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Nolan Traoré scores 23 points, leads Nets to 121-115 win over Wizards

NEW YORK (AP) — Nolan Traore hit five three-pointers and finished with 23 points and seven assists, Jalen Wilson added 19 points and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Washington Wizards 121-115 on Sunday.

The Wizards (17-61) have a two-game lead on the Nets (19-59) for the best lottery odds. Indiana is 18-58 entering Sunday’s game at Cleveland.

Washington has lost six in a row and 22 of its past 23. The Wizards had given up 305 combined points in back-to-back losses to Philadelphia (153-131) and Miami (152-136).

Brooklyn won for just the second time in its past 14 games.

Will Riley, who had a career-high 31 points Saturday against the Heat, scored 30, Jamir Watkins added 20 points, and Julian Reese had 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Wizards. Anthony Gill also scored 17 points and Bub Carrington had 13 points.

E.J. Liddell and Josh Minott each scored 15 for Brooklyn. Drake Powell added 13 points and Ochai Agbaji scored 12.

Watkins hit a three-pointer that gave the Wizards a four-point lead with 3:50 left in the game. The Nets answered with an 8-0 run that culminated when Traore made a layup that made it 109-105 with two minutes remaining and Brooklyn led the rest of the way.

Leaky Black responded with a three-pointer that cut the deficit to a point, but Wilson and Traore hit back-to-back threes before Trevon Scott’s layup made it 117-108 with 42 seconds to go.

Up next

Wizards: Host Chicago on Tuesday and Thursday.

Nets: Host Milwaukee on Tuesday.

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Celtics beat Raptors 115-101 behind Tatum, Brown

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 26 points, Jayson Tatum had 23 points and 13 rebounds and the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 115-101 on Sunday.

Neemias Queta had 18 points and seven rebounds, and Payton Pritchard scored 17 points for the Celtics, who won their third straight to move closer to clinching second place in the Eastern Conference.

Ja’Kobe Walter led Toronto with 16 points, and Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each had 15.

Celtics center Nikola Vucevic returned after missing a month following surgery for a broken right ring finger. He looked a bit rusty, scoring just four points in 13 minutes with four rebounds.

Coming off consecutive games of putting up at least 43 points in the opening quarter, the Celtics looked a bit sluggish and were cold from long range early, missing 13 of their initial 16 shots from 3-point range. The teams were tied at 26 after one.

Fighting for a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference to avoid the play-in tournament, the Raptors were outscored 35-24 in the final quarter that was filled with their turnovers and breakdowns defensively. Walter even missed all three free throw attempts on one trip to the line.

BUCKS 131, GRIZZLIES 115

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Ryan Rollins scored 24 points and Milwaukee withstood a triple-double from Memphis’ Rayan Rupert to outlast the Grizzlies in an afternoon matchup of short-handed, lottery-bound teams.

Rupert established new career highs with 33 points and 10 assists, and he matched a career best with 10 rebounds. The 21-year-old Rupert entered Sunday averaging 4.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists.

Milwaukee snapped an eight-game skid in this series and beat the Grizzlies for the first time since a 126-114 decision on Jan. 19, 2022. The Bucks committed 20 turnovers but shot 60.2% overall and went 16 of 32 on 3-pointers.

The Grizzlies have lost four straight and 17 of their last 19.

Memphis had so many injury-related absences that it dressed four players on 10-day contracts (Dariq Whitehead, Toby Okani, Lucas Williamson, Adama Bal).

NETS 121, WIZARDS 115

NEW YORK (AP) — Nolan Traore hit five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points and seven assists, Jalen Wilson added 19 points and Brooklyn beat Washington.

The Wizards (17-61) have a two-game on the Nets (19-59) for the best lottery odds. Indiana is 18-58 entering Sunday’s game at Cleveland.

Washington has lost six in a row and 22 of its past 23. The Wizards had given up 305 combined points in back-to-back losses to Philadelphia ( 153-131 ) and Miami ( 152-136 ).

Brooklyn won for just the second time in its past 14 games.

Will Riley, who had a career-high 31 points Saturday against the Heat, scored 30, Jamir Watkins added 20 points, and Julian Reese had 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Wizards. Anthony Gill also scored 17 points and Bub Carrington had 13 points.

