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NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.New York Knicks vs. Atlanta HawksThe Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto RaptorsIt has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesDenver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.com

NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com
NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.New York Knicks vs. Atlanta HawksThe Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto RaptorsIt has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesDenver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?
We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?

I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.

My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)

New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright.

Our Current Best Offers

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

It has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.

The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.

My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)

Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread.

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Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.

My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)

Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.

This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one.

Our Current Best Offers

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Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?
We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?

I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.

My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)

New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright.

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Channel debug: betting

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

It has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.

The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.

My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)

Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread.

Our Current Best Offers

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Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.

My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)

Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.

This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one.

Our Current Best Offers

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Jets’ first-round pick spoiled by Texas Tech’s plane photo <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The 2026 NFL Draft really begins when the New York Jets come on the clock at No. 2 overall. The whole world knows the Las Vegas Raiders are taking Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first pick. The Jets are reportedly deciding between Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey at No. 2, and it sure feels like the Red Raiders just spoiled the pick with their post on Twitter early Thursday morning before round one gets underway.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Texas Tech football account tweeted a photo of the coaching staff before they take off for Pittsburgh to watch the first round of the draft. Two things you should notice: the large jet in the background of the photo, and the jet emoji. I’m not Sherlock Holmes, but I feel comfortable guessing that they already know their guy Bailey will be taken with the second overall pick by the Jets.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Very subtle, Red Raiders.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Good luck to David Bailey in New York. The Jets need all the luck they can get.</p></div> #Jets #firstround #pick #spoiled #Texas #Techs #plane #photo

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MI vs CSK: Why are Chennai Super Kings players wearing black armbands today? <div id="content-body-70898519" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Chennai Super Kings players were wearing black armbands on Thursday during their IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.</p><p><b>Follow live updates from the match <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/mi-vs-csk-live-score-mumbai-indians-chennai-super-kings-ipl-2026-live-updates-23-april/article70897018.ece" target="_self">here</a>.</b></p><p>The side was wearing the armbands to pay respect to Mukesh Choudhary’s mother, who passed away earlier in the week. The left-arm pacer had left the squad temporarily but was seen in the dugout during the match.</p><p>“The CSK family mourns the passing of Mukesh Choudhary’s mother. We stand with Mukesh and his family, keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” the franchise had posted on Thursday.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 23, 2026</p></div> #CSK #Chennai #Super #Kings #players #wearing #black #armbands #today

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Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #homePro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home.

After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison.

Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad:

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain.

On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.


When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

(signed)

Larry Fitzgerald

HOF 26

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home">Deadspin | Larry Fitzgerald thanks all of Arizona: ‘You gave me a home’ Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald unveil his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. One day after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, longtime Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald paid for a full-page ad in the Arizona Republic to thank everyone who made a Minnesota native feel welcome in the state he calls home. After being selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent all 17 years of his NFL career in Arizona. He caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns while earning 11 trips to the Pro Bowl. Fitzgerald ranks second to Jerry Rice on the NFL’s all-time lists for receptions and receiving yards. He stands sixth in touchdown catches, trailing Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chris Carter and Marvin Harrison. Here’s the message Fitzgerald penned for his Arizona Republic ad: People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life. But this really isn’t a Hall of Fame story. It’s a thank-you letter. I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today. The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes. I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention. You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word. For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it. Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from. It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry. You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way. When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough. Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for. Belonging. And that sense of belonging changed me. After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore, you were cheering for one of your own. So this isn’t really a story about 17 years in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton. It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything. Thank you, Arizona. Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own. Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man. You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football. You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong. Most of all, you gave me a home. With love and gratitude, (signed) Larry Fitzgerald HOF 26 –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Larry #Fitzgerald #Arizona #gave #home

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it. #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8 Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026 #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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