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MLB Game Preview: Seattle Mariners (41-40) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (40-40)

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MLB Game Preview: Seattle Mariners (41-40) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (40-40)

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET / 3:40 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: RHP Bryce Miller (SEA) vs. RHP Bubba Chandler (PIT)

Venue

PNC Park — Pittsburgh, PA

Capacity: ~38,700

Dimensions: 325 ft LF, 389 ft LCF, 410 ft CF, 375 ft RCF, 320 ft RF

Park Factors:

Boosts left‑handed power due to short RF porch

Suppresses right‑center HRs

Favors pitchers with command and ground‑ball tendencies

Tactical Impact: Miller’s fly‑ball profile is riskier here; Chandler’s athleticism and movement profile fit the park well.

Weather Updates (Pittsburgh, PA)

Temperature: 82°F (28°C)

Humidity: 62%

Wind: 8 mph W (blowing toward RF)

Precipitation: 15% chance Impact: Boost to left‑handed pull hitters; warm air increases carry to the short porch in right.

Injury Report

Seattle Mariners

Julio Rodríguez (OF) — Probable, minor back tightness

Ty France (1B) — Questionable, wrist soreness

J.P. Crawford (SS) — Out, oblique strain

Gregory Santos (RHP) — Out, elbow rehab Impact: Crawford’s absence hurts Seattle’s infield defense; France’s status affects lineup depth.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Oneil Cruz (SS) — Probable, ankle soreness

Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B) — Questionable, hamstring tightness

Henry Davis (C/OF) — Out, thumb fracture

David Bednar (RHP) — Probable, workload management Impact: Hayes’ availability is crucial for PIT’s defense; Davis’ absence weakens the bottom of the order.

Team Records & Season Context

Seattle Mariners (41–40)

Road Record: 18–23

Run Differential: +9

Identity: Elite rotation, streaky offense, strong bullpen

Notable: Mariners have won 4 of their last 6 and are pushing back into the AL Wild Card picture

Pittsburgh Pirates (40–40)

Home Record: 21–18

Run Differential: +3

Identity: Young, athletic roster; improving rotation; inconsistent offense

Notable: Pirates have won 5 of their last 7 and are hovering around .500 in the NL Central race

Recent Team Form

Mariners (Last 5 Games)

W 5–2 vs PIT

L 3–4 vs PIT

W 6–3 vs MIN

L 2–5 vs MIN

W 4–1 vs MIN Trend: Rotation strong; offense inconsistent but timely

Pirates (Last 5 Games)

L 2–5 vs SEA

W 4–3 vs SEA

W 7–4 vs STL

L 3–5 vs STL

W 6–2 vs STL Trend: Pitching staff stabilizing; offense improving slightly

Probable Pitcher Matchup

SEA — RHP Bryce Miller

2026 Stats: 3.71 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9.2 K/9

Strengths:

High‑velocity fastball

Strong strikeout ability

Excellent vs. right‑handed hitters

Weaknesses:

Fly‑ball tendencies

Occasional command lapses Matchup Outlook: PIT’s lefties (Cruz, Suwinski) are key threats with wind blowing to RF.

PIT — RHP Bubba Chandler

2026 Stats: 4.02 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 8.8 K/9

Strengths:

Athletic delivery

Strong slider

Generates weak contact

Weaknesses:

Walk rate can spike

Vulnerable to right‑handed power when behind in counts Matchup Outlook: Seattle’s right‑handed core (Rodríguez, Raleigh, Haniger) will test him early.

Key Player Matchups

1. Julio Rodríguez vs. Bubba Chandler

J‑Rod’s ability to hit velocity + sliders is key Advantage: Seattle

2. Oneil Cruz vs. Bryce Miller

Cruz’s left‑handed power vs. Miller’s fly‑ball profile Advantage: Pittsburgh

3. Cal Raleigh vs. Chandler

Raleigh’s power from both sides vs. Chandler’s walk tendencies Advantage: Seattle

4. Bryan Reynolds vs. Miller

Reynolds’ switch‑hitting versatility is crucial Advantage: Even

5. Mariners Bullpen vs. Pirates Late‑Game Offense

SEA bullpen ERA in June: 3.28

PIT late‑inning OPS: .671 Advantage: Seattle

Series History

2025 Season: Mariners won 3–1

2026 Season: Series tied 1–1

Last 10 meetings: Seattle leads 6–4

PNC Park has been neutral for SEA (5–5 in last 10)

Betting Trends

Seattle

4 of last 6: Won ML

5 of last 7: Under

6 straight: Allowed 4 runs or fewer

Pittsburgh

5 of last 7: Won ML

4 of last 6: Under

3 straight: Scored 4 runs or fewer

Game Odds

Seattle Mariners              – 142

Pittsburgh Pirates            8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (41-39) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (42-36)

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MLB Game Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (41-39) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (42-36)

Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

First Pitch: 7:45 PM CT / 5:45 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: RHP Zac Gallen (ARI) vs. RHP Michael McGreevy (STL)

Venue

Busch Stadium — St. Louis, MO

Capacity: ~45,500

Dimensions: 336 ft LF, 375 ft LCF, 400 ft CF, 375 ft RCF, 335 ft RF

Park Factors:

Suppresses home runs

Boosts doubles and triples in the gaps

Favors pitchers with command and ground‑ball tendencies

Tactical Impact: Gallen’s elite command plays well here; McGreevy must avoid middle‑in misses to Arizona’s right‑handed power.

Weather Updates (St. Louis, MO)

Temperature: 86°F (30°C)

Humidity: 68%

Wind: 6 mph SSW (blowing toward LF)

Precipitation: 20% chance Impact: Warm, humid air gives a slight boost to balls hit to left field; otherwise neutral.

Injury Report

Arizona Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll (OF) — Probable, minor shoulder soreness

Ketel Marte (2B) — Probable, quad tightness

Christian Walker (1B) — Questionable, wrist inflammation

Jordan Montgomery (LHP) — Out, elbow rehab Impact: Walker’s status is the biggest swing factor — Arizona’s lineup loses major power without him.

