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WNBA Draft 2026 winners and losers, including Storm, Sky, Tempo, and Valkyries The 2026 WNBA Draft had uncertainty at the top until the last moment. The Dallas Wings could have gone in a number of different directions with the first overall pick, but eventually the team settled on reuniting former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in the backcourt. Dallas’ Fudd pick at No. 1 set the course for the rest of the draft, which included several big surprises throughout the first round.Find a full recap of every pick made during the 2026 WNBA Draft here. Now let’s dive into some winners and losers from the evening.Yes, you need a couple years at minimum before you can truly judge a team’s performance in the draft. So why do this exercise? It’s a fun way to see what we were thinking in the immediate aftermath of the draft. Teams get things wrong all the time, and writers do, too. Feel free to check back in the future to see what we got right, and where we missed.Awa Fam was the best prospect in the class, and I thought she should have been the Wings’ choice at No. 1 overall over Fudd. Seattle got her with the No. 3 pick, which is just great business. The Storm weren’t done: they also swung a shocking trade for former LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson. Seattle landed the two best athletes in the draft, and it gives them arguably the league’s best young core moving forward.Fam, a 6’4 big out of Spain, is everything the league wants out of a modern front court player with a tremendous combination of length and mobility. She should thrive as a pick-and-roll target offensively, and have coverage versatility defensively. Fam joins Seattle’s first round pick last year, French big Dominique Malonga, for the league’s scariest young front court. Malonga is blessed with world class length (7’1 wingspan) and athleticism, and already proved to be a productive player in the W at only 20 years old last season. Fam and Malonga is just an unfair combination if both hit their ceiling. Adding Johnson to the wing — where she can lock down defensively, thrive in transition, and hit some open threes — makes the whole package even more enticing.The Storm will need a couple years before the two young bigs really hit their stride, but the upside here is terrifying.It’s not that Gabriela Jaquez is a bad player. She was one of my favorite role players in this class for her high-motor, Swiss army knife skill set on the wing. It’s just that Jaquez felt more like a late first-rounder than a top-5 pick, and Chicago left better players on the board by choosing her at No. 5 overall.It felt like the Sky drafted for fit instead of upside. That’s a strange move for a team that has gone 23-61 combined over the last two years. GM Jeff Pagliocca has a reputation for making short-sighted decisions that mortgage the team’s future to try to save his job, and he did it again. The Sky signed Skylar Diggins in free agency, traded for Jacy Sheldon, and also have Courtney VanderSloot, so maybe that’s why they passed on lead guard Kiki Rice at No. 5 overall. Well, Diggins is 35 years old, VanderSloot is 37, and the Sky just aren’t good enough to be passing up the long-term upside of Rice for a player who fits the current lineup better right now in Jaquez.My main issue with Jaquez is that she operated at such low usage at UCLA with only an 18 percent usage rate. Drafting low usage college players is always a risky move even if teams project them for similar roles in the pros. It’s always easier to scale down than it is to scale up. Jaquez also had nearly as many turnovers (70) as assists (78) this season with the Bruins. Her outside shooting development was encouraging, but she doesn’t have nearly the same track record as a shooter as someone like Sonia Citron, who Pagliocca foolishly traded the draft rights to last season.Jaquez will probably be a solid role player, but the Sky needed to be shooting for something more than that without a true franchise player on the roster. I think they will regret passing on Rice.The Bruins won the national championship in women’s college basketball, then watched six players get chosen in the top-18 picks of this draft, including four of the first nine picks. That’s a hell of a recruiting pitch going forward. Head coach Cori Close is building a power program out in Los Angeles.Want to get the steal of the draft? All you have to do is pick behind the Chicago Sky. Kiki Rice slipping to No. 6 is almost unfathomable. The former No. 1 overall recruit took a few years to develop her outside shot, but this season she looked like the player she was promised to be out of high school. Rice is more of a combo guard than a pure point, but she still combines a fantastic first step with advanced driving ability and an understand of how to get to the cup and finish. Her shooting touch is developing nicely: she made 90 percent of her free throws, and 38.5 percent of her threes this season — a big improvement from the 21 percent three-point stroke she showed as a freshman.While the other expansion team, the Portland Fire, is very much playing the long game in their first season, Toronto could be pretty good right away. Marina Mabrey was a nice pick in the expansion draft who will be a good starter from day one, and signing Brittney Sykes in free agency was an inspired move. Isabelle Harrison and Nyara Sabally is a solid veteran front court. Rice feels like she could be one of the three best players to come out of this draft five years from now, giving Toronto a future face of the franchise if they can continue to develop her.Winner: The Mystics drafting Lauren BettsThere’s been some criticism about Washington’s other picks in the 2026 draft, but it really doesn’t matter if Betts if as good as I think she can be. The 6’7 center was absolutely dominant in the post on UCLA’s national championship run, and she has a multi-year history of being an on/off monster. I know that everyone wants more mobile bigs with floor spacing potential these days, but there’s still no substitute for a physically dominant big inside with soft touch. Betts and Sonia Citron is going to be a killer combination. Yes, the Mystics need to add a lot more shooting. Yes, it’s weird that they didn’t try to get shooting with any of their other picks. I just think Betts is a home run at No. 4 overall, and Washington will have a long runway to surround her with better-fitting pieces.Loser: Golden State ValkyriesI just don’t understand the value behind the Flae’Jae Johnson trade. Golden State said that the trade was completed before the draft, which is fine, but it still strikes me as bad value even without factoring in that Johnson was available. I’d rather have the No. 8 overall pick than two second rounders in the WNBA Draft. Historically the talent in these drafts tends to thin out after the early second round, and adding three expansion teams in the last two years will only take away from more late round value. I was excited about Flae’Jae Johnson on the Valkyries after their awesome debut season last year. It just wasn’t meant to be.The Minnesota Lynx had the best record in the WNBA last year at 34-10, but their dream season fell apart in the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury when Napheesa Collier went down with an ankle injury. The Lynx received the No. 2 overall pick thanks to a pick swap with the Sky from the original Angel Reese trade, and they used it to add an elite point guard prospect in Miles. The 5’10 ball handler left Notre Dame for TCU for her senior season, and put up fantastic overall numbers with a 36.4 percent assist rate, excellent rim finishing, and a 35 percent three-point stroke. Miles is so quick off the dribble, and she made 62 percent of her shots at the rim with only 17 percent of them being assisted. She’s also really good at getting into the passing lanes defensively.It’s not often an elite team adds a great prospect with a top pick, but the Lynx pulled it off. This continues to be one of the best run franchises in the W. #WNBA #Draft #winners #losers #including #Storm #Sky #Tempo #Valkyries

