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Washington Nationals Gear Up for NL East Showdown with Atlanta Braves

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - APRIL 18, 2026: Victor Estevez #7 congratulates James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals as he circles the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 18, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. The Giants beat the Nationals, 7-6 in 12 innings. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Nats were able to salvage their weekend series against the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 win on Sunday, and now they’re slated to play host to the red-hot Atlanta Braves.

Zack Littell gave up 6 runs in the 2nd inning of Game 1 to essentially put the game out of reach, as Daylen Lile and James Wood’s homers were only able to cut the deficit to 5. Game 2 was an extra-inning heartbreaker, as the Nats wasted walk-off chances in the 10th and 11th innings after tying the game in the 9th before relinquishing the deciding run in the 12th. Bulk outings from Miles Mikolas and Andrew Alvarez blanked San Francisco in the final game of the series, with a Keibert Ruiz RBI double and a 2-run Joey Wiemer blast more than enough to secure the victory.

Atlanta comes to the nation’s capital as winners of 8 of their last 10 games, with a sweep of the division rival Philadelphia Phillies extending their lead in the NL East. Getting to the Braves’ pitching staff has been far from easy for teams to do, and the Nats are next in line, looking to bring themselves closer to the division lead.

Monday – 6:45 PM EST

ATL: RHP Bryce Elder (2-1, 0.77 ERA)

WSH: RHP Jake Irvin (1-2, 6.16 ERA)

It had been a rough go for Elder the past 2 seasons after he broke onto the scene in 2022 and then posted respectable numbers as a 12-game winner in 2023. Through 4 starts in 2025, however, it’s been a completely different story. The righthander has generated timely whiffs, has kept the ball on the ground, and has given up barrels at a staggeringly low 1.7%. He’s certainly a tough matchup for the series opener, and the Nats’ lefties will look to keep him from getting into an early groove.

Irvin hasn’t given Washington much length this season, as he hasn’t worked past 5.0 innings in a start so far this season, but he looked much better in his last outing against Pittsburgh. The walks are still a concerning aspect of his game, but he limited the Pirates to just 4 hits and 2 runs last Wednesday. Atlanta clearly has the statistical pitching advantage, but a replication of Irvin’s last start could keep the Nats in the game long enough for the offense to take over.

Tuesday – 6:45 PM EST

ATL: RHP Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18 ERA)

WSH: LHP Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05 ERA)

Lopez is another Braves starter who has gotten off to a much better start in 2026 than his 2025 campaign did. He’s dropped his ERA by over 3 full points since last season, and his strikeout numbers have followed in his most recent outings. Lifting the ball has been the one area where opponents have found success against the 32-year-old, making the game plan for the Nats’ hitters quite clear.

Tuesday night’s game will be a big test for Griffin, as he’s faced with his first opportunity to bounce back after a bad start since making his MLB return. He surrendered 8 hits and 4 runs in 5.1 innings against the Pirates, and will look to regain his form versus Atlanta. The southpaw has been one of the most effective arms on the roster, and proving he can fight through adversity would be another fantastic sign.

Wednesday – 6:45 PM EST

ATL: LHP Martin Perez (1-1, 2.21 ERA)

WSH: RHP Zack Littell (0-2, 7.11 ERA)

Atlanta entered the season with plenty of question marks surrounding their starting rotation, including Perez, but boy, have the doubters quieted. Pitching for his 5th team, he’s had his entire arsenal working through 4 starts, including a shutdown 6-inning, 0-run performance last Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Inducing soft contact is where Perez has beaten teams, with Washington slated to try to break that pattern.

This will be a start to watch for Littell, as he’s coming off enduring an absolute beatdown from the San Francisco Giants. Opposing batters are hitting .325 with 7 home runs off him in just 19 total innings, making this easily the Nats’ toughest draw. With both Irvin and Miles Mikolas unable to find their rhythm to this point, Littell reverting to the steady arm he’s been for most of his career would be a much-needed change.

Thursday – 1:05 PM EST

ATL: LHP Chris Sale (4-1, 2.79 ERA)

WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.12 ERA)

Sale hasn’t missed a beat from his elite 2025 campaign, racking up 4 wins on the early season and keeping his ERA under 3 for the 3rd consecutive year. He’s given opponents everything they can handle with 29 sparkling innings, and the underlying metrics are just as good. Finding a weak spot in his game is a task few hitters have accomplished so far, and it would be quite beneficial for the Nats to push across some wins early in the series before facing him.

Cavalli has looked extremely close to putting it together at times this year, but has consistently come up short trying to work his way out of innings. Defense didn’t help him in his shortened 4.0-inning outing against the Giants, with just 1 of his 3 runs earned, and he did post his first start without a walk. Adding onto what he was able to do could give the Nats a much-needed chance against Sale, especially if the series is close entering the finale.

Chance to turn the NL East tide

Sitting 5.0 games back of the Braves for 1st place in the National League East, this could be a pivotal series despite still being in April. If the Nats can come in guns blazing and force a sweep, they would find themselves within just 1 game of the division lead. Tempering expectations a bit, the goal should be to maintain within striking distance of Atlanta by the time they depart for Chicago on Thursday. Splitting or winning the series would keep Washington in the thick of things, as they’re set to face the White Sox and then the scuffling New York Mets after this series.

