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Seattle Mariners Select INF/OF Weston Wilson from Triple-A Tacoma

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Seattle Mariners Select INF/OF Weston Wilson from Triple-A Tacoma

INF/OF Miles Mastrobuoni designated for assignment

SEATTLE – Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Justin Hollander announced today the following roster moves:

  • Weston Wilson (#31), INF/OF, selected from Triple-A Tacoma.
  • Miles Mastrobuoni, INF/OF, designated for assignment.

The Mariners 40-man roster remains full at 40 players.

Wilson, 31, was signed by the Mariners to a minor league contract on June 14 and has played in two games with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. The right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder appeared in 19 games with the Baltimore Orioles this season, batting .231 (9×39) with a .348 on-base percentage in 46 plate appearances.

Wilson has appeared in 4 Major League seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (2023-25) and Orioles (2026), batting .240 (61×254) with 39 runs, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 10 homers, 32 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 32 walks, with a .331 on-base percentage, .413 slugging percentage and .744 OPS. In the big leagues he has appeared at left field, first base, second base, third base, center field and right field, even making 6 pitching appearances.

The 31-year-old North Carolina native was originally selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 17th round of the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Clemson University (SC). He homered in his first career plate appearance on Aug. 9, 2023, becoming the sixth player in Phillies history to do that and the first in 25 years.

Mastrobuoni (mass-troh-BOH-nee), 30, has appeared in 84 games with the Mariners since last season: 76 games last season and 8 games this year, batting .246 (43×175) with 23 runs, 4 doubles, 1 home run, 13 RBI and 6 stolen bases with a .602 OPS.

Mastrobuoni began the season on the 10-day Injured List, and later 60-day IL, with a right calf strain. He was acquired by the Mariners from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations on Jan. 14, 2025. He has appeared in 5 Major League seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays (2022), Cubs (2023-24) and Mariners (2025-26), batting .230 (97×422) with 57 runs, 12 doubles, 2 homers, 22 RBI, 22 stolen bases and 40 walks.

MLB Game Preview: Minnesota Twins (36-40) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (38-36)

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MLB Game Preview: Minnesota Twins (36-40) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (38-36)

Venue: Chase Field — Phoenix, Arizona

First Pitch: 9:40 PM ET (6:40 PM PT)

Broadcast: Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Arizona, MLB.TV

Weather Forecast

Chase Field features a retractable roof, and with Phoenix temperatures expected to exceed 100°F, the roof will almost certainly be closed.

  • Indoor Temperature: ~72°F
  • Roof: Closed
  • Impact: Neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly; reduces HR carry and keeps breaking balls sharp.

Injury Report

Minnesota Twins

  • Carlos Correa — Probable (foot soreness)
  • Royce Lewis — OUT (hamstring strain)
  • Max Kepler — OUT (wrist fracture)
  • Jhoan Duran — OUT (elbow inflammation)
  • Byron Buxton — Questionable (knee soreness)

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Corbin Carroll — OUT (shoulder surgery)
  • Ketel Marte — Probable (quad tightness)
  • Jordan Montgomery — OUT (forearm strain)
  • Gabriel Moreno — OUT (hand fracture)
  • Christian Walker — Probable (back stiffness)

Team Records & Recent Form

Minnesota Twins (36–40)

  • Last 10: 4–6
  • Road Record: 17–21
  • Run Differential: -19
  • Trend: Pitching inconsistent; offense weakened by injuries to Lewis and Kepler.
  • Key Note: Twins are 3–9 in their last 12 road games vs teams above .500.

Arizona Diamondbacks (38–36)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Home Record: 20–17
  • Run Differential: +11
  • Trend: Pitching stabilizing; offense streaky but improving with Marte and Walker healthy.
  • Key Note: D-backs are 8–3 in their last 11 home night games.