WNBA Draft 2026 winners and losers, including Storm, Sky, Tempo, and Valkyries

The 2026 WNBA Draft had uncertainty at the top until the last moment. The Dallas Wings could have gone in a number of different directions with the first overall pick, but eventually the team settled on reuniting former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in the backcourt. Dallas’ Fudd pick at No. 1 set the course for the rest of the draft, which included several big surprises throughout the first round.

Find a full recap of every pick made during the 2026 WNBA Draft here. Now let’s dive into some winners and losers from the evening.

Yes, you need a couple years at minimum before you can truly judge a team’s performance in the draft. So why do this exercise? It’s a fun way to see what we were thinking in the immediate aftermath of the draft. Teams get things wrong all the time, and writers do, too. Feel free to check back in the future to see what we got right, and where we missed.

Awa Fam was the best prospect in the class, and I thought she should have been the Wings’ choice at No. 1 overall over Fudd. Seattle got her with the No. 3 pick, which is just great business. The Storm weren’t done: they also swung a shocking trade for former LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson. Seattle landed the two best athletes in the draft, and it gives them arguably the league’s best young core moving forward.

Fam, a 6’4 big out of Spain, is everything the league wants out of a modern front court player with a tremendous combination of length and mobility. She should thrive as a pick-and-roll target offensively, and have coverage versatility defensively. Fam joins Seattle’s first round pick last year, French big Dominique Malonga, for the league’s scariest young front court. Malonga is blessed with world class length (7’1 wingspan) and athleticism, and already proved to be a productive player in the W at only 20 years old last season. Fam and Malonga is just an unfair combination if both hit their ceiling. Adding Johnson to the wing — where she can lock down defensively, thrive in transition, and hit some open threes — makes the whole package even more enticing.