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Best NBA Player Props Today for April 20: Gordon Goes Up a Level

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The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs didn’t hit the heights of the Play-In drama, but that could all change tonight with the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves trying to rebound from Game 1 losses.

As those teams dig into adjustments and counters, I’ve brought a similar focus to the NBA player props market, and my favorite targets lean into the home squads, with wagers on James Harden and Aaron Gordon.

Check out my three favorite NBA picks for the April 20 hoops action.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
CavaliersJames HardenOver 2.5 threes-112
HawksDyson DanielsOver 5.5 assists-112
NuggetsAaron GordonOver 22.5 points + rebounds-110
MORE NBA FREE PICKS

Prop #1: James Harden Over 2.5 threes

-112 at bet365

James Harden feasted against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, racking up 22 points and 10 assists, and I expect his shooting stroke to be there again in Game 2. The Beard knocked down four 3-pointers over the weekend, and he’s finished with 3+ triples in four of his past five outings.

It’s fair to pencil in a better defensive effort from Toronto tonight. Still, Harden can get to his stepback 3-ball in any matchup, and he’ll gladly hunt Toronto's weaker defenders on the perimeter.

Harden made his 3-pointers at a 44% clip in his 26 regular-season contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’s set to be a thorn in the Raptors’ side again at Rocket Arena.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Peacock/NBCSN

Prop #2: Dyson Daniels Over 5.5 assists

-112 at bet365

Dyson Daniels pushed the New York Knicks all the way in Game 1, and his motor will be a factor again tonight at MSG.

Daniels dished 11 assists at MSG on Saturday — his second straight outing with double-digit dimes — and we should see playmaking flashes from the Aussie again here, with New York clamping down on CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 

That’ll leave the ball in Daniels’ hands on plenty of possessions, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five outings. Plus, look for his minutes to climb even higher as the Atlanta Hawks try to level the series tonight.

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBC/Peacock

Prop #3: Aaron Gordon Over 22.5 points + rebounds

-110 at bet365

Aaron Gordon was his usual steady self in Game 1, ending up with 17 points and eight rebounds, and I’m going back to the well tonight for another do-it-all performance from AG in this very familiar matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Denver Nuggets need Gordon at full strength to make a Finals run, and that’ll include more opportunistic sharpshooting from downtown, where he posted a 39% mark during the regular season.

Most of all, this pick banks on Gordon’s ability to go up a level in the playoffs. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.6 rpb in last year’s postseason, and he’s a natural beneficiary in the paint when Nikola Jokic draws a swarm of Minnesota defenders.

  • Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBC/Peacock

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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How Boston took the wind out of Tyrese Maxey in Game 1

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Tyrese Maxey is like the wind. He gets up to dangerous speeds, and can make you feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, Boston brought their windbreaker, and inside TD Garden there wasn’t even a breeze.

Without Joel Embiid, Game 1 was all about Maxey. We knew that, he knew that, and most importantly, so did the Celtics.

Maxey played the entirety of the first quarter, and finished with a 34.5% usage percentage. In that frame he shot 3-9, outpacing everyone in field goal attempts on either side. It felt like a predetermined mindset that the best way to counter Boston’s plans to smother him was to be ultra aggressive.

He started the game with a lightly contested step back 3-pointer over Sam Hauser, then hit just 2 of his next 10. A substantial reason for this is that in preparation for an assertive Maxey, Boston focused on how they could still dictate the terms.

Jordan Walsh spoke before the series about the challenge and goals of covering a player like Maxey, and his analysis hit on the what the Celtics honed in on in Game 1.

“Taking away tendencies, and knowing the small things.” Walsh said. “Make them go to their second option, their third option… if he wants to go right and do a step back, just don’t let him do that and make him do something else and usually we’ll live with the end result.”

Walsh revealed one observable key to the matchup, limiting Maxey’s step backs going right. As the chart shows, Maxey is significantly more effective from distance when he’s shooting toward his right. On the night, just one of his four three point attempts came from that right wing.

His second shot of the game came after getting Jayson Tatum switched onto him.

The most important aspect of this possession is the positioning of Sam Hauser. The moment Maxey begins his drive, Hauser stunts at him. This is often an incredibly forcing idea. It can lead to live ball turnovers, kick outs, or early dribble pick ups. For a crafty downhill driver like Maxey, that lowers his threat levels if he can’t get to his floater or deep into the paint. He identifies the stunt — and an awaiting Queta — and opts for the left wing step back instead.

If there’s a true blind spot on the floor for Maxey, it is the left short midrange area. He has 28 attempts there on the season, and converted just 25% of those looks. It’s not a zone that he looks for, but on multiple occasions it’s exactly where the Celtics guided him to.

In this case, it was Maxey pushing the ball up quick, enjoying the space he found 1-on-1 with Derrick White. But again, it’s the positioning from Boston with Tatum and Hauser overextending that shrinks the middle of floor. This narrows his options, and Maxey settles for a contested turnaround jumper in unfamiliar territory.

