The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to get back into their series when they face the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals best-of-seven series on Saturday night. New York grabbed a commanding 2-0 lead with a 109-93 win on Thursday. The Knicks (53-29), who were the third seed during the regular season, have won nine games in a row. The Cavaliers (52-30), the fourth seed in the East, are 6-1 on their home court in the postseason.

Tipoff from Rocket Arena in Cleveland is set for 8 p.m. ET. Cleveland is a 2.5-point favorite in the latest Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 215.5, up two points from the opening. Before making any Cavaliers vs. Cavaliers picks, check out the Knicks vs. Cavs predictions from SportsLine’s Mike Barner. 

Barner is perenially one of SportsLine’s top NBA experts, and he enters this game on a sizzling 135-95 roll on all NBA picks, returning $2,169 for $100 players during that span. Anyone following his NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.    

Now, Barner has studied Knicks vs. Cavs from every angle and just revealed his coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Knicks vs. Cavs:

Top Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions

After studying Knicks vs. Cavs from every angle, Barner is leaning Over 215.5 total points. The Over has hit in three of the past five head-to-head meetings. The Over has also hit in six of the last 10 Cleveland games, and in two of the last three New York games. The Cavaliers also had the fourth-best scoring offense in the NBA during the regular season, averaging 119.5 points per game, while the Knicks were 10th at 116.5.

The two teams are a combined 18-12 in regard to the Over during the 2026 NBA playoffs. Cleveland has the fourth-highest Over rate of any of the 16 playoff teams as Barner expects lots of points on the scoreboard. See his Knicks vs. Cavs spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Knicks vs. Cavs at FanDuel here:

How to make Knicks vs. Cavs picks

Hartstein has also found a critical x-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. You can head to SportsLine to see Barner’s NBA picks. 

So who wins Knicks vs. Cavs, and what critical x-factor makes one side of the spread hit hard? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Knicks vs. Cavs spread to back, all from the expert who is on an 135-95 roll on NBA picks, and find out.

The Wolverines stayed hot in the recruiting trail on Saturday when 2027 four-star tight end Colt Lumpris flipped from Alabama to Michigan.

Tony Bellew has given his take on the controversial ending to the battle between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.

Usyk was defending his heavyweight crown against Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, in a bout that had drawn criticism beforehand due to the perceived mismatch that many fans were expecting.

The criticism remained at the conclusion of the fight, but now for another reason, with lots of viewers furious over the nature of the stoppage.

Verhoeven had put in a shock performance against the Ukrainian and looked like he could have been on his way to a major upset, but Usyk was able to find the big shot he likely needed and dropped the kickboxing star towards the end of round 11.

Verhoeven managed to get back to his feet, but a flurry of shots in the corner led referee Mark Lyson to jump in and stop the contest, though many people think it was done so prematurely.

Bellew is one who thinks that way, revealing on the DAZN broadcast that he thinks Verhoeven should have been given the chance to continue.

“It’s the only time in his whole career I’ve seen Usyk outworked. He started some of the rounds quite well but when it came to the last 30 seconds he was losing them, he was getting out landed if I’m being totally honest.

“I think Peter Fury [Verhoeven’s trainer] is spot on, I don’t think he would have been ready to carry on in the 12th. He was done, he was spent, but a massive part of that is down to experience. If I’m being totally honest a rematch is the least that boy deserves.

Advertisement

“He’s a top referee, he’s human. I feel for everyone. I do want to see him come out for that 12th round without a shadow or a doubt and he should have been allowed that.

“I wasn’t writing the scores down at the end of each round but I’m not going to lie, he’s possibly ahead going into the 11th round.

“In no way shape or form should that have been stopped and we’re never going to know now so you know what the best thing to do is? Just run it back.”

While Bellew feels Verhoeven could have been ahead going into the 11th round, two of the official scorecards didn’t have it that way.

The Las Vegas Aces will host the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday night for their second meeting of the season. The game is set for 8 p.m. ET and will be available on CBS and Paramount+. 

The reigning WNBA champions are off to a 4-1 start with their only stumble being their loss in the season opener to the Phoenix Mercury on May 9. The Aces are coming off a thrilling 85-84 win against the Atlanta Dream, which saw Chelsea Gray come in clutch (once again) in the final seconds.

