The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians have reached Game 5 of their American League Championship Series, with the last of three scheduled games at Cleveland’s Progressive Field set for Saturday.

The Yankees took the first two games of the series in New York before the Guardians won Game 3 with a dramatic, walk-off home run. The Yankees won Game 4, though, plating two in the top of the ninth after squandering a four-run lead in the late innings. The Yankees, leading the best-of-seven series 3-1, can win the pennant and advance to the World Series for the first time since 2009 with a victory Saturday.

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians.

What channel is Yankees vs. Guardians game today? Time, TV schedule

Time: 8:08 p.m. ET
TV: TBS, truTV
Stream: Max, YouTube TV, MLB TV, Sling

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

Guardians-Yankees Game 5 will be broadcast nationally on TBS.

Catch all of the ALCS action with Sling

Yankees vs. Guardians ALCS schedule

Yankees lead series, 3-1

All times Eastern.

Game 1: Yankees 5, Guardians 2

Game 2: Yankees 6, Guardians 3

Game 3: Guardians 7, Yankees 5

Game 4: Yankees 8, Guardians 6

Game 5: Yankees at Guardians: 8:08 p.m., Saturday, TBS

Game 6: Guardians at Yankees, 8:08 p.m., Monday, TBS (if necessary)

Game 7: Guardians at Yankees, 8:08 p.m., Tuesday, TBS (if necessary)

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Week 8 is upon us, and it promises another action-packed college football Saturday.

The slate of top games features a pair of top-10 showdowns in the SEC, with another highly rated squad from that conference facing a possible road trap. The Big Ten also stages a couple of ranked clashes, and we also highlight two contests in ACC territory with playoff implications.

As always in this space, we urge the discerning viewer to monitor events not mentioned here in case unexpected drama unfolds. With all that out of the way, here are the seven games on our must-see list for this week.

No. 4 Georgia at No. 1 Texas

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: The headliner is yet another epic showdown in the newly expanded SEC. The first such contest didn’t go well for the Bulldogs a few weeks ago in Tuscaloosa, but all will be forgiven if they pull off this triumph in Austin. That will be easier said than done, of course, as Texas has looked the part of the No. 1 team through the first half of the campaign. It took Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers roughly a quarter to shake off the rust in his return from an oblique injury, but fans won’t complain about his results in the Red River victory against Oklahoma. He’ll likely have to be sharper from the beginning this time as he challenges DB Malaki Starks and the Bulldogs secondary, a group that figures to be a little salty after letting Mississippi State hang around last week. Georgia QB Carson Beck has produced when asked to throw, though he’s had to do it more than usual with the running game stuck in neutral. LB Anthony Hill Jr. and the Longhorns front seven will do their best to keep it there.

Why it could disappoint: It couldn’t possibly, could it? This season’s other top-five games have lived up to the hype, and neither of these teams is a likely blowout candidate.

WEEKEND FORECAST: Expert picks for every Top 25 game in Week 8

SMART MONEY: Why Georgia has the highest-paid college football coach

No. 7 Alabama at No. 10 Tennessee

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: A few weeks ago, this loomed as one of two possible top-five clashes in the SEC. It’s still extremely important, but for a very different reason. Both teams enter this fierce rivalry contest with a loss followed by a shaky win, and it now has every indication of being an elimination game as far as the conference title is concerned. It will be a classic case of resistible force meets movable object when Tennessee has the ball. Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava hasn’t had time to let his deep routes develop against SEC defenses, but the Crimson Tide line isn’t generating much pressure in front of LB Jihaad Campbell. Tennessee’s first order of business might be establishing a rhythm with RB Dylan Sampson. Tide QB Jalen Milroe remains a constant big-play threat, but he’s had to take chances with the defense struggling to get stops. LB Arion Carter anchors a Tennessee defense that ranks second in fewest yards surrendered.

Why it could disappoint: Should the Vols’ offense remained stalled, it’s conceivable the Crimson Tide can build a cushion early as it did in the Georgia game. As we’ve seen, however, holding leads has been iffy for this group, so another close affair would seem to be in the cards.

No. 25 Nebraska at No. 18 Indiana

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: After last week’s heavyweight bouts in the Big Ten, we turn our attention to the conference’s undercard of challengers looking to stay in the mix. The Cornhuskers have crept back into the Top 25 this week. But to stay there they must get by the Hoosiers, the flashy new kids on the block making waves under first-year coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana’s triggerman is QB Kurtis Rourke, who has connected on 73.8% of his pass attempts with 14 TDs and just two picks. He spreads the ball among a variety of receivers and gets ample ground help from the RB duo of Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, but Nebraska DL Ty Robinson and James Williams will provide a stiffer test than the Hoosiers’ front line has encountered to date. Cornhuskers QB Dylan Raiola still has freshman moments but has been steady for the most part. He can be susceptible to an effective pass rush, which Hoosiers DL Mikail Kamara hopes to provide.

Why it could disappoint: This figures to be the Hoosiers’ first taste of actual resistance, but they should have the fire power to rally in case of an early deficit. Nebraska’s offense hasn’t been as consistent, so a slow start would not be optimal.

No. 21 Michigan at No. 22 Illinois

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: The second battle of ranked squads in the Big Ten is in effect another eliminator, as the loser will likely fall out of the Top 25 and the playoff picture. That wouldn’t be as devastating for the Fighting Illini, who have overachieved at this point. For the defending national champion Wolverines, a third loss would serve as a harsh referendum on year one of the post-Jim Harbaugh era. Michigan used the open date following the loss at Washington to evaluate its shaky QB situation and will turn to Jack Tuttle, who provides at least the threat of a forward pass. The big-play potential, however, will still come from RB Kalel Mullings, who will be monitored closely by Illinois LB Dylan Rosiek. The Illini were able to avert what would have been a catastrophic loss to Purdue a week ago, so QB Luke Altmyer would like to put points on the board early, likely courtesy of WR Pat Bryant, and force Michigan into comeback mode. Wolverines DL Rayshaun Benny is hard to move off the line of scrimmage, but he’ll need better support behind him.

Why it could disappoint: Illinois is theoretically better equipped to score in bunches, but Michigan’s defense should be good enough to keep it from getting away. There could be lengthy stretches of inactivity on the scoreboard, but at least that would mean a high probability of fourth-quarter tension.

No. 6 Miami (Fla.) at Louisville

Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: The ACC features prominently in the early window, but we’ll put this one at the top of the pecking order. The Hurricanes had the week off to recover from their wild trip to Berkeley. They take to the road once again to meet the Cardinals, who earned a close victory at Virginia last week to remain in the league title hunt. Close games are nothing new to Miami, of course, and QB Cam Ward, though anything but risk averse, has delivered when needed. His primary weapons, WR Xavier Restrepo and RB Damien Martinez, will keep Louisville LB Stanquan Clark and DB M.J. Griffin busy. Cardinals QB Tyler Shough has managed to stay healthy this season, a huge plus for a career plagued by bad injury luck. The ground support from RB Isaac Brown has helped, but Hurricanes LB Francisco Mauigoa and Co. will look to take that away.

Why it could disappoint: Given how Miami’s last two games concluded, it’s highly unlikely that it will. The Cardinals are accustomed to one-score games as well, so another wild ride could be in the offing.

No. 8 LSU at Arkansas

Time/TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: We return to the SEC, where the Tigers have little time to enjoy their comeback win against Ole Miss. The campaign began inauspiciously for the Razorbacks, but they might have turned a corner in their takedown of Tennessee and enter this contest rested after an open date. It could be a positive sign for the Tigers that they found a way to win last week when QB Garrett Nussmeier clearly did not have his A-game. He’ll likely need to be sharper, as Arkansas LB Xavian Sorey and DB TJ Metcalf won’t allow many big gainers on the ground. The Razorbacks are hopeful the week off allowed QB Taylen Green to recover from a knee bruise sustained late in the Tennessee win. If he is able to go, he’d do well to let RB Ja’Quinden Jackson do the heavy lifting in the run game. Whoever carries the mail for Arkansas can expect frequent encounters with LSU LB Whit Weeks.

Why it could disappoint: Both teams have lots of talent and some flaws. A slew of mistakes could put either in a hole, but it’s hard to envision either squad pulling away.