A possession like that feels like the balance of Maxey trying to show he won’t be limited, versus Boston pushing him out of his comfort zones and living with the results, as Walsh explained.

This is arguably the best example of the Celtics’ guiding hand at work.

With Boston prepared to switch, Oubre sets a brush screen to try to create an opening for Maxey to get to his right. White had no interest in the screen, and beats Maxey to the spot. This forces the Sixers to reset, and Oubre comes back to ghost the screen this time.

Maxey gets downhill to his left but Vucevic is waiting in the paint, Hauser is cheating over, and White is still on his hip. His shot fake gets White out of the picture, but he is instantly replaced by Hauser and Tatum rushing to contest. He’s forced to kick it out to Paul George, who sees his own driving lane disappear with a similar hoard of Celtics in his path. His pass is picked off, and Tatum finishes in transition.

You can’t win every possession, but the goal was to keep Maxey driving left and staying left as much as possible. When he begins a play on the left wing — whether it’s isolation or pick & roll — he prefers to spin, crossover or euro his way toward the middle and his right hand.

Notice how White positions himself against this screen. He stays above it, but waits for any sign of a drive to the right. Maxey concedes, using the Drummond screen to go left. White spins under it to meet him on the other side, while Vucevic and Brown join him to suffocate what just looked like open space. Maxey picks up his dribble, and attempts his second contested short midrange jumper from the left side.

The attention to detail stands out from every player on the floor. In each clip it’s not necessarily the individual defense of one player, but the collective understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish. As three players converge on one drive, the other two are rotating or zoning up on the weak side.

In the moments where it is about on-ball isolation defense, the rest of the team is still moving on a string to prevent breakdowns or openings elsewhere.

Here Maxey draws the Tatum matchup again. He has room to operate, and tries to get separation for his trusty step back. Tatum probably still doesn’t get enough credit for his defensive ability, but it’s his intuition here that allows him to throw Maxey off. He stays close enough to dissuade the three without giving up a step on the drive. He sends Maxey toward the baseline — where Vucevic is headed — and forces him to cross back toward the left hand, before trying an awkward floating shot facing away from the hoop.

While Tatum’s defense is under the spotlight here, it’s important to note the tandem effort from Vucevic and Walsh the allows them to send help to the rim without leaving the corner or the big available as outlets.

That connected effort was the theme of the night. Maxey finished with 21 points on 8/20 shooting, and his aggressiveness visibly diminished after the first quarter. Each defender had their job in slowing him down, regardless of who drew the initial matchup.

This was only Game 1, and Philly will adjust. They’ll look to free Maxey off the ball, flip the angle of his screens, and find ways to get him moving before the defense is set.

The larger problem remains if his supporting cast can’t command enough defensive attention to force Boston into tougher choices. As long as the Celtics can sag off the shooters and load up in the driving lanes, they’ll continue to dictate the terms.

Maxey is still the wind. Boston just knows which way it blows.

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The Sixers picked the wrong coverage

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Going into the series against the Sixers, the Celtics had to wait to see which coverage Nick Nurse would pick on ball-screen actions. As most modern basketball plays start with a screen for the ball-handler, the chosen coverage tells a lot about a team’s philosophy and its capabilities.

If Joël Embiid was healthy (so a pretty big if), the Sixers would probably have been in drop coverage, with the former MVP staying low under the screen, waiting for the Celtics to attempt a drive or forcing them into pull-ups. But, as often, the big man from Cameroon is out. Nurse has to make do with either Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, or sometimes Dominick Barlow.

With these bigs, it makes less sense to go for drop coverage, as their rim protection isn’t elite. Plus, they are a little more mobile than Embiid, offering an opportunity to switch and try to contain the ball-handler, or hedge and apply pressure. With Nurse being an adept of aggressive coverages and defensive playmaking, it was somewhat expected to see a hedge coverage… and the Celtics totally exposed it.

With this approach, the Sixers wanted to force the ball out of Tatum’s hands and also create some chaos in the Celtics’ offense. However, JT has improved so much as a playmaker that he has learned how to deal with these coverages.

On this first example with Neemias Queta, he finds him on the short roll around the free-throw line, as he expects him to be free from his matchup. Because of his size and basketball IQ, this coverage doesn’t work if nobody comes to tag the roll man, like here.

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However, basketball is like an onion and has many layers. So what happens if the Sixers tag the roll man (here Nikola Vucevic) when executing a hedge coverage? To do so, you need a third defender, who will have to leave his man open for a second to contain the roll. This takes away the paint but creates an open shot beyond the line. Here, for one of the best shooters alive, Sam Hauser.

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While this approach makes Jayson Tatum’s passing shine, at least it takes away his scoring. At least a little. On this next play, Barlow is too slow to step up on the ball screen and leaves space between him and the screener. JT’s handle is sharp enough to split the defense as he crosses in front of the defender and finishes at the rim. This is a great example of why the Sixers coaching staff would rather put two on the ball so these drives don’t happen.

