TL;DR

Timberwolves even series as Edwards returns; Ducks hire Quenneville; Cubs call up Cade Horton.

Highlights

• Timberwolves even series with 117-93 win over Warriors; Anthony Edwards returns from ankle injury46, Draymond Green now at five playoff technicals (two from suspension)56, Steph Curry out (hamstring)6.
• Knicks take 2-0 series lead on Celtics after another comeback; Paul Pierce completes 20-mile walk in bathrobe after Celtics’ loss15.
• Anaheim Ducks hire Joel Quenneville as head coach, drawing controversy over past Blackhawks scandal; Quenneville recently reinstated by NHL1.
• Pittsburgh Pirates fire manager Derek Shelton after 12-26 start; Don Kelly named permanent manager2.
• Chicago Cubs call up 2022 first-round pick Cade Horton, noted for his 70-grade slider11.
• Carolina Panthers release Jadeveon Clowney (clearing $7.8M cap space); RB Jonathon Brooks ruled out for 2025 (ACL); rookie pass rushers and Patrick Jones II to step up9.
• Real Madrid appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach; Trent Alexander-Arnold signing confirmed, Huijsen targeted; Ancelotti to coach Brazil3.
• Manchester United (MANU ) and Tottenham Hotspur advance to all-English Europa League final7; Real Betis to face Chelsea in Conference League final8.
• Dodgers lose 5-3 to Diamondbacks as Gabriel Moreno hits grand slam off Yamamoto (ERA doubles); Ohtani hits 11th homer10.
• Edmonton Oilers take 2-0 series lead over Golden Knights with 5-4 OT win; Pickard’s sixth straight playoff win12.
• Houston Texans sign Jayden Higgins (No. 34 pick) to first-ever fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract for a second-rounder16.
• Carlos Alcaraz wins Rome opener, remains in contention for world No. 2 ahead of Roland Garros17.
• UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena and Shevchenko vs. Fiorot official for title fights13.
• Manny Pacquiao, 46, to fight Mario Barrios for WBC welterweight title July 19 in Las Vegas14.

Commentary

NBA playoff volatility continues as the Timberwolves even their series against the Warriors, with Anthony Edwards returning after an ankle scare46 and Draymond Green nearing a technical-foul suspension56. Steph Curry’s absence due to a hamstring strain is a key variable for both bettors and DFS players as Golden State’s offensive ceiling drops6. The Knicks’ back-to-back comeback wins over Boston shift the series odds and put pressure on the Celtics’ rotation; New York’s depth is proving decisive15.

In MLB, the Pirates’ early-season managerial change to Don Kelly could affect lineup decisions and player usage—monitor for shifts in fantasy value2. The Cubs’ promotion of Cade Horton is notable for those seeking pitching upside11. The Dodgers’ loss to Arizona, with Yamamoto’s ERA doubling after a grand slam, is a reminder to track pitching volatility even among top arms; Ohtani’s power remains a steady fantasy asset10.

On the NFL front, the Panthers’ release of Clowney and the season-ending injury to rookie RB Jonathon Brooks create opportunities for new defensive contributors and signal uncertainty in Carolina’s backfield for early fantasy drafts9. Houston’s fully guaranteed deal for Jayden Higgins may set a precedent for future rookie contracts and impacts cap management league-wide16.

Soccer’s managerial and transfer market is active: Real Madrid’s hiring of Xabi Alonso and confirmed signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold signal squad continuity and targeted upgrades3. The upcoming all-English Europa League final and the Betis-Chelsea Conference League final are significant for both bettors and fantasy contests78. In combat sports, UFC 315 and Pacquiao’s July return are marquee events with title and legacy implications1314.

For the next 48 hours, focus on NBA injury/rotation news, MLB pitching matchups and call-ups, NFL roster moves, and European soccer transfer developments for actionable edges.