Amazing what a difference it makes when a team makes shots.

Struggling offensively through the first two games in road losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves returned home to find rediscover their offense in Game 3.

Minnesota crushed Oklahoma City 143-101 Saturday, making it a 2-1 series. Game 4 is Monday in Minneapolis (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The Timberwolves, who set a franchise record for most points in a playoff game, led early and kept piling up the points and piling on the Thunder. Minnesota led 34-14 after one quarter, 68-33 late in the second quarter, 105-63 late in the third quarter and 126-82 with 5:07 left in the fourth.

Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 30 points plus nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, and Julius Randle scored 24 points for the Timberwolves. In a surprising lift off the bench, Minnesota rookie Terrence Shannon Jr., who hadn’t played more than seven minutes or scored more than two points in six playoff appearances before Game 3, scored 15 points.

Thunder star and 2024-25 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 14 points.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder highlights

Final: Timberwolves 143, Thunder 101

It was the Timberwolves’ highest-scoring performance in a playoff game. It was also the largest playoff loss (42 points) for Oklahoma City.

Anthony Edwards finished with 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Timberwolves. Julius Randle scored 24 points in the victory.

End of Q3: Timberwolves 107, Thunder 70

The Timberwolves have their foot on the gas and aren’t letting up. Minnesota has a 37-point lead over Oklahoma City heading into the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards has a game-high 40 points and is one rebound shy of a double-double with nine rebounds and six assists. Julius Randle added 24 points and Jaden McDaniels has 10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 14 points. The Timberwolves out-rebounded the Thunder 38-23.

Halftime: Timberwolves 72, Thunder 41

Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault was worried about the haymakers the Timberwolves would throw with their backs to the wall in Game 3. His concern was merited.

Trailing 2-0 in the series, the Timberwolves threw a flurry of punches in the first two quarters of Game 3, pummeling the Thunder in the first half for a 72-41 halftime lead, which marks a franchise playoff record for points in a half. Minnesota All-Star Anthony Edwards has a game-high 20 points, and rookie Terrence Shannon Jr., who hadn’t played more than seven minutes or scored more than two points in six playoff appearances before Game 3, provided a huge lift off the bench with nine points in four minutes. Naz Reid added 10 points for the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves are 27-for-48 shooting from the field and 9-for-19 on 3s, and the Thunder are 12-for-40 and 6-for-23. Minnesota led by as many as 35 (68-33) in the first. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a team-high nine points but also has four turnovers.

End Q1: Timberwolves 34, Thunder 14

The Timberwolves came out with a sense of urgency in Game 3 and jumped to a 20-point lead over the Thunder. The Timberwolves held the Thunder to 14 first-quarter points, which marks a season-low for Oklahoma City, who shot 6–of-21 from the field and 2-of-11 from three. Anthony Edwards singlehandedly outscored the Thunder with 16 points (6-of-8 FG, 3-of-5 3PT), five rebounds and two assists. Chet Holmgren has a team-high five points.

Thunder-Timberwolves Game 3 starting lineups

Timberwolves starters

Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Anthony Edwards
Mike Conley

Thunder starters

Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
Lu Dort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder prepping for Timberwolves’ best shot

Minnesota can’t afford to lose Game 3 and go in a 3-0 hole. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said his team needs to be ready for what the Timberwolves bring as the series shifts to Minneapolis for Games 3-4.

‘The guys understand that Minnesota’s coming home down 0-2 and that we’re going to get a haymaker from them, and we have to rise to that,’ Daigneault said.

Thunder-Timberwolves pregame coach’s chatter

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said his team remains confident and just needs to start making shots.

“We have the utmost confidence,’ Finch said about two hours before Game 3. ‘We’ve got to figure out the adjustments that we need to make. Just try to stay on an even keel. Guys have been putting effort it. They just haven’t made shots. We were very, very happy with the shots that we have been able to generate.

‘Got to tighten some things up. We focused and highlighted on a lot of things that we’ve been doing well and got to bring the urgency to what tonight needs. That’s been our approach.”

Finch said it was important that the Timberwolves avoid the “five-minute meltdown” that hindered his team in the first two games.

What time is Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

Game 3 of the NBA’s Western Conference final series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

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

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
TV: ABC
Stream: ESPN+, Fubo

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 3 predictions

The Oklahoman: Minnesota 110, OKC 108

Justin Martinez writes: ‘It’s hard to win a game in Oklahoma City. Every mistake is magnified by an electric Paycom Center crowd, and that energy fuels some huge OKC runs. But Minnesota will have the home crowd on its side this time, and it’ll be desperate to avoid a 3-0 series hole. I think the Thunder will win this series in five games, and I’m picking the Timberwolves’ lone win to come in Game 3.’

ESPN: Thunder have a 67% chance to win

According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a 67.1% chance to win Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Pickswise: Timberwolves

Staff writes: ‘What has really killed Minnesota is how badly the Wolves have gotten crushed from a turnover disparity perspective, particularly in those disastrous third quarters. Therefore, if Anthony Edwards and company are able to minimize those live-ball mistakes, that should take away a number of chances for Oklahoma City to get out on the break and generate easy points in transition. All things considered, I’ll take Minnesota to get in the win column at home.’

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 3 odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to win Game 3, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Saturday, May 24.

Spread: Thunder (-4.5)
Moneyline: Thunder (-150), Timberwolves (+130)
Over/under: 218.5

No Sam Reinhart, sitting out Game 3 after being injured in Game 2.

No Eetu Luostarinen, ejected in the first period for a boarding infraction.

A new look in the Carolina Hurricanes net with Pyotr Kochetkov getting the start.

It didn’t matter. The Florida Panthers improved to 3-0 against the Hurricanes after a 6-2 win on Saturday night. They have outscored Carolina 16-4 in the series and can earn their third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final on Monday with a win at home.

Kochetkov kept the game close as the teams entered the third period tied 1-1. But Jesper Boqvist, reinserted in the lineup after the Reinhart injury, broke the tie early in the third period and the Panthers poured in five consecutive goals in a little more than nine minutes.

Niko Mikkola and Aleksander Barkov each scored twice, and Brad Marchand also scored as the Panthers took advantage of turnovers.

Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov was minus-4 and slammed his stick in frustration after his turnover led to a Barkov goal. He was beaten on another goal and had one deflect in off his skates.

‘You can’t put it all on him … but you can’t be winning at this time of year when you make mistakes like that,’ Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

The only disadvantage for the Panthers: Mikkola left the game after going hard into the boards, though coach Paul Maurice said after the game, ‘We think he’s going to be OK.’

Highlights from Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers:

Panthers vs. Hurricanes highlights

Game recap

Final score: Panthers 6, Hurricanes 2

The Hurricanes kept it a game for two periods and still got crushed. That’s 15 consecutive losses in the conference finals, dating to 2009. One more Carolina loss Monday night and the Panthers will return to the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row.

Game getting feisty

Andrei Svechnikov and Sam Bennett slash each other and also get misconducts. Then there’s another scrum and Florida’s A.J. Greer goes down the tunnel with an injury.

NHL scores: Panthers 6, Hurricanes 2

Matthew Tkachuk goes after Sebastian Aho, who had injured Sam Reinhart in Game 2. On the ensuing power play, Seth Jarvis scores 11 seconds in.

NHL scores: Panthers 6, Hurricanes 1

Brad Marchand scores as the Panthers pour it on.

NHL scores: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 1

The Panthers take advantage of another turnover. Aleksander Barkov’s pass attempt goes in off Shayne Gostisbehere’s stick.

Niko Mikkola injury

The Panthers defenseman, who has two goals, goes hard into the boards and leaves the game.

NHL scores: Panthers 4, Hurricanes 1

‘Dmitry Orlov’s pass is stolen by Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov finishes off the play to give Florida two goals in 29 seconds. Orlov slams his stick in frustration. He’s minus-4 for the game.

NHL scores: Panthers 3, Hurricanes 1

Niko Mikkola scores his second goal of the game, jumping into the rush. The Hurricanes had hit the post not long before that while Sergei Bobrovsky was without his stick.

NHL scores: Panthers 2, Hurricanes 1

The Hurricanes kill off the penalty but turn over the puck in the neutral zone. Jesper Boqvist makes a great move around Dmitry Orlov before scoring on Pyotr Kochetkov. Tough night for Orlov, who had the first Panthers goal go off his skates. Boqvist is in the game because of an injury to Sam Reinhart.

Third period underway

Florida starts on the power play.

End of second period: Panthers 1, Hurricanes 1

Much better period by the Hurricanes. After not connecting on their five-minute power play, they do score on their next one as Logan Stankoven ties the game. But Carolina will need to kill the remainder of a Panthers power play to start the third period.

Panthers go on power play

They pin Carolina in their defensive zone and Sebastian Aho is called for holding Carter Verhaeghe. The power play will carry over into the third period.

NHL scores: Hurricanes 1, Panthers 1

Brent Burns takes a shot from the point and Logan Stankoven knocks in the rebound. The Hurricanes had a lot of movement on that power play before connecting.

Hurricanes go on power play

Gustav Forsling puts the puck over the glass and is called for delay of game.

Panthers go on power play

Near the end of the Eetu Luostarinen penalty, Carolina’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi is called for cross-checking. The Hurricanes kill it off.

Second period underway

Jackson Blake is back on the ice. Panthers still has to kill nearly two minutes of Eetu Luostarinen’s boarding major. No much going for Carolina and Florida gets a couple short-handed rushes.

End of first period: Panthers 1, Hurricanes 0

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour started Pyotr Kochetkov in net to ‘change the vibes,’ and the goalie has shined. The only shot that got past him went in off his defenseman. Still, the Hurricanes trail 1-0 in a must-win game.

We’ll have to see whether Carolina’s Jackson Blake can return after being slammed into the boards. Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen won’t. He receives a five-minute major and game misconduct for that hit. Carolina has two minutes left on the power play to start the second period.

Hurricanes go on power play

They get a five-minute power play after an Eetu Luostarinen boarding penalty and game misconduct is confirmed on review. Hurricanes get a few shots, and about two minutes of the penalty will carry over to the second period.

Jackson Blake injured; Eetu Luostarinen ejected

Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake is slammed into the boards by Eetu Luostarinen and is down on the ice for several minutes before going off. Luostarinen is ejected for boarding.

NHL scores: Panthers 1, Hurricanes 0

Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola throws the puck to the front of the Hurricanes net and it goes in off the skate of Carolina defenseman Dmitry Orlov. The Panthers now have 14 goals from their defensemen.

Panthers go on power play

Pyotr Kochetkov, who has been busy so far in net, is called for tripping Evan Rodrigues. Carolina kills it off, allowing only one shot.

Pyotr Kochetkov saves

He stops Sam Bennett in close, stops him later and scrambles later to keep the puck out of the net.

Game underway

Panthers lead series 2-0.

Panthers vs. Hurricanes starting lines

It will be Florida’s Sam Bennett line vs. the Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho line. Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Pyotr Kochetkov in net.

What time is Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 3?

Game 3 of the Carolina Hurricanes-Florida Panthers series is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday in Sunrise, Florida.

How to watch Hurricanes vs. Panthers NHL playoff game: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Amerant Bank Arena (Sunrise, Florida)
TV: TNT/truTV
Stream: Sling TV, Max

Stream Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 3 on Sling

Carolina Hurricanes lineup

Sean Walker injury update

The Hurricanes defenseman was on the ice for warmups but is listed among the scratches on the NHL roster report. Rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin will be in the lineup.

Florida Panthers lineup

Jalen Chatfield injury update

Chatfield will miss his fourth consecutive game with an undisclosed injury.

Hurricanes’ Sean Walker injury update

Coach Rod Brind’Amour said the defenseman is a game-time decision. Walker left Game 2 with an injury.

Hurricanes goalie Pyotr Kochetkov will start Game 3

Hurricanes backup goalie Pyotr Kochetkov will get the Game 3 start against the Panthers.

“Just change the vibes a little bit,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Saturday morning. “I don’t blame Freddy for any of the goals that went in.”

Kochetkov played the third period of Game 2, giving up one goal on five shots after Andersen yielded four in the first two period.