No. 11 Notre Dame at Georgia Tech

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The Fighting Irish are in the position of stockpiling as many wins as possible and hoping their resume will be deemed playoff worthy when all the results are in. This was always going to be the case, of course, but their shocking Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois and struggles by future opponent Southern California have left them in precarious straits. That matters little to the Yellow Jackets, who hope to shake up the rankings once again and reach bowl eligibility ahead of schedule. Georgia Tech fans are hopeful that the Haynes law firm remains intact in the backfield. RB Jamal Haynes saved the day last week with his tie-breaking TD burst against North Carolina after QB Haynes King left with an apparent arm injury. King is day-to-day but hopes to be available, and he’ll likely be needed against LB Jack Kiser and the Notre Dame defense. Fighting Irish QB Riley Leonard is cut from the same cloth as King, a two-way talent who isn’t afraid to carry the mail himself. The effort to keep him contained will be led by Yellow Jackets LB Kyle Efford.

Why it could disappoint: If King can’t go, the Yellow Jackets will turn to Zach Pyron, a capable backup but far less experienced. Tech could still make a game of it in that event, but a quick start from Leonard and Co. would put the pressure on early.

Bronny James made his first start in the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason finale on Friday night.

With an increase in minutes, James had his best preseason performance by far — though the Lakers were ultimately blown out by the Golden State Warriors, 132-74.

He entered the game shooting 4-for-20 from the field, collecting six rebounds and four blocks through the first five games of the preseason while averaging 12.4 minutes per game.

“It’s going great,” James told Spectrum SportsNet Lakers reporter Mike Trudell about his first preseason. ‘I love every second of it. It’s my dream to be here.”

James mentioned that he’s still getting accustomed to his new surroundings and what his pregame routine will consist of when the regular season begins against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Here’s a breakdown of James’ latest performance Friday night:

Bronny James stats tonight vs. Warriors

Points: 17
FG: 7-for-17
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 1
Steals: 3
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 2
Fouls: 4
Minutes: 35

Lakers vs. Warriors highlights

Bronny James’ next game

The Lakers have concluded preseason play. They begin the regular season Tuesday with a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (10 p.m. ET, TNT).

Prescott announced his engagement to girlfriend Sarah Jane Ramos on Instagram Friday, captioning a celebratory photo of himself, Ramos and their seven-month-old daughter Margaret Jane, ‘Forever with @sarahjane.’

Margaret Jane, who the parents affectionately nicknamed ‘MJ,’ was involved in the proposal. In the photo, she’s wearing a onesie that reads, ‘Mommy, daddy has a question for you,’ while being held by her kissing parents. Prescott proposed with a 10-carat emerald cut engagement ring from Jason of Beverly Hills.

Earlier this year, Prescott explained the arrival of their daughter gave him a new sense of purpose.

‘I feel different,’ Prescott said in March. ‘When you wake up in the morning and you see that baby, you understand responsibilities. And everything that I’ve always wanted for myself, but now you want it for someone else even more. Yeah, it’s special… Everyone is healthy and at home, and we’re blessed.’

All things Cowboys: Latest Dallas Cowboys news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Ramos wrote on Instagram at the time that parenting MJ is ‘the biggest blessing life has to offer and we are so fortunate that you are ours! Welcome into this world, baby girl, you will always be loved and protected! We are so IN LOVE with you. Love, Mom & Dad.’

Prescott will be able to afford lots of baby diapers — He signed a four-year, $240 million contract extension that includes $231 million guaranteed to become the NFL’s highest paid player.

The Cowboys are on a bye week after suffering a 47-9 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions last week, where Prescott completed 17-of-33 passes for 178 yards and two interceptions.

Oregonfootball continued its dominance during the 2024 college football season, with a first since 1992.

On Friday, the No. 2 Ducks shut out Purdue 35-0 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, to move to 7-0 and 3-0 in Big Ten play. There was no major letdown following a major top-3 victory over Ohio State in Week 7 for Oregon. The Ducks have positioned themselves for a potential No. 1 ranking, depending on the Texas-Georgia game’s outcome on Saturday.

The Boilermakers (1-6, 0-4 Big Ten) dropped their sixth consecutive game. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel completed 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while running back Jordan James added 10 rushes for 50 yards and two scores.

Oregon’s defense limited the Boilermakers to just 93 passing yards and 301 total yards for the game. Oregon finished with 421 total yards in the victory. The Ducks held a 21-0 halftime lead and never looked back against an overmatched Purdue team. Kam Alexander recorded an interception in the end zone from Purdue QB Ryan Browne in the waning moments to preserve the shutout for Oregon.

It was the first road shutout for the Ducks since a 7-0 victory over rival Oregon State on Nov. 21, 1992, in Corvallis, Oregon. Following the victory, the Ducks lead the all-time series 3-1 and are 2-1 against the Boilermakers on the road.

The Ducks take on No. 21 Illinois in Eugene, Oregon, next week, while Purdue will play host to Northwestern in its next game on Nov. 2, following a bye week.

Catch up with the action from Oregon’s victory over Purdue with updates and highlights of the Big Ten matchup Friday night in West Lafayette:

Oregon vs. Purdue highlights

Oregon vs. Purdue score updates

This section will be updated when the game begins.

Final: Oregon 35, Purdue 0

Oregon-Purdue final stats

Here’s a look at the quarterback comparison: 

Dillon Gabriel: 21 of 25 passing, 290 yards, two touchdowns and one interception
Ryan Browne: 9 of 19 passing, 93 yards, one interception

Some stats of note:

Total yards: Oregon 423, Purdue 301
Rushing yards: Oregon 133, Purdue 208
Passing yards: Oregon 290, Purdue 93
First downs: Oregon 23, Purdue 16
Time of possession: Oregon 29:16, Purdue 30:44
Penalties: Oregon 4-25, Purdue 6-40
Turnovers (points off turnovers): Oregon 1 (0), Purdue 2 (0)

Oregon records first shutout win since 1992

11:22 p.m.: Kam Alexander picks off Ryan Browne in the end zone to clinch the shutout 35-0 Oregon victory over Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana, and moves to 7-0, 3-0 Big Ten on the season. Dillon Gabriel finished with 290 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the victory for the Ducks. Oregon’s defense limited the Boilermakers to just 93 total passing yards in the win. 

It’s the first road shutout since 1992 against Oregon State for Oregon. The Ducks take on No. 21 Illinois in Eugene, Oregon, next week.

Jay Harris scores first career touchdown for Oregon

11 p.m.: Jay Harris scores his first career touchdown on a 12-yard rush and puts Oregon ahead 35-0 with 8:13 remaining in the game. The drive goes eight plays for 55 yards and takes 4:47 off the clock.

Noah Whittington pulls down touchdown catch from Dillon Gabriel

10:39 p.m.: Dillon Gabriel hits Noah Whittington out of the backfield on a perfectly placed back-shoulder throw for an 8-yard touchdown. Oregon leads 28-0 with 13:47 remaining in the game. The score was confirmed after a replay review.

Oregon’s scoring drive goes seven plays for 59 yards and takes 3:43 off the clock. Whittington also had a 20-yard rush on the drive.

End of third quarter: Oregon 21, Purdue 0

Oregon holds 21-0 lead entering fourth quarter

10:32 p.m.: Oregon can’t add to the scoreboard in the third quarter but maintains a 21-0 lead over Purdue heading into the fourth quarter. The Ducks will face a third-and-5 following an offsides from the Boilermakers’ 22 to start the fourth quarter.

10:27 p.m.: Jabbar Muhammad records a PBU on a fourth-down pass attempt from Ryan Browne from the Oregon 41. The Ducks take over with a 21-0 lead and 2:30 remaining in the third quarter.

10:15 p.m.: Andrew Boyle misses a 50-yard field goal for Oregon and the score remains 21-0. The Ducks’ first drive of the second half reaches the Purdue 33, but they cannot capitalize.

Oregon defense forces turn over on downs to start second half

10:08 p.m.: Purdue enters Oregon territory but decides to go for it on 4th-and-11. Ryan Browne hits Max Klare for a 4-yard reception and the Boilermakers turn the ball over on downs. Oregon takes over on its own 38.

10:00 p.m.: Purdue starts with the football after Oregon won the toss and chooses to receive at the beginning of the game.

