It was a fairly solid weekend of NBA Playoff picks for the readers. We were able to get an easy win on the Magic team total over in Game 3 of their series against Detroit (Game 4 takes place tonight). We were also able to cash a ticket on the Thunder covering a fairly large number on the road against the Suns. Yesterday, the Cavs were in control until they did the typical Cleveland thing and blew the game late. It is almost as if every Cleveland sports team has decided to make the playoffs as unreliable as possible. Today, we go for a victory with the Timberwolves and the Nuggets taking each other on in Game 5.

This has been a bit of a chippy series, but it almost feels like that is precisely what the Timberwolves wanted. Minnesota has been the team calling out Denver about its defense, and they are happily accepting any sort of confrontation. Any team with Anthony Edwards on it will have some swagger, but this almost feels like the T-Wolves are being disrespectful to this challenger. I suppose it is working, considering the team is up 3-1 in the series.

Denver Nuggets PG Jamal Murray drives to the paint on Minnesota Timberwolves SG Anthony Edwards in Game 3 in the first round of the 2026 Western Conference Playoffs. (Abbie Parr/AP)

However, there is a major cause for concern. The Timberwolves took a big hit last game, and I’m not talking about the shoving between Jaden McDaniels and Nikola Jokic. Their sharpshooter, Dante DiVincenzo, who was cited as a major reason they won Game 2, was lost for the season (and probably next season) after he tore his Achilles. Significantly worse, the Timberwolves also lost Edwards for a few weeks after he hyperextended his knee. If Minnesota is going to get one more game in this series to close it out, they need to do it without Edwards.

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards shoots over Denver Nuggets PG Jamal Murray in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Target Center in Minneapolis. (Abbie Parr/AP)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Nuggets do not look like the one-time champion that you’d expect. They are proving the Timberwolves correct in the assessment that their defense is trash. In three consecutive games, they’ve allowed over 112 points to their opponent, which is about the season average. They also only scored 96 points in both of the games in Minnesota. Rudy Gobert, the much-maligned center for the Timberwolves, is doing a great job of limiting Jokic’s success. We will have to see if Jokic can figure out Rudy’s defensive efforts.

Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 3 pick hinges on Jaden McDaniels calling out Denver’s entire defense

Aaron Gordon has returned for Denver, but it does seem like he is still struggling. He only played 23 minutes and put in just nine points on 11 field goal attempts. Overall, the team shot just 21% from deep in this game. I have to imagine that improves. The team shot almost 40% from deep in the regular season, but they are shooting 28% overall in the series. That’s still better than what they showed in Game 4.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reacts in overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 25, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)

A lot of the story in Game 4 was about the ending. It is a stupid narrative, but it pops up every now and then. The game was essentially over — the Timberwolves had the ball with seconds remaining, tossed it down court, and rather than dribble it out, McDaniels went in for a layup. Jokic took exception to it, and there was some minor shoving. No one ended up getting suspended, but there were some fines.

Missed in that was the impressive game from Ayo Dosunmu of the Timberwolves. He was acquired at the trade deadline from the Bulls and gave Minnesota a career performance. Dosunmo scored 43 points in that game, but I wouldn’t expect that success to continue. He is listed at 19.5 points tonight, and I like the under. He is still a bit of a role player, and even though he will have an increased role, there won’t be home court or an element of surprise. Julius Randle will need to take over the bulk of the scoring duties, and I think he is more likely to go over 21.5 points. I’ll play both of these options tonight as Denver looks to extend the series.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 

As Deakin journeys to Adelaide for a pending Stakes race, trainer Phillip Stokes intends to apply a technique that proved fruitful for Lindsay Park.

On May 9, the gelding begins his two-race winter series in the Group 3 The Cummings Stakes (1600m), a move Stokes expects to build a strong foundation for the spring.

Formerly the R A Lee Stakes, the Bart Cummings was the go-to race for Colin Hayes and David Hayes to debut imported stayers before a rest period targeting spring targets.

Hong Kong trainer David Hall followed suit, as did Lloyd Williams for his Melbourne Cup preparations.

Deakin has been inactive since his eighth in last season’s Caulfield Cup, barred from the Melbourne Cup by Racing Victoria veterinary measures.

