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Jayson Tatum’s injury decision will be the right choice for the Celtics

Jayson Tatum’s injury decision will be the right choice for the Celtics

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You know how Batman has the Bat Signal to project a big light in the sky for when people need him the most? I have my own Bat Signal, except it’s exclusively for Boston Celtics content emergencies. I call it the “why is everyone in my day-to-day life asking me this question?” Signal. We’re working on the name.

Right now, the signal is going crazy with a simple message: will Jayson Tatum return to play for the Celtics this season? Contained in that question are easy follow-ups: should he return? Is he rushing back? Will it be bad for team chemistry? Is there going to be a conflict with Jaylen Brown, who’s been a low-key MVP candidate this year?

When the Signal is shining this bright, you know I have the answers. And the answers are … I don’t care. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. I recuse myself. I pardon you all from the suffering of trying to answer these questions. I release you, because the answers are “unknowable and irrelevant,” two words to live by and also my nickname in college.

So to keep things knowable and relevant, here’s the distillation: Jayson Tatum returning to play this season is simply a non-issue for Celtics fans, for Boston sports media or for anyone else with their emotional or professional wellbeing wrapped up in the Boston basketball industrial complex. Whatever ends up being Tatum and the team’s decision will be the right decision, and there is no reason to worry about this.

There are two basic questions people are trying to answer: will Jayson Tatum come back this season, and should he come back. Both are not rational discussions and thus we should not have them. Here’s why.

First, I am not some kind of debate detractor. Generally, I think it’s fine to discuss anything in potent or polemical public pieces in parallel publications, such as whether the New England Patriots were frauds, if Olympic Curling is the best competitive entertainment product since Season 1 of Survivor or the necessity of aggressive alliteration with the letter P in the fifth paragraph of an article about Jayson Tatum. All of that is fair game, because the parameters of those discussions are reasonably equal.

The problem with the “will Jayson Tatum come back?” question is that any rational argument about that would require a baseline of medical information that we simply do not have. Reading tea leaves about the five-part docuseries about his road to recovery or that the NBA flexed a March 1 game to primetime on NBC suggests a fairly commercial motivation for returning to play, something I do not believe Tatum or the Celtics would ever risk.

Even more insane is trying to determine if he is rushing back from his injury or is putting himself at additional risk by not sitting out the whole season—as if any of us have literally any idea what we’re talking about in the field of a specific individual’s recovery from Achilles surgery. If you want to speculate on that, I have a quick questionnaire for you to fill out: 1. Are you an Achilles surgeon/specialist or do you have intimate access to one? 2. If yes, is said specialist Jayson Tatum’s doctor themselves? 3. If yes, you may now speculate.

Basically, it doesn’t matter if Tatum is rushing back from his injury; if he comes back, I am forced to assume it was the right decision because there is no planet where I could possibly dispute it. It’s a hard thing to do for someone who thinks they have a right to comment on everything that happens with this team, but I am hereby recusing myself entirely.

We move now to the basketball consequences of Tatum’s return, namely the glorious question of “should he return, even if healthy?” The Celtics are playing great, Jaylen Brown has been a revelation and it would be risky to disrupt such great chemistry, right? Maybe just see how this thing goes and bring Tatum back for next season, right? Right? RIGHT!?

If you are worried about that, I have yet another question for you: are you kidding me?

The Celtics not bringing back Jayson Tatum because they are worried he will make the team worse is like not cashing your monthly paycheck because you’re worried it will make your wallet a little heavier in your left pocket. It’s like not listening to the new Kendrick album because you’re worried you’ll like some songs and it will disrupt your carefully curated Spotify playlists by adding them. It’s like—are we being serious about asking if adding 27-year-old, four-time All-NBA First Team Jayson Tatum to the basketball team is going to make the team worse at basketball?!?

Basketball teams are not porcelain figurines that may break at the first stiff breeze they encounter. They are built through blood, sweat and work over months; they need every single piece they can get. If that piece is Tatum, it would be an excellent one to add. There is nothing more to litigate.

The reason people still want to litigate it is, probably, because there is real money riding on the Celtics in the form of win-total or Championship futures, Jaylen Brown MVP odds and an untold number of gambling stakes in whether Jayson Tatum returns or not. But even gambling discussions must base themselves on logical parameters, and as we have functionally proven, such parameters do not exist in this dojo.

If Tatum returns, it will be good for the Celtics. If something goes wrong afterward, it will be bad for the Celtics, but we have no reason to predict that given the presently available information. Hypothetical future narratives about re-injury or Tatum-Brown beef are pure speculation, something that also does not exist in this dojo. This dojo is rational, and thus, for now, closed.