Pitching Matchup

Minnesota — Connor Prielipp (LHP)

2026 Stats:

  • Record: 2–4
  • ERA: 4.58
  • WHIP: 1.36
  • K/BB: 52/20
  • Road ERA: 4.91

Scouting Notes:

  • Young lefty with a sharp slider and developing changeup.
  • Arizona ranks 12th vs LHP, a challenging matchup.
  • Command issues lead to elevated pitch counts and occasional big innings.
  • Vulnerable to RH power bats — Walker, Marte, and Suárez pose threats.

Arizona — Mike Soroka (RHP)

2026 Stats:

  • Record: 5–5
  • ERA: 3.71
  • WHIP: 1.22
  • K/BB: 64/17
  • Home ERA: 3.28

Scouting Notes:

  • Ground-ball specialist with elite command.
  • Twins rank 25th in MLB vs sinkers, a major advantage for Soroka.
  • Has allowed 2 ER or fewer in 6 of his last 8 starts.
  • Chase Field’s closed roof enhances his pitch movement.

Key Player Matchups

Carlos Correa (MIN) vs Soroka

  • Correa hitting .290 vs RHP in 2026.
  • Soroka’s sinker may induce weak contact, limiting extra-base potential.

Byron Buxton (MIN) vs RHP

  • If active, Buxton’s speed/power combo is a threat, but he’s hitting just .228 vs sinkers.

Christian Walker (ARI) vs Prielipp

  • Walker slugging .560 vs LHP this season.
  • Prielipp’s slider must stay down to avoid damage.

Ketel Marte (ARI) vs LHP

  • Marte hitting .315 vs lefties, one of MLB’s best splits.
  • Ideal matchup vs Prielipp’s fastball/slider mix.

Series History

  • Last 10 meetings: Diamondbacks lead 6–4
  • At Chase Field: Diamondbacks lead 5–2 since 2017
  • Recent Trend: 4 of last 6 matchups have gone OVER the total.

Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins

  • 3–9 in last 12 road games vs winning teams
  • Under is 7–3 in their last 10
  • Twins 1–4 in Prielipp’s last 5 starts

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • 8–3 in last 11 home night games
  • Under is 6–2 in their last 8 at home
  • D-backs 6–2 in Soroka’s last 8 starts

GAME ODDS

Minnesota Twins                             8.5

Arizona Diamondbacks                 – 170

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

Texas Rangers Select OF Jarred Kelenic From Triple-A Round Rock, Option INF Josh Smith To Triple-A Round Rock

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Texas Rangers Select OF Jarred Kelenic From Triple-A Round Rock, Option INF Josh Smith To Triple-A Round Rock

INF/OF Michael Helman transferred to 60-day Injured List

Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers today announced the following transactions prior to tonight’s series opener against the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field.

  • Outfielder Jarred Kelenic (#25) contract selected from Triple-A Round Rock
  • Infielder Josh Smith optioned to Triple-A Round Rock
  • Infielder/outfielder Michael Helman transferred to 60-day Injured List

The 26-year-old Kelenic (pronounced ‘KELL-nick’) slashed .340/.431/.620/1.051 (17-50) with 3 home runs, one triple, 3 doubles, 11 RBI, and 8 walks in 13 games with Triple-A Round Rock since signing a minor league contract with Texas on June 2. The left-handed-hitting outfielder reached safely in 11 of 12 games with a plate appearance for the Express and produced an RBI in 10 of 12 contests, while making defensive appearances in centerfield (10 games/starts) and leftfield (one game/start). Kelenic is making his second appearance on an active Major League roster this year, as he batted .226 (12-53) with one home run and 4 RBI in 19 games with Chicago-AL from April 29 to May 24. He was a non-roster invitee to White Sox Major League Spring Training camp in 2026, posting a .632 OPS in 14 Cactus League games before beginning the season at Triple-A Charlotte.

Originally selected in the first round (6th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft by New York-NL out of Waukesha West (Wis.) High School, Kelenic made his Major League debut with Seattle on May 13, 2021 vs. Cleveland. He has seen big-league action in each of the last six years, batting .211/.283/.374/.656 with 50 home runs, 6 triples, 65 doubles, 160 RBI, and 31 stolen bases in 426 games for the Mariners (2021-23), Braves (2024-25), and White Sox (2026). Kelenic recorded career highs in games played (131), hits (95), and home runs (15) in 2024 with Atlanta and has seen action at all three outfield spots in the Majors, primarily in leftfield (172 games) and centerfield (159 games).