He trialled 1500m at Caulfield Heath last Thursday, readying for next Saturday week’s race before the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on May 30.

“He’s been away six months and an operation to put screws in his fetlocks,” Stokes said.

“That was his second jump-out and he’ll go to Adelaide on the ninth of May and go around in the Bart Cummings over a mile which will be a good starting point for him.

“It will only be a two-run prep and then he’ll head up to Sydney to run in the Lord Mayor’s Cup and then he’ll have a little break and get him ready for the spring.

“All things being equal and if we’re happy with him, we’ll put him on a Caulfield Cup path once again, not Melbourne Cup.”

Stokes refuses to risk Deakin for the Melbourne Cup under Racing Victoria’s vet rules after last year’s disagreement.

“They said he had some changes in his fetlocks,” Stokes said.

“We couldn’t get a reaction out of him, but that’s what they said, so we had to follow protocol, and we’ve done everything they told us to do, but it set us back a long way.

“They told us to put screws in him and when international horses want to come here with screws in them, they’re not allowed to run.

“My vet and I didn’t agree with them, and we thought he was going better than ever.

“I had a horse, Daqiansweet Junior, and he wasn’t sound, but he was OK to run.

“He ran well in the Caulfield Cup last year and didn’t have a great run in it, but I’m not convinced he’s a two-miler anyway.”

Following Sydney, light work and paddock rest await Deakin, Stokes noted.

“I didn’t want him having almost a year off, it takes them too long to come back,” Stokes said.

“I remember Jeune ran in this race, Beldale Ball, Water Boatman and when I first started training, Lloyd Williams used to bring his horses over, give them one run, and then start again.

“It’s a nice track to give him his start for his spring campaign.”

Visit trusted betting sites to check betting markets for the race in The Cummings Stakes.

The 2027 NFL Draft is officially on the clock, and it has the potential to be a big one. High-profile names like Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith and Dante Moore will be household names from the start for NFL Draftniks, but if this year is any indication, many more are coming in the pipeline. 

One year ago, Fernando Mendoza was a relative no-name after transferring from California. He later became the No. 1 pick in the draft. The same is true of Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who were solid players but ascended to the top of the draft after fantastic seasons. 

With that in mind, we looked at a few players with major breakout ability that could find themselves in high draft conversations next year. Some were transfers who landed in perfect spots to thrive. Others step into featured roles where their talents should shine. 

SEC poised to dominate 2027 NFL Draft: Arch Manning leads wave of stars ready to break league’s Round 1 record

Brad Crawford

Advertisement

Here are 10 under-the-radar players with the potential to play themselves towards the top of the 2027 NFL Draft. 

WR Charlie Becker, Indiana

2025 stats: 34 catches for 679 yards, 4 TDs

Becker rose to prominence during Indiana’s run to the national title, but there’s reason to believe that he could be one of the nation’s best in 2026. Despite receiving only 11.9% of the Hoosiers’ targets, Becker posted 679 yards and four touchdowns thanks to an absurd 20.0 yards per reception, the best mark in the Big Ten. If he can come close to replicating those numbers with a higher target share, the 6-foot-4 Becker could emerge as a legitimate alpha receiver and can’t-miss prospect in the ’27 draft. 

TE Terrance Carter, Texas Tech

2025 stats: 55 catches for 624 yards, 5 TDs

Texas Tech has potential NFL Draft picks all over the field, but don’t discount the rising star Carter. The Killeen, Texas, native has posted more than 600 yards receiving each of the past two seasons while also playing a key role as an in-line blocker. His 6-foot-2 frame is a little undersized, but Carter’s versatility and blocking ability will make him one of the nation’s best on a likely College Football Playoff team. 

QB Jaden Craig, TCU

2025 stats: 61.5% completion, 2869 yards, 25 TDs, 7 INTs (at Harvard)

Several quarterbacks could break onto the scene in Mendoza fashion, including Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker and Indiana’s Josh Hoover. However, Hoover’s replacement is one of the most intriguing signal-callers in the country. Craig starred at Harvard, throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 58 touchdowns over the past two seasons to land on NFL Draft boards. At TCU, Craig will team up with first-year offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis, who helped UConn post a historic season in 2025. It doesn’t take much squinting to see Craig as one of the fastest risers in the country. 

