Will Celtics sweep Mavericks? | Rory McIlroy in contention at U.S. Open

Happy Friday, sports fans.

The Celtics have a chance to polish off the Mavericks in Game 4 of NBA Finals tonight in Dallas. If Boston wins , it would mark the first time that there has been a sweep in the NBA Finals since the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in 2018. In fact, this could be the first time in nearly 30 years that both the NBA and NHL championships end in sweeps as the Panthers are up 3-0 on the Oilers. Back in 1995, the Rockets swept the Magic in the NBA Finals and Devils broomed the Red Wings to take the Stanley Cup. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• Former Illinois star Coleman Hawkins commits to Kansas State.
• Sepp Straka sinks first career hole-in-one at the U.S. Open.
• Lakers host Bronny James for a predraft workout.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

RORY McILROY IN CONTENTION AT U.S. OPEN

The U.S. Open is wrapping up the second round on Friday, and one of the sport's top stars is firmly in contention to potentially win the major tournament. After shooting an exceptional round on Thursday, Rory McIlroyshot a 2-over 72 on Friday, and currently sits three strokes back of the lead. While McIlroy did fall back two shots from where he started the day, he's still managed to put together a solid start. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods is jeopardy of missing the cut. Here's a look at the current leaderboard. CBS Sports golf writer Patrick McDonald wrote about McIlroy's second round.

• McDonald: "After a relatively stress-free 65 on Thursday -- his first bogey-free opening round at a major in a decade -- Rory McIlroy faced a fair share of adversity Friday in the second round of the 2024 U.S. Open. Without his best stuff for most of the day, the four-time major champion effectively navigated his way around Pinehurst No. 2 en route to a 2-over 72 to stand at 3 under through 36 holes.

  "McIlroy remains firmly in the championship conversation heading into the weekend sitting one shot back of the clubhouse lead midday Friday -- and two behind where he started the day."

NBA Finals -- Game 4: Celtics at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. | TV: ABC

• The Pick: Celtics +1 (-115)
• Key trend: The Celtics are 2-0-1 ATS in the 2024 NBA Finals.

SportsLine expert Mike Barner is 7-3-1 in his last 11 NBA ATS picks.

• Barner: "The Celtics are just the better team. They are better defensively with all of their starters being able to guard multiple positions. Boston moves the ball better on offense, and many of their perimeter players can knock down threes. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are playing too much isolation basketball on offense and Luka Doncic has been a sieve on defense. The Celtics have exploited Doncic's defensive inefficiency. I'll take the point to buy a little cushion, but I think the Celtics execute the sweep."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "C" picks on the spread, moneyline, and total.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

Reds at Brewers, 8:10 p.m. | TV: MLB.TV

• The Projection: Over 7.5 (-113)| Grade: A -- Strong

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "A" grade on the total with "B" grades for the spread and moneyline for the contest. The over is 5-3-2 in the Brewers' last 10 home games, so we'll trust that trend to continue in this spot.

SportsLine expert picks:Our staff has combed through the Friday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo code NEWSLETTER*.Sign up here to get started!

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