Josh Hart is a Rebound Machine, Knicks Second-Chance Points Could Be Key

In today’s newsletter…

- Leading Off: The Thunder are for real
- NBA: Josh Hart exposes Pacers’ rebounding weakness
- MLB: Adley Rutschman has a hot bat for Orioles
- Soccer: Real’s Vinicius Junior should create chances
- News: Jamal Murray avoids suspension

At some point people have to start believing in the Thunder. After a tight first quarter, they cruised the rest of the way for a 22-point win against the Mavericks last night. Despite being the No. 1 seed in the West, Oklahoma City hasn’t been seen as a title contender — likely because the Thunder are the second-youngest team in the NBA (their average age is 24.12). But they keep winning and are deep. They had five players score in double figures in game 1, including two off the bench, and held Luka Doncic to just 19 points.

In today’s edition of the newsletter, Jason is covering the lone NBA game on the docket, as the Pacers and Knicks play game 2 at Madison Square Garden. He’s looking for the Pacers to keep it close, assuming the refs aren’t as involved this time around, and for a lot of points again. In MLB, Malcolm is tracking Giants starter Jordan Hicks’s great start to the season. And in soccer, Sam is looking for Harry Kane to score once again in a Champions League matchup.