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Martín Pérez seeks redemption and a series win in Game 2 versus Cleveland

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 05: Martín Pérez #33 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sunday, April 5, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Gardner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Happy City Connect Saturday to all who celebrate. Which, to be clear, should be everyone.

Last night’s Dale Murphy-honoring offensive outburst propelled the Braves to a Game 1 win, teeing up the chance for a series win in Game 2 tonight. 

In case you were wondering, the Braves’ records in the previous City Connect uniforms were:

  • 6-8 in 2025
  • 7-6 in 2024
  • 9-6 in 2023

The Braves are hoping to make it 2-0 in the new powder blues.

In the third turn through the rotation, Weiss and company will be sticking with Martín Pérez to toe the rubber for the Braves tonight. After a stellar long relief outing versus the Athletics on March 31, his first official start in Arizona was not as crisp. He allowed five hits, four earned runs, and one walk in his five innings of work. He wasn’t on the hook for that extra-innings loss (that dubious honor would go to Joel Payamps and his singular pitch in the tenth), but he’ll be looking to bounce back. After last night’s bungled mop-up job, José Suarez isn’t quite breathing down his neck for the spot, but Didier Fuentes might be. 

As much as this is an early April game, Cleveland will be fighting to not lose their first series this year. They’ll send 25-year old lefty Parker Messick (1-0, 0.87 ERA) to face the Braves in his tenth big league start. Messick earned the fifth starter job out of camp and posted strong outings against the Dodgers and Cubs. He held the former  to four hits in six efficient innings, only needing 71 pitches to earn his first win and hand LA their first loss of the season. Chicago tagged him for two hits, three walks, and one earned run. 

Messick can throw the kitchen sink. He relies most heavily on the four-seamer (32.9%), followed by the changeup (22.2%). There’s been a slight uptick in sinker usage so far, but he’s unafraid to mix in the slider, curveball, and cutter. 

80’s Night was a deeply overstimulating blast at the ballpark. I can do without the neon, vaporwave graphics, and Back to the Future homages, but I am hoping Game 2 brings us more Braves bombs. If you’re at the block party before tonight’s game, don’t miss Demetrius and your chance to win a Battery Power koozie!

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 11, 7:15 p.m. EDT

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

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Rockies Reacts Results: Fans are happy with the rotation so far

Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, we asked you to grade the Rockies’ rotation through one start on the road and one start at home apiece (more or less). So far, fans have been impressed.

98% of responders believe the Rockies’ rotation is passing the test with a C or above.

Only 2% of folks believe the rotation is underperforming, but nobody believes they failed their initial go-around.

After seeing more starts this week, do you agree with the results? Do you still agree with your initial grade? Let us know in the comments!

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Crawfish Boil: Imai’s Struggles & Injury?, Astros Pitching Woes, Mariners’ Shame, a Cy Young Closer & More

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 10: Tatsuya Imai #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after being pulled during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 10, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:

Tatsuya Imai is having trouble adapting to life in MLB at a time his team really needs him to be the star he’s shown he can be in Japan:

In the meantime, Christian Vazquez will remain Imai’s personal catcher:

Is there an injury concern with Imai?

This reminds us all of our favorite Spider-Man GIF of the two Spideys pointing at each other

Could Cody Bolton be getting tabbed to start Sunday for the Astros?

Whatever the Astros decide to do with who they add to the starting rotation (Arrighetti is a lock, Bolton appears to be getting another turn) can’t really be worse than what they have done so far:

Something to keep an eye on:

Ichiro was, of course, gracious. But talk about an embarrassment for the franchise…

Could a closer win Cy Young this year?

Kenley Jansen is not tied for 3rd all time in saves.

Ken Rosenthal says the Red Sox lack an “Aircraft Carrier” hitter.

Bryce Harper is answering the bell in Philly:

Did Jo Adell have the greatest single defensive performance ever?

The Twins are over .500 for the first time since June of last season.

Why has the Mariners offense struggled so much (at least when the Astros aren’t walking them all game)?

