The Women’s College World Series will open on Thursday with a field led by four-time defending national champion Oklahoma and four other teams from the SEC.

In addition to the No. 2 Sooners, who rolled over No. 15 Alabama in the super regionals, the eight-team field includes No. 3 Florida, No. 6 Texas, No. 7 Tennessee and Mississippi.

The Rebels are the only unseeded team still standing after winning two of three against No. 4 Arkansas, capped by Sunday’s 7-4 clincher, to reach the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history.

Rounding out the final eight are No. 9 UCLA, No. 12 Texas Tech and No. 16 Oregon. The Red Raiders swept No. 5 Florida State behind another two outstanding starts from junior NiJaree Canady.

The Women’s College World Series kicks off with a quadrupleheader: Texas plays Florida, Tennessee plays Oklahoma, Ole Miss faces Texas Tech and Oregon takes on UCLA. The final eight teams will play a double-elimination bracket that gives way to a best-of-three championship series early next month.

The rest of the field will be chasing Oklahoma, which run-ruled the overmatched Crimson Tide in five innings in Saturday’s 13-2 win that advanced it to the Women’s College World Series for the ninth time in a row.

Led by the Sooners and the SEC, here are the biggest winners and losers from the super regionals:

Winners

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is the clear favorite to win yet another national championship after a relatively stressful regular season – compared only to the program’s recent standard – that saw the Sooners drop seven conference games as new members of the SEC. But they’ve been on fire this tournament: OU has scored in double figures three times and won all five games by a combined score of 47-5. The second win against Alabama included an eight-run third inning that started off with a two-run shot by shortstop Gabriella Garcia, who would homer again with a runner on in the fifth.

NiJaree Canady

One of college softball’s biggest stars has stepped up to carry her team to an unexpected Women’s College World Series berth. Texas Tech is not a national powerhouse, nor even a regional one: The program had made only six tournament appearances before this season, never advancing out of the regionals. The reigning national player of the year at Stanford who transferred after last season, Canady has changed everything for the Red Raiders. She was brilliant in Tallahassee, tossing a two-hit shutout in the opener and then going the distance in a 2-1 win to eliminate the Seminoles. The second win moved Canady to 30-5 on the year.

Texas

A rematch against rival OU in the championship series is still in play after Texas climbed out of a 1-0 hole in the series against Clemson. That took some work: After falling behind with Thursday’s 7-4 loss, the Longhorns needed extra innings to even the series and then had to hold off the Tigers’ late rally in Saturday’s 6-5 clincher. Junior shortstop Leighann Goode carried Texas to the WCWS by going 6 for 8 with four RBIs in the two wins.

Losers

Nebraska

The Cornhuskers took the first game of the series against Tennessee but went cold at the plate in losing 3-2 on Saturday and then 1-0 in Sunday’s finale. The Volunteers figured out Jordy Bahl at the plate, at least, holding the junior to one hit in six at-bats with three strikeouts in these final two games. Bahl also took both losses on the mound in matchups against SEC Pitcher of the Year Karlyn Pickens, who worked her way out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning of the clincher to send the Volunteers to the WCWS for the ninth time in program history. While a painful way to end a breakthrough season, the Cornhuskers are set to return most of this year’s team, led by Bahl, and should be back in the national mix next May.

Clemson

The disappointment of coming up short in Austin after taking the first game of the series isn’t new even for this young program: Clemson has now lost in the super regionals three times since playing its first game in 2020. While that marquee postseason moment has yet to arrive, the Tigers seem even more destined to eventually collide with the WCWS after pushing the defending national runner-up to the brink. Still, they’ll be kicking themselves until next spring after leaving a combined 17 runners on the bases and allowing four unearned runs in the two losses to the Longhorns.

Arkansas

Arkansas finished six spots higher than Ole Miss in the final SEC standings but never could quite figure out the Rebels, who took two of three against the Razorbacks to open league play in early March before dropping two of three over the weekend in Fayetteville. This dropped Arkansas to 0-4 in super regionals play, with all four appearances coming since hiring coach Courtney Deifel in 2016; it is one of two SEC programs, along with Mississippi State, to never reach the WCWS.

The Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the first time in 23 years they spent a first-round pick on a wide receiver.

Already, the rookie wide-out has impressive Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who spoke about Golden for the first time at his charity softball game Friday.

‘He’s a great dude,’ Love said of Golden, per The Athletic. ‘I’m excited to see just his potential on the football field. But just the start we’ve had, doing routes on air and things like that, he looks like a stud, looks like a very polished receiver, so I’m excited to see just how far he can take it.’

Golden played one season at Texas after transferring from Houston and quickly emerged as Quinn Ewers’ top target. He recorded career-high marks in receptions (58), receiving yards (987) and receiving touchdowns (9) while helping lead the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Love was impressed after watching Golden’s highlights from his time at Texas. The 26-year-old quarterback and noted the 5-11, 191-pound receiver will add a unique speed element to Green Bay’s offense.

‘The speed speaks for itself,’ Love said. ‘Running a 40-yard dash, any time you get a 4.2, that’s some blazing speed right there, so I’m excited to see how fast he is on the field. I’ve seen all the highlights, all the good stuff, so we’ll see once we get practice rolling and everything how good he is.’

Golden will face plenty of competition for targets in Green Bay’s receiver room. Veterans Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontavyion Wicks represent the most proven options on the active roster while rookie third-round pick Savion Williams will also look to carve out a role with the team.

Golden’s speed could give him a leg up in the competition. The Packers lost their primary downfield threat, Christian Watson, to a torn ACL in Week 18 last season. There is not yet a timetable for Watson to return, but he could miss at least the beginning of the 2025 NFL season.

Couple that with Golden’s draft position and he should get a chance to see the field early and often, provided he can accomplish his goal of clicking quickly with Love.

‘Just gain his trust, man,’ Golden said of his goal as he develops a relationship with Love. ‘That’s from me just being able to put my best foot forward every day. Just go out there and create that chemistry with him.’

It started to look, for a stretch in the second quarter, like it was going to be a wrap for the New York Knicks.

