Aug 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Kyle Stowers (28) hits a single against the New York Yankees during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Mariners mercifully broke the losing streak last night with a convincing 7-3 win over the Rangers last night. With how streaky the team has been to start the year, we can only hope this marks the beginning of a long winning streak, if only to get my day job manager to shut up. Anybody else have a manager who bothers them when they know your favorite team isn’t playing well? How do you deal with it? I have to do something, this disrespect can’t continue.
Happy Sunday everyone!
In Mariners news…
Bryce Millers pitched in his first rehab start for Tacoma yesterday, topping out close to 99 mph with the fastball, and allowing three runs on four hits in 1.2 innings. Bryce will have at least one more rehab start before coming back to Seattle for his season debut.
Don’t forget to help us get our new reverse mailbag series started! Drop into the thread on the site feed and leave a spicy take for us to react to!
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto came out of yesterday’s game with tightness in his lower back. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that he expects Realmuto will be not be in the lineup today as the Phillies look to avoid a sweep against the Braves at home.
Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski has a bad ass glove with a Gengar card on the back of the webbing. But lest we forget, Will Klein did it first.
As someone who works at a mostly outdoor establishment, you always have to get the umbrellas down before they turn into weapons.
Nick’s pick…
Starting April 25th, the world of fencing is getting a whole lot more Star Wars with the debut of “Fencing Visualized” a system that can track the tips of the foils without the need for markers.
It’s a sad state of affairs when disappointment settles in, like a thick bank of fog, even before mid-April has rolled around. I don’t have constructive suggestions. I’m not even sure these thoughts rise to the level of complaints since I’m not worked up about it anymore. What I can offer are mere observations—no hot takes, no surprises.
Starting rotation falls short so far
After all the preseason talk about our world-class rotation, let’s just say that things are running counter to plan. Crochet’s catastrophe of an outing in Minneapolis has received the lion’s share of the headlines, of course, but he’s not alone. This is no deep dive, but take a glance and admit no one predicted this. Stats as of April 18.
Garrett Crochet: -0.6 WAR, 7.58 ERA
Ranger Suárez: until Friday’s game, his stats were a not-great -0.1 WAR and a pretty ugly 5.02 ERA. That stabilizing performance improved these numbers to 0.4 WAR and 3.22. He has reentered respectable territory.
Brayan Bello: these stats got worse with Saturday’s outing, dropping to -0.4 WAR and 6.75 ERA
Errors
And after I was looking forward to smooth defense, too! I talked it up, and this is the thanks I get.
Through April 13, the Red Sox were collecting errors at a slightly increased rate from 2025, when they led the league in errors for much of the season. It took four errorless games in a row to drive the rate down, if only slightly. This streak is the first of the season where the Sox have played more than two games in a row without an error. Along the way, they have also already logged four two-error games. So much for the Sox newfound defensive prowess.
And so it goes
Marcelo Mayer needing to step up, Roman Anthony shedding his cape and revealing that he is all too human, the stupid hit celebration…I won’t belabor these points again, so much as offer them as punctuation to my point that the Red Sox have been anything but fun to watch in 2026.
MLB Side Quest
As a matter of self-care, I turned to my local Mariners to seek relief from the torture of Red Sox fandom. Surprise, surprise, I ran up against a wall there too.
An almost equally slow start to the season (9-13, compared to the Sox 8-12 as of April 18) has them falling far behind all expectations.
Old friend Rob Refsnyder is hitless (0-18) as of April 18.
Ferry fries have been MIA at T-Mobile Park due to some unfathomable oversight and it’s simply wrong. What does a fan have to do to have fun in 2026? I arrived incredibly early for a game last week JUST TO BOOST MY SPIRITS BY TAKING A SELFIE WITH THE FERRY FRIES only to find that they were completely out, indefinitely. As in, needing to source a new supplier or whatever. You know it’s bad when even comfort food lets you down.
It has to get better, right?
[Author’s note: at least the ferry fries returned, though with an unexpected rebrand. I will hope the same for the Red Sox.]
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics combine to knock the ball away from Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 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. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) at Boston Celtics (0-0) Sunday, April 19, 2026 1:00 PM ET First Round Game #1 Home Game #1 TV: ABC Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 97.5 Fanatic, Sirius XM TD Garden Officials: Scott Foster, Pat Fraher, Tre Maddox
The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers meet in the playoffs for the 23rd time, which includes Philly’s time as the Syracuse Nationals in the 50’s and early 60’s. This is the most for any 2 teams in the league. The Celtics lead all time with 15 wins to 7 for the 76ers and they have won the last 6 series against Philly. The last time the 76ers beat the Celtics in the playoffs was in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1982 when the Beat LA chant was born as Celtics fans urged the 76ers to beat the hated Lakers.
The Celtics have won all 3 series that have been played in the Brown/Tatum era, winning in 2018, 2020 and 2023. The Celtics are 212-199 overall, all time against the 76ers. They are 157-58 all time in games played in Boston. These two teams tied the series 2-2 this season. The 76ers won 117-116 on opening night, October 22 in Boston and they won again 102-100 in Philadelphia on November 11. The Celtics won 109-108 in Philadelphia on October 31 and again 114-98 in Boston on March 1.