Halftime: Oregon 21, Purdue 0

Oregon-Purdue halftime stats

Here’s a look at the quarterback comparison at halftime: 

Dillon Gabriel: 15 of 18 passing, 228 yards, one touchdown and one interception
Ryan Browne: 3 of 6 passing, 27 yards

Some stats of note:

Total yards: Oregon 271, Purdue 135
Rushing yards: Oregon 43, Purdue 108
Passing yards: Oregon 228, Purdue 27
First downs: Oregon 15, Purdue 7
Time of possession: Oregon 15:13, Purdue 14:47
Penalties: Oregon 2-5, Purdue 2-10
Turnovers (points off turnovers): Oregon 1 (0), Purdue 1 (0)

9:38 p.m.: Two plays after Purdue gets an interception on Dillon Gabriel, Jeffrey Bassa forces a fumble on Purdue’s Max Klare and Oregon’s Kobe Savage recovers.

Gabriel is sacked to end the first half with Oregon ahead 21-0.

Kyndrich Bleedlove intercepts Dillon Gabriel

9:35 p.m.: Kyndrich Bleedlove picks off Dillon Gabriel near the end of the first half. Gabriel missed a wide-open Justius Lowe for a first down in Purdue territory.

9:16 p.m.: Spencer Porath missed a 36-yard field goal in a chance to get Purdue on the board. The Boilermakers opted for a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-4 at the Oregon 18. Ryan Browne completed two passes on the drive, his first two of the game.

Tez Johnson TD puts Oregon ahead by three touchdowns vs Purdue

9:02 p.m.: Tez Johnson scores on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to put Oregon up 21-0. Initially, he was short of the end zone, but they overturned the call on the field after a review.

That drive goes six plays for 99 yards and takes 2:19 off the clock. Gabriel is 12 of 13 passing for 209 yards and a touchdown already with 11:42 left in the first half.

8:53 p.m: Ryan Browne lost 5 yards on a QB keeper on second-and-5. Following an incompletion, Purdue is forced to punt. Keelan Crimmins downs the Ducks at their own 1-yard after a great 39-yard punt.

End of first quarter: Oregon 14, Purdue 0

8:48 p.m.: Oregon dominates the first quarter and leads 14-0 over Purdue. The Ducks had 160 yards of offense in the first quarter to the Boilermakers’ 54. Oregon averaged 8.9 yards per play. Purdue starts the second quarter with the ball on the Oregon 35 facing a second-and-5.

Jordan James scores second touchdown vs Purdue

8:38 p.m.: Jordan James is denied a touchdown twice but could not be denied a third time on Oregon’s second drive. James scores from one yard out on fourth-and-goal to give Oregon a 14-0 lead. James was ruled short on second and third down, and a replay review confirmed the calls on the field. He was not denied on fourth down.

The Oregon scoring drive is 11 plays for 80 yards and takes 4:58 off the clock.

Matayo Uiagalelei sacks Ryan Browne to force Purdue punt

8:19 p.m.: Matayo Uiagalelei sacks Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne for an 8-yard loss on a third-and-1 to force a punt for the Boilermakers. Following a 41-yard punt, the Ducks will start with the ball on their own 20-yard line.

Jordan James gives Oregon early lead on rushing touchdown

8:11 p.m.: That was quick. Oregon takes a 7-0 lead on an 8-yard touchdown run from James Jordan. Gabriel hit Evan Stewart for a 49-yard gain on the fifth play of the drive to set up the scoring opportunity.

The Ducks go seven plays for 75 yards and take 3:14 off the clock on the opening drive.

8:03 p.m.: Oregon wins the opening coin toss and elects to receive to open tonight’s game. Purdue has elected to defend the south goal first. Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks will look to strike early.

Pregame

Big Ten Injury reports for Oregon-Purdue

7:28 p.m.: Oregon: Out — Jordan Burch; Gary Bryant Jr.; Terrance Ferguson; Jahlil Florence; Dakoda Fields; Khamari Terrell; Kyler Kasper; Zach Grisham; DaveIuli; Matthew Bedford; My’Keil Gardner

Purdue: Questionable — CJ Smith; Mo Omonode

Out — Hudson Card; Nyland Green; Kam Brown; Winston Berglund; Damarjhe Lewis; Joshua Sales Jr.

Oregon vs. Purdue start time

Date: Friday, Oct. 18
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, Indiana)

The Ducks and Boilermakers are scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff on Friday, Oct. 18 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana.

What channel is Oregon vs. Purdue game on today?

TV channel: FOX
Streaming: Fubo (free trial) | Sling

Oregon vs. Purdue will be broadcast nationally on FOX. Tim Brando (play-by-play) and Devin Gardner (analyst) will call the game from the booth. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers, and Sling TV.

Uniforms for Oregon-Purdue

4:26 p.m.: In a ‘blackout theme’ for today’s game, Purdue unveils black helmets and all-black uniforms. Oregon will wear the gold/white Generation O uniforms, with gold helmets over white jerseys and pants.

Oregon will also debut new “FEBU” Nike Vapor Edge Dunk cleats for the game.

Oregon vs. Purdue history

Series record: Oregon leads 2-1
Oregon’s last win: 2009 (38-36)
Purdue’s last win: 1979 (13-7)

Oregon vs. Purdue predictions

Oregon vs. Purdue betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Friday, Oct. 18:

Spread: Oregon -29.5
Over/under: 61.5
Moneyline: Oregon (-10000) | Purdue (+1800)

Oregon football schedule 2024

Here’s a look at Oregon’s schedule in 2024, including available start time and TV channel information:

All times Eastern

Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Idaho (W, 24-14)
Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Boise State (W, 37-34)
Saturday, Sept. 14: at Oregon State (W, 49-14)
Saturday, Sept. 21: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 28: at UCLA* (W, 34-13)
Friday, Oct. 4: vs. Michigan State* (W, 31-10)
Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 2 Ohio State (W, 32-31)
Friday, Oct. 18: at Purdue* | 8 p.m. | FOX (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. No. 21 Illinois* | 3:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo and Paramount+)
Saturday, Nov. 2: at No. 22 Michigan*
Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Maryland*
Saturday, Nov. 16: at Wisconsin*
Saturday, Nov. 23: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Washington*
Record: 6-0, 3-0 in Big Ten

* Denotes Big Ten game

Purdue football schedule 2024

Here’s a look at Purdue’s schedule in 2024, including available start time and TV channel information:

All times Eastern

Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Indiana State (W, 49-0)
Saturday, Sept. 7: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. No. 22 Notre Dame (L, 66-7)
Saturday, Sept. 21: at Oregon State (L, 38-21)
Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Nebraska* (L, 28-10)
Saturday, Oct. 5: at Wisconsin* (L, 52-6)
Saturday, Oct. 12: at Illinois* (L, 50-49, OT)
Friday, Oct. 18: vs. Oregon* | 8 p.m. | FOX (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 26: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Northwestern*
Saturday, Nov. 9: at No. 5 Ohio State*
Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. No. 3 Penn State*
Friday, Nov. 22: at Michigan State* | 8 p.m. | FOX (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 30: at No. 18 Indiana*
Record: 1-5, 0-3 Big Ten

* Denotes Big Ten game

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NEW YORK —The New York Mets insisted Friday morning they had one more miracle left in them.

They couldn’t believe their season would end without a fight.

So, they went out and backed up the talk, blowing out the Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-6, in front of a sellout crowd of 43,841 at Citi Field who are believin’ along with them.

“We’re going to do our best to add to the story,’ Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo said, “and make some more magic.’

The Mets, who had been outscored 30-9 in the series, and shut out twice, punched right back, scoring their second-most runs in a postseason game in franchise postseason history. It was also their biggest output in an elimination game.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

“I believe in this group, the character of this team,’’ Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said, who started the fireworks with a three-run homer in the first. “We have a lot of resiliency.’

The Mets took a lot of pride and satisfaction in the victory but there’s no time to party, flying back to Los Angeles hours in the hours after the season-saving win.

They still have quite a mountain to climb, trailing he Dodgers 3 games to 2, with the National League Championship Series returning to Dodger Stadium on Sunday.

But, oh, a six-hour cross-country flight has never looked so beautiful to the Mets.

The Mets are still alive and believe they now may have the favorable pitching matchups the rest of the series.

They will have Sean Manaea in Game 6 while the Dodgers plan to employ a bullpen game.

