Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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FBN--HEAVIEST PLAYERS

DESCRIPTION: Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Desmond Watson already has made NFL history — as the league’s heaviest player. While no other current NFL player tops 400 pounds, there have been a few who have played at or near four bills. The list includes Aaron Gibson, Nate Newton, Bryant McKinnie and Williams “The Refrigerator” Perry. By Mark Long.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--ITALIAN OPEN

DESCRIPTION: ROME — Carlos Alcaraz plays Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic in his return from injury at the Italian Open. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka opens against Anastasia Potapova and Coco Gauff faces Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko. By Andrew Dampf. UPCOMING: 300 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--MAPLE LEAFS-PANTHERS

DESCRIPTION: SUNRISE, Fla. -- Defending Stanley Cup champion Florida needs a win to get back into its Eastern Conference semifinal series against Toronto. The Maple Leafs have a 2-0 lead on the Panthers going into Game 3 on Friday night. By Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--GIANTS-ROOKIES

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants first-round picks Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart participate in the team’s rookie minicamp Friday. By Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. On merits.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 11:30 a.m. EDT, Text

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CYC--GIRO D’ITALIA

DESCRIPTION: TIRANA, Albania — The Giro d’Italia opens in Albania for the first time with a hilly 160-kilometer (99-mile) stage from Durazzo to Tirana. UPCOMING: 350 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-KANSAS-BUESCHER’S BACK

DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Kan. — One year ago, Chris Buescher was beaten by Kyle Larson at Kansas Speedway by less than a blink of an eye. The official margin of victory was 0.001 seconds, the closest in NASCAR history. The Cup Series is back this weekend for its annual spring race and nobody has forgotten about it. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 5 p.m. CT.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 3:03 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKO--WORLDS

DESCRIPTION: The United States opens the ice hockey world championship against Denmark while defending champion Czech Republic plays Switzerland in a replay of last year’s final. Also, Sweden faces Slovakia and Finland meets Austria.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--BUCCANEERS ROOKIES

DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — Desmond Watson, the defensive lineman who made headlines for weighing more than 400 pounds, and Shilo Sanders make their debut with the Bucs at the team’s rookie camp. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. Story on merits.

ON MERITS: By 05/09/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--EGYPTIAN LION

DESCRIPTION: ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have a minicamp for their rookies, including former Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein, the first Egyptian drafted by an NFL team. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos by 6 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--TRUIST CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: The second round of the Truist Championship, a PGA Tour signature event at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course. By Bob Lentz. 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-JEANTY

DESCRIPTION: HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders get an early look at running back Ashton Jeanty in rookie camp. He was the club’s No. 6 overall draft pick. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Jeeno Thitikul has a two-shot lead going into the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National. Defending champion Nelly Korda was four behind. Upcoming: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--STARS-JETS

DESCRIPTION: WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg play Game 2 of their second-round NHL playoff series. 6:30 p.m. Central start. 450 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/09/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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CRI--PAKISTAN-TOURNAMENT SHIFTED

Pakistan moves its T20 cricket tournament to Dubai because of concerns over India conflict

SUMMARY: The Pakistan Cricket Board has shifted the remaining eight matches of its Pakistan Super League Twenty20 competition to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates following rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. The PCB confirmed the relocation in a statement released early Friday, citing growing concerns among overseas players and the need to prioritize their safety. Once logistical arrangements are finalized, the remaining schedule, including revised dates and venues, will be announced.

WORDS: 241 - MOVED: 05/09/2025 1:43 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:04ee4a8aa4fce6c8da6c25cd5400d21b&mediaType=text

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HKN--OILERS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Draisaitl scores in OT to give Oilers a 5-4 win over Golden Knights and a 2-0 series lead

SUMMARY: Leon Draisaitl took a pass from Connor McDavid and scored off the rush at 15:20 of overtime to give the Edmonton Oilers a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night and a 2-0 lead in the second-round series. After failing to capitalize on a five-minute power play when Vegas defenseman Nicolas Roy was assessed a major penalty for cross-checking 5:37 into overtime, the Oilers didn’t waste the opportunity later when the NHL’s most dynamic offensive duo combined for the winner. Vasily Podkolzin, Jake Walman, Darnell Nurse and Evander Kane also scored for the Oilers, and Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had two assists. Calvin Pickard made 28 saves. Game 3 is Saturday night in Edmonton.