The Storm will need a couple years before the two young bigs really hit their stride, but the upside here is terrifying.

It’s not that Gabriela Jaquez is a bad player. She was one of my favorite role players in this class for her high-motor, Swiss army knife skill set on the wing. It’s just that Jaquez felt more like a late first-rounder than a top-5 pick, and Chicago left better players on the board by choosing her at No. 5 overall.

It felt like the Sky drafted for fit instead of upside. That’s a strange move for a team that has gone 23-61 combined over the last two years. GM Jeff Pagliocca has a reputation for making short-sighted decisions that mortgage the team’s future to try to save his job, and he did it again. The Sky signed Skylar Diggins in free agency, traded for Jacy Sheldon, and also have Courtney VanderSloot, so maybe that’s why they passed on lead guard Kiki Rice at No. 5 overall. Well, Diggins is 35 years old, VanderSloot is 37, and the Sky just aren’t good enough to be passing up the long-term upside of Rice for a player who fits the current lineup better right now in Jaquez.

My main issue with Jaquez is that she operated at such low usage at UCLA with only an 18 percent usage rate. Drafting low usage college players is always a risky move even if teams project them for similar roles in the pros. It’s always easier to scale down than it is to scale up. Jaquez also had nearly as many turnovers (70) as assists (78) this season with the Bruins. Her outside shooting development was encouraging, but she doesn’t have nearly the same track record as a shooter as someone like Sonia Citron, who Pagliocca foolishly traded the draft rights to last season.

Jaquez will probably be a solid role player, but the Sky needed to be shooting for something more than that without a true franchise player on the roster. I think they will regret passing on Rice.

The Bruins won the national championship in women’s college basketball, then watched six players get chosen in the top-18 picks of this draft, including four of the first nine picks. That’s a hell of a recruiting pitch going forward. Head coach Cori Close is building a power program out in Los Angeles.

Want to get the steal of the draft? All you have to do is pick behind the Chicago Sky. Kiki Rice slipping to No. 6 is almost unfathomable. The former No. 1 overall recruit took a few years to develop her outside shot, but this season she looked like the player she was promised to be out of high school. Rice is more of a combo guard than a pure point, but she still combines a fantastic first step with advanced driving ability and an understand of how to get to the cup and finish. Her shooting touch is developing nicely: she made 90 percent of her free throws, and 38.5 percent of her threes this season — a big improvement from the 21 percent three-point stroke she showed as a freshman.

While the other expansion team, the Portland Fire, is very much playing the long game in their first season, Toronto could be pretty good right away. Marina Mabrey was a nice pick in the expansion draft who will be a good starter from day one, and signing Brittney Sykes in free agency was an inspired move. Isabelle Harrison and Nyara Sabally is a solid veteran front court. Rice feels like she could be one of the three best players to come out of this draft five years from now, giving Toronto a future face of the franchise if they can continue to develop her.

Winner: The Mystics drafting Lauren Betts

There’s been some criticism about Washington’s other picks in the 2026 draft, but it really doesn’t matter if Betts if as good as I think she can be. The 6’7 center was absolutely dominant in the post on UCLA’s national championship run, and she has a multi-year history of being an on/off monster. I know that everyone wants more mobile bigs with floor spacing potential these days, but there’s still no substitute for a physically dominant big inside with soft touch. Betts and Sonia Citron is going to be a killer combination. Yes, the Mystics need to add a lot more shooting. Yes, it’s weird that they didn’t try to get shooting with any of their other picks. I just think Betts is a home run at No. 4 overall, and Washington will have a long runway to surround her with better-fitting pieces.

Loser: Golden State Valkyries

I just don’t understand the value behind the Flae’Jae Johnson trade. Golden State said that the trade was completed before the draft, which is fine, but it still strikes me as bad value even without factoring in that Johnson was available. I’d rather have the No. 8 overall pick than two second rounders in the WNBA Draft. Historically the talent in these drafts tends to thin out after the early second round, and adding three expansion teams in the last two years will only take away from more late round value. I was excited about Flae’Jae Johnson on the Valkyries after their awesome debut season last year. It just wasn’t meant to be.

