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🏀 5 things you need to know about Thursday
- The NBA shuffle continues as the Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia in a package that included Paul George, two first-round picks (2028 and 2031) and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030). The 76ers received an A+ trade grade.the Celtics’ inexplicable move earned them a D-. This movement causes Betting odds for Philadelphia success A large shift in the positive direction. Also watching Robbie Calland What happened to Brown’s relationship with Boston? This led to the superstar’s exit. And in case you were wondering, John Gonzalez said: Knicks still elite in the Eastbut all the new looks in the conference will make things interesting next season.
- The Lakers have created a huge opportunity for Luka Doncic. Los Angeles trades center Walker Kesslersending the Jazz unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round exchange players in 2028 and 2030. as a laker Grappling with LeBron James’ legacythey also have to face the reality of building an imperfect team around Doncic We might see their newest superstar leave them in the future.
- It was a pretty solid day at Wimbledon. While the women’s fifth seed and 2026 French Open champion Mila Andreeva was upset by Barbora Krejcikova, the first day of second-round matches went as expected for the men’s and women’s draws.
- MLB Midseason Award Presentation. We’re already halfway through the wild and unpredictable MLB season. Who are the leaders in awards like MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year??
- Who will win the John Deere Classic? None of the top 12 players in the world are scheduled to compete in Silvis, Illinois, meaning the title race appears wide open. American Ben Griffin is the betting favorite. The pre-tournament favorite hasn’t won a tournament in 11 years..
⚽ Don’t miss: USMNT wins World Cup finals for first time since 2002
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on the other hand, american men’s national team He entered the Round of 32 match as a clear favorite. Bosnia and Herzegovinathe anticipated victory did not come without major drama. The USMNT did indeed win 2-0, giving the Americans their first World Cup knockout stage win in 24 years, but they had to make it short after that. Folarin Balogun He received a controversial red card in the 64th minute.. Balogun played an adventurous game and scored America’s first goal just before the half.
Even though the number of people increased to 10, The USMNT dug in and fought through. And continuing their trademark aggressive thinking, Malik Tillman He scored his team’s second goal in the 82nd minute with a stunning free kick, bringing the game to a close. The USA will advance to the round of 16 and will play there. Belgiumscored a stunning come-from-behind goal in the previous match. senegal earlier in the day. Balogun, one of the USMNT’s most dangerous players, will miss the game due to a red card. (and here it is OUR PLAYER RATINGS After the historic victory. )
Also on Wednesday, england survived a terrifying match with Democratic Republic of the Congothey held a 1-0 lead until Harry Kane scored twice late on, keeping England’s hopes of World Cup glory alive. Curiosity causes concern thomas tuchel‘s flawed team building It could thwart England’s dreams.
👊 UFC first half story
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2026 is already a tumultuous year for the UFC. The “Paramount era” began in January at UFC 324. Justin Gaethje He won the interim lightweight title in the main event. It felt like a great moment for the beloved all-action fighter, but no one could have predicted the ripple effect the win would have. Gaethje wins over highly touted prospect paddy pimblett That turned out to be the moment Gaethje competed in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, fighting the full champion. Ilia Topuria. Gaethje followed up his victory with a now-iconic backflip from the top of the Octagon with the White House in the background, his first undisputed UFC gold medal.
Gaethje’s win could lock up the Fighter of the Year race before the year’s halfway point is reached. 5 points that will define the first six months of the UFC year Written by combat expert Brian Campbell.
- Campbell: “In one of the truly amazing and inspiring stories that will come out in 2026, Gaethje went from being a 37-year-old action star who was one loss away from retirement to finally becoming the undisputed UFC champion, culminating an already Hall of Fame accomplishment. According to “Highlights,” he’s not done yet in terms of defending his title and closing out the year. All Gaethje needed was two high-profile upsets to win while co-writing two of the leading contenders for Fight of the Year.
“At this point, unless Gaethje loses badly in his third appearance, it’s hard to imagine any fighter overtaking him in the Fighter of the Year race. Cyril Gain But he has a chance in a rematch with Pereira if he can package a stoppage victory over Pereira with an undisputed title win. tom aspinall. Sean Stricklandan upset person Khamzat Chimaev In May, he will become a two-time middleweight champion and will have the same chance of winning big money as the flyweight champion. Joshua Vann Should he claim a second title defense? But considering Gaethje seemed unlikely to beat Topuria heading into this fight, it’s definitely going to take something great. ”
👍👎 The best (and not the best) of the rest
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📺 What I’m Watching on Thursday
🎾 Wimbledon 2nd roundstarting at 6 a.m. on ESPN.
⚾ Phillies Pirates12:35 p.m., on MLB.tv
⚽ World Cup: Spain vs Austria3pm on FOX
⚾ Marlins vs. Rockies3:10 p.m., on MLB.tv
⚾ White Sox vs. Guardianson MLB.tv from 6:40 p.m.
⚽ World Cup: Portugal vs. Croatia7 p.m. on FOX
🏀 wings of the sunFrom 8pm on Prime Video
⚾ Tigers vs Rangers8:05 p.m. on ESPN
⚽ World Cup: Switzerland vs Algeria10 p.m. on FS1
⚾ padres vs dodgers10:10 p.m., on MLB Network.