And, if it reaches Game 7, anything can happen with Luis Severino scheduled for the Mets against Dodgers starter Walker Buehler.

“I think we’re all confident in there,’’ Mets third baseman Mark Vientos said. “Obviously, we’re in a position where our backs are against the wall, but I man, the season we’ve had, we’ve had our backs against the wall.

“This is nothing new to us.

“We all have confidence, for sure.’

If anyone can relate to how momentum can dramatically shift in a series, it’s Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

He was on the 2004 Red Sox and had a critical stolen base in the ninth inning of their Game 4 comeback, with Boston ultimately rallying back from a 3-0 LCS deficit for the first time in MLB history.

“I think you can see that things can happen when a team starts to build momentum,’’ Roberts said. “Because of my past experiences, and fortunately I was on the good side of the other thing. But, yeah, I feel that. I understand that.’’

Alonso, who has watched his team being blown out the last two games, woke up his team, woke up the ballpark, woke up city, and perhaps woke up this NLCS.

He dropped to almost his knees, launching a massive three-run homer, 432 feet into the right-center field seats in the first inning, and the Mets never looked back.

The Mets fans, who hardly had anything to cheer about in Games 3 and 4, stood on their feet, cheering, dancing, and singing to the Temptations’ “My Girl’ for the rest of the game.

The Mets, whose offense was shut down by the Dodgers, fed off the bolt of energy, took off, and never looked back.

They hammered starter Jack Flaherty for eight hits and eight runs in just three innings, the worst beatdown against a Dodger starter in the postseason since Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the 2014 Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Mets scored early and often.

Three runs in the first inning. Five runs in the third. Two more runs in the fourth inning.

The Mets had 10 hits, two doubles, one triple, one homer, 14 baserunners and a 10-2 lead after just four innings.

“That’s who we are,’’ Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We’ve got great players. We’ve got great people. A lot of confidence in our guys.

“We’ve shown the whole year, this is a group that is resilient. They have that grit. They fight and they’re not going to give up.’

The Dodgers, even after falling behind early, still refused to go away quietlyt, thanks to rookie center fielder Andy Pages, who had the game of his life.

He singled in the third inning, hit a solo homer in the fourth, and hit a three-run homer in the fifth.

Pages, 23, became the youngest Dodger to hit two homers in a postseason game in franchise history.

The Dodgers now will have to rely on their own resiliency when they return to Los Angeles. It’s hardly as if things have gone smooth for them this season. They have 11 pitchers currently on the injured list. They have only three healthy starting pitchers.

“It’s been a fun ride,’’ Roberts said, “but we’ve still got some work to do. Their backs are against the walls right now. We know that. We’ve got to go out there keep playing good baseball.’’

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Here’s how Friday night’s game unfolded:

Mets tack on, lead 12-6 going into ninth

Starling Marte’s RBI single brought home Pete Alonso in the eighth, extending the Mets’ lead to 12-6. They’re three outs away from sending the NLCS back to Los Angeles.

Mets, Dodgers trade runs in the sixth: NY leads 11-6

Mookie Betts led off the top of the sixth with a solo home run off Ryne Stanek to cut the Dodgers’ deficit to 10-6, but the Mets responded in the bottom of the frame with Jeff McNeil’s sacrifice fly after getting runners to second and third with nobody out.

Andy Pages hits three-run homer: NY up 10-5

Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages hit a three-run homer in the top of the fifth – his second longball of the game – cutting Los Angeles’ deficit to 10-5. Mets right-hander Reed Garrett had gotten into the jam by plunking Enrique Hernandez and walking Max Muncy.

The Dodgers won’t make this one easy for the Mets.

Mets add two more in fourth: NY leads 10-2

The Mets got some crucial insurance runs in the fourth, bringing seven batters to the plate against Brent Honeywell. Jesse Winker hit an RBI triple and Jeff McNeil followed with an RBI single, running New York’s lead to 10-2 as we head to the fifth.

Andy Pages homers, Mets strand bases loaded: NY up 8-2

With two outs in the top of the fourth, Andy Pages crushed a solo home run to left against David Peterson and exchanged some words with catcher Francisco Alvarez after crossing the plate.

Peterson gave up a bloop single to Shohei Ohtani, then walked Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez to load the bases. Reid Garrett came into face Freddie Freeman in the unenviable spot – and struck out the former MVP looking to leave the bases loaded heading into the bottom of the fourth.

Mets add five in the third: New York up 8-1

Things got out of hand for the Dodgers in the bottom of the third after Pete Alonso and Jesse Winker walked to start the inning. Starling Marte followed with a two-run double into the left field corner to make it 5-1 with nobody out.

Jack Flaherty retired the next two batters but the Mets strung together three run-scoring hits in a row with two outs: a Francisco Alvarez RBI single, Francisco Lindor RBI triple and Brandon Nimmo’s RBI single.

After tossing seven scoreless innings in Game 1, Flaherty has turned in a dud in the Dodgers’ first opportunity to clinch.

Dodgers score on wild pitch: Mets lead 3-1 halfway through two

Walks have been a killer for the Mets in this series and David Peterson put leadoff man Enrique Hernandez on in the top of the second. With two outs, an Andy Pages flare to center moved Hernandez to third and brought up Shohei Ohtani.

Peterson threw a wild pitch that allowed the run to score and then walked Ohtani to bring Mookie Betts to the plate with runners on first and second.. The lefty drew an inning-ending foul pop fly from Betts, who had doubled in the first and posted four RBI in the Dodgers’ Game 4 win.

Pete Alonso home run: Mets up 3-0 in first

Playing in what could be his final game with the Mets, Pete Alonso slugged a three-run homer to center field off Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty – exactly what New York needed in the first inning after struggling to score runs throughout this series.

David Peterson escapes first-inning jam

Shohei Ohtani led off Game 5 with a single and Mookie Betts followed with a double, putting runners on second and third with nobody out for Mets starter David Peterson. The lefty then retired Teoscar Hernandez (groundout), Freddie Freeman (lineout) and Tommy Edman (strikeout) to end the threat, a stunning escape in what could have been a season-crushing inning for the Mets.

Dodgers lineup: NLCS Game 5

Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
Mookie Betts (R) RF
Teoscar Hernández (R) LF
Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
Tommy Edman (S) SS
Enrique Hernández (R) 2B
Max Muncy (L) 3B
Will Smith (R) C
Andy Pages (R) CF

Mets lineup: NLCS Game 5

Francisco Lindor (S) SS
Brandon Nimmo (L) LF
Mark Vientos (R) 3B
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Jesse Winker (L) DH
Starling Marte (R) RF
Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
Jeff McNeil (L) 2B
Francisco Alvarez (R) C

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The Minnesota Lynx live to fight another day. 

The Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 82-80 in Game 4 in Minneapolis on Friday to force a winner-take-all Game 5 for the WNBA Championship Sunday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Big leads and bigger comebacks has been the story of the WNBA Finals so far, but Game 4 flipped the script entirely. Friday’s contest was closely contested from tipoff to the final buzzer, featuring 14 lead changes and 13 ties, with the largest lead of the game being six points. 

With the game all tied up at 80-80 with 18.1 seconds remaining, Minnesota’s Courtney Williams missed a midrange shot. The Lynx’s Bridget Carleton rebounded the ball and went right back up, but was fouled by the Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, who backed into Carleton on the shot attempt. Carleton hit both free throws to give Minnesota a 82-80 lead with 2.0 seconds remaining. Ionescu had another shot at a game-winner but missed. 

The Liberty are vying for the franchise’s first-ever championship, while the Lynx are seeking their fifth title and first since 2017.

Lynx vs. Liberty: Game 4 leaders

Guard Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 19 points in the 82-80 victory Friday night, while forward Napheesa Collier contributed 14 points and nine rebounds for Minnesota. All five Lynx starters scored in double figures. Courtney Williams scored 15 points and added seven assists, and Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith tallied 12 points apiece.

Center Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds in the loss. Breanna Stewart followed up her 30-point performance from Wednesday with 11 points and 11 rebounds in Game 4. Stewart struggled from the floor, shooting just 5-for-21 from the field.

Scroll past the photo gallery for a full recap from Game 4.

Liberty and Lynx remain even late in fourth quarter

The Liberty and Lynx are tied at 72 with 4:48 left in the final period of regulation. The Liberty could win the championship with a victory tonight.