St. Louis Cardinals

Nolan Arenado (3B) — Probable, back stiffness

Lars Nootbaar (OF) — Out, hamstring strain

Tommy Edman (UTIL) — Questionable, ankle soreness

Ryan Helsley (RHP) — Probable, heavy workload management Impact: Nootbaar’s absence hurts STL’s OBP and outfield defense; Arenado’s health is crucial for run production.

Team Records & Season Context

Arizona Diamondbacks (41–39)

Road Record: 20–21

Run Differential: +12

Identity: Balanced offense, strong top‑end rotation, improving bullpen

Notable: Arizona has won 5 of its last 7 and is climbing in the NL Wild Card race

St. Louis Cardinals (42–36)

Home Record: 23–17

Run Differential: +18

Identity: Contact‑oriented lineup, strong bullpen, inconsistent starting pitching

Notable: Cardinals have won 4 of their last 6 and are pushing Milwaukee in the NL Central

Recent Team Form

Diamondbacks (Last 5 Games)

W 5–2 vs STL

L 3–4 vs STL

W 6–3 vs SF

W 4–2 vs SF

L 1–5 vs SF Trend: Rotation stabilizing; offense producing timely power

Cardinals (Last 5 Games)

L 2–5 vs ARI

W 4–3 vs ARI

W 7–4 vs KC

L 3–5 vs KC

W 6–2 vs KC Trend: Offense streaky; bullpen performing well in close games

Probable Pitcher Matchup

ARI — RHP Zac Gallen

2026 Stats: 3.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 9.6 K/9

Strengths:

Elite command

Strong curveball/changeup combo

Excellent vs. right‑handed hitters

Weaknesses:

Occasional HR issues when elevated

Can struggle third time through the order Matchup Outlook: STL’s right‑handed core (Goldschmidt, Arenado) will test him early.

STL — RHP Michael McGreevy

2026 Stats: 4.44 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 7.2 K/9

Strengths:

Ground‑ball pitcher

Good command

Weaknesses:

Low strikeout rate

Vulnerable to line‑drive hitters Matchup Outlook: Arizona’s contact‑heavy lineup (Marte, Gurriel Jr., Moreno) matches up well.

Key Player Matchups

1. Ketel Marte vs. Michael McGreevy

Marte thrives vs. command‑first pitchers Advantage: Arizona

2. Paul Goldschmidt vs. Zac Gallen

Goldschmidt’s power vs. Gallen’s elite command Advantage: Even

3. Corbin Carroll vs. STL Bullpen

Carroll’s speed vs. STL’s contact‑oriented relievers Advantage: Arizona

4. Nolan Arenado vs. Gallen

Arenado’s ability to hit breaking balls is key Advantage: Slightly St. Louis

5. Diamondbacks Bullpen vs. Cardinals Late‑Game Offense

ARI bullpen ERA in June: 3.52

STL late‑inning OPS: .689 Advantage: Arizona

Series History

2025 Season: Cardinals won 4–3

2026 Season: Series tied 1–1

Last 10 meetings: St. Louis leads 6–4

Busch Stadium has been neutral for ARI (5–5 in last 10)

Betting Trends

Arizona

5 of last 7: Won ML

6 of last 8: Under

4 straight: Allowed 3 runs or fewer

St. Louis

4 of last 6: Won ML

5 of last 7: Under

3 straight: Scored 4 runs or fewer

Game Odds

Arizona Diamondbacks                 9

St. Louis Cardinals                           – 129

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (43-37) vs. New York Mets (34-46)

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MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (43-37) vs. New York Mets (34-46)

Citi Field, Queens, New York

First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET / 4:10 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: RHP Jordan Boyd (CHC) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (NYM)

Venue

Citi Field — Queens, NY

Capacity: ~41,800

Dimensions: 335 ft LF, 370 ft LCF, 408 ft CF, 375 ft RCF, 330 ft RF

Park Factors:

Suppresses home runs

Boosts doubles in the gaps

Favors pitchers with strong command

Tactical Impact: Boyd’s ground‑ball tendencies fit well here; Peralta’s fly‑ball profile is riskier but mitigated by Citi Field’s size.

Weather Updates (Queens, NY)

Temperature: 81°F (27°C)

Humidity: 64%

Wind: 10 mph W (blowing out to LF)

Precipitation: 10% chance Impact: Slight boost to right‑handed pull hitters; otherwise neutral conditions.

Injury Report

Chicago Cubs

Seiya Suzuki (OF) — Probable, minor oblique tightness

Dansby Swanson (SS) — Questionable, wrist soreness

Nico Hoerner (2B) — Out, hamstring strain

Adbert Alzolay (RHP) — Out, elbow rehab Impact: Hoerner’s absence hurts CHC’s contact and defense; Swanson’s status affects infield stability.

New York Mets

Pete Alonso (1B) — Probable, ankle soreness

Francisco Lindor (SS) — Probable, quad tightness

Starling Marte (OF) — Out, hip injury

Edwin Díaz (RHP) — Out, shoulder inflammation Impact: Díaz’s absence weakens the Mets’ late‑inning reliability; Alonso’s health is crucial for run production.

Team Records & Season Context

Chicago Cubs (43–37)

Road Record: 20–21

Run Differential: +29

Identity: Strong rotation, improving bullpen, balanced offense

Notable: Cubs have won 6 of their last 9 and are firmly in the NL Wild Card mix

New York Mets (34–46)

Home Record: 17–23

Run Differential: -45

Identity: Streaky offense, inconsistent pitching, bullpen instability

Notable: Mets have lost 7 of their last 10 and are sliding in the NL East

Recent Team Form

Cubs (Last 5 Games)

W 6–3 vs STL

W 4–2 vs STL

L 1–5 vs STL

W 7–4 vs NYM

L 2–3 vs NYM Trend: Rotation strong; offense producing timely power

Mets (Last 5 Games)

L 3–7 vs CHC

W 3–2 vs CHC

L 2–6 vs ATL

L 1–4 vs ATL

L 4–8 vs ATL Trend: Pitching struggling; offense inconsistent

Probable Pitcher Matchup

CHC — RHP Jordan Boyd

2026 Stats: 3.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 8.6 K/9

Strengths:

Strong command

Generates ground balls

Effective vs. right‑handed hitters

Weaknesses:

Occasional trouble finishing at‑bats

Vulnerable to left‑handed power Matchup Outlook: Mets’ lefties (McNeil, Nimmo) are key threats.