Three of the games this season came before November 12 when the Celtics were just 5-7 and 11th in the league. They were just getting used to all the new players at that time while the 76ers brought back mostly the same team and were already used to playing together. The 76ers were 7-4 at that time. Philadelphia’s 2 wins were by a total of 3 points. The Celtics first win in October was by 1 point, but their March 1 win was by a total of 16 points.
Three of the 4 matches between the Celtics and 76ers this season were decided by 2 points or less. The Celtics need to avoid close games down the stretch in these playoffs if they can help it. The 76ers had the #1 clutch defense in the NBA this season. They had a 98.6 defensive rating during the last 5 minutes of games that were within 5 points. They were 23-18 in games that included clutch minutes. The Celtics were 16-17 in games that included clutch minutes and that includes going 1-2 against Philadelphia this season.
We can’t take a lot from those regular season games to predict how this game, or this series, will go. First, the Celtics did not have Jayson Tatum for any of the 4 games. Also, Philly didn’t have Paul George for any of the 4 games and they didn’t have Embiid for the November 11 and March 1 games. They will be missing Embiid for this game but Paul George will be a key player for them in this series and gives them a defender with size to put up against Tatum and Brown.
The Celtics come into this game with a clean injury report. After having 8 players sit out their final game of the season, the Celtics have no players listed on their injury report at this time. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid is the only player on their injury report. Embiid underwent an appendectomy on April 9. Recovery for an appendectomy is anywhere from 20 days to 5 weeks. We know that he will miss at least the first part of the series and the Celtics need to take advantage and win while he is out. I’m guessing that Adem Bona will start at center.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey
Derrick White | Getty ImagesTyrese Maxey | Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs VJ Edgecombe
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesVJ Edgecombe | Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Kelly Oubre, Jr
Sam Hauser | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesKelly Oubre, Jr | Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Paul George
Jayson Tatum | Getty ImagesPaul George | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Adem Bona
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAdem Bona | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Nikola Vucevic Ron Harper, Jr Delano Banton John Tonje
2-Way Players None Injuries/Out None
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
76ers Reserves Andre Drummond Quentin Grimes Kyle Lowry Justin Edwards Trendon Watford Dalen Terry Dominick Barlow Jabari Walker
2-Way Players MarJon Beauchamp Tyrese Martin Injuries/Out Joel Embiid (Appendix) out
Head Coach Nick Nurse
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey In the regular season, Maxey averaged 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc. In the 4 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 30 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 41.8% from the field and 51.4% from beyond the arc. Maxey’s speed makes him hard to defend, but 4 Celtics have had success in guarding him this season. Against Pritchard, he scored 13 points in 55 possessions. Against White, he scored 19 points in 49 possessions. Against Scheierman, he scored 8 points in 44 possessions and against Walsh, he scored 4 points in 33 possessions. Among the 4, hopefully the Celtics can keep Maxey in check.
Jayson Tatum vs Paul George In the regular season, George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 43.9% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. Neither of these players were able to play in any of the 4 games between Boston and Philly this season. George gives the 76ers a 2-way player with the size and ability to guard Jayson Tatum. But that goes both ways because Tatum can also guard George and is a better rebounder.
Honorable Mention Jaylen Brown vs Vj Edgecomb Edgecombe will likely come in 3rd for Rookie of the Year. He averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. In the 4 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 43.5% from the field and 41.2% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to be ready for him and defend him both in the paint and on the perimeter.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is a key to winning this, and every, game. Defense wins championships. In the first 20 games of the season, the Celtics were 18th on defense. In the 2nd 20 games, they ranked 12th. In the next16 games, they had the 3rd best defense. Overall, they are 4th with a defensive rating of 111.7. The 76ers are 17th with a defensive rating of 114.4. The Celtics must play tough lock down defense in this game if they want to beat the 76ers.
Rebound – Rebounding is also one of the biggest keys to winning every game. As Pat Riley once said, “No rebounds, no rings. The Celtics are 3rd in the league with 46.4 rebounds per game. The 76ers are 17th with 43.6 rebounds per game. The Celtics are 43-12 in games that they tie or out-rebound opponents. They are just 11-13 in games tin which they are out-rebounded. They simply have to fight harder to grab rebounds than the 76ers. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to move the ball and find the open man. They play their best when they share the ball and keep it moving. They were 36-2 this season when they had more than 25 assists in a game. They were 35-0 this season when they had more assists than their opponent. Both the Celtics and 76ers average 24.6 assists per game. However, the Celtics need to make careful passes and limit turnovers. They also have to be aware while dribbling and not drive into a crowd or allow a defender to steal the ball since the 76ers average 19 points off turnovers per game.
Be Aggressive and Stay Focused – The Celtics need to be the more aggressive team. They have to play physical defense and they have to be more aggressive in going for rebounds and loose balls and getting to the basket, especially if their 3’s aren’t falling. Usually the more aggressive team gets the benefit of the calls and being more aggressive will help to fluster the 76ers. They also have to stay focused on on playing the right way. Move the ball, look for the open man, take good shots, play physical defense, and fight for rebounds. X-Factors Home Game – Teams play all season to secure home court in the playoffs. The Celtics need to feed off the energy of the crowd and hopefully, the 76ers will be distracted by travel and the hostile crowd. The Celtics should play harder to win on their home court. Losing Game 1 at home is a major setback, historically giving the home team only about a 58-61% chance to win the series. However, when they win Game 1 at home, they go on to win the series about 84.8% of the time. The Celtics need to protect home court and keep their home court advantage.