DL John Henry Daley, Michigan

2026 stats: 48 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 11 sacks

If not for a torn Achilles, Daley very well could have been a first-team All-American and high draft pick in 2026. However, the Utah transfer has an opportunity to cement his draft stock after following coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan. In only 11 games, Daley exploded for 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks for the Utes, including sacks against conference finalists BYU and Texas Tech. If he can return to form, Daley could be one of the best edge rushers in the Big Ten. His quickness off the edge is a tough matchup. 

OT Trevor Goosby, Texas

Goosby, frankly, might be too highly rated to land on this list, but retaining him is one of the most important moves Texas made this offseason. The Melissa, Texas, native earned playing time as a freshman before emerging as one of the most talented tackles in the SEC last season. If Goosby can take another step, he could force his way into top-five consideration and power the Longhorns to a national championship. 

Advertisement

OT Lance Heard, Kentucky

No one invested more along the offensive line than Kentucky under first-year coach Will Stein, and Heard is the diamond of the bunch. The former five-star recruit is a two-year starter at Tennessee but stagnated at times in a veer-and-shoot blocking scheme. Stein demands a lot of his linemen with his diversified offensive system, which should allow Heard’s natural skills to develop quickly. 

DE Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State

2025 stats: 28 tackles, 11 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 passes defended

Betting on Ohio State defensive linemen has become an easy moneymaking opportunity, and Jackson appears next in line. The rising senior posted 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during his first major opportunity, including sacks against Indiana, Michigan and Penn State. With Caden Curry out of the way, Jackson’s stats will rise to match his impressive frame. 

DL Keon Keeley, Notre Dame

2025 stats: 16 tackles, 3 sacks (at Alabama)

Keeley struggled to find a consistent role at Alabama after entering as one of the top recruits in the nation. But after bulking up to 275 pounds and recording sacks in two of his three final games with the Tide, Keeley steps into an intriguing spot at Notre Dame. The junior projects behind Bryce Young and Boubacar Traore at defensive end, but the Fighting Irish should rotate him into the lineup plenty. During the recruiting process, he wowed scouts with his first step. If the Fighting Irish can harness it, he’s a potential breakout player. 

DB Faletau Satuala, BYU

2025 stats: 84 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles

Satuala was a solid get as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, but he flashed pro potential much faster than expected for the surging Cougars. The Utah native boasts a big, powerful frame at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds with the speed and range to make plays all over the field. 

DL David Stone, Oklahoma

Oklahoma lost a few deeply talented players on the defensive line after R Mason Thomas and Gracen Halton went to the league. But while both will be missed, opening opportunities for the former five-star David Stone could be a blessing in disguise. The Sooners rotated defenders, holding him to only 454 total snaps, but Stone wreaked havoc when given the opportunity. As a sophomore, Stone posted eight tackles for loss, including a sack against Auburn and two TFLs against Ole Miss. Stone recorded two interior pressures against Alabama and helped pace a top-three national rushing defense. If he can continue to improve his pass rushing, Stone could get into the top 10 conversation. 

Emilio Gay pressed his case for England honours as the Durham batter made a superb fourth-innings hundred to lead his side to County Championship victory over Lancashire cricket.

The stylish left-hander, batting at No 3 but also comfortable opening, has been touted for a possible Test call-up after featuring for the England Lions in the winter, and held of James Anderson and co. on his way to an unbeaten hundred.

Gay shared a mammoth stand with South Africa international David Bedingham as the hosts chased down a target of 336 for the loss of just two wickets in a meeting of two of the strongest sides in Division Two.

It was a day of draws elsewhere, largely, as flat, slow pitches in a dry April made taking 20 wickets difficult across the country.

There were faintly farcical scenes at the Oval with Surrey at one point throwing wicketkeeper Ben Foakes the new ball as Essex held firm for a draw on the final day.