E.J. Liddell and Josh Minott each scored 15 for Brooklyn. Drake Powell added 13 points and Ochai Agbaji scored 12.

SUNS 120, BULLS 110

CHICAGO (AP) — Devin Booker scored 30 points, Jalen Green added 25 and Phoenix ended the game on an 11-2 run to top Chicago.

Dillon Brooks scored 15, and the Suns shook off back-to-back losses at Orlando and Charlotte.

The Suns led by 13 late in the third quarter before the Bulls went on an 11-0 run. They were clinging to a 109-108 advantage with about three minutes remaining when Brooks hit a turnaround jumper to start the decisive run and added a 3-pointer.

The Bulls missed four shots on their next possession, including three straight at point-blank range by Leonard Miller, before Booker made a 3 to make 117-108 with 1:33 remaining.

Chicago’s Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (illness) missed the game. And with their two best players out, the Bulls lost their seventh in a row.

Tre Jones scored 29 for Chicago. Collin Sexton had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Miller scored 17.

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Nolan Traore scores 23 points, Jalen Wilson adds 19 and Nets beat Wizards 121-115

NEW YORK (AP) — Nolan Traore hit five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points and seven assists, Jalen Wilson added 19 points and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Washington Wizards 121-115 on Sunday.

The Wizards (17-61) have a two-game on the Nets (19-59) for the best lottery odds. Indiana is 18-58 entering Sunday's game at Cleveland.

Washington has lost six in a row and 22 of its past 23. The Wizards had given up 305 combined points in back-to-back losses to Philadelphia ( 153-131 ) and Miami ( 152-136 ).

Brooklyn won for just the second time in its past 14 games.

Will Riley, who had a career-high 31 points Saturday against the Heat, scored 30, Jamir Watkins added 20 points, and Julian Reese had 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Wizards. Anthony Gill also scored 17 points and Bub Carrington had 13 points.

E.J. Liddell and Josh Minott each scored 15 for Brooklyn. Drake Powell added 13 points and Ochai Agbaji scored 12.

Watkins hit a 3-pointer that gave the Wizards a four-point lead with 3:50 left in the game. The Nets answered with an 8-0 run that culminated when Traore made layup that made it 109-105 with two minutes remaining and Brooklyn led the rest of the way.

Leaky Black responded with a 3-pointer that cut the deficit to a point, but Wilson and Traore hit back-to-back 3s before Trevon Scott's layup made it 117-108 with 42 seconds to go.

Up next

Wizards: Host Chicago on Tuesday and Thursday.

Nets: Host Milwaukee on Tuesday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Rakell scores twice, Crosby has a goal and two assists as the Penguins beat the Panthers 5-2

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Rickard Rakell scored twice, Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Sunday.

The teams faced off Saturday night and the Penguins beat them 9-4, eliminating the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions from playoff contention.

Rakell scored his first goal for the Penguins with 48 seconds left in the first period on the power play, assisted on by Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. His second came with 1:52 left in the second period.

Bryan Rust and Elmer Soderblom also scored for the Penguins. Carter Verhaeghe and Cole Schwindt each scored for the Panthers.

Pittsburgh's Arturs Silovs stopped 29 shots after tandem mate Stuart Skinner was ruled out with an upper-body injury. Daniil Tarasov allowed five goals on 23 shots in defeat.

Up next

Penguins: Visit the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.

Panthers: Visit the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night.

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

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Is Steph Curry playing tonight? Warriors star reportedly nearing return

The Golden State Warriors haven't been at full strength for seemingly the entire season. But with five games left to go before the play-in begins, they're reportedly set to bring back their most important piece.

While Stephen Curry's official status is still listed as questionable, the NBA's all-time leading three-point shooter could make his return to the Warriors in Sunday night's game against the Houston Rockets.

An official announcement will likely come closer to the 7 p.m. PT tip-off but in the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Curry's impending return:

Is Steph Curry playing tonight vs. the Houston Rockets?

It hasn't been officially announced yet as of 3:15 p.m. PT, but all indications are that Curry will be cleared to play Sunday night for the first time in over two months. ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater first reported on Curry's impending return on Friday, April 3.