Facing a 20-point deficit in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday, with the threat of a 0-3 series hole looming, the Knicks nonetheless rallied in the second half, limiting the Pacers to just 42 points after intermission. In New York’s 106-100 victory, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns led all players with 24 points and 15 rebounds, though much of his production came in the final period.

And with the comeback, New York avoided a dubious scenario, as no team in NBA history has won a best-of-seven series after trailing 3-0.

Here are the winners and losers from Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks:

WINNERS

Thibs (finally) plays his bench

One of the most frequent criticisms of Tom Thibodeau as a coach is that he so rigidly sticks to his rotation, making the depth of his teams a relative concern. But, facing the prospect of an 0-3 series hole and the persistent speed and pace of Indiana, Thibodeau appeared to understand that he needed to tweak his lineup to incorporate a deeper rotation.

Landry Shamet and Delon Wright got their first meaningful minutes of the series and each responded. Backup point guard Miles McBride, who normally is in the rotation, bounced back after early foul trouble. The Knicks bench outscored Indiana’s by a margin of 15-4 in the second half.

“Foul trouble probably helped, but we were going to put them in the rotation just to get a different look,” Thibodeau said after the game.

Karl-Anthony Towns ignites in the fourth

Playing all but 36 seconds in the fourth, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns popped off, sparking New York’s comeback win. He shot 6-of-9 in the period, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, grabbed eight rebounds and scored 20 of his 24 points, aggressively seeking his shot and not settling for jumpers. It was quite the reversal, after Towns got into early foul trouble and appeared to be frustrated, missing layups at the rim. Thibodeau had benched him the final quarter of Game 2, and KAT responded.

The Knicks take advantage of the freebies

New York shot 27-of-30 (90%) from the line Sunday night, including a 15-of-16 (93.8%) showing in the fourth quarter.

The Pacers turn defense into offense (at least in the first three quarters)

Indiana outscored New York in points off turnovers, 22-8. The only issue: the Pacers failed to force the Knicks into turnovers in the fourth quarter, when New York committed only two.

Josh Hart gets some redemption

Thibodeau, again seeking to get different looks, started Mitchell Robinson ahead of forward Josh Hart, who had struggled to make an impact in the first two games of the series. Hart played the entire fourth, had a team-high +16 in the period and made winning plays time and time again, particularly on the glass; Hart collected five rebounds in the fourth, two of which were offensive, and made all four free throw attempts he took.

LOSERS

Indiana loses its identity in the second half

Yes, the Knicks ramped up their defensive intensity and pressure in the second half, but the Pacers played far too complacently after intermission, failing to respond to New York’s energy. Worse for Indiana, it completely abandoned its offensive identity of pushing the tempo and sprinting out in transition.

A lot of it was defense, with the Pacers failing to generate turnovers in the second half that often spark transition baskets. The Pacers scored 16 fastbreak points in this game; 14 of those came in the first half. It’s no surprise, then, that the Pacers, after scoring 58 points in the first half, scored just 42 in the second.

Pacers role players disappear in letdown

Indiana needed much more from Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, who combined to score 17 points on 4-of-17 shooting (23.5%). In particular, both players — though Nesmith had a reduced role with an ankle sprain suffered in the third quarter — struggled to contribute in the second half, scoring just four points on 1-of-8 shooting (12.5%) after intermission.

Benedict Mathurin, meanwhile, continues to be a liability in his minutes, which have been drastically reduced. In just 8:26 on the floor, Mathurin went 0-for-1 and scored just two points.

Pacers closing out quarters

New York won this game, in large part, because of the way it closed out quarters. Indiana allowed the Knicks to end the second on a 10-3 run, the third on a 7-2 run and the fourth on an 8-2 run.

That means the Pacers let the Knicks outscore them by a margin of 25-7 in the ends of the second, third and fourth quarters, combined. In a six-point loss, that — easily — was the difference.

PARIS — Rafael Nadal said the presence of his friends and rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray during a celebration of his glorious career at the French Open made an emotional Sunday evening all the more special.

Thousands of fans including defending men’s and women’s champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek wore brick-red ‘Merci Rafa’ shirts before 14-time Roland Garros champion Nadal was immortalized on Court Philippe Chatrier with a plaque.

The loudest cheers, however, came when Federer, Djokovic and Murray stepped onto the hallowed clay court to share a few words and laughs with Nadal after the Spaniard had welled up watching a video of his greatest moments.

‘I didn’t know, but I imagined they would come. The agendas of people sometimes are difficult. But of course, they knew that they were going to make the day very special,’ Nadal told a packed press conference.

‘Novak is playing here, so it’s easier. But Andy and Roger coming meant a lot to me because they represent a very important part of my tennis career. In some ways we pushed each other to the limits. That’s the truth.

‘We were four of the best rivals. In some way when you’re only two, you can lose a bit of the motivation because the other starts losing or gets injured. Here, you never had to imagine, because always one of the four was winning the tournament.

‘We achieved our dreams. And probably because of that kind of rivalry we raised the numbers of the history of tennis to the next level. That helps to the next generation to try to improve them. I’m sure that’s going to happen.’

Nadal, who ended his career after representing Spain in the Davis Cup in November, said he had ‘infinite gratitude’ for the people who ensured his name was permanently etched on the main showcourt at Roland Garros.

‘I never thought about becoming one of the best players of all time or winning Grand Slams. I just worried about trying to improve every single day,’ he added.

‘I felt that way during all my career. Probably step by step, that’s why I was able to build my career, this successful career. Because I always had doubts, and I never considered myself that good.

‘Of course numbers are amazing, but I never considered myself somebody special. I’m not trying to be humble. Of course my results were there, but every time I went on court, I had the feeling that I could lose. I never lost that feeling during all those years.

‘That probably helped me, that feeling, but overall in my long career, without a doubt, that was important.’

It’s only Memorial Day, but the National League East race has already been a roller-coaster.

The New York Mets stormed out to a five-game lead by the end of April, but the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies have taken control in recent weeks, entering the holiday with a two-game advantage – and baseball’s best record at 34-19.

Philadelphia just had a nine-game winning streak snapped – with the first seven coming against the MLB-worst Colorado Rockies and lowly Pittsburgh Pirates – and will face a big test this week welcoming the Atlanta Braves to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game set.

