, 39
— Cubs 1, Guardians 0 (10)
Cleveland has now lost seven games in a row.
Cubs won despite having only three hits.
Cade Horton threw seven shutout IP for the Cubs.
— Marlins 4, Twins 1
Eury Perez allowed one hit in six IP.
Marlins won 10 of last 12 games, won their last four series.
Agustin Ramirez hit a two-run home run.
— Rockies 7, Astros 6
Thairo Estrada homered, knocked in four runs.
Tyler Freeman has reached base safely in his last 18 games.
— Blue Jays 8, New York 5
George Springer hit two 2-run homers.
Toronto sweeps 4-game series, now leads the AL East.
New York is 10-16 against its AL East rivals.
— Giants 7, Diamondbacks 2
Robbie Ray threw a 102-pitch complete game against his old team.
It was Ray’s first complete game since 2017.
Rafael Devers had three RBI for the Giants.
— Angels 5, Braves 1
Jose Soriano threw seven scoreless IP.
Zach Neto went 3-5, scored three runs.
Matt Olson has reached base safely in his last 33 games.
— If the playoffs started today (they don’t):
NL: Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Mets, Brewers, Padres
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: New York, Rays, Mariners
Most sacks allowed last season:
68- Bears
66- Browns
54- Texans, Seahawks
52- Patriots, Titans
50- Raiders, Commanders
49- Vikings, Steelers
Quote of the Day
“Omar and his team have done a great job over the past three years in constructing our roster through the NFL Draft, strategic trades, and free agency. We look forward to continuing that trend that will lead to even more success on the field.”
Steelers president Art Rooney II, after giving his GM 3-year contract extension
Tuesday’s quiz
In the movie Hoosiers, Hickory High star Jimmy Chitwood took 49 shots; how many did he make? (a Division I basketball coach charted his shots while watching the movie)
Thursday’s quiz
Wayne Knight is the actor who played Newman on Seinfeld.
Wednesday’s quiz
In the history of USC football, former NFL QB Matt Barkley holds the record for most passing yards; Carson Palmer is 2nd on the list.
*****************************************
Friday’s Den: Random stuff with the weekend here…….
— Whats the best day to have a birthday? I’m thinking the 4th of July has to be pretty high on the list. People shoot off fireworks, most everyone has the day off, the weather is usually good.Few years ago, we did the best/worst days to have a birthday (February 29 is most definitely the worst). Sometime this summer, we’ll re-visit that topic.
— Duncan Robinson has played guard for the Miami Heat for the last seven years, scoring 11.3 ppg, mostly because he has shot 39.7% on the arc- shooting is marketable.
He just signed a 3-year, $48M deal with the Detroit Pistons, $16M a year.
Robinson has earned just over $73M in his career, which is amazing for one reason; the first year he was in college, he played at Williams, which plays Division III, non-scholarship ball. This new contract will put him at around $121M for his career.
There are many very good players at the D-III level, but the odds of someone playing D-III ball, then banking $120M+ playing in the NBA have to be astronomical.
— New York Knicks are expected to hire former Cavaliers/Lakers/Kings coach Mike Brown as their next head coach. Brown has a 454-304 record in regular season games, 50-40 in playoff games. He was an assistant coach for Spurs/Warriors teams that won NBA titles- his team in Cleveland got the NBA Finals in 2007, but lost in the Finals.
Knicks just had their best season in 25 years but fired coach Tom Thibodeau anyway.
— There will be at least five more years of labor peace in the NHL; the league and players agreed to a four-year extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will carry through the 2029-30 season.
— Clayton Kershaw recorded his 3,000th career strikeout this week, the 20th pitcher to do it, only the 4th left-handed pitcher.
— Atlanta Braves P Spencer Schwellenbach broke his elbow, is out for an indefinite time. This year, Schwellenbach was 7-4, 3.09 in 17 starts.
Not sure how you break your elbow pitching, but this is yet another injury for an injury-ravaged Atlanta pitching staff.