This is pretty awesome.

Is Pirates SS Konnor Griffin the next superstar shortstop?

Maybe the Rangers should have walked him?

Especially after they had just put up a 3 spot on one of the best closers in baseball to tie the game

“Holy Sheets!”

I believe this is called “admiring your work”.

BUNTING! IN MLB!

Maybe he needs to sacrifice a live chicken to Jobu?

This is what you get for not grabbing the baseball the second it went foul.

In 8 years in Flushing, Jeff McNeil was a 2x All Star, a Silver Slugger, and a batting champ. Fans remembered in his first at-bat in Citi Field as a visiting player.

McNeil also said there was no real ‘beef’ between he and Francisco Lindor last season in NY:

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Former Flyers Goalie Done For The Season

While speaking to reporters, including TSN's Chris Johnston, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube announced that former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Anthony Stolarz is done for the 2025-26 season. 

Stolarz left his most recent appearance during the second period against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. Now, with this update from Berube, the former Flyers goalie officially won't be back for the rest of the season for Toronto. 

After having the best save percentage in the NHL in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, Stolarz had a down year for his standards this campaign. In 26 games this season with the Maple Leafs, he had a 10-10-3 record, an .893 save percentage, and a 3.28 goals-against average. 

Stolarz was selected by the Flyers with the 45th overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. In two seasons with the Flyers, he had a 6-4-4 record, a .911 save percentage, a 2.86 goals-against average, and two shutouts.

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Were the Nuggets trying to tank to face the Lakers in the playoffs?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass as LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The final weeks and, specifically, days of the NBA season always brings with it a team or two messing with the basketball Gods by trying to tank their way to a preferred match-up.

On Friday, it came from a very unexpected place. The Nuggets, who have been one of the hottest teams in the league recently, sat their entire starting lineup against the Thunder. This came after OKC listed all of Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams as out for the game.

While the Thunder have the top seed locked up, it was a far more puzzling decision from Denver, who entered the night just one game above the Lakers for the No. 3 seed and they did not have the tiebreaker.

Genuinely, it’s hard to figure out their rationalization. Perhaps they thought the Lakers would keep losing and they could work their way into a 4-5 match-up with LA? If they win their first round series, they’ll have to meet one of OKC or San Antonio in the second round, so maybe their focus was on that match-up and not the first round one.

Nuggets head coach David Adelman was asked pregame about the decision to sit all the starters and gave a very unconvincing argument as to them not tanking.

Whatever plans they had, though, probably didn’t include them actually winning the game on Saturday, which may have thrown a wrench in their plans if a 4-5 match-up with the Lakers was the end goal. With Houston losing to Minnesota and the Lakers throttling the Suns, neither the Nuggets or the Lakers can finish below the Rockets as both sides own the tiebreaker in that series.

So, there’s no Lakers-Nuggets playoff series coming in the first round, which is great for those fans with PTSD.

Overall, it was an odd decision for Denver with unclear intentions, but the end result is the standings looking like this heading into Sunday:

The scenario is very simple for the Lakers on Sunday. If they win and Denver loses, they jump to the No. 3 seed. If they win and Denver wins or they lose, they remain the No. 4 seed.

Against a Utah team that has been tanking since about November, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where they don’t win. Denver, meanwhile, plays the Spurs, who almost certainly rest a host of their players with their spot in the standings locked in as well.

It’s setting up a pretty drama-free ending to the season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Mets Notes: Lineup shake-up, Clay Holmes update

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza hit on a few topics ahead of Saturday afternoon's game against the Athletics at Citi Field after talking about the call-up of Craig Kimbrel.

Lineup change

The Mets moved Bo Bichette down from the two-hole to the cleanup spot for Saturday’s start against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. And, with Jorge Polanco back in at the three spot, they moved Luis Robert Jr. up to bat behind leadoff man FranciscoLindor.

“Just wanted to shake some things up here,” Mendoza said about the lineup change.

