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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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: BKN--PACERS-KNICKS PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- With Jalen Brunson, voted the NBA’s best clutch player, the New York Knicks feel they have the top closer in the NBA. With what Tyrese Haliburton has done in three stunning comebacks during this postseason, perhaps it’s the Indiana Pacers who have the guy. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-THUNDER

5. DESCRIPTION: OKLAHOMA CITY -- The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder look to take control of the Western Conference finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. The Thunder won the opener 114-88 on Tuesday night. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 450 words, with photos. Game time 7:30 p.m. Central.

6. UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 8:30 p.m. EDT

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BKC--FLORIDA-GOLDEN

DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Todd Golden has a revamped roster and a revamped contract. The 39-year-old Golden has been busy since winning the national championship, with the last two days including a trip to the White House and a commitment from Arkansas guard Boogie Fland.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PLAYOFFS-FINNS UP

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — Stars coach Pete DeBoer has jokingly referred to himself as being Finnish during these NHL playoffs. Well, Dallas has five of the 13 players from Finland that are in the conference finals for all four teams. Dallas’ top line is a trio of Finns, led by top-scoring forward and key midseason acquisition Mikko Rantanen. Florida has four Finns, Carolina three and Edmonton one. By Stephen Hawkins. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: German clubs Heidenheim and Elversberg are already punching above their weight as they contest a two-leg playoff to play in the Bundesliga next season. Heidenheim was promoted to the top division in 2023 after an unlikely ascent through the lower leagues and Elversberg is bidding to emulate its rival by replacing it in the Bundesliga. Heidenheim was third from bottom last season, while Elversberg was third in the second division. The second leg will be played Monday in Elversberg.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN--SAINTS-YOUNG QBS

DESCRIPTION: METAIRIE, La. -- Unless the Saints pick up a veteran quarterback over the summer, they could conceivably head into training camp with a total of seven starts and no wins among the four QBs on their roster. First-year coach Kellen Moore doesn’t necessarily see that as a problem -- at least, not yet. By Brett Martel. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-CROSBY

DESCRIPTION: HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby is back running full speed at practice after cutting last season short because of an ankle injury. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--OILERS-STARS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — The Stars are now getting some secondary scoring aside from Mikko Rantanen, and already scoring on the power play against the Oilers. Dallas is now seeking a 2-0 series lead in the West final. By Stephen Hawkins. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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US--MARYLAND-ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

DESCRIPTION: COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland introduces former Atlanta Braves executive James Smith as its new athletic director. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOF--NEBRASKA-BAHL

DESCRIPTION: LINCOLN, Neb. -- Jordy Bahl has given the Nebraska softball team more than it could have hoped and, like she did during her two national championship seasons at Oklahoma, she’s taken her game to a higher level in the NCAA Tournament. Coming off a season-ending ACL tear in 2024, the national player of the year finalist is as dominant as ever in the circle and has been a revelation as one of the top power hitters in the game. By Eric Olson. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo

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GLF--COLONIAL

DESCRIPTION: FORT WORTH, Texas — World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has a chance to win three consecutive PGA Tour starts in the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial a week after winning the PGA Championship. By Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKW--PWHL-FINALS

DESCRIPTION: OTTAWA -- The defending Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost play Game 2 of their best-of-five PWHL Finals series at the Ottawa Charge on Thursday night. 150 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 9:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--FEVER-DREAM

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Dream will complete a two-game, home-and-home set of games against Brittney Griner and Atlanta when they visit the Dream on Thursday night. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PANTHERS-HURRICANES

DESCRIPTION: RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference final series on Thursday night. The reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers won the opener to take home-ice advantage. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 500 words and photos. Game starts at 8 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 05/22/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--US ROSTER

Pulisic among the US staters to miss CONCACAF Gold Cup, last competitive matches before World Cup

SUMMARY: Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Josh Sargent and Joe Scally will miss the CONCACAF Gold Cup, leaving the United States with a depleted roster for its last competitive soccer matches before the 2026 World Cup. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna already were expected to miss the regional championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean because FIFA ruled the expanded Club World Cup has priority on players over national teams. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino announced his 27-man squad for friendlies ahead of the tournament, and missing players also included defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and midfielder Tanner Tessmann.

