RADIO
Victor Wembanyama Held to Four Rebounds in Game 3 Loss
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama scored a team-high 26 points in Friday's 123-108 Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, going 8-for-15 from the field, 2-for-5 on threes, and 8-for-10 at the line. The Defensive Player of the Year added four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks, but the rebounding total stands out. Oklahoma City made a concerted effort to keep him off the glass and largely succeeded, holding him to four boards after he piled up 24 in the Game 1 win. He still led all five San Antonio starters in scoring, with Devin Vassell chipping in 20. Wembanyama remains a do-everything fantasy anchor, but the Thunder's game plan has dragged his counting stats below the ceiling he flashed to open the series.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jaylin Williams Catches Fire From Deep Friday
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Jaylin Williams provided 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and five three-pointers in Friday's 123-108 Game 3 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The 23-year-old shot 5-for-7 from the field and 3-for-3 at the line, giving Oklahoma City a major lift during a night when its bench produced a franchise playoff record 76 points. Williams averaged only 7.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists during the regular season, so this was a major scoring spike. His stretch-frontcourt shooting gives Oklahoma City another rotation wrinkle entering Game 4.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jared McCain Drops Playoff-High 24 Points in Game 3
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain scored a playoff career-high 24 points in Friday's 123-108 Game 3 win over the San Antonio Spurs, going 10-for-21 from the field and 2-for-2 at the line in 27 minutes. The 22-year-old also chipped in four rebounds and one assist while posting a game-best plus-28. He struggled from deep at 2-for-10 but did his damage in the midrange and paint, helping anchor a 76-point bench outburst alongside Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace. With Jalen Williams (hamstring) sidelined and Ajay Mitchell (undisclosed) exiting early, McCain's role keeps expanding. He has logged at least 26 minutes in back-to-back games and is averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 three-pointers over his last three outings.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Nazem Kadri Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri ended a brief scoreless spell with an assist in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Kadri and Brent Burns set up Ross Colton for the opening goal in the first period. The veteran forward had gone back-to-back games pointless before finding his way back on the score sheet. Offensively, Kadri has been one of Colorado's most consistent players this postseason, finishing without points in only four of his 11 outings. He has posted two goals and five assists, with four of his seven points coming on the power play.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Guides Thunder to 2-1 Series Lead
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 26 points, two rebounds, 12 assists, one block, and two three-pointers in Friday's 123-108 Game 3 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The 27-year-old shot only 6-for-17 from the field, but he went 12-for-12 at the line and helped Oklahoma City take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals. With Jalen Williams (hamstring) sidelined, Gilgeous-Alexander's playmaking carried extra weight, and the low-turnover passing line softened the inefficient shooting night for fantasy managers.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ajay Mitchell Does Not Return in Game 3 Win
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (undisclosed) exited Friday's 123-108 Game 3 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals and did not return, finishing with two points (1-for-5 on field goals, 0-for-1 from three-point land), five rebounds, and one assist in 17 minutes. The 23-year-old got tangled up with Devin Vassell, picked up a technical with 8:19 left in the third quarter, then headed to the locker room and was absent from the bench in the fourth. He had appeared to reaggravate a quad issue from Game 2. Mitchell drew the start in place of Jalen Williams (hamstring), so his health matters for the rotation. If he can't go Sunday, Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Joe all stand to absorb additional minutes, with McCain the most intriguing after shooting 40 percent from three through the postseason.