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The other limitation of this coverage is how much the screener’s defender can anticipate the ball direction. Here, Drummond is getting ready for Jaylen Brown to go left and commits to that play too early. JB sees it, rejects the screen, and can drive with his right hand into an open paint. Bad coverage and bad execution.

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Once everybody saw how bad the Sixers were at hedging the pick-and-roll, it became a playground for the Celtics’ offense. Here, Payton Pritchard beats it himself with patience, great vision, and good timing to find Queta alone below the rim, as Drummond is once again behind the play.

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This coverage is also going poorly due to the elite spacing that the Celtics have. On this play, with Derrick White as the ball-handler, the secondary rim protector and low man is supposed to be Paul George. However, PG is forced to choose between protecting the paint or covering Hauser in the corner—an impossible decision leading to another shot at the rim.

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Overall, the Celtics had elite rim efficiency, and it was largely due to poorly chosen and executed coverages. Now, the Sixers have a couple of days to adjust their approach to slow down the Celtics’ avalanche.

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Tigers 6, Red Sox 8: Jack Flaherty and the Tigers flounder on Patriot’s Day

Apr 20, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Hope you had your coffee ready for this, the stupidest start time of the season. The Tigers had a very early game today because they have no off days this weekend so they needed time to get to Milwaukee. It’s also Boston Marathon day, which makes me wonder why they aren’t wearing their marathon-inspired City Connects. Anyway, we had Jack Flaherty on the mound for the Tigers, while Sonny Gray was getting the start for the Red Sox. The Tigers had taken the last two games in the series and were hoping to make it three of four.

Kevin McGonigle kicked things off in the first with a leadoff single, but was soon eliminated in a double play off the bat of Gleyber Torres. A Colt Keith flyout ended things with no runs scored. In the home half, Willson Contreras got a one-out single, then one out later, Masataka Yoshida took a walk, but Flaherty got out of the jam with no harm done. We did get treated to this incredible catch for the final out of the inning, though.

The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the top of the second. Things got incredibly weird in the bottom of the inning. Caleb Durbin got a one-out walk, followed by a single from Marcelo Mayer that advanced Dubrin to third. Carlos Narvaez reached on a fielder’s choice, and what should have been a rundown out on the third base path resulted in the ball getting thrown away and Durbin scoring. Flaherty was charged with the error. Roman Anthony then walked to load the bases. With two outs in the inning, Flaherty’s troubles continued and he walked Wilyer Abreu, walking in the second run of the game. That was it for the inning, but not at all a good showing from Flaherty.

Matt Vierling started the third with a double on a zippy line drive. Then a Hao-Yu Lee groundout got Vierling to third. A Jake Rogers single brought Matt home, and put the Tigers on the board.

Rogers saw an opening and successfully stole second while Torres worked on a lengthy at-bat against Gray. Torres fought out a walk, and then the Red Sox came out for a mound visit with Gray, who was obviously experiencing some issues. Gray was then pulled from the game, despite a strong early start, something was definitely wrong. Danny Coulombe came out of the Red Sox pen and collected the final out of the inning, leaving two men stranded. In the bottom of the inning, Flaherty got his footing back a little. He gave up a two-out double to Durbin, but the runner didn’t amount to anything as the next out finished the inning.

Riley Greene got a leadoff walk in the top of the fourth. However, a force out off the bat of Dillon Dingler eliminated Greene and deposited Greene safely on first. Kerry Carpenter was hit by a pitch to put two men on. Zack Kelly came in to replace Coulombe for the Sox. With two outs in the inning, Lee came in and collected his first major league hit, and an RBI at that, bringing in the tying run.

An update came through about Gray, who apparently left the game with a leg injury. I am not a doctor, but it looked like a potential hamstring injury. Good old unreliable Flaherty was back in gear in the bottom of the fourth, giving up back-to-back walks to Narvaez and Roman Anthony, and acting like the strike zone was an ex-girlfriend he was trying to avoid. Flaherty got the first out of the inning, but it would be his last out of the game as Hinch came in to pull him. Brant Hurter came out of the pen. Jack’s final line of the game was 3.1 IP, 2 R, 0 ER (though I feel like if you committed the error, you should still be responsible for the run), 6 BB, 3 K on 73 pitches. I would normally try to look at the bright side of any start, but the bright side here is that he was pulled before things got worse. Abreu hit into a force out at second, which was a bit of a heart-stopper as Torres struggled to tag second on time, but made it just before the runner. A lineout ended the inning and the threat.

The Tigers had a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth, and for the first time all game, the Red Sox went down in order in the home half.

Jovani Morán came on in the top of the sixth, and gave up back-to-back walks to Greene and Dingler. Jahmai Jones came in to pinch-hit for Kerry Carpenter, and he singled, bringing Greene in and giving the Tigers the lead for the first time in the game.

The Sox made another pitching change, bringing in Greg Weissert, and he got the Tigers out in order after that. With one out in the home half, Narvaez doubled, then successfully stole third. Roman Anthony came in and singled, re-tying the game. Anthony then stole second. The Tigers stopped the bleeding at just one run, but the score was back to even.