— Quick facts on the Arizona Cardinals:
Head coach and both coordinators are in their third year with Arizona.
Arizona was 7-2 ATS as an underdog last year.
Last two years, Cardinals were 11-6 ATS at home.
Last year, Arizona was +11 in sacks (41-30)
Last year, Arizona was minus-3 in turnovers (17-20)
Last year, Cardinals were 8-9, 3-5 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
— Famous birthdays, July 4th
Emerson Boozer, 82
Horace Grant, 60
Harvey Grant, 60
Vinny Castilla, 58
Todd Marinovich, 56
Josh McCown, 46
Brock Berlin, 44
Ömer Aşık, 39
— Cubs 1, Guardians 0 (10)
Cleveland has now lost seven games in a row.
Cubs won despite having only three hits.
Cade Horton threw seven shutout IP for the Cubs.
— Marlins 4, Twins 1
Eury Perez allowed one hit in six IP.
Marlins won 10 of last 12 games, won their last four series.
Agustin Ramirez hit a two-run home run.
— Rockies 7, Astros 6
Thairo Estrada homered, knocked in four runs.
Tyler Freeman has reached base safely in his last 18 games.
— Blue Jays 8, New York 5
George Springer hit two 2-run homers.
Toronto sweeps 4-game series, now leads the AL East.
New York is 10-16 against its AL East rivals.
— Giants 7, Diamondbacks 2
Robbie Ray threw a 102-pitch complete game against his old team.
It was Ray’s first complete game since 2017.
Rafael Devers had three RBI for the Giants.
— Angels 5, Braves 1
Jose Soriano threw seven scoreless IP.
Zach Neto went 3-5, scored three runs.
Matt Olson has reached base safely in his last 33 games.
— If the playoffs started today (they don’t):
NL: Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Mets, Brewers, Padres
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: New York, Rays, Mariners
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Fewest sacks allowed last season:
14- Buffalo
22- Green Bay
24- Baltimore, Denver
30- Arizona
31- LA Rams
32- Falcons, Jaguars, Colts
Quote of the Day
“It’s really easy to appreciate what we’re doing right now. It’s also easy to just keep it going and not let that be something that we are dwelling on. It’s the best offense I’ve ever been a part of.”
Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong
Saturday’s quiz
In the history of Purdue football, which Super Bowl-winning QB has thrown for the most yards?
Friday’s quiz
In the movie Hoosiers, Hickory High star Jimmy Chitwood took 49 shots; he made 44 of the 49 shots (Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey charted the shots while watching the movie)
Thursday’s quiz
Wayne Knight is the actor who played Newman on Seinfeld.
****************************************
In my opinion, the best baseball play-by-play guys:
Jon Sciambi, Cubs
Dan Shulman, Blue Jays
Don Orsillo, Padres
Gary Cohen, Mets
The best analysts:
Ron Darling, Mets
Mark Gubicza, Angels
Jim Palmer, Orioles
Steve Stone, White Sox
— Before last season, no one was touting Cubs’ P Shota Imanaga, who they brought over from Japan; 1.5 years later, the Cubs are 30-9 in Imanaga’s starts. Pretty impressive.
— Cleveland Guardians were at Wrigley Field this week; OF Angel Martinez plays for the Guardians. His dad Sandy Martinez was the Cubs’ catcher in a 1998 game where Kerry Wood struck out 20 Houston Astros.
— Divisional leads in MLB
NL East:
Phillies leads the Mets by half a game.
NL Central:
Cubs lead Milwaukee by four games, St Louis by 6.5, Cincinnati by seven games.
NL West:
Dodgers lead San Diego by eight games, Giants by nine games.
AL East:
Blue Jays lead New York/Tampa Bay by two games.
AL Central:
Tigers have a 12.5-game lead over their nearest rival.
AL West:
Astros lead Seattle by seven games, Angels by 9.5 games.