WORDS: 454 - MOVED: 05/09/2025 1:40 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4a67704db87c32de935524ba16b06853&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-CURRY

Stephen Curry says he knows patience will be required when dealing with hamstring injury

SUMMARY: Stephen Curry sat down after the Golden State Warriors went through their gameday shootaround practice in Minneapolis and quickly announced that he’s feeling great. He was not telling the truth. “Sarcasm,” the four-time NBA champion with the Warriors clarified, just in case anyone missed the joke. Curry is going to be a postseason spectator for at least a few games, his Grade 1 hamstring strain bad enough that it took him out of most of Game 1 of the Warriors’ Western Conference semifinal series on Tuesday — and will sideline him not only for Game 2 on Thursday but likely Games 3 and 4 in San Francisco.

WORDS: 650 - MOVED: 05/09/2025 1:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:facfbc99e16a52099273a578ae6a3137&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS

Anthony Edwards scares the Timberwolves with a sprained ankle before returning in strong finish

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Timberwolves have seen Anthony Edwards writhing in pain on the floor several times throughout his career before eventually welcoming their star guard back to the game. This sprained left ankle that forced Edwards out in the second quarter of Game 2 gave the Timberwolves a scare. Edwards made it back yet again. He delighted the crowd when he walked back onto the court for warmups before the start of the second half. Edwards finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Timberwolves in the 117-93 victory over Golden State that tied the series.

WORDS: 443 - MOVED: 05/09/2025 1:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2da26414ccee9ebb3603b6c266cba851&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-TIMBERWOLVES

Timberwolves beat Curry-less Warriors 117-93 in Game 2 to even series

SUMMARY: Julius Randle had 24 points and 11 assists to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves through another uneven performance, this time capitalizing on Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry’s absence in a 117-93 victory that tied the second-round series at one game apiece. Anthony Edwards finished with 20 points after an injury scare as the Wolves more than tripled their 3-point output from their Game 1 loss when Curry suffered the left hamstring strain. The injury will likely sideline Curry at least until next week. Jonathan Kuminga had 18 points and Trayce Jackson-Davis had 15 points for the Warriors off the bench.

WORDS: 490 - MOVED: 05/09/2025 12:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a2bb1ddb63982e7dd6a3fc64cfaf6c29&mediaType=text

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HKN--CAPITALS-WILSON

Tom Wilson leads the Capitals past the Hurricanes 3-1 with blocks, a goal and an assist

SUMMARY: Tom Wilson has provided a little bit of everything for the Washington Capitals in their Game 2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. He just wasn’t sure the box score properly reflected quite just how much he contributed Thursday night. Wilson produced the primary assist on John Carlson’s go-ahead goal on a power play early in the third period of Washington’s 3-1 win that tied their Eastern Conference playoff series at a game apiece. Wilson put the puck into an empty net in the final minute to seal the outcome. And he was credited with two of Washington’s 32 blocked shots.

WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 10:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:182daabfac8b29d9d06f887fa45e6e84&mediaType=text

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HKN--HURRICANES-CAPITALS

Capitals look more like themselves in beating the Hurricanes 3-1 in Game 2 to tie series

SUMMARY: Connor McMichael and John Carlson scored, Logan Thompson made 27 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in Game 2 to tie the second-round playoff series. Tom Wilson sealed it with an empty-net goal with a minute left. The Hurricanes’ streak of 19 consecutive penalty kills to start the postseason ended with Carlson’s power-play goal. Game 3 is Saturday night in Raleigh.