Smith, 28, has batted .218 (22-101) with 3 doubles and 6 RBI across 34 games for Texas this season, including 2-for-9 (.222) in three games since he was activated from the 10-day Injured List on Monday. All 28 of his defensive starts have come at second base, while also appearing at third base (one game) and designated hitter (2 games). The infielder has converted 96 of his 98 total chances for a .980 fielding percentage.

Helman, 30, was placed on the 10-day Injured List on Sunday with a right finger fracture after he was struck by a 99.5-fastball from Boston’s Tyron Guerrero on Saturday at Fenway Park. The utility player has appeared in 15 games for Texas this year, batting .167 (5-30) with one home run and 2 RBI.

With today’s transactions, the Rangers remain at the 40-man limit on the club’s Major League roster, along with five players on the 60-day Injured List (RHP Carter Baumler, LHP’s Cody Bradford, Robert Garcia, and Jordan Montgomery, and INF/OF Michael Helman).

CFL Game Preview: British Columbia Lions (0-1-0) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1-0)

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CFL Game Preview: British Columbia Lions (0-1-0) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1-0)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Tim Hortons Field — Hamilton, Ontario

Capacity: 23,218

Surface: Artificial Turf

Weather Forecast — Hamilton, ON

Temperature: 69–72°F at kickoff

Humidity: 60–65%

Wind: 10–14 mph WNW (cross‑field gusts may affect deep throws)

Conditions: Partly cloudy, low chance of light showers

Impact: Slight wind advantage for teams throwing with the breeze; otherwise neutral

Injury Report

BC Lions

Vernon Adams Jr. (QB): Probable — shoulder tightness

Alexander Hollins (WR): Questionable — hamstring strain

Taquan Mizzell (RB): Fully available

Bo Lokombo (LB): Probable — ankle soreness

Sione Teuhema (DE): Out — knee injury

Hamilton Tiger‑Cats

Bo Levi Mitchell (QB): Probable — rib soreness

Tim White (WR): Questionable — groin tightness

James Butler (RB): Fully available

Casey Sayles (DL): Out — foot injury

Chris Edwards (DB): Probable — shoulder

Hamilton’s defensive line depth is thin without Sayles, while BC’s pass rush takes a hit with Teuhema out.

Team Records & Recent Form

BC Lions (0‑1‑0)

Week 1 Result: Lost 27–20 to Calgary

Offensive Notes:

Adams Jr. threw for 280+ yards but struggled under pressure

Run game inconsistent; Mizzell averaged under 4 YPC

Defensive Notes:

Secondary allowed multiple explosive plays

Pass rush lacked finishing without Teuhema

Hamilton Tiger‑Cats (1‑1)

Week 1: Lost 31–17 to Montreal

Week 2: Won 24–21 vs Ottawa

Offensive Notes:

Mitchell improving but still turnover‑prone

Butler providing strong balance in the run game

Defensive Notes:

Secondary has been solid; front seven inconsistent

Struggles generating pressure without Sayles

Series History

2023–2025 Combined: BC leads 4–2

Last Meeting: BC 30–13 (2025)

