EASTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago Sky’s Kahleah Copper was named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week which marks the first time in her seven-year career to receive the honor.

The two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning face the best in the West Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final beginning Wednesday in Denver.

An intriguing matchup is set up for Saturday in North Carolina, as the New York Red Bulls, just a few points out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference look to earn three points after a week off when they take on Charlotte FC. Watch the MLS on FuboTV (Try Now)The Red Bulls are keeping up with the top of the pack in the East coming into Saturday. The Red Bulls have lost just one of their last eight matches, going 2-1-4 in that span. What: MLS SoccerWho: Charlotte FC (5-8-1) vs. New York Red Bulls (6-3-5)When: Saturday, June 11Time: 3:00 p.m. ETWhere: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)Channel: ABC, ESPN DeportesStream: FuboTV, Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the MLS standings and results here

Mikhail Sergachev scored his second goal of the game with 1:50 remaining to break a tie and lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night for a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference final.

After some late-game heroics, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back in the Eastern Conference Finals. They will look to even their series with the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (Try now) and DirecTV StreamNEW YORK RANGERS vs. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNINGGAME 4 (Rangers lead 2-1)When: Tuesday, June 7Time: 8 p.m. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (Try now)Nikita Kucherov orchestrated the comeback for the Lightning, scoring a goal and assisting on the tying and winning goals on Sunday. Check out the full NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs results here

Ondrej Palat scored with 42 seconds left and the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Sunday to cut their deficit in the Eastern Conference finals to 2-1.

There’s no panic in the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On Wednesday night, the Eastern Conference Finals begin, with one team looking to continue their Stanley Cup defense, with a trip to the Finals on the line in the best-of-seven. Watch the NHL Playoffs on FuboTV (Try now) and DirecTV StreamTAMPA BAY LIGHTNING vs. NEW YORK RANGERSGAME 1When: Wednesday, June 1Time: 8 p.m. ETWhere: Madison Square Garden (New York, N.Y.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV, Sling, DirecTV StreamThe Lightning are going to be well-rested coming into the series. Watch the NHL Playoffs on FuboTV (Try now)New York comes into the first conference finals in seven years following a tough seven-game series with the Carolina Hurricanes. Check out the full NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs results here

The Celtics’ transition from a team that has gone from just outside the top tier of the Eastern Conference to one that's four wins way from the franchise’s 18th NBA championship began the moment Ime Udoka took the microphone at his introductory news conference.

The final game of the second round is set for Monday night, as the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes clash in a Game 7 to determine who moves on to the Eastern Conference Finals. EASTERN CONFERENCEMetropolitan Division(2) New York Rangers vs. (1) Carolina Hurricanes (Game 7)As the status quo has been for the entirety of this series, and all of the playoffs for the Hurricanes, the home team was victorious in Game Six on Saturday night. He already helped his team win a Game 7 in 2022, outlasting the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one. Carolina is also have won six-straight Game 7′s, dating back to their run to the Stanley Cup in 2006. On the other side, the Rangers have won seven of their last eight do-or-die games dating back to the 2012 playoffs.

Tyler Herro has recovered enough to play for the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night against the Boston Celtics.

EASTERN CONFERENCEMetropolitan Division(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (2) New York Rangers (Hurricanes lead 3-2)To no one’s surprise, the Hurricanes came out hungry to regain the series lead in Game Five on Thursday. They outshot the Rangers 34-17 in the entire game, and had it not been for Igor Sheskterkin, the score could have been a lot more one-sided. Goals from Vincent Trochek, Teuvo Teravainen and Andrei Svechnikov helped put the Canes one win away from the conference finals with a 3-1 win. Similar to the Canes, the Blueshirts have been solid on home-ice, as they are 5-1 at The Garden. Check out the full NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs results here

Jimmy Butler had 47 points, nine rebounds and eight assists and the Miami Heat forced the Eastern Conference finals to a decisive seventh game by beating the Boston Celtics 111-103 on Friday night.

Heat guard Tyler Herro remained sidelined because of a strained left groin as Miami tries to stave off elimination in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Eastern Conference Finals could be wrapped up with a bow on Friday night, as the team that finished with the best record in the conference during the regular season has their season hanging in the balance, as the Miami Heat get set to take on the Boston Celtics. EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL(1) Miami Heat vs. (2) Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 3-2)The Heat started off on the right foot on Wednesday night, taking a five-point lead in a rather low-scoring opening half. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown stepped up when they needed to, with Brown leading the floor with 25 points. Watch the NBA Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Boston is now one win away from moving onto the NBA Finals for the first time since losing back in 2010. Check out the full NBA Playoffs bracket here

As the Eastern Conference Finals move back to South Beach on Wednesday, the series is down to a best-of-three, as the Boston Celtics and Miami each earned a win in New England over the weekend. EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL(2) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Miami Heat (Series tied 2-2)Though the Heat had Jimmy Butler back in the lineup for game four, the Celtics dominated on Monday night. The Celtics were able to put things on cruise control for the remainder of the game, pulling away with a 102-82 win. Tatum had another standout game for the Celtics, leading the floor with 31 points, with five players hitting double-digits in the big win. Miami is 8-1 at FTX Arena in the playoffs, though the Celtics did come away with a win in game two.

