The NBA Conference Finals MVP odds market is one of the simplest bets to understand, and one of the easiest to misprice. In most cases, it comes down to this: the best player on the winning team takes the award.
That’s why the board is typically loaded with short-priced favorites from the top contenders. But that also means value can show up quickly if you’re willing to back a team, and its star, before the market fully catches up.
Instead of laying chalk on established names, we’re targeting two young guns in Victor Wembanyama and Cade Cunningham, both of whom have the usage, narrative, and upside to carry their teams through the Conference Finals.
NBA Conference Finals MVP predictions
Player
Victor Wembanyama
+320
Cade Cunningham
+550
Odds as of 4-16.
Western Conference Finals MVP best bet
Pick: Victor Wembanyama (+320 at bet365)
The San Antonio Spurs are going to be a matchup nightmare for any team that stands in their path to the franchise's first NBA title since 2014.
A very big part of that will be the unique playing style of Victor Wembanyama. He's a walking highlight reel and virtually un-guardable, whether he's doing work in the paint, the mid-range, or stepping out and knocking down threes.
While the offense will always be there (25 points per game), it's his defensive presence that will impact games more often than not. His ability to protect the rim (11.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks), alter shots, and disrupt timing is the added edge needed when picking a standout player in the conference finals.
While the Spurs still need to win two rounds, and then potentially meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, Wemby's odds will not linger around at +320 for very long.
Sengun has been nothing short of stellar for the Rockets this season, averaging 20.4 points per game and leading the team in rebounds (8.9) and assists (6.2).
He may not be the sexy name on the Rockets with Kevin Durant still around, but he's still the straw that stirs the drink, and his ability to stuff the stat sheet in more ways than one can only help his case.
Everything runs through him. He’s the primary scorer, the primary playmaker, and the one with the ball in his hands when games tighten up. That kind of usage matters in a series where every possession is magnified.
Cunningham has taken a clear step forward as a scorer while still filling up the box score across the board. Points, assists, rebounds. It’s all there, and it shows up every night.
If the Pistons break through to the Eastern Conference Finals, it won’t be because of depth or balance. It’ll be because Cunningham carried them there.
At +550, you’re getting the best player on his team at a number that won’t last if Detroit makes a run.
Long shot play
Pick: Mikal Bridges (+20000 at bet365)
If you’re swinging for a number, Mikal Bridges checks every box as a long shot.
He’s one of the most reliable two-way players in the league and rarely comes off the floor. That kind of workload adds up over a playoff series.
Bridges doesn’t need high volume to make an impact. He scores efficiently, defends the opposing team’s first or second option, and consistently finds ways to influence the game without forcing it.
If the New York Knicks can put it all together for three rounds, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will play a part, but Bridges' ability to impact the game at both ends in meaningful moments could tip the scales in his favor.
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As Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin debates whether to retire or return for a 22nd NHL season, he has two big supporters for the second option.
"My kids are already asking me, 'Dad are you staying or not?'" he told reporters at his end of season media session. "I tell them, "We'll see.
"They're excited. They want me to come back because they love the city, they love the team, they love the boys."
The NHL's all-time leading scorer said on Thursday, April 16, that he hopes that the season-ending win in Columbus won't be his last game.
But he said he will have to talk to the team and to family before making a decision. He didn't give a timeline.
"If I'm going to come back, it would have to be a decision, first of all, are we going to make the playoffs and are we going to fight for a Cup?" he said.
The Capitals missed the playoffs by four points, just the fifth time Ovechkin hasn't been in the postseason. He thought he and his line were inconsistent at times and noted that the game has become a lot faster.
Still, at age 40, he played all 82 games and scored 32 goals, giving him an NHL-record 929. He's excited about the team's youngsters, particularly Ryan Leonard and late-season signee Cole Hutson.
Asked specifically what he'd like to hear when he meets with general manager Chris Patrick to discuss the team, he joked, "We want you for two more years. This is the contract. Sign it."
Asked if the free agent would consider signing with another NHL team, Ovechkin said, "Probably not. No."
Carolina to face Ottawa in first round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Game 1 of the Carolina Hurricanes first round series against the Ottawa Senators is set to take place in less than 48 hours, but so far, it looks like the Canes aren't quite yet decided on who'll start in net.
At least, that's what Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour told the media at Thurday's practice.
"We'll get to that when we have to," Brind'Amour said. "We have another practice and then we'll figure everything out after that. They both played really well in the last stretch there. Gave us exactly what we wanted and so we have a decision to make."
