Will Padres cover vs. Brewers? | Lakers to hire JJ Redick to be head coach

Good afternoon, sports fans.

In terms of wagering on sporting events, we'll have more to say about Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in this space tomorrow. But for today, we're going to take a moment to call your attention to a tribute that has taken on even more significance after the passing of Willie Mays, who died Tuesday at the age of 93.Today's game between the Giants and Cardinals at Rickwood Fieldin Birmingham, Alabama, was always supposed to be a moment for Major League Baseball to recognize Mays, the Negro Leagues and Rickwood, the oldest park in the country, and the field where Mays first broke into baseball. We'll be back tomorrow with a preview of the Stanley Cup Final and other analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

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• A French Olympic hopeful dislocated his shoulder while celebrating in the pool after logging a personal best.
• Rhamondre Stevenson is the latest running back to receive a hefty contract extension.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

LAKERS TO HIRE JJ REDICK TO BE HEAD COACH

After all of the conversation about who would get the Lakers' head coaching job, it appears to be going to the guy who was initially rumored to land it, confirms CBS Sports' Bill Reiter. JJ Redick, the soon-to-be former NBA analyst, will now take the reins coaching the Lakers , including (presumably) LeBron James (and quite possibly Bronny James). Redick, a 15-year veteran of the league, will be a first time head coach, which, while rare, is not unprecedented. Redick's desire to be an NBA head coach had been well-established as he had interviewed for at least two positions last offseason. CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn has more on how Redick's candidacy emerged.

• Quinn:"In Los Angeles, Redick figures to have at least one valuable ally in his new team's best player. Though LeBron James reportedly stayed out of the Lakers' hiring process, he does have a relationship with Redick through the 'Mind the Game' podcast they have co-hosted since March. Buy-in from the locker room was surely an important factor in this hire for the Lakers, as reports indicated that former coach Darvin Ham had lost the support of his players throughout last season."
  

Brewers at Padres, 9:40 p.m. | TV: MLB Network

• The Pick:Padres (-110)
• Key trend: Despite going 4-1 in their last five ATS, Milwaukee's starter is coming off his worst outing of 2024.

SportsLine expert Zack Cimini is 46-26 in his last 72 MLB picks.

• Cimini:"Tonight is a rare spot where the home team in the San Diego Padres actually have the bigger travel factor. They come in off a series against the Philadelphia Phillies, while the Brewers continue their West Coast road trip that began with the Los Angeles Angels. Look for Bryse Wilson's road woes to offset that, as he comes in with a 4.75 road ERA. Additionally, his last road start was his worst of the season as he gave up seven runs to the Detroit Tigers. Back the home team here in the Padres."

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

Giants at Cardinals, 7:15 p.m. | TV: Fox

• The Projection:Cardinals (-109)| Grade: C -- Slight lean

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "C" grades on the moneyline, spread and total for the contest. Giants starter Keaton Winn has been touched up to the tune of a 13.02 ERA over his last five starts, so we'll expect that trend to continue. Go with the Cardinals.

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

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