Celtics point guard and Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart was ruled out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami.

Heat guard Jimmy Butler will not play in the second half of Game 3 of their Eastern Conference finals matchup with Boston because of inflammation in his right knee.

The Celtics will be without center Robert Williams III will be out for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Heat due to soreness and swelling in his left knee.

Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics was the leading vote-getter for the All-Defensive first team, with Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns joining him as the other guard.

After a convincing win on Tuesday night, the Miami Heat are looking to take two-game lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final series with the Boston Celtics. EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL(2) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Miami Heat (Heat lead 1-0)It was the Jimmy Butler Show once again in the series opener. No other Heat player hit over 20 points in Tuesday night’s contest, however Butler helped the Heat rally from being down 13, including outscoring the Celtics 39-14 in the third quarter. Watch the NBA Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Butler led the floor with 41 points, ending up shooting 63.2% from the floor. He became the first player in Miami Heat history to hit 40+ points three times in a single postseason, something not even Dwayne Wade or LeBron James accomplished.

Boston will be without two starters for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, with Al Horford entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols and Marcus Smart unable to play because of a mid-foot sprain.

The final four of the NBA Playoffs are set. Starting on Tuesday night, the two best teams in the Eastern Conference meet to begin their best-of-seven series, as the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics vie to return to the Finals. EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL(2) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Miami Heat (Game 1)The Heat are looking to go back to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years, and have looked like a fairly confident group heading into this series. Coming into the conference finals, Butler is fourth in points-per-game in the playoffs, averaging 28.7 a game, which is second among remaining players. Miami also beat Boston in the 2012 conference finals.

Grant Williams scored a career-high 27 points and hit seven 3-pointers, Jayson Tatum added 23 and the Boston Celtics set a Game 7 record with 22 3-pointers to eliminate the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks 109-81 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Authorities say 20 people were injured in two shootings in downtown Milwaukee near an entertainment district where thousands of people were watching the Bucks play the Celtics in the NBA’s Eastern Conference semifinals.

Boston forward/center Robert Williams missed his third straight game with an injured left knee as the Celtics tried to keep their season alive Friday night in Game 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks will have two preseason matchups at Abu Dhabi in October.

The Lumberjacks won the Eastern Conference semifinal game 4-3 and will play the next two games in Dubuque if necessary. (Daniel Shular | MLive.com)Daniel Shular | MLive.comThe Muskegon Lumberjacks have excelled at sparking momentum swings during their five-game winning streak in the USHL Eastern Conference playoffs but that came to a halt Saturday night against the Madison Capitols. Muskegon added to their lead early in the second period when defenseman Nathan McBrayer netted an unassisted goal at the 3:43 mark to give the Lumberjacks a 3-1 lead. In the Western Conference Finals, Sioux City Musketeers hold a 2-0 lead over the Tri-City Storm after recording wins of 5-4 and 4-3 over the weekend. The winner of Muskegon-Madison will advance to face the winner of Sioux City and Tri-City in the Clark Cup Finals.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter24 Muskegon Lumberjacks win against Dubuque 4-3 in first game of a USHL playoff seriesMUSKEGON – The Muskegon Lumberjacks are just three wins away from making their second trip to the Clark Cup Finals in franchise history. 5 seed Madison Capitols. Muskegon and Madison will open their best-of-five series on Friday at 7 p.m. from Mercy Health Arena in downtown Muskegon. The Lumberjacks will also host Game 2 on Saturday at 7 p.m. with Game 3 held in Madison. For more information on the Muskegon Lumberjacks, including ticketing information, click here.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter24 Muskegon Lumberjacks win against Dubuque 4-3 in first game of a USHL playoff seriesThe Muskegon Lumberjacks were nearly on the wrong side of an improbable comeback story Sunday night, as they saw their four-goal lead evaporate during Game 2 of the USHL Eastern Conference Semifinals in Dubuque, Iowa. Dubuque answered quickly in the second period, as Nikita Borodayenko netted a powerplay goal off assists from Davis Burnside and Ryan Beck just 54 seconds into the stanza. The visitors from Muskegon retook the momentum at the 11:02 mark of the period, as Hutson added his second goal of the game to extend the Lumberjacks’ lead to 4-1. For more information on the Muskegon Lumberjacks, visit the team’s website by clicking here. ---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEMuskegon Lumberjacks hold off Dubuque for 1-0 lead in USHL conference semifinalsMuskegon Lumberjacks rout Cedar Rapids, advance to USHL Conference SemifinalsMuskegon Lumberjacks set to open USHL playoffs Monday night