NYM — RHP Freddy Peralta

2026 Stats: 4.32 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 10.8 K/9

Strengths:

High strikeout rate

Elite fastball/slider combo

Weaknesses:

High walk rate

Prone to HRs when behind in counts Matchup Outlook: Cubs’ disciplined hitters (Happ, Bellinger) could force deep counts.

Key Player Matchups

1. Cody Bellinger vs. Freddy Peralta

Bellinger excels vs. high‑velocity fastballs

Peralta must avoid middle‑in misses Advantage: Cubs

2. Pete Alonso vs. Jordan Boyd

Alonso’s power vs. Boyd’s ground‑ball approach Advantage: Even

3. Ian Happ vs. Peralta

Happ’s OBP skills vs. Peralta’s walk tendencies Advantage: Cubs

4. Francisco Lindor vs. Boyd

Lindor’s switch‑hitting versatility is key Advantage: Mets

5. Cubs Bullpen vs. Mets Late‑Game Offense

CHC bullpen ERA in June: 3.48

NYM late‑inning OPS: .631 Advantage: Cubs

Series History

2025 Season: Cubs won 4–2

2026 Season: Series tied 1–1

Cubs have won 7 of the last 10 meetings

Citi Field has been neutral for CHC (5–5 in last 10)

Betting Trends

Chicago

6 of last 9: Won ML

5 of last 7: Under

4 straight: Allowed 4 runs or fewer

New York

7 of last 10: Lost ML

6 of last 8: Over

5 straight: Allowed 5+ runs

Game Odds

Chicago Cubs                     8.5

New York Mets                 – 108

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Houston Astros (39-43) vs. Detroit Tigers (34-46)

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MLB Game Preview: Houston Astros (39-43) vs. Detroit Tigers (34-46)

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET / 3:40 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: RHP Kōsei Imai (HOU) vs. RHP Ty Melton (DET)

Venue

Comerica Park — Detroit, MI

Capacity: ~41,000

Dimensions: 345 ft LF, 420 ft CF, 330 ft RF

Park Factors:

Suppresses home runs

Boosts doubles and triples due to deep alleys

Favors pitchers who induce weak contact

Tactical Impact: Imai’s command‑first profile fits well here; Melton must avoid middle‑in misses to Houston’s right‑handed power.

Weather Updates (Detroit, MI)

Temperature: 79°F (26°C)

Humidity: 59%

Wind: 8 mph W (blowing toward LF)

Precipitation: 5% chance Impact: Slight boost to right‑handed pull hitters; otherwise neutral conditions.

Injury Report

Houston Astros

Kyle Tucker (OF) — Out, foot fracture

Yordan Álvarez (DH/OF) — Probable, minor oblique tightness

Jeremy Peña (SS) — Questionable, wrist soreness

Framber Valdez (LHP) — Out, elbow inflammation Impact: Tucker’s absence continues to hurt Houston’s lineup balance; Álvarez’s health is crucial for run production.

Detroit Tigers

Riley Greene (OF) — Probable, ankle soreness

Spencer Torkelson (1B) — Out, hand fracture

Kerry Carpenter (OF) — Questionable, back tightness

Casey Mize (RHP) — Out, shoulder rehab Impact: Torkelson’s absence weakens Detroit’s power; Greene’s availability is key for their top‑of‑order spark.

Team Records & Season Context

Houston Astros (39–43)

Road Record: 18–23

Run Differential: -14

Identity: Contact‑driven offense, inconsistent rotation, improving bullpen

Notable: Astros have won 4 of their last 6 and are trying to climb back into the AL Wild Card picture

Detroit Tigers (34–46)

Home Record: 17–22

Run Differential: -51

Identity: Young lineup, inconsistent pitching, low‑power offense

Notable: Detroit has lost 6 of its last 8 and is slipping in the AL Central standings

Recent Team Form

Astros (Last 5 Games)

W 6–4 vs CWS

W 5–3 vs CWS

L 2–5 vs CWS

W 7–3 vs KC

L 4–6 vs KC Trend: Offense improving; bullpen stabilizing after early‑season struggles

Tigers (Last 5 Games)

L 1–4 vs MIN

L 3–7 vs MIN

W 5–2 vs MIN

L 2–6 vs HOU

L 3–5 vs HOU Trend: Pitching staff struggling; offense inconsistent and lacking power

Probable Pitcher Matchup

HOU — RHP Kōsei Imai

2026 Stats: 3.76 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 8.1 K/9

Strengths:

Excellent command

Strong splitter

Generates soft contact

Weaknesses:

Can struggle vs. left‑handed power

Occasionally too hittable when behind in counts Matchup Outlook: Detroit’s lefties (Greene, Meadows) are the key threats.

DET — RHP Ty Melton

2026 Stats: 4.58 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 8.5 K/9

Strengths:

Good fastball/slider combo

Generates strikeouts

Weaknesses:

High walk rate

Prone to HRs vs. right‑handed hitters Matchup Outlook: Houston’s right‑handed core (Bregman, McCormick, Díaz) is a tough assignment.

Key Player Matchups

1. Yordan Álvarez vs. Ty Melton

Álvarez crushes sliders and fastballs left up

Melton must avoid middle‑in Advantage: Astros

2. Riley Greene vs. Kōsei Imai

Greene’s gap power vs. Imai’s soft‑contact profile Advantage: Even

3. Alex Bregman vs. Melton

Bregman excels vs. pitchers with command issues Advantage: Astros

4. Spencer Torkelson’s Replacement vs. Imai

Detroit lacks a true power threat at 1B Advantage: Astros

5. Astros Bullpen vs. Tigers Late‑Game Offense

HOU bullpen ERA in June: 3.41

DET late‑inning OPS: .612 Advantage: Astros

Series History

2025 Season: Astros won 5–1

2026 Season: Astros lead 2–0

Astros have won 8 of the last 10 meetings

Comerica Park has been favorable to HOU (6–2 in last 8)

Betting Trends

Houston

4 of last 6: Won ML

5 of last 7: Under

6 straight: Allowed 4 runs or fewer

Detroit

6 of last 8: Lost ML

5 of last 7: Under

4 straight: Scored 3 runs or fewer

Game Odds

Houston Astros                 9

Detroit Tigers                    – 111

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (44-36) vs. Washington Nationals (41-40)

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MLB Game Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (44-36) vs. Washington Nationals (41-40)

Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET / 3:45 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: LHP Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) vs. RHP Cade Cavalli (WSH)

Venue

Nationals Park — Washington, D.C.