Official word from the Warriors on Curry's status will likely come closer to Sunday night's 7 p.m. local time tip-off.

Steph Curry stats

Prior to injuring his knee in February, Curry was averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 39 games played this season, while shooting 46.8% from the field, 39.1% on 3-pointers and 93.1% on free throws.

Curry participated in a scrimmage at Warriors practice on Friday, and head coach Steve Kerr came away from it hopeful about his star.

"Everything went well. Yeah, he looked good," Kerr told reporters. "He’s pretty good. He looks like Steph Curry."

Warriors playoff outlook

Golden State has been in turmoil ever since Curry went down. They were already dealing with several injuries, but being without their best player sent them spiraling. The Warriors went 9-18 in the 27 games Curry missed, but his return is just in time for the most important time of the year.

Though they won't be able to catch the sixth seed, the Warriors' spot in the play-in tournament is set. With five games left to go in the regular season, Golden State currently holds the 10th and final seed as they trail the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns by six games and the No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers by three.

"Yeah, I mean he brings hope to a tough situation," Kerr told reporters on Friday. "I thought [Spurs] game, we were never really in the game, but the guys fought, they competed, they stayed with it until the end. The vibe was good. When Steph’s around, the vibe tends to be better. It’s definitely better right now so hopefully we’ll have another good effort tonight and he’ll be on the sidelines cheering. We’ll see how it goes the next couple of days but we’re obviously dying to get him back.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry could play vs Rockets tonight

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Cavs yet to name permanent starting small forward

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 03: Sam Merrill #5 talks with head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on March 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 113-109. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t had many opportunities to see how this team looks when it’s at — or even near — full strength. That’s one of the downsides to having a team undergo renovations at the trade deadline.

As of now, head coach Kenny Atkinson still doesn’t know who the starting small forward will be in the playoffs. Right now, the plan is to decide who’s in that spot based on the matchup and how they’re playing.

Atkinson was asked if Max Strus was going to be the starting small forward going forward, and said no.

“That position is going to be flexible in terms of starting and finishing,” Atkinson said before the Indiana Pacers game on Sunday. “You have to earn it.”

Atkinson listed five options for who could be in the starting small forward spot: Max Strus, Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and Keon Ellis.

Below is a chart of how those groupings have done with the four permanent starters: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. For a point of reference, the Cavs have scored 121.2 points per 100 possessions (88th percentile for offensive rating), allowed 100.6 points per 100 defensive possessions (100th percentile for defensive rating), and outscored their opponent by 20.6 points per 100 possessions (100th percentile for net rating) in the 165 possessions this quartet has played together.

Fifth StarterPossessions with other four startersOffensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Max Strus68108.8110.8-1.9
Dean Wade56114.391.1+23.2
Sam Merrill38155.3100+55.3
Jaylon Tyson310066.7+33.3
Keon EllisHave not played together yetN/AN/AN/A

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As you can see, the sample size is incredibly small. So much so, the data from any of these numbers isn’t really that useful. The Cavs shouldn’t be making any decisions based on this. At the same time, it is encouraging that they have performed well in the limited time their four best players have shared the floor.

Atkinson admitted before Sunday’s game that he’s still trying to figure out how to best use Harden, who will be playing in just his 24th game with the Cavs on Sunday.

“I’m still looking back at James’s career, stealing ATOs (after timeout plays) from Houston,” Atkinson said. “How did the spacing look with the Clippers? I look at some of the Nets’ stuff. … Past teams, have used him as a defender on the four-man?”

The Cavaliers are in a tough position. The playoffs are two weeks away, and they’re still assessing what they have and how to use their best players. There was really no way around this problem when the Cavs decided to overhaul the roster in February. The hope was that talent would win out this season. And at times it has. Other times, they’ve looked like a team still piecing things together.

We’ll see how this looks in the playoffs. As of now, Atkinson doesn’t know who will be at the starting small forward spot. He is, however, confident in the options that he does have.

“It’s a good problem to have, but these are tough decisions to make, so it’ll be flexible,” Atkinson said.

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2025-26 Gamethread #77: New Jersey Devils at Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 08: Dawson Mercer #91 of the New Jersey Devils and Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of the Montreal Canadiens skate against each other during the third period at the Bell Centre on February 8, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (39-34-3) versus the Montreal Canadiens (45-21-10)

The Time: 7:00 PM EST

The Broadcast: TV — MSGSN; Radio — Devils Hockey Network

The Game Preview: I had it here.