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter24 Muskegon Lumberjacks win against Dubuque 4-3 in first game of a USHL playoff seriesMUSKEGON – The Muskegon Lumberjacks displayed a plethora of playoff poise Friday night as they held on for a dramatic 4-3 home win over the Dubuque Fighting Saints in Game 1 of the USHL Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Saints couldn’t find the equalizer down the stretch, however, and Muskegon held on to secure a 4-3 win and take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Muskegon will hit the road this weekend, as they travel to Dubuque, Iowa, in hopes of closing out the series and advancing to the USHL Conference Finals. Game 2 of the Conference Semifinals will be held at 8:05 p.m. Sunday, while Game 3 is scheduled for Monday at 8:05 p.m. if necessary. For more information on the Muskegon Lumberjacks, including potential watch parties this Sunday, visit the team’s website by clicking here.

After a stunning victory on Tuesday night up in Tampa, the Detroit Red Wings will try and go for a sweep in Florida against the Eastern Conference’s best team in the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on ESPN+After their win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night, the Red Wings’ record in the month of April has improved to 4-5-1, avoiding losing three-straight games again this season. The Red Wings reached the 30-win mark for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign. Florida has won each of the first three meetings against Detroit, doing so by a combined score of 15-5. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Detroit Red Wings (30-37-10) vs. Florida Panthers (55-15-6)When: Thursday, April 21Time: 7:00 p.m.

EASTERN CONFERENCE(7) Brooklyn Nets vs. (2) Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 1-0)Time: 7:00 p.m. pic.twitter.com/WUr4UsaURk — Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 17, 2022Those two points were a part of Tatum’s 31 in the victory, leading Boston’s attack. Al Hofrod also had a big game, scoring 20 points whilst taking down 15 rebounds. (4) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors (76ers lead 2-0)The Raptors have a whole lot of work to do if they want to get back in this series. Nikola Vucevic helped lead Chicago’s near-comeback, picking up a double-double of his own, scoring 24 while picking up 17 rebounds.

There's no overwhelming favorite for NBA champion as the playoffs start, but that was by no means a problem for ABC and ESPN.

Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamDetroit arrives in the Sunshine State with a 29-37-10 record, and have just been jumped by the Buffalo Sabres in the Atlantic Division, as the Wings now sit sixth in the division with 68 points. This, coming after the Red Wings lost both games of their back-to-back over the weekend, and have now lost four of their last five games. Despite a rather solid start on Sunday, the Red Wings were not able to keep one of the league’s most potent offenses at bay on Sunday in Detroit. The Tampa Bay Lightning are doing exactly what they did before winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup last season. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Detroit Red Wings (29-37-10) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (46-21-8)When: Tuesday, April 19Time: 7:00 p.m.

EASTERN CONFERENCE(8) Atlanta Hawks vs. (1) Miami Heat (Heat lead 1-0)Time: 7:30 p.m. Danilo Gallinari led the Hawks in the loss, scoring 17 points, while De’Andre Hunter chimed in with 14 points. (8) New Orleans Pelicans vs. (1) Phoenix Suns (Suns lead 1-0)Time: 10 p.m. Phoenix ran rough shot over New Orleans in the opening half, outscoring the Pelicans 28-16, and leading by 19 at halftime. The two-headed monster of Chris Paul and Devin Booker led the Suns in the series opener.

Boston’s Marcus Smart is the first guard in over a quarter-century to win the NBA defensive player of the year award.

On Monday, the First Round of the NBA Playoffs continues with a pair of Western Conference series, along with an Eastern Conference series that is highly anticipated. Philly jumped flew out of the gate to a big lead in the first quarter, and led by 18 heading into halftime. Watch the NBA Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)WESTERN CONFERENCE(5) Utah Jazz vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks (Jazz lead 1-0)The Jazz started the series on the right foot, despite being the presumed underdog coming into the series. Despite Dallas trying to comeback in the fourth, the Jazz held on to take the early series lead. (6) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) Golden State Warriors (Warriors lead 1-0)Time: 10:00 p.m.

After their matinee clash with in New York City on Saturday, the Detroit Red Wings return home on Sunday for another afternoon contest, this time against the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamThe Red Wings come into the second half of the back-to-back having dropped three of their last four games. They come into Sunday with a 3-4-1 record in the final month of the regular season. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Florida Panthers (53-15-6) vs. Detroit Red Wings (29-36-10)When: Sunday, April 17Time: 1:00 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

The second year of the NBA's play-in playoff tournament begins on Tuesday. With no clear-cut favorites, the title is up for grabs.

Michael Kouame, a 15-year-old French tennis player, slapped his opponent in the face after losing a match at the International Tennis Federation’s juniors tournament in Accra, Ghana on Monday.