Kochetkov, who had a 2.60 goals-against average during the regular season, won Game 5 in the first round, 5-4 in overtime against the New Jersey Devils, in his lone previous start when Andersen missed that game because of an injury.

Who is Jesper Boqvist?

Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Jesper Boqvist will play on the top line in Game 3 in place of injured Sam Reinhart.

Boqvist had already played with Aleksander Barkov on that line when Evan Rodrigues was hurt. Rodrigues has returned, so the top line for Game 3 is Barkov, Rodrigues and Boqvist.

‘There’s a familiarity there that lets those guys just go and play,’ Maurice said.

Boqvist signed as a free agent in July and had 12 goals and 23 points during the regular season. He also kills penalties and scored a short-handed goal. He has a goal and an assist in nine games this postseason.

Panthers’ Sam Reinhart won’t play in Game 3

Panthers forward Sam Reinhart won’t play in Game 3 and is day-to-day after being injured during the team’s 5-0 win in Game 2 against the Hurricanes.

Reinhart was sent flying by a Sebastian Aho hit during the first period of Thursday’s game and didn’t return because of a lower-body injury.

Reinhart plays on the top line with Aleksander Barkov and had 57 goals last season. He’s a finalist (along with Barkov) for the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward after finishing with five short-handed goals.

The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday evening to close out the most exciting day in motor sports.

Following Formula One’s Monaco Grand Prix and IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500, the Coca-Cola 600 takes center stage for NASCAR’s annual Memorial Day weekend event and the series’ longest race of the year at 600 miles.

All eyes will be on Kyle Larson, who is attempting the motor sports double for the second consecutive year. Larson will begin his day at Indianapolis, where he starts 19th in the Indy 500 in the No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Following his afternoon at Indy, he will immediately fly to North Carolina and hop into his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for the Coca-Cola 600, as he seeks to become the first driver since Tony Stewart in 2001 to race 1,100 total miles and complete the Indy-Charlotte double.

Larson won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2021 en route to his first Cup Series championship. Can he do it again this year? Here’s all the information you need to get ready for the race:

What time does the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 start?

The Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

What TV channel is the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on?

There is no national TV broadcast for Sunday’s race. Amazon Prime Video is broadcasting the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, the first of five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races on the streamer. Prime will air a pre-race show at 5 p.m. ET.

Will there be a live stream of the Coca-Cola 600?

The race can be live streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

How many laps is the Coca-Cola 600?

NASCAR’s longest race is 400 laps around the 1.5-mile track for a total of 600 miles. The race will feature four segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 100 laps; Stage 2: 100 laps; Stage 3: 100 laps; Stage 4: 100 laps.

How will Kyle Larson get from Indianapolis to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600?

As soon as Larson’s day is done in the Indy 500 – pending any possible weather delays – the Hendrick Motorsports driver will immediately board a helicopter at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then get on a plane to fly to Charlotte. Another helicopter will take Larson to Concord, North Carolina, for the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Who won the Coca-Cola 600 last year?

Christopher Bell led 90 of 249 laps, including the final 18, in the rain-shorted race on May 26, 2024. Bell was declared the winner under red-flag conditions with Brad Keselowski finishing second and William Byron third.

What is the lineup for the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600?

(Car number in parentheses)

(19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
(24) William Byron, Chevrolet
(17) Chris Buescher, Ford
(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
(4) Noah Gragson, Ford
(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
(7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
(2) Austin Cindric, Ford
(71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
(22) Joey Logano, Ford
(84) Jimmie Johnson, Toyota
(21) Josh Berry, Ford
(10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
(38) Zane Smith, Ford
(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
(43) Erik Jones, Toyota
(60) Ryan Preece, Ford
(41) Cole Custer, Ford
(88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
(35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
(87) Connor Zilisch, Chevrolet
(34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
(51) Cody Ware, Ford
(44) Derek Kraus, Chevrolet
(66) Josh Bilicki, Ford
(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet

President Donald Trump knows a thing or two about staying in the conversation.

From the Super Bowl and College Football Playoff games to the Daytona 500 and everything in between, the president is no stranger to big sporting events. So when the ‘greatest day in motorsports’ is on the calendar, it begs the question, will Trump be in attendance?

Options are aplenty on this Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

There’s the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1, the Coca-Cola 600 in NASCAR and, of course, the Indy 500 in IndyCar.

After attending the Coca-Cola 600 in 2024 and the Daytona 500 in 2025, it became a question whether the president would make the trek to Indianapolis to check out the ‘greatest spectacle in racing’ at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 109th Indianapolis 500.

Will Trump be in attendance at Indy this year? Here is your answer.

Is Donald Trump going to 2025 Indy 500?

Trump will not be at the Indianapolis 500 in 2025.

The president was invited by IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske during a visit to the White House on April 9. While there is always a possibility of a surprise visit or last-minute change when it comes to Trump, the president appears ready to skip the event this year.

News of Trump opting to not attend the event was first reported by Politico’s Adam Wren. A person with direct knowledge of the situation told IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, the speedway was of the same understanding of the decision.

Has POTUS ever attended Indy 500?

No sitting President of the United States has ever attended the Indianapolis 500.

Several former presidents, however, attended the legendary race after their time in the White House. Gerald Ford was the first former president to attend when he was at the track in 1979. In 2003, former President George H.W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton both attended on race day.

On the other hand, presidents have been at race day prior to their election. Harry Truman attended the Indy 500 in the late 1930s before he was elected, and Trump actually attended the 2002 edition of the race.

In 2011, Trump was named the pace car driver for the 100th Indy 500, but it came during controversial statements he made regarding then-President Barack Obama’s citizenship and his possible run in the 2012 election. After backlash of Trump’s selection for the centennial edition of the race, Trump backed out of his position and was replaced by four-time Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt.

Few motorsports events in the world have the same draw as the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. The crown jewel of the F1 calendar sees some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment in attendance to see some of the best drivers in the world battle in close quarters.

Despite the star-studded group of attendees, the Monaco Grand Prix often is far from an exciting race. The nature of modern F1 cars means passing is nearly impossible in the tight, twisting corners with barriers just inches away from cars at almost every point of the Circuit de Monaco.