Trend: BC has won three straight vs Hamilton, all by 10+ points

At Tim Hortons Field: BC has won 2 of last 3

Key Player Matchups

1. Vernon Adams Jr. (BC) vs Hamilton Secondary

Adams’ mobility vs Hamilton’s disciplined zone coverage

If Adams extends plays, BC gains a major edge

2. James Butler (HAM) vs BC Front Seven

Butler’s physical running style can exploit BC’s inconsistent gap discipline

BC must limit early‑down success to force Mitchell into long passing downs

3. Alexander Hollins (BC) vs Richard Leonard (HAM)

Hollins’ route precision vs Leonard’s veteran instincts

If Hollins is limited or out, BC’s vertical threat diminishes

4. Bo Levi Mitchell (HAM) vs BC Pressure

Mitchell struggles under interior pressure

BC must manufacture pressure without Teuhema

Betting Trends

BC Lions

5–2 ATS in last 7 road games

Under has hit in 4 of last 6

6–1 when Adams Jr. throws 2+ TDs

Hamilton Tiger‑Cats

3–7 ATS in last 10 home games

Over has hit in 5 of last 7

1–4 in last 5 vs West Division opponents

Head‑to‑Head Trends

BC has covered 4 of last 5

Last 3 meetings averaged 51.3 points

BC has scored 27+ in three straight vs Hamilton

GAME ODDS

British Columbia Lions                   57.5

Hamilton Tiger-Cats                       – 2.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Turkey vs. Paraguay

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2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Turkey vs. Paraguay

Kickoff: 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, Missouri

Surface: Natural Grass (World Cup temporary surface)

Capacity: 76,000

Weather Forecast — Kansas City, MO

Temperature: 84–87°F at kickoff

Humidity: 55–60%

Wind: 10–14 mph SSW (slight impact on long balls)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, low chance of showers

Impact: Warm but manageable; slight wind advantage for teams playing with the breeze in the first half

Injury Report

Turkey

Hakan Çalhanoğlu (CM): Probable — minor hip tightness

Merih Demiral (CB): Out — knee injury

Cengiz Ünder (RW): Questionable — ankle sprain

Enes Ünal (ST): Fully fit

Paraguay

Miguel Almirón (RW/AM): Probable — recovering from thigh strain

Gustavo Gómez (CB): Probable — shoulder soreness

Óscar Romero (AM): Out — hamstring tear

Carlos Coronel (GK): Fully fit

Team Records & Recent Form

Turkey

2026 Record: 4–3–1

Last 5 Matches: W–L–D–W–L

Goals For/Against: 10 GF / 8 GA

Form Notes:

Strong midfield control when Çalhanoğlu plays

Defensive inconsistency without Demiral

Effective in transition but vulnerable to pace on counters

Paraguay

2026 Record: 3–3–2

Last 5 Matches: D–W–L–D–W

Goals For/Against: 7 GF / 6 GA

Form Notes:

Compact defensive structure

Relies heavily on Almirón’s creativity

Low‑scoring, grind‑it‑out match style

Series History

All‑Time Meetings: First competitive meeting

Friendly History: Turkey leads 1–0 (Turkey 2–1 Paraguay, 2014 friendly)

Trend: Minimal historical data; stylistic contrast is the key storyline

Key Tactical & Player Matchups

1. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (TUR) vs Mathías Villasanti (PAR)

Çalhanoğlu’s distribution vs Villasanti’s ball‑winning

Paraguay must limit Turkey’s tempo control

2. Enes Ünal (TUR) vs Gustavo Gómez (PAR)

Ünal’s physicality vs Gómez’s elite positioning

Critical duel for aerial balls and hold‑up play

3. Ferdi Kadıoğlu (TUR) vs Miguel Almirón (PAR)

Kadıoğlu’s attacking fullback role leaves space behind

Almirón’s pace makes this Paraguay’s best counterattacking lane

4. Turkey’s High Press vs Paraguay’s Build‑Up

Turkey presses aggressively in midfield

Paraguay prefers long diagonals to bypass pressure

Betting Trends

Turkey has hit Under 2.5 in 6 of last 8 matches

Paraguay has scored 1 or fewer goals in 8 of last 10

Turkey has scored first in 5 of last 7 wins

Paraguay has covered the spread in 4 of last 6 as an underdog

Both teams have combined for Under 2.5 in 7 of their last 10 total matches

MATCH ODDS

Turkey                                  + 110

Paraguay                             + 280

Draw                                     + 235

Over 2.5 + 105                  Under 2.5 – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Brazil vs. Haiti

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2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Brazil vs. Haiti

Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT

Venue: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia

Surface: Natural Grass (World Cup temporary surface)

Capacity: 71,000

Weather Forecast — Atlanta, GA

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is fully enclosed; climate‑controlled conditions expected.