Coaching – Joe Mazzulla is in his 4th season as Celtics’ head coach. He won a title in 2024 with a very talented team that was packed with shooting stars. Now he has to win in a different way since his personnel has changed and he did a great job in the regular season. Nick Nurse is in his 8th season as a head coach overall and his 3rd as the 76ers head coach. He won a title with the Raptors in 2019. The 76ers returned their core this season and added a very talented lottery pick and so Nurse has a lot to prove with this team.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call it tight and call every bit of contact while others allow more physical play. Some favor the home team while others call both sides evenly. Refs usually allow a little more go in the playoffs but not always. The Celtics have to adjust to the way the refs are calling the game and not allow the no calls and bad calls to affect their focus on playing the game.
Jameson Taillon did not look sharp early and then said as much during his postgame interview. But he got better as his start wore on. Just under half of Jameson’s starts as a Cub have been quality starts. We all know that not all quality starts are created equal. Without any digging, there are some clunkers surely within that batch of games. But we also know that there are some good ones that didn’t reach the minimum definition. In the modern game, there a lot of pretty good starts that don’t reach six innings. He’s now gone six innings three straight times. He’s hanging around and giving the team a fighting chance. He’s a good rotation piece for the marathon part of the process.
Importantly, Jameson has stayed largely healthy throughout his Cub tenure. That’s becoming a valuable skill. Any once perceived existence of depth has been decimated by a swath of early season pitching injuries. I’ll admit to having blind spots for players on other rosters around the MLB. I put better than 90% of my baseball focus on the Cubs, so while I self-identify as a pretty knowledgeable Cub fan, I admit to being a casual baseball fan’s knowledge of modern players. That is even worse when it comes to minor league players. Years ago, when the team was rebuilding, I woke up every day to read prospect stories (mostly written by Josh). But again, flying blind. At this point, I have to confess to being largely unaware of more than a third of the present Cub pitchers. I feel like I probably heard the names Hoby Milner and Jacob Webb somewhere in the past and feel like I was vaguely aware of Riley Martin. But I’m going to need a scorecard sooner than later.
It’s hard not to be at least a little distressed about the mounting injury toll. It’s another display of the fickle nature of baseball that the injuries and the first sustained winning streak of the year are contemporaries of one another. You may have heard me say in the past that the road to the top isn’t guaranteed and isn’t a straight line. Ask the Toronto Blue Jays. They seemed to finally break through last year. They are off to a really rough start to 2026. Maybe they’ll be able to draw on some past success to turn their early struggles around. But they certainly don’t yet look like the team that got within a few inches of winning last year’s World Series.
After the Mets leave town, things are going to get a lot harder. The Phillies come to town for four, then the Cubs go west to face the Dodgers and Padres. All of that happens without a day off. Sunday’s game against the reeling Mets is a big one. Get this sweep. It could be almost a month before the Cubs face a team with a losing record. Right now today, it looks like a month straight of games against teams that are over .500 and either in first or second place in their division. This is a brutal stretch of games. The Cubs are probably going to need even more from their offense that has come to life over the last week or so. And they’ll likely doing it while facing better starting pitching and some of the more dominant relievers in the game today.
Oh yeah, also I had the math wrong yesterday on the Cub win pace. Writing at the end of a long day can be challenging. Anyway, the up to date math has the Cubs on an 89-win pace. But hey, they are on a 162-win pace over their last four. Stats are all about framing and context.
Buckle up.
Three Positives:
Jameson Taillon threw six innings, allowing five hits and three walks but only one run. It’s not a work of art, but it led the Cubs to victory.
Ian Happ had a solo homer and drew two walks. He scored twice.
Carson Kelly got only the one plate appearance. That one plate appearance was a three-run homer.
Game 20, April 18: Cubs 4, Mets 2 (11-9)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Carson Kelly (.346). 1-1, HR, 3 RBI, R
Hero: Jameson Taillon (.226). 6 IP, 24 BF, 5 H, 3 BB, ER, 4 K (W 1-1)
Sidekick: Ian Happ (.112). 1-2, HR, 2 BB, RBI, 2 R
THREE GOATS:
Billy Goat: Pete Crow-Armstrong (-.080). 0-3
Goat: Dansby Swanson (-.068). 0-3
Kid: Nico Hoerner/Alex Bregman (-.063). 0-4/0-4
WPA Play of the Game: Carson Kelly’s three-run pinch hit homer with two outs in the sixth inning. (.340)
*Mets Play of the Game: Mark Vientos hit a solo shot with one out in the second inning for the game’s first run. (.110)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 19 Winner: Nico Hoerner received 119 of 191 votes
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Nico Hoerner +12.5
Carson Kelly +7
Edward Cabrera/Daniel Palencia +5
Phil Maton -6
Matt Shaw -8
Pete Crow-Armstrong -15
Up Next: The Cubs will seek their first sweep and five-game winning streak of the season. Javier Assad (1-1, 8.10, 10 IP) makes his third start of the year. Tobias Myers is a 27-year-old righty, originally drafted by the Orioles with the 181st overall pick in the 2016 draft out of Winter Haven, Florida. This season he is 0-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 relief innings. He started six games last year as a Brewer. He doesn’t appear stretched out to start. David Peterson normally takes this turn in the Mets rotation but has allowed 14 ER in just 19.2 IP.