Capacity: ~41,000

Dimensions: 337 ft LF, 402 ft CF, 335 ft RF

Park Factors:

Slightly favors left‑handed power

Plays neutral overall

Summer humidity boosts carry to the gaps

Tactical Impact: Sánchez’s ground‑ball profile plays well here; Cavalli must avoid middle‑in misses to PHI’s left‑handed bats.

Weather Updates (Washington, D.C.)

Temperature: 84°F (29°C)

Humidity: 66%

Wind: 7 mph S (blowing out to RF)

Precipitation: 15% chance Impact: Slight boost to left‑handed pull hitters; warm, humid air favors extra‑base hits.

Injury Report

Philadelphia Phillies

Bryce Harper (1B) — Probable, minor elbow soreness

Trea Turner (SS) — Out, hamstring strain

Brandon Marsh (OF) — Questionable, knee tightness

Orion Kerkering (RHP) — Out, forearm strain Impact: Turner’s absence hurts PHI’s top‑of‑order speed; bullpen depth remains thin without Kerkering.

Washington Nationals

CJ Abrams (SS) — Probable, wrist soreness

Lane Thomas (OF) — Questionable, quad tightness

Josiah Gray (RHP) — Out, elbow rehab

Hunter Harvey (RHP) — Probable, shoulder fatigue Impact: Thomas’ status is key — Washington’s offense is far less dynamic without him.

Team Records & Season Context

Philadelphia Phillies (44–36)

Road Record: 20–19

Run Differential: +47

Identity: Strong rotation, power‑driven offense, elite infield defense

Notable: Phillies have won 4 of their last 6 and remain in the NL East chase

Washington Nationals (41–40)

Home Record: 22–19

Run Differential: -12

Identity: Speed‑oriented offense, improving young rotation, inconsistent bullpen

Notable: Nationals have won 5 of their last 7 and are pushing toward Wild Card contention

Recent Team Form

Phillies (Last 5 Games)

W 5–3 vs MIA

L 2–4 vs MIA

W 7–2 vs MIA

W 6–4 vs WSH

L 3–5 vs WSH Trend: Offense heating up; bullpen remains volatile

Nationals (Last 5 Games)

W 5–3 vs PHI

L 4–6 vs PHI

W 7–4 vs ATL

W 3–2 vs ATL

L 1–5 vs ATL Trend: Pitching staff performing above expectations; offense inconsistent but opportunistic

Probable Pitcher Matchup

PHI — LHP Cristopher Sánchez

2026 Stats: 3.41 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 8.3 K/9

Strengths:

Heavy sinker

Generates ground balls

Excellent vs. right‑handed hitters

Weaknesses:

Occasional command lapses

Vulnerable when behind in counts Matchup Outlook: Washington’s right‑handed core (Meneses, Ruiz, Thomas if active) will test him early.

WSH — RHP Cade Cavalli

2026 Stats: 4.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9.4 K/9

Strengths:

Power fastball

Sharp curveball

Strong strikeout ability

Weaknesses:

High walk rate

Prone to HRs vs. left‑handed hitters Matchup Outlook: Harper, Schwarber, and Stott present major matchup problems.

Key Player Matchups

1. Bryce Harper vs. Cade Cavalli

Harper crushes high‑velocity fastballs

Cavalli must work edges early Advantage: Phillies

2. CJ Abrams vs. Cristopher Sánchez

Abrams’ speed vs. Sánchez’s ground‑ball profile

Key matchup for Washington’s run‑creation Advantage: Even

3. Kyle Schwarber vs. Cavalli

Schwarber’s pull power vs. Cavalli’s HR tendencies Advantage: Phillies

4. Keibert Ruiz vs. Sánchez

Ruiz excels vs. left‑handed pitching Advantage: Nationals

5. Phillies Bullpen vs. Nationals Late‑Game Offense

PHI bullpen ERA in June: 4.62

WSH late‑inning OPS: .701 Advantage: Nationals (slightly)

Series History

2025 Season: Phillies won 10–3

2026 Season: Series tied 1–1

Phillies have won 12 of the last 16 meetings

Nationals Park has been favorable to PHI (7–3 in last 10)

Betting Trends

Philadelphia

4 of last 6: Won ML

5 of last 7: Over

6 straight: Scored 4+ runs

Washington

5 of last 7: Won ML

4 of last 6: Under

3 straight: Allowed 3 runs or fewer

Game Odds

Philadelphia Phillies                      – 161

Washington Nationals                   8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (38-42) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (39-41)

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MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (38-42) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (39-41)

Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

First Pitch: 7:07 PM ET / 4:07 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: LHP MacKenzie Gore (TEX) vs. RHP Kevin Gausman (TOR)

Venue

Rogers Centre — Toronto, ON

Capacity: ~49,000

Surface: Artificial turf

Park Factors:

Boosts right‑handed power

Plays neutral for left‑handed hitters

Outfield gaps reward line‑drive hitters

Tactical Impact: Gore’s fly‑ball tendencies can be risky here; Gausman’s splitter plays well on turf.

Weather Updates (Toronto, ON)

(Roof likely closed — minimal gameplay impact)

Temperature: 74°F (23°C)

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 7 mph W

Impact: If roof is open, slight boost to balls hit to left field.