Temperature: 88–91°F outside; ~72°F inside

Humidity: 60–65%

Wind: 5–10 mph (irrelevant indoors)

Conditions: Clear skies outside; match played in controlled indoor environment

Impact: Perfect conditions for high‑tempo attacking football

Injury Report

Brazil

Vinícius Júnior (LW): Probable — minor ankle soreness

Casemiro (DM): Out — knee ligament issue

Éder Militão (CB): Probable — load management

Gabriel Jesus (ST): Fully fit

Haiti

Duckens Nazon (ST): Questionable — hamstring tightness

Derrick Étienne Jr. (LW): Probable — recovering from illness

Carlens Arcus (RB): Out — calf injury

Josué Duverger (GK): Fully fit

Team Records & Recent Form

Brazil

2026 Record: 6–1–1

Last 5 Matches: W–W–D–W–W

Goals For/Against: 17 GF / 5 GA

Form Notes:

Elite attacking form with fluid front three

Defensive stability improving with Militão’s return

High possession, high press, heavy chance creation

Haiti

2026 Record: 2–4–2

Last 5 Matches: L–D–W–L–D

Goals For/Against: 6 GF / 11 GA

Form Notes:

Organized but limited in possession

Relies heavily on counterattacks and individual moments

Defensive lapses against top‑tier opponents

Series History

All‑Time Meetings: Brazil leads 2–0–0

Most Recent Match: Brazil 7–1 Haiti (Copa América Centenario, 2016)

Trend: Brazil’s pace and technical superiority have historically overwhelmed Haiti

Key Tactical & Player Matchups

1. Vinícius Júnior (BRA) vs Stéphane Lambèse (HAI)

Vini’s pace and dribbling create a massive mismatch

Haiti must provide double coverage to avoid isolation

2. Bruno Guimarães (BRA) vs Bryan Alcéus (HAI)

Guimarães’ distribution vs Alcéus’ ball‑winning

Haiti’s midfield will struggle to maintain shape under pressure

3. Rodrygo (BRA) vs Ricardo Adé (HAI)

Rodrygo’s movement between lines will test Haiti’s defensive discipline

Adé must play a near‑perfect positional game

4. Haiti’s Counterattack vs Brazil’s High Line

Haiti’s best chance is exploiting space behind Brazil’s fullbacks

Brazil’s recovery speed (Danilo, Militão) reduces risk but not entirely

Betting Trends

Brazil has scored 3+ goals in 4 of last 6 matches

Haiti has conceded 2+ goals in 5 of last 7 vs Top‑20 FIFA teams

Brazil matches have hit Over 3.5 in 3 of last 5

Haiti has failed to score in 3 of last 4 losses

Brazil has covered -2.5 in 3 straight World Cup group matches

MATCH ODDS

Brazil                                     – 1000

Haiti                                      + 2200

Draw                                     + 1000

Over 3.5 – 120                   Under 3.5 + 100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Scotland vs. Morocco

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2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Scotland vs. Morocco

Kickoff: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT

Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas

Surface: Natural Grass (World Cup temporary surface)

Capacity: 72,000

Weather Forecast — Houston, TX

NRG Stadium has a retractable roof; FIFA typically closes it in extreme heat.

Temperature: 92–95°F outside; ~72°F climate‑controlled inside

Humidity: 65–70%

Wind: 8–12 mph (irrelevant with roof closed)

Conditions: Hot and humid outdoors; match expected to be played under closed‑roof conditions

Impact: Neutral conditions; favors neither side

Injury Report

Scotland

Andrew Robertson (LB): Probable — minor quad tightness

Kieran Tierney (CB/LB): Out — hamstring injury

Scott McTominay (CM): Probable — recovering from illness

Che Adams (ST): Fully fit

Morocco

Achraf Hakimi (RB): Probable — knee soreness but expected to start

Noussair Mazraoui (LB/RB): Questionable — calf strain

Sofyan Amrabat (DM): Fully fit

Youssef En‑Nesyri (ST): Fully fit

Team Records & Recent Form

Scotland

2026 Record: 3–4–1

Last 5 Matches: L–D–W–L–D

Goals For/Against: 7 GF / 10 GA

Form Notes:

Defensive inconsistency without Tierney

Reliance on set pieces and McTominay’s late runs

Struggles against high‑pressing teams

Morocco

2026 Record: 5–2–1

Last 5 Matches: W–W–D–L–W

Goals For/Against: 12 GF / 5 GA

Form Notes:

Elite defensive structure

Strong counter‑attacking identity

Excellent wide play through Hakimi and Ziyech

Series History

All‑Time Meetings: Morocco leads 1–0–1

Most Recent Match: Morocco 1–0 Scotland (2018 friendly)

Competitive Meetings: None

Trend: Morocco’s athleticism and width have historically troubled Scotland’s compact shape

Key Tactical & Player Matchups

1. John McGinn (SCO) vs Sofyan Amrabat (MAR)

McGinn’s physicality vs Amrabat’s elite ball‑winning

Whoever controls this duel dictates midfield tempo

2. Andrew Robertson (SCO) vs Hakim Ziyech (MAR)

Robertson’s overlapping runs vs Ziyech’s inverted playmaking

High‑leverage matchup on the left flank

3. Che Adams (SCO) vs Romain Saïss (MAR)

Adams’ hold‑up play vs Saïss’ positional discipline

Scotland needs Adams to create space for midfield runners

4. Morocco’s Right Side (Hakimi + Ziyech) vs Scotland’s Left Channel

Morocco’s strongest attacking lane

Scotland must avoid 2‑on‑1 overloads

Betting Trends

Scotland has scored 1 or fewer goals in 7 of last 9 competitive matches

Morocco has conceded 2+ goals only once in their last 12 matches

Morocco matches hit Under 2.5 in 8 of last 10

Scotland has failed to score in 3 of last 5 vs Top‑30 FIFA teams

Morocco has won 4 of last 5 matches vs European opponents

MATCH ODDS

Scotland                              + 425

Morocco                              – 135

Draw                                     + 260

Over 2.5 + 125                  Under 2.5 – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: United States vs Australia

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2026 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: United States vs Australia

Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

Venue: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California

Surface: Natural Grass

Capacity: 68,500

Weather Forecast – Santa Clara, CA

Temperature: 71–74°F at kickoff

Humidity: 55–60%

Wind: 6–9 mph WNW (minimal effect on long balls)

Conditions: Clear skies, excellent pitch conditions

Impact: Ideal attacking weather; no meaningful weather‑driven handicap

Injury Report

United States

Tyler Adams (DM): Probable – minor groin tightness, expected to start

Sergiño Dest (RB): Out – ACL injury suffered in club play

Tim Weah (RW): Questionable – ankle sprain, late fitness test

Matt Turner (GK): Fully fit and expected to start

Australia

Mathew Ryan (GK): Probable – shoulder soreness

Ajdin Hrustic (MF): Out – long‑term ankle injury

Harry Souttar (CB): Probable – knee management but expected to play

Craig Goodwin (LW): Questionable – hamstring tightness

Team Records & Recent Form

United States

2026 Record (all competitions): 4–2–2

Last 5 Matches: W–D–L–W–D

Goals For/Against: 11 GF / 7 GA

Form Notes:

Strong defensive structure when Adams plays

Struggling to finish chances despite high xG

Home‑soil advantage has been significant (unbeaten in last 7 on U.S. soil)

Australia

2026 Record (all competitions): 3–3–2

Last 5 Matches: L–W–D–W–L

Goals For/Against: 8 GF / 9 GA

Form Notes:

Physical, compact, counter‑attacking identity

Defensive lapses late in matches

Struggles against teams with pace on the wings

Series History

All‑Time Meetings: United States leads 3–1–1

Most Recent Match: USA 2–1 Australia (2022 friendly)