Garrett Whitlock was the next Red Sox pitcher in, and he got the Tigers out in order in the top of the seventh. Tyler Holton replaced Hurter in the home half, and it was about to be one very ugly inning. Yoshida got things started with a single, followed by a walk to Trevor Story. A one-out single from Durbin got the bases loaded. Ceddanne Rafaela, on to pinch hit, hit a liner into right, to drive in two runs and get the Red Sox a much healthier lead. Durbin was tagged out at home, though, so it could have been worse. A wild pitch allowed Rafaela to advance, then Narvaez singled to bring him home. Anthony walked, and that was it for Holton, who was replaced by Drew Anderson. Anderson induced the final out of the inning, but the Sox were now ahead three runs.

Riley Greene singled at the top of the eighth, but was once again eliminated in a force out off the bat of Dingler. The Red Sox then got lucky with a review call that ultimately resulted in Wenceel Perez being ruled out at first instead of the initial safe call. Definitely a bummer for the Tigers. Yoshida got a one-out single in the home half. Trevor Story then doubled, but the Red Sox third base coach basically had to stand in front of Yoshida to keep him from going for home. He got there anyway when Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled to score two additional runs. Kiner-Falefa then stole second, but two outs followed, including another great catch by Greene at the Monster to keep the damage at least somewhat limited.

Lee kept going with MLB firsts, getting his first double with a leadoff in the top of the ninth. If there was one nice thing about losing the lead so spectacularly, the Tigers didn’t need to face Aroldis Chapman. Kevin McGonigle doubled, but Lee only advanced to third thanks to a strong arm with Abreu in the outfield. Torres singled, bringing Lee home. So much for avoiding Chapman, because the Red Sox now had to dip into the bullpen for him. With two outs, Riley Greene doubled, scoring another two runs. Chapman did the final out after that, though, so while the Tigers did make a valiant effort in the ninth, it wasn’t enough to stage a full comeback.

Final: Red Sox 8, Tigers 6

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Joel Embiid ‘has started his strength and conditioning program’

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 3: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Minnesota TImberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well, any news is good news after what we all witnessed Sunday afternoon.

After the Sixers were thoroughly beaten by the Celtics in Game 1 in Boston, it appears there is a glimmer of hope that Joel Embiid can return before the series ends.

The Sixers Monday announced that Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program.

Embiid is back in Philly and not with the team in Boston.

It’s hard to know what to make of this as far as when Embiid could return to action.

Embiid underwent his emergency appendectomy on Thursday, April 9, so we’re 11 days post-surgery. Again, this feels like positive news that he’s even reached a stage where he can begin a strength and conditioning program — something he wouldn’t be doing unless there was a chance he could come back — but there are likely many more hurdles to clear and much will depend on how Embiid’s body responds.

Remember, you’re asking Embiid to play in NBA playoffs games against a great team when he’s been unable to do much physically for over a week. That’s an impossible ask. But if we’ve learned anything about Embiid in recent years, it’s that he’s going to push to play — sometimes to his own detriment.

Both Adem Bona, who got the starting nod, and Andre Drummond struggled mightily in Game 1. Both got in early foul trouble as well, only adding to the Sixers’ litany of issues. It’s painfully obvious that Embiid would help a great deal, but it’s hard to know what to expect when/if he comes back.

The Sixers will be without Embiid for Game 2 in Boston Tuesday night. Could he be available when the series goes to Philly for Game 3 on Friday night? It appears we’re back to playing the will he/won’t he game with Embiid yet again. To be honest, it’s comfortable territory at this point.

And it beats having to watch the version of the team we watched Sunday.

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Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year after historic season

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year after historic season originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Victor Wembanyama is officially the NBA’s best defender.

The San Antonio Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday after a historic season, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner since its inception in 1982-83.

He beat out finalists Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson.

At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is the youngest player to ever earn the award – surpassing 23-year-old winners Alvin Robertson (1986), Dwight Howard (2009), Kawhi Leonard (2015), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023) and Evan Mobley (2025).

Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks in each of his three NBA seasons since being drafted first overall in 2023. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

As a rookie in 2023-24, Wembanyama finished second in DPOY voting behind Rudy Gobert while making First-Team All-Defense. His second season ended early with just 46 games played, making him ineligible for awards despite averaging a league-high 3.8 blocks per game.

Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP, along with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. In his playoff debut on Sunday night, Wembanyama led the second-seeded Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while blocking two shots and scoring 35 points.

If he can stay healthy, this is expected to be the first of many Defensive Player of the Year honors for the French star. For now, though, his focus is on helping the Spurs win their first playoff series since 2017.

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Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year after historic season

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year after historic season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Victor Wembanyama is officially the NBA’s best defender.

The San Antonio Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday after a historic season, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner since its inception in 1982-83.

He beat out finalists Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson.

At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is the youngest player to ever earn the award – surpassing 23-year-old winners Alvin Robertson (1986), Dwight Howard (2009), Kawhi Leonard (2015), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023) and Evan Mobley (2025).

Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks in each of his three NBA seasons since being drafted first overall in 2023. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

As a rookie in 2023-24, Wembanyama finished second in DPOY voting behind Rudy Gobert while making First-Team All-Defense. His second season ended early with just 46 games played, making him ineligible for awards despite averaging a league-high 3.8 blocks per game.

Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP, along with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. In his playoff debut on Sunday night, Wembanyama led the second-seeded Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while blocking two shots and scoring 35 points.

If he can stay healthy, this is expected to be the first of many Defensive Player of the Year honors for the French star. For now, though, his focus is on helping the Spurs win their first playoff series since 2017.

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Bryce Elder, Braves set to begin series against Nationals

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 15: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch on the day that all players and coaches were wearing #42 as MLB was honoring Jackie Robinson Day during the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves on April 15, 2026 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves are coming off their first sweep of the Phillies in Philadelphia since 2016 while also leading MLB in run differential, total runs scored, team ERA, and hold the best division lead in MLB. The start for the Braves could not have been much better, especially considering they are down half their rotation, their starting SS, and Sean Murphy.

Speaking of good starts, Bryce Elder is back to All-Star form this season with his sterling ERA of 0.77 and will be taking the mound to face the second place (tied) Washington Nationals. The Nationals have a losing record but some could argue that they have been better than expected, especially offensively. Only the Dodgers and Braves are scoring more runs per game than the Nationals are this season. 5.50 runs per game is an elite offense, the only problem is that the Nats are also allowing the most runs per game tied with the Astros at 6.09.

With the level of runs that the Nats have been scoring it will be interesting to see if Elder can hold them at bay. It does not take much research to know that it is highly likely that Elder will not be able to sustain a sub one ERA, but his expected ERA (xERA) of 2.30 is easily the best of his career. In fact, his Statcast numbers look the best they ever have too.

Now, you always want to take early season Statcast numbers with a grain of salt because they can change drastically as the season progresses, but the point is that Elder has not just been lucky this season, he has also pitched very well. Good strikeout and walk rates to go along with a good groundball rate and an elite barrel percentage is a mix for solid results, which has clearly happened.

It will be fun this evening to see how the Nats hitters will do against this new and improved Elder, because in the past they have absolutely wrecked him. Of the seven hitters on the roster who have faced him before, five of them have an OPS .800 or higher. CJ Abrams has a .905 OPS in fifteen at-bats, and Luis García Jr. has a 1.227 in eleven at-bats. Keep an eye on rising star James Wood as he is the only player to hit a HR off of Elder in his six at-bats against him.

Jake Irvin will be taking the mound for the Nats and he has had the opposite results of Elder. He currently sits at an ERA of 6.16, and it has not been entirely bad luck either. His xERA of 5.07 shows he has likely had some misfortune, but even if he actual ERA matched his xERA, it would not be a result to be proud of. The Braves currently have the fourth best walk rate in MLB and Irvin’s 12.8 percent walk rate is in the bottom 24.0 percent of the league. Walks could be the key to success for the Braves’ offense tonight.

Michael Harris will be the offensive player to watch this evening for the Braves. Not only is he red hot right now, but he has more at-bats than anyone else against Irvin with eighteen. He has a .389 average and .950 OPS in those at-bats as well. Matt Olson has the second most at-bats with sixteen but has struggled to a .188 average and .610 OPS against Irvin.

Two of the top three offenses offenses meet tonight, so on paper it should come down to which pitching staff can perform the best. First pitch is at 6:45 EDT.

Game Info

Game Time: Monday, April 20th, 6:45 pm EDT

Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC.

Watch: BravesVision

Radio/Audio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

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Warriors reportedly want multi-year commitment from Steve Kerr. If not, there could be big changes.

"The plan is to take a little time, I don't know, take a week or two, and eventually sit down and talk with Joe [Lacob, the co-owner] and Mike [Dunleavy, head of basketball operations]. We've always had a great partnership and collaboration, and just see where they are, and I'll tell them where I am, and we'll talk about what's next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason, and we will come to a collaborative decision on what's next. I don't know what's going to happen."

That was how Steve Kerr described what is next for him and the Warriors. The franchise's coach for 12 seasons and four championships is a free agent, and after the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, everyone wants to reassess.

The Warriors are going to seek a multiyear commitment from Kerr, and if he leaves, it could signal major changes in the organization, reports Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater of ESPN.

More than anything, team sources said, Lacob will want to hear Kerr express a hunger to continue executing the nitty-gritty details of the daily job, not a reluctant acceptance that he should continue coaching purely out of loyalty to [Draymond] Green and [Stephen] Curry and the sentimentality of riding out this era.

That's why, if Kerr decides he wants to return, there's a desire from management for him to sign a multiyear deal, team sources said, instead of setting up a last dance farewell tour that would feel more about emotion and nostalgia than wins...

But a Kerr exit could also signal the start of a much deeper, sweeping shift. That path has been described by several team sources as an "organizational reset" and could lead to further notable changes to the roster and coaching staff.

If Kerr exits, there would be a wide-ranging search for a new coach, the report states, and while that could include talking to a college coach, it's difficult to imagine a college coach stepping in to coach Curry, Green and Jimmy Butler.

League sources told NBC Sports to expect the Warriors to make another run at Giannis Antetokounmpo if/when he hits the trade market, with the idea of pairing the Greek Freak with Curry to make another deep run, and give them a player who helps them transition to the future. To make the math work on an Antetokounmpo trade, it would likely mean sending Draymond Green out the door.