End of 3Q: Lynx 64, Liberty 63

What a crazy back and forth game.

After three games that featured only a couple lead changes and ties, we’ve had 12 lead changes and 10 ties through three quarters at the Target Center. Here’s hoping the chaos continues in the fourth quarter.

Will the Lynx force a decisive Game 5? If they’re going to they’d better rebound better. Currently New York is winning the rebounding battle 29-21.

Things are pretty even otherwise, though you do have to wonder if Breann Stewart, who has just eight points (and four fouls), is about to explode in the final period.

Breanna Stewart picks up fourth foul

New York’s Breanna Stewart picked up her fourth foul with 3:15 remaining in the third quarter after Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier drew a call under the basket. Stewart heads to the sideline with eight points and five rebounds. 

Courtney Williams is in her Birkin bag tonight

Courtney Williams is in her bag. And it’s not a knockoff.

After a monster first half, when she had 13 points and three assists for the Minnesota Lynx, Williams was asked by ESPN’s Holly Rowe if she was “in her bag.” The answer from the always quotable Williams did not disappoint.

“I’m in a Birkin right now,” Williams said. “So I gotta make sure I don’t drop down to a Target bag.”

For the uninitiated, a Birkin is a high-end handbag favored by celebrities. A Target bag is … not.

Funny as Williams’ quote was, it had to prompt some cringes from Lynx officials, given the team plays in the Target Center. — Nancy Armour

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve isn’t warm. But she’s a winner

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve is, by her admission, not warm and fuzzy.

She can be brash, demanding and prickly — her word. She snaps back at media when she disagrees with or dislikes the premise of a question, gets blunt in her postgame assessment of her team’s performance and does not mince words with players.

But she’s a damn good coach, Lynx guard Kayla McBride says, even if some players can’t handle her tough exterior.

You know who else can’t handle it? Lots of people new to the WNBA this season, including fans and media who often still expect women in sports to fit into a nice, girly box. Reeve can come off as brash and rough around the edges, and she’s unapologetic for both those things, or for being authentic.

She’s more than proven her strategy works, and wins. – Linsday Schnell

Natasha Heideman returns despite injury

Natasha Heideman is back on the court after a thumb injury.

Heideman was hurt trying to intercept a pass from Nyara Sabally to Jonquel Jones midway through the second quarter, the ball hitting her thumb. She left the court in tears and wasn’t seen again the rest of the half. But she returned early in the third quarter with the thumb heavily taped.

Heideman isn’t a starter, averaging 13.6 minutes in the first three games of the Finals. But she backs up Courtney Williams, and the Lynx can’t afford to have their offensive engine peter out late in the game. — Nancy Armour

Breanna Stewart hates losing

What a strange half for Breanna Stewart. One of the best players in the world — usually considered 1B to A’ja Wilson’s 1A — Stewart scored four points on just 2-of-11 shooting in 17 minutes. She’s usually much sharper than that — and likely will be in the second half.

When asked at shootaround today how she keeps her edge even after playing for so many titles — remember, she won four in a row in college at UConn and two with the Seattle Storm earlier in her pro career — she said simply that while she loves winning, she hates losing more.

Spoken like a true champion. — Lindsay Schnell

Kayla McBride, sharp shooter and Rock Band star

There’s been lots of talk this Finals series about the play of UConn graduates, as both Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier were part of the most dominant program in college history.

But how about UConn’s biggest and best rival, Notre Dame?

Former Irish standout Kayla McBride has been terrific for the Lynx this postseason, and she’s continued it in the first half tonight, scoring 14 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting. She’s also dished two assists.

I asked McBride the other day what she does on off days when she needs a basketball break. She surprised all the media but informing us that she has a secret talent for Rock Band, the video game. Her specialty is the drums.

Who knew? — Lindsay Schnell

Halftime: Minnesota Lynx 47, New York Liberty 45

The Lynx have a slight edge over the Liberty heading into halftime with a one-point lead, 46-45. Unlike the first three games of the championship series, that each featured double-digit leads in the first-half, Game 4 has been a closely contested through two quarters and the largest lead on either side has been five points. 

Minnesota’s Kayla McBride leads the Lynx with 14 points, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Courtney Williams has 13 points, while Napheesa Collier added 12.

New York’s Breanna Stewart has got off to a slow start, recording four points shooting 2-of-11 from the field and 0-of-3 from three. Stewart is also in foul trouble with three. 

The Liberty has dominated the paint, outscoring the Lynx 20-12, and has out-rebounded Minnesota 21-13, yet find themselves down one point. Each team has 7 turnovers.

Are WNBA Finals best of 5 games or 7?

The New York Liberty entered Game 4 with a 2-1 WNBA Finals series lead over the Minnesota Lynx 2-1. The 2024 finals is a best-of-five series but that will change in 2025 with the league moving to a best-of-seven format.

Leonie Fiebich sets new WNBA Finals rookie record

Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (10 3PM) passed Briann January for the most three-pointers made by a rookie in WNBA Finals history.

First quarter: New York Liberty 23, Minnesota Lynx 23

The teams were evenly matched in the opening frame, which was capped by a Leonie Fiebich jumpshot with 23 seconds remaining. Kayla McBride had made two of three free throws to give the Lynx a 23-21 lead with 35 seconds left in the quarter.

Analysis: Jonquel Jones is Key to Liberty’s success

I’ve long thought that Jonquel Jones is THE key to a Liberty championship. Stewie is gonna be Stewie, and Sabrina is going to create for others and herself. But pretty much no one in the league has an answer for Jones, whose size and length inside presents problems for opponents on both ends of the floor and whose soft touch extends all the way to the 3-point line (which seems kind of unfair, to be honest). Jones already has seven points in eight minutes and has grabbed three rebounds. If she has a big game, the Liberty are probably going home tonight as champs. — Lindsay Schnell

Breanna Stewart struggles in first quarter

After scoring 30 points in Game 3, Breanna Stewart got off to a rough start in Game 4. She opened the contest shooting 0-of-7 from the field and 0-for-3 from three.

Mascot Twitter beef

Ellie the Elephant (Liberty) and Prowl (Lynx) exchanged words on Twitter before Game 4 tonight.

Latest on Alanna Smith

Reporter Lindsay Schnell on Lynx forward Alanna Smith:

Courtney Williams and Lynx strike first

Courtney Williams puts Minnesota on the board first with a pull-up jumper to take the 2-0 lead. Williams was also credited with an assist to Napheesa Collier, who scored on a layup to give their team the 4-0 lead.

When is Game 4 of the WNBA Finals?

Game 4 of the WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx is Friday at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

How to watch Game 4 of the WNBA Finals

Game 4 will be broadcast on ESPN with Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) on the call.

Will there be a live stream of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals?

The game can be live-streamed on ESPN+ or the ESPN app, in addition to Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

Liberty vs. Lynx odds, line

The New York Liberty are favorites to defeat the Minnesota Lynx in Friday’s WNBA Finals matchup, according to the BetMGM odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top betting apps in 2024 offering the top betting promos and bonuses in 2024. 

Spread: Liberty (-2.5) 
Moneyline: Liberty (-150); Lynx (+125) 
Over/under: 158.5

*Odds as of Thursday night

Who is playing in the WNBA Finals?

The New York Liberty bring their 32-8 season into Minnesota to take on the four-time champion Lynx. A title this season would mark the Liberty’s first championship.

2024 WNBA Finals bracket, schedule and results

Best-of-5; All times Eastern

Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 10, Minnesota Lynx 95, New York Liberty 93
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 13, New York Liberty 80, Minnesota Lynx 66
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16, New York Liberty 80, Minnesota Lynx 77
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 18, New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 5: Sunday, Oct. 20: Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty, 8 p.m. (if necessary) (ESPN)

2024 WNBA playoffs: Semifinals scores and results

All times Eastern

Sunday, Sept. 29

Game 1: New York 87, Las Vegas 77, Liberty lead series 1-0
Game 1: Connecticut 73, Minnesota 70, Sun lead series 1-0

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Game 2: New York 88, Las Vegas 84, Liberty leads series 2-0
Game 2: Minnesota 77, Connecticut 70, Series tied 1-1

Friday, Oct. 4

Game 3: Minnesota 90, Connecticut 81, Lynx leads series 2-1
Game 3: New York 81, Las Vegas 95, Liberty leads series 2-1

Sunday, Oct. 6

Game 4: New York 76, Las Vegas 62, Liberty wins series 3-1
Game 4: Connecticut 92, Minnesota 82, Series tied 2-2

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Game 5: Minnesota 88, Connecticut 77 Lynx win series

How to watch the 2024 WNBA Finals with streaming

The 2024 WNBA Finals series will be broadcast across ABC or ESPN, depending on the game. Streaming options for the series will be on Fubo, Sling and the WNBA League Pass.