Competitive Meetings: Only one prior World Cup meeting (USA 1–0 in 2010)

Trend: USA typically controls possession; Australia relies on set pieces and counters

Tactical & Player Matchups to Watch

1. Christian Pulisic (USA) vs Nathaniel Atkinson (AUS)

Pulisic’s acceleration and 1v1 ability are a major mismatch

Australia often leaves fullbacks isolated—dangerous here

2. Folarin Balogun (USA) vs Harry Souttar (AUS)

Balogun’s movement behind the line vs Souttar’s aerial dominance

Key battle in the box; USA will test Souttar with diagonal runs

3. Yunus Musah & Tyler Adams (USA) vs Jackson Irvine (AUS)

USA’s double‑pivot should control tempo

Irvine’s physicality is Australia’s best chance to disrupt rhythm

4. Australia’s Set Pieces vs USA’s Zonal Marking

Australia is elite on corners and long free kicks

USA has shown vulnerability on second‑ball situations

Betting Trends

USA has hit Under 2.5 in 6 of last 8 competitive matches

Australia has conceded first in 5 of last 7

USA has scored 2+ goals in 5 straight matches on home soil

Australia has lost 4 of last 5 vs Top‑25 FIFA teams

USA has covered the spread in 4 of last 6 World Cup group matches

MATCH ODDS

United States                    – 165

Australia                              + 425

Draw                                     + 330

Over 2.5 – 110                   Under 2.5 – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

WNBA Game Preview: Minnesota Lynx (12-3) vs. Golden State Valkyries (10-5)

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WNBA Game Preview: Minnesota Lynx (12-3) vs. Golden State Valkyries (10-5)

Tip‑Off: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Venue: Chase Center — San Francisco, California

Capacity: 18,064

Court Type: Hardwood

Injury Report

Minnesota Lynx

Napheesa Collier (F): Probable — minor knee soreness, expected to play

Kayla McBride (G): Fully available

Alanna Smith (F/C): Probable — ankle management

Courtney Williams (G): Questionable — hamstring tightness

Diamond Miller (G/F): Fully available

Golden State Valkyries

Kelsey Plum (G): Probable — wrist soreness

Chelsea Gray (PG): Out — foot injury, multi‑week absence

A’ja Wilson (F/C): Fully available

Jackie Young (G/F): Fully available

Li Yueru (C): Questionable — illness

Golden State’s backcourt depth remains thin without Gray, placing more creation responsibility on Young and Plum.

Team Records & Recent Form

Minnesota Lynx (12–3)

Last 5 Games: W–W–L–W–W

Offensive Rating: Top 4 in the league

Defensive Rating: Top 3; elite rim protection and perimeter discipline

Form Notes:

Minnesota is playing its best basketball of the season

Collier is in MVP‑caliber form

Lynx have won 5 of their last 6 road games

Golden State Valkyries (10–5)

Last 5 Games: W–L–W–W–L

Offensive Rating: Top 5; heavy reliance on Wilson + Young

Defensive Rating: Middle tier; vulnerable in transition

Form Notes:

Valkyries are elite at home (6–2 at Chase Center)

Wilson continues to dominate both ends

Backcourt creation suffers without Gray

Series History

2026 Season Series: Minnesota leads 1–0

Lynx 87–79 on June 4 in Minneapolis

All‑Time Series: Minnesota leads 2–0 (Valkyries expansion franchise)

Trend: Minnesota’s physicality and defensive structure have matched up well with Golden State’s pace‑and‑space offense