Detroit ended the month of March on a high note, and went 6-11 over the month. Watch the Detroit Pistons on DirecTV StreamSaddiq Bey was a huge catalyst in the Pistons’ comeback win over the Sixers. The Thunder come into April Fool’s Day with a 22-54 record after going 3-12 last month. Check out more stories about the Detroit Pistons here on MLiveWhat: NBA BasketballWho: Detroit Pistons (21-56) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-54)When: Friday, April 1Time: 8:00 p.m. ETWhere: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Okla.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

Pistons vs. 76ers oddsThe 76ers are 10.5-point favorites for this matchup, meaning they must defeat the Pistons by at least 11 points in order for the bet to win. The Pistons as 10.5-point underdogs means a bet on them will win if the Pistons lose by 10 points or fewer or win outright. The Pistons are +440 on FanDuel Sportsbook, which means that a $1 bet will win $4.40 if the Pistons win. Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers prediction: Pistons +10.5 (-110)The 76ers enter play at 46-29 as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers prediction: Over 222.5 points (-110)Philadelphia will put up points against bad defensive teams.

The Hurricanes are trying to make it known that this their year to be contender for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Watch the NHL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Further down the standings, but still in a comfortable playoff spot, are the Washington Capitals. Washington has won the first three meetings this season, including wins in both D.C. and Raleigh this month. What: NHL HockeyWho: Carolina Hurricanes (43-15-7) vs. Washington Capitals (37-20-10)When: Monday, March 28Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)Channel: NHL NetworkStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

Watch the Detroit Pistons on DirecTV StreamJerami Grant had a great game on Saturday night, dropping 40 points in the losing effort. The Pistons will try and avoid falling into another losing streak when they take on the Trail Blazers. They come into Detroit on a four-game losing streak, and have lost 10 of their last 11 games. The first meeting between these two teams saw Portland come away with a 110-92 win back in November in the Pacific Northwest. Check out more stories about the Detroit Pistons here on MLiveWhat: NBA BasketballWho: Portland Trail Blazers (26-43) vs. Detroit Pistons (19-52)When: Monday, March 21Time: 7:00 p.m.

The Canes currently hold the second-best record in the NHL, with their 76 points is only second to the Colorado Avalanche. Watch the NHL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Edmonton is in the middle of an extremely tough East Coast swing. Carolina came away victorious in December, beating the Oilers 3-1 in Edmonton. What: NHL HockeyWho: Edmonton Oilers (29-20-3) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (36-11-4)When: Sunday, February 27Time: 1:00 p.m. ETWhere: PNC Arena (Raleigh, N.C.)Channel: NHL NetworkStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks are coming out of the All-Star break knowing they've got work ahead just to earn home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

After falling behind 39-19 in the first quarter, Detroit was unable to recover, despite a solid second half. Watch the Detroit Pistons on DirecTV StreamDetroit’s bench came to play despite the losing effort, as Trey Lyles led the Pistons with 18 points, with Frank Jackson also chiming in with 12. Their first meeting back in November saw Cleveland take down Detroit, at home, 98-78. Check out more stories about the Detroit Pistons here on MLiveWhat: NBA BasketballWho: Cleveland Cavaliers (30-19) vs. Detroit Pistons (11-37)When: Sunday, January 30Time: 6:00 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

DeRozan is just ahead of LaVine, averaging 26.5 points-per-game. Watch the NBA on FuboTV (Free trial)Brooklyn has not had the best start to the New Year. These two teams met in the middle of Decmeber, with the Bulls coming away with a 111-107 victory in Brooklyn. What: NBA BasketballWho: Brooklyn Nets (25-14) vs. Chicago Bulls (26-11)When: Wednesday, January 12Time: 10:00 p.m. ETWhere: United Center (Chicago, Ill.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV (Free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

On Monday night, the defending NBA champions look to stick around the top of the Eastern Conference, taking on a team in the midst of the playoff hunt, as the Milwaukee Bucks head to North Carolina to take on the Charlotte Hornets. Watch the NBA on FuboTV (Free trial)The Hornets have been hovering in-and-out of a playoff spot for most of the opening half of the 2021-22 season. This is the second game in a row that these two teams will meet in Charlotte, as the Hornets and Bucks battled on Saturday night as well. What: NBA BasketballWho: Milwaukee Bucks (26-16) vs. Charlotte Hornets (21-19)When: Monday, January 10Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: Spectrum Center (Charlotte, N.C.)Channel: NBA TVStream: FuboTV (Free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

The NHL has shut down two more teams through Christmas.

USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the best players that could be made available at the NBA trade deadline.

