The Philadelphia 76ers are making moves behind the scenes, shaking up their front office just as the NBA Draft Combine reveals its early winners and losers. Plus, the PGA Championship is finally here, and we've got expert picks to help you navigate the field. And with college sports tournaments expanding, we break down who truly benefits from the bigger brackets.
The second major of the year tees off tomorrow at Aronimink Golf Club, and the excitement is building. All 156 golfers—from the PGA Tour, PGA of America, and LIV Golf—will chase the Wanamaker Trophy starting Thursday at 6:45 a.m. ET. The first group features Braden Shattuck, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Ben Griffin, but the real storylines are all about the contenders. Our expert Patrick McDonald has ranked the top 26 players, and three of the top four are past champions, including two-time winner Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy is chasing his second major win of the year and a third PGA Championship title, but he'll have to battle through a blister on his right pinky toe. The issue flared up at last week's Truist Championship, forcing him to cut his Tuesday practice round short after just three holes. Despite this, he remains a favorite—but our experts aren't betting on the top five. Patrick McDonald and Robby Kalland are both riding with Ludvig Åberg, who enters at 20-1 odds to lift the trophy.
In other sports news, the NCAA basketball tournaments are expanding, and the College Football Playoff may follow suit. March Madness will now feature a 76-team bracket, and all signs point to this being the last year of the 12-team CFP model. More teams means more access for mid-majors and underdogs, but not everyone wins with larger fields. Our Isabel Gonzalez breaks down the new format and shares what coaches are saying about the changes.
As you gear up for a day of golf and hoops, remember: whether you're backing McIlroy or hopping on the Åberg bandwagon, every swing counts. Stay tuned for more updates from the combine, the course, and the court.
