TL;DR

Timberwolves, Pacers advance; Ravens extend Derrick Henry; MLB reinstates Pete Rose for Hall eligibility.

Highlights

• Timberwolves eliminate Warriors 4-1; Julius Randle (29/8/5) and Anthony Edwards (22/12a/7r) lead Minnesota to second straight West Finals 1.
• Pacers oust No. 1 seed Cavaliers 4-1; Donovan Mitchell averages 34.2 PPG but Cleveland fails to win at home 8.
• NBA fines Draymond Green $50,000 for referencing 5.5-point spread and questioning officiating integrity in Game 3 4.
• Ravens extend Derrick Henry (31) for two years, $30M ($25M guaranteed); Henry had 1,921 yards, 18 TDs in 2024 2.
• Cowboys acquire WR George Pickens from Steelers for 2026/2027 draft picks, adding depth behind CeeDee Lamb 5.
• MLB reinstates Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and 15 others, making them Hall of Fame eligible and sparking debate on gambling and induction 3.
• Dodgers call up top catching prospect Dalton Rushing (.308, 5 HR, 17 RBI in AAA), DFA Austin Barnes 9.
• Real Madrid beat Mallorca 2-1 with Jacobo Ramon's 95th-minute goal; Kylian Mbappé scores 40th goal, sets debut season club record 67.
• Tottenham ’s Dejan Kulusevski undergoes right patella surgery, out for Europa League final vs. Manchester United 17.
• Edmonton Oilers ’ Stuart Skinner posts back-to-back playoff shutouts (120 minutes), Oilers advance on OT win 13.
• CFP leaders consider straight seeding for 2025-26 playoff; broad support, decision expected after June 18 18.
• Seven years post-PASPA repeal: sports betting legal in 40 states, $500B wagered nationwide 19.

Commentary

NBA playoff dynamics shifted as Minnesota dispatched Golden State 4-1, with Randle and Edwards driving the Timberwolves to consecutive Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history 1. The Pacers ’ 4-1 upset of top-seeded Cleveland , despite Donovan Mitchell’s high-volume scoring, highlights the impact of roster depth and execution under pressure—valuable context for both bettors and DFS players tracking playoff volatility 8.

Draymond Green’s $50,000 fine for referencing the betting spread underscores the league’s sensitivity to gambling integrity, a topic that remains front and center as sports betting expands—now legal in 40 states with $500 billion wagered since PASPA’s repeal 419. Bettors should remain alert to league responses to player comments and potential regulatory shifts.

NFL news centers on the Ravens locking up Derrick Henry through 2026 after a dominant 2024 campaign, reinforcing Baltimore’s run-heavy approach and Henry’s continued fantasy relevance 2. The Cowboys ’ acquisition of George Pickens adds a secondary receiving threat, which could boost Dak Prescott’s passing numbers and diversify Dallas’ offense for both fantasy and prop markets 5.

MLB ’s reinstatement of Pete Rose and others for Hall of Fame eligibility reignites debate over gambling and legacy, with possible implications for future induction standards 3. Meanwhile, the Dodgers ’ promotion of Dalton Rushing provides an immediate fantasy and DFS opportunity as LA seeks more offense behind the plate 9. In soccer, Real Madrid ’s late win and Mbappé’s record-setting debut season keep the La Liga race mathematically alive, though Barcelona remain in control 67.

Injuries and lineup changes continue to affect key matches: Tottenham lose Kulusevski for the Europa League final, while Edmonton ’s Stuart Skinner is a key DFS and betting target after back-to-back playoff shutouts 1317. The College Football Playoff’s move toward straight seeding could alter postseason betting and futures strategies; watch for updates after the June 18 meeting 18.