Surging Red Sox Have Won 8 of 10, Average 9.1 Hits Per Road Game

In today’s newsletter…

- Leading Off: NBA coaches without experience
- MLB: Chris Sale’s Yankees matchup
- News: Boxer Ryan Garcia suspended

With JJ Redick reportedly hired to be the coach of the Lakers, we took a look at the history of NBA head coaches that got the job without any coaching or executive experience in the league.

Since 1980, 12 coaches were hired without that experience, and they combined for 11 playoff appearances over 26 total seasons (some resigned or were fired mid-season, so that is a little inflated). They averaged lasting a little over two seasons each and had a combined winning percentage of about 45%. Of the group, Doc Rivers had the most success — coaching the Magic for five seasons and making three playoff appearances.

In today’s newsletter, Craig is covering Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga’s first time facing a team twice and the surging Red Sox, who have won eight of 10 games.