The Braves, who started the season 0-8, battled back to .500 and are primed to take off with the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., back in the Atlanta lineup a year after suffering a season-ending injury.

Here’s a look at this week’s rankings:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)

Shohei Ohtani touches 97 mph in his first live batting practice.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (+2)

Zack Wheeler gave up just two earned runs (0.68 ERA) in four May starts.

3. Detroit Tigers (-1)

Dropped three of four vs. Cleveland and have a tough week ahead with series against Giants and Royals.

4. New York Mets (-1)

Brett Baty playing himself into an everyday role? Infielder had five homers with 11 RBIs through 40 at-bats in May.

5 Chicago Cubs (+2)

Drew Pomeranz, who hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2021, yet to give up a run in 13 appearances.

6. New York Yankees (+2)

Devin Williams finding his footing in the Bronx with seven consecutive scoreless outings since May 7.

7. San Francisco Giants (-1)

Let’s talk about Robbie Ray being 7-0 with a 2.56 ERA.

8. San Diego Padres (-4)

Jake Cronenworth (.870 OPS in 83 AB) looking like the hitter he was back in 2020-21.

9. St. Louis Cardinals (+3)

Long Island native Steven Matz thriving in a hybrid role (1.99 ERA in 31⅔ innings) and could be a hot free agent commodity this winter – or summer if the Cardinals fall out of contention.

10. Cleveland Guardians (-)

Hunter Gaddis (0.86 ERA) tied for the MLB lead with 13 holds.

11. Seattle Mariners (-2)

George Kirby got hit hard in his first start of 2025.

12 Minnesota Twins (-1)

Cut loose by the Phillies after an 0-for-6 start, Kody Clemens has a 1.130 OPS in 47 at-bats for Minnesota.

13. Kansas City Royals (-)

Kansas City’s 3.22 bullpen ERA ranks third in the American League.

14. Houston Astros (+1)

Jeremy Peña quietly off to a stellar start with career-bests in average, slugging and OPS.

15. Tampa Bay Rays (+7)

Riding a five-game win streak into Memorial Day, the Rays racked up 38 steals in the first 22 games of May.

16. Arizona Diamondbacks (-2)

Zac Gallen (5.25 ERA, NL-worst 29 walks) isn’t doing himself any favors early in his contract year.

17 Cincinnati Reds (-)

Austin Hays just keeps hitting, now with a .951 OPS in 108 at-bats

18 Atlanta Braves (-)

Ronald Acuña Jr. back with a bang, homering in his first two games.

19. Milwaukee Brewers (+2)

Top pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski has a 1.55 ERA in Class AAA and hit 103 mph in a start earlier in May.

20. Texas Rangers (-4)

Nathan Eovaldi lhas a 1.60 ERA in 11 starts and is on pace to set a career high for innings pitched.

21. Boston Red Sox (-2)

Alex Bregman will be out for a while with quad injury, opening the door for top prospect Marcelo Mayer.

22. Washington Nationals (+2)

Jackson Rutledge carving out a relief role with a 2.95 ERA in 16 appearances.

23. Toronto Blue Jays (-3)

George Springer is in a 2-for-29 slump entering Memorial Day.

24. Athletics (+1)

Yolo County has been kind to Rookie of the Year favorite Jacob Wilson, batting .375 at Sutter Health Park.

25. Los Angeles Angels (-)

Mike Trout could see more time as the designated hitter upon his return.

26 Miami Marlins (+1)

Connor Norby turning it on, hitting .370 with 9 RBI in his last 13 games.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)

Jared Jones’ elbow surgery will sideline him for the next year.

28. Baltimore Orioles (-2)

Things continue to get worse, losing six of their first nine after firing manager Brandon Hyde.

29. Chicago White Sox (-)

Luis Robert, batting .190 with a .588 OPS, leads the majors with 20 steals.

30. Colorado Rockies (-)

They won a game against the Yankees.

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MINNEAPOLIS — The Thunder probably didn’t need a film session for the realization. They scarfed the leftovers of Game 3 anyway, confirmation of what it felt like in real time.

Those who spoke on behalf of Oklahoma City on Sunday seemed to come to a common conclusion. The team that suited up against Minnesota in Saturday’s 143-101 loss wasn’t the team that won 68 regular-season games. 

“Yeah, I think we just played a little out of character,” guard Alex Caruso said. 

The expressions and look of the Thunder on Saturday night was unlike what they’ve shown before. The loss of the turnover battle, their first of this postseason. The loss of power in the paint, the first of its kind this series. 

“It was obvious that we didn’t play the way we usually play,” Cason Wallace said. “They got to the rim, they got passes, like they had whatever they wanted. They were the more aggressive team.

“We didn’t have the fight for it.”

The Timberwolves brought the fight, though. It was evident in the way forward Julius Randle shoved his way to position on box outs and on the wing. In the way star Anthony Edwards forced his way down to the lane, down the throats of the OKC defense. 

That his best game came in Minnesota’s best start was no coincidence.

That it happened at the expense of the Thunder’s will, with the Wolves being the aggressor, was the surprise. The turnovers that OKC forced through two games had driven the Wolves crazy. 

Turnovers, despite the Thunder not focusing on them, have been a catalyst. For the season and this series. Wallace didn’t seem convinced that Saturday was more than an anomaly. 

He also expressed confidence that, should OKC return to its identity, turnovers wouldn’t be the only way it could win.

“We haven’t been in that situation many times,” Wallace said. “But throughout the game, like (if) we’re playing to our standard and doing the things that we usually do, (if we) don’t win one section, we’ll win another. That wasn’t the case last night, though.”

Regardless of whether the Thunder feels Saturday could be replicated or not, that it happened still leaves a sour taste. 

The Thunder surely seem more confident than any team with a playoff loss of such magnitude.  

“It’s a loss, no matter how much we lose by,” Wallace said. “But watching film, seeing the way that we lost, definitely gives us an edge for tomorrow.”

Caruso added: “Looking forward to having the opportunity to go out there and be who we are, rather than let them dictate terms their way.”

Joel Lorenzi covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. He can be reached at jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or on X at @joelxlorenzi.