Which gets to the point that the Warriors don't want just to run it back and be a play-in team again, the organization wants to start its path forward to whatever is next. The Warriors will keep and max out Curry for as long as he wants to be there, but Green has a $27.7 million player option and what his next contract looks like is a good question. Along with waiting on Kerr, the Warriors are waiting on Green's decision on his player option before making a plan, according to the ESPN report.

Also, do the Warriors bring back free agent Kristaps Porzingis, and at what price?

With Curry and Butler (who is expected to return at some point in the middle of next season), the Warriors have the key pieces of a dangerous team, but they need a lot more to go around them. Whether Kerr is coaching them, or someone else.

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Flyers' Black Aces Could Have Strong Impact vs. Penguins

The Philadelphia Flyers proved in a 3-2 Game 1 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins that experience in the Stanley Cup playoffs can sometimes be overrated.

On Monday, the Flyers added two black aces to the fold, bringing up defensemen Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek from the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, whose season ended without a playoff berth.

They join No. 3 goalie Aleksei Kolosov as the other black aces on the Flyers' roster, though, unlike Kolosov, they have a much clearer path to making an impact.

In Saturday's win against the Penguins, defenseman Emil Andrae played just 9:39, notably not playing even a second on the power play nor the penalty kill.

Andrae's defense partner, Nick Seeler, was limited to just 14:04, including 2:07 on the penalty kill.

Porter Martone Has Already Delivered His Signature Moment for the FlyersPorter Martone Has Already Delivered His Signature Moment for the FlyersIt has become clear that the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> would not be where they are right now without Porter Martone, and they certainly would not have won their first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since 2020 without him, either.

Analytically, Andrae, 24, has been excellent this season, but it's clear that head coach Rick Tocchet doesn't yet trust him in an expanded role, which is only exacerbated in the higher-stakes playoffs.

That may open the door to an opportunity for Bonk or Jiricek--the latter in particular--to come into the lineup and contribute on the power play.

By inserting Jiricek, who played 19:37 alongside Seeler in a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in the regular season finale, the Flyers can still have their desired right-shot point man on the power play while preserving someone like Rasmus Ristolainen or Jamie Drysdale for more important minutes at 5-on-5 or on the penalty kill.

The 6-foot-4 Czech defender shouldn't have any issues handling the physicality of the series, either; the Flyers and Penguins combined for 80 hits on Saturday night.

Flyers Boss Rick Tocchet Talks Matvei Michkov, Improved Recent PlayFlyers Boss Rick Tocchet Talks Matvei Michkov, Improved Recent PlayThings were never quite right between <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> head coach Rick Tocchet and phenom forward Matvei Michkov for much of the season, but Michkov's strong finish to the season has all but erased that now.

Jiricek has 85 games of NHL experience and produced 13 points in 15 games with the Phantoms, so he isn't walking into a potential opportunity cold or blind.

It would be a surprise if the Flyers changed their winning lineup from Game 1, but it should be acknowledged that there is a very real chance we see Jiricek or Bonk play for the Flyers at some point in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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Twins' Mick Abel lands on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

The move was made retroactive.

Abel, 24, is 1-2 with a 3.98 ERA in four games, including three starts. He set a career high with 10 strikeouts over seven innings in a 6-0 win over Boston. Abel has not allowed a run in 14 consecutive innings.

The Twins said they would make a corresponding roster move before their game at the New York Mets.

Abel was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies at last year’s trade deadline for closer Jhoan Duran.

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Senators vs Hurricanes Prediction, Picks & Odds for NHL Playoffs Game 2

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The Ottawa Senators will look to even their opening-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 at Lenovo Center on Monday, April 20.

My top Senators vs. Hurricanes predictions and NHL picks are calling for Ottawa goalie Linus Ullmark to turn in another solid showing in the crease.

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 2 prediction

Senators vs Hurricanes best bet: Linus Ullmark Over 25.5 saves (-115)

Ottawa Senators No. 1 Linus Ullmark was the real deal in Game 1 with a .931 SV% and 2.94 goals saved above expected, and I’m expecting him to face plenty of shots again tonight.

The Carolina Hurricanes paced the NHL Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 while averaging a second-ranked 32.2 shots per game during the regular season, and those numbers both climbed on home ice. 

Of course, Ullmark also finished the regular season strong with a .912 SV% and 7.29 GSAx across his final nine starts.

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 2 same-game parlay

The Ottawa top line wasn’t completely overwhelmed in the series opener with a 50.0% CF% at 5-on-5, and center Tim Stutzle was on the ice for a team-high 1.97 expected goals, with wingers Drake Batherson (1.85) and Claude Giroux (1.17) checking in just below.

So, with the trio clicking for 4.12 goals and 3.91 expected goals per 60 minutes during the regular season, Stutzle, Batherson and Giroux are positioned to cash in in Game 2.