Injury Report

Texas Rangers

Corey Seager (SS) — Probable, minor wrist soreness

Evan Carter (OF) — Out, hamstring strain

Josh Jung (3B) — Out, hand fracture

Dane Dunning (RHP) — Questionable, shoulder fatigue Impact: Jung and Carter’s absences weaken Texas’ power and depth; Seager’s health is crucial for run production.

Toronto Blue Jays

Bo Bichette (SS) — Probable, quad tightness

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B) — Probable, minor back stiffness

Kevin Kiermaier (OF) — Out, hip injury

Jordan Romano (RHP) — Out, elbow inflammation Impact: Romano’s absence affects late‑inning stability; Guerrero’s availability is key for Toronto’s middle‑order punch.

Team Records & Season Context

Texas Rangers (38–42)

Road Record: 17–23

Run Differential: -18

Identity: Streaky offense, inconsistent bullpen, strong top‑end rotation

Notable: Texas has lost 6 of its last 9 and is trying to stay afloat in the AL Wild Card race

Toronto Blue Jays (39–41)

Home Record: 21–18

Run Differential: -6

Identity: Contact‑oriented lineup, strong starting pitching, inconsistent bullpen

Notable: Toronto has won 4 of its last 6 and is pushing toward .500

Recent Team Form

Texas (Last 5 Games)

L 3–5 vs HOU

W 6–4 vs HOU

L 2–7 vs HOU

L 1–4 vs SEA

W 5–3 vs SEA Trend: Offense inconsistent; pitching staff allowing too many early runs

Toronto (Last 5 Games)

W 7–3 vs BOS

W 6–2 vs BOS

L 4–5 vs BOS

W 5–1 vs TB

L 3–4 vs TB Trend: Pitching stabilizing; lineup showing signs of life

Probable Pitcher Matchup

TEX — LHP MacKenzie Gore

2026 Stats: 4.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 10.1 K/9

Strengths:

High‑octane fastball

Strong strikeout ability

Effective vs. left‑handed hitters

Weaknesses:

Occasional command issues

Prone to big innings when behind in counts Matchup Outlook: Toronto’s right‑handed core (Guerrero, Springer, Varsho) is a tough assignment.

TOR — RHP Kevin Gausman

2026 Stats: 3.54 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 10.4 K/9

Strengths:

Elite splitter

High strikeout rate

Excellent command

Weaknesses:

Occasional HR issues vs. left‑handed pull hitters Matchup Outlook: Texas’ lefties (Seager, Lowe, Langford) must avoid chasing the splitter.

Key Player Matchups

1. Corey Seager vs. Kevin Gausman

Seager handles velocity well but must avoid chasing the splitter Advantage: Even

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. MacKenzie Gore

Guerrero crushes left‑handed fastballs

Gore must work edges early Advantage: Toronto

3. Marcus Semien vs. Gausman

Semien has struggled vs. elite splitters historically Advantage: Toronto

4. Adolis García vs. Toronto Bullpen

García’s power vs. a Romano‑less bullpen Advantage: Texas (late innings)

5. George Springer vs. Gore

Springer’s ability to jump on first‑pitch fastballs is key Advantage: Toronto

Series History

2025 Season: Rangers won 4–3

2026 Season: First meeting

Last 10 meetings: Texas leads 6–4

Rogers Centre has been neutral for Texas (5–5 in last 10)

Betting Trends

Texas

6 of last 9: Lost ML

5 of last 7: Under

4 straight: Scored 4 runs or fewer

Toronto

4 of last 6: Won ML

5 of last 7: Under

6 straight: Allowed 4 runs or fewer

Game Odds

Texas Rangers                    8

Toronto Blue Jays             – 148

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Kansas City Royals (34-47) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (44-33)

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MLB Game Preview: Kansas City Royals (34-47) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (44-33)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

First Pitch: 6:50 PM ET / 3:50 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: RHP Seth Lugo (KC) vs. RHP Casey Legumina (TB)

Venue

Tropicana Field — St. Petersburg, FL

Capacity: ~25,000

Surface: Artificial turf

Park Factors:

Suppresses home runs

Boosts doubles and triples due to quirky outfield angles

Favors pitchers who keep the ball on the ground

Tactical Impact: KC’s contact‑heavy approach plays better here than in most parks; TB’s pitching depth is always enhanced indoors.

Weather Updates (St. Petersburg, FL)

(Indoor game — minimal gameplay impact)

Temperature: 89°F (32°C)

Humidity: 71%

Wind: 10 mph SE

Impact: None inside Tropicana Field; travel conditions normal.

Injury Report

Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. (SS) — Probable, minor hamstring tightness

Vinnie Pasquantino (1B) — Out, shoulder rehab

MJ Melendez (OF) — Questionable, wrist soreness

Michael Wacha (RHP) — Out, forearm strain Impact: Pasquantino’s absence hurts KC’s left‑handed power; Melendez’s status affects lineup depth.

Tampa Bay Rays

Yandy Díaz (1B) — Probable, quad tightness

Josh Lowe (OF) — Out, oblique strain

Shane McClanahan (LHP) — Out, Tommy John rehab

Pete Fairbanks (RHP) — Questionable, shoulder fatigue Impact: Rays’ bullpen depth is stretched; Díaz’s presence is crucial for lineup stability.

Team Records & Season Context

Kansas City Royals (34–47)

Road Record: 14–26

Run Differential: -42

Identity: Contact‑oriented lineup, inconsistent pitching, improving defense

Notable: KC has lost 7 of its last 10 and is slipping in the AL Central race

Tampa Bay Rays (44–33)

Home Record: 25–14

Run Differential: +28

Identity: Deep bullpen, strong situational hitting, elite defensive positioning

Notable: Rays have won 5 of their last 7 and remain in the AL Wild Card mix

Recent Team Form

Royals (Last 5 Games)

L 3–6 vs TB

L 2–5 vs TB

W 7–4 vs TEX

L 1–4 vs TEX

L 3–8 vs TEX Trend: Offense cooling; pitching staff allowing too many early runs

Rays (Last 5 Games)

W 6–3 vs KC

W 5–2 vs KC

L 4–7 vs BAL

W 3–2 vs BAL

W 5–1 vs BAL Trend: Pitching stabilizing; bullpen performing well despite injuries

Probable Pitcher Matchup

KC — RHP Seth Lugo

2026 Stats: 3.88 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 7.9 K/9

Strengths:

Curveball depth

Strong command

Keeps ball in the yard

Weaknesses:

Can struggle vs. left‑handed hitters

Occasional third‑time‑through‑order issues Matchup Outlook: Rays’ lefties (Arozarena, Siri, Walls) could challenge him early.