New York Liberty lineup

Breanna Stewart
Sabrina Ionescu
Jonquel Jones
Betnijah Laney
Leonie Fiebich

Minnesota Lynx lineup

Napheesa Collier
Kayla McBride
Alanna Smith
Bridget Carleton
Courtney Williams

WNBA Finals format

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the league’s championship series will move from a best-of-five clash to a best-of-seven game series in 2025.

WNBA Finals ratings

2024 All-WNBA Teams

The league announced its first and second All-WNBA teams on Wednesday.

First team

Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
A’Ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun

Second team:

Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury
Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm
Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty

Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winner in Game 3

MINNEAPOLIS — After Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning shot Wednesday night in Minneapolis, social media went crazy, with other players and athletes reacting to the deep 3.

The funniest reaction might have been from Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, who asked, seemingly in disbelief ‘is that what Sandy (Brondello) drew up?!’

As it turns out, no.

‘When it happened – first of all the play was not right, that is NOT what was drawn up,’ New York forward Breanna Stewart said, laughing. ‘When it went in, I wanted to go chest bump Sab but then I was like, did they call a timeout? There’s one second left, we have to stay focused! To hear an arena go silent like that is incredible.’

When she watched the shot back – which she did ‘as many times as it popped up on my phone’ Wednesday night – Stewart said she was struck by how many different reactions she was able to see. She was also reminded of how impressive it was that Ionescu hit the shot considering it came off a (somewhat) broken play.

‘Well they fouled (with 10 seconds left) so we had to switch sides, and when you have to switch sides things get a little complicated,’ Stewart said, laughing again.

She also wasn’t surprised by Ionescu’s make.

‘A step back going left, for Sab, that’s a money shot,’ she said. — Lindsay Schnell

Alanna Smith injury

MINNEAPOLIS — A big factor tonight in Game 4: Alanna Smith.

Minnesota’s second team All-Defense forward has done a great job guarding New York’s Jonquel Jones, despite the fact that Jones has 32 pounds and two inches on her. Jones is one of the Liberty’s best players, part of the ‘Big 3’ that includes All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

But during Game 3 Smith took a hard fall in the paint when Jones posted her up, and Smith landed straight on her back. She got up clutching her low back and, during media availability Thursday, was walking gingerly.

Smith told reporters she’d be good to go for Game 4. She wasn’t planning to get any sort of injection – common for athletes who are trying to get through a season while dealing with injuries – and said she’d just be focused on warming up early. She’s been alternating ice and heat since the end of Game 3.

She joked during shootaround Friday that because staying warm is important, she might have to sweet talk coach Cheryl Reeve into keeping her on the floor even if she gets in foul trouble early, which happened in Game 3. Sitting on the bench for an extended stretch could make her stiffen up.

‘I’m not sure she will (keep me on the floor) but I could try!’ Smith said, laughing. — Lindsay Schnell

New York Liberty arrives for Game 4

Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty arrive at the Target Center in Minneapolis ahead of Game 4. 

Stewart’s 30-point performance on Wednesday was the most for the Liberty in the WNBA Finals.

Minnesota Lynx arrives in style

Napheesa Collier and the Lynx have also arrived for tonight’s game with a chance to defend home court and extend the series.

ESPN analysts share Game 4 predictions

ESPN’s Andraya Carter and Carolyn Peck give their thoughts ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA Final.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

The Minnesota Lynx live to fight another day. 

The Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 82-80 in Game 4 in Minneapolis on Friday to force a winner-take-all Game 5 for the WNBA Championship Sunday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Big leads and bigger comebacks has been the story of the WNBA Finals so far, but Game 4 flipped the script entirely. Friday’s contest was closely contested from tipoff to the final buzzer, featuring 14 lead changes and 13 ties, with the largest lead of the game being six points. 

With the game all tied up at 80-80 with 18.1 seconds remaining, Minnesota’s Courtney Williams missed a midrange shot. The Lynx’s Bridget Carleton rebounded the ball and went right back up, but was fouled by the Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, who backed into Carleton on the shot attempt. Carleton hit both free throws to give Minnesota a 82-80 lead with 2.0 seconds remaining. Ionescu had another shot at a game-winner but missed. 

The Liberty are vying for the franchise’s first-ever championship, while the Lynx are seeking their fifth title and first since 2017.

Lynx vs. Liberty: Game 4 leaders

Guard Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 19 points in the 82-80 victory Friday night, while forward Napheesa Collier contributed 14 points and nine rebounds for Minnesota. All five Lynx starters scored in double figures. Courtney Williams scored 15 points and added seven assists, and Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith tallied 12 points apiece.

Center Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds in the loss. Breanna Stewart followed up her 30-point performance from Wednesday with 11 points and 11 rebounds in Game 4. Stewart stuggled from the floor, shooting just 5-for-21 from the field.

Scroll past the photo gallery for a full recap from Game 4.

Liberty and Lynx remain even late in fourth quarter

The Liberty and Lynx are tied at 72 with 4:48 left in the final period of regulation. The Liberty could win the championship with a victory tonight.

End of 3Q: Lynx 64, Liberty 63

What a crazy back and forth game.

After three games that featured only a couple lead changes and ties, we’ve had 12 lead changes and 10 ties through three quarters at the Target Center. Here’s hoping the chaos continues in the fourth quarter.

Will the Lynx force a decisive Game 5? If they’re going to they’d better rebound better. Currently New York is winning the rebounding battle 29-21.

Things are pretty even otherwise, though you do have to wonder if Breann Stewart, who has just eight points (and four fouls), is about to explode in the final period.

Breanna Stewart picks up fourth foul

New York’s Breanna Stewart picked up her fourth foul with 3:15 remaining in the third quarter after Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier drew a call under the basket. Stewart heads to the sideline with eight points and five rebounds. 

Courtney Williams is in her Birkin bag tonight

Courtney Williams is in her bag. And it’s not a knockoff.

After a monster first half, when she had 13 points and three assists for the Minnesota Lynx, Williams was asked by ESPN’s Holly Rowe if she was “in her bag.” The answer from the always quotable Williams did not disappoint.

“I’m in a Birkin right now,” Williams said. “So I gotta make sure I don’t drop down to a Target bag.”

For the uninitiated, a Birkin is a high-end handbag favored by celebrities. A Target bag is … not.

Funny as Williams’ quote was, it had to prompt some cringes from Lynx officials, given the team plays in the Target Center. — Nancy Armour

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve isn’t warm. But she’s a winner

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve is, by her admission, not warm and fuzzy.

She can be brash, demanding and prickly — her word. She snaps back at media when she disagrees with or dislikes the premise of a question, gets blunt in her postgame assessment of her team’s performance and does not mince words with players.

But she’s a damn good coach, Lynx guard Kayla McBride says, even if some players can’t handle her tough exterior.

You know who else can’t handle it? Lots of people new to the WNBA this season, including fans and media who often still expect women in sports to fit into a nice, girly box. Reeve can come off as brash and rough around the edges, and she’s unapologetic for both those things, or for being authentic.

She’s more than proven her strategy works, and wins. – Linsday Schnell

Natasha Heideman returns despite injury

Natasha Heideman is back on the court after a thumb injury.

Heideman was hurt trying to intercept a pass from Nyara Sabally to Jonquel Jones midway through the second quarter, the ball hitting her thumb. She left the court in tears and wasn’t seen again the rest of the half. But she returned early in the third quarter with the thumb heavily taped.

Heideman isn’t a starter, averaging 13.6 minutes in the first three games of the Finals. But she backs up Courtney Williams, and the Lynx can’t afford to have their offensive engine peter out late in the game. — Nancy Armour

Breanna Stewart hates losing

What a strange half for Breanna Stewart. One of the best players in the world — usually considered 1B to A’ja Wilson’s 1A — Stewart scored four points on just 2-of-11 shooting in 17 minutes. She’s usually much sharper than that — and likely will be in the second half.