The Rules: If you have been a reader here, you already know the rules. But for the rest, a reminder: please do not swear in the comment section, and keep comments relevant to the hockey game going on. Beyond that, do not attack any other commenters, and do not ask for or pass along illegal streams on this board.

LGD!

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Penguins/Panthers Recap: Pens take care of business, beat Florida 5-2, close in on playoff spot

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 05: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his first period goal with Evgeni Malkin #71 against the Florida Panthers at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 5, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Pregame

The Penguins use the same lineup from yesterday — including in net with Arturs Silovs playing. Taylor Gauthier got the quick call up from Wheeling last minute to serve as backup, Stuart Skinner was unavailable with an upper body injury.

The visiting Panthers are using this lineup, including starting Daniil Tarasov after he mopped up the second half of yesterday’s game.

First period

Pittsburgh strikes first, Tarasov clears the puck to the wall but unfortunately for him it serves as a pass almost straight to Elmer Soderblom. Soderblom accepts the gift and quickly fires it back into the unguarded cage.

Florida is able to even the score after a puck leaks through Silovs. 1-1.

Pittsburgh is able to answer right back 35 seconds later. Sidney Crosby shows off the jets streaking down the left side and scores from distance. 2-1, Pens back in front.

Parker Wotherspoon and Matthew Tkachuk drop the gloves in a fight, Tkachuk picks up an extra minor penalty and the Pens score a back-breaking goal before the end of period to extend their lead to 3-1. Rickard Rakell takes a feed from Crosby and whips it into the net.

Most of this period looked like a continuation from yesterday, a very good thing for the Penguins to keep taking care of business.

Second period

The teams go up and back the ice, in a way going through the motions while still bringing some level of chippiness. Rakell stays red hot and scores another goal late in the period, taking a pass from Evgeni Malkin and adding to the lead to 4-1.

Third period

The Pens tack on another, why not. Crosby makes a spinning backhand pass that isn’t particularly good but Bryan Rust has plenty of time and space to spin around and receive it. Rust then gets to the net and scores. 5-1.

Connor Clifton takes his second penalty of the period and the Panthers make them pay. Carter Verhaeghe makes his stats for the end of the season look a little better with the late goal. 5-2.

a

Some thoughts

  • The offensive production right now is just electric with 30 goals in the last five games, the first stretch for the franchise since the ‘Score Lords’ days of 1996 with Lemieux, Francis and Jagr. The wild thing about the current run is it’s not star-driven, it’s been incredibly balanced with every line pitching in and consistent contributions from all over the place.
  • That being said, the big boys are starting to get it going. Malkin followed up his hat trick yesterday with two assists today. Crosby looked the best he has in a long while since dealing with his dual leg injuries of the last few months. Three-point night, which is great, seeing the captain showcase the skating ability and finishing touch to score from distance was an even better sign.
  • Rakell, too, has been unbelievable lately. Go play center? No problem. Rakell has scored 10 goals in the last 10 games, and he has at least one goal in eight of the last 10 games.
  • The goalie situation might have just gotten interesting. Skinner was able to serve as backup yesterday but apparently something happened recently that wasn’t allowing him to dress today. The team reportedly didn’t have enough time to physically get Sergei Murashov from Wilkes-Barre to Pittsburgh in time for the 3pm start, so they went somewhat local to bring Taylor Gauthier up from Wheeling to serve as something of a professional EBUG for the day. According to Josh Yohe at The Athletic, Murashov would be coming to Pittsburgh if Skinner is going to miss more time. That’s an area worth watching in the coming days, though since the next game isn’t until Thursday, there is some time to figure things out and see where it goes.
  • Interestingly though, Silovs was decent enough today, certainly his best performance in a long while. It’s been well-documented that goalies see a drop off in stats when they’re asked to play two days in a row. But it’s goalies, right? So of course someone like Silovs who has struggled lately actually ends up playing his best game in a while on his second day in a row.
  • Great weekend for the Pens to take care of business and win two relatively drama-free games against an eliminated opponent. Pittsburgh’s playoff magic number is down to just 2, and there’s a pretty good chance that the next time they take the ice on Thursday in New Jersey that they will have already officially clinched a playoff berth due to the outside results over the next few days.