There a lot of teams that face the Cubs and I feel sorry for. The Mets are not one of them, despite having a family member who is a (NJ resident) Mets fan. Kick them while they are down and sweep this series.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 18: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners is out as he slides into second base and Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers throws the ball to first base for a double play during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park on April 18, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, folks…
The Texas Rangers fell to the Seattle Mariners last night by a score of 7-3.
Evan Grant writes that the Rangers continue to be bedeviled by George Kirby.
Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle played a role in Columbus' clutch win over the Flyers, as he scored two goals in the contest. With this, there is no question that he helped the Blue Jackets pick up this much-needed victory.
For the second straight season, the Carolina Hurricanes have played a part in eliminating the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Stanley Cup Playoffs just one day before their last regular-season game.
Mathieu Olivier has been an outstanding fit on the Columbus Blue Jackets' roster since his arrival to the team during the 2022-23 season. It is exactly why he earned a six-year, $18 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets last March.
Boone Jenner (13) scored the only goal for the Blue Jackets in the season finale, as they were dumped by Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
Jet Greaves stopped 19 of 21 Caps shots, including 7 while shorthanded in the loss. Greaves played a really good game, but the rest of his teammates seemed to pack it in for the season.
Kirill Marchenko - 27 - He finished the 2025-26 season leading the team in goals for the third-straight season (tied in 2024-25), while also ranking second in points as well as third in assists. He is only the second player in franchise history to score 20-plus goals in their first four seasons with the club (R.J. Umberger).
Adam Fantilli - 24 - Took a slight step down in goals as he had 31 last season.
Zach Werenski - 22 - Werenski led league defensemen in even strength goals. and had 4 power play goals.
Charlie Coyle - 20 - He scored 20 goals in a season for only the third time in his career (25 in 2023-24 with Boston & 21 in 2015-16 with Minnesota). He had 7 power play goals.
Mason Marchment - 19 - Scored 15 after being traded to Columbus. His 19 are the second highest of his career. He had 3 power play goals.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will re-sign head coach Rock Bowness to a new contract. The deal is for next season. With him coming back and having a shortened preseason with the team, can he take this team to the next level? Stay Tuned!
Following the 2026 NHL trade deadline, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets were among the teams that targeted forward Bobby McMann before he was traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Seattle Kraken.
One of the positives is the injury situation. For the most part, the team stayed relatively healthy throughout the season. The problem was the timing of the injuries. Damon Severson and Mathieu Olivier's late-season injuries seemed to slow the CBJ to a crawl.
The Blue Jackets finished with 218 man-games lost. In 2024-25, they had 309, 563 in 23-24, and 541 in 22-23.
There are 22 different players on the playoff teams this season. All teams except the Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers have ex-Jackets on their rosters. Many others work in the various front offices, but we'll stick to players today.
Boone Jenner (12), Charlie Coyle (19,20-PPG), Kirill Marchenko (27-GWG), and Sean Monahan (13) powered the Blue Jackets' offense in a 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.
Mason Marchment (19) and Adam Fantilli (24) scored the only goals in a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Sunday night. Jet Greaves made 19 saves in the loss.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' Stanley Cup Playoff hopes are officially on life support. For the second year in a row, the CBJ will go down to the wire and will most likely be eliminated. It's not officially over, but it's close.
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, 2025, where the CBJ will most likely pick 14 or 15.
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Who will be crowned NBA champions for the 2025-26 season? That's the question basketball fans are looking forward to finding out as the playoffs officially got underway on Saturday, April 18.
But for those who can't wait until the Finals are over in mid-June, we have some clues.
USA TODAY Sports simulated each series of this year's playoff bracket 100 different times to come up with an idea of the most likely outcomes.
Starting with ESPN's Basketball Power Index figures, we built an engine with Microsoft Copilot that ran all 100 simulations at once. And here are the results.
Simulated NBA championship results
The top-seeded and defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder came out on top in the majority of our 100 simulations. But it wasn't a runaway by any means.
However, just four different teams were represented as champions in at least one simulation.
The final tally:
Oklahoma City Thunder: 55%
Detroit Pistons: 30%
Boston Celtics: 10%
San Antonio Spurs: 5%
Not surprisingly, those four teams make up the top seeds in each conference.
Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson were the supposed jewels of the 2023 NBA Draft. Three years later, they meet in their playoff debuts after very different paths to this point.
Wembanayma and the San Antonio Spurs look like title contenders for the next decade, while Henderson and the Portland Trail Blazers are quite possibly already stuck on the proverbial treadmill of mediocrity.
My Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions and these NBA picks trust Wembanyama to deliver in his postseason debut on Sunday, April 19.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction
Who will win Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 1?
Spurs: The San Antonio Spurs should focus on wrapping up this series quickly if they dream of a long postseason run. The specter of the Denver Nuggets in the second round, or even the Minnesota Timberwolves, should worry the Spurs enough to emphasize rest and recovery before the second round.
