FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez will travel with the club for Saturday’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed before Friday’s practice.

While Messi’s presence will be missed for Inter Miami’s Dreams Cup youth tournament – he spoke at the event last year after not traveling for a match in Vancouver – the club desperately needs their biggest star to help them avoid another defeat in the worse stretch of Messi’s time in MLS.

Inter Miami has won just once in their last seven matches, falling from fourth to sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference. And Saturday’s match will be against the Union, who sit in first place in the East.

Inter Miami has three matches remaining in MLS play before they participate in the FIFA Club World Cup – they’ll play in the tournament opener against Egyptian side Al Alhy on June 14 in Miami.

“This comes at a time of the season when we need them with us, and yes, they will both be traveling,” Mascherano said of Messi and Suárez.

When is the Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami match?

The match is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina), and will be played at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa.

How to watch Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami match?

The match is available to live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Is Messi playing in Philadelphia?

Messi is expected to play, but his status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match.

What to know about Inter Miami before Philadelphia match?

Inter Miami will return to action for their first match in six days – a much-needed layoff for their aging superstars like Messi, Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets and leftback Jordi Alba.

The former Barcelona stars spoke with the club following their last match, a 3-0 defeat at home last Sunday to in-state rival Orlando City, Inter Miami defender Ian Frey said Friday.

The club also used this week of practice to ramp up the intensity with hopes of overcoming their recent slump. They’ve lost five of their last seven matches, and been outscored 20-12 during the stretch.

“We’ve been caught at a point in the season where we’ve lost confidence and we clearly need to regain that urgently, because it’s clear to see – not only in the team’s performance but also in the individual performances,” Mascherano said.

Messi also spoke about Inter Miami’s recent slide with Apple TV after the Orlando loss.

“It’s a difficult time, but we’re going to come through this together,” Messi said. “Now we’ll really see if we’re a team in difficult times because when everything is going well, it’s very easy. But when difficult times come, like now, that’s when we have to be more united than ever, be a real team and get through it.”

Messi to join Argentina before Club World Cup

Messi has been called up by the defending World Cup champions for qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament. Argentina will visit Chile on June 5, and host Colombia on June 10.

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

• May 24: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
• May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET
• May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET

Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup

• June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
• June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)
• June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)

With the NBA draft lottery (hello, Dallas Mavericks) and draft combine over, teams and prospects now turn their attention to pro days and mostly private workouts where even more impressions are made.

Those impressions lead to decisions at the June 25-26 NBA draft. Maybe it makes the difference between getting selected 16th or 13th.

Also, per NCAA rules, underclassmen have until Wednesday, May 28, to withdraw from the draft and retain NCAA eligibility. Among potential first-round picks who are weighing the decision to remain in the draft or return to college are Alex Condon, who won a title with Florida in April; Tahaad Pettiford, who helped Auburn reach the Final Four; and Yaxel Lendeborg, who played for UAB in 2024-25 but has pledged to play at Michigan next season if he returns to college.

Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s post-combine NBA mock draft:

(Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine)

2025 NBA mock draft

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old
• 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

• Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers’ lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC.

4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

• Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke.

5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

• Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier.

6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

• Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, Duke

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke

• Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds.

9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

• Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier.

10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

• Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC’s No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen, Maryland

• Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida.

12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

• Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

13. Atlanta Hawks: Egor Demin, BYU

• Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Carter Bryant, Arizona

• Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Asa Newell, Georgia

• Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga.

16. Orlando Magic: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

• Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Danny Wolf, Michigan

• Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21
• 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT

The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn.

18. Washington Wizards: Liam McNeeley, UConn

• Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

• Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February.

20. Miami Heat: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

• Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT

The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.

21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

• Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT

Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

• Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23
• 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland.

23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, Illinois

Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19

2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT

Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s

• Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT

Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests.

25. Orlando Magic: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

• Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

26. Brooklyn Nets: Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB

• Senior, forward, 6-8½, 235, 22
• 2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 52.2% FG, 35.7% 3PT, 75.7% FT

Lendeborg is active defensively, likes to attack in transition, is active in the paint and cuts to the rim and looks for the ball. Possesses good size and strength for his position and initiates contact. His shooting percentage inside and outside the 3-point line (specifically as catch-and-shoot on 3s) are good signs for the forward from Puerto Rico. Depending on his draft evaluation, Lendeborg, the 2024-25 American Athletic Conference player of the year, could end up at Michigan for another season of college basketball.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

• Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He’s still raw.