It should be noted though that Frederik Andersen had a crease to himself on Thursday — the prototypical starter's net — and if I were to make a bet, I'd say he has the best odds of starting Saturday.
Despite weak regular season numbers, the veteran netminder is an experienced goaltender who's proven that he can deliver in the postseason.
The Danish goalie is heading into his 10th year of playoff hockey and over the course of his career, he's been pretty reliable, with a career postseason record of 46-35 along with a 0.914 save percentage, 2.40 goals against average and five shutouts.
Andersen also looked much more like himself in the final weeks of the regular season, a promising sign.
"I like where my game's at," Andersen said on Thursday. "I've just been trying to build every day and continue to work on good habits. I know what it feels like when I'm playing well, so I'm just continuing to stretch for that every day."
And even if Andersen starts Game 1, there's no guarantee that he's the guy all the way.
"There's a likelihood that you'll see both, probably," Brind'Amour said.
Rookie netminder Brandon Bussi has had quite the year in Carolina, putting together the best numbers out of any Hurricanes goalie.
Bussi started the most games for the Canes this year, posting an outstanding 31-6-2 record.
However, he had just a 0.894 save percentage, a number that started to really slip post Olympic break.
Heading into the Olympics, Bussi had a 0.906 save percentage and looked to be the guy for Carolina. However, he struggled out of the break, posting just a 0.864 save percentage in that span.
But as Brind'Amour pointed out, Bussi had a good close to the year, stopping 50 out of the 53 shots he faced in back-to-back games, and overall, he probably has the higher ceiling between the two goaltenders at this point.
"I feel good," Bussi said. "I think over the course of the year, I've learned a lot. I've also learned that there's a lot about my game that I like. When I do those things right, I have success."
And even though he hasn't ever experienced NHL playoff hockey, he isn't a stranger to high-stakes games.
"I'm just really excited," Bussi said. "Obviously it's a little new, first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but I've been in the American Hockey League playoffs, junior hockey playoffs, college, the one-and-done environments, so I'm not gonna say I'm used to it, it's going to be a little different, but I feel pretty prepared for situations like this."
Many fans have also been curious about the possibility of even seeing Pyotr Kochetkov in net, but it doesn't sound like the team is really considering him at this point.
The Russian netminder hasn't seen NHL action since Dec. 20 and has only seen 60 minutes of total game action of any kind following his surgeries thanks to a short conditioning stint down in the AHL earlier this month.
"We were hoping to get him in for that last game, but we had that little mishap there and weren't able to see where he's at," Brind'Amour said. "He's certainly healthy, but I wouldn't call him an option yet. But it looks like he could if we had to. You never know if you're gonna need that, but it's nice to know that if you get into a jam and guys do get hurt, we have some options."
So it's going to be between Andersen and Bussi and we probably aren't going to get any confirmation on that until Saturday.
"You'll get one of those two guys, I'll guarantee that," Brind'Amour said with a smirk.
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South African Quinton de Kock’s record third century was to no avail as Prabhsimran Singh and skipper Shreyas Iyer hauled Punjab Kings back to the top of the IPL table with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians on Thursday.
Giants closer Erik Miller struck out Reds rookie Sal Stewart to finish the team's 3-0 victory Thursday, April 16 at Great American Ball Park. The 6-5 lefty exulted and walked toward his own dugout. Stewart, though, apparently took issue with Miller's verbosity, turned and headed toward Miller.
Giants catcher Patrick Bailey interceded and Miller used the international symbol for "go back to your dugout" as the benches ambled out and bullpens jogged in out of curiosity.
"I just said a sentence that most hitters don't like to hear, so I can understand why he was upset," Miller said, per the Bay Area News Group. "It was just more like I was really fired up. It wasn't anything personal."
The kerfuffle's roots sprang from a night earlier, when Giants reliever JT Brubaker got perturbed by a late timeout call from Reds slugger Spencer Steer as Brubaker prepared to deliver a pitch in the bottom of the seventh.
Brubaker responded, in a sense, by waiting until the final second on the pitch clock to deliver his next pitch. That prompted Steer, captured by video cameras, to shout, "Throw the (expletive) ball." The Reds went on to win 8-3.
A day later, Giants starter Landen Roupp, who took a no-hitter into the sixth, drilled Steer in the ribs in Steer's first at-bat of the game in the second inning. It was the only four-seam fastball Roupp threw all day. He later told reporters the pitch slipped.