— I have Jesus Luzardo on my fantasy team; he is an all-or-nothing pitcher:
Good starts:
April 4th- 7 IP, no runs allowed vs Dodgers
June 11th- 6 IP, one run allowed vs Cubs
June 22nd- 6.2 IP, no runs allowed vs Mets
Ugly starts:
May 31st: 3.1 IP, 12 runs vs Milwaukee
June 5th: 2.1 IP, 8 runs allowed at Toronto
July 4th: 2 IP, 6 runs allowed vs Cincinnato
Hard to predict, but very few mediocre starts.
— Notes on the Atlanta Falcons:
They’ve spent the most $$$ of any team in the NFL on their offense this year; backup QB Kirk Cousins makes a lot of that money.
Falcons are #22 in $$$ spent on defense, defensive line is #27.
Atlanta was minus-6 in turnovers last year, with only 18 takeaways; they were 8-9, 6-6 in games decided by 8 or fewer points, 2-1 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Last two years, Falcons are 11-23 ATS, 8-14 when favored, 3-9 as an underdog, 6-11 at home. Under is 11-6 in their last 17 home games.
— Famous birthdays, July 5th:
Gary Matthews, 75
Rich Gossage, 74
Johnny Rodgers, 74
James Lofton, 69
Edie Falco, 62
Kathryn Erbe, 60
Donnie Jones, 45
Been Udrih, 43
Ish Smith, 37
Jorge Polanco, 32
Shohei Ohtani, 31
Austin Hays, 30
— Mets 6, Bronx 5
Juan Soto went 3-4 with two runs scored, two RBI
Mets won their third game in a row; Bronx has lost five in a row.
— Cubs 11, Cardinals 3
Cubs hit eight home runs; Michael Busch hit three of them.
Colin Rea gave up one hit in 6.2 IP.
— Blue Jays 4, Angels 3 (10)
Toronto wins its sixth game in a row.
Blue Jays scored game-winning run on a throwing error.
— Twins 4, Rays 3
Tampa Bay led 3-1 in the 7th inning.
Harrison Bader homered twice, including a walk-off blast in 9th inning.
— Padres 3, Rangers 2 (10)
Jake Cronenworth got his 5th walk-off RBI for the Padres.
Texas has played in extra innings in six of its last nine games (2-4).
— Tigers 2, Guardians 1
Wenceel Perez, Zach McKinstry homered for Detroit.
Cleveland has now lost eight games in a row.
— A’s 11, Giants 2
Denzel Clarke, homered, tripled, made another great catch in centerfield.
JP Sears tossed six shutout IP for the green-and-gold.
— If the playoffs started today (they don’t):
NL: Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Mets, Brewers, Padres
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: New York, Rays, Mariners
Fewest sacks allowed last season:
14- Buffalo
22- Green Bay
24- Baltimore, Denver
30- Arizona
31- LA Rams
32- Falcons, Jaguars, Colts
Quote of the Day
“It’s really easy to appreciate what we’re doing right now. It’s also easy to just keep it going and not let that be something that we are dwelling on. It’s the best offense I’ve ever been a part of.”
Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong
Saturday’s quiz
In the history of Purdue football, which Super Bowl-winning QB has thrown for the most yards?
Friday’s quiz
In the movie Hoosiers, Hickory High star Jimmy Chitwood took 49 shots; he made 44 of the 49 shots (Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey charted the shots while watching the movie)
Thursday’s quiz
Wayne Knight is the actor who played Newman on Seinfeld.
****************************************
Saturday’s Den: Wrapping up a busy Friday……
— The best baseball announcers make you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a conversation between friends who are watching the game.In my opinion, the best baseball play-by-play guys:
Jon Sciambi, Cubs
Dan Shulman, Blue Jays
Don Orsillo, Padres
Gary Cohen, Mets
The best analysts:
Ron Darling, Mets
Mark Gubicza, Angels
Jim Palmer, Orioles
Steve Stone, White Sox
— Before last season, no one was touting Cubs’ P Shota Imanaga, who they brought over from Japan; 1.5 years later, the Cubs are 30-9 in Imanaga’s starts. Pretty impressive.