28. Boston Celtics: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

• Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22
• 2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT

Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender.

29. Phoenix Suns: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)

• Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.8% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 67.9% FT

A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. Improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Drake Powell, North Carolina

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT

Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.

Major League Baseball’s roster of ballparks looks a bit different in 2025 with the Athletics (Sacramento) and Rays (Tampa) playing in temporary digs this season.

The Athletics’ Sutter Health Park and Rays’ George M. Steinbrenner Field are both minor-league stadiums, with their substantially lower capacities making them the two smallest ballparks in MLB right now.

Dodger Stadium holds more fans – 56,000 – that any other baseball stadium, with Chase Field (Diamondbacks), T-Mobile Park (Mariners), Coors Field (Rockies) and Yankee Stadium rounding out the top five in terms of capacity.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Rays’ temporary home (which is the Yankees’ spring training facility) holds just 11,026 fans and the Athletics’ ballpark (home of Giants’ Class AAA team) ranks second-smallest with a capacity of 13,416. Progressive Field (Guardians), LoanDepot Park (Marlins) and Fenway Park (Red Sox) are MLB’s three other smallest ballparks.

Here’s a look at the full list:

MLB stadiums by capacity

1. Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers) – 56,000
2. Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks) – 48,330
3. T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners) – 47,929
4. Coors Field (Colorado Rockies) – 46,897
5. Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees) – 46,537
6. Angel Stadium (Los Angeles Angels) – 45,517
7. Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) – 44,970
8. Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals) – 44,383
9. Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds) – 43,500
10. Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies) – 42,901
11. Citi Field (New York Mets) – 41,922
12. American Family Field (Milwaukee Brewers) – 41,900
13. Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs) – 41,649
14. Nationals Park (Washington Nationals) – 41,373
15. Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants) – 41,331
16. Daikin Park (Houston Astros) – 41,168
17. Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) – 41,084
18. Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers) – 41,083
19. Rate Field (Chicago White Sox) – 40,615
20. Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers) – 40,300
21. Petco Park (San Diego Padres) – 39,860
22. Rogers Centre (Toronto Blue Jays) – 39,150
23. PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates) – 38,747
24. Target Field (Minnesota Twins) – 38,544
25. Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals) – 37,903
26. Fenway Park (Red Sox) – 37,755
27. LoanDepot Park (Miami Marlins) – 36,742
28. Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians) – 34,830
29. Sutter Health Park (Athletics) – 13,416 – temporary home in West Sacramento until team moves to Las Vegas
30. George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa Bay Rays) – 11,026 – temporary home in Tampa while Tropicana Field undergoes repairs

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Anthony Edwards brought his aggressiveness to Game 2, unlike Game 1. Minnesota’s reserves delivered an improved performance compared to the first game of theNBA’s Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City.

Yet, the result was the same, a Thunder victory.

Oklahoma City took Game 2 118-103 and grabbed control of the series, now holding a 2-0 lead. The series shifts to Minnesota for the next two games as the Timberwolves search for answers to the problems the Thunder present.

Game 3 is Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

The Thunder are in good position to reach the Finals for the first time since 2012. Teams that win the first two games of a best-of-seven series go on to win the series 92.2% of the time.

Fresh off earning his first NBA MVP on Wednesday, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 38 points, his franchise-record fifth consecutive playoff game with 30 or more points. It was an efficient 12-for-21 from the field and 13-for-15 on free throws for Gilgeous-Alexander, who also had eight assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points, and All-Star Jalen Williams had 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense once again pressured Minnesota into a low-scoring, poor-shooting performance.

Edwards scored 32 points on 26 shot attempts – double the amount of field goal attempts from Game 1 – but he was also 1-for-9 on 3-pointers, and Julius Randle’s run of strong playoff scoring performances ended with a six-point game on 2-for-11 shooting. Randle sat the entire fourth quarter. The Timberwolves shot 41.4% from the field and 28.2% on 3s – and 14 turnovers led to 22 OKC points.