In the eighth, Reds reliever Connor Phillips responded by drilling the Giants' Willy Adames in the leg with a pitch. Adames looked out at the pitcher; benches stirred, but weren't shaken. Phillips was ejected, to the mild objections of Reds manager Terry Francona.
And then, the game-ending drama, which resulted in Miller confined to the visiting dugout for postgame handshakes. Sadly, the relievers had to retreat to their bullpens, as they did not secure their belongings before jogging in for the postgame extracurriculars.
Jul 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Brewers are headed to Florida, as they’ll make a visit to the Miami Marlins this weekend. Milwaukee, sitting at 10-8 on the season, are coming off a series win over the Blue Jays after losing six straight, as a pair of 2-1 wins in the last two days gave the squad a bit of momentum heading into the weekend. The Marlins had a similarly hot start to Milwaukee followed by some struggles. After starting 8-5 this year, they’ve lost five of their last six against the Tigers and Braves, falling below .500 for the first time this season.
Kyle Harrison is the latest Brewer dealing with an injury, as his start scheduled for Friday was pushed back (more on that below). Offensively, the Brewers are without three of their leaders in Christian Yelich (groin strain), Jackson Chourio (fractured hand), and Andrew Vaughn (fractured hamate bone). On the pitching side, Craig Yoho is the closest to returning as he’s rehabbing from a calf strain. Quinn Priester is hoping to return in May for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, while Rob Zastryzny suffered a setback and is now hoping to return in May. Reliever Jared Koenig is also out with a UCL sprain in his throwing arm, and outfielder Akil Baddoo is out until June with a quad strain.
The Marlins have mostly stayed healthy to this point, especially on the pitching front. While Adam Mazur and Ronny Henriquez are both out for the season, that’s it in terms of arm injuries. Offensively, outfielders Esteury Ruiz, Kyle Stowers, and Griffin Conine are all shelved, with Stowers the closest to returning (likely in the next week or so). Infielder Maximo Acosta could also be back soon, while Christopher Morel is targeting a late April/early May return from an oblique strain.
Jake Bauers and Gary Sánchez sit tied atop Milwaukee’s leaderboard with five homers each thus far, followed by Brice Turang, who has been the Brewers’ best hitter overall with a .300/.425/.567 line. William Contreras has also gotten off to a solid start, hitting .317/.411/.476 with a pair of homers, four doubles, and 11 RBIs through 16 games. Brandon Lockridge, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, David Hamilton, Greg Jones, Luis Matos, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Luis Rengifo round out Milwaukee’s offense. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .238/.339/.380 (.719 OPS ranks 12th) with 18 homers (16th), 91 runs scored (ninth), and 27 steals (first).
Catcher Liam Hicks leads Miami with four homers this year, as he’s hitting .309/.355/.545 through 18 games. Owen Caissie, Otto Lopez, and Connor Norby have each added a pair of homers, while Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez have a homer each. Edwards and Lopez are both out to hot starts, hitting .338/.405/.479 and .328/.387/.507, respectively. Deyvison De Los Santos, Leo Jiménez, Graham Pauley, Javier Sanoja, Heriberto Hernández, Jakob Marsee, and Austin Slater round out the squad for Miami. As a team, the Marlins are hitting .259/.332/.398 (.730 OPS ranks eighth) with 14 homers (tied for 25th), 88 runs scored (10th), and 25 steals (tied for second).
The Brewer bullpen is led by workhorse Aaron Ashby, who has allowed five runs and struck out 22 over 14 innings this season, with a perfect 5-0 record. Grant Anderson and Angel Zerpa each have nine appearances, with a blow-up appearance for both pushing their ERAs superficially high (Anderson at 3.72 over 9 2/3 innings, Zerpa at 5.40 over 10 innings). DL Hall still hasn’t allowed a run over 8 2/3 innings, while Abner Uribe may be Milwaukee’s new closer, with a 4.91 ERA over 7 1/3 innings. Trevor Megill finally recorded a clean inning in Thursday’s series finale, but his ERA still sits at 12.00 for the year (eight runs over six innings). Jake Woodford and Easton McGee round out the Brewer bullpen. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.99 team ERA (15th), including a 3.99 starter ERA (15th) and a 4.00 bullpen ERA (16th). They’ve struck out 163 batters (13th) over 160 innings.