The Sparks, 2-3 overall, notched a 97-88 road win over the Mercury on Thursday while making 15 3-pointers as a team. Los Angeles had 60 first-half points, which tied for the second most in an opening half in franchise history.

Las Vegas will unveil its 2025 WNBA championship banner at the Michelob ULTRA Arena during a pre-game ceremony. The Aces already had their ring ceremony on May 9. 

Where to watch LA Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces

Date: Saturday, May 23 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Michelob ULTRA Arena  — Las Vegas, NV
TV:  CBS | Live stream: Paramount+

Last meeting

The Sparks lead the all-time series 57-51, but the Aces have won their last three encounters. Los Angeles suffered a 105-78 home loss to the Aces during their season opener on May 10 despite Kelsey Plum scoring a game-high 27 points against her former team. That was the 31st time Plum scored over 25 points in her WNBA career. Nneka Ogwumike, who will miss Saturday’s game with a hand injury, had a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. 

It was a strong shooting night for the Aces, who went 43 of 69 from the field. That 62.3% was the second-best percentage in franchise history. They had five players reach double figures, led by Chennedy Carter’s 22 points off the bench, while starters Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson contributed 20 and 19 points, respectively.

Chennedy Carter’s immediate impact

When it comes to the Aces, the conversation always starts with four-time MVP A’ja Wilson. However, newcomer Chennedy Carter’s role is worth highlighting too. She might have a somewhat controversial past, but signing her during free agency has already paid off for the Aces. Through the first five games of the season, Carter is leading the team in steals and is the second leading scorer behind A’ja Wilson while coming off the bench.

This is looking like a promising season for Carter as she is averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game while shooting a career-best 67.2% from the field. It is still early in the 2026 campaign, but Carter is making a strong case for Sixth Player of the Year. While she is still working on improving her defense, Aces coach Becky Hammon described her as a “spark plug” of the bench that the Aces really needed.

“That firepower off the bench. I’m asking her to play a really high-intensity role,” Hammon said this week. “I’m asking her to play a really exhausting way because she is capable, and that is something that we don’t have. That’s something she can bring to our team that we didn’t necessarily have before. Just trying to put her in spots to be successful. She’s integrated really nicely with the group. Not just on the court but off the court.”

Ogwumike making history in L.A. return

Ogwumike scored 12 points in the Sparks’ 97-88 victory over the Mercury on Thursday night, and in the process, she continued writing her name in the WNBA history books. She now has a total of 7,383 career points, which moved her into fifth place on the league’s all-time scoring list, passing Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings.

What made it more special is the fact that Ogwumike did it in her return to Los Angeles after spending two seasons with the Seattle Storm. She was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks in 2012 and stayed with the franchise until 2023. Ogwumike was a free agent this offseason and made the decision to rejoin her former team.

Next up on the all-time scorers list is Tina Thompson, who wrapped up her WNBA career in 2013 with a total of 7,488 points. Through the first five games of this season, Ogwumike is averaging 15.6 points per game while shooting 55.8% from the field. 

WNBA’s career points leaders

1. Diana Taurasi – 10,646
2. Tina Charles – 8,396
3. DeWanna Bonner – 7,871
4. Tina Thompson – 7,488
5. Nneka Ogwumike – 7,383

Oleksandr Usyk beat Rico Verhoeven in controversial fashion on Saturday, avoiding one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.

Verhoeven, an icon of the kickboxing world, was boxing professionally for just the second time as he challenged Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title – at the pyramids of Giza, no less.

And Verhoeven was arguably on track for a remarkable result, seemingly ahead on points as the 11th round – the penultimate frame – arrived. But it was at that moment that he walked onto an uppercut in the corner, which dropped him to his knees.

Verhoeven beat the referee’s count and was given extra time to recover as his mouthguard was put back in, but when Usyk swarmed the Dutchman with more offence on the ropes, the official waved off the bout as the bell sounded.

Many will have felt that the referee should have let the round finish, while others will argue that Verhoeven was already given extra time to recover from the knockdown.

In any case, the result saw Usyk, 39, maintain his unbeaten record, retain the WBC belt, and avoid a historic upset in Egypt.

Up to that point, the Ukrainian had not looked his usual inventive, spritely self. However, that could have been down to the fine work of Verhoeven, 37, who did well to fight on the front foot for much of the bout, seemingly win the clinch battles, and land clean to the head and body.

