TL;DR

Pacers, Thunder each lead NBA Finals 3-1; Harper avoids major injury; Oilers up 3-1 in NHL.

Highlights

• Tyrese Haliburton posts 32-12-15 triple-double (0 turnovers) as Pacers go up 3-1 on Knicks in East Finals 1.
• Thunder take 3-1 West Finals lead over Timberwolves behind SGA’s 40 points; OKC now -400 NBA title favorites 2.
• Edmonton Oilers beat Stars 4-1, lead West Finals 3-1; Nugent-Hopkins sets conference finals multi-point streak record, Hyman injured 6.
• Phillies’ Bryce Harper exits after HBP to surgically repaired elbow (X-rays negative); Phillies beat Braves, extend NL East lead 3.
• Suns may trade Kevin Durant; Spurs (No. 2 and 14 picks) had mutual interest at deadline; Durant signed through 2025-26 17.
• LeBron James expected to opt into $52.6M Lakers player option for 2025-26 20.
• Russell Westbrook undergoes hand surgery; $3.5M player option with Nuggets for 2025-26 7.
• Angel Reese fastest in WNBA history to 500 points/500 rebounds (38 games), surpasses Tina Charles 13.
• Arsenal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51M, pending medical 15.
• Projected NBA first-rounder Yaxel Lendeborg withdraws from draft, transfers to Michigan with $3M NIL deal 12.
• PGA Tour Championship returns to 72-hole stroke play in 2025; winner takes $25M FedExCup 8.
• IOC maintains ban on Russian/Belarusian ice hockey teams for 2026 Olympics 9.
• SEC spring meetings: 16-team CFP, rivalry scheduling, and January transfer portal window discussed; no immediate votes 11.

Commentary

NBA Conference Finals momentum is with the Pacers and Thunder, both up 3-1 in their series. Haliburton’s turnover-free triple-double was a historic efficiency marker 1, while SGA’s 40-point outing solidifies Oklahoma City as the betting favorite for the title 2. DFS and prop bettors should expect heavy usage for both stars and monitor potential lineup adjustments as the Knicks and Timberwolves face elimination 12. The Durant trade rumor cycle is active again, with the Spurs’ draft capital making them a logical suitor if Phoenix moves on 17.

In MLB, Bryce Harper’s negative X-ray is a relief for the Phillies, who maintain a firm grip on the NL East 3. Daily fantasy and betting players should watch Harper’s status for any missed time, but Philadelphia’s pitching and depth remain reliable 3. In the NHL, Edmonton’s power play and Nugent-Hopkins’ production have the Oilers on the brink of the Stanley Cup Final, though Zach Hyman’s injury status is a key variable for game-to-game projections as the series returns to Dallas 6.

On the personnel front, LeBron James is expected to remain with the Lakers , and Russell Westbrook’s hand surgery puts his Nuggets future in question 207. Angel Reese continues to be a high-floor fantasy asset after breaking the WNBA’s 500/500 milestone in record time 13. In soccer, Arsenal’s move for Zubimendi addresses midfield needs 15, while Michigan basketball’s addition of Yaxel Lendeborg (with a $3M NIL deal) shifts the college hoops landscape 12.

Elsewhere, the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship format change simplifies betting and fantasy strategies 8, and the SEC’s ongoing playoff and transfer portal discussions could impact future college football roster construction and postseason access 11. The IOC’s continued Olympic ban for Russian and Belarusian hockey teams will affect international player pools 9.