WORDS: 484 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 10:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4f1290707e0609c9b2d3833c2b140d26&mediaType=text

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US--NEW POPE-SPORTS

Pope Leo XIV brings hope to Chicago sports fans, and the Knicks for their Villanova ties

SUMMARY: The sports loyalties of Pope Leo XIV became a topic of conversation almost as soon as the white smoke emerged from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Robert Prevost is the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, also attended Villanova University near Philadelphia, where he received a Bachelor of Science in 1977. Chicago’s two baseball teams were front and center as sports fans reacted to the news. It was initially reported that the new pope was a Cubs fan. But his brother, John Prevost, set the record straight in an interview with WGN-TV. The pope is a White Sox fan.

WORDS: 539 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 10:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4cbba3bb0a8219059fffeb309e534dfd&mediaType=text

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MMA--UFC 315 PREVIEW

War of words highlights buildup to UFC 315 in Montreal where political hostilities could overflow

SUMMARY: The verbal gloves are off when it comes to the buildup to UFC 315, with the tension between the U.S. and Canada even spilling into this card. Even the style of trash talk came up for debate in the headline event between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and challenger Jack Della Maddalena. Kyrgyz-Peruvian champion Valentina Shevchenko defends her flyweight crown against Manon Fiorot of France in the co-main event. political tensions between Canada and the U.S. could spill over into the arena. That’s how American welterweight Charles Radtke views his bout with Ontario’s Mike Malott.

WORDS: 902 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 9:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a14400cc9594ef3be450896abf69893&mediaType=text

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HKN--DUCKS-QUENNEVILLE

Joel Quenneville hired by Anaheim Ducks for his 1st head coaching job since Blackhawks abuse scandal

SUMMARY: Joel Quenneville is returning to the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks for his first head coaching job since the second-winningest coach in league history resigned and was banned from the league for his handling of a sexual assault scandal. The 66-year-old Quenneville was hired by Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek for his first coaching job since his resignation from the Florida Panthers 3 1/2 years ago in the wake of his handling of the sexual assault scandal during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. Before his departure, Quenneville spent parts of 25 NHL seasons behind the benches of St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago and Florida.

WORDS: 1111 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 7:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c452a39d30e755665c162e270bd577ac&mediaType=text

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SOC--EUROPA LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Man United and Tottenham reach Europa League final and are one win away from Champions League

SUMMARY: For Manchester United or Tottenham, a miserable campaign will end in Europa League glory. Despite both teams languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Champions League is now just one game away. That’s the reward on offer after the two troubled English clubs advanced to the final of Europe’s second tier competition on Thursday. United beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the semifinal second leg at Old Trafford and won 7-1 on aggregate. Tottenham won 2-0 away at Bodø/Glimt to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory.

WORDS: 935 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 6:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59ba06e01da363f926dd278e1163ea79&mediaType=text

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GLF--TRUIST CHAMPIONSHIP

Mitchell shoots 61 for 1-shot lead at Truist Championship; McIlroy shows rust in 66

SUMMARY: Keith Mitchell led a birdie spree at the Truist Championship on Thursday, shooting a career-best 9-under 61 to shatter the course record at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. The previous Wissahickon Course record of 65 was shared by Colin St Maxen, Zac Blair and Angus Flanagan. The 7,100-yard A.W. Tillinghast design with modest par 4s and gettable pin placements fell victim to the long hitters and aggressive shots with short irons and wedges. Mitchell had a one-shot lead over Denny McCarthy. Colin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Sepp Straka and Akshay Bhatia shot 63. Rory McIlroy, making his first individual start since completing the career grand slam at the Masters, had a 66.

WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 6:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e1c5a8494e34515b38c69a17c361025e&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS-PICKENS

Receiver George Pickens points north with Cowboys after Steelers tenure turned south

SUMMARY: Receiver George Pickens is looking toward his future with the Dallas Cowboys after a somewhat stormy past with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The mercurial 24-year-old is joining the Cowboys in a trade. He gives quarterback Dak Prescott another playmaker to go with CeeDee Lamb. Pickens’ questionable antics with the Steelers were enough for coach Mike Tomlin to declare bluntly last year that he needed to grow up. Pickens believes he and Lamb can be a strong tag-team pair. He isn’t worried about trying to change any perception from his time with the Steelers.