The 2025 NCAA baseball tournament is finally here.

Sixteen national seeds have been selected, although the specific seeds have yet to be revealed, and 29 automatic qualifiers have been decided via conference championship wins.

Watch NCAA baseball selection show with Fubo (free trial)

Vanderbilt, the No. 1-ranked team in the NCAA’s RPI metrics, won the SEC tournament championship with a 3-2 win over Ole Miss on Sunday, putting itself in strong contention for the No. 1 overall seed. North Carolina also dominated Clemson 14-4 in the ACC championship, making it another contender for the top spot.

The full 64-team field will release on Monday, which includes the four teams going to each of the 16 regional locations. With that, follow along for live updates as the 64-team bracket is unveiled for the 2025 NCAA baseball tournament:

NCAA baseball tournament selection show updates

NCAA baseball regionals

Regionals are listed alphabetically by host city

Athens Regional (Georgia)
Auburn Regional (Auburn)
Austin Regional (Texas)
Baton Rouge Regional (LSU)
Chapel Hill Regional (North Carolina)
Clemson Regional (Clemson)
Conway Regional (Coastal Carolina)
Corvallis Regional (Oregon State)
Eugene Regional (Oregon)
Fayetteville Regional (Arkansas)
Hattiesburg Regional (Southern Miss)
Knoxville Regional (Tennessee)
Los Angeles Regional (UCLA)
Nashville Regional (Vanderbilt)
Oxford Regional (Ole Miss)
Tallahassee Regional (Florida State)

Projected seedings for the NCAA baseball tournament

Vanderbilt
Texas
North Carolina
Arkansas
LSU
Auburn
Georgia
Oregon State
Coastal Carolina
Ole Miss
Clemson
Florida State
Tennessee
Oregon
Southern Miss
UCLA

NCAA baseball tournament format

The NCAA baseball tournament is divided into three rounds: the regionals, super regionals and College World Series.

The regionals comprise the 16 highest-seeded teams in the country, each of which hosts a four-team double-elimination regional. The 16 regional winners then advance to a best-of-three series in the super regional round.

From there, the eight super regional winners advance to Omaha, Nebraska for the CWS, the first portion of which, similarly to the regional round, is double elimination. Once only two teams remain — one from each side of the bracket — they play in a best-of-three championship series to determine the national champion.

When do NCAA baseball regionals start?

Date: Friday, May 30

The regional round of the 2025 NCAA baseball tournament will start on May 30 and run through June 2. From there the super regionals will take place from June 6-9, while the College World Series will take place from June 13-23. The CWS finals begin on June 21 and end on June 22 or June 23, depending on whether a tiebreaker is needed.

What time is the NCAA baseball selection show?

Date: Monday, May 26
Time: Noon ET

The selection show for the 2025 NCAA baseball tournament is scheduled to be unveiled at noon ET.

What TV channel is the NCAA baseball selection show on?

TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The 64-team bracket will be unveiled on ESPN2. Streaming options include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial.

The New York Knicks are still alive.

The Knicks erased a 20-point, second-quarter deficit, chipping away in the second half, and scraped past the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, 106-100.

New York rode a massive fourth quarter from Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 20 of his 24 points in the final period. Towns had shot just 2-of-8 through the first three quarters, scoring just four points in that span, but was far more aggressive in the fourth attacking the paint and getting to the line.

The Knicks will now look to even the series Tuesday in Game 4 (8 p.m. ET, TNT), as the road team now has won each of the three games in this series.

Going back to the end of the second quarter, New York closed that and each of the subsequent periods on a run. And in each case, the outbursts were sparked on defense. The Knicks had struggled all series long with their defensive effort and intensity, at times losing Pacers in transition and watching as their teammates got beat off the ball.

In the second half, however, the Knicks swarmed the ball and generated turnovers, slowing the Pacers. It also led to a quicker, more assertive offense from New York.

Indiana’s offense, as a result, struggled to find consistency in the third and fourth quarters, going several minutes without field goals.

Towns led the Knicks with 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson poured in another 23.

Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 20 points, while Indiana center Myles Turner added 19 points.

See all the highlights from USA TODAY Sports from the Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3:

Knicks vs. Pacers highlights

Final: Knicks 106, Pacers 100

Karl-Anthony Towns’ 24-point performance – 20 of which came in the fourth quarter – helped spark the Knicks to a must-have win in Game 3.

Aaron Nesmith back in game after ankle sprain

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, who went to the locker room with a sprained right ankle in the third quarter, returned with less than 7 minutes remaining in the fourth after the Knicks had tightened the score.

Q3: Pacers 80, Knicks 70

The Pacers produced a 6-0 scoring run to maintain a 68-52 lead with eight minutes left in the third quarter.

The Knicks produced a scoring run of their own, outscoring the Pacers with a 7-2 run to end the quarter.

Tyrese Haliburton has 13 points and six assists through the first three quarters. Myles Turner scored 15 points and T.J. McConnell added 12 points off the bench.

Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks with 17 points despite shooting 4-for-14 from the field. He has made all eight of his free throw attempts, but is playing with four fouls. OG Anunoby has scored 16 points. 

The Pacers are 6-0 during this postseason run when leading at the end of the third quarter.

Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith sprains right ankle, questionable to return

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith went back to the locker room after suffering a right ankle sprain during the third quarter. He is considered questionable to return, according to TNT.

Halftime: Pacers 58, Knicks 45

The New York Knicks are on the brink.

Already down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks sputtered in the second quarter of Game 3 and now face a 13-point deficit at the break, 58-45.

The Pacers exploded late in the quarter with a 13-0 run sparked by their defense, while Indiana’s offense is getting contributions from everywhere; each of the 10 Pacers who have entered the game have scored. But the second quarter run was led by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has nine points and four assists at the half.

New York would respond to close the half, going on an 8-2 run to end the second quarter just minutes after Indiana had opened its biggest lead of the game, at 20 points.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns struggled in the first half, both with his shot selection and with his discipline. Towns picked up a careless foul with three seconds left in the first quarter and then was whistled for two more in the following 5:50 of the second quarter — three fouls in a span of fewer than six minutes. Towns has just four points on 2-of-7 shooting.