When asked at shootaround today how she keeps her edge even after playing for so many titles — remember, she won four in a row in college at UConn and two with the Seattle Storm earlier in her pro career — she said simply that while she loves winning, she hates losing more.

Spoken like a true champion. — Lindsay Schnell

Kayla McBride, sharp shooter and Rock Band star

There’s been lots of talk this Finals series about the play of UConn graduates, as both Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier were part of the most dominant program in college history.

But how about UConn’s biggest and best rival, Notre Dame?

Former Irish standout Kayla McBride has been terrific for the Lynx this postseason, and she’s continued it in the first half tonight, scoring 14 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting. She’s also dished two assists.

I asked McBride the other day what she does on off days when she needs a basketball break. She surprised all the media but informing us that she has a secret talent for Rock Band, the video game. Her specialty is the drums.

Who knew? — Lindsay Schnell

Halftime: Minnesota Lynx 47, New York Liberty 45

The Lynx have a slight edge over the Liberty heading into halftime with a one-point lead, 46-45. Unlike the first three games of the championship series, that each featured double-digit leads in the first-half, Game 4 has been a closely contested through two quarters and the largest lead on either side has been five points. 

Minnesota’s Kayla McBride leads the Lynx with 14 points, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Courtney Williams has 13 points, while Napheesa Collier added 12.

New York’s Breanna Stewart has got off to a slow start, recording four points shooting 2-of-11 from the field and 0-of-3 from three. Stewart is also in foul trouble with three. 

The Liberty has dominated the paint, outscoring the Lynx 20-12, and has out-rebounded Minnesota 21-13, yet find themselves down one point. Each team has 7 turnovers.

Are WNBA Finals best of 5 games or 7?

The New York Liberty entered Game 4 with a 2-1 WNBA Finals series lead over the Minnesota Lynx 2-1. The 2024 finals is a best-of-five series but that will change in 2025 with the league moving to a best-of-seven format.

Leonie Fiebich sets new WNBA Finals rookie record

Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (10 3PM) passed Briann January for the most three-pointers made by a rookie in WNBA Finals history.

First quarter: New York Liberty 23, Minnesota Lynx 23

The teams were evenly matched in the opening frame, which was capped by a Leonie Fiebich jumpshot with 23 seconds remaining. Kayla McBride had made two of three free throws to give the Lynx a 23-21 lead with 35 seconds left in the quarter.

Analysis: Jonquel Jones is Key to Liberty’s success

I’ve long thought that Jonquel Jones is THE key to a Liberty championship. Stewie is gonna be Stewie, and Sabrina is going to create for others and herself. But pretty much no one in the league has an answer for Jones, whose size and length inside presents problems for opponents on both ends of the floor and whose soft touch extends all the way to the 3-point line (which seems kind of unfair, to be honest). Jones already has seven points in eight minutes and has grabbed three rebounds. If she has a big game, the Liberty are probably going home tonight as champs. — Lindsay Schnell

Breanna Stewart struggles in first quarter

After scoring 30 points in Game 3, Breanna Stewart got off to a rough start in Game 4. She opened the contest shooting 0-of-7 from the field and 0-for-3 from three.

Mascot Twitter beef

Ellie the Elephant (Liberty) and Prowl (Lynx) exchanged words on Twitter before Game 4 tonight.

Latest on Alanna Smith

Reporter Lindsay Schnell on Lynx forward Alanna Smith:

Courtney Williams and Lynx strike first

Courtney Williams puts Minnesota on the board first with a pull-up jumper to take the 2-0 lead. Williams was also credited with an assist to Napheesa Collier, who scored on a layup to give their team the 4-0 lead.

When is Game 4 of the WNBA Finals?

Game 4 of the WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx is Friday at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

How to watch Game 4 of the WNBA Finals

Game 4 will be broadcast on ESPN with Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) on the call.

Will there be a live stream of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals?

The game can be live-streamed on ESPN+ or the ESPN app, in addition to Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

Liberty vs. Lynx odds, line

The New York Liberty are favorites to defeat the Minnesota Lynx in Friday’s WNBA Finals matchup, according to the BetMGM odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top betting apps in 2024 offering the top betting promos and bonuses in 2024. 

Spread: Liberty (-2.5) 
Moneyline: Liberty (-150); Lynx (+125) 
Over/under: 158.5

*Odds as of Thursday night

Who is playing in the WNBA Finals?

The New York Liberty bring their 32-8 season into Minnesota to take on the four-time champion Lynx. A title this season would mark the Liberty’s first championship.

2024 WNBA Finals bracket, schedule and results

Best-of-5; All times Eastern

Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 10, Minnesota Lynx 95, New York Liberty 93
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 13, New York Liberty 80, Minnesota Lynx 66
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16, New York Liberty 80, Minnesota Lynx 77
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 18, New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 5: Sunday, Oct. 20: Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty, 8 p.m. (if necessary) (ESPN)

2024 WNBA playoffs: Semifinals scores and results

All times Eastern

Sunday, Sept. 29

Game 1: New York 87, Las Vegas 77, Liberty lead series 1-0
Game 1: Connecticut 73, Minnesota 70, Sun lead series 1-0

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Game 2: New York 88, Las Vegas 84, Liberty leads series 2-0
Game 2: Minnesota 77, Connecticut 70, Series tied 1-1

Friday, Oct. 4

Game 3: Minnesota 90, Connecticut 81, Lynx leads series 2-1
Game 3: New York 81, Las Vegas 95, Liberty leads series 2-1

Sunday, Oct. 6

Game 4: New York 76, Las Vegas 62, Liberty wins series 3-1
Game 4: Connecticut 92, Minnesota 82, Series tied 2-2

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Game 5: Minnesota 88, Connecticut 77 Lynx win series

How to watch the 2024 WNBA Finals with streaming

The 2024 WNBA Finals series will be broadcast across ABC or ESPN, depending on the game. Streaming options for the series will be on Fubo, Sling and the WNBA League Pass.

New York Liberty lineup

Breanna Stewart
Sabrina Ionescu
Jonquel Jones
Betnijah Laney
Leonie Fiebich

Minnesota Lynx lineup

Napheesa Collier
Kayla McBride
Alanna Smith
Bridget Carleton
Courtney Williams

WNBA Finals format

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the league’s championship series will move from a best-of-five clash to a best-of-seven game series in 2025.

WNBA Finals ratings

2024 All-WNBA Teams

The league announced its first and second All-WNBA teams on Wednesday.

First team

Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
A’Ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun

Second team:

Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury
Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm
Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty

Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winner in Game 3

MINNEAPOLIS — After Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning shot Wednesday night in Minneapolis, social media went crazy, with other players and athletes reacting to the deep 3.

The funniest reaction might have been from Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, who asked, seemingly in disbelief ‘is that what Sandy (Brondello) drew up?!’

As it turns out, no.

‘When it happened – first of all the play was not right, that is NOT what was drawn up,’ New York forward Breanna Stewart said, laughing. ‘When it went in, I wanted to go chest bump Sab but then I was like, did they call a timeout? There’s one second left, we have to stay focused! To hear an arena go silent like that is incredible.’

When she watched the shot back – which she did ‘as many times as it popped up on my phone’ Wednesday night – Stewart said she was struck by how many different reactions she was able to see. She was also reminded of how impressive it was that Ionescu hit the shot considering it came off a (somewhat) broken play.

‘Well they fouled (with 10 seconds left) so we had to switch sides, and when you have to switch sides things get a little complicated,’ Stewart said, laughing again.

She also wasn’t surprised by Ionescu’s make.

‘A step back going left, for Sab, that’s a money shot,’ she said. — Lindsay Schnell

Alanna Smith injury

MINNEAPOLIS — A big factor tonight in Game 4: Alanna Smith.

Minnesota’s second team All-Defense forward has done a great job guarding New York’s Jonquel Jones, despite the fact that Jones has 32 pounds and two inches on her. Jones is one of the Liberty’s best players, part of the ‘Big 3’ that includes All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

But during Game 3 Smith took a hard fall in the paint when Jones posted her up, and Smith landed straight on her back. She got up clutching her low back and, during media availability Thursday, was walking gingerly.

Smith told reporters she’d be good to go for Game 4. She wasn’t planning to get any sort of injection – common for athletes who are trying to get through a season while dealing with injuries – and said she’d just be focused on warming up early. She’s been alternating ice and heat since the end of Game 3.