— Cleveland Guardians were at Wrigley Field this week; OF Angel Martinez plays for the Guardians. His dad Sandy Martinez was the Cubs’ catcher in a 1998 game where Kerry Wood struck out 20 Houston Astros.
— Divisional leads in MLB
NL East:
Phillies leads the Mets by half a game.
NL Central:
Cubs lead Milwaukee by four games, St Louis by 6.5, Cincinnati by seven games.
NL West:
Dodgers lead San Diego by eight games, Giants by nine games.
AL East:
Blue Jays lead New York/Tampa Bay by two games.
AL Central:
Tigers have a 12.5-game lead over their nearest rival.
AL West:
Astros lead Seattle by seven games, Angels by 9.5 games.
— I have Jesus Luzardo on my fantasy team; he is an all-or-nothing pitcher:
Good starts:
April 4th- 7 IP, no runs allowed vs Dodgers
June 11th- 6 IP, one run allowed vs Cubs
June 22nd- 6.2 IP, no runs allowed vs Mets
Ugly starts:
May 31st: 3.1 IP, 12 runs vs Milwaukee
June 5th: 2.1 IP, 8 runs allowed at Toronto
July 4th: 2 IP, 6 runs allowed vs Cincinnato
Hard to predict, but very few mediocre starts.
— Notes on the Atlanta Falcons:
They’ve spent the most $$$ of any team in the NFL on their offense this year; backup QB Kirk Cousins makes a lot of that money.
Falcons are #22 in $$$ spent on defense, defensive line is #27.
Atlanta was minus-6 in turnovers last year, with only 18 takeaways; they were 8-9, 6-6 in games decided by 8 or fewer points, 2-1 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Last two years, Falcons are 11-23 ATS, 8-14 when favored, 3-9 as an underdog, 6-11 at home. Under is 11-6 in their last 17 home games.
— Famous birthdays, July 5th:
Gary Matthews, 75
Rich Gossage, 74
Johnny Rodgers, 74
James Lofton, 69
Edie Falco, 62
Kathryn Erbe, 60
Donnie Jones, 45
Been Udrih, 43
Ish Smith, 37
Jorge Polanco, 32
Shohei Ohtani, 31
Austin Hays, 30
— Mets 6, Bronx 5
Juan Soto went 3-4 with two runs scored, two RBI
Mets won their third game in a row; Bronx has lost five in a row.
— Cubs 11, Cardinals 3
Cubs hit eight home runs; Michael Busch hit three of them.
Colin Rea gave up one hit in 6.2 IP.
— Blue Jays 4, Angels 3 (10)
Toronto wins its sixth game in a row.
Blue Jays scored game-winning run on a throwing error.
— Twins 4, Rays 3
Tampa Bay led 3-1 in the 7th inning.
Harrison Bader homered twice, including a walk-off blast in 9th inning.
— Padres 3, Rangers 2 (10)
Jake Cronenworth got his 5th walk-off RBI for the Padres.
Texas has played in extra innings in six of its last nine games (2-4).
— Tigers 2, Guardians 1
Wenceel Perez, Zach McKinstry homered for Detroit.
Cleveland has now lost eight games in a row.
— A’s 11, Giants 2
Denzel Clarke, homered, tripled, made another great catch in centerfield.
JP Sears tossed six shutout IP for the green-and-gold.
— If the playoffs started today (they don’t):
NL: Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Mets, Brewers, Padres
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: New York, Rays, Mariners
WNBA
Saturday, July 5
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Trend Report
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Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Los Angeles is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Los Angeles's last 19 games
Los Angeles is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana Fever
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 11 games
Indiana is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
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Saturday, July 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Los Angeles is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Los Angeles's last 19 games
Los Angeles is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Los Angeles is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana Fever
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 11 games
Indiana is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
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