He isn’t the only player in foul trouble. More precarious for New York is that Jalen Brunson, the team’s unquestioned leader and top offensive threat, picked up his fourth foul late in the half.

Brunson leads all Knicks scorers with 11 points on just 2-of-9 shooting, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have chipped in seven points and 10 points, respectively.

Q1: Pacers 30, Knicks 26

The Knicks started the quarter fast, taking an 11-6 lead, their largest of the first quarter, before giving it away. They trail, 30-26.

Indiana went on a 10-4 run to take its first lead of the game after Ben Sheppard made a 3-point shot off an assist from Tyrese Haliburton.

Myles Turner scored five points after shooting 2-for-3 from the field. Haliburton had four points, two assists and two rebounds.

The Pacers’ bench contributed 13 points, while the Knicks’ reserves nearly went scoreless before Josh Hart added two points late.

Jalen Brunson scored 11 points for the Knicks after shooting 2-of-6 from the field.

What time is Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks?

Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks is set to start at 8 p.m. ET, on Sunday May 25.

How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Max

Watch Pacers vs. Knicks Game 3 on Fubo

Knicks starting five for Game 3

Knicks change up starting lineup for Game 3

The New York Knicks, down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference finals, are making a change to their starting lineup.

Center Mitchell Robinson will be on the floor for tipoff, replacing forward Josh Hart, who has struggled in the series.

Hart, who scored just six points on 2-of-3 shooting Friday night in New York’s 114-109 loss, had started all 77 regular-season games he appeared in this season, as well as the team’s 14 postseason games. Known for being a high-energy player who excels on the glass and pushes the ball up the floor, Hart had been finding it difficult to make an impact against the Pacers.

Robinson has been a steady spark off the bench for Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, particularly on offensive rebounding and defensive rotations.

Pacers starting five for Game 3

Indy 500 winner Alex Palou attends Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3

Alex Palou, who wore a Tyrese Haliburton jersey during the Indy 500 parade through downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, and his team planned for a possible Game 3 trip.

The Indy 500 winner greeted the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, wearing the winner’s ring and wreath, during the second quarter. His attendance came just hours after becoming the first Spaniard to win the legendary race held in Indianapolis since 1911.

Alex Palou becomes first Spaniard to win Indy 500

Alex Palou finally got the one piece missing from his IndyCar resume: an Indianapolis 500 victory.

The three-time IndyCar Series champion passed Marcus Ericsson with 14 laps remaining and held off the 2022 Indy 500 winner and 2023 runner-up to win the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ under caution as Nolan Siegel before the leaders took the checkered flag.

Palou, driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, became the first Spaniard to win the legendary race that dates back to 1911.

“I cannot believe it. It’s amazing to be here. It’s amazing to win,” an overwhelmed Palou said after climbing from his car. “First oval win. What better place.” ‒ Ellen J. Horrow

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks predictions: Expert picks for Game 3

ESPN: Pacers have a 59/6% chance of winning

According to ESPN’s Matchup predictor, the Indiana Pacers have a 59.6% chance of beating the New York Knicks in Game 3.

Fox Sports: Pacers 116 – Knicks 113

Staff writes: ‘The Pacers have covered the spread in the same percentage of games at home as away games (46.3%). They have covered 19 times in 41 games at home and 19 times in 41 games on the road. At home, Indiana exceeds the over/under 53.7% of the time (22 of 41 games). It hits the over in the same percentage of road games (22 of 41 contests).’

Bleacher Nation: Pacers 116 – Knicks 113

Staff writes: ‘ The Pacers average 117.4 points per game (seventh in the league) while allowing 115.1 per outing (17th in the NBA). They have a +183 scoring differential overall and outscore opponents by 2.3 points per game. The Pacers pull down 41.8 rebounds per game (27th in the league) while allowing 45.0 per outing to their opponents. They are outrebounded by 3.2 boards per game.’

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 3 odds

The Indiana Pacers are favored to win Game 3, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Saturday, May 24.

Spread: Pacers (-2)
Moneyline: Pacers (-130), Knicks (+110)
Over/under: 224

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Eastern Conference finals schedule

Pacers lead series 2-0

Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109
Game 3: Knicks 106, Pacers 100
Game 4, May 27: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 5, May 29: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 6, May 31: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, 8 p.m.*
Game 7, June 2: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, 8 p.m.*

Alex Palou finally got the one piece missing from his IndyCar resume: an Indianapolis 500 victory.

The three-time IndyCar Series champion passed Marcus Ericsson with 14 laps remaining and held off the 2022 Indy 500 winner and 2023 runner-up to win the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ under caution as Nolan Siegel crashed before the leaders took the checkered flag.

Palou, driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, became the first Spaniard to win the legendary race that dates back to 1911.

“I cannot believe it. It’s amazing to be here. It’s amazing to win,” an overwhelmed Palou said after climbing from his car. “First oval win. What better place.”

Palou had been the dominant driver in the NTT IndyCar Series in recent years, capturing season championships in 2021, 2023 and 2024. The 28-year-old won 13 races during that period, but surprisingly, none had come on an oval until Sunday.

“It was tough conditions out there, especially when you were like third or fourth in the pack,” Palou continued. “The team wanted me to lead, I wanted to lead obviously but I made it happen. I already lost my voice and I haven’t even started celebrating.”

Ericsson, driving the No. 28 Andretti Global Honda, finished second. He was followed by David Malukas in third, Pato O’Ward in fourth and Felix Rosenqvist in fifth.

Four-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves finished 13th, while two-time defending race winner Josef Newgarden finished 25th after suffering mechanical difficulties.

NASCAR star Kyle Larson, seeking to become the first driver since Tony Stewart in 2001 to complete the motor sports double – racing the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day – crashed on Lap 92 and finished 27th. He boarded a helicopter immediately after his crash to take a plane to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the marathon NASCAR Cup Series race.