A very entertaining Eastern Conference matchup is on tap for a light Wednesday night lineup in the NHL. The high-powered Toronto Maple Leafs look to stay on the winning path when they head to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. The Maple Leafs came into the 2021-22 season with extremely high expectations, thanks to their big payroll littered with star talent. What: NHL HockeyWho: Toronto Maple Leafs (6-5-1) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5-2-2)When: Wednesday, November 10Time: 7:30 p.m. ETWhere: Wells Fargo Center (Phiadelphia, Pa.)Channel: NHL NetworkStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results here

HOUSE OF THE WEEK | The five-time NBA all-star purchased the seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom, 16,479-square-foot house in Kentsdale Estates in 2013.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Pistons finished last season with the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second worst in the league and oddsmakers don’t see them doing much better this year. As the Pistons get ready to kick off the 2021-22 season Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls, sportsbooks in the state routinely have the Pistons near the bottom of the odds for teams to make the playoffs. If betting for the playoffs isn’t your thing because of the long odds, consider looking at the season win totals. DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel and Caesars all have the Pistons win total set at 25.5 wins, with odds ranging from -122 to +100 over at FanDuel. If you like Cunningham to win, consider looking at BetMGM, DarftKings or FanDuel where the odds are higher at +300.

The Brooklyn Nets look like such a title favorite that James Harden felt the need for a reminder they aren’t a title team.

On Wednesday night, fans will get a chance to watch the best team in Major League Soccer continue its quest to push for history, and be in the conversation of best regular season team in league history, as the New England Revolution take on the Chicago Fire. The Revs come into Chicago with a 17-4-5 record, with their 56 points 10 clear of the second-best team in the league, Sporting Kansas City. Watch the MLS on ESPN+The Fire have not had the best season compared to their Eastern Conference opponents. What: MLS SoccerWho: Chicago Fire FC vs. New England RevolutionWhen: Wednesday, September 22Time: 8:00 p.m. ETWhere: Soldier Field (Chicago, Ill.)Stream: ESPN+Check out the MLS standings and results here

A big Eastern Conference match with playoff implications is set for Sunday afternoon in eastern Pennsylvania, as the struggling Philadelphia Union look to get back in the playoff picture when they take on Orlando City. The Union had a rather impressive start to 2021, but have since slipped down below the seventh and final playoff spot in the East. Watch the MLS on FuboTV (7-day free trial)While they have not anywhere clinching a spot in the postseason yet, Orlando is feeling good sitting third in the East. What: MLS SoccerWho: Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SCWhen: Sunday, September 19Time: 4:00 p.m. ETWhere: Subaru Park (Chester, Pa.)Channel: ESPN, ESPN DeportesStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial)Check out the MLS standings and results here

Two Eastern Conference squads who are on the outside of the playoff picture meet on Friday night, trying to win their way into the postseason conversation, as Inter Miami hosts the New York Red Bulls. Watch the MLS on FuboTV (7-day free trial)The Red Bulls are a little further back, but are not out of the race yet. They went 1-4-1 last month, pushing them further down the conference standings. What: MLS SoccerWho: Inter Miami CF vs. New York Red BullsWhen: Friday, September 17Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: DNV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)Channel: Fox Sports 1, FOX DeportesStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial)Check out the MLS standings and results here

Watch the MLS on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Atlanta is fighting for the seventh and final playoff spot in the East with multiple teams. Currently, they are tied for eighth with the Crew, with each having 27 points, three back of D.C. United. After they played to a scoreless draw in their season openers, before Orlando picked up a 3-2 win on home turf on July 30. What: MLS SoccerWho: Atlanta United vs. Orlando City SCWhen: Friday, September 10Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.)Channel: Fox Sports 1, FOX DeportesStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial)Check out the MLS standings and results here

An exciting Eastern Conference match is set to commence on a rather busy Sunday across Major League Soccer, as the top team in the league, the New England Revolution, prepare to host the Philadelphia Union. Watch the MLS on ESPN+Right beneath Orlando in the East sits a rising Union squad who had a rough start to 2021. However, they have amassed 28 points so far this season, nine back of the Revolution. This is the second of three meetings between the two, as New England and Philadelphia settled to a 1-1 draw in Philly back in May. What: MLS SoccerWho: New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia UnionWhen: Sunday, August 8Time: 6:00 p.m.

Montreal heads into Wednesday night grasping on the last playoff spot in the East. Montreal has been exceptionally good at home this season, as they have only lost once in Stade Saputo in their first seven matches this season. Watch the MLS on ESPN+Atlanta United has seen better days. What: MLS SoccerWho: CF Montreal vs. Atlanta United FCWhen: Wednesday, August 4Time: 7:300 p.m. ETWhere: Stade Saputo (Montreal, Que.)

Two teams at opposite ends of the Eastern Conference meet up on Sunday night north of the border, as Nashville SC travels up to take on Toronto FC. Nashville is looking to turn heads in their second season in Major League Soccer. Through their first 15 matches, they sit second in the East behind the New England Revolution with a 6-1-8 record, seven points back of the best team in the league. Nashville has not lost a match in over a month, as they are undefeated in their last seven matches, going 4-0-3 in that span. What: MLS SoccerWho: Toronto FC vs. Nashville SCWhen: Sunday, August 1Time: 7:30 p.m.