Miami’s top three bullpen arms heading into the season — closer Pete Fairbanks, Calvin Faucher, and Anthony Bender — have all gotten off to rough starts. Fairbanks has a 10.80 ERA and a blown save in five appearances, Faucher has a 4.50 ERA over seven appearances, and Bender has a 6.43 ERA and two blown saves in eight appearances. The good news, though, is the rest of the bullpen has been solid. John King and Tyler Phillips lead the way, as King has a 1.42 ERA over 6 1/3 innings and Phillips has a 0.84 ERA over 10 2/3 innings. Andrew Nardi (6.00 ERA over six innings), Michael Petersen (3.38 ERA over eight innings), and UW-Whitewater alumnus Lake Bachar (3.00 ERA over nine innings) round out Miami’s bullpen. As a staff, the Marlins have a 4.15 team ERA (18th), including a 4.66 starter ERA (25th) and a 3.30 bullpen ERA (eighth). They’ve struck out 165 batters (12th) over 165 innings.
Probable Pitchers
Friday, April 17 @ 6:10 p.m.: TBD vs. RHP Janson Junk (0-2, 4.32 ERA, 4.00 FIP)
This would be Brewer left-hander Kyle Harrison’s turn through the rotation, but Adam McCalvy reported his next start would be pushed back due to some lingering wrist soreness from a fall while covering first base in his last outing. To fill the gap, it seems possible that right-hander Coleman Crow will make his MLB debut, after McCalvy reported Crow was removed as the probable starter for Triple-A Nashville on Thursday evening. Crow, 25, was a 28th-round pick by the Angels in 2019, back when there were more than 20 rounds of the draft. He came to Milwaukee as the return for Adrian Houser and Tyrone Taylor in the 2023-24 offseason, and he’s now ranked as the Brewers’ No. 27 prospect. Added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft this past offseason, Crow has made three appearances (two starts) with Nashville this year, with a 4.02 ERA and 18 strikeouts across 15 2/3 innings.
Junk, 30, is in his sixth MLB season and second with the Marlins. A former Brewer (seven appearances between 2023 and 2024), Junk has become a regular in Miami’s rotation over the last season-plus. He’s made three starts this year, with a 4.32 ERA, 4.00 FIP, and 12 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings. His last outing spanned five innings against the Tigers, when he allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks, striking out four. His only appearance against the Brewers came last July, when he went five innings, allowing three runs and striking out five in a 7-4 victory for Miami.
Woodruff is three starts into his ninth MLB season, with a 4.32 ERA, 4.30 FIP, and 16 strikeouts across 16 2/3 innings to this point. He bounced back from a rough outing against the Red Sox (5 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 4 K) to go six innings against the Nationals over the weekend, allowing two runs (one earned) with three hits and a walk, striking out six. Woodruff has been great against Miami in his career, with a 2.61 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 38 innings across six starts. He went 12 innings with 14 strikeouts and three runs allowed (2.25 ERA) in two starts against them last season.
Alcantara, 30, is also in his ninth MLB season. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner had a pair of rough seasons wrapped around a Tommy John surgery that kept him out for all of 2024, but he’s bounced back nicely thus far in 2026. Through four starts, Alcantara has a 2.67 ERA, 3.68 FIP, and 22 strikeouts over 30 1/3 innings. He got roughed up in his last appearance, allowing seven runs on 10 hits and two walks, striking out four over six innings. In seven career appearances (five starts) against Milwaukee, Alcantara has a 3.08 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 38 innings. He went six innings with five runs allowed and four strikeouts against the Crew on the Fourth of July last year.
Sunday, April 19 @ 12:40 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (1-1, 3.32 ERA, 4.03 FIP) vs. RHP Eury Pérez (1-1, 5.40 ERA, 5.71 FIP)
Misiorowski has had his fair share of good and bad through four starts this season. He has a 3.32 ERA and 4.03 FIP across his 21 2/3 innings, leading the NL with 33 strikeouts but also walking nine and hitting two batters. Even so, his WHIP sits at 1.015, and his 13.7 K/9 rate leads the majors. His last start came Monday against the Blue Jays, when he went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (both solo homers) on five hits with five strikeouts, though he didn’t walk any batters on 76 pitches, a good sign for the 24-year-old right-hander. This marks his first career appearance against Miami.
Pérez, who just turned 23 this week, is already in his third MLB season (not including a missed 2024 due to injury). After a solid rookie campaign in 2023, he hasn’t had as much success in 2025 and 2026. Through four starts this year, he has a 5.40 ERA, 5.71 FIP, and 20 strikeouts over 20 innings. His last appearance against the Braves went four innings, when he allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and a pair of walks, striking out two. He’s made two starts against Milwaukee in his career, with a 3.72 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 9 2/3 innings.