USA TODAY Sports provided complete coverage of the 2025 Indianapolis 500. Scroll below for a recap and highlights of all the action:

Indy 500 2025 results: Top 10 finishers

Here are the top-10 finishers in the 2025 Indy 500 (with car number in parentheses, team and car manufacturer):

(10) Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda
(28) Marcus Ericsson, Andretti Global, Honda
(4) David Malukas, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet
(5) Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet
(60) Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank Racing, Honda
(27) Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global, Honda
(14) Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet
(21) Christian Rasmussen, Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet
(7) Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet (76)
(76) Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet

2025 INDY 500 RESULTS: Full finishing order from Sunday’s race

Indy 500 winner Alex Palou to attend Pacers playoff game

INDIANAPOLIS —  Indianapolis 500 winner Alex Palou said he would attend Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night. He finished in plenty of time to kiss the bricks, drink the milk, celebrate with fans and conduct countless interviews before heading downtown.

The Indiana Pacers hold a 2-0 lead on the New York Knicks as they host the back end of the ‘Racers and Pacers’ doubleheader at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

‘That will be good,’ Palou said of catching the NBA playoff game in person as the new Indy 500 champion. — Scott Horner, IndyStar

Watch: Alex Palou kisses the brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Alex Palou had two very important things to do after winning the 2025 Indy 500: celebrate in victory lane with a bottle of milk then head back to the yard of bricks at the start-finish line for another Indianapolis Motor Speedway tradition. Kissing the bricks actually began when Dale Jarrett won NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 in 1996, but it soon became a tradition embraced by Indy 500 winners as well.

Chip Ganassi compares Alex Palou to Caitlin Clark

Chip Ganassi likes winners. That’s long been the motto of the IndyCar team owner, who added another title to his legacy with Alex Palou’s victory in the 109th running of the Indy 500.

Palou had become a household name in the Indianapolis area after winning three of the past four IndyCar Series championships, and capturing the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ will only add to his popularity. But the Spanish racer still has a ways to go to reach the status of Indiana’s favorite female, Caitlin Clark, currently one of the most famous women in all of sports.

Watch below as Ganassi compares the 2025 Indy 500 champion to the Indiana Fever All-Star during his post-race press conference.

Marcus Ericsson laments another runner-up finish at Indy 500

Marcus Ericsson has been one of the best racers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in recent years, and the Swedish driver nearly got to celebrate again. After a nearly perfect final pit stop, the 2022 Indy 500 champion was leading with fewer than 20 laps remaining until Alex Palou passed him with 14 laps to go. Ericsson valiantly tried to chase Palou down in the closing laps but came up short, finishing 0.6822 seconds behind in the the 109th running of the legendary race.

‘Of course, finishing second is really tough. At the same time, congrats to Alex and Chip Ganassi Racing. Yeah, this one hurts, for sure,’ Ericsson said.

‘It’s just very frustrating. I was out in the lead there. I had that race covered and missed it. That’s going to be a tough one to swallow.’

It was the second time in three years the 34-year-old felt the sting of a missed opportunity after finishing second to Josef Newgarden in 2023 by a miniscule 0.0974 seconds.

Why does Indy 500 winner drink milk?

The tradition started in 1936 when Louis Meyer drank buttermilk in victory lane. According legend, Meyer drank the milk because his mother said it would refresh him on a hot day.

A dairy industry executive saw a photo of Meyer drinking the milk and decided to offer it to winners thereafter. The Indiana Dairy Association became an official sponsor in the 1950s, and these days every driver is asked what kind of milk they prefer — whole, skim or 2% — just in case they get the opportunity to celebrate with it.

Alex Palou was one of 29 drivers to select whole milk before the race. — Rachel Bowers

Alex Palou wins 2025 Indy 500

Three-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou passed Marcus Ericsson with 14 laps remaining and held off the 2022 Indy 500 winner and 2023 runner-up to win the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ Palou, driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, had 13 career IndyCar wins entering the day but had never won on oval until taking the checkered flag in the biggest race in his sport.

Indy 500 Lap 180 leaderboard

Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 winner and 2023 runner-up, was perfect on his final pit stop, blending back into the field with the lead. Ericsson, who started ninth in the No. 28 Andretti Global Honda, was running on an alternate strategy than some of the other leaders. He can run full throttle to the end compared to the drivers chasing him, who might need to save fuel. Alex Palou, the three-time IndyCar Series champion, runs second, David Malukas third, Pato O’Ward fourth and Felix Rosenqvist fifth.

Indy 500 Lap 160 leaderboard update

Ryan Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 winner who is driving a one-off race for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports, leads the field with 40 laps remaining. The next five drivers are all seeking their first win in the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ Conor Daly runs second, David Malukas third, three-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou fourth, Santino Ferrucci fifth and Felix Rosenqvist sixth. Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 winner and 2023 runner-up, races in seventh.

Josef Newgarden has fuel issue at Indy 500

Two-time defending Indianapolis 500 Josef Newgarden had raced his way through the field after starting 32nd following a qualifying penalty. Newgarden had moved all the way up to seventh when he came down pit lane for gas and tires. But after reentering the track, Newgarden was forced to come back down pit lane with a fuel pump issues. His Team Penske crew furiously tried to make repairs before announcing on Lap 140 of 200 that Newgarden was done for the day.

‘It’s tough not to have a shot at the end. I just wish we had a chance to fight for it,’ a disappointed Newgarden said.

Indy 500 Lap 110 leaderboard update

Following a number of caution laps after Kyle Larson’s big crash, Devlin DeFrancesco led the field to green, while Conor Daly made a big move to grab second place as drivers raced four-wide. David Malukas ran third, three-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou fourth and Santino Ferruci fifth. Defending race winner Josef Newgarden, who was forced to start at the rear of the field following a qualifying penalty, has raced his way up to ninth. Newgarden is seeking to become the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 three years in a row.

Kyle Larson’s double attempt comes to an end with crash

The historic Memorial Day weekend double attempt by Kyle Larson has come to an abrupt halt.

Larson, who had hoped to complete the Indy 500 and then jet roughly 430 miles to Charlotte, North Carolina, in time for NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600, had his plans thwarted by a crash on Lap 92. Shortly after a green-flag restart, Larson lost control of his car as he was downshifting, causing him to spin out and slam into the outside wall. Kyffin Simpson and Sting Ray Robb were also caught up in the crash.