Expect a sweep in this series, beginning with a Game 1 win by the home team.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 points (-115)
Welcome to the playoffs, Victor Wembanyama. Debuting as a No. 2 seed is already an impressive accomplishment from the young San Antonio Spurs superstar, not that he does not have grander ambitions in mind.
While the 7-foot-4 Frenchman is a difficult matchup for every team in the NBA, he should be particularly frustrating for the Portland Trail Blazers. At 7-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Donovan Clingan is a massive human being, but he's not quite quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.
Unfortunately for us, Wembanyama never actually played against the Trail Blazers this season, missing all three of those games for various reasons, but this presumption still holds up to scrutiny.
He should get a pile of open looks from deep in this matchup, and shooting 34.9% this season from beyond the arc justifies every one of those attempts.
Wembanyama started showing postseason form before the regular season ended, clearing this prop in four of his final five games. In fact, he scored 40+ points in three of those.
The playoffs may need to brace for Victor Wembanyama.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay
Clingan has all the looks of a 15-year contributor in the NBA. He may never be All-NBA, but he is a legitimate player. Yet, his playoff debut may be one to forget simply because of Victor Wembanyama’s two-way influence.
Perhaps Wembanyama’s focus will wane in this first round, but that should not come on either end of the court in Game 1.
Portland's best hope of remaining competitive in both this series and particularly this Game 1 is to slow down the pace. Portland has been off since Tuesday’s win in the Play-In Tournament, but it still had to get to San Antonio and prep for the Spurs.
With the clear talent disadvantage, taking some air out of the ball will increase the variance and give Portland at least a puncher’s chance.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 Points
Trail Blazers +11
Under 221
Trail Blazers vs Spurs odds for Game 1
Spread: Trail Blazers +11 | Spurs -11
Moneyline: Trail Blazers +450 | Spurs -600
Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221
Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Trail Blazers have gone 6-2 ATS in their last eight games, exceeding bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 6.3 points even when including the two ATS losses. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 1
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Trail Blazers vs Spurs latest injuries
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When the decibel level inside Crypto.com Arena surpasses 100 dB, you typically know which superstar caused it.
Maybe Luka Doncic just hit a one-legged 3 as he fell into the first row.
Maybe LeBron James just threw down a thunderous one-handed slam off the fast break.
Maybe Austin Reaves just broke a defender’s ankles with a crossover and hit a fadeaway jumper plus the foul.
But on Saturday night for Game 1 of the NBA playoffs between the Rockets and the Lakers, the noise was for someone else, someone nobody expected.
It was for Luke Kennard.
Luke Kennard led the Lakers to a playoff victory against the Rockets. Getty Images
Kennard is the type of player that most teams treat like a luxury, not a lifeline. But without Doncic and Reaves, Kennard had the Lakers looking organized and dangerous.
Kennard didn’t just step into a bigger role in the Lakers’ 107-98 Game 1 win over the Rockets. He hijacked the entire premise of this series. Houston came in expecting to load up on LeBron and dare other Lakers players to beat them.
Kennard didn’t just accept the dare. He embarrassed it.
Kennard hits a jumper over Jabari Smtih Jr. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“That was my matchup, and he went off; I gotta be better than that,” said Rockets forward Amen Thompson, one of the NBA’s best defenders who was tasked with guarding Kennard in Game 1.
Kennard torched the Rockets for 27 points. He was 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. He achieved a milestone in the process, becoming the third player in franchise playoff history to hit 100% from deep on five or more attempts, joining Robert Horry (1997) and Byron Scott (1991).
It was also the second-most points scored by a player in their Lakers playoff debut.
“I like that he was invested in shooting 3s. He played a fantastic basketball game,” coach JJ Redick said. “He was really aggressive tonight.”
Aggressive is the right word. But incomplete.
Kennard wasn’t just aggressive — he was decisive. There’s a difference, and it matters in the playoffs. Aggression can be reckless. Decisiveness is controlled.
And for a Lakers team that has spent the last two weeks searching for an offensive identity without its top two scorers, Kennard provided the clarity they’ve been missing.
Kennard stepped up as the Lakers were missing key pieces to their roster. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers’ offense, led by Kennard and James, was methodical in its approach. They were intentional and efficient. They ran the plays they wanted and hit the shots they created.
“I thought we executed very well,” Kennard said after the win. “We stayed poised and organized throughout that entire game.”
For Kennard, he’s had to adapt to his role changing on the fly. Acquired at the trade deadline from the Hawks for Gabe Vincent, Kennard was a spot-up 3-point shooter off the bench for the Lakers.
The front office believed it needed a 3-point shooter who could hit open shots when defenses collapsed on LeBron and Doncic. Kennard’s buzzer-beater against the Magic on March 21 was direct proof of that.
LUKE KENNARD HITS THE GO-AHEAD 3 TO WIN IT FOR THE LAKERS
Then Doncic went down April 2, and everything changed.
With one hamstring strain, Kennard was thrust into the role of Lakers starting point guard. He went from spotting up, spacing the floor and staying out of the way of the stars to becoming one of the organizers of them.
“Honestly, I feel like those games leading up to right now, I developed a rhythm kind of playing in that role,” Kennard said. “It gave me confidence going into the playoffs … just being aggressive.”