 “We’ve still got pretty good hitters at the top, but just kinda wanted to give him a different look here,” he continued. “Putting Luis in the two hole, getting Polanco back in the lineup, helps with some of the righty-lefty, then you can get creative. Just wanted to give it a different look today.”

Bichette has started to swing a better bat after a rough start to the year. After going 2-for-22 in the first five games of the year, he is 12-for-39 (.308) with two doubles and three RBI over his last nine games. (Bichette is 2-for-7, both doubles, with 2 RBI in his career against Lopez.)

The move hopefully won't cool off Robert, who is 14-for-43 (.326) to start the season with two home runs and seven RBI, good for a .928 OPS. He also has 11 walks through 13 games, after only drawing 40 walks in 110 games in 2025.

Clay Holmes stays in line

More good news on the Holmes front after the starter exited Friday’s game at the top of the sixth inning with left hamstring tightness.

“Feeling better,” Mendoza said of the right-hander. “Normal soreness after an outing. Went through a series of tests, strength-wise, in the training room and checked all of the boxes.

“So, as of right now, I think the next step is making sure he throws his bullpen couple days from now before we make the final call. But, as of right now, he’s in line to make the next start.”

Mendoza said the Mets haven’t had any discussions on possibly pushing Holmes’ next start back a few days, “But, if we feel like we gotta go there, then I’m pretty sure we will have that conversation.”

The starter said after the game he was "optimistic" about not missing time. 

"Feel like I’ll be able to make my next start," Holmes said. "But until I wake up tomorrow, we don’t really know. Can’t rule anything out, but feel pretty good about it right now. I can still keep throwing. I didn’t feel it tighten up on a throw….I think we’ll be good, but we’ll have to see."

Holmes was off to a second consecutive solid outing before leaving with the injury, allowing just one run on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts. 

Through three starts, he has a 1.50 ERA and 1.111 WHIP over 18 innings.

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Padres adjust to life without Luis Arraez

Former San Diego Padres Luis Arraez (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Baseball’s best pure hitter no longer calls San Diego home. Three-time batting champion Luis Arraez joined the San Francisco Giants on a one-year, $12 million deal this offseason. He wanted to return to being an everyday second baseman.

The San Diego Padres hoped for a reunion, but could not guarantee playing time at second. Arraez left the organization for a better opportunity, but that is life in baseball’s transient lifestyle.

Now, the Padres are trying to find new ways to score runs with a revamped top of the batting order. So far, they have managed to stay afloat despite their struggles to score runs at Petco Park.

The home schedule at Petco Park has been challenging

The home schedule has been a challenge for the Friars. They opened the 2026 campaign against the talented Detroit Tigers starting rotation, followed by a series with the San Francisco Giants. For their effort, the Padres averaged 2.4 runs per game on their first homestand.

This weekend, the Friars get a brief respite against the inexperienced Colorado Rockies before facing the American League West-contending Seattle Mariners. It is hard to kickstart your offense against such quality pitching. 

Offense found its groove on the road

After a disappointing opening home stand, the Padres’ offense showed some life on their last road trip. The lineup averaged close to five runs per game away from Petco Park.

The move of Ramon Laureano to the leadoff spot has allowed the remainder of the order to wear down opposing pitching staffs with a quick strike power-hitting approach. Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Gavin Sheets, Nick Castellanos and Jake Cronenworth would never be considered an easy out. All are ready to pounce on a mistake. 

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It can be exhausting for a starting pitcher who has to navigate a hot lineup multiple times in a start. The goal is to force them to overthink on the mound. It is hard to be perfect with every pitch thrown. The Friars must continue to take advantage of bad pitches. 

The loss of Arraez has not limited the Padres’ offense at the start of the season. Instead, the lineup is feeding off one another, as every hitter is doing their part to extend innings and score runs.

The Friar Faithful’s optimism is running high, especially after back-to-back walkoff wins. The recent outburst has demonstrated that the lineup can lift the team out of a less-than-ideal pitching matchup.

The production can only get better in the coming months.