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Panthers Dropped 5-2 By Penguins, Unable to Pick Up Any Points During Weekend In Pittsburg

The Florida Panthers wrapped up their weekend back-to-back in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately for the Cats, the back-end of the weekend doubleheader didn’t go any better than the opener, as Florida fell again on Sunday by a final score of 5-2.

The Penguins picked up the game’s opening goal, and it came after a turnover off the stick of Florida’s goaltender.

Daniil Tarasov came up toward the slot to try and clear a loose puck, but a stick-check by Connor Dewar caused Tarasov to partially whiff on his clear. The puck then went straight toward Elmer Soderblom, who smartly one-timed the puck back toward the vacated net, giving Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead exactly 11 minutes into the game.

Florida would get the equalizer at the 16:15 mark after a Gus Forsling keep at the Penguins blue line and a spinning pass by Vinnie Hinostroza led to a slot shot by Cole Schwindt for his fourth goal of the season.

The game didn’t stay tied for long, though.

Sidney Crosby netted his 29th of the year to put the Pens up 2-1, and then Rickard Rakell scored for the second day in a row to send Pittsburgh into the first intermission with a two-goal advantage.

That’s how the score would remain until late in the middle frame, with Rakell picked up his second of the night when a friendly bounce off the back boards gave him a high-danger look from the low slot, beating Tarasov over the glove.

Bryan Rust got in on the fun early in the third period, taking a pass from Crosby and going in along on Tarasov before firing a backhand that was stepped up Tarasov but still found a way to bounce into the net, making it 5-1 Penguins.

It wasn’t until late in the game, but Florida finally found a way to stop the bleeding thanks to a power play goal by Carter Verhaeghe with 5:45 to go.

Florida wouldn’t get any closer than that.

They depart Pittsburgh having been outscored 14-6 while visiting the Pens.

On to Montreal.

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Photo caption: Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov (40) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. (Mark Alberti-Imagn Images)

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Yankees Social Media Spotlight: Let the good times roll

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: The field is seen before the home opener between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s Sunday once more, and you know what that means — it’s time for our weekly social media roundup! When we last met, the Yankees had gotten off to a strong start, sweeping the San Francisco Giants while allowing just one run in three games. Since then, the vibes have continued to be great, for while the Bombers have suffered defeat, a strong pitching performance and some timely offense have gotten them off to a hot start. How have those good vibes transferred to the social media landscape? Let’s find out!

Welcome Home

The New York Yankees had themselves a very Good Friday (gotta get that Easter humor in there), as they celebrated their home opener with a dominant 8-2 victory on Friday over the Miami Marlins. Although it does not generate quite as much social media buzz as when it is the first game of the season, the home opener nonetheless was the biggest topic this week — particularly with Olympic gold medalists Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel on hand to celebrate the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams with the ceremonial first pitch.

Behind the NY

The Yankees’ YouTube account has begun a new series this year, Behind the NY. This past week, the second episode released, titled “The Standard.”

Sightseeing in Seattle

While the Yankees took two out of three on the diamond in Seattle, the broadcasters had some fun sightseeing and hanging out with some old friends. Remember, Dave Sims spent 14 years calling games for the Mariners, and he was thrilled to be around to see soon-to-retire M’s radio voice Rick Rizzs.

Don’t Quit Your Day Jobs

Back in spring training, we got a glimpse of the Yankees engaging in some art behind home plate during drills, but never got to see the results. Well, with the off day on Wednesday, the social media team finally decided to grace us with the video, and, uh…yea, these guys aren’t exactly artists.

The Game Belt

The Yankees haven’t quite been as good as the Knicks are at posting their Game Belt exchanges on social media, but we still got to learn that Aaron Judge received the belt for his two-run homer in the first inning during the home opener.

Somerset Media Day

The Somerset Patriots shared pictures and videos from their own media day, which took place after the Yankees and their minor league system broke camp in Tampa.

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Cavs vs. Pacers open gamethread

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers signs autographs after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A skeleton-crew version of the Cleveland Cavaliers is taking on a more skeleton crew version of the Indiana Pacers. This should be fun (depending on how you define fun).