How to Watch & Listen
Friday, April 17: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Saturday, April 18: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Sunday, April 19: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Prediction
This is a series featuring a pair of teams who got out to hot starts but have cooled off drastically over the last couple of weeks. I’ll take the Brewers to prevail here and take two of three.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 03: A detail view of the Nike basketball shoes of Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks before a game against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum on April 03, 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
Woods said he spoke to ‘the president’ after crash
Prosecutors seek access to prescription records
Tiger Woods told police he had taken multiple prescription medications, including Vicodin, on the day of a crash that led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to court filings released on Wednesday.
The filing, submitted by prosecutors in Florida as part of routine pretrial discovery and obtained by the Guardian, also details a series of unusual remarks Woods made to officers at the scene of the 27 March crash in Hobe Sound, including references to drones flying over his home and a claim that he had spoken to “the president”.
Morgan Gibbs-White scored the only goal against a resilient ten-man Porto, as Forest reached their first European semi-final for 42 years
4 min: Sangare releases Gibbs-White down the right. Promising for Forest … until the whistle goes, Sangare having come through the back of Alberto Costa on the touchline. The correct decision, if annoyingly belated from a Forest point of view, everyone all excited for a second.
2 min: It’s an absolutely belting atmosphere, both sets of fans giving it plenty. But Porto nearly quieten the home fans in short order, Moffi latching onto a prod down the inside-right channel and attempting to flick past Ortega. The Forest keeper swipes away. The rebound falls to William Gomes, who blazes over. Yikes.
Former NBA basketball player and assistant coach Damon Jones arrives at Brooklyn federal court, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in New York.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is expected to become the first person to plead guilty in a gambling sweep that led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures.
A change-of-plea hearing for Jones is scheduled for May 6 in Brooklyn federal court, according to a court filing Thursday.
Jones, 49, had previously pleaded not guilty to separate indictments charging him with profiting from rigged poker games and providing sports bettors with non-public information about injuries to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Former NBA basketball player and assistant coach Damon Jones arrives at Brooklyn federal court, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in New York. AP
Jones is charged in both cases with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
A message seeking comment was left for his lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery. He told a judge at Jones’ arraignments in November that they “may be engaging in plea negotiations.”
Jones, a onetime teammate of James, was arrested last October along with Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and others, including a sports bettor accused of cashing in on injury information.
Jones was one of three people charged in both the poker and sports betting schemes. He remains free on bail.
A native of Galveston, Texas, Jones earned more than $20 million playing for 10 teams in 11 seasons from 1999 to 2009. He and James played together in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and Jones served as an unofficial assistant coach for James’ Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.
According to prosecutors, Jones sold or attempted to sell non-public information to bettors that James was injured and wouldn’t be playing in a Feb. 9, 2023, game against the Milwaukee Bucks, texting an unnamed co-conspirator: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.”
LeBron James, drives away with Damon Jones after a workout at Rhodes Arena on the University of Akron campus, in Akron, Ohio, Wednesday, July 7, 2010. AP
James wasn’t listed on the Lakers’ injury report at the time of the text message, but the NBA’s all-time scoring leader was later ruled out of the game because of a lower body injury, according to prosecutors, and the Lakers lost the game 115-106.
On Jan. 15, 2024, prosecutors said, sports bettor Marves Fairley paid Jones approximately $2,500 for a tip that Davis, the Lakers’ forward and center at the time, would see limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of an injury.
Follow The Post’s latest on the gambling scandal rocking the NBA:
Fairley then placed a $100,000 bet on the Thunder to win, prosecutors said, but the tip was wrong. Davis played his usual minutes, scored 27 points and collected 15 rebounds in a 112-105 Lakers win, prompting Fairley to demand a refund of his $2,500 fee, prosecutors said.
In the poker scheme, according to prosecutors, Jones was among former NBA players used to lure unwitting players into poker games that were rigged using altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table.
Former NBA player Damon Jones (pictured, blue shirt) leaves Brooklyn Federal court after his case finished for the day regarding illegal gambling. Gregory P. Mango
According to the indictment, Jones was paid $2,500 for a game in the Hamptons where he was instructed to cheat by paying close attention to others involved in the scheme. His instructor likened those people to James and NBA All-Star Steph Curry, prosecutors said. When in doubt, Jones was told to fold his hand, prosecutors said.
In response, according to prosecutors, Jones texted: “y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”
The poker scheme often made use of illegal poker games run by New York crime families that required them to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonnano crime families, according to prosecutors.