Qualifying is more important at Monaco than any other track on the F1 calendar. How the cars line up on Sunday is often how they’ll end up come the checkered flag.

Things could be different this year, though, as F1 officials have mandated all drivers must use at least three different sets of tires, which requires at least two pit stops during the race. That’s a change from the two-set minimum for dry conditions for all other races.

Tire wear in Monaco is low because it’s the slowest track on the calendar. That means we could see teams get creative in choosing how best to deploy the two-stop minimum. Monaco’s close barriers often mean a crash is near-inevitable which could a wrench into teams’ plans.

It could be a more exciting race than we’ve seen in Monte Carlo in recent years. Here’s how to catch the action:

How to watch the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix: TV, streaming

Here are the options for F1 viewers in the U.S.:

Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 9 a.m. ET
Location: Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco
TV: ABC, ESPN3
Streaming: ESPN+, F1TV, Fubo

Watch the 2025 Formula 1 championship season with Fubo

The men’s lacrosse championship matchup is set. Top-seeded Cornell and No. 2 Maryland earned victories on semifinal Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.

They’ll square off Monday at Gillette Stadium for the championship at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Cornell got the day started with an 11-9 triumph over fifth-seeded Penn State. The Big Red (17-1) avenged their only loss of the regular season, while the Nittany Lions (12-5) came up short in their third attempt to advance beyond the semifinals.

It took nearly an entire quarter for either team to get on the board. Cornell finally notched a goal in the final minute of the opening period, but Penn State held a 5-4 lead at halftime. The Big Red took charge with a decisive 6-1 third quarter for a 10-6 margin. The Nittany Lions had erased a six-goal deficit a week earlier in a comeback win against Notre dame and had trailed by four in their earlier victory against the Big Red, but this time they could get no closer than one the rest of the way.

Cornell held on despite record-setting attackman and Tewaaraton Award finalist CJ Kirst being held without a point for the first time in his collegiate career. His teammates took up the slack as Michael Long notched a game-high five points on two goals and three assists, and Hugh Kelleher chipped in with three goals and an assist from the midfield, including the final tally of the game with 5:43 remaining that snapped the Nittany Lions’ three-goal run. Liam Matthews paced Penn State with four goals and Matt Traynor scored twice.

In the second semifinal, Maryland raced out to an 8-2 lead in the first half and coasted to a 14-8 victory over sixth-seeded Syracuse. The Terrapins (14-4) surrendered the game’s first goal in the opening minute but put on a defensive clinic for the remainder of the day. The Orange (13-6), making their first trip to Championship Weekend since 2013, struggled to get good looks at the cage all afternoon.

Eric Spanos led the way on the offensive end for the Terrapins with four goals and an assist. But the day belonged to the defenders as Logan McNaney made 14 saves and Will Schaller held top Syracuse attackman Joey Spallina to a single assist.

Monday’s championship game will be a rematch of the 2022 final, a 9-7 win for Maryland in which McNaney’s 17-save effort earned him tournament most outstanding player honors. That title was the fourth overall for the Terrapins in the NCAA era and the second under current coach John Tillman, and Maryland will be playing on Memorial Day for the fourth time in five years.

The Big Red will be seeking their fourth NCAA crown but their first since 1977. Big Red coach Connor Buczek, a Cornell alum who assumed the reins prior to the abbreviated 2020 season, has led his alma mater to the title game twice in his four full campaigns at the helm.

Texas softball is heading back to Oklahoma City for the third time in four seasons.

Its super regional win over Clemson was neither clean nor pretty over the three-game stretch, but Texas was able to weather the storm and advance over a Tigers team that looked like it was on a mission heading into the weekend series in Austin.

On Saturday, Texas struck first after scoreless first with a three-run second inning, giving the Longhorns an early lead. After the Tigers stole a run back in the third, Texas was able to get two more runs before Clemson responded with two of its own. But it was an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth that proved to be the difference, as a Julia Knowler home run in the top of seventh made it a one-run game before Texas was able to ultimately close the door and get the win over the scrappy Tigers.

Ultimately, it’s the kind of iron-sharpens-iron performance Texas may have needed after breezing through the regional round of the tournament. Texas will go into Oklahoma City with two gutty wins under its belt after going down 1-0 to Clemson, and everyone in the batting order and the circle pitched in for the series win.

Now, Texas and Mike White turn their sights toward the ultimate goal: The first Women’s College World Series title in program history. The Longhorns were runners-up to the dynastic Sooners last year, and Oklahoma still stands in their path.

For now, however, it’s about celebrating another step, as every victory matters at this point.

Watch Texas vs Clemson in Austin Super Regional on Fubo (free trial)

USA TODAY Sports tracked Clemson vs Texas’ super regional showdown. Relive the action below.

Texas softball score vs. Clemson

Texas vs Clemson softball final score, highlights

Texas wins, advances to Women’s College World Series for third time in four years

A comebacker to Morgan ends Clemson’s comeback hopes. Gutty effort for the Tigers, who enter next season with a bright future but will miss their first trip to Oklahoma City by just one game. Texas, meanwhile, will head to OKC for the third time in four years after finishing as runners up last season. Tremendous effort by both squads all night.

Top of seventh inning, Texas leads 6-5

Texas gets second out as runner advances

Vieria chops a ball to third and Scott guns her down at first. The runner advances to second, and it will be Collins looking to drive in the tying run.

Mike White staying with Morgan as tying run gets on

Following the homer, Clemson draws a four-pitch walk to put the tying run on and the go-ahead run at the plate. White is staying with Morgan, and it looks like he’s going to live or die by his drop-ball dealer.

Julia Knowler homers, makes in one-run game

Julia Knowler makes it a one-run game! After a lengthy at-bat with Morgan, Knowler homers to dead center to make it a one-run game. That quip about us not being far off from the player at the plate mattering? Well we’re at that time now.

Texas gets an out after allowing a base runner

Texas allows the leadoff runner on with an error, suffering some defensive woes of its own. However, Moore then grounds out to second, advancing the runner. Still a three-run game, so the player at the plate doesn’t matter yet. But we aren’t far off from that point.