Source: Brandon Rahbar
Source: Brandon Rahbar
Ross Colton Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton scored the team's only goal in Friday's 3-1 Game 2 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights. Late in the first period, Colton put Colorado 1-0 ahead, but the team couldn't build on it. In Game 1, Colton picked up an assist and has now been scoreless just once in his last four outings. He has tallied two goals and three assists in nine postseason appearances. Colton was a healthy scratch at the start of the playoff run, but he's recently cemented his spot in the lineup with strong performances. All five of his points have come in the last seven games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rasmus Andersson Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson recorded an assist in a fourth consecutive game as the team defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday. Andersson's assist streak was on the verge of ending, but it stayed alive thanks to Ivan Barbashev's empty-net goal with 1:03 left in the third period. Before his current streak, Andersson had assisted on only one goal in 10 playoff appearances this year. He has no goals on 22 SOG. On the defensive end, the Swedish blue-liner has contributed 21 blocks. While Andersson hasn't been very productive offensively in the postseason, he's still been a major part of the team's playoff run, averaging 24:00 of ice time per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Pavel Dorofeyev Focuses on Playmaking in Friday's Win
Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev took on a playmaking role in Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, notching two assists in a 3-1 road win. While Dorofeyev leads the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 goals, he made a big mark on offense without lighting the lamp on Friday. The Golden Knights trailed 1-0 for over 30 minutes, but they turned the game around in the third period, with Dorofeyev helping Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev score. Dorofeyev has heated up late in the postseason, putting together a six-game point streak. Following 14 outings, he is averaging exactly a point per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jack Eichel Enjoys Multi-Point Outing in Game 2 Win Friday
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel played a key role in Friday's 3-1 comeback win over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. He tied the game at one 9:15 into the third period and set up Ivan Barbashev for the game-winning goal only two minutes later. Eichel recorded his sixth multi-point game of the postseason. He's been sharp throughout the playoffs, finishing scoreless only three times in 14 games. The four-time All-Star leads all skaters with 16 assists and has potted two goals. On Friday night, Eichel became the third-fastest U.S.-born player in history to reach 60 points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, doing so in his 54th appearance.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ivan Barbashev Amasses Three Points as Golden Knights Grab 2-0 Series Lead
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev led the team to a valuable 3-1 road win against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, scoring two goals and delivering one assist. Colorado was closing in on a series-tying win before Vegas' offense, led by Barbashev, clicked late in the game. Jack Eichel knotted things up, and Barbashev added two more goals, including an empty-netter. On Friday, Barbashev had more points than in his previous six games combined. He had a cold stretch after recording a postseason-opening seven-game point streak. Despite his recent slump, Barbashev is Vegas' fourth-leading scorer in the playoffs, boasting 12 points (five goals, seven assists) through 14 games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bubba Chandler Shows his Strikeout Upside With Career-High 11 Strikeouts
Pittsburgh Pirates young right-hander Bubba Chandler had his best start of the season on Friday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays, but he still picked up his sixth loss of the season. Chandler, who has had issues with his control in his first full season in the big leagues in 2026 with the Bucs, was outstanding on Friday night in Canada, allowing three runs (one earned) on just two hits while walking three and striking out a career-high 11 in five innings of work to lower his season ERA to 4.79. The 23-year-old former third-rounder in 2021 threw 99 pitches and generated 22 swings and misses. It was definitely a nice rebound outing for Chandler, who allowed five runs (four earned) with four walks and only two strikeouts in a season-low three innings in his last appearance on May 16 against the Philadelphia Phillies. His strikeout upside makes him intriguing, but he does not have an ideal upcoming matchup against the division-rival Chicago Cubs at home next week. In his first start against Chicago on April 12, Chandler allowed three earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking two and fanning four in 5 1/3 frames for a no-decision.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Max Meyer is Must-Add During Hot Stretch
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer is beginning to open eyes with the way he has been pitching on the mound lately. Over the last five starts, Meyer has allowed zero earned runs in three of those contests. During that span, Meyer has also struck out five or more batters in every start. The right-hander has looked great with a 2.85 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts through 10 starts this season. The potential has always been there with Meyer being taken in the first-round from the 2020 Draft. He appears to be putting it all together at the big league level now. Fantasy managers should check the waiver wire and scoop up Meyer if he's available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Max Muncy Exits After Getting Hit by a Pitch on the Wrist
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (wrist) made an early exit from Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Muncy was taken out of the game after taking a 95.5 mph pitch off his hand/wrist area during the eighth inning. The expectation is that Muncy will undergo X-rays to determine the severity of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Muncy as day-to-day. He was 0-3 at the plate before making his exit from the contest. Miguel Rojas and Santiago Espinal are candidates to take over at third base if Muncy misses any time. UPDATE: X-rays came back negative on Muncy's right wrist on Friday night.
Source: Bill Plunkett
Source: Bill Plunkett
Grant Taylor Earns Save, New Closer on the South Side?
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Grant Taylor was tasked with pitching the final frame of Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Taylor didn't have any issues as he struck out the side to earn his first save of the season. After that outing, Taylor holds a 1.78 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 15:4 K:BB ratio across 19 appearances this season. The White Sox haven't won any games since then, so it's unclear if this was a one-time thing or if Taylor is going to be the closer moving forward. Seranthony Dominguez has blown three saves and holds a 4.82 ERA across 18.2 innings this season. It wouldn't be shocking to see the White Sox give Taylor a chance at the closer role moving forward.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bryan King Earns Fifth Save, Remains Closer in Houston?
Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan King was asked to work out of danger in the eighth inning of Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs. King entered the game with two on and two outs in the eighth inning. He was able to escape without any damage and tossed a perfect ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the season. Enyel De Los Santos and Bryan Abreu have been in the mix for saves as well, but it appears that King is the favorite right now. Josh Hader (biceps) is eligible to return from the Injured List soon. It doesn't sound like any of these relievers are going to have great long-term value. King is the reliever to roster in Houston until Hader reclaims the closer role.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Heliot Ramos Gets PRP Injection on Friday
San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos (quad) received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right quadriceps on Friday and will be shut down for the next week. Ramos was placed on the 10-day Injured List last weekend due to a strained right quad. He'll rest for the next seven days after getting the injection, so he'll be sidelined longer than the minimum 10 days. Before going down, Ramos was slashing .267/.307/.424 with four home runs and 20 RBI this season. The Giants have been using a combo of Drew Gilbert, Will Brennan, and Casey Schmitt in left field while Ramos has been sidelined.