TB — RHP Casey Legumina

2026 Stats: 4.21 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 8.7 K/9

Strengths:

Swing‑and‑miss slider

Good strikeout ability

Weaknesses:

High walk rate

Vulnerable to fastball damage when behind in counts Matchup Outlook: KC’s contact‑heavy lineup may force him into long innings.

Key Player Matchups

1. Bobby Witt Jr. vs. Casey Legumina

Witt’s elite bat speed vs. Legumina’s slider

Witt thrives vs. pitchers with command issues Advantage: KC

2. Randy Arozarena vs. Seth Lugo

Arozarena hits curveballs well

Lugo must avoid middle‑in mistakes Advantage: TB

3. Salvador Perez vs. Rays Bullpen

Perez’s power vs. TB’s injury‑thinned relief corps Advantage: Even

4. Yandy Díaz vs. KC Pitching

Díaz’s elite OBP skills vs. KC’s inconsistent command Advantage: TB

Series History

2025 Season: Rays won 5–2

2026 Season: Rays lead 2–0

Rays have won 9 of the last 12 meetings

Tropicana Field has been a house of horrors for KC (3–10 in last 13)

Betting Trends

Kansas City

7 of last 10: Lost ML

6 of last 8: Under

5 straight: Scored 4 runs or fewer

Tampa Bay

5 of last 7: Won ML

4 of last 6: Under

6 straight: Allowed 4 runs or fewer

GAME ODDS

Kansas City Royals           8

Tampa Bay Rays                – 139

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MLB Game Preview: New York Yankees (48-31) vs. Boston Red Sox (32-46)

MLB Editor
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MLB Game Preview: New York Yankees (48-31) vs. Boston Red Sox (32-46)

Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET / 4:10 PM PT

Probable Pitchers: RHP Brendan Schlittler (NYY) vs. RHP Grant Early (BOS)

Venue

Fenway Park — Boston, MA

Opened: 1912

Capacity: ~37,755

Dimensions: 310 ft to LF, 379 ft to LCF, 420 ft to CF, 302 ft to RF

Tactical Impact:

Right‑handed hitters love the Green Monster

Pitchers who induce ground balls fare better

Outfield defense and corner positioning are critical

Weather Updates (Boston, MA)

Temperature: 78°F (26°C)

Wind: 9 mph SW (blowing toward LF)

Humidity: 63%

Precipitation: 10% chance Impact: Slight boost to right‑handed power hitters; warm air favors carry to the Monster.

Injury Report

New York Yankees

Aaron Judge (OF) — Probable, minor hip tightness

Anthony Rizzo (1B) — Out, back inflammation

Gleyber Torres (2B) — Questionable, wrist soreness

Jonathan Loáisiga (RHP) — Out, elbow rehab Impact: Rizzo’s absence weakens NYY’s left‑handed balance; Torres’ status affects infield defense and lineup depth.

Boston Red Sox

Triston Casas (1B) — Out, shoulder surgery

Rafael Devers (3B) — Probable, quad tightness

Jarren Duran (OF) — Questionable, hamstring strain

Kenley Jansen (RHP) — Out, lat strain Impact: Boston’s bullpen is thin without Jansen; Devers’ health is essential for run production.

Team Records & Season Context

New York Yankees (48–31)

Road Record: 22–17

Run Differential: +61

Identity: Power‑driven offense, deep bullpen, strong rotation depth

Notable: Yankees have won 6 of their last 8 and are chasing Baltimore for the AL East lead

Boston Red Sox (32–46)

Home Record: 15–23

Run Differential: -54

Identity: Inconsistent pitching, streaky offense, defensive lapses

Notable: Boston has lost 8 of its last 11 and sits last in the AL East

Recent Team Form

Yankees (Last 5 Games)

W 6–3 vs KC

W 4–2 vs KC

L 2–5 vs KC

W 7–4 vs TB

W 5–1 vs TB Trend: Rotation stabilizing; bullpen dominant; offense producing timely power

Red Sox (Last 5 Games)

L 3–7 vs TOR

L 2–6 vs TOR

W 5–4 vs TOR

L 1–8 vs CLE

L 4–9 vs CLE Trend: Pitching struggling; offense inconsistent; bullpen overworked

Probable Pitcher Matchup

NYY — RHP Brendan Schlittler

2026 Stats: 3.62 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 8.4 K/9

Strengths:

Heavy sinker

Generates ground balls

Effective vs. right‑handed hitters

Weaknesses:

Occasional command lapses

Vulnerable to left‑handed pull hitters at Fenway Matchup Outlook: Needs to keep the ball down vs. Devers and Yoshida.

BOS — RHP Grant Early

2026 Stats: 5.41 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 9.1 K/9

Strengths:

Swing‑and‑miss stuff

Good curveball

Weaknesses:

High walk rate

Struggles with HRs (1.4 HR/9) Matchup Outlook: Dangerous assignment vs. a power‑heavy Yankees lineup.

Key Player Matchups

1. Aaron Judge vs. Grant Early

Judge has crushed curveball‑heavy pitchers

Early’s HR issues are a major concern Advantage: Yankees

2. Rafael Devers vs. Brendan Schlittler

Devers feasts on sinkers left up in the zone

Schlittler must avoid middle‑in Advantage: Even

3. Juan Soto vs. Boston Bullpen

Boston’s middle relief has a 5.12 ERA in June

Soto’s OBP pressure is a nightmare for thin bullpens Advantage: Yankees

4. Yankees Bullpen vs. Red Sox Late‑Game Offense

NYY bullpen ERA: 2.91

BOS late‑inning OPS: .642 Advantage: Yankees

Series History

2025 Season: Yankees won 10–9

2026 Season: Yankees lead 3–1

Yankees have won 6 of the last 8 at Fenway

Average margin in last 10 meetings: NYY +2.3 runs

Betting Trends

New York

7 of last 10: Won ML

5 of last 7: Over

6 straight: Scored 4+ runs

Boston

8 of last 11: Lost ML

6 of last 8: Over

5 straight: Allowed 5+ runs

GAME ODDS

New York Yankees           – 154

Boston Red Sox                 8

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026

CFL Injury Reports: Week 4

CFL Editor
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CFL Injury Reports: Week 4

TORONTO – Week 4’s injury reports for all teams will be housed here and will be updated daily.

