Tuesdays with Gorney: Ten biggest pledges from the weekend

NBA analysts Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine acknowledge the Oklahoma City Thunder as frontrunners for this season's title, but they're digging into whether the Indiana Pacers have a realistic shot at pulling off an underdog championship run. The piece explores Indiana's strengths, potential playoff matchups, and what it would take for them to defy expectations.

Editor’s Note: While everyone's buzzing about OKC, this story taps into the fun "what if?" of sports—could the Pacers actually make a Cinderella run? It’s a refreshing angle for fans who love rooting for dark horses and dissecting the hidden paths to a title. Plus, it keeps the conversation lively when one team seems destined to dominate.

Russell Martin, fresh off a rocky stint with Southampton that ended in his firing last December, has landed a high-pressure gig as the new manager of Rangers. His mission? Topple Celtic’s dominance and reclaim the Scottish Premiership title for Rangers. Martin’s got some credibility—he did get Southampton promoted to the Premier League—but his recent struggles raise eyebrows. Now, he’s back in Scotland, where he once played briefly, facing sky-high expectations from one of football’s most intense rivalries.

Editor’s Note: Rangers vs. Celtic isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural war, and the manager’s seat is a pressure cooker. Martin’s hiring is a gamble: can he shake off his Southampton slump and outmaneuver Celtic’s grip on the league? For Rangers fans, this is either a fresh start or another chapter of frustration. Either way, the Scottish title race just got a lot more interesting.

Rangers are on the verge of appointing Russell Martin as their new manager, signaling a fresh direction for the club. Fans are eager to see how his leadership style and tactical approach will shape the team’s performance moving forward.

Editor’s Note: Hiring a new manager is always a big deal in football—it’s a chance for a fresh start or a new strategy. For Rangers supporters, this move could mean a shift in playing style, squad dynamics, or even a push for better results. Martin’s appointment could either spark excitement or skepticism, depending on how fans view his track record. Either way, it’s a story worth watching.

The Tampa Bay Rays are riding a hot streak at home as they prepare to face the Texas Rangers. The team's recent success in their own ballpark has fans buzzing, and this matchup could either extend their winning run or see the Rangers play spoiler.

Editor’s Note: Home-field advantage can be a game-changer in baseball, and the Rays' current streak makes this more than just another regular-season game. If they keep rolling, it could signal they're a real contender this year—or if the Rangers pull off an upset, it might shake up the standings. Either way, it's a matchup worth watching.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies are set to face off in the final game of their series, with both teams looking to clinch the deciding win. It's a high-stakes matchup that could swing momentum for either side as they push through the season.

Editor’s Note: For baseball fans, rubber matches are always exciting—they’re the tiebreaker that shows which team can step up when it counts. This game could hint at how these teams might perform in tighter playoff-like situations later in the year. Plus, bragging rights are always on the line.