The Minnesota Lynx had the best record in the WNBA last year at 34-10, but their dream season fell apart in the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury when Napheesa Collier went down with an ankle injury. The Lynx received the No. 2 overall pick thanks to a pick swap with the Sky from the original Angel Reese trade, and they used it to add an elite point guard prospect in Miles. The 5’10 ball handler left Notre Dame for TCU for her senior season, and put up fantastic overall numbers with a 36.4 percent assist rate, excellent rim finishing, and a 35 percent three-point stroke. Miles is so quick off the dribble, and she made 62 percent of her shots at the rim with only 17 percent of them being assisted. She’s also really good at getting into the passing lanes defensively.

It’s not often an elite team adds a great prospect with a top pick, but the Lynx pulled it off. This continues to be one of the best run franchises in the W.

#WNBA #Draft #winners #losers #including #Storm #Sky #Tempo #Valkyries

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The 2026 WNBA Draft had uncertainty at the top until the last moment. The Dallas Wings could have gone in a number of different directions with the first overall pick, but eventually the team settled on reuniting former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in the backcourt. Dallas’ Fudd pick at No. 1 set the course for the rest of the draft, which included several big surprises throughout the first round.

Find a full recap of every pick made during the 2026 WNBA Draft here. Now let’s dive into some winners and losers from the evening.

Yes, you need a couple years at minimum before you can truly judge a team’s performance in the draft. So why do this exercise? It’s a fun way to see what we were thinking in the immediate aftermath of the draft. Teams get things wrong all the time, and writers do, too. Feel free to check back in the future to see what we got right, and where we missed.

Awa Fam was the best prospect in the class, and I thought she should have been the Wings’ choice at No. 1 overall over Fudd. Seattle got her with the No. 3 pick, which is just great business. The Storm weren’t done: they also swung a shocking trade for former LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson. Seattle landed the two best athletes in the draft, and it gives them arguably the league’s best young core moving forward.

Fam, a 6’4 big out of Spain, is everything the league wants out of a modern front court player with a tremendous combination of length and mobility. She should thrive as a pick-and-roll target offensively, and have coverage versatility defensively. Fam joins Seattle’s first round pick last year, French big Dominique Malonga, for the league’s scariest young front court. Malonga is blessed with world class length (7’1 wingspan) and athleticism, and already proved to be a productive player in the W at only 20 years old last season. Fam and Malonga is just an unfair combination if both hit their ceiling. Adding Johnson to the wing — where she can lock down defensively, thrive in transition, and hit some open threes — makes the whole package even more enticing.

The Storm will need a couple years before the two young bigs really hit their stride, but the upside here is terrifying.

It’s not that Gabriela Jaquez is a bad player. She was one of my favorite role players in this class for her high-motor, Swiss army knife skill set on the wing. It’s just that Jaquez felt more like a late first-rounder than a top-5 pick, and Chicago left better players on the board by choosing her at No. 5 overall.

It felt like the Sky drafted for fit instead of upside. That’s a strange move for a team that has gone 23-61 combined over the last two years. GM Jeff Pagliocca has a reputation for making short-sighted decisions that mortgage the team’s future to try to save his job, and he did it again. The Sky signed Skylar Diggins in free agency, traded for Jacy Sheldon, and also have Courtney VanderSloot, so maybe that’s why they passed on lead guard Kiki Rice at No. 5 overall. Well, Diggins is 35 years old, VanderSloot is 37, and the Sky just aren’t good enough to be passing up the long-term upside of Rice for a player who fits the current lineup better right now in Jaquez.

My main issue with Jaquez is that she operated at such low usage at UCLA with only an 18 percent usage rate. Drafting low usage college players is always a risky move even if teams project them for similar roles in the pros. It’s always easier to scale down than it is to scale up. Jaquez also had nearly as many turnovers (70) as assists (78) this season with the Bruins. Her outside shooting development was encouraging, but she doesn’t have nearly the same track record as a shooter as someone like Sonia Citron, who Pagliocca foolishly traded the draft rights to last season.

Jaquez will probably be a solid role player, but the Sky needed to be shooting for something more than that without a true franchise player on the roster. I think they will regret passing on Rice.