Bottom of sixth inning, Texas leads 6-3

McCubbin gets out of it again for the Tigers

The threat once again dies on the vine, as Atwood grounds out to third to end the frame. Three more outs for Clemson if it’s going to get its 24th comeback win of the year. If it does, this will be the only one that matters.

Clemson defensive miscues piling up

Another error by Clemson, as Maddie Moore was trying to get two outs before she got one. She tries to tag the lead runner and go to first but bobbles the ball on the transfer, giving Texas runners on first and second with one out. The Longhorns look for insurance.

Top of sixth inning, Texas leads 6-3

Clemson gets shut down again

Another scoreless inning for the Tigers, as Morgan has settled in for Texas. Another great play by Scott gets Brockinbrough at first, and Clemson is now down to three outs remaining.

Bottom of fifth inning, Texas leads 6-3

Clemson finally holds Texas scoreless

Clemson gets its scoreless inning. Texas puts two on but the Tigers are ultimately able to get out of the inning unscathed. A huge sixth is coming up for Clemson.

Interesting observation on the broadcast here, that McCubbin is tipping her changeups and Texas is whistling to indicate it’s coming (not illegal, to be clear). Texas has a runner on with a walk after one out, then a strikeout makes it two.

Top of fifth inning, Texas leads 6-3

Clemson goes down 1-2-3

Decided not what the Tigers needed. Clemson goes down 1-2-3 in the top of the fifth, giving it six outs in this game. A great play by Scott on the corner ends the inning for the Tigers, and Texas is back to the plate.

Bottom of fourth inning, Texas leads 6-3

Another Texas run scores on a force

Clemson’s mistake bites it. A groundout to second scores Texas’ sixth run. Clemson needs to stop taking body blows and string a scoreless inning or two together to allow its offense to make up ground.

Texas gets runner to second on error

These are plays that lose you games. A ground ball back to McCubbin gets spiked over to first, and Maloney gets to second after the errant throw. Tough moment here for Clemson, and instead of nobody on two outs there’s a runner on second with one out.

Top of fourth inning, Texas leads 5-3

Morgan gets Texas out of the inning

Big out there for Morgan, who gets the groundout and stops Clemson at two runs. 5-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth. Clemson will be looking for its first clean inning since the first.

Maddie Moore drives in another for Clemson

Maddie Moore is hitting a beach ball right now. A two-out single up the middle plates another for Clemson, making it a two-run game. A ball to the next batter runs Kavan, and Texas is going to the bullpen with runners on first and second and two out.

Clemson scores another on sacrifice fly

Big-small-ball by Clemson gets a run through. Two straight sacrifices advance the runner to third and then home to make it a 5-2 game. Runner on first and two out with the order turning over for the Tigers as Kavan gets a mound visit.

Clemson starts fourth with a double

Well, it had to be soon. No time like the present. Collins leads off the inning with a double. Now Clemson needs to start pushing these runs across somehow.

Bottom of third inning, Texas leads 5-1

McCubbin gets out of the inning

Another two runs score for Texas, but McCubbin stops the bleeding with a nice changeup. The Clemson bats need to wake up sooner than later if the Tigers are going to come back.

Texas plates another two

Really tough series of events for Clemson. First a groundball back to the pitcher pushes a run past on the throw over to first, then a wild pitch from McCubbin scores another. The bases are empty with two out for Clemson, but it’s 5-1 Texas now.

Texas threatening again, Cintron out

Looks like the Longhorns want the run the Tigers just stole back. Cintron gets run with runners at the corners and one out, as Texas looks to extend its lead.

Top of third inning, Texas leads 3-1

Texas gets out of the inning

On the next pitch, Texas get the 1-3 putout to end the scoring threat. A big run for Clemson, but the Tigers are still playing catchup.

Clemson on the board following sharp single

Maddie Moore just made one of the most impressive slides you’ll ever see. A Cintron single to left plates Moore, who looked dead on arrival coming home, but Moore manages to sneak her arm between the catcher’s glove and shin to get in. The play is under review, but looks like it should be upheld. Incredible play with the oven mitt.

Update: After a lengthy review the call stands. Outstanding play by Moore.

Clemson trying to rally with two outs

Clemson does have a threat brewing. Runners left on has been an ongoing issue for the Tigers, and now they have two runners on after an infield single and a walk following two quick outs. Teagan Kavan is trying to get out of this inning scoreless, but Clemson sends Cintron to the plate looking to help herself.

Second inning

Texas adds another

An ever-reliable bat, Maloney puts the Longhorns on the board against the new pitcher Cintron with a single, then takes second on the throw into the infield. 3-0 lead for Texas here early.

Goode comes through, drives in two

A double brings in two for the Longhorns, plating Mitchell and Stewart and giving Texas a 2-0 lead. A nightmarish start for Basinger and the Tigers, but now it’s a triage situation for Clemson.

Texas threat brewing

Texas is threatening here in the bottom of the second. The first two runners are on and the Longhorns have runners on second and third with no one out. Goode is now standing at the plate hoping to give Texas an early lead.

Texas back to the plate in 0-0 game

After a few long nights, the Texas pitching staff seems to want to expedite things. The Longhorns come up in the bottom of the second tied 0-0, looking to get on the board.

First inning

Texas, Clemson scoreless after one

Will Texas and Clemson be able to stymie each other’s offenses tonight? The two are scoreless after the first inning, as Clemson comes back up to bat for the second.

What’s at stake for Texas, Clemson

While Texas looks to make its third WCWS appearance in the past four years after finishing as runners-up last season, Clemson is looking to finally cross the Rubicon to the first appearance in program history. The Tigers have been knocking on the door, but are yet to break it down. Saturday represents an opportunity to do just that.

Saturday represents winner-take-all game

Texas and Clemson are gearing up for a winner-take-all showdown, as the Longhorns try to stave off the Tigers after a win in 10 innings Friday. It’s win-or-go-home in this SEC-ACC clash.

What time does Texas softball vs Clemson start?  

Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Red & Charline McCombs Field (Austin, Texas)

Game 3’s decider of the Austin Super Regional between the Longhorns and Tigers is scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET start.

What TV channel is Texas softball vs Clemson on today?  

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

Texas and Clemson’s super regional game will air on ESPN. Streaming options include the EPSN app (with a cable login), ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service and Fubo, the last of which offers a free trial.

