Newgarden has made a bad situation good. Just not for himself. Also: The LeBron James hour, theories about Sean Payton, and a theory about Michael Penix Jr. and Robert Kraft.
Joe’s Notes: Big 12 Football Needs a Juggernaut
The New Big 12 just produced only one first-round draft pick. Also: Which first round series are over, Jackson Holliday’s demotion, and the Bears’ real accomplishment.
Stu’s Notes: If the Bears Don’t Draft Caleb Williams
It would be a great joke. We offer some alternatives. Then: The Astros might hate America, the White Sox might make history, and Sean Dyche still has it.
Joe’s Notes: What Conventional Wisdom Gets Wrong About Home-Ice Advantage
The good thing about getting a series to 1–1 is not stealing home-ice advantage. It’s avoiding going down 0–2. Also: The problem with “hit rate,” the good thing for the Celtics, and Iowa State’s going to Dublin.
Stu’s Notes: Is Luka Dončić Soft?
Soft-type vs. Dog-type. Then: What to do about the Jokić brothers, why NIL’s not that relevant with Reggie Bush’s Heisman, and celebrating Nelly Korda.
Joe’s Notes: A Better Idea for a Group of Five Playoff
Why November makes sense for a mid-major FBS championship. Also: Will the Bears stadium get built? Will Pete Crow-Armstrong produce? And that weird IndyCar scandal.
Stu’s Notes: Three Terrible Ways to Lose
How do you bounce back if you’re the Sixers, Lakers, or Islanders? Also: Caleb Williams and Eli Manning, designated scapegoat Zach Wilson, and April’s place among the sports months.
Joe’s Notes: Replay Review Is About Fairness, Not Perfection
The ending of last night’s Knicks game was imperfect. Was it fair? Also: Mark Stone and LTIR, Kyle Hendricks’s injury, and Tyrese Hunter is transferring to Memphis.
Stu’s Notes: At Talladega, Michael Jordan Seemed Happy
Good for him. Also: Grounding the Rockies, the Broncos’ bad look, and Joe Kelly’s bad luck.
Joe’s Notes: One-and-Dones Aren’t Just Freshmen
So far, first-year transfers come with a firm ceiling. Also: Mason Miller and the trade deadline, fuel savings and crash avoidance, and where the Bulls go with LaVine and DeRozan.
Stu’s Notes: Which NHL Playoff Teams Are Real?
Six of these teams shouldn’t exist. Also: Who most deserves a Stanley Cup, hoping the Utah hockey trademarks were a prank, and NASCAR goes to Talladega.
Joe’s Notes: FedEx’s Memphis NIL Investment Is a Non-Story
Money is fungible, and $25 million isn’t that much. Also: The size of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Alex Caruso’s status tonight, and updates on Core Score and Gelo.
Stu’s Notes: Coby White Has the Best Smile
The Bulls are still standing. Also: NBA Playoff team likability, Shane Doan’s banner, and Oregon’s ditching the woodsy court.
Joe’s Notes: The WNBA CBA Is Holding Back Caitlin Clark
The league and its union did not account for a generational superstar. Also: What Jimmy Butler’s injury does to the Heat, Reed Sheppard goes pro, and Jameson Taillon prepares for his season debut.
Stu’s Notes: Zion Williamson’s Leg Isn’t Just Sore!
Why did the Pelicans say it like that? Then: Lasers are cool, being a bad Sens fan, and a question about Aaron Rodgers and HIV.
Joe’s Notes: Indiana Will Always Be a Factor in College Basketball
Ballo to Bloomington. Also: Shilo Sanders might be running recruiting for Colorado, the Warriors might have breathed their last, and the Bulls’ very specific moment has arrived.
Stu’s Notes: Is the In-Season or Play-In Tournament More Like the NIT?
Then: Watching the NBA Playoffs on behalf of our country, Michael Busch keeps homering, and dugout dinger celebrations will soon go the way of the bench mob.
Joe’s Notes: Why the Flyers Might Pull Their Goalie Early Tonight
The Eastern Conference tiebreaker situation. Also: A potential issue with college sports’ transfer markets, BYU’s hire, and playoff experience vs. playoff inexperience.