WORDS: 858 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 1:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13936aa22810ac2000ab41d2d9bf66bc&mediaType=text

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SOC--INTER MIAMI-MESSI-FAVORITE GOAL

Messi’s favorite goal, a header for Barcelona in 2009 Champions League final, to become work of art

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi has revealed his favorite goal, and it wasn’t one of the hundreds he has scored with his legendary left foot. It was a header — one that sealed Barcelona’s 2009 Champions League final win over Manchester United. The Inter Miami star, World Cup champion for Argentina and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement on Thursday, saying that goal from 16 years ago stands above the many he has logged for club and country over his unparalleled career. Images of that goal will now be turned into an art piece that will be sold by auction house Christie’s for charity.

WORDS: 500 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 12:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aecfb6795007775e23fd59c180c0907a&mediaType=text

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HKN--BLACKHAWKS-BLASHILL

Chicago Blackhawks hire Jeff Blashill as head coach, hoping for a turnaround

SUMMARY: The Chicago Blackhawks are giving Jeff Blashill a second chance to prove himself as a head coach in the NHL. The 51-year-old Michigan native coached the Detroit Red Wings for seven seasons. He was let go after the team went 32-40-10 during the 2021-22 season. While Blashill had an underwhelming stay with Detroit, he has a player development background that likely was appealing for the rebuilding Blackhawks. He has coached in the AHL and USHL, along with the college ranks. Blashill spent the last three seasons as an assistant to Jon Cooper with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

WORDS: 484 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 12:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bc0fa830c30a4a1b6a9645b1c1b080da&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

French Open 2025: The certainty Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek brought to Paris is missing now

WORDS: 843 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 11:53 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:527064929517a7a0ccab1e6049629e1b&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA COMMISSIONER

Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential

SUMMARY: Craig Kessler is the new LPGA commissioner. Kessler has been at the PGA of America for the last two years as the chief operating officer. He replaces Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who resigned in January. Kessler has high energy and deep roots in golf and corporate leadership. The 39-year-old says he has explosive potential when he officially starts on July 15. The LPGA has been criticized for not being able to attract much attention as other sports are creating a lot of momentum. He says his goal is for people to see the LPGA and want to be part of it.

WORDS: 466 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 11:40 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1b02c891efb2fcc179639ea93eee018&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500

Team Penske focused on moving forward after shock firings following Indy 500 cheating scandal

SUMMARY: Roger Penske personally told Will Power about the firings of Team Penske’s top three executives and the decision came after a sleepless night of contemplating how to handle a cheating scandal ahead of the Indianapolis 500. Penske cleaned house after the cars for both Power and two-time defending Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden failed inspection ahead of Sunday’s final round of qualifying. The cars were found to have modified a spec part. IndyCar said it has found no evidence the modification provided a competitive advantage. But it was the second major technical violation for Team Penske in just over a year.

WORDS: 725 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 11:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20f97637361da290e28e059cc1623bd1&mediaType=text

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HKN--FROM REBUILDING TO CUP CHASING

Hurricanes’ Hall, Panthers’ Jones reunite in Eastern final after trades from rebuilding Blackhawks

SUMMARY: Carolina Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall and Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones have gone from playing for a rebuilding team in Chicago to battling in the Eastern Conference final. The Hurricanes acquired Hall in January while the Panthers acquired Jones before the March trade deadline. That freed them from the Blackhawks’ rebuilding job to join a contender. Each player had won just two postseason series before matching that with this year’s run through two rounds. Florida won Game 1 of the series on Tuesday night. Game 2 is Thursday night.

WORDS: 885 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 11:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:334a383dd85b0817069a68e456eb55d6&mediaType=text

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SAI--AMERICA’S CUP-AMERICAN MAGIC

An America’s Cup without an American boat? American Magic says it may not sail in Naples

SUMMARY: American Magic has put its participation in the next America’s Cup in serious doubt after it cited what it considered “transparency” concerns related to Team New Zealand’s decision to hold the 2027 regatta in Naples, Italy. The team that represented the New York Yacht Club says Team New Zealand “has been unwilling to commit to the transparency and cooperation necessary” regarding its plans for Naples that were announced last week. If American Magic does not compete and no other American team enters in its place, then for the first time in the event’s history, there would not be an American team in the America’s Cup.