Usyk had grown into the fight somewhat after appearing to lose the first few rounds, but it still seemed like he would need a stoppage in the final two rounds to avoid an embarrassing loss.

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

Advertisement

Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing

Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.

Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Advertisement

And Usyk secured that stoppage at 2:59 of round 11, per the official result, with Verhoeven gracious in defeat despite the controversial nature of the ending.

“Yeah, of course, I thought it was an early stoppage, but in the end it’s not up to me,” Verhoeven said in the ring. “But still, I thought it was a little bit early.

“I thought the referee knows that we’re nearly at the end of the round, so let me go out on my shield or let the bell go. But it’s not up to me, and I was already super thankful for the opportunity.”

Usyk said: “Thank you so much, for me it’s very important, but for me I know right now in Ukraine – my people, my country – are being bombed. My family, my daughter, too, is in a bomb shelter and sent me a message. She said, ‘I know you’ll win.’ I prayed.

“Rico, you’re an amazing fighter, thank you so much. Coach, smart. My team, I love you, you are the best. Katarina, my wife, I love you. You’re my life, you’re my heart.”

The Ring magazine’s Rick Reno then brought Agit Kabayel into the ring, with the German expected to be next for Usyk; Kabayel is the unified champion’s mandatory challenger with the WBC, which granted Usyk a voluntary defence against Verhoeven.

However, Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh told Reno that it was “not the time” to push a fight with Kabayel, suggesting that Verhoeven deserved a rematch with Usyk.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Season following a historic individual campaign. The veteran midfielder claimed the prestigious honor ahead of several title-winning Arsenal stars, while Manchester City’s versatile academy graduate Nico O’Reilly secured the Young Player of the Season award.

Red Devils Skipper Creates History

Fernandes has secured his first career Premier League Player of the Season accolade after guiding United back into the Champions League. The 31-year-old playmaker enjoyed a stunning creative campaign, scoring eight top-flight goals and matching the historical single-season record of 20 assists. By conquering a star-studded shortlist, the Portuguese international became the seventh different Old Trafford representative to claim the award, and the first since Nemanja Vidic in 2011.

Historic Assist Record Matched

The seasoned talisman’s exceptional statistical output saw him emulate legendary top-flight creators Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne by reaching the 20-assist milestone. This latest administrative triumph follows his recent FWA Footballer of the Year coronation. Fernandes captured the individual prize over formidable title-winning Arsenal trio David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Declan Rice, alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.

City Prodigy Lands Youth Prize

Meanwhile, City starlet O’Reilly capped off a sensational breakthrough year under Pep Guardiola by winning the Young Player of the Season award. The 21-year-old academy graduate established himself as an indispensable tactical asset, registering 34 senior appearances across multiple positions, including left-back and central midfield. O’Reilly edged out contemporary nominees, including Rayan Cherki, Eli Junior Kroupi, Mateus Fernandes, Lewis Hall, Michael Kayode, Kobbie Mainoo, and Alex Scott.

World Cup Test Looms

O’Reilly must now quickly transition from local domestic success to the highest tier of international football after earning a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. The versatile youngster enters the tournament in pristine form following match-winning Wembley displays in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.

Conversely, Fernandes shifts his focus towards the World Cup and his leading role with Portugal, while Michael Carrick and Manchester United look to take care of business in the transfer window.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).

Reporting by GOAL.

Max Verstappen has threatened to quit Formula 1 at the end of this season if planned changes to the engine regulations for next year are blocked.

Governing body the FIA said two weeks ago that an agreement had been reached in principle to changes that would reduce the need for energy management with the new engines introduced this year.

But opposition has emerged in subsequent talks around the detail of the plan and there is currently not enough support for the move to be passed under F1’s governance protocols.

“If it stays like this, it’s going to be a long year next year, which I don’t want,” said Verstappen.

“It’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this. It’s really not.”

Verstappen confirmed that if he did decide to stop, he would not come back. “There’s a lot of other fun things out there,” he said.

Drivers have been complaining this year about the way the new engines, which have a nominal 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, have reduced their ability to drive on the limit at all times.

The engines are energy starved, which has required techniques to recover energy even on qualifying laps.

One change has already been made to address this and the latest plan is to make the energy split – which is actually currently about 54-46 in favour of the internal combustion engine – 60-40.

The effect of this will further reduce the need for energy management, especially in qualifying.