Source: Susan Slusser
Source: Susan Slusser
Jordan James Most Likely to be 49ers' RB2 in 2026
ESPN's Nick Wagnoer writes that running back Jordan James is the most likely to win the RB2 spot for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. James, a fifth-round pick last year, dealt with knee and finger injuries in training camp last summer and was active for only the final three games of the regular season and two playoff contests in his first year in the NFL. In the postseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks, James got some action in garbage time and had six carries for 28 yards and added one reception for seven yards. "[He] came on really strong at the end of last year, but he missed so much in the beginning," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He kind of just missed his window to pass some other people up. I wish I would have got him on the field more than I did. He needs to take that next step." With Brian Robinson Jr. now in Atlanta, James, Isaac Guerendo, and rookie Kaelon Black will compete for backup duties. The Niners are reportedly looking to reduce CMC's overall workload, so James could be a highly sought-after handcuff in fantasy football this fall. Guerendo didn't log a single snap on offense in 2025, so James should have the upper hand over him and Black. At RotoBaller, James is ranked as the No. 56 RB for 2026 fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Gavin Williams Dominates Phillies on Friday for Seventh Win
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams was in peak form in Friday night's 1-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, tossing eight shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks, and a season-high 11 strikeouts for his seventh win of the year. Williams' strong performance lowered his season ERA to 3.25, and his sweeper was electric, drawing 10 swings and misses on the night. The 26-year-old former first-rounder in 2021 out of East Carolina has had issues with control in the past, but he has turned it around so far in 2026 and came into Friday's start with a career-best 8.8% walk rate in his 10 starts. Williams has gone at least six innings pitched in each of his last seven starts and has had at least six strikeouts in his last five outings, quickly becoming a fantasy ace this year for managers. He has 84 total strikeouts and 22 walks in his 69 1/3 innings. Williams won't have an easy matchup his next time out against the Washington Nationals, but he has become a must-start in traditional fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jung Hoo Lee Goes on Injured List With Back Strain
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday with a mid-back strain, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Lee was initially removed from Monday's game early with what the team was calling back spasms. He is not ready to play to kick off a series this weekend against the visiting Chicago White Sox, so he'll land on the IL. With Lee out again on Friday, Harrison Bader is sliding over to center field and will hit ninth, with Casey Schmitt in left field, and Drew Gilbert in right field for the Gigantes. Will Brennan will be another candidate to see more playing time in the outfield for however long Lee is out. The 27-year-old left-handed-hitting Japanese outfielder's fantasy stock was way down, even before his back injury. He offers modest production across the board and is currently hitting .268/.311/.385 with a .696 OPS, only three home runs, 17 RBI, and 20 runs scored in his 179 at-bats this year. Lee has slashed a mediocre .266/.321/.390 with a .712 OPS in his two-plus years in the Bay Area, and he's rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Mickey Moniak Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak (ankle) is heading to the 10-day injured list on Friday with a right-ankle sprain, which he has been trying to play through since crashing into the outfield wall in Pittsburgh last week, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. Outfielder Sterlin Thompson has been called up from Triple-A Albuquerque and is starting in Friday's series opener in Arizona against the division-rival Diamondbacks. Since crashing into the outfield wall, Moniak has gone hitless in 13 at-bats, so the Rockies finally decided to shut him down. With Jordan Beck (hamstring) also on the IL for Colorado, Thompson could see regular playing time in the Rockies' outfield with Moniak now sidelined. The 28-year-old Moniak has been great for fantasy managers who picked him up off the waiver wire this year, hitting .280 (42-for-150) with 12 home runs, 28 RBI, 21 runs scored, and a stolen base in 43 games across 164 plate appearances. He has liked hitting at Coors Field and broke out last year in his first season with the team to the tune of a .270/.306/.518 slash line with 24 long balls, 68 RBI, and nine steals in 135 games played. If you have the room, Moniak is worth stashing while he recovers from his ankle sprain.