WORDS: 291 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 11:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b16c447cef426b2a209385c0ea8af460&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN-DRAW

Alcaraz’s confidence soaring before French Open title defense while Swiatek struggling

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz will open his defense of the French Open title against veteran Kei Nishikori. Alcaraz says he is “excited” to be back in Paris on the back of an excellent clay-court season. He has been the dominant player in the weeks leading to Roland-Garros and is the clear-cut favorite after claiming trophies in Barcelona and Rome. Nishikori is a former top-five player who has been struggling on dirt in recent years. Having moved back to No. 2 in the rankings, Alcaraz can’t play top-ranked Jannik Sinner before the final in Paris because they are on opposite sides of the draw. Back from a three-month doping suspension, Sinner pushed Alcaraz when they met in the Rome final this month yet lost in straight sets. Sinner opens against local hope Arthur Rinderknech.

WORDS: 579 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 10:49 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:76a6b8197c42b4b85b8d9b04347cc8de&mediaType=text

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SOC--MAN UNITED-FINANCES

Man United faces more financial turmoil after Europa League final loss

SUMMARY: The financial consequences of Manchester United losing in the Europa League final should be painful and affect the club for years. It was a zero-sum game Tottenham won 1-0 on Wednesday. Winner goes into the Champions League plus the UEFA Super Cup game in August. Loser gets nothing in Europe next season. It means the loss of sporting opportunities and reputational prestige. Also there are short and longer-term financial hits ahead for the club owned by the Glazer family from the United States and British billionaire industrialist Jim Ratcliffe. More financial losses and player sales are now likely.

WORDS: 785 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 10:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0d9734aa293851e7c1aaaa5e41b842c7&mediaType=text

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RAC--SOBRIETY THROUGH HORSES

Horses on a Kentucky farm are helping men build sober lives, gain work and reunite families

SUMMARY: Thoroughbred horses on a sprawling Kentucky farm are helping men trying to carve out clean and sober lives. The farm is home to a program that offers addicts who’ve never been around the 1,000-pound animals a chance to care for them with the goal of landing a job related to the racing industry and putting themselves on a new path. The Stable Recovery program teaches horsemanship over the course of a year while providing housing, food, clothing, transportation and income to men who’ve tried and failed numerous other times to escape addiction. Among its success stories are the sons of two prominent veterans of the racing industry.

WORDS: 1399 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 10:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd0db197dbd5b3adbfa5e4868b478814&mediaType=text

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FBN--IRSAY OBIT-REACTION

Colts owner Jim Irsay remembered for love of football, commitment to music, animal welfare

SUMMARY: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, fellow owners and former players are remembering Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for his commitment to his team and the game. Irsay died Wednesday at age 65. Goodell says Irsay had integrity, passion and care and was also known for his collection of historical and musical artifacts. The Las Vegas Raiders ownership praised Irsay for his tireless efforts to promote and improve the game. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals say Irsay made Lucas Oil Stadium into one of the most vegan-friendly sports venues in the nation. Former Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton expressed his love for Irsay.

WORDS: 1011 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 10:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d53f1de6fd1d37c04f33aada732efea5&mediaType=text

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BKN--PACERS-KNICKS-THE COMEBACK

Anatomy of a comeback: How the Pacers rallied from 14 down in the final 3:14 to beat Knicks

SUMMARY: The Indiana Pacers were down by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter, and still trailed by 14 points with 3 minutes and 14 seconds left in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at New York on Wednesday night. What happened next was historic. The Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14. No team, at least in the play-by-play era that goes back to 1997, had scored that many in the final 3:14 of regulation of a playoff game. And the Pacers would go on to win in overtime, outscoring the Knicks 13-10 in the extra session to prevail 138-135.

WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 9:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:10368fc230e0bd1dd5f31e3f02fae5aa&mediaType=text

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RAC-SOBRIETY THROUGH HORSES-PHOTO GALLERY

AP PHOTOS: Horses on a Kentucky farm help men build sober lives, gain work and reunite families

WORDS: 127 - MOVED: 05/22/2025 8:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb59d991a98f5b4d3e0d249e984fe038&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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—NBA, NHL playoffs

—Women’s Champions League Final Preview

—F1 Monaco Grand Prix Preview

—French Open Guide