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In the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted 250 years ago, the Fourth of July had turned Philadelphia into a festival and a furnace. At Reading Terminal Market, locals mixed with French and Paraguayan supporters over cheesesteaks, pizza slices, and iced drinks, while the bridge above offered a patch of shade from the 42-degree heat. There was no such cover at the Lincoln Financial Field, where France spent much of the afternoon labouring in the sun before Kylian Mbappé’s penalty finally broke Paraguay’s resistance and sealed a 1-0 win that sent Les Bleus into the World Cup quarterfinals.

Philadelphia wore its history loudly. Around the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, where Thomas Jefferson’s words and the signatures of the founding fathers gave birth to the Declaration in 1776, tourists queued through the day in the punishing heat, posing cheerfully with a costumed Statue of Liberty, France’s most memorable gift to the United States.

The holiday mood had travelled to the stadium as well, where an extended fireworks display entertained the crowd before kick-off. It added a little more heat and a veil of smoke to an already punishing evening, where France was stripped of its usual fluency and reduced to the impatience of a side being made to wait.

For long stretches, Gustavo Alfaro’s side dragged another heavyweight into frustration. Paraguay, which had already eliminated Germany in the previous round, turned the game into a scrap with its compact defending and relentless closing of space. France had the ball almost constantly, finishing the first half with more than 80 per cent possession, but not the control it had exerted for much of this tournament.

Didier Deschamps had been forced into a change before kick-off, with Manu Koné brought into the midfield after Aurélien Tchouaméni had picked up an injury in training.

Sensing there was little room through the middle, Les Bleus went wide early and almost found a reward when Mbappé narrowly failed to connect with a teasing delivery.

France’s clearest opening before the break came from a quick transition as Mike Maignan released Mbappé into open grass with a quick throw after a Paraguay corner. Juan Cáceres, however, was ready for the sprint race with one of football’s fastest. He matched the Real Madrid forward stride for stride before making a last-ditch clearance.

Paraguay offered little in attack, but Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez held their line together, attacking crosses and crowding the box, while those ahead continued to break opposition’s rhythm and add to the frustration inside the French contingent.

France resumed with greater urgency after the interval and in the 54th minute, Dembélé let fly from distance, drawing an acrobatic save from Orlando Gill, who pushed the ball away at full stretch. The breakthrough, when it finally came, arrived through VAR rather than open play.

Desire Doué went down inside the area under Diego Gomez’s challenge, and the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor, and a sense of dread descended upon the Paraguayan bench. After a brief review, the spot-kick was awarded and the stadium erupted. Mbappé stepped up and rolled his penalty low into the corner, as the goalkeeper dived the wrong way.

Gill’s double save to deny Mbappé in stoppage time did little to alter the course of this contest.

This was not France at its fluent best. But, in the end, one penalty was enough to send Deschamps’ side through and leave Paraguay’s rearguard effort unrewarded.

Published on Jul 05, 2026

#Mbappe #penalty #breaks #Paraguay #resistance #France #reaches #World #Cup #quarters">Mbappe penalty breaks Paraguay resistance as France reaches World Cup quarters In the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted 250 years ago, the Fourth of July had turned Philadelphia into a festival and a furnace. At Reading Terminal Market, locals mixed with French and Paraguayan supporters over cheesesteaks, pizza slices, and iced drinks, while the bridge above offered a patch of shade from the 42-degree heat. There was no such cover at the Lincoln Financial Field, where France spent much of the afternoon labouring in the sun before Kylian Mbappé’s penalty finally broke Paraguay’s resistance and sealed a 1-0 win that sent Les Bleus into the World Cup quarterfinals.Philadelphia wore its history loudly. Around the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, where Thomas Jefferson’s words and the signatures of the founding fathers gave birth to the Declaration in 1776, tourists queued through the day in the punishing heat, posing cheerfully with a costumed Statue of Liberty, France’s most memorable gift to the United States.The holiday mood had travelled to the stadium as well, where an extended fireworks display entertained the crowd before kick-off. It added a little more heat and a veil of smoke to an already punishing evening, where France was stripped of its usual fluency and reduced to the impatience of a side being made to wait.For long stretches, Gustavo Alfaro’s side dragged another heavyweight into frustration. Paraguay, which had already eliminated Germany in the previous round, turned the game into a scrap with its compact defending and relentless closing of space. France had the ball almost constantly, finishing the first half with more than 80 per cent possession, but not the control it had exerted for much of this tournament.Didier Deschamps had been forced into a change before kick-off, with Manu Koné brought into the midfield after Aurélien Tchouaméni had picked up an injury in training.Sensing there was little room through the middle, Les Bleus went wide early and almost found a reward when Mbappé narrowly failed to connect with a teasing delivery.France’s clearest opening before the break came from a quick transition as Mike Maignan released Mbappé into open grass with a quick throw after a Paraguay corner. Juan Cáceres, however, was ready for the sprint race with one of football’s fastest. He matched the Real Madrid forward stride for stride before making a last-ditch clearance.Paraguay offered little in attack, but Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez held their line together, attacking crosses and crowding the box, while those ahead continued to break opposition’s rhythm and add to the frustration inside the French contingent.France resumed with greater urgency after the interval and in the 54th minute, Dembélé let fly from distance, drawing an acrobatic save from Orlando Gill, who pushed the ball away at full stretch. The breakthrough, when it finally came, arrived through VAR rather than open play.Desire Doué went down inside the area under Diego Gomez’s challenge, and the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor, and a sense of dread descended upon the Paraguayan bench. After a brief review, the spot-kick was awarded and the stadium erupted. Mbappé stepped up and rolled his penalty low into the corner, as the goalkeeper dived the wrong way.Gill’s double save to deny Mbappé in stoppage time did little to alter the course of this contest.This was not France at its fluent best. But, in the end, one penalty was enough to send Deschamps’ side through and leave Paraguay’s rearguard effort unrewarded.Published on Jul 05, 2026 #Mbappe #penalty #breaks #Paraguay #resistance #France #reaches #World #Cup #quarters