Game 2 Timberwolves vs. Thunder highlights

Final: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103

STATS: Check out full stats from the game here.

3Q: Thunder 93, Timberwolves 71

The Thunder began to pull away from the Timberwolves after outscoring them in the third quarter, leading by as many as 24 points.

Minnesota has not held a lead larger than two points through the first three quarters.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and six assists through three quarters. Chet Holmgren had 18 points.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points and eight rebounds. Jaden McDaniels added 15 points.

Anthony Edwards tops Timberwolves’ all-time playoff scoring list

Anthony Edwards’ floater off the glass with 6:47 left in the third quarter made him the Timberwolves’ all-time leading playoff scorer – ahead of Kevin Garnett – with 1,051 career postseason points in his 39th playoff game.

Garnett has 1,049 points in 47 games followed by Karl-Anthony Towns (603 points in 32 games); Wally Szczerbiak (369 points in 29 games); and Latrell Sprewell (357 points in 18 games).

Halftime: Thunder 58, Timberwolves 50

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 19 points for the Thunder in the first half after shooting 6-for-9 from the field and 6-for-6 from the free throw line. He also added four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

The Thunder and Timberwolves were tied at 45 with 4:34 left in the second quarter before OKC began to pull away with six unanswered points.

Jalen Williams added 10 points and five defensive rebounds in the first half for OKC.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. He went 7-of-18 from the field and 1-for-7 from the 3-point line.

1Q: Thunder 29, Timberwolves 25

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each scored eight points for the Thunder in the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander went 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Anthony Edwards had eight points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves.

NBA official Scott Foster suffers bloody nose

Lu Dort gave referee Scott Foster a bloody nose – accidentally.

During a jump ball between Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort and Minnesota’s Julius Randle, Dort’s hand hit Foster’s face as Dort tried to control the jump with 10:23 left in the first quarter. The blood rule dictated a stoppage, and training staff helped Foster control the bleeding with a towel.

A couple of minutes later, the game resumed with Foster on the court with fellow refs Tony Brothers and Pat Fraher. There is an alternate ref (JB DeRosa) on-site if needed.

Watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receives MVP award

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was presented the 2024-25 Most Valuable Player award before Game 2 by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineup for Game 2

Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert will start Game 2 for the Timberwolves tonight.

Oklahoma City Thunder starting lineup for Game 2

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein make up the Thunder’s starting lineup for Game 2 against the Timberwolves.

Look for Anthony Edwards to be more aggressive in Game 2

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards had a bland 18 points on 13 shot attempts in OKC’s Game 1 victory. The Thunder’s top-ranked defense was part of that, but Edwards is capable of working through that and finding more points. Minnesota needs more from him in the series.

“He’s prepared to be super aggressive every single night,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “I thought he did a good job the other day of finding his teammates. We’ve got to knock down some of those shots. But there are opportunities for him to be more aggressive for himself. That’s how he’s wired anyway, so it usually never takes much to recalibrate.”

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP

“It was a nice moment of reflection for a lot of people,’ Daigneault said. ‘Just sitting there watching him, I’m like, ‘Man, I remember when he was (a) scrawny kid on his first contract in the bubble. Now this guy’s a man, a father, a husband, a leader. He also showed a side of himself that we see every day. He let everybody in on that in a very proud moment for him. So I couldn’t (be) happier for him.”

What time is Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

Game 2 of the NBA’s Western Conference final series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET.

How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: TV, stream

• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Paycom Center; Oklahoma City
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN+, Fubo

Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved the NBA MVP award

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got off to a great start. He kept playing like an MVP, and Oklahoma City kept winning.

The Thunder finished 68-14 and earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, and Gilgeous-Alexander is one of three finalists for MVP after averaging a league-best and career-high 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks and shooting 51.9% from the field, 37.5% on 3-pointers and 89.8% on free throws. No guard attempted more free throws per game (8.8) and he led the league in free throws made per game (7.9).

An All-Star and first-team All-NBA guard who is the best player on the best team deserves the MVP.

