Good Morning,

A slow news day gave us a chance to tee up the 2021 Ryder Cup preview. After last year’s event was postponed, golf’s continental clash is almost here. It's Europe vs. United States for bragging rights this weekend.

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GOLF

Ryder Cup Roundup: What to Watch

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

Details for the 2021 Ryder Cup Before Golfers Tee Off Friday From Whistling Straights

It’s almost here… The 43rd Ryder Cup turns to American soil for the first time since 2016, and it all goes down at the iconic Whistling Straights in Wisconsin. If you don’t know the Ryder Cup, it’s golf’s showdown between the United States and Europe with different events and an overall team score. The Ryder Cup takes place every two years and alternates between the U.S. and Europe, but last year’s event was postponed due to COVID-19. Here’s everything you need to know before play begins:

Europe vs. United States (Head-to-Head)

Americans won 22 of the first 25 matches between 1927-1983, but it’s been a tournament dominated by Europe ever since. The Europeans have claimed 12 of the last 16 Ryder Cups, including four of the last five.

Event Schedules

Thursday: Opening Ceremony (5:00 pm ET)

Friday: Four-ball & Foursomes (9:00 am ET)

Saturday: Four-ball & Foursomes (9:00 am ET)

Sunday: Singles (12:00 pm ET)

Full Rosters for Both Teams

Additional Storylines

SI: Complete Guide to the 2021 Ryder Cup

CBS Sports: 2021 Ryder Cup Odds & Picks: United States Favored at Whistling Straights

NBA

Simmons Snaps on the Sixers

Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images

Ben Simmons Demands Trade From Philadelphia 76ers, Refuses to Play for Team Again

Trouble in Philly just got real. Former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons has officially demanded a trade, and he says he won’t ever again suit up in a Sixers uniform. The 25-year-old three-time all-star was berated in the playoffs when Philly was eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons’ shooting failures from outside the paint and his inability to pull the trigger was catastrophic for a team with NBA Finals hopes. His shooting issues led to trade rumors, and now he’s upping the ante by refusing to return for training camp.

Simmons Trade Value

The 76ers point guard averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game last season. He’s a bonafide triple-double threat on any night, but his trade value isn’t what Philly would hope. Simmons is only in the second year of a five-year contract worth $177 million. The biggest question is what Philadelphia can get in return. Early reports link Simmons to Houston, Portland or Sacramento.

Simmons would be the second No. 1 overall pick to leave the 76ers in the last two seasons (Markelle Fultz).

Additional Storylines

ESPN: What We Know & Don’t Know About the Ben Simmons Situation

The Athletic: Ben Simmons Tells 76ers He Wants Out, Won’t Report to Training Camp

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🎥 THE HIGHLIGHTS

⚾️ MLB: Cards Win Streak Hits 10

The St. Louis Cardinals won their 10th straight game on Tuesday thanks to a dominant Jake Woodford (5 scoreless innings) and a strong bullpen. The Cards quieted the Brewers (2-1) to extend their lead in the NL Wild Card race.

⚽️ USWNT: Alex Morgan Hat-Trick Sparks 8-0 Win

The first USWNT friendly since the Olympic break was an absolute rout on Tuesday. The U.S. blasted Paraguay (8-0) thanks to a hat-trick from Alex Morgan and a pair of goals by Rose Lavelle and the soon-to-be-retired Carli Lloyd.

THE STORYLINES

⚾️ Prospects Who Took the Biggest Leap in 2021

After a 2020 season in which almost none of these prospects played an official game, there are scores of prospects who received a ranking because they have tools and positive alternate site/instructional league buzz, but no actual performance in real games. Almost all of them do now. (ESPN+)

🏈 Week 3 NFL Power Rankings

After a weekend of action highlighted by Baltimore's thrilling win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport and Brad Gagnon gathered for their weekly pass at ranking the league's 32 teams from worst to first. (Bleacher Report)

🏎️ The Unpredictable Round of 12

The second round of the NASCAR playoffs consists of a 1.5-mile track (Las Vegas), a superspeedway (Talladega) and a road course (Charlotte’s "Roval" course). Welcome to the round of the unpredictable. (FOX Sports)

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