WORDS: 790 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 6:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8fdd6ee722417d9b1921c26ccdf4a61&mediaType=text

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BBO--PIRATES-SHELTON FIRED

Derek Shelton knew it was time to win. The Pirates haven’t, and now the manager is out of a job

SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Pirates have fired manager Derek Shelton following a rocky opening month to the season that saw Pittsburgh quickly slip into last place in the NL Central. General manager Ben Cherington made the announcement. Bench coach Don Kelly will take over for Shelton. The decision comes with Pittsburgh riding a seven-game losing streak that dropped its record to 12-26. Shelton, hired by Cherington in November 2019 as part of a franchise-wide reset by owner Bob Nutting, went 306-440 in five-plus seasons with the Pirates.

WORDS: 967 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 6:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b8521f52e3859c795ea6212b95da90c&mediaType=text

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BBO--MANAGING OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani could have landed 15-year deal, agent says, but he didn’t want to risk skills decline

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani could have pursued a 15-year contract through age 44, but the two-way superstar didn’t want to risk a decline in his skills while under the big deal. His agent, Nez Balelo, pulled back the curtain that shrouds Ohtani a bit when speaking at Sportico’s Invest West conference in Inglewood, California. Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers was the largest in pro sports when he signed in December 2023. A year later, Juan Soto topped it with a $765 million, 15-year deal with the New York Mets. Balelo says he wouldn’t have done anything differently because Ohtani and the Dodgers won the World Series in his first season with them.

WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 5:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13f40a19b9eeac3202e2546143c57008&mediaType=text

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HKN--FACEOFF

Friday’s NHL games: Leafs seek 3-0 lead in Florida, Rantanen and Stars aim at 2-0 lead over Jets

SUMMARY: Mikko Rantanen is on a history-making tear. The Florida Panthers need a history-making comeback. The Toronto Maple Leafs will seek a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers on Friday night, while Rantanen — on a scoring roll the likes of which hockey hasn’t seen in generations — will lead the Dallas Stars into Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Winnipeg Jets. Florida lost a pair of one-goal games at Toronto to open their series, which resumes on the Panthers’ home ice for Game 3 on Friday.

WORDS: 868 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 3:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a818f333aef5c649d391e941c2016a2c&mediaType=text

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HKN--RANGERS-SULLIVAN

Sullivan makes sure to speak with ‘every player on the roster’ as he starts anew as Rangers coach

SUMMARY: For Mike Sullivan, the latest coach of the New York Rangers, there will be many priorities in taking over a team that missed the playoffs a season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Foremost will be communication. Sullivan, the 38th coach in franchise history and fifth since 2018, agreed to lead the Rangers on May 2 after parting ways with Pittsburgh, where he won the Stanley Cup twice. He had his introductory press conference on Thursday. Sullivan replaces Peter Laviolette, who was fired April 19 after the Rangers slid 29 points to miss the postseason despite their raft of talent.

WORDS: 595 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 3:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71597d590ab7e5079a20288a28e5ff70&mediaType=text

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BKN--KNICKS-TICKET PRICE

Celtics-Knicks ticket for Game 3 in New York is commanding nearly $2,000 on resale market

SUMMARY: Ticket demand is so great for Saturday’s Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks that the average paid ticket price on the resale market approached $2,000 Thursday. The average was $1,956 for Game 3 and $1,716 for Game 4, both at Madison Square Garden. That’s according to ticketing technology company Victory Live, which analyzes transactions, not listings, on the secondary market. The Knicks have become the most exciting story in the playoffs, having erased 20-point deficits to beat the defending champion Celtics in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

WORDS: 201 - MOVED: 05/08/2025 2:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f2cb44d0aec6a599e129a2855663cc82&mediaType=text

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