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NBA must-watch games for final day of season, April 12: Nine games that impact playoff scenarios, seeding

It's all about the drama. A few years back, the NBA borrowed an idea from European soccer leagues and had all its teams play at the same time — or at least within the same conference — so there was no advantage to knowing what was needed. It sets up a situation in which two games are ending nearly simultaneously, with major playoff implications.

This year, nine of the 15 games on Sunday have some level of postseason implications. Here is everything you need to know.

Eastern Conference

The top four seeds in the East are locked in: 1) Detroit; 2) Boston; 3) New York; 4) Cleveland.

Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat, 6 p.m. ET, League Pass

Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors, 6 p.m. ET, League Pass

Atlanta can lock up the No. 5 seed with a win in Miami, setting up a first-round matchup with Cleveland. However, an Atlanta loss combined with a Toronto win would move the Raptors up to fifth and drop the Hawks to sixth (and a first-round meeting with New York). A Toronto loss also secures Atlanta the No. 6 seed.

If Toronto loses, it could fall to seventh if Orlando wins, which brings us to the next games that matter.

Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN

Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers, 6 p.m. ET, League Pass

If Orlando can win on the road, it locks into the No. 7 seed, with an outside chance of jumping past Toronto to No. 6 and avoiding the play-in if the Raptors lose at home to the Nets (unlikely but not impossible). However, if Orlando loses in Boston, Philadelphia would jump up to No. 7 it can win at home over the tanking Bucks.

Orlando and Philadelphia will likely face each other in the first round of the play-in, but the No. 7 seed will host that game.

Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks, 6 p.m. ET, League Pass

Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat, 6 p.m. ET, League Pass

Charlotte had an impressive end to the season, but needs one more win to secure the No. 9 seed and be at home for the first of two play-in games it must win to make the playoffs. If Charlotte loses and Miami wins, the Heat jump up to ninth and host the play-in game.

Western Conference

The top two seeds are locked in: 1)Oklahoma City; 2) San Antonio. That doesn't mean the Spurs don't have something to play for on Sunday.

Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers, 8:30 p.m. ET, League Pass

The Nuggets at Spurs is the juiciest game of the day.

San Antonio can give itself a likely much easier path to the Western Conference Finals if it shows up on the final day of the season and beats Denver. If the Nuggets lose and the shorthanded Lakers can beat tanking Utah at home, then the Lakers jump the Nuggets to be the No. 3 seed (Los Angeles and Denver would be tied, but the Lakers have the tiebreaker thanks to that wild game a few weeks back where Austin Reaves' intentionally-missed free throw rebound and bucket forced overtime, then Luka Doncic won it in OT with an amazing baseline jumper).
Neither Oklahoma City nor San Antonio wants to see Nikola Jokic and Denver in the second round. Denver is — for my money — one of the three best teams in the NBA and a true title contender. If the Nuggets fall to the No. 4 seed, they would line up to face the Thunder in the second round in a titanic battle (assuming both win their first-round series). Also in that scenario, if the Spurs win their series against a play-in team, they would face the winner of the Rockets vs. Lakers first-round series — two good teams, but neither as threatening as the Nuggets.

Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers, 8:30 p.m. ET, League Pass

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers, 8:30 p.m. ET, League Pass

The Trail Blazers beat the Clippers on Friday night and, with that, control their own destiny — beat the Kings on Sunday and Portland finishes No. 8 in the West and will travel to Phoenix for a win-and-you're-in play-in game (and the Trail Blazers would just need to win one of two games to make the playoffs). However, if the Trail Blazers stumble and the Clippers beat the Warriors, the Clippers would move up to No. 8 and travel to Phoenix, while Portland would fall to ninth and host the Warriors in the first of two play-in games it would have to win to advance.

The Warriors at Clippers game is a little odd because those two teams are very likely to turn around and face each other a few days later in a win-or-go-home game, so we could see some unusual lineups and two coaches trying not to tip their hands.

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Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Montreal Canadiens will continue their quest for the Atlantic Division crown against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, April 11.