Members of those families, in turn, also helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, officials said in court documents.
A hot hand from outside the three-point arc, Jones once proclaimed himself in an interview with insidehoops.com as “the best shooter in the world.” He played in every regular season game for three consecutive seasons from 2003 to 2006.
After his playing days, he worked as a “shooting consultant” for the Cavaliers and was an assistant coach when the team, led by James, won the NBA championship in 2016.
The 2025-26 season was not one to remember for the New York Rangers, but there’s a small silver lining.
There’s no hiding the fact that the Blueshirts underperformed this season, and to make matters worse, the team’s future is still filled with uncertainty and concern.
However, to close out the year, a glimmer of hope shone upon the Rangers nation in the form of young talent.
Through the latter half of the season, the Rangers called up Jaroslav Chmelař, Adam Sýkora, and Dylan Garand, while signing Drew Fortescue to his entry-level contract and claiming Tye Kartye off waivers.
Noah Laba, who has been with the Rangers for the entire season, and Gabe Perreault, who has been with the team since December, elevated their play to close out the season, with both forwards taking on increased roles.
The emergence of some of these younger players helped contribute to the Rangers’ sudden late-season success.
Over a long home stand starting late in March and extending into April, the Rangers won five of seven games, largely due to the immediate impact of the team’s youth.
Mike Sullivan believes that he’s gotten a large enough sample size from these young players to where he can properly evaluate them during the offseason and have a better understanding of their individual games going into training camp in September.
“Some of these guys got to, got a chunk of games down the stretch and had an opportunity to get their feet wet, so to speak,” Sullivan said. “After you get your first couple of games under your belt, and you're here for more than a week or so, the reality of the league starts to settle in. Some guys have a hard time sustaining it, and other guys don't.
“I thought for the most part, the guys that we called up late in the season here, they did a pretty good job of sustaining a high level of play, and so that's certainly encouraging for us moving forward.”
Damon Jones, the former NBA player and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach indicted with Terry Rozier and four others in November on federal charges of conspiring to rig NBA outcomes and peddle inside information, has requested a hearing with the Eastern District of New York to change his plea.
Jones pleaded not guilty in November to one count of wire fraud conspiracy and two counts of money laundering, but ESPN reported at the time that he was already in discussions for a plea deal. His plea hearing is scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn.
Jones’ attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, told ABC News in New York, however, that his client is “not cooperating” with prosecutors against his co-conspirators, who also pleaded not guilty. Jones is the first of the group to request a change of plea.
Jones accused of dealing non-public tidbit
Jones is accused of providing non-public information from his league contacts so that gamblers could make more informed bets on NBA games than the general public. Specifically, he’s accused of providing information that LeBron James would not play in a Feb. 9, 2023, game against Milwaukee. Jones is alleged to have texted to gamblers: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight. Bet enough so Djones can eat.”
James is not named in the charging documents, but he was the only rostered player not to dress against the Bucks, who won, 115-106.
Federal prosecutors will file documents by next week updating which charges will have a change of plea.
Jones is also named as a co-conspirator in the so-called “rigged poker” case in the Eastern District of New York where sports celebrities including then-Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were allegedly used to lure in high-value players to scam. Jones pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges in that case.
Rozier, who was waived by the Miami Heat last week, has pleaded not guilty and asked for a dismissal.
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Cubs play a three-game series in Chicago starting on Friday afternoon...
5 things to watch
Offensively bad
During their eight-game losing streak, the Mets have scored 12 runs, which is almost impossible to believe.
In those eight contests, all without Juan Soto, New York has been shut out three times while being held to one or two runs on four occasions.
Against the Dodgers earlier this week, it was starting pitchers Justin Wrobleski (who tossed a career-high eight innings), Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani who gave New York fits.
And it's not like New York has been hitting into much hard luck.
Their hitters have often been in between while missing hittable fastballs, expanding the zone, failing to work the count, and hitting the ball on the ground at an alarming rate.
"We’re not dictating at-bats," Carlos Mendoza said after Wednesday's loss. "Getting beat by fastballs even though there was some good fastballs byOhtani today -- we swung through a lot of them today. We have to be able to put pressure and be in attack mode. Right now, understanding what guys are going through is contagious. At the same time, nobody is feeling sorry for us. We got to be able to dictate at-bats."
Senga looked fantastic in his first two starts of the season, allowing just four runs on nine hits in 11.2 innings while striking out 17.
His last start was different, as the right-hander was touched up by the A's to the tune of seven runs on eight hits (including two home runs) in 2.1 innings.