Confidence is contagious in playoff settings. But it’s also fragile.
Kennard won’t be perfect from 3 every night. The Rockets will inevitably adjust. They’ll close out harder on him. They’ll start double-teaming him, forcing someone else to make shots. Playoff basketball demands constant recalibration.
“He was way too comfortable early in the first quarter, and that got them going,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of Kennard. “We gotta do a better job on him. 9-13, 5-5 from 3, he’s way too comfortable.”
Luke Kennard on his game-high 27 points tonight, his aggression and LeBron James setting the tone. pic.twitter.com/KgeVezbGTT
Thankfully for the Lakers, Kennard doesn’t need to always be perfect to be effective. He just needs to remain confident, aggressive and involved.
“He kept the defense always off balance tonight,” James said of Kennard.
Kennard forces defenses into uncomfortable math. Help on LeBron and he’ll kill you from 3. Stay home on the shooters and LeBron can drive to the basket or run the pick and roll in the paint with Deandre Ayton.
“He is the No. 1 shooter in the NBA … but now he’s doing it in the playoffs when it really counts,” Ayton said. “I was speechless tonight. 5-for-5 from 3 in the playoffs as a Laker? Yeah, that hits different.”
Deandre Ayton on his game tonight, his confidence on the court, and what he saw from Luke Kennard tonight. pic.twitter.com/tIr0Wt57eU
When the Lakers traded for Kennard in early February, they weren’t doing it to save their season. They were hoping to acquire a specialist. A luxury piece.
But injuries don’t care about roster design. They expose it.
And in Game 1, Kennard didn’t just fill a role. He reshaped the entire structure of the Lakers’ offense without Doncic and Reaves.
So if you’re the Rockets, the problem isn’t that Kennard scored 27 points or had a perfect shooting night from 3. It’s the possibility that this new version of Kennard — controlled, aggressive, organized — won’t disappear as the series goes on.
Because if he doesn’t, then the Lakers aren’t just surviving this series. They’re flipping the entire thing on its head.
And maybe, just maybe, Kennard was acquired to save the season after all.
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The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics kick off their Round 1 battle at TD Garden this afternoon, and there is a flurry of NBA player prop projections to take advantage of.
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76ers Game 1 computer picks
Andre Drummond Over 6.5 points (-105)
Projection: 8.44 points
With Embiid sidelined, Andre Drummond will have his number called in this series, and he's averaged 12 points per game over his last three games and scored 14 and 10 in his last two against Boston.
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Adem Bona Over 3.5 points (+100)
Projection: 4.53 points
Adem Bona averaged 5.7 points per game in his last six regular-season games, including two games of 10 and 13. This is a low bar to clear.
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VJ Edgecombe Over 14.5 points (-115)
Projection: 16.99 points
VJ Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game as a rookie and went Over this number in three of his last four, including 19 against the Magic in the 7/8 Play-In game.
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Celtics Game 1 computer picks
Derrick White Over 4.5 assists (+135)
Projection: 5.54 assists
Derrick White averaged 5.4 assists per game this season and logged eight and seven assists in his last two games against the Sixers.
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Sam Hauser Over 6.5 points (-133)
Projection: 9.12 points
Sam Hauser's confidence will be sky-high entering the playoffs after he finished the regular season by scoring 24 points against the Pelicans and shooting 8-for-12 from deep.
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Derrick White Over 13.5 points
Projection: 16.28 points
White's shooting percentage came back up to 47.8% in April after three straight months of below 40% shooting. He also averaged 19.8 points per game against Philly this season and cleared this total in all four games.
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How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 1
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Jack Clarke fired home an 87th-minute penalty to save a point for Ipswich in a pulsating 2-2 draw with their promotion rivals. Jarred Gillett awarded the spot-kick when he adjudged Adilson Malanda had tugged the substitute George Hirst in the box.
Middlesbrough, who are on a seven-match winless run, went ahead through David Strelec only for Kasey McAteer to equalise five minutes later. The visitors took the lead through Tommy Conway but Clarke’s spot-kick meant a point apiece.
That trio only spent 45 minutes together in the regular season, but the returns were undeniably good. Vegas controlled 67% of the shot attempts, 75% of the expected goals, and 78% of the scoring chances with them on the ice at 5-on-5.
Marner is very pass-happy, and both Stone and Eichel scored more goals, making it natural for Marner to focus on creating for others rather than himself.
Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 1 same-game parlay
Jack Eichel regained his scoring touch at the end of the season, scoring in two of his final three games to help the Golden Knights claim top spot in the Pacific Division.
Skating with two heady playmakers in Marner and Stone, he should have plenty of opportunities to put his dangerous shot to use.
We’ll round out the parlay backing Vegas on the moneyline. They are 7-0-1 under Tortorella with exceptional underlying metrics to boot. They have a stronger profile, more high-end talent, and home ice. If the goaltending is close to average, they should win.
Mammoth vs Golden Knights SGP
Mitch Marner Over 0.5 points
Jack Eichel anytime goal
Golden Knights moneyline
Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 1 goal scorer pick
Dylan Guenther (+180)
Dylan Guenther enters the playoffs in fine form, having scored six goals over his last nine games. He is a clinical finisher who doesn’t need a bevy of chances to find the net. That’s especially true in this matchup. The Golden Knights ranked 27th in team save percentage, and goaltending has the potential to be their Achilles heel.