The Bruins won the national championship in women’s college basketball, then watched six players get chosen in the top-18 picks of this draft, including four of the first nine picks. That’s a hell of a recruiting pitch going forward. Head coach Cori Close is building a power program out in Los Angeles.

Want to get the steal of the draft? All you have to do is pick behind the Chicago Sky. Kiki Rice slipping to No. 6 is almost unfathomable. The former No. 1 overall recruit took a few years to develop her outside shot, but this season she looked like the player she was promised to be out of high school. Rice is more of a combo guard than a pure point, but she still combines a fantastic first step with advanced driving ability and an understand of how to get to the cup and finish. Her shooting touch is developing nicely: she made 90 percent of her free throws, and 38.5 percent of her threes this season — a big improvement from the 21 percent three-point stroke she showed as a freshman.

While the other expansion team, the Portland Fire, is very much playing the long game in their first season, Toronto could be pretty good right away. Marina Mabrey was a nice pick in the expansion draft who will be a good starter from day one, and signing Brittney Sykes in free agency was an inspired move. Isabelle Harrison and Nyara Sabally is a solid veteran front court. Rice feels like she could be one of the three best players to come out of this draft five years from now, giving Toronto a future face of the franchise if they can continue to develop her.

Winner: The Mystics drafting Lauren Betts

There’s been some criticism about Washington’s other picks in the 2026 draft, but it really doesn’t matter if Betts if as good as I think she can be. The 6’7 center was absolutely dominant in the post on UCLA’s national championship run, and she has a multi-year history of being an on/off monster. I know that everyone wants more mobile bigs with floor spacing potential these days, but there’s still no substitute for a physically dominant big inside with soft touch. Betts and Sonia Citron is going to be a killer combination. Yes, the Mystics need to add a lot more shooting. Yes, it’s weird that they didn’t try to get shooting with any of their other picks. I just think Betts is a home run at No. 4 overall, and Washington will have a long runway to surround her with better-fitting pieces.

Loser: Golden State Valkyries

I just don’t understand the value behind the Flae’Jae Johnson trade. Golden State said that the trade was completed before the draft, which is fine, but it still strikes me as bad value even without factoring in that Johnson was available. I’d rather have the No. 8 overall pick than two second rounders in the WNBA Draft. Historically the talent in these drafts tends to thin out after the early second round, and adding three expansion teams in the last two years will only take away from more late round value. I was excited about Flae’Jae Johnson on the Valkyries after their awesome debut season last year. It just wasn’t meant to be.

The Minnesota Lynx had the best record in the WNBA last year at 34-10, but their dream season fell apart in the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury when Napheesa Collier went down with an ankle injury. The Lynx received the No. 2 overall pick thanks to a pick swap with the Sky from the original Angel Reese trade, and they used it to add an elite point guard prospect in Miles. The 5’10 ball handler left Notre Dame for TCU for her senior season, and put up fantastic overall numbers with a 36.4 percent assist rate, excellent rim finishing, and a 35 percent three-point stroke. Miles is so quick off the dribble, and she made 62 percent of her shots at the rim with only 17 percent of them being assisted. She’s also really good at getting into the passing lanes defensively.

It’s not often an elite team adds a great prospect with a top pick, but the Lynx pulled it off. This continues to be one of the best run franchises in the W.

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RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants <div id="content-body-70861990" itemprop="articleBody"><p>In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to make the most of its return to home environs when it takes on Lucknow Super Giants at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.</p><p>The clash will be the first of three consecutive games in the Garden City over the next 10 days, and having already won its two fixtures here, RCB would want to continue in the same vein and maximise its opportunities.</p><p>Rajat Patidar & Co. will also have the added motivation of dishing out fine performances, for the defending champion’s Bengaluru leg in the league stage will end with these three matches.</p><p>Sunday’s 18-run win away at Mumbai Indians should augur well. The batting came good again, as RCB posted 240 – its fourth 200 plus total in as many matches.</p><p>Krunal Pandya then bowled four miserly overs for 26 runs and a wicket to keep a capable MI batting line-up under check.</p><p>The only concerns from that contest were Virat Kohli’s troublesome ankle and pacer Rasikh Salam pulling up thrice in a single over. But those fears were allayed during practice on Tuesday when Kohli batted and Rasikh bowled.</p><p>LSG has triumphed during its previous two visits here, but to even compete this time, its batting should fire. Rishabh Pant’s outfit has taken first strike twice this campaign, but made scores of just 141 and 164, and lost both matches.</p><p>Nicholas Pooran has had an underwhelming season, totalling just 41 runs. If he can summon the spirit which helped him score a mesmerising 19-ball 62 in LSG’s one-wicket win at the Chinnaswamy in 2023, it will be timely.</p><p>The LSG bowling has largely held up well, with veteran Mohammed Shami still in fine fettle. But it will face its toughest test yet against RCB’s marauding willow wielders at one of the best venues for batting.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 14, 2026</p></div> #RCB #LSG #IPL #Inform #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru #extend #winning #run #Lucknow #Super #Giants