After the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday, one spot remains in the Major League Rugby Final. The big-time match is deserving a big-time venue, the Los Angeles Coliseum, as the home Giltinis host the Utah Warriors. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They lost to the Warriors last week, marking the first time all season that the Giltinis lost a match to a Western Conference foe. What: Major League Rugby Western Conference FinalsWho: L.A. Giltinis vs. Utah WarriorsWhen: Sunday, July 25Time: 6:00 p.m.

On Saturday afternoon, two Eastern Conference foes with differing starts to the 2021 season entanlge in the South, as the Columbus Crew travel down to meet with Atlanta United. Columbus comes into the match with a 5-3-6 record, and are holding the sixth spot in the East with 21 points, only two points out of second place. Watch the MLS on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Atlanta has not been so fortunate so far in 2021. This will be the first of two meetings between the two teams this season, as Columbus will play host in match on August 7. What: MLS SoccerWho: Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew SCWhen: Saturday, July 24Time: 3:30 p.m.

A big-time Eastern Conference matchup highlights Thursday night’s action in MLS, as the Philadelphia Union travel down to Florida to meet with Orlando City SC, with second place in the conference up for grabs. Philadelphia comes in currently with sole position of second with 23 points, one point ahead of Orlando, CF Montreal and Nashville SC. They are currently holding a 6-3-5 record, and are four points back of the East leaders, the New England Revolution. Watch the MLS on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Orlando has been slipping up a little bit over their past few contests. What: MLS SoccerWho: Orlando City SC vs. Philadelphia UnionWhen: Thursday, July 22Time: 7:30 p.m.

After nearly a ten day break for both teams, the New England Revolution and Atlanta United meet up on Saturday in a contest between two teams at opposite ends of the Eastern Conference. The Revolution continue to pace the Eastern Conference into July, but not by as wide of a margin as they had earlier in the season. New England has a 7-3-3 record heading into Saturday, with their 24 points sitting only three clear of second-place Orlando SC. Watch the MLS on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Atlanta is trying to stay in the hunt of a playoff position as the summer heat swarms across the league. What: MLS SoccerWho: Atlanta United vs. New England RevolutionWhen: Saturday, July 17Time: 5:00 p.m.

BSE Global, which operates the Brooklyn Nets, will leverage SeatGeek's technology for ticket sales starting in October.

It was only the third time this season that Philadelphia has been shutout. The Union are going to try get three points on Thursday, as they have only won once in their previous four matches. Watch the MLS on ESPN+The Red Bulls are clasping onto the seventh spot in the East at the moment, tied with Montreal CF and the Columbus Crew with 16 points. This will be the second meeting this season between New York and Philadelphia, as the Union won the first meeting in Philly earlier this season, 1-0. What: MLS SoccerWho: Red Bulls New York vs. Philadelphia UnionWhen: Thursday, July 8Time: 8:00 p.m.

There’s an excellent chance the Milwaukee Bucks will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their lone NBA title by winning it all again.

The Atlanta Hawks will have top scorer Trae Young in uniform for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young will join Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo in sitting out Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night due to injuries.

The Atlanta Hawks are dealing with another injury that could affect their preparations for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered a hyperextension of his left knee and been forced to leave the Milwaukee Bucks’ Eastern Conference finals game against the Atlanta Hawks.

A pair of Eastern Conference foes prepare to exchange pleasantries on Sunday, as D.C. United gets to take on New York City FC. NYFC comes into the match sitting tied for fourth with the Columbus Crew at 14 points, as New York is 4-3-2 in 2021 thus far. Watch the MLS on ESPN+For D.C., they currently what would be the last playoff spot, sitting seventh in the East with a 4-5-1 record. The match is taking place at Red Bull Arena, home of NYFC-rival New York Red Bulls due to the MLS’ scheduling in order to avoid congestion throughout the season. What: MLS SoccerWho: New York City FC vs. D.C. UnitedWhen: Sunday, June 27Time: 6:00 p.m.

This is the sixth time in Vandersloot’s career, including the third in her last two seasons, where she has earned the honor.

Tina Charles of the Washington Mystics and Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm have been named WNBA players of the week.

Fan interaction with the athletes has always been a component of sporting events, whether it’s been the good, the bad or the ugly, to steal the title from the famous western movie of the 1960s.

Saturday is chalked full of great MLS action, including an interesting battle between Orlando City SC and Toronto FC. Orlando is one of the best in the Eastern Conference through the first month of the 2021 season. Watch the MLS on ESPN+Leading the attack thus far for Orlando has been Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha. The Portuguese midfielder leads the club with three goals, while also leading the team in shots (15) and shots on target (6). What: MLS SoccerWho: Orlando City SC vs. Toronto FCWhen: Saturday, May 22Time: 7:00 p.m.

Schedule, TV channel, scores from the 2021 NBA playoffs, from the first round to the crowning of a champion in the NBA Finals

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball holds his right wrist during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. Ball is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a broken right wrist, according to a person familiar with the situation. He appeared to be hurt after a fall in the Hornets' 125-98 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball is expected to miss the remainder of the NBA season due to a broken right wrist, according to a person familiar with the situation. Ball appeared to be hurt after a fall in the Hornets’ 125-98 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday.

