NBA
Game 4 of the NBA Finals is on tap for tonight in Cleveland, as the Cavaliers try to build on their increasing momentum after taking the last two games from the Golden State Warriors for a 2-1 series lead. The Cavs, heavy underdogs coming into the series, dropped Game 1 in overtime and lost All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving in the process. They’ve since relied on LeBron James and a cast of unsung role players, which includes a new starting backcourt of Matthew Dellavedova and Iman Shumpert, who are ready to go tonight despite battling severe dehydration and a shoulder injury, respectively. The Warriors haven’t lost three games in a row all season and hope a fourth-quarter surge from Game 3 on Tuesday will carry into tonight.
In other NBA news, the Detroit Pistons brought in a potential replacement for Greg Monroe by acquiring forward Ersan Ilyasova in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. The Bucks will receive veteran forward Caron Butler and forward Shawne Williams in exchange for Ilyasova, a career 37 percent 3-point shooter who’s averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds with Milwaukee over the past four seasons.
NFL
The Philadelphia Eagles released offensive lineman Evan Mathis onThursday, cutting ties with the two-time Pro Bowl guard amid along-running contract dispute. Mathis, who signed a five-year,
$25.5 million contract in March 2012, had been skipping the team’s voluntary offseason workouts before the start of next week’s mandatory minicamp. He earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection this past season despite missing seven games with a sprained MCL in his left knee. The 33-year-old, 10-year NFL veteran made 56 starts in four seasons with the Eagles and has also played for Carolina, Miami and Cincinnati.
BASEBALL
Cincinnati Reds starting shortstop Zack Cozart is expected to miss nine months after tearing ligaments and a tendon in his right knee. Surgery for Cozart, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, is set for Monday, the Reds said. Cozart suffered the injury on Wednesday trying to beat out an infield grounder in the first inning against Philadelphia. After touching the base, he stumbled and fell. He needed help getting of the field. Cozart was hitting .258 with nine homers and 28 RBI in 53 games this season.
The Washington Nationals placed first baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled Thursday list due to a lingering foot injury that has contributed to his struggles at the plate. Zimmerman has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of the season, during which the veteran infielder has recorded career lows with a .209 average and a .346 slugging percentage. He was mired in a 1-for-25 slump prior to sitting out Wednesday’s series finale against the New York Yankees.
The New York Yankees made it official Thursday and placed pitcher Andrew Miller on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left forearm. Miller is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks because of the injury, leaving the closer role for Dellin Betances.
San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers was activated off the 15-day disabled list before Thursday’s game against Atlanta. Myers had been sidelined with a wrist injury and last played May 11. He missed six games before heading to the DL on May 19 and just completed a three-game minor league rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso, going 5-for-15 with a home run.
NHL
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis has been cleared to work out and take contact almost seven months after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung, the team said Thursday. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said Dupuis’ blood clot has dissolved and doctors have recommended blood thinner medication that will allow the 14- year veteran to play. Dupuis, 36, had six goals and five assists in 16 games before he was diagnosed with the clot on Nov. 19. He was allowed to skate, but not take contact, while he remained on blood thinners until May. He missed the majority of the 2013-14 season for the Penguins after tearing his ACL and was previously diagnosed with a blood clot in January 2014 after having knee surgery. He was on blood thinners for six months following that diagnosis, as well.
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