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NBA Play-In Player Props: Donovan Clingan, LaMelo Ball Headlines Best Picks | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776177610462" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776177610462" alt="Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The play-in tournament gets underway tonight. The Eastern Conference 9th place (Miami Heat) vs. 10th place (Charlotte Hornets) game gets things started, with the Western Conference’s 7th place (Portland Trail Blazers vs. 8th place (Phoenix Suns) game to follow.</p><p>Sportsbooks will, of course, carry the traditional betting line along with full player prop menus. In this post, I’ll go over my favorite player props for tonight’s games.</p><p>Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets<br/><strong>LaMelo Ball, OVER 4.5 Made Threes at +134 (FanDuel)</strong></p><p>I did a double-take on this one when I first saw it. At first, I thought I had to be misreading it, that it must be an old page for Steph Curry back in his prime or something. But no, the market is for LaMelo Ball to hit over or under 4.5 3-pointers.</p><p>Incidentally, it is a number he’s gone over in his last five games and in eight of his last 12. Opponents averaged 14 per game against the Heat (No. 22) while attempting 39 (35.9%). If recent history is any indication of what we can expect, he’ll attempt enough to have a good shot at the over.</p><p>Requiring five made threes makes me nervous, but I can’t pass this value up.</p><p><strong>LaMelo Ball, OVER 12.5 Attempted Threes at -120 (bet365)</strong></p><p>He averaged 13.2 attempts in April (six games), and that with trying only six against Phoenix (April 2). In May, he averaged 11.7 attempts and tried over the total in six of 15 games. With a chance to move on and keep playing at stake, I expect Ball to let it fly early and often against a <a href="https://deadspin.com/coby-white-eyes-breakthrough-as-hornets-face-heat/" target="_blank">Heat team that is not great at defending the perimeter</a>.</p><p>The price isn’t great, but I’d be shocked if he finished under this mark.</p><p><strong>Norman Powell, UNDER 18.5 Points at -120 (bet365)</strong></p><p>Powell averaged 21.7 points per game this season. He has gone over this prop in 43 of 58 games this season, but under it in five of his last ten and in three of his last four. But Charlotte had the No. 7 defense in the regular season (111.2 points per game allowed) and the best defense over the last 15 games (106.3 points per game allowed).</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> <section id="section-3"> <p>Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns<br/><strong>Donovan Clingan, UNDER 12.5 Rebounds at -120 (DraftKings)</strong></p><p>I’ve seen a lot of <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/trailblazers/onsi/news/donovan-clingan-taking-major-step-portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank">analysts take the over</a> because Phoenix is not a super-strong rebound team. However, the difference between the Suns’ rebound average at No. 20 and Oklahoma City’s at No. 12 is just a single rebound per game. Opponents are averaging 43.7 per game against the Suns (15th best in the NBA), one rebound away from being in the top ten.</p><p>Clingan has gone over this mark in two of three games against the Suns, but in just one of his last seven games. He went under this mark in 47 of 77 games played.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> </div> #NBA #PlayIn #Player #Props #Donovan #Clingan #LaMelo #Ball #Headlines #Picks #Deadspin.com

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The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.

“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.

At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.

Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.