There was some poor fielding behind Senga against the A's, but his stuff wasn't nearly as good as it was in his first two starts.
Senga generated just six swings and misses on 72 pitches against the A's after getting 12 on 88 pitches against the Giants on April 5 and 17 on 92 pitches against the Cardinals on March 31.
Meanwhile, Senga's average four-seam fastball velocity has been ticking down. It was 97.4 mph against the Cards, 96.0 against the Giants, and 95.6 against the A's.
After going through an 0-for-22 funk that led some to muse about a potential demotion that David Stearns quickly shot down, Benge has started to look more like the hitter he was in spring training.
Benge has hit safely in five of his last six games, and reached base safely in seven of his last eight.
Against the Dodgers on Wednesday, Benge ripped a double and had a would-be single (on a liner to left field) that was turned into a fielder's choice when Francisco Alvarez got tied up between first base and second base and was forced out.
New York Mets left fielder Carson Benge (3) hits a single against the Athletics during the eighth inning at Citi Field. / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Benge finding a groove would be a big development for a Mets team that is dealing with huge slumps by Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, and underperformance from most of their other regulars.
Chicago's starting pitching depth is being tested
The Cubs are still without Justin Steele, who underwent UCL surgery early last season.
In 2026, they have lost Cade Horton for the year due to elbow surgery and been without Matthew Boyd, who is working his way back from a biceps issue.
But Chicago has patched things together, due in part to the offseason trade that brought them Edward Cabrera.
Against the Mets, the Cubs will send out Cabrera on Friday, Jameson Taillon on Saturday, and Javier Assad on Sunday.
Cabrera was hit a bit against the Pirates in his last start, but has been tremendous overall, with a 1.62 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 16.2 innings over his first three starts.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is going through it
It has been a struggle offensively for PCA since he blew the doors off to start 2025, in a year where he wound up smashing 31 homers.
Over the final two months of last season, Crow-Armstrong slashed just .188/.237/.295 with four home runs in 200 plate appearances.
So far this season, he is hitting .236/.276/.306 with one home run in 72 at-bats.
Crow-Armstrong has been a bit better recently, though, with five hits in his last 14 at-bats.
Defensively, he remains one of the best center fielders in baseball, rating in the 99th percentile in OAA.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Bo Bichette
Bichette is hitting .292 with a .346 OBP since April 3.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Freddy Peralta
Since allowing four runs on Opening Day, Peralta has a 2.81 ERA in 16.0 innings over his last three starts, allowing 10 hits while striking out 18.
Which Cubs player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Alex Bregman
Bregman carries a six-game hitting streak into the series.
Second-round bids for the San Diego Padres were due this week, and all first-round bidders submitted new offers, including three of at least $3.5 billion, according to multiple people familiar with the details who were granted anonymity because the details are private. One of the bids approached $4 billion, according to two people.
The Padres and boutique investment bank BDT & MSD, which was retained last November to explore a potential sale of the MLB club, declined to comment. The Times of San Diego was the first to report on second-round bids that “approached $3.5 billion.”
The four finalists for the Padres include José E. Feliciano, whose Clearlake Capital is a backer of Chelsea, and Dan Friedkin, whose Pursuit Sports owns Everton and AS Roma. The other two are Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob and Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, who bought a 27% stake in the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
The Padres were valued at $3.1 billion in Sportico’s latest MLB valuations, up 34% over the previous year, thanks to strong results on and off the field. Attendance in 2025 was 3.44 million, which ranked second in baseball behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego’s NL West rival. Gross revenue topped $500 million last year, Sporticopreviously reported. The club’s operating income was roughly $20 million.
The record sale price for an MLB franchise is $2.42 billion for Steve Cohen’s purchase of the New York Mets in 2020.
The Padres’ sale is viewed as a litmus test for valuations at a critical time for baseball. Many investors believe MLB teams are undervalued—the revenue multiple is 6.6x in Sportico’s valuations, by far the smallest of the five major U.S. men’s leagues, with potential structural changes coming that could grant owners greater cost certainty—and the Padres’ sales deck projects higher profits under a new CBA. Yet, the league and its players must navigate a labor battle that many believe could result in missed games next year.
The Padres’ owners announced the sale process in November, amid a legal battle between family members of late owner Peter Seidler, who died in 2023. Seidler’s widow, Sheel Kamal Seidler, sued his brothers, Bob and Matt, in Texas probate court, alleging they breached their fiduciary duties as trustees of Peter’s trust. One of the trust’s main assets is the control ownership stake in the Padres. In February, a court filing showed that Sheel has dismissed most of her original claims.