She joked during shootaround Friday that because staying warm is important, she might have to sweet talk coach Cheryl Reeve into keeping her on the floor even if she gets in foul trouble early, which happened in Game 3. Sitting on the bench for an extended stretch could make her stiffen up.

‘I’m not sure she will (keep me on the floor) but I could try!’ Smith said, laughing. — Lindsay Schnell

New York Liberty arrives for Game 4

Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty arrive at the Target Center in Minneapolis ahead of Game 4. 

Stewart’s 30-point performance on Wednesday was the most for the Liberty in the WNBA Finals.

Minnesota Lynx arrives in style

Napheesa Collier and the Lynx have also arrived for tonight’s game with a chance to defend home court and extend the series.

ESPN analysts share Game 4 predictions

ESPN’s Andraya Carter and Carolyn Peck give their thoughts ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA Final.

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The sports gambling company attached to the struggling group of regional sports networks with local broadcast rights for more than 30 MLB, NBA, NHL and WNBA teams is changing.

Bally Sports is no more. Diamond Sports Group announced that it will be rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network starting Monday as part of ‘a broad, long-term commercial partnership.’ Terms of the naming rights agreement were not disclosed.

Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks in the country, filed for bankruptcy in March 2023. Its instability put the future of local broadcasting rights in doubt for dozens of pro teams and led to the involvement of the leagues. The company, formed in 2019 to facilitate the sale of a portfolio that then included 22 regional FOX Sports Networks and local television rights for 42 major professional teams, has been forced to shed contracts to stay afloat.

Diamond Sports Group submitted a reorganization plan in court earlier this month that included the possibility of only broadcasting the games of one MLB team (Atlanta Braves) moving forward, putting 11 MLB teams at risk of losing their regional sports network contracts for the 2025 season. Diamond Sports Group also recently dropped its contracts with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans as part of its bankruptcy case.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

FanDuel Sports Network will have the local broadcasting rights for 13 NBA teams and eight NHL teams across 16 regional sports networks during the 2024-25 season after a judge approved an amended agreement made with the leagues last month. FanDuel Sports Network will also offer a direct-to-consumer streaming product for those who have cut the cord, and its programming will include syndication of FanDuel TV shows outside of game coverage.

‘Collaborating with FanDuel provides a tremendous pathway for Diamond to elevate the fan experience and deepen the incremental value we provide for our team, league and distribution partners,’ Diamond Sports Group CEO David Preschlack said in a statement. ‘This partnership reinforces opportunities to further strengthen the close connection our RSNs have with local fans, including enhancing our (direct-to-consumer) offering for a growing digital audience. In the meantime, having finalized agreements with the NBA, NHL and our key distributors, we remain focused on moving our business forward and driving value for our team partners and our stakeholders.”

What NBA, MLB, NHL teams are on FanDuel Sports Network?

Here are the 16 FanDuel Sports Network affiliates and the teams whose broadcasting rights could be affected by the move:

FanDuel Sports Network Detroit: Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings
FanDuel Sports Network Florida: Miami Marlins, Orlando Magic
FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes: Cleveland Guardians*
FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City: Kansas City Royals
FanDuel Sports Network Indiana: Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever
FanDuel Sports Network Midwest: St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues
FanDuel Sports Network North: Minnesota Twins*, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Lynx
FanDuel Sports Network Ohio: Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets
FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Thunder
FanDuel Sports Network SoCal: Los Angeles Clippers
FanDuel Sports Network South: Atlanta Braves, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Dream
FanDuel Sports Network Southeast: Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Dream
FanDuel Sports Network Southwest: Texas Rangers*, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Wings
FanDuel Sports Network Sun: Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning
FanDuel Sports Network West: Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Kings
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin: Milwaukee Brewers*, Milwaukee Bucks

*Contract with Diamond Sports Group ended after 2024 season

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

The Boston Celtics are the heavy favorites to win the 2024-25 NBA championship.

And rightfully so. They won the title last season and return all the core players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman.

Will they finish the season there?

No NBA team has repeated as champs since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, and the Celtics will receive a significant challenge from improving teams in the Eastern Conference, including the New York Knicks who added Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to a roster that also includes Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby.

And if the Celtics emerge from the East to the Finals, they will face a team from the Western Conference that probably needed to beat multiple 50-win teams to advance that far.

Here are the season-opening NBA power rankings with a question for all 30 teams plus odds of winning the championship, courtesy of BetMGM:

2024-25 NBA power rankings with odds to win title

30. Washington Wizards (+100000)

Will the Wizards’ rebuild take even more – and potentially encouraging – shape this season?

29. Portland Trail Blazers (+100000)

How much improvement does fourth-year coach Chauncey Billups need to make to keep his job beyond this season?

28. Detroit Pistons (+100000)

Can new coach J.B. Bickerstaff guide Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey and rookie Ron Holland – all lottery picks – to more than 23 victories for the first time since 2018-19?

27. Brooklyn Nets (+100000)

Is this the restart that’s finally going to work for the Nets?

26. Charlotte Hornets (+100000)

Will new ownership, a new front office and a new coach turn things around for the Hornets who haven’t won a playoff series since 2002 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2016?

25. Chicago Bulls (+100000)

Can the Bulls get this going in the right direction on the fly or is a more dedicated rebuild required?

24. Toronto Raptors (+100000)

What can the Raptors do with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to make an impact?

23. Atlanta Hawks (+50000)

Which direction will the Hawks and Trae Young go in the East standings?

22. San Antonio Spurs (+15000)

How will the Spurs continue to build around second-year star Victor Wembanyama?

21. Utah Jazz (+50000)

The Jazz will be better but will it be enough to get into the playoffs with Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Keyonte George?

20. Miami Heat (+5000)

Do Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have enough to push Miami higher than No. 8 in the East?

19. Memphis Grizzlies (+3500)

Once on the rise with Ja Morant blossoming into stardom, can the Grizzlies be that team again?

18. Houston Rockets (+8000)

Will the promising Rockets win enough games to compete for a playoff spot featuring a young roster in Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard?

17. Los Angeles Clippers (+12500)

Can the Clippers compensate for the loss of Paul George and remain a playoff team in the West led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden?

16. Golden State Warriors (+4000)

How do the Warriors progress with Steph Curry and Draymond Green and without Klay Thompson?

15. Sacramento Kings (+6600)

Does the addition of DeMar DeRozan to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis push the Kings higher in the West standings?

14. Los Angeles Lakers (+4000)

Is a deep run possible for LeBron James, Anthony Davis and first-time NBA head coach JJ Redick?

13. Indiana Pacers (+6600)

Will Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers get back to the East finals?

12. Orlando Magic (+4000)

What does success look like for this young Magic squad and All-Star Paolo Banchero – a first-round victory? Conference finals appearance?

11. Cleveland Cavaliers (+3500)

As the East improves, will the Cavaliers (led by Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley and new coach Kenny Atkinson) rise to contention in the East?

10. New Orleans Pelicans (+5000)

Are the Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Dejounte Murray, a top-four team in the West?

9. Phoenix Suns (+1500)

After getting rid of Monty Williams and Frank Vogel in consecutive seasons, is Mike Budenholzer the right coach for Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and the Suns?

8. Milwaukee Bucks (+1400)

With Giannis Antetokounmpo still at an MVP level and Damian Lillard still an All-Star caliber guard, do the Bucks have a championship push left?

7. Philadelphia 76ers (+1000)

Will the addition of Paul George alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey propel the Sixers beyond the second round for the first time since 2001?

6. Minnesota Timberwolves (+1200)

Did the Timberwolves improve by trading Karl-Anthony Towns and acquiring Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo?

5. New York Knicks (+650)

Is the starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns enough to topple Boston in the East?

4. Denver Nuggets (+1000)

Have the Nuggets missed out on their multi-championship window with Nikola Jokic?

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (+650)

Can the Thunder, who were perhaps a bit ahead of schedule last season with 57 victories, separate themselves from other quality teams and reach the Finals?

2. Dallas Mavericks (+1200)

Will Luka Doncic’s growth and Klay Thompson’s addition along with Kyrie Irving be enough to win the Western Conference again?

1. Boston Celtics (+325)

How hungry are the Celtics for a second consecutive title?

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.