The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”

Published on Jun 18, 2026

#Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family">Lionel Messi’s father Jorge going through ‘health situation’, confirms family The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”Published on Jun 18, 2026 #Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family

Deadspin | Royals’ Noah Cameron chases elusive win in clash vs. Cards Jun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it. The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals. Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday. “Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.” Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him. However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis. Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals. “Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said. Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon. Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals. “We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.” Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis. The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City. The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City. “He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron. “That’s what allows him to have success.” Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore. Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #CardsJun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it.

The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals.

Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday.

“Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.”

Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him.

However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis.

Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals.

“Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said.

Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon.

Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals.


“We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.”

Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis.

The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.

Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City.

The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts.

Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City.

“He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron.

“That’s what allows him to have success.”

Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore.

Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #Cards">Deadspin | Royals’ Noah Cameron chases elusive win in clash vs. Cards Jun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it. The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals. Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday. “Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.” Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him. However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis. Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals. “Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said. Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon. Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals. “We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.” Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis. The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City. The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City. “He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron. “That’s what allows him to have success.” Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore. Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #Cards

The chase for the Golden Boot.

The 2026 World Cup could see history, given the presence of Kylian Mbappe. In the history of this event, no player has ever won the Golden Boot twice. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe could become the first player to achieve that feat, if he were to win again this year.

Mbappe’s brace against Senegal got his campaign for a second Golden Boot off to a strong start, but Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria put the Argentina legend atop the list after his opening match.

Here are the current standings in the chase for the Golden Boot. You will note that assists and minutes played are listed, as those are the two tiebreakers in determining the winner of the Golden Boot. In the case of ties, the player with the most assists is ranked ahead.

Should there still be a tie, the player with the fewest minutes played is ranked ahead.

Note: Table last updated Thursday, June 18:

#World #Cup #Golden #Boot #goals #standings">2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Most goals, standings We are almost a week into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and that means it is the perfect time to start looking at one of the big stories from this tournament every four years.The chase for the Golden Boot.The 2026 World Cup could see history, given the presence of Kylian Mbappe. In the history of this event, no player has ever won the Golden Boot twice. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe could become the first player to achieve that feat, if he were to win again this year.Mbappe’s brace against Senegal got his campaign for a second Golden Boot off to a strong start, but Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria put the Argentina legend atop the list after his opening match.Here are the current standings in the chase for the Golden Boot. You will note that assists and minutes played are listed, as those are the two tiebreakers in determining the winner of the Golden Boot. In the case of ties, the player with the most assists is ranked ahead.Should there still be a tie, the player with the fewest minutes played is ranked ahead.Note: Table last updated Thursday, June 18: #World #Cup #Golden #Boot #goals #standings

2026 FIFA World Cup, and that means it is the perfect time to start looking at one of the big stories from this tournament every four years.

The chase for the Golden Boot.

The 2026 World Cup could see history, given the presence of Kylian Mbappe. In the history of this event, no player has ever won the Golden Boot twice. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe could become the first player to achieve that feat, if he were to win again this year.

Mbappe’s brace against Senegal got his campaign for a second Golden Boot off to a strong start, but Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria put the Argentina legend atop the list after his opening match.

Here are the current standings in the chase for the Golden Boot. You will note that assists and minutes played are listed, as those are the two tiebreakers in determining the winner of the Golden Boot. In the case of ties, the player with the most assists is ranked ahead.

Should there still be a tie, the player with the fewest minutes played is ranked ahead.

Note: Table last updated Thursday, June 18:

#World #Cup #Golden #Boot #goals #standings">2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Most goals, standings

We are almost a week into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and that means it is the perfect time to start looking at one of the big stories from this tournament every four years.

The chase for the Golden Boot.

The 2026 World Cup could see history, given the presence of Kylian Mbappe. In the history of this event, no player has ever won the Golden Boot twice. After winning the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe could become the first player to achieve that feat, if he were to win again this year.

Mbappe’s brace against Senegal got his campaign for a second Golden Boot off to a strong start, but Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria put the Argentina legend atop the list after his opening match.

Here are the current standings in the chase for the Golden Boot. You will note that assists and minutes played are listed, as those are the two tiebreakers in determining the winner of the Golden Boot. In the case of ties, the player with the most assists is ranked ahead.

Should there still be a tie, the player with the fewest minutes played is ranked ahead.

Note: Table last updated Thursday, June 18:

#World #Cup #Golden #Boot #goals #standings

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