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

The 109th edition of the Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, with the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again taking place on the 2.5-mile oval at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

On this year’s grid, the list of drivers who have won the Indy 500 previously include four-time champion Hélio Castroneves as well as Takuma Sato, a two-time winner who will start on the front row of this year’s grid.

Josef Newgarden could make it a record three straight Indy 500 wins, but the Team Penske driver will have a tough task ahead after being moved to the back of the grid over technical violations during qualifying. Rookie Robert Shwartzman stunned observers by taking pole position for Sunday, while accomplished drivers like Álex Palou (who has four race wins in 2025) and Pato O’Ward are among the favorites. to contend for the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, including start time, how to watch, weather forecast, starting grid, and more.

What time does the 2025 Indy 500 start?

The Indianapolis 500 begins with cars arriving at the pit lane between 9-9:20 a.m. ET. The command to start engines is scheduled for 12:38 p.m. ET, while the green flag signaling the start of the race is set for 12:45 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 is scheduled to 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 Indianapolis 500 on Fubo

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.

What is the weather for the 2025 Indianapolis 500?

As of the evening of Friday, May 23, the forecast for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 should allow for a race free of weather issues. The National Weather Service expects partly sunny conditions, with highs in the upper 60s and a faint breeze coming from the northeast.

If the race has delays from some other source, the weather won’t throw a wrench in the works. The only change between the mid-day and evening forecasts has temperatures falling below the 60-degree mark.

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.

Who is singing the national anthem at the 2025 Indy 500?

Natalie Grant, a nine-time Grammy nominee, will sing the national anthem at the 109th edition of the Indianapolis 500.

Grant topped the Christian Billboard charts with her 2023 album ‘Seasons,’ and has worked with Dolly Parton and CeCe Winans during a nearly 30-year career.

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.

Who won last year’s Indy 500?

Josef Newgarden claimed last year’s Indianapolis 500 in incredibly dramatic fashion. The Team Penske driver lost and regained the lead on a wild battle with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward on the final lap, making him the first driver in 22 years to win consecutive editions of the Indy 500.

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.

Indy 500 2025: Lineup, starting grid

The Indianapolis 500 starting grid was set after qualifying was completed last week. The grid will include 11 rows of three, with Robert Shwartzman, Takuma Sato, and Pato O’Ward on the front row.

(Car number in parentheses, followed by driver, team, manufacturer; R=rookie; W=former winner; *=grid penalty for technical infractions)

(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
(8) Kyffin Simpson, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda
(33) Ed Carpenter, Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet
(14) Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet
(30) Devlin DeFrancesco, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda
(77) Sting Ray Robb, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet
(21) Christian Rasmussen, Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet
(17) Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet
(45) Louis Foster (R), Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda
(90) Callum Ilott, Prema Racing, Chevrolet
(06) Helio Castroneves (W), Meyer Shank Racing, Honda
(27) Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global, Honda
(6) Nolan Siegel (R), Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet
(23) Ryan Hunter-Reay (W), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports, Chevrolet
(24) Jack Harvey, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports, Chevrolet
(26) Colton Herta, Andretti Global, Honda
(15) Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda
(98) Marco Andretti, Andretti Global, Honda
(66) Marcus Armstrong, Meyer Shank Racing, Honda
(18) Rinus Veekay, Dale Coyne Racing, Honda
(2) Josef Newgarden (W), Team Penske, Chevrolet*
(12) Will Power (W), Team Penske, Chevrolet*

NEW YORK – The sounds heard at the end of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals echoed the reality of what the New York Knicks now face.

They’re going to Indianapolis down 0-2 in their best-of-seven series against the Indiana Pacers after a 114-109 defeat on Friday night.

Shocked. Frustrated. Disappointed. At this point any adjective will do to describe the dejection of Knicks players, coaches and the fans, who were packing the streets of midtown Manhattan just one week ago in glorious excitement, leaving Madison Square Garden.

It was the first time in Knicks history they lost the first two games in a series at home. They will need to win four of the next five if they don’t want to be vacationing in June without a championship. The last team to come back from a 2-0 series hole was …. these very Pacers, last year against, you guessed it, the Knicks.

‘There are a lot of traps here. You cannot assume going home is gonna be easier. It never is,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said, reminding his team this is only “day 3 of 13 days,” referring to how many days a seven-game series would last. “We are going to have to keep concentrating on our process, making it hard on them.”

‘We haven’t done anything. We have so much work to do, and we haven’t even played our best,” added Pascal Siakam.

But Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau had a postgame look of searching. He summed up the task at hand in the most coachspeak way he possibly could.

“We just didn’t find a way to win,” Thibodeau said. “We just have to make better plays, more winning plays.”

If New York wants to make this a competitive series, it better start finding those winning plays – starting on Sunday in Game 3 (8 p.m. ET, TNT).

The defense that let the Knicks down in a Game 1 overtime loss was improved … except for keeping Siakam in check. He had 11 first-quarter points and finished with 39 points, leading five starters in double figures for Indiana, which has won its last six road playoff games.

“Special game,” Carlisle said of Siakam. “In the first half, he was the guy that got us going and got us through some difficult stretches.”

With the score tied at 81 entering the fourth quarter, it was the Pacers who showed fight down the stretch. Siakam’s 3-pointer with nine minutes left pushed the lead to nine. The Knicks got as close as 110-109 with 14 seconds left, but again couldn’t make the winning plays.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 20 points, but it was Towns’ absence in the fourth quarter that raised eyebrows.

Thibodeau was asked why Towns didn’t play much in the final 12 minutes.

“We get in a hole, and the group that was in there gave us a chance, searching for a way to win,” he said.

That group included center Mitchell Robinson, who had six points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes (one more minute than Towns) off the bench. Indiana began fouling him as soon as he got his hands on the ball, trying to send the 52% career free-throw shooter to the line.

Bridges and leading scorer Jalen Brunson were also at a loss for words as to why the Knicks find themselves down 2-0. They will attempt to become the 35th NBA team to come back from this deficit.