Tom Westley (136) and Dean Elgar (107*) made hundreds for the visitors with Rory Burns and Dom Sibley also getting rare chances to rumble in, and Jordan Clark taking the ‘keeping gloves, with Surrey stymied before handshakes were offered at 4.50pm BST.

In better news for the Londoners, the attendance of 15,500 across the four days was a 21st century record in the County Championship.

Sussex also survived a bad light curtailed day at Headingley to draw with Yorkshire despite 3-67 for Joe Root. The games between Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire, and Glamorgan and Leicestershire, similarly drifted to draws in Division One.

In Division Two, though, there was a first sucess of the season for Gloucestershire, knocking off the 36 needed to beat Derbyshire in short order after a strong all-round performance. Worcestershire had thrashed Kent by an innings and two runs on Sunday.

While Virginia Cavaliers running back J’Mari Taylor was certainly hoping to have his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft, the former ’Hoo will still get his chance to earn an NFL roster spot this summer. Taylor, who earned First Team All-ACC honors in 2025, agreed to an undrafted free agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night in the hours following the conclusion of the draft.

World No 1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka survived an almighty scare against Naomi Osaka at the Madrid Open, fighting back from a set and a break down to progress to the quarter-finals.

The Belarusian’s usual prowess in tiebreaks deserted her as she lost the first set on a lopsided breaker, 7-6(1), before falling 2-1 down in the second set after two mammoth games.

Advertisement

But she regained her composure to break back to love for 2-2, aided by an Osaka double fault, and broke again for 5-3 from 40-0 down on her way to levelling the match.

Errors began to creep into Osaka’s game in a frustrating third set, while Sabalenka was near-faultless on serve, dropping just three points, and she ran away with the decider to post a 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2 win in two hours and 20 minutes.

The result keeps her hopes of defending her title and winning a fourth trophy in the Spanish capital alive.

Sabalenka said afterwards: “Oh my God, that was incredible level. She played incredible tennis. I feel like I just got lucky in a couple shots in the third set, that’s why it went that fast.”

Advertisement

“I think I just dropped my level at the end of the first set and gave her that tiebreak quite easily, but overall I’m happy with my performance. When someone put me under pressure, I was able to pull out really incredible shots and incredible tennis. So I’m happy.

“I’m happy that she actually brought that fight, just so I could fight through it, I could struggle a little bit, and find a solution in the match.”

The top seed will face 30th seed Hailey Baptiste in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive WTA 1000 tournament, after the American came through a three-set tussle of her own with Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.

Baptiste won 6-1, 6-7(14), 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes but missed six match points in the second set, including five in an epic tiebreak – the longest first-to-seven tour-level tiebreak since Palermo 2024.

Advertisement

The American served a series of three double faults at 6-5 and another two at match point, before a third at 11-11 in the tiebreak, whereupon she smashed her racquet in fury.

But after being taken to a decider by the 11th seed she regained composure to set up a second meeting with Sabalenka, who she lost to 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals in Miami last month.

She said: “The tiebreak was insane. It was quite obvious that nerves got a bit in the way when I had some moments to close out the match, but that’s obviously a part of the game. I wasn’t able to get out of that tiebreak, but I was able to turn it around in the third set, so I can be happy about that. Super easy to just leave the match mentally after something like that.

“Six match points? Outrageous. Having six chances — painful, very, very painful to not get out of that. Then you just start to think, is she going to turn this match around and have that victorious win? I think I told myself that I wasn’t going to allow that.”

The Minnesota Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night and drafted no wide receivers during the event. Those circumstances make the team’s current free-agent board pretty damn clear: Minnesota needs a WR and OLB — at least two.

The roster is thinner in two obvious spots, and Minnesota can still patch both before training camp.

So, here’s who they should sign. Plain and simple.

A Few Veterans Still Fit Minnesota’s New Roster Situation

Ranked from good signing to best, this is the Vikings’ theoretical free-agent pecking order. Note: The Vikings obviously won’t sign all of these players.

5. Tyreek Hill (WR)

Hill’s existing relationship with Frank Smith, his offensive coach for four seasons in Miami and now Minnesota’s assistant head coach, presents a significant advantage if Hill’s free agency takes off. Additionally, Hill’s childhood as a Vikings fan creates a natural appeal.