Fourth of July Best MLB Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com Jul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson (15) tags out Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images The Independence Day MLB card is loaded with plenty of intriguing matchups on a busy Saturday.The Chicago Cubs (49-39) look to bounce back from Friday’s 17-1 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals (46-39). The two NL Central rivals hook up at 8:05 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field.Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-31) seek their third consecutive victory over the San Diego Padres (43-44) after rallying from multi-run deficits in each of the first two wins. These two teams close the night at Dodger Stadium at 10:10 p.m. ET.We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free MLB picks for Saturday, July 4. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.Best MLB plays todayAstros (-110) vs. RaysOrioles/Reds Over 9 RunsAstros (-110) vs. Rays – 7:10 p.m. ETTampa Bay (52-33) is riding a nine-game winning streak after holding off Houston (43-47) last night, 3-1. The Astros suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since mid-June as they try to rebound tonight with ace Hunter Brown on the mound.Since returning from injury, Brown has allowed a total of four earned runs in three starts. The Astros have won two of three outings, capped off by an extra-innings victory at Detroit on June 28. Brown has held current Tampa Bay hitters to a .129 batting average in 31 plate appearances.Tampa Bay’s pitching has carried them during this hot stretch, limiting opponents to three or fewer runs eight times. The Rays are 3-4 in Drew Rasmussen’s seven starts when priced at lower than -110 or in the underdog role. Let’s back the Astros to end Tampa Bay’s winning streak. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs – 7:10 p.m. ETBaltimore blanked Cincinnati last night, 3-0 as the Reds were held to four hits. Cincinnati has seen the under hit in three of its past four home games, but look to turn things around tonight in Hunter Greene’s season debut on the mound.The hard-throwing right-hander returns from an elbow injury, making his first start since last September. He faces a Baltimore team that cashed the over in five of its previous six games against right-handed starting pitchers prior to Friday’s low-scoring affair.Baltimore’s Brandon Young has given up six earned runs in his past four outings, but his xERA (4.24) is over a run higher than his ERA (3.11). The Orioles own the highest hard-hit rate in MLB at 42.6, while Greene closed last season at 45% in this category, ranking in the 15th percentile.Look for runs to be scored tonight at Great American Ballpark between the Reds and Orioles. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #Fourth #July #MLB #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.comJul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson (15) tags out Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Independence Day MLB card is loaded with plenty of intriguing matchups on a busy Saturday.

The Chicago Cubs (49-39) look to bounce back from Friday’s 17-1 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals (46-39). The two NL Central rivals hook up at 8:05 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field.

Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-31) seek their third consecutive victory over the San Diego Padres (43-44) after rallying from multi-run deficits in each of the first two wins. These two teams close the night at Dodger Stadium at 10:10 p.m. ET.

We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free MLB picks for Saturday, July 4. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.

Best MLB plays today

  • Astros (-110) vs. Rays
  • Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs

Astros (-110) vs. Rays – 7:10 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay (52-33) is riding a nine-game winning streak after holding off Houston (43-47) last night, 3-1. The Astros suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since mid-June as they try to rebound tonight with ace Hunter Brown on the mound.

Since returning from injury, Brown has allowed a total of four earned runs in three starts. The Astros have won two of three outings, capped off by an extra-innings victory at Detroit on June 28. Brown has held current Tampa Bay hitters to a .129 batting average in 31 plate appearances.

Tampa Bay’s pitching has carried them during this hot stretch, limiting opponents to three or fewer runs eight times. The Rays are 3-4 in Drew Rasmussen’s seven starts when priced at lower than -110 or in the underdog role. Let’s back the Astros to end Tampa Bay’s winning streak.