EDMONTON ELKS AT WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

Thursday, June 25 | 8:30 p.m. ET | Princess Auto Stadium

EDMONTON ELKSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjurySUNMONTUESGame Status
Nick AndersonLBHamstring–DNPDNPOut
Tomari FoxDLElbow–LimitedFullAvailable
Luke Burton-KrahnWRAchilles–DNPDNPOut
Joe RobustelliWRHamstring–DNPDNPOut
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjurySUNMONTUESGame Status
Tyler ElsburyOLNFR – Personal MatterFullFullFullAvailable
Micah VanterpoolOLKneeFullFullFullAvailable
Jaylen SmithLBHeadFullFullFullQuestionable
Brody ClarkLBThighDNPDNPDNPDoubtful
Ontaria WilsonWRKneeDNPFullFullQuestionable
Nic DemskiWRAnkleDNPFullFullQuestionable

TORONTO ARGONAUTS AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

Friday, June 26 | 9:00 p.m. ET | Mosaic Stadium

TORONTO ARGONAUTSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryMONTUESWEDGame Status
DeWayne HendrixDLHamstring–LimitedLimitedOut
Ethan JohnDBAnkle–DNPDNPOut
Kevin MitalWRCalf–LimitedFullAvailable
Robert PriesterDBAchilles–DNPDNPOut

The Toronto Argonauts did not practice on Monday, June 22, 2026.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDGame Status
Jayden DalkeLBHandDNPDNPOut
Dhel Duncan-BusbyWRShoulderDNPDNPOut
Juwuane HughesDBAnkleDNPDNPOut
KeeSean JohnsonWRKneeLimitedFullAvailable
Nelson LokomboDBAnkleDNPDNPOut
Benoit MarionDLShoulderLimitedLimitedOut
A.J. OuelletteRBAnkleDNPDNPDoubtful
James VaughtersDLKneeDNPFullAvailabile

The Saskatchewan Roughriders did not practice on Monday, June 22, 2026.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS AT BC LIONS

Saturday, June 27 | 7:00 p.m. ET | Apple Bowl Stadium

CALGARY STAMPEDERSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Ludovick ChoquetteRBAnkleDNPFullFullAvailable
Jaydon GrantDBAnkle–DNPFullAvailable
Adrian GreeneDBKneeDNPDNPDNPOut
Anton HaieDBHamstringFullFullFullAvailable
Christy NkanuOLElbowDNPFullFullAvailable
Folarin OrimoladeDLAchillesFullFullFullAvailable
Jalen PhilpotWRIllnessDNPFullFullAvailable
Eric RascoeLBBackDNPDNPDNPOut
BC LIONSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Joshua DonovanOLAnkleFullFullFullAvailable
Keon Hatcher Sr.WRThighLimitedLimitedLimitedQuestionable
T.J. LeeDBCalfFullLimitedLimitedQuestionable
Justin McInnisWRAnkleDNPDNPDNPQuestionable
Kieran PoissantWRHipDNPDNPDNPQuestionable
Patrice ReneDBLegDNPDNPDNPOut
Brandon YatesOLHipDNPDNPDNPQuestionable

OTTAWA REDBLACKS AT MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Sunday, June 28 | 7:00 p.m. ET | Percival Molson Memorial Stadium

OTTAWA REDBLACKSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryWEDTHURSFRIGame Status
Alonzo AddaeDBHeadLimitedLimited
Brian Cole IILBHeadLimitedLimited
Lucas CormierLBObliqueLimitedLimited
Amari HendersonDBKneeFullFull
Eugene LewisWRShoulderLimitedLimited
Charlie ParksDLFootFullFull
Sam SchneeWRAnkleFullFull
Bennett WilliamsDBHeadLimitedFull
MONTREAL ALOUETTESPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryWEDTHURSFRIGame Status
Devonte DedmonWRHamstringLimitedLimited
Hakeem HarrisWRHamstringLimitedLimited
Stevie Scott IIIRBHamstringFullFull
Tyrice BeveretteLBNeckFullFull
Lorenzo BurnsDBHeadDNPDNP
Kabion EntoDBHamstringDNPDNP
Tyson PhilpotWRFoot–Limited
Najee MurrayDBFoot–Limited
Wesley SuttonDBHip–Limited

2026 NBA Draft Notes – Second Round

NBA Editor
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2026 NBA Draft Notes – Second Round

SECOND ROUND

• Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, who was selected by the New York Knicks with the 31st pick, is the Buckeyes’ all‑time leading scorer (2,164 points), breaking Dennis Hopson’s 39-year-old record in 2026. (As part of a planned trade, the Knicks will send the draft rights to Thornton to the Houston Rockets.)

• BYU guard Richie Saunders, who was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 32nd pick, became the school’s second selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. It marks the first time the Cougars have had multiple picks in the same draft (AJ Dybantsa, No. 1) since the NBA Draft adopted its current two-round format in 1989.

• Duke guard Isaiah Evans, who was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 33rd pick, became the program’s 73rd draft pick since the NBA Draft moved to a two-round format in 1989, the most of any school. (As part of a planned trade, the Nets will send the draft rights to Evans to the Minnesota Timberwolves.)

• Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas, who was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 34th pick, shot 48.7% from three- point range in SEC games in 2025-26, an Arkansas conference play record. (As part of a planned trade, the Kings will send the draft rights to Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile, who was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 35th pick, joined Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 7) and Meleek Thomas (No. 34) as Razorbacks selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking the third time since the NBA Draft moved to a two-round format in 1989 that Arkansas has produced three selections in the same draft (1992, 2023 and 2026).