Senators vs Hurricanes SGP

  • Tim Stutzle Over 0.5 points
  • Drake Batherson Over 0.5 points
  • Claude Giroux Over 0.5 points

Senators vs Hurricanes Game 2 goal scorer pick

Andrei Svechnikov (+165)

Andrei Svechnikov was a force in the opener and finished with a game-high 1.54 individual expected goals.

With the Carolina top line piling up chances at 5-on-5, and Svechnikov a primary shooter on the No. 1 power-play unit, the underrated Russian should have plenty of quality chances again tonight with Ottawa taking the eighth-most minor penalties at 5-on-5 during the regular season, and five more during Game 1.

Senators vs Hurricanes odds for Game 2

  • Moneyline: Senators +125 | Hurricanes -145
  • Puck Line: Senators +1.5 (-200) | Hurricanes -1.5 (-165)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) | Under 5.5 (+105)

Senators vs Hurricanes trend

The Hurricanes have won 17 of their last 20 home games (+9.70 Units / 25% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Hurricanes.

How to watch Senators vs Hurricanes Game 2

LocationLenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
DateMonday, April 20, 2026
Puck drop7:30 p.m. ET
TVFDSN-SO, CBC

Senators vs Hurricanes 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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76ers vs Celtics Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 2

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Trusting the Process was never about winning an NBA title. It was about having the genuine chance at winning an NBA title. Well, with Joel Embiid sidelined, the Philadelphia 76ers cannot justifiably have either thought this season, certainly not with the Boston Celtics looking poised to win the Eastern Conference.

My 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and these NBA picks lean into the lopsided nature of this series, including in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.

76ers vs Celtics prediction

76ers vs Celtics best bet: Celtics -8 — 1H (-110)

It is the Philadelphia 76ers’ misfortune that the Boston Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for so long this season. They are effectively playing the best team in the Eastern Conference despite being the No. 7 seed. In a more just life, the 76ers would get a shot at the stumbling Detroit Pistons.

Instead, this should be the most lopsided of sweeps in this postseason.

The Celtics led by 18 at halftime in Game 1, and they did not even play that well. Boston shot just 6-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first half on Sunday. Philadelphia attempted four more free throws in the half as well as three more field goals, and the rebounding margin was even.

But the Celtics’ dominance is so thorough that they do not need to play well to steamroll the 76ers. Philadelphia shot 2-of-16 from deep in that first half, turned over the ball nine times compared to logging nine assists, and if not for 10 offensive rebounds, may have trailed by 25 at the break.

Could the 76ers have played better? Obviously, but it is an emphatic realization that the Celtics did not play well in the first half, yet they won by 18 points. Their margin for error in this series is humbling and intimidating, and should worry everyone else in the Eastern Conference.

76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay

With a bounty of respect for the veteran center, Philadelphia is relying too much on Andre Drummond to be taken seriously in the playoffs in 2026. Drummond has put together an impressive 13-year career, one defined by rebounding dominance in the 2010s that has now become a quality asset in a reserve.

But looking at Drummond for rebounds is not a smart move when he cannot defend anyone in the opponents’ rotation. He posted a -19 in 21 minutes in Game 1.

With Joel Embiid sidelined by an appendectomy, the 76ers have little choice but to play Drummond, but that reality dooms Philadelphia to waiting for a blowout in which its offense eventually becomes a liability.

76ers vs Celtics SGP

  • Celtics -8 — 1H
  • Celtics -13.5
  • Under 216

Our "from downtown" SGP: Philly desperation

Consider this a desperation measure from Philadelphia. If the 76ers are going to find any traction in this series, it needs more than 34 combined points from Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. They probably need to play more than 36 and 34 minutes, as they respectively did in Game 1.

Unless one of them goes off to the tune of 40+ points, it likely will not be enough, but these are the horses that got Philadelphia here. They need to be the horses the 76ers ride in this first-round series.

76ers vs Celtics SGP

  • Celtics -8 — 1H
  • Tyrese Maxey Over 25.5 points
  • VJ Edgecombe Over 15.5 points

76ers vs Celtics odds for Game 2

  • Spread: 76ers +13.5 | Celtics -13.5
  • Moneyline: 76ers +575 | Celtics -850
  • Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216

76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know

For a team that was effectively locked into its postseason seeding, Boston never let up as the regular season ended. The Celtics know they still need to find all forms of rhythm with Jayson Tatum in the lineup, hence going 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.

How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 2

LocationTD Garden, Boston, MA
DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
Tip-off7:00 p.m. ET
TVPeacock/NBCSN

76ers vs Celtics latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray exits early with leg issue

Boston Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray left his Patriots' Day start against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning after experiencing what the team called "right hamstring tightness."

In his first season with the Red Sox after being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade last November, Gray was making his fifth start of the 2026 campaign.

He had allowed one run on three hits and a walk over 2 ⅔ innings when he began having difficulty executing his pitching motion. After a brief visit from an athletic trainer and one practice pitch, Gray walked off the field.

The 36-year-old veteran came into the game with a 2-1 record and 4.43 ERA over four starts.

If he is unable to return to the rotation or placed on the injured list, it could open the door for promising rookie Peyton Tolle to be promoted from the minors.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sonny Gray leaves Red Sox game early with hamstring tightness