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Dealing with a busted bracket?

The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.

Go Cavs!

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Rays 4, Twins 1 (F/10): Eggs-cruciating Easter

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 5: Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Target Field on April 5, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On a day the Twins really needed some length, starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson gave the Twins everything they could ask for and more. Unfortunately, the bats didn’t do their part, leading to another loss that was well within reach. 

Let’s start with the good. Woods Richardson looked sharp all day, despite his stuff being down a touch. Most importantly for him, he attacked the strike zone and was remarkably efficient, pitching into the 7th inning on just 88 pitches. 

The lone run off of Sim came on a very well-placed splitter to all-world home run hitter Junior Caminero in the fourth inning. Up to that point, SWR faced only one batter over the minimum. He didn’t run into trouble again until the 7th when a couple of singles put runners on the corners with one out. Woods Richardson was able to get Jonny DeLuca swinging before fireman Kody Funderburk got Nick Fortes to hit a comebacker and end the threat. 

Minnesota’s hitters were equally quiet for most of the day against Rays starter Nick Martinez. Martinez has had an up-and-down career, but his strength has always been a filthy changeup, a pitch that the Twins have particularly struggled with early on in 2026. The Twins’ lone run (and hit) off Martinez came from a patented Matt Wallner moonshot, his third of the season, that nearly hit some kids playing in the plaza over right field. 

Their next hit didn’t come until the 7th off of old friend Griffin Jax. It was Wallner again who was able to beat out an infield single that rolled into first base, causing Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda to misplay the ball. Wallner immediately wiped that out with the classic Twins Boneheaded Base-running Play of the Day (TBBPoD, if you will. Trademark pending), where he took off for second base while Jax was still holding the ball, leading to an easy pick off. 

Knotted at 1 the whole way, the game went to extras where things fell apart for the Twins. Known bad pitcher Justin Topa came in for the Twins in the 10th and immediately gave up a two-run blast to Richie Palacios, his third hit on the night despite having just one prior to this game. He followed that with a single and two walks to load the bases with one out, forcing Taylor Rogers out of the bullpen to get things in order. 

Rogers was able to get Chandler Simpson to ground out, but walked Caminero to bring in the Rays’ third run of the inning and give them an insurmountable three run lead. Tampa’s Kevin Kelly retired all three Twins he faced and that was all she wrote. 

This is normally the point of the post where I point out a few positives despite the loss, but other than Sim, there’s not much! The hitters only managed 6 hard-hit balls all game. Wallner’s homer was the only Minnesota hit that left the infield. The at-bats by everyone save Trevor Larnach looked pretty poor. Kaelen Culpepper is playing well for the Saints, so that’s something. 

To put it simply, Derek Shelton’s go-to top 3 hitters have given them absolutely nothing all season and there’s not much you can expect from this team when that’s the case. We’re just over a week and nine games into the season, but Byron Buxton and Luke Keaschall having an OPS under .500 is going to tank the rest of this lineup. Also, get Kody Clemens out of the leadoff spot. He’s a useful role player who can get incredibly hot, but there’s no reason he should be getting the most PAs on a day-to-day basis. 

Don’t worry, things will get easier this next series where the Twins are scheduled to face (checks notes…) back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and All-Star Framber Valdez. No rest for the weary. 

STUDS

  • Matt Wallner, technically: 2-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
  • Simeon Woods Richardson: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K

DUDS

  • Known bad pitcher Justin Topa: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 HR
  • The rest of the lineup: 1-28, 2 BB

I’ll see you back here tomorrow where hopefully Kody Clemens is in the bottom half of the lineup. 

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Cavs provide injury update for Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 25: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in action against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are racing to the finish line. With just a week before the regular season ends, the team is still waiting on two of its most important players to return to action.

Dean Wade and Jaylon Tyson both missed Cleveland’s recent trip to the West Coast. Wade is out with an ankle injury that he suffered after falling on a ball boy during his pre-game warmup against the Miami Heat on March 25.

“[He’s doing] better,” said Kenny Atkinson before the game. “I watched Dean work out yesterday. It was a one-on-one workout, but he was moving at game speed, so big progress. I do think we need to get him a three-on -three, four-on-four [workout]… but I think that’s the next step.”

