SUN 30
Twins at White Sox (1:10 p.m., Ch. 9): Lucas Giolito, one of baseball’s breakout stars of 2019, has failed to notch another “W” in either of his last two starts. Who the heck does he think he is, 2018 Lucas Giolito? He already has beaten the Yankees and Indians twice each, in addition to shutting out the mighty Astros in late May. Adding the runaway leaders of the AL Central to his list of victims would be sweet.
MON 1
Cubs at Pirates (6:05 p.m. NBCSCH): Who is Adbert Alzolay, really? What makes him tick? If he were a color, what color would he be? Sorry, but there’s something about this young Cubs pitcher that makes him absolutely fascinating. It could be the fact that he looks like someone who belongs in the rotation — for a long time to come. Alas, with Kyle Hendricks nearing a return from the injured list, this could be Alzolay’s last big-league start for a while.
TUE 2
United States vs. England, World Cup semifinal (2 p.m., Fox-32): After knocking off host France in the quarterfinal round, the Americans are the heavy favorites to win it all — but beware of England, a rising power that has won two of its last three meetings against the U.S. Will Megan Rapinoe continue her ascension to rock-star status? Will Alex Morgan shake loose and get back into the scoring column? Oh, to be in Lyon, France, for this one. Sigh.
WED 3
Atlanta United FC at Fire (ESPN+, 7 p.m.): Hey, let’s talk about the Fire! Come to think of it, the visitors — with Evergreen Park native Brad Guzan in goal — are more interesting. Will the 2018 MLS Cup champs go on a tear, or are they simply no longer of that quality without former coach Tata Martino, who bolted for the Mexcan national team?
FRI 5
Lakers at Bulls (6:30 p.m., ESPN): Time to see how 2019 draft picks Coby White and Daniel Gifford can fare against Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Dav — oh, never mind, those megazillionaires won’t be playing in this NBA Summer League matchup in Las Vegas. The Lakers will, however, have rookies Talen Horton-Tucker (Iowa State) and Zach Norvell Jr. (Gonzaga), both former studs at Simeon, on the floor.
Knicks at Pelicans (8:30 p.m., ESPN): For crying out loud, Bulls and Lakers, would you hurry up already? The rest of the world will be waiting for the second half of this Vegas doubleheader, featuring the Pels’ Zion Williamson squaring off against former Duke teammate R.J. Barrett.
SAT 6
Cubs at White Sox (6:15 p.m., Fox-32): What a fun idea to end the first half of the season with another Crosstown showdown. Here’s a crazy thought: Maybe they’ll meet again in October … of 2020.