The current Padres ownership group, which includes at least 10 people or entities, bought the team in 2012 for $800 million. The largest stake of roughly 24% is held by the Peter Seidler Trust, with Sheel and her three children the beneficiaries.
The Padres have started the 2026 season 12-6 and sit two games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. Attendance again ranks second in baseball behind only the Dodgers.
Apr 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts after a score against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter of a play-in round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
It’s only natural for most people to not want to fix what they don’t believe is broken. It’s also fairly natural to suspect ulterior motives in any new plan or scheme. While those questions are worth asking, it seems clear to me that if the answer was not to change anything, ever, we’d still be living in caves with dinosaurs.
There is something to be said for novelties, even those with a profit motive of some sort, that succeed. I would argue that the NBA Play In system has succeeded. I understand some people have a need for a certain sort of mental tidiness, or a desire to make accomplishments more meaningful. The NBA’s play in games would seem to go against both things. Is a number seven seed in or out? Why does the 10th ranked team get a shot at a playoff series?
For the mental tidiness people, well, it’s a bit untidy not knowing exactly who the bottom ranked playoff teams will be, but there’s an upside to be gained in giving the teams that were not in the Play In more rest after the regular season. The system itself is also pretty easy to understand, and once you get how it works, it ceases to be untidy, just uncertain. If you are the sort that wants to get rid of all uncertainty in life, well, good luck with that.
There’s also hope for teams that say lose a crucial player for part of the season to be found in the Play In. They might still get into the playoffs, and create a better match up for the top teams, as opposed to ritual execution found in the typical 1v8 match up.
That goes for the sense of accomplishment argument people, too. Don’t want to keep playing games after the regular season, and before the Real Playoffs begin? Win more games. I believe the Play In bracket produces more incentive to win, for good teams, rather than less. A playoff team is guaranteed at least four post season games. A play in team is guaranteed nothing.
There’s something else the Play In offers while we wait for the more successful teams to being their playoffs: fun. These games are the NBA’s way of partaking in the chaotic fun of the NCAA Tournament. It’s one and done for a couple of teams. Their season ends with a loss. We saw some amazing games in that regard, played with real intensity and fire. The Hornets vs Heat game was a true battle, and a ton of fun to watch. It went to overtime, and we saw all kinds of intense things, including potentially dirty play, surprisingly not from Miami. Also, more shockingly, LaMelo Ball coming through in the clutch. Who would have predicted that?
In the end, that’s why most of us are watching basketball, right? To see great competition in a game we love? To see a spectacle?
The Play In, for all it’s gimmickry has worked, if the goal is fun. It’s easy to sneer, because it’s not how things were, but it’s easier to love something that can bring if not joy, then entertainment to the end of the season. There is not some law of the universe that the stricter the playoff system is, the better it is. There might be some logical contradictions, but the goal of sport is not to achieve logical consistency, at least as I see it.
That said, I’d much rather the Rockets be in the playoffs, not the Play In. Too much uncertainty in the Play In.
On another note, I’d say the play in may not have entirely (or sadly, largely) accomplished one of its goals, to curtail tanking, but it has brought fun to the league. Playing for stakes of some sort brings more fire, more interest, to competitions, generally. That’s why tanking is so bad, to me. Sure, it’s rational, but if we’re watching sports for their pure rationality, we might be missing the point. Or one might be better served watching competitive chess. Further, tanking, however you choose to define it, destroys intensity, destroys the idea of stakes in a contest. A tanking team isn’t so much playing basketball, as it is playing lottery ball odds, which might loom over a season, but are not part of the competition in any immediate sense. We’ve seen what immediacy does for a single game, with the play in. Tanking does the opposite, but spread, depressingly, across a season. A teams’ reward for tanking might be heaven, but their actual games are hell, as we well know.
Because winning, keeping a season alive, is possible in the play in, teams go all out. The stakes are real. Tanking is the opposite, it destroys in game stakes, and competition, and that’s why it must be ended, somehow, some way. We can expend a lot of words on what the best way to do that is, and maybe there isn’t a best way, as any system has trade offs built in. The NBA is going to do something in the off season. I’m sure we’ll discuss it when it happens. Anything, though, that is in favor of good basketball, in favor of striving to win, instead of working to lose, has to be better for the game of basketball, and the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama
Cade Cunningham
Alperen Sengun (+8000 at bet365)
Mikal Bridges (+20000 at bet365)