If his medical checks clear, general managers will act swiftly. While his dastardly 2025 injury complicates the timing, a verdict should be near on Hill’s availability for 2026. If he receives clearance, Minnesota should pursue him aggressively; a hypothetical trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tyreek Hill would be magnificent.

4. A.J. Epenesa (OLB)

This offseason, the Vikings hired Ryan Nielsen as their defensive run game coordinator. Nielsen, a well-traveled coach, most recently served as a senior defensive assistant for the Bills in 2025. There, he worked with Epenesa, a former 2nd-Round pick now in his sixth season.

Epenesa remains unsigned, is currently in the mid-tier free-agent market, and is likely available for approximately $4–7 million. His role is well-defined: given sufficient playing time, he consistently generates pressure on quarterbacks. He typically records around six sacks per season, making him a solid rotational depth piece behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.

Pro Football Focus‘s pass-rushing grades illustrate his performance:

• 2025: 63.4
• 2024: 54.2
• 2023: 75.0
• 2022: 70.0
• 2021: 62.7
• 2020: 67.4

Epenesa’s primary weakness is his run defense, an aspect of his game that has not significantly improved over the years. That lack of development likely contributes to his current market value and explains Buffalo’s reluctance to re-sign him. Nevertheless, he remains a valuable asset as a situational pass-rusher.

In Minnesota, the Vikings have Jalen Redmond, Caleb Banks, and Domonique Orange for run defense. They just need an extra pass rusher.

3. Joey Bosa (OLB)

Bosa played 64% of defensive snaps last year in Buffalo and 50% in Los Angeles (Chargers) the year before that. Truth be told, with Greenard’s departure to the Eagles, that’s what Minnesota needs — a third pass rusher who can play on passing downs or start if something happens to Van Ginkel or Turner.

The four-time Pro Bowler has 10 sacks in the last two seasons. Why not add five more in Minnesota as Bosa embarks on his 30s? It could work.

2. Deebo Samuel (WR)

Kyler Murray, entering his eighth season, has never been known for a deep-ball-heavy offense, although Murray certainly has the arm for it. If the Vikings build their offense around his obvious strengths — a strategy they absolutely should pursue — Samuel would be a highly sensible target.

Samuel excels with the ball in his hands, typically operating near or just beyond the line of scrimmage. At his peak with the San Francisco 49ers, he even functioned as a part-time running back, transforming short receptions into game-changing plays.

His age, turning 30 this year, is a factor. Samuel will likely seek a team with a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl. With Murray now leading the charge, Minnesota wouldn’t be a long-shot destination. The Vikings could offer a concrete quarterback plan, a dynamic offensive scheme from Kevin O’Connell, and a roster poised for contention.

Bring him to Minnesota.

Pro Football Network‘s Austin Swaim on Samuel to the Vikings: “Imagine telling someone at the start of 2023 that Deebo Samuel would be combining with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. That would be discussed as perhaps the greatest wide receiver room ever. Samuel’s ‘decline’ being a season in which he still crested 700 receiving yards despite quarterback issues might mean that becomes a reality, especially as the Vikings look to give either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy all the assistance they can get.”

“Minnesota has holes at cornerback, safety, running back, offensive line, and potentially EDGE if they end up dealing Jonathan Greenard. I just don’t think they can invest a quality pick into a reliable No. 3 receiver, and Samuel is a great complement in the slot to Jefferson and Addison’s ability to get vertical.”

1. Jadeveon Clowney (OLB)

Clowney played 373 defensive snaps for the 2025 Dallas Cowboys and tabulated 8.5 sacks. He’s 33, so he assuredly isn’t a long-term solution, but let’s face it: with Greenard gone and Van Ginkel scheduled for free agency next offseason, Minnesota will probably have to draft an EDGE rusher early in 2027. In the meantime, Clowney makes sense as a patchover OLB, a man who can start if Van Ginkel or Turner battle injuries.

The former first-overall pick (2014) never quite lived up to his billing, but he’s had staying power in the league, and if he were anything other than a first-overall pick, his career would be considered a resounding success.

He’d probably cost the Vikings $5 million. A bargain.