Larson is expected to continue his odyssey by flying by private jet to Charlotte Motor Speedway for this evening’s NASCAR race. The 2021 Cup Series champion was seeking to become the first driver since Tony Stewart in 2021 to complete the motor sports double.

‘Just hate that I got a little loose there on the restart and yeah, caused that crash. I hate it for everybody that also got caught up in it. Just bummed out,’ Larson said after getting checked and cleared in the medical center.

‘I’ll try to get over this quickly and get on to Charlotte and yeah, just forget about it and try to win next time.’ — Steve Gardner

Two top drivers have major issues on pit lane at Indy 500

Two-time winner Takuma Sato, who had been leading the race, skidded into his box on pit lane on a stop under caution and was forced to reverse back into his spot. Sato lost the lead and multiple positions on the stop.

Meanwhile, pole winner Robert Shwartzman had an even more disastrous stop, crashing into his crew members as he tried to stop in his box. The rookie, who shocked the motor sports world by earning the pole last Sunday, was racing in his first Indianapolis 500. His day came to an end with damage to his No. 83 Prema Racing Chevrolet.

Alexander Rossi’s car catches fire at Indy 500

Alexander Rossi, the 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner, caught a terrible break on Lap 75. Rossi brought his car down pit road for a splash of gas when his No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet caught fire as the crew was fueling the car. Rossi was forced to quickly climb out of his car as crews rushed to extinguish the flames, but the fueler was taken to the medical center to check for burns.

The 33-year-old Rossi was seeking his second Indy 500 win.

‘It’s always a terrible situation and it’s so disappointing. That was such a phenomenal race car,’ Rossi said after his race ended. ‘That’s what’s so painful about this place is you have to have so many things go right, and it’s disappointing because it’s another opportunity gone. But it’s the way it goes.’

Indy 500 Lap 50 leaderboard update

Fifty of 200 laps are complete in the 109th running of the Indy 500 with drivers hitting pit road under green nand shuffling up the leaderboard. Two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato has retaken the lead, followed by Indiana native Conor Daly.

Alexander Rossi takes lead as Indy 500 restart

Following a short caution for light rain and pit stops for most of the field, Alexander Rossi, the 2016 Indy 500 winner, assumed the lead and led the field to green on a restart on Lap 31. But Christian Rasmussen passed him nearly immediately, with Rossi falling back to second and Ed Carpenter third. Rossi resumed the lead on Lap 34 with a pass on his Ed Carpenter Racing teammate, Rasmussen.

Takuma Sato leads Indy 500 as caution waves for light rain

Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato had taken the lead from pole sitter Robert Shwartzman and was leading the 109th running of the race on Lap 20 when the yellow flag came out for light rain. The start of the race had also been delayed for light rain.

Marco Andretti crashes on opening lap of Indy 500

The Andretti curse at Indianapolis has added yet another unfortunate chapter.

Marco Andretti, who started the race 29th in the Andretti Global Honda, collided with the car driven by Jack Harvey entering the first turn on the race’s first green lap (officially Lap 4) and was turned sideways into the outer wall.

It’s the second consecutive year Andretti will not finish in the Indy 500.

‘Once I was committed up there, I couldn’t move … I was kinda at the wall,’ Andretti told Fox Sports. ‘Whoever was next to me crowded me and I ran out of room.’

It also adds to his family’s misfortune at the Brickyard.

Not since family patriarch Mario Andretti did it 1969 has an Andretti family member won the Indianapolis 500. That, despite a number of close calls:

Mario having his win in 1981 overturned several months later on an appeal.
Marco’s father Michael having his car break down while leading with 11 laps to go in 1992.
Michael nearly being declared the winner in 2001 after a long rain delay, but blowing a tire after the race restarted.
And now Marco getting his second consecutive DNF at Indianapolis in what is expected to be his only start of the IndyCar season.

— Steve Gardner

Green flag waves for 2025 Indy 500

The 33 drivers in the field for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 have taken the green flag to start the race after a short rain delay. The Indy 500 is scheduled for 200 laps and 500 miles.

Scott McLaughlin crashes before Indy 500 goes green

Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin was eliminated from the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 when he crashed into inside wall during pace laps. McLaughlin was trying to warm up his tires by swerving on the track before the green flag flew but lost control on the cold track and slammed into the inside wall.

A devastated McLaughlin climbed out of his car and was visibly upset when his No. 3 Chevrolet was towed away. He was scheduled to start 10th on the inside of Row 4.

‘I can’t believe we’re out of the race. I had so much hope today,’ McLaughlin told Fox Sports.

‘By far, the worst moment of my life. I know it’s probably dramatic but … I put so much into this race. Everyone does. And I didn’t even get to see the green flag.’ — Steve Gardner

What time does the 2025 Indy 500 start?

The green flag for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET. Cars will begin arriving in pit lane between 9-9:20 a.m. ET, with the command to start engines at 12:38 p.m. ET.

What TV channel is 2025 Indy 500 on?

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 will air on Fox, with the race set to begin at 12:45 p.m. ET. Pre-race coverage on Fox will start at 10 a.m. ET.

2025 Indy 500: Live streaming options

Fans can stream the Indy 500 with the Fox Sports app and at FoxSports.com, as well as with Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch the 2025 Indy 500 on Fub

Weather updates for 2025 Indy 500

A few rain drips have started coming down at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, delaying the start of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. The rain is light, so the hope is that the race won’t be dayed too long. The forecast for today, according to AccuWeather, was for mostly cloudy skies with a high of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

2025 Indy 500 starting lineup

Here are the drivers starting in the first four rows on Sunday:

(Car number in parentheses, followed by driver, team, manufacturer; R=rookie; W=former winner)

(83) Robert Shwartzman (R), Prema Racing, Chevrolet
(75) Takuma Sato (W), Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda
(5) Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet
(9) Scott Dixon (W), Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda
(60) Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank Racing, Honda
(10) Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda
(4) David Malukas, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet
(7) Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet
(28) Marcus Ericsson (W), Andretti Global, Honda
(3) Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske, Chevrolet
(76) Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet
(20) Alexander Rossi (W), Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet

STARTING GRID: Click here for full 33-car starting lineup

Why were Josef Newgarden and Team Penske penalized?