• Baba Miller (Spain; University of Cincinnati) was selected 36th overall by the LA Clippers, marking the first time since 2009 and second time ever that three players from Spain were selected in the same NBA Draft.

• Miller, the school’s first draft pick since Jacob Evans was selected 28th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, was the first Bearcat to lead the team in points (13.0 ppg), rebounds (10.3 rpg) and assists (3.7 apg) since Oscar Robertson in 1959-60.

• At 17 years old, Miller made his EuroLeague debut for Real Madrid, capping a youth career that began at age 12. Born in Mallorca and developed in Madrid, he won the 2020-21 EuroLeague Next Generation Tournament before averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for Real Madrid’s B team in 2021-22.

• Louisville guard Ryan Conwell, who was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 37th pick, joined Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6) to give the Cardinals multiple selections in the draft for the first time since 2015. (As part of a planned trade, the Thunder will send the draft rights to Conwell to the Miami Heat.)

• Purdue guard Braden Smith, who was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 38th pick, finished his career as the NCAA Division I all-time leader in assists (1,103) and is the only player in Division I history to record at least 1,500 career points, 1,000 assists and 500 rebounds. (As part of a planned trade, the Bulls will send the draft rights to Smith to the Indiana Pacers.)

• Jack Kayil (Germany; Alba Berlin) was selected 39th overall by the Houston Rockets , marking the first time since 2024 that two players from Germany were selected in the same NBA Draft. (As part of a planned trade, the Rockets will send the draft rights to Kayil to the New York Knicks.)

• Kayil participated in the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Global camp at NBA All-Star in Indianapolis, Indiana and the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Wroclaw, Poland, where he was named a camp All-Star.

• Kayil joined Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder this past season as one of the youngest players ever to win the German Bundesliga’s Best Young Player award, putting him in rare company. The Berlin native came up through Alba Berlin’s youth academy before signing with SC Rasta Vechta in 2023, where he won a second straight German U-19 title and took MVP honors at the final tournament.

• St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell, who was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 40th pick, joined Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23) as Red Storm selections in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking the first time since 2000 that St. John’s has had multiple players selected in the same draft.

• Duke forward Maliq Brown, who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 44th pick, was the 2025‑26 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and ACC Sixth Man of the Year in his second season at Duke.

• Houston guard Emanuel Sharp, who was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 45th pick, became the Cougars’ third pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking just the second time in the common draft era (since 1966) that Houston has produced three selections (Sharp, Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr.) in the same draft.

• Felix Okpara (Nigeria; University of Tennessee) was selected 46th overall by the Orlando Magic. Okpara earned 2025-26 SEC All-Defensive Team honors as a senior in his second season at Tennessee. He ranks second in program history in blocks per game at 1.6 and is one of four Tennessee players to record multiple 50-block seasons. (As part of a planned trade, the Magic will send the draft rights to Okpara to the Washington Wizards.)

• Tobi Lawal (UK; Virginia Tech) was selected 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Lawal did not pick up a basketball until he was 16, growing up in London and starring for the City of London Academy before crossing the Atlantic.

• Lawal started his college career at VCU, then transferred to Virginia Tech, where as a senior he averaged 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game.

• Arizona guard Jaden Bradley, who was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 50th pick, was the 2025-26 Big 12 Player of the Year (coaches) and a 2025-26 All-America Third Team selection (NABC, USBWA, Sporting News).

• South Florida forward Izaiyah Nelson, who was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 51st pick, became just the third Bulls player selected in the NBA Draft since the league moved to a two-round format in 1989, joining Solomon Jones (2006) and Dominique Jones (2010).

• Henri Veesaar (Estonia, University of North Carolina) was selected 52nd overall by the LA Clippers, marking the first time that a player from Estonia was drafted since 1996, when Martin Muursepp was selected 25th overall. Veesaar made his senior debut for the Estonian national team at age 17, suiting up against Iceland in the summer of 2021 as a product of Real Madrid’s renowned youth academy.

• Ugonna Onyenso (Nigeria; University of Virginia) was selected 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets, marking the second time that two players from Nigeria were selected in the same NBA Draft. (As part of a planned trade, the Rockets will send the draft rights to Onyenso to the Detroit Pistons.)

• Onyenso spent three years at NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, making him the third NBA Academy Africa alumnus and 15th NBA Academy alumnus overall to be drafted into the NBA. At 17 years old, Onyenso became the youngest player ever to suit up for the Nigerian senior national team. The Owerri-born center first picked up basketball after a local coach pulled him away from soccer, then attended NBA Academy Africa before relocating to Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.

• Vsevolod Ishchenko (Russia; Lokomotiv Kuban) was selected 56th overall by the Chicago Bulls, marking the second time ever that at least one player from Russia was selected in consecutive NBA Drafts (Egor Dёmin was picked eighth overall in 2025 by the Brooklyn Nets). (As part of a planned trade, the Bulls will send the draft rights to Ishchenko to the Dallas Mavericks via the Los Angeles Lakers.)

• Ishchenko made his name early in Russia’s youth basketball system, earning two VTB Youth April MVP awards while dominating the junior ranks for Lokomotiv Kuban-2, where he averaged 16.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 30.0 minutes per game as an 18-year-old.

• Narcisse Ngoy (France; Auburn University) was selected 57th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. Ngoy previously played for Chorale Roanne Basket, Rouen Metropole Basket, and Poitiers Basket 86 in France and represented France at FIBA U-20 EuroBasket 2024. (As part of a planned trade, the Hawks will send the draft rights to Ngoy to the LA Clippers.)

• Malique Lewis (Trinidad and Tobago; South East Melbourne Phoenix) was selected 60th overall by the Washington Wizards. (As part of a planned trade, the Wizards will send the draft rights to Lewis to the Milwaukee Bucks.)

• As a 16-year-old, Lewis moved to Spain to play for Fuenlabrada in the Liga ACB. He joined the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League for the 2023-24 season, where he played in 50 games before signing with the South East Melbourne Phoenix of Australia’s NBL as part of the league’s Next Stars program.

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