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Angels Send Josh Lowe to Triple-A
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they optioned outfielder Josh Lowe to Triple-A Salt Lake following their loss on Thursday night to the division-rival Athletics. In his first season in Anaheim, Lowe has continued to disappoint, being sent to the minors after slashing .184/.226/.320 with a .546 OPS, five home runs, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, a stolen base, six walks, and 39 strikeouts in 45 games across 134 plate appearances. With Lowe no longer with the big-league club, outfielder Wade Meckler has been called up and is starting in left field and batting sixth for the Halos in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Texas Rangers and right-hander Jacob deGrom. Lowe, a 28-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2016 by the Tampa Bay Rays, was once heralded as a potential high-end power/speed outfielder, but things just haven't panned out for him in the big leagues since he hit 20 homers, drove in 83, and stole 32 bases in 135 games in 135 games in 2023 in his first full season with the Rays. Injuries have not helped his cause. Lowe is now rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Angels PR
Source: Angels PR
Miguel Vargas Recovers From Hand Injury, Playing on Friday
Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener on the road against the San Francisco Giants and right-hander Trevor McDonald, batting third for the Pale Hose, according to MLB.com. Vargas injured his hand on Tuesday and was held out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners, although he did have a pinch-hitting appearance. Now that he's back in action to kick off the weekend series at Oracle Park, fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups in traditional formats. Although Vargas is only batting .237 (40-for-169) on the year, he has contributed plenty for those in points leagues, adding 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 35 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 48 games across 207 plate appearances as the team's starting third baseman. The Cuban infielder is hitless in his last three appearances, but before that, he had a nine-game hitting streak in which he went 12-for-32 (.375) with four long balls, three doubles, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brandon Nimmo Back in the Lineup After Another Hamstring Scare
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) is starting in right field and batting third for Friday's series opener in Anaheim against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, according to MLB.com. Nimmo is ready to play following Thursday off day after he was pulled early yet again from Wednesday's contest in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. The 33-year-old veteran has been bothered by a nagging hamstring injury a few times this year, but it hasn't forced him to the injured list, surprisingly. The former first-rounder of the New York Mets in 2011 will return to a .273/.353/.421 slash line with a .773 OPS, five home runs, 16 RBI, 21 runs scored, and a stolen base in 47 games in his first year in Texas. When healthy, Nimmo is a multi-category contributor who bats near the top of the Rangers' batting order. He should be returned to starting fantasy lineups against Rodriguez, whom he has never faced in his career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rudy Gobert Earns Eighth All-Defensive First-Team Selection
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was once again recognized for his defensive prowess on Friday, earning his eighth NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. He was joined by Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons), and Derrick White (Boston Celtics). Kevin Garnett, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Gary Payton share the NBA record with nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections. Gobert has also been named once on the All-Defensive Second Team, giving him nine selections overall. Only five players in NBA history have received the recognition at least 10 times, with Tim Duncan holding the all-time record at 15.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Victor Wembanyama Headlines 2025-26 All-Defensive First Team
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama will head into Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night knowing he has been named to the NBA's All-Defensive First Team for the second time in his career. He also earned the honor during his rookie campaign in 2023-24. The French star didn't make the cut last year after appearing in only 46 games. This season, Wembanyama was the only unanimous selection for the All-Defensive First Team. It doesn't come as a surprise, given that Wembanyama was also named the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season. Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks for a third consecutive campaign, swatting away 3.1 shots a night. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons), and Derrick White (Boston Celtics) were also named to the All-Defensive First Team.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ajay Mitchell Starting Game 3 Against Spurs
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell will return to the starting lineup in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports. Mitchell has started six of the Thunder's 10 postseason games, but he had to settle for a reserve role at the start of the Conference Finals after Jalen Williams (hamstring) was cleared to return to the lineup. With Williams now back on the shelf, Mitchell will get a new opportunity to run with the starters. As a starter in the 2026 playoffs, Mitchell has posted averages of 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Source: Clemente Almanza
Source: Clemente Almanza
Dylan Harper Available for Game 3 Against Thunder
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (adductor) will suit up on Friday for Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was initially considered questionable for the contest after Harper injured his right adductor in Game 2. With De'Aaron Fox (ankle) back in the fold, Harper will likely return to a bench role. However, this won't affect his fantasy value much. Even as a reserve, Harper has been one of San Antonio's most productive players in the playoffs. He has averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26.8 minutes per game during his first career postseason campaign.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
De'Aaron Fox Returns to Action Friday
San Antonio Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox (ankle) will rejoin the lineup on Friday night in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The star guard missed the first two games of the series due to an ankle injury. According to reports, Fox is dealing with a pretty bad injury that would keep him out of regular-season games. It will be interesting to see how effective he will be in Friday's contest. Fox has averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.3 minutes per game during the playoffs. He will presumably reclaim his starting spot, bumping Dylan Harper (adductor) to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Williams Won't Play Friday Night
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Unfortunately, Williams won't be able to play through a left hamstring injury he sustained in Game 2. The team initially listed Williams as questionable for Friday's contest. Cason Wallace started the second half in Williams' place in Game 2 and could have a larger role once again. At the same time, Ajay Mitchell has previously started in Williams' absence. Guys like Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain could pick up extra shifts in the rotation as well.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