That’s Gilgeous-Alexander. Read why Jeff Zillgitt thinks SGA deserved the award here.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions: Expert picks

USA TODAY Sports experts made predictions ahead of the series:

Timberwolves vs. Thunder series winner

• Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in seven
• Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
• Heather Tucker: Thunder in six
• James H. Williams: Thunder in six
• Jordan Mendoza: Timberwolves in six
• Scooby Axson: Thunder in six
• Cydney Henderson: Thunder in seven

Timberwolves vs. Thunder schedule

Thunder lead series 2-0

• Game 1, May 20: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 88
• Game 2, May 22: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103
• Game 3, May 24: Thunder at Timberwolves | ABC, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 4, May 26: Thunder at Timberwolves | ESPN, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 5, May 28: Timberwolves at Thunder | ESPN, 8:30 p.m.*
• Game 6, May 30: Thunder at Timberwolves | ESPN, 8:30 p.m.*
• Game 7, June 1: Timberwolves at Thunder | ESPN, 8 p.m.*

(All times Eastern; *-if necessary)

It’s adorable how they put up the facade of a fight, the allusion of strength in the face of sheer power.

The Big 12, ACC and Group of Five conferences put on the appearance they would stand firm against the Big Ten and SEC bullies, demanding fairness and accountability. 

Until they couldn’t — until their false bravado of public statements wilted in the face of reality. 

So it should come as no surprise that the College Football Playoff announced Thursday that this season’s 12-team bracket would be a straight-seeded format. 

No more highest-ranked conference champions earning first-round byes, a format that benefits the ACC, Big 12 and Group of Five. No more Mr. Nice Guy from the Big Ten and SEC.

“After evaluating the first year of the 12-team Playoff, the CFP Management Committee felt it was in the best interest of the game to make this adjustment,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the CFP.

Translation: the SEC and Big Ten said take it or leave it, and the rest of the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences fell in line. 

More damning: this is just the beginning of the Big Ten and SEC power play — and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. 

If you don’t believe it, consider this: any change to the final year of first CFP contract needed a unanimous vote.

The next CFP contract beginning with the 2026 season, which will effectively be controlled exclusively by the Big Ten and SEC, doesn’t.

So if the minority didn’t agree with the majority on the straight seeding for 2025 (which they could have), they may as well have signed their own pink slips for the next CFP contract. 

The Big Ten and SEC control everything – format and financials – beginning in 2026. A new 16-team format will likely exceed $1.2 billion in revenue annually, and no one wants to be left out.

So while Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips have accomplished some heavy lifting to save their respective conferences, while the Group of Five conferences have done all they can to hang on for revenue scraps, the Big Ten and SEC have doubled down and flexed.

It’s their postseason world, the rest of college football is just surviving in it. And the Big Ten and SEC haven’t even begun to take big swings yet. 

Soon enough – more than likely shortly after the SEC spring meetings next week in Destin, Florida – the College Football Playoff will announce the format for 2026 and beyond. 

It wasn’t long ago that the Big 12 and ACC were publicly questioning a move to 16 teams, and against the idea that the Big Ten and SEC would be gifted four automatic qualifiers each — or half of the field.

It wasn’t long ago that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey floated the idea that maybe, with the new contract, they wouldn’t use a committee to pick the field — or they would, but it would be tweaked. Shoot, maybe they’d bring back computer polls.

Understand this: the Big Ten and SEC aren’t floating ideas publicly (or leaking them) to gain an understanding of how far things can be pushed. They’re telling you what they’re doing.

And then they’re going to do it. 

When the SEC meets next week in Destin, the league could finally and officially approve a nine-game conference schedule. This will put the Big Ten (which already plays a nine-game conference schedule) and SEC on an even playing field, and eliminate the final point of structural friction between the conferences.

It will also send a shot across the bow to everyone else in college football. The two super conferences are now in lockstep in format and focus, and they’re going after big financial paydays. 

If you don’t like how we structure the postseason beginning in 2026, we’ll take our ball and have our own playoff. Better yet, we’ll schedule each other in non-conference games, and effectively shut out the rest of the sport. 

