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🏀 5 things you need to know about Thursday
- The Warriors turned back the clock and the 76ers earned a ticket to the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Golden State got a vintage version of its senior star Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzisis all had key moments in the Warriors’ 126-121 victory and will play Friday against Phoenix to determine the West’s No. 8 seed. Meanwhile, the Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard, enter the offseason after winning 14-2 in the final half. Of course, Curry led the way with 35 points.but Horford was 4-for-4 on 3s in the fourth quarter. Prior to this, the 76ers cornered the Magic in the second half. Philadelphia held Orlando to just 42 points in the final two quarters to win 109-97, and the Sixers Playing against the Celtics as the 7th seed in the first round.
- Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle has signed a massive $150 million contract extension. The trend of young players with little MLB experience getting paid continues. McGonigle entered the 2026 season as one of baseball’s top prospects; his bank account matches that ranking. To his credit, McGonigle lived up to the hype with a .311 batting average, one home run, and eight RBIs in a small sample size. McGonigle’s contract will be finalized in just one week with Pirates Signed a $140 million contract extension. To Connor Griffin.
- A’ja Wilson made history with a record-setting contract. 4-time WNBA MVP Signed the largest contract in league history On Wednesday, she signed a three-year contract with the Aces worth $5 million. Just last year, Wilson added to her already impeccable accomplishments by winning the Triple Crown: MVP, WNBA Finals MVP and WNBA Champion. Now she will have the opportunity to add more hardware to Sin City.
- Speaking of history, Mike Trout created something at Yankee Stadium. Trout is thriving in the Bronx and made a bit of history on Wednesday with a 383-foot blast. Trout is now Home run in 3 consecutive games at Yankee StadiumThe Angels will face the Yankees again on Thursday, so Trout could make it four straight wins with just one more big swing.
- LIV Golf will conclude its 2026 season facing an uncertain future. The Saudi Public Investment Fund could end LIV Golf by unwinding its multibillion-dollar investment in the sport, according to reports. Despite such a precarious future, CEO Scott O’Neill said: The league announced it would end the 2026 season.. Will there be a 2027 season? It’s very up in the air.
💎 Don’t Miss: Hidden Gem of the NFL Draft
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The NFL Draft begins its first week tonight and everyone is talking about the top players. Get all the latest information Rumors and information draft From CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. Next, look at Josh Edwards. He continues to search for diamonds in the rough in the mid to late rounds. Hidden gems of the 2026 NFL Draft.
There is one player worth noting a little further down the board. Alabama wide receiver Jermy Bernard. Not only did Bernard have a productive college career, but he is also active in developing his physicality in his running game. A team that misses out on a receiver early on could do much worse than Bernard as the draft progresses.
- Edwards: “There are a lot of outstanding receivers in this receiver class. Alabama’s Jermie Bernard is willing to do the dirty work in the run game in addition to his responsibilities through the air. That’s going to keep him in the league a long time. It’s pretty much the same thing.” robert woods I had it before. ”
Forget hidden gems, Ryan Wilson thinks Bernard might be the one. Safest pick in entire draft class.
The draft is right around the corner, and we’ve got plenty of content to help you get ready. Pete Prisco emphasized 20 players he rates higher than scoutsand that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
🏈 12 Big Bold Predictions
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Spring practice is over, and college football season has arrived. It’s time to make some bold predictions about what will happen in a short four-month period. That’s exactly what Shehan Jeyarajah did in his work Big 12 bold predictions.
Finish the season 3-9 colorado In 2025, Deion Sanders It will try to bounce back. Sanders has recovered from serious health issues, but we’ll have to wait and see. Will the victory continue?. Jeyarajah isn’t convinced that will happen, predicting Saunders’ final season in Boulder.
- Jeyarajah: “Sanders is responsible for some of Colorado’s most emotional moments of the 21st century. He also just came off his second-worst season since 2014, a disastrous 3-9 record and 1-8 in conference play. This year, Buffalo will face two Power 4 opponents in non-conference play with many question marks remaining on the road. Coach Prime has managed to put his stamp on college football, but there isn’t much left to accomplish in college.” ”
Unlike before, he will be there through the 2026 season, even though Sanders’ time in Colorado is coming to an end. arizona quarterback Sam Leavitt. next Recruitment of complex transfer portalsLeavitt found his way LSU.
Speaking of highly touted quarterbacks in the SEC; texas star arch manning He says it’s “100%” I want him to reach his full potential. This fall.
👍👎 The best (and not the best) of the rest
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📺 What I’m Watching on Thursday
⛳ RBC Heritage: Round 1on Golf Channel from 2 p.m.
🏒 blues at mammoth7:30 p.m. on ESPN
⚾ Mariners vs. Padreson MLB Network at 8:40 p.m.
🏒 avalanche kraken10 p.m. on ESPN

