ESPN.com

1. Permission for optimism: The Caps take on D.C.'s pain

   No Washington big four team has won a title since 1991. With the hockey gods seemingly on their side, can the Capitals end the streak of futility?

2. Pistons hire Stefanski, eye Casey as coach

   The Pistons have hired Grizzlies executive Ed Stefanski as a senior adviser responsible for overhauling the franchise's basketball operations, he told ESPN.

3. Maye to return to Tar Heels for senior season

   North Carolina forward Luke Maye announced Thursday that he plans to withdraw his name from the NBA draft and return to the Tar Heels for his senior season.

4. Trump: NFL 'doing the right thing' with anthem

   President Donald Trump says the NFL is "doing the right thing" with a policy banning kneeling during the national anthem. The policy forbids players from sitting or taking a knee on the field during the anthem but allows them to stay in the locker room.

5. ChiSox C Castillo gets 80-game ban for PEDs

   White Sox catcher Welington Castillo has been suspended 80 games for violating the league's joint drug agreement, Major League Baseball announced Thursday.

6. Serena, Venus team up for doubles at French

   Serena and Venus Williams, who have not played doubles at a major since they won Wimbledon two years ago, will compete together in the French Open.

7. Carmelo rejects IG post claiming Korver is better

   Oklahoma City Thunder veteran Carmelo Anthony strongly disagreed with an Instagram post stating that Cleveland Cavaliers sharpshooter Kyle Korver is better than he is at this point in their NBA careers.

8. Facing elimination, LeBron finds comfort in a book

   Up against elimination for the second time this postseason, the three-time NBA champion told ESPN about the lessons he has learned from reading "The Alchemist."

9. Graziano: Bungled anthem policy shows NFL has much to learn from NBA

   Why can't the NFL get it right with its anthem policy and clumsy handling of players' rights? The answer has to do with sincerity and trust.

10. Here's what the NFL anthem policy actually means

    How will "show respect" be defined? Can players raise their fist? Will there be any avenue to protest without discipline? Here's what to expect.