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Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs – 7:10 p.m. ET

Baltimore blanked Cincinnati last night, 3-0 as the Reds were held to four hits. Cincinnati has seen the under hit in three of its past four home games, but look to turn things around tonight in Hunter Greene’s season debut on the mound.

The hard-throwing right-hander returns from an elbow injury, making his first start since last September. He faces a Baltimore team that cashed the over in five of its previous six games against right-handed starting pitchers prior to Friday’s low-scoring affair.

Baltimore’s Brandon Young has given up six earned runs in his past four outings, but his xERA (4.24) is over a run higher than his ERA (3.11). The Orioles own the highest hard-hit rate in MLB at 42.6, while Greene closed last season at 45% in this category, ranking in the 15th percentile.

Look for runs to be scored tonight at Great American Ballpark between the Reds and Orioles.

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#Fourth #July #MLB #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com">Fourth of July Best MLB Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com Jul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson (15) tags out Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images The Independence Day MLB card is loaded with plenty of intriguing matchups on a busy Saturday.The Chicago Cubs (49-39) look to bounce back from Friday’s 17-1 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals (46-39). The two NL Central rivals hook up at 8:05 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field.Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-31) seek their third consecutive victory over the San Diego Padres (43-44) after rallying from multi-run deficits in each of the first two wins. These two teams close the night at Dodger Stadium at 10:10 p.m. ET.We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free MLB picks for Saturday, July 4. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.Best MLB plays todayAstros (-110) vs. RaysOrioles/Reds Over 9 RunsAstros (-110) vs. Rays – 7:10 p.m. ETTampa Bay (52-33) is riding a nine-game winning streak after holding off Houston (43-47) last night, 3-1. The Astros suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since mid-June as they try to rebound tonight with ace Hunter Brown on the mound.Since returning from injury, Brown has allowed a total of four earned runs in three starts. The Astros have won two of three outings, capped off by an extra-innings victory at Detroit on June 28. Brown has held current Tampa Bay hitters to a .129 batting average in 31 plate appearances.Tampa Bay’s pitching has carried them during this hot stretch, limiting opponents to three or fewer runs eight times. The Rays are 3-4 in Drew Rasmussen’s seven starts when priced at lower than -110 or in the underdog role. Let’s back the Astros to end Tampa Bay’s winning streak. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs – 7:10 p.m. ETBaltimore blanked Cincinnati last night, 3-0 as the Reds were held to four hits. Cincinnati has seen the under hit in three of its past four home games, but look to turn things around tonight in Hunter Greene’s season debut on the mound.The hard-throwing right-hander returns from an elbow injury, making his first start since last September. He faces a Baltimore team that cashed the over in five of its previous six games against right-handed starting pitchers prior to Friday’s low-scoring affair.Baltimore’s Brandon Young has given up six earned runs in his past four outings, but his xERA (4.24) is over a run higher than his ERA (3.11). The Orioles own the highest hard-hit rate in MLB at 42.6, while Greene closed last season at 45% in this category, ranking in the 15th percentile.Look for runs to be scored tonight at Great American Ballpark between the Reds and Orioles. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #Fourth #July #MLB #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com

blanked Cincinnati last night, 3-0 as the Reds were held to four hits. Cincinnati has seen the under hit in three of its past four home games, but look to turn things around tonight in Hunter Greene’s season debut on the mound.

The hard-throwing right-hander returns from an elbow injury, making his first start since last September. He faces a Baltimore team that cashed the over in five of its previous six games against right-handed starting pitchers prior to Friday’s low-scoring affair.

Baltimore’s Brandon Young has given up six earned runs in his past four outings, but his xERA (4.24) is over a run higher than his ERA (3.11). The Orioles own the highest hard-hit rate in MLB at 42.6, while Greene closed last season at 45% in this category, ranking in the 15th percentile.

Look for runs to be scored tonight at Great American Ballpark between the Reds and Orioles.

