TL;DR

Thunder rout Wolves in West Finals; Panthers take NHL East opener; NFL to vote on “tush push.”

Highlights

• Thunder dominate Timberwolves 114-88 in West Finals Game 1; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posts 31-5-9-3; Anthony Edwards suffers ankle scare but returns 12.
• Knicks host Pacers in East Finals opener; New York holds 2-1 season edge and home-court advantage 20.
• NBA All-Rookie First Team: Castle (Rookie of the Year), Edey, Risacher, Sarr, Wells; two French players make history 16.
• Panthers beat Hurricanes 5-2 in East Finals Game 1; Bobrovsky stops 31 shots; Panthers go 2-for-3 on power play 3.
• Maple Leafs eliminated by Panthers in Game 7 (6-1); Marner and Tavares’ futures with Toronto uncertain 5.
• NFL owners to vote on Packers’ proposal to ban Eagles’ “tush push”; outcome could impact short-yardage strategy league-wide 4.
• NFL unanimously approves allowing active players to compete in 2028 Olympic flag football, pending union agreements 10.
• 49ers sign QB Brock Purdy to five-year extension; minority stake sold at $8.6B valuation 1314.
• Caitlin Clark ties WNBA record for 20-point, 10-assist games (10 in 42 games); Fever edged by Dream 91-90 6.
• Dodgers’ Yamamoto (1.86 ERA) takes no-hitter into seventh, throws seven scoreless in 1-0 win over Diamondbacks 15.
• Indy 500 sells out for first time since 2016; 350,000 expected; Team Penske under scrutiny for alleged illegal car modifications 1112.
• Guardiola threatens to leave Manchester City unless squad is trimmed; Real Madrid’s Bellingham to miss La Liga start after shoulder surgery 78.

Commentary

The NBA Conference Finals begin with the Thunder’s lopsided win over the Timberwolves, driven by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around performance and Minnesota’s 19 turnovers 1. Anthony Edwards’ ankle injury did not appear to limit him after his return, but his fourth-quarter scoreless stretch is a concern for Minnesota’s outlook and for player prop bettors 2. The Knicks-Pacers series opens with New York favored due to home-court and regular-season edge 20; fantasy managers should monitor the Knicks ’ tight rotation and Indiana’s pace.

In the NHL, the Panthers’ special teams and Sergei Bobrovsky’s 31 saves set the tone in their Game 1 win over the Hurricanes 3. Toronto’s latest Game 7 loss extends their win-or-go-home futility; the futures of Marner and Tavares could affect the Leafs’ off-season direction and fantasy draft boards 5.

NFL owners are set to vote on the “tush push” ban, a decision that could reshape short-yardage play-calling and impact Jalen Hurts’ fantasy value 4. The league’s approval for Olympic flag football participation opens new branding and player exposure avenues but is pending union sign-off 10. The 49ers’ extension for Brock Purdy locks in their QB1 and the record $8.6B valuation sets a new bar for NFL franchise values 1314.

Elsewhere, Caitlin Clark continues to break WNBA records, remaining a top fantasy and prop target despite the Fever’s loss 6. In MLB, Yamamoto’s dominance for the Dodgers cements his status as a must-start in fantasy and a strong pitcher for unders 15. The Indy 500’s sellout and Team Penske’s compliance questions add intrigue for motorsports bettors 1112. In soccer, Guardiola’s ultimatum and Bellingham’s injury will have transfer and lineup implications for the upcoming European season 78.