Montreal narrowly won a 2-1 nailbiter on March 26th, which kick-started an ugly six-game losing streak for the Jackets.

My Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks suggest that an iconic milestone may be achieved for the second consecutive game at the Bell Centre.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens best bet: Nick Suzuki Over 1.5 points (+135)

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is just two points shy of the century mark.

Of course, his linemate Cole Caufield had his moment of glory on Thursday, becoming the first Canadiens player to score 50 goals in a season since 1989-90. Suzuki would become the first Hab to hit 100 points in exactly 40 years.

The Habs captain has tallied 33 points in 22 games since the Olympic break, and he notched a point on both Montreal goals against Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Suzuki ranks sixth in NHL scoring over the last two seasons, and a 100-point campaign would be a significant addition to his resume.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens same-game parlay

With the 50-goal monkey off his back, Caufield remains the hottest goal scorer in 2026.

Caufield has notched 28 goals in his last 30 games and 10 in his last 11. Perhaps he has an ounce of extra motivation to find twine, as he’s just two goals behind Nathan MacKinnon for the league lead.

On the topic of red-hot Habs, Jakub Dobes has been arguably the best goalie in the league over the past month.

While more aggressive and erratic than calm and prude, Dobes has allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his last nine starts (and has won seven straight for good measure), boasting a .944 save percentage during that span.

Additionally, the Columbus Blue Jackets have only scored eight goals in their last five games.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens SGP

  • Nick Suzuki Over 1.5 points
  • Cole Caufield anytime goal
  • Blue Jackets Under 2.5 team total

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens odds

  • Moneyline: Blue Jackets +110 | Canadiens -130
  • Puck Line: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-220) | Canadiens -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens trend

Montreal has won eight of the last 10 matchups against Columbus, including seven straight from Nov. 2022 to Nov. 2024. Find more NHL betting trends for Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Blue Jackets vs Canadiens

LocationBell Centre, Montreal, QC
DateSaturday, April 11, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVSportsnet East

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Mets designate Richard Lovelady for assignment

Richard Lovelady throws a pitch in a Mets home white pinstriped uniform
Richard Lovelady | (Photo: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

You’ve read this on this site before: The Mets have designated left-handed relief pitcher Richard Lovelady for assignment. This time, he’s being replaced by veteran right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel.

The Mets first acquired Lovelady in June last year, and they’ve now designated him for assignment five times in less than a year. Despite having DFA’d him three times during the 2025 season, the Mets signed Lovelady to a major league deal in late October. And they DFA’d him again in January to clear a 40-man roster spot when they acquired infielder Vidal Bruján.

When you look at all of that, you can’t help but feel for the player, even if there’s a sense of relief that the Mets might be moving on. Lovelady was booed at Citi Field in the Mets’ first season of the series during an extra-inning loss to the Pirates, but those boos were likely intended as much for the Mets’ front office and manager putting him in that spot as they were for the performance of Lovelady himself.

In 7.1 innings with the Mets since Opening Day this year, Lovelady has a 3.68 ERA and a 4.92 FIP. In 10.0 innings with the Mets last year, he had a 6.30 ERA and a 6.74 FIP.

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Ludacris, NBC Sports team up for 'It's Time' spot promoting NBA Playoffs return to NBC

"It's Time."

The NBA Playoffs return to NBC — and make their debut on Peacock — on Sunday, April 19. To celebrate that return home, NBC Sports has partnered with Ludacris — the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist, actor, and philanthropist — for an NBA playoffs promotional spot called "It's Time."

The song is Ludacris' reinterpretation of the legendary "Time Has Come Today" by The Chambers Brothers. It is at the heart of a cinematic spot that weaves together the larger‑than‑life moments we have come to expect as part of the NBA Playoffs.

"When the clock's ticking and everything's on the line, that's what playoff basketball is all about," Ludacris said. "Being part of this spot and the NBA Playoffs' return to NBC and debut on Peacock feels like the positive adrenaline rush we all want & need!"