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Channel debug: betting

#Fourth #July #MLB #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com">Fourth of July Best MLB Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com
Fourth of July Best MLB Betting Picks and Predictions | Deadspin.com Jul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson (15) tags out Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images The Independence Day MLB card is loaded with plenty of intriguing matchups on a busy Saturday.The Chicago Cubs (49-39) look to bounce back from Friday’s 17-1 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals (46-39). The two NL Central rivals hook up at 8:05 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field.Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-31) seek their third consecutive victory over the San Diego Padres (43-44) after rallying from multi-run deficits in each of the first two wins. These two teams close the night at Dodger Stadium at 10:10 p.m. ET.We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free MLB picks for Saturday, July 4. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.Best MLB plays todayAstros (-110) vs. RaysOrioles/Reds Over 9 RunsAstros (-110) vs. Rays – 7:10 p.m. ETTampa Bay (52-33) is riding a nine-game winning streak after holding off Houston (43-47) last night, 3-1. The Astros suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since mid-June as they try to rebound tonight with ace Hunter Brown on the mound.Since returning from injury, Brown has allowed a total of four earned runs in three starts. The Astros have won two of three outings, capped off by an extra-innings victory at Detroit on June 28. Brown has held current Tampa Bay hitters to a .129 batting average in 31 plate appearances.Tampa Bay’s pitching has carried them during this hot stretch, limiting opponents to three or fewer runs eight times. The Rays are 3-4 in Drew Rasmussen’s seven starts when priced at lower than -110 or in the underdog role. Let’s back the Astros to end Tampa Bay’s winning streak. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs – 7:10 p.m. ETBaltimore blanked Cincinnati last night, 3-0 as the Reds were held to four hits. Cincinnati has seen the under hit in three of its past four home games, but look to turn things around tonight in Hunter Greene’s season debut on the mound.The hard-throwing right-hander returns from an elbow injury, making his first start since last September. He faces a Baltimore team that cashed the over in five of its previous six games against right-handed starting pitchers prior to Friday’s low-scoring affair.Baltimore’s Brandon Young has given up six earned runs in his past four outings, but his xERA (4.24) is over a run higher than his ERA (3.11). The Orioles own the highest hard-hit rate in MLB at 42.6, while Greene closed last season at 45% in this category, ranking in the 15th percentile.Look for runs to be scored tonight at Great American Ballpark between the Reds and Orioles. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #Fourth #July #MLB #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.comJul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Williamson (15) tags out Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Independence Day MLB card is loaded with plenty of intriguing matchups on a busy Saturday.

The Chicago Cubs (49-39) look to bounce back from Friday’s 17-1 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals (46-39). The two NL Central rivals hook up at 8:05 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field.

Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-31) seek their third consecutive victory over the San Diego Padres (43-44) after rallying from multi-run deficits in each of the first two wins. These two teams close the night at Dodger Stadium at 10:10 p.m. ET.

We’ll break down two plays for the Saturday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free MLB picks for Saturday, July 4. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.

Best MLB plays today

  • Astros (-110) vs. Rays
  • Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs

Astros (-110) vs. Rays – 7:10 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay (52-33) is riding a nine-game winning streak after holding off Houston (43-47) last night, 3-1. The Astros suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since mid-June as they try to rebound tonight with ace Hunter Brown on the mound.

Since returning from injury, Brown has allowed a total of four earned runs in three starts. The Astros have won two of three outings, capped off by an extra-innings victory at Detroit on June 28. Brown has held current Tampa Bay hitters to a .129 batting average in 31 plate appearances.

Tampa Bay’s pitching has carried them during this hot stretch, limiting opponents to three or fewer runs eight times. The Rays are 3-4 in Drew Rasmussen’s seven starts when priced at lower than -110 or in the underdog role. Let’s back the Astros to end Tampa Bay’s winning streak.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Orioles/Reds Over 9 Runs – 7:10 p.m. ET

Baltimore blanked Cincinnati last night, 3-0 as the Reds were held to four hits. Cincinnati has seen the under hit in three of its past four home games, but look to turn things around tonight in Hunter Greene’s season debut on the mound.

The hard-throwing right-hander returns from an elbow injury, making his first start since last September. He faces a Baltimore team that cashed the over in five of its previous six games against right-handed starting pitchers prior to Friday’s low-scoring affair.

Baltimore’s Brandon Young has given up six earned runs in his past four outings, but his xERA (4.24) is over a run higher than his ERA (3.11). The Orioles own the highest hard-hit rate in MLB at 42.6, while Greene closed last season at 45% in this category, ranking in the 15th percentile.

Look for runs to be scored tonight at Great American Ballpark between the Reds and Orioles.

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Channel debug: betting

#Fourth #July #MLB #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Deadspin.com

The NBA world is waiting on LeBron James, and he reportedly has a short list of finalists he’s considering signing with in free agency. When will LeBron make up his mind? Who knows. He’s the top unrestricted free agent on the market by a mile despite turning 42 years old in December, and he can take as long as he pleases before he announces his next move.

Once James is off the board, the top players available will mostly be younger restricted free agents unlikely to change teams barring a surprise. Jalen Duren reportedly wants to leave the Detroit Pistons, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t have any leverage since his team has the ability to match any contract offer. Peyton Watson is in a fascinating situation because Denver probably has to cut salary elsewhere to retain him. Bennedict Mathurin is probably looking at a return to the Clippers, where he should be in line for more minutes following Los Angeles’ decision to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.

You can find every signing and trade during 2026 NBA free agency at our tracker. Now, let’s rank the best remaining free agents left on the market.