Josef Newgarden is the two-time defending Indy 500 champion and is looking to become the first driver to win the legendary event three years in a row. But in the leadup to Sunday’s race, Newgarden is drawing attention for another reason: the controversy and fallout at his race team.

The IndyCar Series determined Team Penske made illegal modifications to some of their cars, including Newgarden’s, during Indy 500 qualifying, and penalized the drivers by fining them and forcing them to start at the rear of the field. Roger Penske, who owns the race team – and also owns Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series – fired the entire leadership of his IndyCar team in the wake of the scandal, making Newgarden’s attempt at a three-peat even more difficult.

— Jon Hoefling

Kyle Larson set for rare Indy 500/Coca-Cola 600 double

The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion is attempting ‘The Double’ on Sunday by racing in both the Indy 500 for Arrow McLaren and the Coca-Cola 600 for Hendrick Motorsports. He’s ranked 10th to win the Indy 500 and the favorite to win the Coca-Cola 600, per BetMGM’s latest odds.

‘I enjoy challenges and I enjoy trying to learn on the fly,’ Larson told USA TODAY Sports ahead of his second attempt to drive in both events.

A rain delay at the Indy 500 last year kept Larson from making it to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. With no rain in the weather forecast for Indianapolis, he’s ready for another attempt this year.

‘I wouldn’t be doing it, obviously, if I didn’t feel like I had a shot to win both,’ said Larson, who starts 19th at the Brickyard on the inside of Row 7. 

— Ayrton Ostly

Who won the pole for the 2025 Indy 500?

Prema Racing driver Robert Shwartzman is in pole position for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, the first rookie to qualify first since 1983. The Russian-Israeli driver posted a four-lap average speed of 232.790 miles-per-hour, nosing ahead of two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato. — Jason Anderson

What is the race distance of the 2025 Indy 500?

In keeping with tradition, the 2025 Indianapolis 500 is 200 laps around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a total of 500 miles.

Who is the honorary starter for the 2025 Indy 500?

The honorary starter at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 will be Casey Irsay Foyt.

Irsay Foyt ‘will wave the flag to honor the irreplaceable and impactful legacy of her father, Jim Irsay, whose stewardship of the Indianapolis Colts and generous philanthropic efforts had a transformative impact across Central Indiana and the Hoosier State,’ per a press release from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jim Irsay, who owns the Colts, passed away Wednesday at the age of 65.

On top of her connections to the city of Indianapolis, Irsay Foyt is also very close to the world of motor racing. Her husband, A.J. Foyt IV, drove in IndyCar and NASCAR, and is the grandson of four-time Indy 500 champions A.J. Foyt. — Jason Anderson

Who is pace car driver for the 2025 Indy 500?

Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan will drive the pace car at the 2025 Indianapolis 500. Strahan, now a host on ‘Good Morning America’ and a member of Fox’s NFL studio team, will drive a white 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace the cars before the rolling start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. — Jason Anderson

Odds to win 2025 Indy 500

Drivers with the best odds to win 2025 Indianapolis 500 via BetMGM as of Sunday morning

1. Pato O’Ward (+450)
2. Alex Palou (+475)
3. Josef Newgarden (+725)
4. Scott Dixon (+750)
5. Takuma Sato (+1000)
6. Scott McLaughlin (+1100)
7. Felix Rosenqvist (+1700)
8. Will Power (+2000)
9. Robert Shwartzman (+2200)
T10. David Malukas (+2500)
T10. Christian Lundgaard (+2500)
T10. Kyle Larson (+2500)
T10. Alexander Rossi (+2500)

Does David Letterman have a car in the 2025 Indy 500?

From the start, he’s partnered with former Indianapolis 500 champion Bobby Rahal in what’s now known as Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL).

David Letterman’s team has four drivers in the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500:

Takuma Sato, a two-time Indy 500 (2017 and 2020), posted the second-fastest time in qualifying. He will start in the middle of the front row in the No. 75 RLL Honda.
Devlin DeFrancesco, a 25-year-old Canadian driver, is in his first season with RLL. He qualified 16th in the No. 30 Honda
Louis Foster: The British driver is a rookie in the IndyCar Series and will make his Indy 500 debut on Sunday. He starts 20th in the No. 45 RLL Honda.
Graham Rahal, the son of team owner Bobby Rahal and a six-time IndyCar series winner, is in his 18th season on the IndyCar circuit. He will start 28th in the No. 15 RLL Honda. (Fun fact: Graham Rahal once presented a Top 10 list on Letterman’s ‘Late Show’ in 2013.)

— Steve Gardner

Most wins in Indy 500 history

The record for most Indianapolis 500 wins is four, held by four people: A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Al Unser (1979, 1971, 1978, 1987), Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991), and Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021).

Five drivers have won the Borg-Warner Trophy three times:

Louis Meyer (1928, 1933, 1936)
Wilbur Shaw (1937, 1939, 1940)
Bobby Unser (1968, 1975, 1981)
Johnny Rutherford (1974, 1976, 1980)
Dario Franchitti (2007, 2010, 2012)

INDIANAPOLIS CHAMPIONS: See the full list of Indy 500 winners by year

2025 Indy 500 picks and predictions

Nathan Brown, IndyStar motor sports reporter: Alex Palou to win

Brown writes, ‘Is it predictable? Yes, but Palou has proven over the course of the last three months that picking against him is largely silly. He’s yet to win on an oval in his career, but the championship leader checks that box with the help of a pit crew that’s been nearly flawless all year and a car that’s been near the top of the charts virtually every session this month.’

Aaron Ferguson, IndyStar motor sports editor: Scott Dixon to win

Ferguson writes: It would be a statement weekend for (Chip) Ganassi to win after being outspoken about (Team) Penske. Dixon won in 2008 and has finished second three times and has five poles, so I’m trusting the veteran.’

Dana Hunsinger Benbow, IndyStar enterprise reporter: Takuma Sato to win

Benbow writes: ‘This two-time Indy 500 champ has the skill, the experience and the IMS wisdom to become the oldest winner in history at 48.’

STAFF PICKS: Click here for more expert predictions from IndyStar