Mammoth vs Golden Knights odds for Game 1
Moneyline: Mammoth +130 | Golden Knights -150
Puck Line: Mammoth +1.5 (-200) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+115)
Mammoth vs Golden Knights trend
Mitch Marner recorded at least one assist in 56% of his home games this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Mammoth vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 1
Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Mammoth vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The 2026 NBA Playoffs open in San Antonio with a fascinating contrast in styles as the No. 2 seed Spurs host the No. 7 seed Portland Trail Blazers on NBC and Peacock. The matchup marks the postseason return of playoff basketball to Texas for the first time in seven years. The Spurs (62-20) have been one of the league's dominant forces since February, led by the incredible all-around play of third-year superstar Victor Wembanyama, who averaged 25 points and 3.1 blocks this season. Its been a beat as well for Portland (42-40) since they have seen the postseason. This is the Blazers’ first playoff appearance and in fact, first winning season since the 2020-21 campaign. The Trail Blazers secured the seventh seed with a 114-110 win at Phoenix in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday. Led by Deni Avdija (24.2 ppg and 6.7 apg) Portland is looking to become just the 4th team to win a playoff series after advancing through the Play-In Tournament since it was adopted in its current format in 2021.
San Antonio won the regular season series, 2-1, including a 112-101 home win on April 8. Wembanyama did not play in any of the Spurs’ 3 games against Portland. It is the only team he did not face this season.
This matchup also pits former high-profile college teammates against each other as UConn Huskies’ Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle get set to battle. Each are major factors on the Blazers and Spurs respectively. Clingan finished the regular season as the NBA’s leading offensive rebounder (4.5 OREB/gm) and 3rd in the NBA in overall rebounding (11.6 rpg). He also led the NBA in total rebounds (892) and total offensive rebounds (a franchise-record 347). Castle followed up his 2024-25 Rookie of the Year campaign with improvements across the board in points and rebounds as well as a team-leading 7.4 assists per game.
This series may well come down to which team controls the boards. Behind Clingan’s NBA-leading 4.5 offensive rebounds per game, the Trail Blazers were second in the NBA in offensive rebounding (14.1 OREB/gm) and led the NBA in second chance points (18.4 per game) during the regular season. Conversely, thanks in large part to Wembanyama’s 9.5 defensive rebounds per game (second in the NBA, behind only Nikola Jokic’s 9.9/gm), the Spurs led the NBA in defensive rebounds per game (35.6) and allowed the 4th-fewest 2nd chance points in the NBA (13.7 per gm). The breakdown of this matchup may well be that simple.
This will be the fifth playoff meeting between San Antonio and Portland but the first since 2014. The Spurs have won the most recent three series.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 9PM EST
Site: Frost Bank Center
City: San Antonio, TX
Network/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs
The latest odds as of Sunday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Portland Trail Blazers (+400), San Antonio Spurs (-535)
Spread: Spurs -10.5
Total: 221.5 points
This game opened Spurs -10.5 with the Game Total set at 222.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers
PG Jrue Holiday
SG Scoot Henderson
C Donovan Clingan
SF Toumani Camara
PF Deni Avdija
San Antonio Spurs
G Stephon Castle
PG De’Aaron Fox
G Devin Vassell
SF Julian Champagnie
PF Victor Wembanyama
Injury Report: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been declared OUT of Sunday’s game
San Antonio Spurs
Jordan McLaughlin (ankle) has been declared OUT of Sunday’s game
David Jones Garcia (ankle) has been declared OUT of Sunday’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs
The Spurs are 32-8 at home this season
The Blazers are 19-23 on the road this season
The Spurs are 45-36-2 ATS this season
Portland is 45-38 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 43 of the Trail Blazers’ 83 games this season (43-40)
The OVER has cashed in 36 of the Spurs’ 83 games this season (36-47)
Victor Wembanyama scored 30 points with 10 blocks the last time he faced Portland (December 2024)
Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter spent 5 of his 7 NBA seasons as a player with San Antonio (2010-15) and was a member of the Spurs’ most recent NBA title-winning team in 2014
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Sunday’s Trail Blazers and Spurs’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Blazers +10.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is Recommending a play on the Game Total UNDER 221.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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Magic Game 1 computer picks
Franz Wagner Under 17.5 points (-135)
Projection: 15.86 points
This is a matchup fade. Franz Wagner relies on rhythm and driving lanes, and those are harder to come by in a playoff opener against a physical defense. If he’s forced into more contested halfcourt looks, the efficiency drops, and so does the path to 18+.
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Wendell Carter Jr. Over 0.5 threes (-110)
Projection: 0.92 threes
You only need one, and the role supports it. Wendell Carter Jr. spaces the floor in this offense, especially when defenses collapse on Banchero. If he’s playing starter minutes, he’s getting multiple clean looks from deep. This is more about opportunity than volume.
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Paolo Banchero Under 22.5 points (+100)
Projection: 21.88 points
This is where playoff basketball tightens up. Paolo Banchero will get his touches, but the Pistons can load up defensively and make him work through contact on every possession. Unless he’s living at the line, this number is a bit inflated for a Game 1 environment.