Need a pure off-ball shooter? Gary Trent Jr. might be the best available. Over the last five seasons, he’s made 38.5 percent of his three-pointers on 11.1 attempts per 100 possessions. His pull-up three ball off the dribble is less reliable after only hitting 28.6 percent of those last season.

Brown can still be a connective guard even if he’s lost the scoring juice he once showed on the 2023 champion Nuggets. He can be a low-cost shooter and defender in the backcourt who can soak up some minutes, but he doesn’t really move the needle in a major way anymore.

Williams is a 26-year-old point guard who took a leap in the second half of last season. He’s an excellent driver who can touch the paint and force his way to the foul line. His lack of size and shooting caps his value somewhat, but he feels like he could be one of the more high-upside players still available.

The idea of Kuminga as some young superstar in waiting has totally dissipated at this point. If he wants to carve out a lucrative NBA career, he’s going to need to realize he needs to improve his defense, rebounding, and spot-up shooting with his bully-ball drives as only part of the package, not the entire sell.

Payton still grades out as an impactful player because he’s an efficient scorer (63.5 percent true shooting last season) who grabs a lot of offensive rebounds for a guard and forces turnovers on defense. He’s only good for 15-20 minutes a night at this point at age-33, but he could add value for a contender on a cheapo contract.

Hachimura is big and strong for a wing with a nice spot-up three-point stroke. He made 42.6 percent of his threes during his three full years on the Lakers, but his volume wasn’t great at only 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions. He doesn’t rebound or defend all that well, and his playmaking is non-existent.

Mathurin can score in bunches, but he’s never been particularly efficient because he’s a low-ish volume 33.6 percent three-pointer shooter for his career. He can really rebound the ball for a wing. Still only 24 years old, he should get a solid deal to return to the Clippers, but probably needs to make himself more of a dirty work guy going forward.

Watson has always been a good wing defender, but he exploded as a scorer when Nikola Jokic got hurt midway through last season. Watson eventually went down with a hamstring strain that took him out of the playoffs, so there are still questions on if his improved scoring punch is actually sustainable. His shot diet features a lot of mid-range looks, but he did show some ability to knock them down at a better-than-average clip last season before the injury.

Harden opted out of his player option to give the Cavs more flexibility to try to sign LeBron James. He’s one of the best regular season guards ever, but on the brink of his 37th birthday, it’s becoming foolish to think he’ll ever avenge his playoff demons.

James is probably the second-best player in league history, and it still feels like he’s a top-50 player in the league as he readies to turn 42 years old midway through next season. I’d love to see him in Minnesota, but I still think it’s Warriors or Cavs for his future.

Will Duren consider playing on the qualifying offer to get out of Detroit? That would be massively risky if the Pistons are offering him $140 million guaranteed. Take the money, Jalen, and try to help the Pistons get to the NBA Finals next year after a deeply disappointing playoff run.