Key Player Matchups

1. Napheesa Collier (MIN) vs A’ja Wilson (GSV)

Two MVP candidates

Collier’s versatility vs Wilson’s dominance in the paint

Whoever wins this matchup likely swings the game

2. Kayla McBride (MIN) vs Jackie Young (GSV)

McBride’s shooting vs Young’s two‑way impact

Young must limit McBride’s catch‑and‑shoot looks

3. Diamond Miller (MIN) vs Kelsey Plum (GSV)

Miller’s length vs Plum’s scoring burst

Minnesota will try to force Plum into contested mid‑range shots

4. Minnesota Defense vs Golden State Pace

Lynx excel at forcing late‑clock possessions

Valkyries need early‑clock scoring to avoid Minnesota’s set defense

Betting Trends

Minnesota Lynx

5–1 ATS in last 6

Under has hit in 4 of last 6

6–2 on the road this season

7–1 when holding opponents under 80

Golden State Valkyries

4–2 ATS in last 6 home games

Over has hit in 5 of last 7

8–1 when scoring 85+ points

1–3 without Chelsea Gray

Head‑to‑Head Trends

Minnesota has won both all‑time meetings

Both matchups have gone Under

Average combined score: 160.0

GAME ODDS

Minnesota Lynx                                – 2.5

Golden State Valkyries                  166.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (6-7) vs. New York Liberty (11-4)

WNBA Editor
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WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (6-7) vs. New York Liberty (11-4)

Tip‑Off: 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Barclays Center — Brooklyn, New York

Capacity: 17,732

Court Type: Hardwood

Injury Report

Washington Mystics

Shakira Austin (C): Out — hip injury, multi‑week absence

Ariel Atkins (G): Probable — ankle soreness

Julie Vanloo (PG): Fully available

Brittney Sykes (G/F): Questionable — knee inflammation

Myisha Hines‑Allen (F): Fully available

New York Liberty

Breanna Stewart (F): Probable — load management, expected to play

Sabrina Ionescu (G): Fully available

Jonquel Jones (C): Probable — minor foot soreness

Betnijah Laney‑Hamilton (G/F): Fully available

Courtney Vandersloot (PG): Questionable — illness

New York remains mostly intact, while Washington continues to navigate frontcourt instability without Austin.

Team Records & Recent Form

Washington Mystics (6–7)

Last 5 Games: W–L–W–L–W

Offensive Rating: Improving, especially in half‑court spacing

Defensive Rating: Middle tier; perimeter defense inconsistent

Form Notes:

Mystics are streaky but competitive

Guard play has carried them, especially Atkins + Vanloo

Interior defense weakened without Austin

New York Liberty (11–4)

Last 5 Games: W–W–L–W–W

Offensive Rating: Top 3 in the league

Defensive Rating: Top 5; elite rim protection with Jones + Stewart

Form Notes:

Liberty are rolling at home (6–1 at Barclays)

Ionescu shooting at elite efficiency

Stewart rounding into MVP‑level form

Series History

2025 Season Series: Liberty swept 3–0

2026 Season Series: Liberty lead 1–0 (NYL 89–78 on June 14)

Trend: Liberty have won six straight vs Washington

Margin of Victory (last 3): +11.3 PPG for New York

Key Player Matchups

1. Ariel Atkins (WAS) vs Sabrina Ionescu (NYL)

Atkins’ defensive pressure vs Ionescu’s elite shot creation

If Atkins slows Ionescu, Washington stays competitive

2. Myisha Hines‑Allen (WAS) vs Breanna Stewart (NYL)

Hines‑Allen’s physicality vs Stewart’s all‑around scoring

Stewart’s length creates a major matchup advantage

3. Stefanie Dolson (WAS) vs Jonquel Jones (NYL)

Dolson’s floor spacing vs Jones’ rim protection

Jones’ rebounding edge is significant

4. Washington Backcourt vs New York Switching Defense

Mystics rely heavily on guard scoring

Liberty’s switching schemes often force Washington into late‑clock shots

Betting Trends

Washington Mystics

4–2 ATS in last 6

Under has hit in 4 of last 6

1–5 in last 6 road games vs winning teams

New York Liberty

5–1 at home this season

Over has hit in 4 of last 5

6–0 straight up in last six vs Washington

Head‑to‑Head Trends

Liberty have covered 5 of last 6

Last 3 meetings have gone Over

Average combined score last 3: 171.7

GAME ODDS

Washington Mystics                       168.5

New York Liberty                             – 11.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

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