St. Louis enters the playoffs with some significant momentum, having gone on 12 straight victories from March 15 to April 5 and then securing a playoff berth with a resounding 6-1 win against Utah.

Each weekday morning, Ray Macklin, known as “Silky Ray” in the blues music world, helps Marion wake up with soulful vocals, sliding guitar riffs and syncopated rhythm. “Good morning, good morning,” ...