#NBAs #free #agents #wave #signings">NBA’s 11 best free agents still available in 2026 after first wave of signings The NBA world is waiting on LeBron James, and he reportedly has a short list of finalists he’s considering signing with in free agency. When will LeBron make up his mind? Who knows. He’s the top unrestricted free agent on the market by a mile despite turning 42 years old in December, and he can take as long as he pleases before he announces his next move.Once James is off the board, the top players available will mostly be younger restricted free agents unlikely to change teams barring a surprise. Jalen Duren reportedly wants to leave the Detroit Pistons, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t have any leverage since his team has the ability to match any contract offer. Peyton Watson is in a fascinating situation because Denver probably has to cut salary elsewhere to retain him. Bennedict Mathurin is probably looking at a return to the Clippers, where he should be in line for more minutes following Los Angeles’ decision to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.You can find every signing and trade during 2026 NBA free agency at our tracker. Now, let’s rank the best remaining free agents left on the market.Need a pure off-ball shooter? Gary Trent Jr. might be the best available. Over the last five seasons, he’s made 38.5 percent of his three-pointers on 11.1 attempts per 100 possessions. His pull-up three ball off the dribble is less reliable after only hitting 28.6 percent of those last season.Brown can still be a connective guard even if he’s lost the scoring juice he once showed on the 2023 champion Nuggets. He can be a low-cost shooter and defender in the backcourt who can soak up some minutes, but he doesn’t really move the needle in a major way anymore.Williams is a 26-year-old point guard who took a leap in the second half of last season. He’s an excellent driver who can touch the paint and force his way to the foul line. His lack of size and shooting caps his value somewhat, but he feels like he could be one of the more high-upside players still available.The idea of Kuminga as some young superstar in waiting has totally dissipated at this point. If he wants to carve out a lucrative NBA career, he’s going to need to realize he needs to improve his defense, rebounding, and spot-up shooting with his bully-ball drives as only part of the package, not the entire sell.Payton still grades out as an impactful player because he’s an efficient scorer (63.5 percent true shooting last season) who grabs a lot of offensive rebounds for a guard and forces turnovers on defense. He’s only good for 15-20 minutes a night at this point at age-33, but he could add value for a contender on a cheapo contract.Hachimura is big and strong for a wing with a nice spot-up three-point stroke. He made 42.6 percent of his threes during his three full years on the Lakers, but his volume wasn’t great at only 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions. He doesn’t rebound or defend all that well, and his playmaking is non-existent.Mathurin can score in bunches, but he’s never been particularly efficient because he’s a low-ish volume 33.6 percent three-pointer shooter for his career. He can really rebound the ball for a wing. Still only 24 years old, he should get a solid deal to return to the Clippers, but probably needs to make himself more of a dirty work guy going forward.Watson has always been a good wing defender, but he exploded as a scorer when Nikola Jokic got hurt midway through last season. Watson eventually went down with a hamstring strain that took him out of the playoffs, so there are still questions on if his improved scoring punch is actually sustainable. His shot diet features a lot of mid-range looks, but he did show some ability to knock them down at a better-than-average clip last season before the injury.Harden opted out of his player option to give the Cavs more flexibility to try to sign LeBron James. He’s one of the best regular season guards ever, but on the brink of his 37th birthday, it’s becoming foolish to think he’ll ever avenge his playoff demons.James is probably the second-best player in league history, and it still feels like he’s a top-50 player in the league as he readies to turn 42 years old midway through next season. I’d love to see him in Minnesota, but I still think it’s Warriors or Cavs for his future.Will Duren consider playing on the qualifying offer to get out of Detroit? That would be massively risky if the Pistons are offering him 0 million guaranteed. Take the money, Jalen, and try to help the Pistons get to the NBA Finals next year after a deeply disappointing playoff run. #NBAs #free #agents #wave #signings

reportedly has a short list of finalists he’s considering signing with in free agency. When will LeBron make up his mind? Who knows. He’s the top unrestricted free agent on the market by a mile despite turning 42 years old in December, and he can take as long as he pleases before he announces his next move.

Once James is off the board, the top players available will mostly be younger restricted free agents unlikely to change teams barring a surprise. Jalen Duren reportedly wants to leave the Detroit Pistons, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t have any leverage since his team has the ability to match any contract offer. Peyton Watson is in a fascinating situation because Denver probably has to cut salary elsewhere to retain him. Bennedict Mathurin is probably looking at a return to the Clippers, where he should be in line for more minutes following Los Angeles’ decision to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.

You can find every signing and trade during 2026 NBA free agency at our tracker. Now, let’s rank the best remaining free agents left on the market.

Need a pure off-ball shooter? Gary Trent Jr. might be the best available. Over the last five seasons, he’s made 38.5 percent of his three-pointers on 11.1 attempts per 100 possessions. His pull-up three ball off the dribble is less reliable after only hitting 28.6 percent of those last season.

Brown can still be a connective guard even if he’s lost the scoring juice he once showed on the 2023 champion Nuggets. He can be a low-cost shooter and defender in the backcourt who can soak up some minutes, but he doesn’t really move the needle in a major way anymore.

Williams is a 26-year-old point guard who took a leap in the second half of last season. He’s an excellent driver who can touch the paint and force his way to the foul line. His lack of size and shooting caps his value somewhat, but he feels like he could be one of the more high-upside players still available.

The idea of Kuminga as some young superstar in waiting has totally dissipated at this point. If he wants to carve out a lucrative NBA career, he’s going to need to realize he needs to improve his defense, rebounding, and spot-up shooting with his bully-ball drives as only part of the package, not the entire sell.

Payton still grades out as an impactful player because he’s an efficient scorer (63.5 percent true shooting last season) who grabs a lot of offensive rebounds for a guard and forces turnovers on defense. He’s only good for 15-20 minutes a night at this point at age-33, but he could add value for a contender on a cheapo contract.

Hachimura is big and strong for a wing with a nice spot-up three-point stroke. He made 42.6 percent of his threes during his three full years on the Lakers, but his volume wasn’t great at only 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions. He doesn’t rebound or defend all that well, and his playmaking is non-existent.

Mathurin can score in bunches, but he’s never been particularly efficient because he’s a low-ish volume 33.6 percent three-pointer shooter for his career. He can really rebound the ball for a wing. Still only 24 years old, he should get a solid deal to return to the Clippers, but probably needs to make himself more of a dirty work guy going forward.