‘I’m not sure,” said Bridges, who played a game-high 45 minutes. “Maybe a defensive thing? Got to go back and watch and got to talk to each other off the jump, be physical off the jump. I think maybe we’re playing a little too soft beginning of halves. Just gotta finish games. That’s pretty much it.”

Brunson, who had 36 points and 11 assists, says he has the utmost confidence they can come back.

“Collectively, we have to get it together,” Brunson said. “We have been in a position where we were counted out and found a way to win. We are in the conference finals. Nothing else matters right now. “

John Cena and Jey Uso earned victories in their respective matches at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa, Florida.

The event also helped set up a tag team match that will feature Cena and Uso on opposing sides of a tag team match at the Money in the Bank in Inglewood, California, on June 7.

Cody Rhodes also returned to the WWE for the first time since losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cena at WrestleMania 41 in April.

SNME also featured a steel cage match between Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre as the co-main event.

USA TODAY Sports provides all the results, highlights and analysis from Saturday Night’s Main Event:

Saturday Night’s Main Event highlights

Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso challenge John Cena, Logan Paul

Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso challenged both John Cena and Logan Paul to a tag team match at Money in the Bank. The event will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on June 7.

Jey Uso def. Logan Paul

While Jey Uso was in the middle of a pin attempt on Logan Paul, John Cena returned to the ring and pulled the referee out of the ring. Cena would then attack Uso before Cody Rhodes made his return and attacked Cena.

Paul used the distraction to get a pair of brass knuckles to attack Rhodes, but was cut off and laid out with a spear by Uso. Uso performed a frog splash from the top turnbuckle and landed on top of Paul before getting the pinfall victory.

Damian Priest def. Drew McIntyre

Damian Priest walked out the door of the cage to earn the victory over Drew McIntyre.

Emergency personnel needed to check on McIntyre after the match, who had his head slammed between two steel chairs in the middle of the ring and was left incapacitated.

McIntyre tried to finish the match moments before by attempting to deliver a “Claymore” kick to Priest’s head in front of the steel chair lodged against the turnbuckle.

WWE announces upcoming events

WWE announced the dates for Evolution and the next Saturday Night’s Main Event. Both events will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

SNME will be held on July 12th, followed by Evolution on July 13.

Evolution is expected to feature a match card exclusively featuring women’s matches. The first Evolution event was held on October 28, 2018, at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.

Jey Uso and John Cena exchange words backstage

John Cena and Jey Uso shared an interaction backstage following Cena’s victory over R-Truth. Both Cena and Uso were holding their respective championships.

John Cena def. R-Truth

R-Truth mimicked several of Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena’s mannerisms during his entrance to the ring.

Cena wasn’t pleased with Truth’s actions and immediately attacked him as he entered the ring. While Truth managed to get little offense in during the short match, he spent his time with the upper hand using maneuvers from Cena’s move set.

When the champion did regain control, he brought the title into the ring with the intention to use it against his opponent. While Cena didn’t use it during the match, it was enough to distract the referee and allow him to kick Truth in the groin behind the official’s back and win the match.

After the match was decided, Cena used the title to lay out Truth in the middle of the ring.

El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable announced

El Hijo del Vikingo will make his WWE in-ring debut against Chad Gable when the WWE comes to Inglewood for Worlds Collide on June 7th.

El Hijo del Vikingo competes under the AAA promotion and is a former AAA Mega Champion.

TKO Group Holdings, which owns WWE, announced in April that it had acquired a majority stake in the Mexican wrestling promotion.

WWE legends in the crowd at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Bushwhacker Luke and Jimmy Hart were among the legends in attendance for the event in Tampa. Leilani Kai and Tatanka were also in attendance.

Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda were shown in the crowd before the main event. The tag team, known as the U.S. Express, won the opening match, alongside Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat, on the first-ever Saturday Night’s Main Event card in the Nassau Coliseum on May 10, 1985.

Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green

Zelina Vega overcame the interference from Piper Niven and Alba Fyre before using a “code red” from the top of the turnbuckle and pinning Green to retain her Women’s United States Championship. Vega remains undefeated (5-0) against Green.

Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker def. CM Punk and Sami Zayn

Saturday Night’s Main Event started in a big way with a tag team match featuring some of the company’s biggest stars. It was Punk’s first match since losing a triple-threat match to Rollins at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

Bronson Reed returned and attacked Punk while the officials were distracted by Paul Heyman. Sami Zayn was caught off guard by the attack outside of the ring and was speared and pinned by Breakker.

Rollins and Breakker embraced Reed after the match, joining Heyman’s group.

Jesse Ventura returns for Saturday Night’s Main Event

Jesse Ventura returned as part of the preshow alongside Joe Tessitore for Saturday Night’s Main Event. He also participated in the show as a commentator.

When is Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place Saturday, May 24 at 8 p.m. ET.

How long will Saturday Night’s Main Event be?

It will be a two-hour event.

How to watch Saturday Night’s Main Event: TV channel, streaming

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.
TV: NBC
Stream: Fubo, Peacock

Watch Saturday Night’s Main Event on Peacock

Where is Saturday Night’s Main Event?

The newest edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

Saturday Night’s Main Event match card

Matches not in order

John Cena vs. R-Truth
World Heavyweight Championship match: Jey Uso (c) vs. Logan Paul
CM Punk and Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker
Steel cage match: Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest
Women’s United States Championship match: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Chelsea Green

Saturday Night’s Main Event predictions

Here are predictions for every match from USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling experts:

John Cena vs. R-Truth

Jordan Mendoza: This match seems like it will mostly be for entertainment value, given R-Truth knows how to bring out fun against anyone, but this could be a critical point in Cena’s final year. R-Truth could try to bring Cena back to the good side and embrace the fans instead of the heel run he’s on. The champion may seem conflicted, but it won’t change the fact this will be a comfortable win against R-Truth. Winner: John Cena.

Richard Morin: The title won’t be on the line when R-Truth challenges his ‘childhood hero,’ but Cena’s identity crisis could reach a fever pitch on Saturday. Cena looked conflicted after R-Truth helped him defeat Randy Orton at Backlash. He later sent R-Truth through a table at the press conference. Could we be seeing the first cracks in Cena’s heel persona? I think Cena wins, but could R-Truth serve as a martyr to help Cena find his way back home? Winner: John Cena.