Tyson, meanwhile, is nurturing a bone bruise in his left great toe. The sophomore wing has been one of the biggest revelations of the season, averaging 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Tyson is also shooting 45.5% from downtown. That’s elite efficiency for a guy who wasn’t previously seen as a catch-and-shoot threat.

“Jaylon is on court, probably not at game speed yet, so maybe a step or two behind Dean,” said Atkinson. “Still some soreness, but again, love to think he’ll be ready by the playoffs.”

Time is running out for the Cavs to get healthy. The final game of the regular season is on April 12. From there, they have roughly a week to rest and recover before the playoffs begin the following weekend. Hopefully that’s enough time for both Wade and Tyson to get their legs under them.

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Royals drop series finale 8-5 to Brewers

Apr 5, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) hits a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Royals fell behind early and made a couple of pushes to cut the deficit to one run, but couldn’t overcome three and four run deficits, as they dropped the rubber match 8-5 to the Brewers.

Kris Bubic got two quick outs to start the game, but a four-pitch walk to William Contreras set the table for Milwaukee. Christian Yelich hit a slicing ball down the left field line that Nick Loftin dove for, but missed, resulting in an RBI triple for the former MVP. Gary Sánchez followed that up by blasting a two-run homer into the left field seats, and suddenly it was 3-0 Brewers.

Jonathan India led off the third inning, by taking a fastball off the elbow. After a Loftin strikeout, Maikel Garcia smashed his first home run of the season into the Brewers bullpen. A 388-foot shot for the WBC MVP.

Bobby Witt Jr. walked next and stole second. The Royals seemed poised to tie the game. Vinnie Pasquantino singled into right field, but Witt got gunned down at the plate, and the Royals still trailed 3-2 after three innings.

Similar to the first inning, Bubic got two quick outs in the 4th inning, however a two out walk to Brandon Lockridge spelled trouble. Blake Perkins did the damage this time, smacking a double off the left field wall, extending the Brewers lead to 4-2.

Fast forward to the 7th, Royals still down two, Matt Strahm made his first appearance of the series. A leadoff walk, followed by a Luis Rengifo double put the Royals in trouble. Contreras promptly smacked a single up the middle to score two, putting the Royals down 6-2. Despite allowing the first three to reach, Strahm buckled down and didn’t allow any further damage.

Starling Marte led off the bottom half of the inning for Kansas City and smoked a single, India walked and Isaac Collins pinch hitting for Loftin, loaded the bases with a single to right field. Nobody out.

Garcia drove in his third run of the day, singling to left. 6-3 Brewers, still nobody out and Witt, Vinnie and Salvy coming up. But credit to Abner Uribe, and maybe the Royals being out of ABS challenges, he struck out Witt looking.

Former Royal, Angel Zerpa would then get brought into the game, his first appearance against the Royals since being traded in the offseason. Pasquantino came through, perfectly placing a line drive into the left-center gap, scoring two runs. First and second, one out, Royals down 6-5, Salvy up.

Zerpa’s slider just got enough depth for Perez to fly out to deep center, instead of a go-ahead three run home run. 104.5 mph off the bat for Perez. Lane Thomas grounded out to third on the first pitch to end the threat.

After Steven Cruz, pitching for the fourth time in five days, worked around a lot of traffic, getting a scoreless top of the 8th, the Royals had a chance to tie or take the lead. With two outs, India walked, getting on base for the third time today, and Tyler Tolbert came in to pitch run. He got picked off during Collins at bat to end the 8th inning.

Lucas Erceg got the ninth, and similar to Strahm, it didn’t go well. Back-to-back doubles plated the first run and a two out single the second. 8-5 Milwaukee going to the final half inning. The Royals walked eight batters, and every one of them seemed to come back and haunt them. In the bottom of the ninth, the Royals got a two out single from Witt, but nothing else.

The loss puts the Royals back under .500, at 4-5. It was a 3-3 homestand as well. The Royals have been outscored 14-0 in the 9th inning this season so far. Michael Wacha starts in Cleveland tomorrow for the Royals. First pitch is set for 5:10 p.m. CT and can be streamed on Royals.TV.