Watson has always been a good wing defender, but he exploded as a scorer when Nikola Jokic got hurt midway through last season. Watson eventually went down with a hamstring strain that took him out of the playoffs, so there are still questions on if his improved scoring punch is actually sustainable. His shot diet features a lot of mid-range looks, but he did show some ability to knock them down at a better-than-average clip last season before the injury.

Harden opted out of his player option to give the Cavs more flexibility to try to sign LeBron James. He’s one of the best regular season guards ever, but on the brink of his 37th birthday, it’s becoming foolish to think he’ll ever avenge his playoff demons.

James is probably the second-best player in league history, and it still feels like he’s a top-50 player in the league as he readies to turn 42 years old midway through next season. I’d love to see him in Minnesota, but I still think it’s Warriors or Cavs for his future.

Will Duren consider playing on the qualifying offer to get out of Detroit? That would be massively risky if the Pistons are offering him $140 million guaranteed. Take the money, Jalen, and try to help the Pistons get to the NBA Finals next year after a deeply disappointing playoff run.

#NBAs #free #agents #wave #signings">NBA’s 11 best free agents still available in 2026 after first wave of signings

The NBA world is waiting on LeBron James, and he reportedly has a short list of finalists he’s considering signing with in free agency. When will LeBron make up his mind? Who knows. He’s the top unrestricted free agent on the market by a mile despite turning 42 years old in December, and he can take as long as he pleases before he announces his next move.

Once James is off the board, the top players available will mostly be younger restricted free agents unlikely to change teams barring a surprise. Jalen Duren reportedly wants to leave the Detroit Pistons, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t have any leverage since his team has the ability to match any contract offer. Peyton Watson is in a fascinating situation because Denver probably has to cut salary elsewhere to retain him. Bennedict Mathurin is probably looking at a return to the Clippers, where he should be in line for more minutes following Los Angeles’ decision to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.

You can find every signing and trade during 2026 NBA free agency at our tracker. Now, let’s rank the best remaining free agents left on the market.

Need a pure off-ball shooter? Gary Trent Jr. might be the best available. Over the last five seasons, he’s made 38.5 percent of his three-pointers on 11.1 attempts per 100 possessions. His pull-up three ball off the dribble is less reliable after only hitting 28.6 percent of those last season.

Brown can still be a connective guard even if he’s lost the scoring juice he once showed on the 2023 champion Nuggets. He can be a low-cost shooter and defender in the backcourt who can soak up some minutes, but he doesn’t really move the needle in a major way anymore.

Williams is a 26-year-old point guard who took a leap in the second half of last season. He’s an excellent driver who can touch the paint and force his way to the foul line. His lack of size and shooting caps his value somewhat, but he feels like he could be one of the more high-upside players still available.

The idea of Kuminga as some young superstar in waiting has totally dissipated at this point. If he wants to carve out a lucrative NBA career, he’s going to need to realize he needs to improve his defense, rebounding, and spot-up shooting with his bully-ball drives as only part of the package, not the entire sell.

Payton still grades out as an impactful player because he’s an efficient scorer (63.5 percent true shooting last season) who grabs a lot of offensive rebounds for a guard and forces turnovers on defense. He’s only good for 15-20 minutes a night at this point at age-33, but he could add value for a contender on a cheapo contract.

Hachimura is big and strong for a wing with a nice spot-up three-point stroke. He made 42.6 percent of his threes during his three full years on the Lakers, but his volume wasn’t great at only 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions. He doesn’t rebound or defend all that well, and his playmaking is non-existent.

Mathurin can score in bunches, but he’s never been particularly efficient because he’s a low-ish volume 33.6 percent three-pointer shooter for his career. He can really rebound the ball for a wing. Still only 24 years old, he should get a solid deal to return to the Clippers, but probably needs to make himself more of a dirty work guy going forward.

Watson has always been a good wing defender, but he exploded as a scorer when Nikola Jokic got hurt midway through last season. Watson eventually went down with a hamstring strain that took him out of the playoffs, so there are still questions on if his improved scoring punch is actually sustainable. His shot diet features a lot of mid-range looks, but he did show some ability to knock them down at a better-than-average clip last season before the injury.

Harden opted out of his player option to give the Cavs more flexibility to try to sign LeBron James. He’s one of the best regular season guards ever, but on the brink of his 37th birthday, it’s becoming foolish to think he’ll ever avenge his playoff demons.

James is probably the second-best player in league history, and it still feels like he’s a top-50 player in the league as he readies to turn 42 years old midway through next season. I’d love to see him in Minnesota, but I still think it’s Warriors or Cavs for his future.

Will Duren consider playing on the qualifying offer to get out of Detroit? That would be massively risky if the Pistons are offering him $140 million guaranteed. Take the money, Jalen, and try to help the Pistons get to the NBA Finals next year after a deeply disappointing playoff run.

#NBAs #free #agents #wave #signings

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