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Pistons Game 1 computer picks
Jalen Duren Under 20.5 points (-110)
Projection: 16.90 points
This line is mispriced for his role. Jalen Duren isn’t a primary scorer. He feeds off lobs, putbacks, and easy looks. In a slower game with fewer transition chances, those opportunities shrink. Asking him to clear 20 requires an outlier performance.
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Isaiah Stewart Over 6.5 points (-115)
Projection: 9.01 points
Low line, steady role. Isaiah Stewart doesn’t need volume to clear this, just minutes and a couple of made shots. In a physical matchup, he’s going to be involved, whether it’s second-chance points or spot-up looks. This is one of the cleaner numbers on the board.
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Cade Cunningham Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection:24.99 points
This is a ceiling fade. Cade Cunningham will have the ball, but playoff defenses are built to force it out of his hands late in possessions. If the Magic send help and make others beat them, his scoring becomes more volatile. You’re betting on resistance, not lack of usage.
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How to watch Magic vs Pistons Game 1
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
6:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
After what seemed like a never-ending wait, the puck will drop on game 1 of the Montreal Canadiens’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is only the fifth series between the two sides, and Martin St-Louis’ men have a 1-3 record against their host in playoff series (2004, 2014, 2015, 2021). The Canadiens’ sole series win over the Bolts came in 2014, when Montreal swept Tampa, which was without its number one goaltender at the time, Ben Bishop.
Of course, everyone remembers the last series between the two sides, the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, which the Bolts won 4-1, outscoring the Habs 17-8. They certainly weren’t without their number one goaltender then, as Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Conn Smythe Trophy that year. In their four-series matchup, the Bolts have outscored the Canadiens 58-42, but this will be the first playoff series for this new iteration of the Canadiens, built first and foremost around the offensive talent of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson.
The teams have split the honors of their 4-game season series, with Tampa winning the first two games in December and Montreal winning the last two in March and April. Tampa outscored the Canadiens 12-11 in the season series (the sixth goal in their 6-5 win doesn’t count as it was a shootout win). Interestingly, the Bolts have scored four goals in each period while the Canadiens have scored seven of their 11 goals in the third frame.
Overall, Tampa has a 16-23 record in Game 1 for a .410-win percentage, but their home record in the first game of a series stands at 8-13 for a .381-win percentage. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have a 75-50 record in Game 1 for a .600-win percentage, but when Game 1 is on the road, it’s a lot more complicated for the Habs, who have a 13-32 record for a lowly .289 win percentage.
The young Canadiens obviously do not have much experience in the playoffs, Brendan Gallagher is the most experienced player at Martin St-Louis’ disposal with 76 postseason games to his name, in which he gathered 33 points. 15 of those games were played against Tampa, during which he picked up nine points. Phillip Danault has played in 62 playoff games, scoring 28 points in the process, which includes only five games against the Bolts in which he could only muster one point. Josh Anderson wraps up the Canadiens’ top-three in playoff experience with 48 games across which he picked up 15 points. Only 9 of those games were against Tampa, but he still scored 4 points against them.
As for Suzuki, he has 37 games of playoff experience in which he gathered 25 points. He’s obviously only faced Tampa five times in the postseason, and had three points in those five duels. As for Caufield, he has played in 25 playoff games, picking up 16 points, including seven goals. However, none of his seven goals came against the Lightning; in five duels, he could only muster three assists.
Meanwhile, the Bolts have a wealth of experience. Corey Perry has 237 playoff games to his name, the fourth-highest total in NHL history. He’s also picked up 141 points in the postseason. This will, however, be his first time playing against the Canadiens in the playoffs. Ryan McDonagh has played 196 playoff games and picked up 68 points in the process. Unlike Perry, he has plenty of postseason experience against Montreal. He has faced the Canadiens 17 times, picking up 15 points in the process. Victor Hedman, who’s currently not playing but should still be around the team according to Cooper, has played 170 playoff games and picked up 120 points in the process. 15 of those games were against Montreal, and he gathered eight points.
As for Nikita Kucherov, he has appeared in 152 playoff games, putting up 171 points; he’s the Bolts’ highest postseason scorer. In 13 playoff games against the Habs, he’s put up 13 points. Montreal will also need to keep a close eye on Jake Guentzel, who has 73 points in 74 playoff games and three points in four postseason duels with the Habs.
In net, Vasilevskiy is hands-down the most experienced masked man in the series with 120 playoff appearances, including 67 wins with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. Six of those games were against Montreal, and his stats are even better against the Habs; he’s got a 1.95 GAA and a .934 SV.
Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes has only played parts of three postseason games, winning one. He has a 2.91 GAA and a .881 SV. None of those games were against the Bolts, since he only faced the Washington Capitals in the playoffs. As for Jacob Fowler, this will be his first NHL playoff series, but last season in the AHL, he played eight postseason games, went 3-3, posted a 2.48 GAA, and a .902 SV%.
Clearly, the Canadiens are the underdogs in this meeting, but they are still much more prepared to face this challenge than they were last year against Washington. The game is set for 5:45 PM, and you can catch it on The Spot, HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS, and CBC. Jake Brenk and Francois St-Laurent are set to officiate, while Shandor Alphonso and Julien Fournier will be the linemen.
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Pistons