PITTSBURGH - MAY 04: The NHL logo behind the net during the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers prior to game five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 4, 2008 at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Wednesday a new TV and streaming deal with the Walt Disney Co. and ESPN. The NHL said the deal includes:Exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC in four of the seven years of the agreement, with the ability to simulcast/megacast on ESPN+ and additional ESPN networksThe return of live NHL action to ESPN networks with 25 exclusive national regular-season games on ABC or ESPN75 national regular-season games per season produced by ESPN that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and HuluHalf of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season; and coverage annually of NHL’s Face-off (opening night games)The NHL All-Star Game and Skills Challenge, plus other NHL special events each season. The NHL’s out-of-market streaming package will now be available for fans to stream only as part of an ESPN+ subscription.

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will both be unable to start the second half of the season with the Philadelphia 76ers, though neither All-Star will be missing from the Eastern Conference leaders’ lineup for long. Both will miss Philadelphia’s game Thursday in Chicago, and Simmons will also miss the 76ers’ contest on Friday against Washington. Provided both continue to test negative for COVID-19, they would be cleared after those games, the 76ers said. Simmons and Embiid both traveled to Atlanta for Sunday’s All-Star Game, only to learn the night before that they were flagged by contact tracing data. Dallas and Washington both have 38 games remaining, tied for the third-most in the league.

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)SASKATOON, SK – Mike Babcock, the former NHL coach who directed the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title and Canada to two Olympic medals, is taking over the University of Saskatchewan hockey team. The Huskies announced Saturday that Babcock will lead the team on a full-time volunteer basis for the next two seasons. Babcock, a Saskatoon native and former Huskies player, replaces Dave Adolph, who announced his retirement on Dec. 7 after 27 years coaching Saskatchewan. Babcock joins the Huskies after spending the past 17 seasons in the NHL, including guiding the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup championship in 2008. Babcock was fired 23 games into the 2019-20 season, his fifth with the Maple Leafs.

The NHL did not specify which team prompted the postponement, though four Hurricanes players were added to the COVID-19 list Tuesday. The NHL already postponed the start of the Dallas Stars' season after six players and two staff members tested positive for the virus. Hurricanes players Warren Foegele, Jordan Martinook, Jaccob Slavin and Teuvo Teravainen joined captain Jordan Staal on the unavailable list because of COVID-19 protocols. The teams aren’t scheduled to play again in Nashville until the end of the season with back-to-back games on May 7-8. Now the Predators, who gave players Tuesday off after the postponement, are scheduled to visit Dallas on Friday night for the Stars' season opener.

The Red Wings, who were easily the NHL's worst team last season, played for the first time since they lost to Carolina at home on March 10, 2020. “Once you started playing, you stopped thinking about it as much and it wasn’t quite as weird,” Red Wings center Dylan Larkin said. “It was a good step in the right direction.”ROUGH STARTLarkin made his debut as captain of the Red Wings, and his giveaway helped the Hurricanes score first. Playing the rebuilding Red Wings eight times in 56 games in the pandemic-altered Central Division should help Carolina's chances. The Red Wings’ No.

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Former Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has a new job as a studio analyst for NBC Sports. Babcock spent 10 seasons with the Red Wings from 2005-2015, posting a record of 458-223-105 in 786 career games. Babcock left Detroit in 2015 when he signed an 8-year, $50 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Read back: Chelios says Babcock caused Franzen to have nervous breakdown on Red Wings benchJohan Franzen went as far as calling Babcock “the worst person” had ever met. Read more: Ex-Red Wings D Colaiacovo on Babcock: Guys hated him in Detroit, tried to get him fired every year

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)The pandemic forced the NHL to realign its divisions for the 2020-21 season, and now those divisions will have sponsors. The special divisions formed just for this COVID-shortened season -- games start Jan. 13 -- will be sponsored by Discover (Central), Honda (West), Mass Mutual (East) and Scotiabank (North). The Detroit Red Wings announced Monday they will feature a United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) logo on player helmets starting this season. Some of these helmet logos are ... better than others:Our friends at @PPG will be the first-ever helmet entitlement partner for the upcoming hockey season. Full details on our new 𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉 𝒷𝓊𝒸𝓀ℯ𝓉𝓈: https://t.co/BUUsLJRH2S pic.twitter.com/SOVEdCMW6E — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 4, 2021Will we see more moves to increase revenue?

