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.
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.
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.
The NFL Teams Most Similar to Israel and Iran
Iran is not the Bears.
Three Things: Would the Salt Lake City Coyotes Get Renamed?
Some suggestions. Then: Aaron Rodgers speaks (again), and we celebrate a Joe Kelly anniversary.
Two Dog Special: The Masters Begins, Jackson Holliday Debuts, and the Packers Are Going to Brazil
All the sports you need on a Thursday morning in April.
Three Things: Shōta Imanaga Continues to Get It
Also: Image consulting for Caleb Williams, and getting psyched for Bulls vs. Hawks.
Two Dog Special: Indiana State vs. Seton Hall, NCAA Tournament Musings, and Where’s the Cheese?
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Three Things: Indiana State Is Better Than NC State
The Sycamores would be favored on a neutral court. Also: Stefon Diggs could become the diva we need, and Burnley had a bad day.
Three Thoughts: Is Free Agency Fun?
College basketball’s getting a taste. Do we like it? Also: This should be a season of Dodgers vs. Braves, and the Kansas City stadium vote was a mixed result.