UNDATED (AP) β The NBA playoffs start today with four series openers in the familiar best-of-seven format. The Washington Wizards travel to Toronto, New Orleans visits Golden State, the Chicago Bulls host Milwaukee and the Dallas Mavericks hit the road to Houston to play James Harden and the Rockets.
NEW YORK (AP) β New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi practiced yesterday and is expected to play in Game 2 of the playoff series with Pittsburgh tonight. Girardi took a puck in the face in the third period of New York’s 2-1 win in Game 1 on Thursday night.
UNDATED (AP) β That Rangers-Penguins affair is one of four Game 2’s on today’s Stanley Cup playoff schedule. Detroit takes a 1-0 series lead into its game against Tampa Bay, the St. Louis Blues hope to tie their series at 1-1 with a home game against Minnesota and Winnipeg visits Anaheim late tonight.
CHICAGO (AP) β Kris Bryant will try again to jump-start his major league career. After striking out three times during an 0-for-4 performance in the Chicago Cubs’ 5-4 loss to San Diego Padres yesterday, the Cubs’ prized phenom third baseman will get a second showing at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field when the Cubs take on the Padres this afternoon.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) β Troy Merritt takes a four-shot lead over defending champion Matt Kuchar (KOO’-char) and John Merrick entering today’s third round of the Heritage Classic on Hilton Head Island. Masters champion Jordan Spieth (SPEETH) roared into contention with a 62 following his opening-round 74.