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)The NHL announced Sunday the league will begin its 2020-21 season on Jan. 13. Teams will play 56 games in this pandemic-shortened season. The expansion draft (Seattle’s first season in the league is 2021-22) will be held July 21. Realigned divisions, playoff seeding alteredThe divisions are realigning due to the cross-border travel ban between Canada and the United States. Follow NHL return to play updates here:

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)Reports on the NHL’s return to play in January are rolling out this weekend. Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the season will start Jan. 13 (as expected) with a trade deadline scheduled for April 12. The NHL’s regular season -- expected to be cut short to just 56 games -- will end May 8. Teams will play within their divisions with the top four in each division making the playoffs. Read more: NHL eyes division play only; Sharks to ArizonaFollow NHL return to play updates here:

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)The path to the MLS Cup will go through Philadelphia after the Union wrapped up the Supporters’ Shield and top seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs on the final day of the MLS regular season on Sunday. The snowy victory for Kansas City was part of a wild final day in the Western Conference, with late goals in Los Angeles and Houston shuffling the playoff bracket. LAFC's reward is a trip to defending MLS Cup champion Seattle in a rematch of last year's Western Conference final won by the Sounders on the road. Only Philadelphia and Toronto had a chance to lay claim to the regular-season title entering the final day of the season. The Eastern Conference had a logjam at the bottom of the standings, and the final day ended with both expansion teams claiming playoff spots.

PHILADELPHIA – There's a new Doc in Philadelphia — one charged with reviving a 76ers organization that fell far short of NBA championship expectations. Rivers takes over for Brett Brown, who was fired after the 76ers were swept in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Rivers spent seven seasons with the Clippers, making the playoffs in six of them — major success for a once-woebegone franchise. He is 1,624-943 in nearly 21 seasons as an NBA coach. He was the 1999-00 NBA Coach of the Year.

Fred McLeod catches up with Rip Hamilton and Ben Wallace's wife, Chanda Wallace, in 2006 when the Detroit Pistons went to Miami to take on the Heat in the Eastern Conference final series. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings have traded a 4th-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Adam Erne. The Red Wings will send over their 4th-round pick in next year's draft for Erne, who is a 24-year-old winger drafted by Tampa at 33rd overall in 2013. Erne played 65 games with the Bolts this past season, scoring 7 goals and 13 assists. This appears to be a move for more size up front for the Red Wings -- Erne is listed at 6-foot-1, 214 pounds. He found himself a more permanent spot in the lineup this past season.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 02: Sugar Rodgers #14 of the Las Vegas Aces guards Courtney Williams #10 of the Connecticut Sun during their game at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on June 2, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mystics will look to Ariel Atkins, who had 14 points, three rebounds and three blocks against the Aces on July 13. The Fever will have the strength of Kelsey Mitchell and Candice Dupree who had a combined 24 points and eight rebounds against Las Vegas. Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm Preview (10 p.m. EST tip-off)Two of the WNBA's hottest teams are set to face off when the Seattle Storm host the league-leading Las Vegas Aces on Friday. Las Vegas has won five in a row, while Seattle looks to extend its winning streak to four games.

The most recent victim of this ordeal is New Orleans Pelicans sharpshooter JJ Redick whose 10-month social media abscence ended in June when he created a burner Twitter account to keep up with all the drama. In his podcast he states that he decided to create the burner account because his friend asked him how he was gonna stay up to date on free agency, according to the Bleacher Report. "So, I used some random Gmail account that I don't really use, that I think I used to have a Spotify account. I can't remember why I used it, but anyways, used a Gmail account and set up just an egg (avatar) and I followed five people...(Adrian Wojnarowski), Chris Haynes, Ramona (Shelburne), Shams (Charania)the news breakers," Redick said. With the free agency heat cooling down Redick is back off social media and his burnder account has been deactivated.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers points against the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ersFree agency begins in just a few days and Jimmy Butler is one of the top commodities for teams. The Houston Rockets are looking for a sign-and-trade deal from the Philadelphia 76ers to recieve Butler, according to the Bleacher Report. Even though the Rockets are on the prowl, the 76ers are looking to aggressively re-sign Butler. The 76ers are looking to offer Butler a five-year, $156 million max deal to stay in Philadelphia, but the Rockets are looking to offer a four-year deal for $140.6 million.

The NBA Draft is this week and the Pistons have a pivotal decision to make. The Detroit Pistons, who finished 8th in the Eastern Conference, have the No. So he's a guard with size who can put the ball on the floor and consistently knock down shots. Yahoo Sports: SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech, 6-5, 205NJ.com: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky: "Hes a combo guard with top-notch shooting ability, and the Pistons are a team that seriously needs to add shooters. The 19-year-old is one of the few quality shot creators in the class, and he has the positional size to make that valuable.

– The Detroit Pistons will be coming off their biggest win of the season when they invade Boston on Wednesday night in a matchup of two teams inching toward the .500 mark. The Pistons, who opened 6-10, won for the sixth time in their last 10 games with a victory Monday at Eastern Conference-leading Indiana, which had been unbeaten at home. Boston has won two straight, five of seven and eight of 12 after a 101-97 victory over Minnesota on Monday. Boston had a season-high 25 turnovers and scored a season-low 77 points in a 10-point loss at Detroit on Nov. 3. Boston F Jeff Green is averaging 21.8 points in his team's last six losses and just 13 points in the last five wins.