NFL

Chargers sign WR DJ Chark to one-year, $5 million contract

This is probably a little too much money for Chark. 2019, when the wideout registered 1,008 yards, is a long time ago, and Chark is no more than a No. 3 receiver now. On the other hand, Los Angeles, even after drafting Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice, has plenty of uncertainty at receiver, so Chark might be able to help Justin Herbert.

Grade: C

NBA

Pacers 120, Bucks 98

Sure, the Bucks were short-handed in a big way for this series, but advancing to the second round is a testament to what the Pacers have built. Indiana isn’t flush with talent and guys with extensive playoff experience, but Rick Carlisle’s Pacers play fast and smart basketball. The addition of Pascal Siakam midseason has worked out, and the power forward delivered last night, scoring 19 points and grabbing seven boards. Indiana faces an uphill battle versus New York next round, but perhaps the Pacers can win a battle of contrasting styles. I doubt it though.

After being upset in the first round last season by the Heat, the Bucks set out to make big changes, most notably trading for Damian Lillard and firing Mike Budenholzer. One year later, Milwaukee is in the same position, and this time, there’s no obvious direction to pivot to. Having Giannis Antetokounmpo healthy certainly would’ve helped, but the Bucks are in a precarious spot moving forward. Milwaukee’s bench gave Doc Rivers next to nothing yesterday, combining to shoot just 4-for-12. Can Andre Jackson and Marjon Beauchamp significantly improve by the start of next season? Milwaukee may need it.

Knicks 118, 76ers 115

What a series. New York valued chasing the two seed and the risk of a difficult first round matchup over a lower seed but easier matchup, and it paid off. Jalen Brunson has become a masterful controller of the game, so it’s no surprise the point guard posted 41 points and 12 assists in this game. Even with Brunson’s exploits, the Knicks might not have won this series without Josh Hart, who made clutch play after clutch play. Hart had 16 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in this game. The Knicks will have to maintain their typical level of intensity against the Pacers next round, but there isn’t much doubt they will. Knicks in five over the Pacers.

Philadelphia probably didn’t enter the season envisioning a first round exit, but Joel Embiid’s meniscus injury in January cratered the 76ers in the standings, creating a difficult path for the team. Tyrese Maxey’s leap should have the team excited for the future, along with tons of space space this summer, but a first round loss will leave a bad taste in the organization’s mouth. Tobias Harris gave Philadelphia very little in this series, and he saved his worst game for last, scoring zero points in 29 minutes last night. It’s massive summer for the 76ers — one that could shape the future of the franchise for the rest of Joel Embiid’s prime.

NCAAB

Xavier transfer SF Desmond Claude commits to USC

Claude took a huge jump as a player last season, going from 4.7 to 16.6 points per game, so this is yet another good addition for Eric Musselman as he turns over USC’s roster. The wing could stand to improve as a three-point shooter (23.9 percent in 2024), but he’s a well-rounded player that fills up the stat sheet.

Villanova transfer SF TJ Bamba commits to Oregon

This past season probably didn’t go as Bamba hoped — his production dipped and Villanova missed the NCAA Tournament — so now the wing will return to the Pacific Northwest. The Ducks are losing Jermaine Couisnard, a 2024 tournament star, so Dana Altman is surely hoping Bamba can fill some of that void. Jackson Shelstad and Kwame Evans taking leaps would help Oregon’s outlook as it moves to the Big Ten this summer.

MLB

Orioles 7, Yankees 2

As if Baltimore needed any more help, starting pitcher Kyle Bradish made his season debut in this game for the Orioles. Every game versus the Yankees is big for the contending Orioles, and Bradish’s performance (one earned run over 4 2/3 innings) lifted the club.

Mets 7, Cubs 6

Francisco Lindor needed this game. After exiting Wednesday’s contest with flu-like symptoms, Lindor tallied two doubles and four RBI off the bench yesterday. The accomplished shortstop is slashing just .207/.287/.380, but he’ll probably pick it up moving forward for the Mets.

Giants 3, Red Sox 1

The Red Sox probably need to pull the plug on Bobby Dalbec. The first baseman hasn’t offered much since his 25-homer 2021 campaign and has regressed each season since. Dalbec went 0-for-2 in this game, lowering his average to a paltry .132.

Rangers 6, Nationals 0

It hasn’t been a perfect start to the season for the defending-champion Rangers, but the club’s pitching has been solid. David Robertson, 39, is still a great reliever, and he nabbed his 10th hold of the season yesterday, while lowering his ERA to 1.08.

Astros 8, Guardians 2

Houston has loads of work to do to pull itself out of an 11-20 hole and it would be best served to ride Jose Altuve in its quest. The second baseman went 3-for-5 yesterday, raising his OPS to 1.001. Altuve has cheated in the past, but he should still be a future Hall of Famer. 2,089 hits at age 33 is nothing to chuckle at.