"The NBA Playoffs are where time becomes everything -- every possession, every decision, every second," said Lyndsay Signor, Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing, Universal and Television Entertainment Group. "Reimagining 'Time Has Come Today' with Ludacris allows us to honor the history of the game while delivering a modern, cinematic expression of what makes playoff basketball so compelling. As the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock, this spot sets the tone for the urgency, spectacle, and iconic moments that define the postseason."

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges incredible success is due to a combination of hit tracks — such as "Stand Up," "Get Back," "Southern Hospitality,' "Number One Spot," "Money Maker," and "My Chick Bad" — and eye-catching videos that accompany them. Together, that made for a perfect partner for NBC Sports and the NBA. Of course, many fans know Ludacris better as "Tej" from the Fast & Furious franchise.

The NBA playoffs return to NBC on Sunday, April 19, with more details on times and matchups to come.

"It's Time" will debut during Sunday Night Baseball's Cleveland Guardians at Atlanta Braves game, April 12, on NBC and Peacock. NBC Sports' coverage of the NBA Playoffs on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN tips off one week later.

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Highlights: Wembanyama drops 40 points in 26 minutes in Spurs trouncing of Mavericks

Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket against Dallas Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley, Jr. (35) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Coming off a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Spurs battled the Dallas Mavericks for the final time this season. Stephon Castle was ruled out, but Victor Wembanyama returned from his rib contusion. The Spurs started the game hot, outscoring the Mavs 37-26 in the first quarter. However, the Mavs fought back and outscored the Spurs 39-31 in the second. Wemby and Cooper Flagg were exchanging buckets, and the second half looked to be a shootout. Wemby and the Spurs had other plans. They outscored the Mavs 40-28 in the third, and carried a 15-point lead into the fourth. Wemby scored his 30th point in 20 minutes and came out of the game. However, he checked back in for six more minutes to finish the job. He finished with 40 points in 26 minutes, and the Spurs’ supporting cast handled the Mavs for the rest of the fourth. The Spurs ultimately won 139-120.

Victor Wembanyama dropped 40 points (14-23 FG, 10-11 FT), 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal in just 26 minutes. With this game being his 65th, Wemby has officially secured eligibility for awards. He could have played lazily and sat in the corner for 20 minutes, but that is not who Wemby is. He made it a mission to put up an MVP-type stat line, knowing he would only get limited minutes. The Mavs could not guard him. How poetic is it to start the season by dropping 40 on the Mavs, and possibly end the regular season by dropping 40 on them again? Wemby is now likely to be awarded Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA First Team, and All-Defensive First Team. Not bad for his third season in the league.

POWER THROUGH! Wemby drives through both Ryan Nembhard and Marvin Bagley III for the slam!

WELCOME TO THE SPACE JAM! On the fastbreak, Wemby takes off from just inside the paint and skies for the one-handed slam!

Another angle!

SPIN CYCLE! Wemby spins off of Moussa Cisse and throws it down with the left hand!

SPIN CYCLE x2! This time, Wemby catches the ball in the paint and immediately spins off of Cisse for the layup off the glass!

Bullet dime! Wemby rifles a pass to a wide-open Carter Bryant, who swishes the three!

AND-ONE! Wemby drives past Dwight Powell, takes contact, and finishes off the glass for the and-one!

De’Aaron Fox dropped a double-double: 18 points and 10 assists to go along with one rebound. Fox started off slow, dropping only four points in the first half. However, in the third quarter, he caught fire and dropped 14 points. When Fox drains at least two shots in a row, look out. The one constant for him throughout the game was his assists. He threw lobs, tossed dimes to shooters, and was a playmaker on the fastbreak. Like the Blazers game, this is a Fox performance the Spurs are looking forward to come playoff time.

Timing is key! Fox lobs a pass into Wemby deep in the paint, then Wemby catches it and throws it down!

High-flyer! Fox catches the pass off the curl and detonates with a tomahawk slam!