There’s a reason the Big Ten and SEC have been talking about an expanded non-conference schedule for nearly a year. Network television (and eventually streaming) wants more Big Ten vs. SEC. 

So don’t be shocked when the new 2026 CFP format includes an expanded championship week prior to the beginning of the playoff. That week – which long has been a standalone week for conference championship games – would include a championship game and three play-in games from the Big Ten and SEC. 

The teams playing in the two championship games, and the winners of the play-in games, would advance to the CFP. That’s four automatic qualifiers each from the Big Ten and SEC.

More problematic for the ACC and Big 12 (and Group of Five): the Big Ten and SEC play-in games will suck the oxygen (not to mention, television money) from that final regular-season weekend.  

More games, more television inventory, more revenue for the elite 34 schools of college football.

The ACC and Big 12 would get two automatic qualifiers each beginning in 2026, Notre Dame would be guaranteed a spot if it’s ranked in the top 16, and the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion would also earn a spot. 

That leaves three at-large spots in a 16-team field. Three spots for the Big Ten and SEC to more than likely share, or earn a majority — based, more than anything, on strength of schedule.

It’s all there, plain to see. The Big Ten and SEC are telling us how they’re going to take over college football, and it’s time we start listening.

This is just the beginning, everyone. And there’s nothing anyone can do about it. 

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

The College Football Playoff will convert beginning this coming year to a straight-seeding model that ranks all 12 teams in order of the final playoff rankings of the regular season, the group’s management committee announced on Thursday.

The new policy will no longer include an opening-round bye for the four highest-ranked conference champions, though the five top conference winners will still receive automatic playoff bids.

Instead, the four highest-ranked teams regardless of conference championships won will receive that bye into the quarterfinals. In the case that one or more of the five top-ranked conference champions rank outside the top 12 of the final playoff rankings, that team or those teams will move into the top 12 and displace any non-conference winners.

The updated seeding policy comes amid a continued push from several Power Four leagues to widen the tournament field to 14 or 16 teams, with multiple automatic bids given to the best teams in the SEC and the Big Ten.

The management committee is composed of the 10 Bowl Subdivision conference commissioners and Notre Dame athletics director Pete Bevacqua.

“After evaluating the first year of the 12-team Playoff, the CFP Management Committee felt it was in the best interest of the game to make this adjustment,” said playoff executive director Rich Clark. “This change will continue to allow guaranteed access to the Playoff by rewarding teams for winning their conference championship, but it will also allow us to construct a postseason bracket that recognizes the best performance on the field during the entire regular season.”

The debut of the 12-team playoff saw Boise State from the Group of Five land one of the four byes, displacing ACC winner Clemson. Eventual national champion Ohio State earned an at-large bid, as did runner-up Notre Dame as an FBS independent. They were seeded eighth and seventh despite being ranked sixth and fifth, respectively, by the committee.

All other policies will remain the same from last season, the playoff said. That includes opening-round games between teams ranked between No. 5 and No. 12 being played at the home venue of the higher-ranked team. This year’s quarterfinals are to be held in the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The semifinals will be in the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl and the championship game is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

How the College Football Playoff seeding would have looked

Oregon, Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State were the top four seeds and received first-round byes in the 2024 playoff field due to their ranking as the four-highest champions. However, the Broncos and Sun Devils were No. 9 and No. 12, respectively, in the final rankings. Texas and Penn State played in the first round despite being finishing No. 3 and No. 4. That would have been different under the new system.

Here’s how the playoff was seeded:

No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas

No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State

No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame

No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State

Second round

No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State-Tennessee winner

No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame-Indiana winner

No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State-SMU winner

No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas-Clemson winner

Here’s how the playoff would have looked have looked with straight-seeding model:

No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Notre Dame

No. 11 Arizona State at No. 6 Ohio State

No. 10 SMU at No. 7 Tennessee

No. 9 Boise State at No. 8 Indiana

Second round

No. 1 Oregon vs. Indiana-Boise State winner

No. 2 Georgia vs. Tennessee-SMU winner

No. 3 Texas vs. Ohio State-Arizona State winner

No. 4 Penn State vs. Notre Dame-Clemson winner