James H. Williams: While I didn’t have R-Truth on my bingo card as a participant during John Cena’s retirement tour, I think there will be an opportunity for Truth to be featured in a prominent spot and put together a fun match. While the title isn’t on the line, I’m not expecting any sort of surprise result. At the very least, there’s some direction on who Cena’s next opponent might be on the other side of SNME. Winner: John Cena.

World Heavyweight Championship match: Jey Uso (c) vs. Logan Paul

Jordan Mendoza: The only title being defended on the night, this match has the potential to surprise people. Hate him or love him, Paul knows how to deliver a captivating match. He’ll definitely try to cheat his way to victory, but it would be way too early to strip the championship off Uso. Winner: Jey Uso.

Richard Morin: It felt as if WWE didn’t even want to go through with this match after initially teasing it for Backlash, only to instead shoehorn an Intercontinental Championship rematch between Dominik Mysterio and Penta. Still, WWE wants a world title match for Saturday Night’s Main Event, so this is what we get with WWE Champion John Cena not defending. It’s a clear win for the champ. Winner: Jey Uso.

James H. Williams: I think it’s a smart move to have Logan Paul and the general interest he attracts and put him in the ring with Jey Uso. I don’t expect Uso to have his title reign end this early, but I think someone like Paul could be a nice change of pace and provide a different type of match from what we’ve seen with Uso on a big stage against Gunther. Winner: Jey Uso.

CM Punk and Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker

Jordan Mendoza: All eyes have been on what Rollins does with Paul Heyman on his side. With him and Breakker trying to establish a reign of destruction, Punk and Zayn will have their hands full trying to put a quick end to it. But there’s no way you slow down the momentum after the shocking WrestleMania moment. Rollins and Breakker introduce the final piece to their puzzle with another member that gets them the defining victory. Winner: Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker.

Richard Morin: Punk and Zayn will try to be the first pair to slow down the new faction of Rollins and Breakker, who will have Paul Heyman in their corner. Rollins’ group has been terrorizing RAW in recent weeks and will make their presence felt even more if they can knock off Punk and Zayn. But I think the new group holds serve here. The biggest question is whether we get introduced to a new member. Winner: Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker.

James H. Williams: Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker united the night after WrestleMania and have a chance to build some momentum together with a tough test in the form of CM Punk and Sami Zayn. I think Punk could use a Premium Live Event victory, but considering where things stand between Punk and Paul Heyman coming out of WrestleMania 41, Heyman will remain a wild card for how this match could play out thanks to his new allegiance to Rollins and Breakker. Winner: Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker.

Steel cage match: Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest

Jordan Mendoza: Drew McIntyre just finds his way into trilogies. A second matchup with Priest practically guarantees a third one in the future, likely leading to SummerSlam. The two have put on a great display of hatred in their feud, and Priest finally gets past McIntyre after weeks of getting stomped on to even the score. Winner: Damian Priest.

Richard Morin: It’s starting to feel like we could get a trilogy of matches between these two after McIntyre defeated Priest in a Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania 41. Since then, the two have been at war on SmackDown and even took things to the extreme during a fatal four-way at Backlash. If we are getting a third match after this, it only makes sense for Priest to win this one. Winner: Damian Priest.

James H. Williams: This could be the end of the feud between these two. There’s been a level of tension dating back to WrestleMania 40, when Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to surprise Drew McIntyre and win the World Heavyweight Championship. McIntyre got his revenge on Priest during a Sin City Street Fight in April at WrestleMania 41. I’d imagine Priest will find a way to get the best of McIntyre in the cage. Winner: Damian Priest.

Women’s United States Championship match: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Chelsea Green

Jordan Mendoza: Vega had a tough task of trying to follow up on the immaculate job Green did as the inaugural champion. It would please people to put the title back on her, but it feels too early to do it. Green’s agents in Piper Niven and Alba Fyre cost her the match and Vega holds on — barely. Winner: Zelina Vega.

Richard Morin: It seems odd that Green gets a rematch so soon after taking multiple defeats from Vega and ultimately losing her title. Don’t get me wrong; I’m here for the Green Regime, but there’s something missing here. All I can think WWE is eyeing Giulia for the title down the line after pinning Vega Friday on SmackDown. Perhaps they want a heel for Giulia to chase. Winner: Chelsea Green

James H. Williams: Vega fell short of qualifying for the Money in the Bank match on SmackDown but quickly found herself back in a match and defending her title against Green after an attack. Considering the backup Green will have in her corner, it wouldn’t be a bad idea if Vega had some of her own. Winner: Chelsea Green.

Saturday Night’s Main Event history

If there was an event that had WrestleMania-worthy matches not at WrestleMania and for a nationwide audience, it was Saturday Night’s Main Event.

As wrestling continued to grow across the country in the 1980s as WWE strengthened its position as the top company in the U.S., Saturday Night’s Main Event was a way to showcase the biggest stars, getting in the ring against each other.

Typically held on NBC, it allowed millions of people a rare opportunity to tune in to watch marquee matchups, and the show was a success from 1985-1992. After a hiatus, it returned in 2006 and a couple more shows took place over the next few years. It returned again in December 2024 and appears to be something WWE is going to try to hold regularly. The second edition was in San Antonio in January.

Will Jesse Ventura be back for Saturday Night’s Main Event?

It’s unknown if ‘The Body’ will be back on the headset on Saturday night.

WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura hasn’t been confirmed to be at the event. The former governor of Minnesota was a commentator for WWE after his wrestling career and was featured in the early editions of Saturday Night’s Main Event. He came back for the show’s return in December and January.

John Cena 2025 farewell tour stats

Saturday will be the fifth match of the year for Cena as he embarks on his final year of in-ring competition. He’s 3-1 so far in 2025 and it will be the third singles match he’s had. He’s 2-0 in such instances.

His matches this year are:

Men’s Royal Rumble: Lost (Royal Rumble, Feb. 1)
Men’s Elimination Chamber match: Won (Elimination Chamber, March 1)
Undisputed WWE Championship match vs. Cody Rhodes: Won (WrestleMania 41, April 20)
Undisputed WWE Championship match vs. Randy Orton: Won (Backlash, May 10)