Keldon Johnson dropped 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists. KJ feasted on the Mavs’ bench players. He fought his way into the paint and threw up his usual share of hook shots. His infectious energy has helped this team’s chemistry since the start of the season, and it will only grow louder come playoff time. Look for him to have a big performance this Sunday to solidify his case for Sixth Man of the Year.

This game could have gotten interesting in the third. The Mavs’ scoring pace was high, and while the Spurs were matching buckets, it was in the team’s best interest to put them away as early as possible. Wemby solidified his case for DPOY and MVP, and six other players finished in double figures. With one game remaining, it remains to be seen if the Spurs will rest players to get ready for the playoffs next weekend, or to try to defeat the Nuggets so that the Lakers could move up to the 3rd seed (if the Lakers beat the Jazz). Regardless, Spurs fans cannot wait for the team’s first playoffs in seven seasons.

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

The Spurs close out the regular season against the Denver Nuggets this Sunday at 7:30 P.M. (CST) on ESPN/FDSN-SW. Thank you to all who have been reading these articles during the season!

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Panthers vs Maple Leafs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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Two Atlantic Division rivals meet for the final time this season as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers.

Joseph Woll gets the call between the pipes for the Buds tonight, and my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions expect another busy night for Toronto’s netminder.

Find out more in my NHL picks for Saturday, April 11.

Panthers vs Maple Leafs prediction

Panthers vs Maple Leafs best bet: Joseph Woll Over 26.5 saves (-110)

If there’s been one positive about the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, it’s been their goaltending.

Joseph Woll carries a respectable .901 save percentage this season despite plenty of difficult assignments, and he’ll likely be busy again tonight against the Florida Panthers.

The Leafs’ goaltender has faced an average of 33.1 shots against per game — the highest mark in the NHL among netminders with more than two games played.

Woll has made Over 26.5 saves in nine of his last 10 appearances, while the Panthers have recorded 26+ shots in all three of their meetings against the Maple Leafs this season.

Panthers vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay

John Tavares has improved as the season has worn on, logging a point in eight of his last 10 games.

On the Panthers' side, Sam Bennett seems to always bring his A-game against his hometown Leafs, and he’s eclipsed 2.5 shots in five of his last six contests.

The Over is also 6-3-1 in Toronto’s last 10 games.

Panthers vs Maple Leafs SGP

  • John Tavares Over 0.5 points
  • Sam Bennett Over 2.5 shots
  • Over 6.5

Panthers vs Maple Leafs odds

  • Moneyline: Panthers +110 | Maple Leafs -130
  • Puck Line: Panthers +1.5 (-215) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) | Under 6.5 (-105)

Panthers vs Maple Leafs trend

Toronto has cashed the first-period game total Over in 16 of its last 20 games at home (+10.45 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Maple Leafs.

How to watch Panthers vs Maple Leafs

LocationScotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
DateSaturday, April 11, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVSportsnet

Panthers vs Maple Leafs latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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Game #14: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 5: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 5, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs, April 11, 2026, 2:20 p.m. ET

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field looking to grab a win.

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
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  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
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BD community, this is your thread for today’s game against the Cubs. Enjoy!

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Penguins sit stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin ahead of visit by Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The 100th meeting between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will have to wait.

That's if it even happens at all.

The Pittsburgh Penguins scratched Crosby and longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin, among many others, just hours before Pittsburgh was scheduled to host Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

The Penguins said Crosby is day to day with a lower-body injury and Malkin is day to day with an upper-body injury. Pittsburgh also scratched forwards Ben Kindel and Bryan Rust and defensemen Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson and Parker Wotherspoon.

Crosby and Malkin have both missed games recently with injuries. Crosby didn't play for a month after injuring his knee while playing for Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Malkin has missed nearly 20 games this season with various health issues.

The decision came two days after Pittsburgh clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2022 with a victory over New Jersey. The Penguins have basically locked up second place in the Metropolitan Division with three games remaining.

Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, and the Capitals are still holding out faint hope of making the postseason. Washington is still mathematically alive but likely needs to win each of its final three games and get some help.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL