Konnor Griffin’s nine-year, $140 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates includes a $12 million signing bonus payable over the next two years.
Pittsburgh’s deal with the 19-year-old shortstop, announced April 8, can increase to $150 million based on his finish in MVP voting, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.
Griffin gets $5 million of his signing bonus within 30 days of the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball and $3.5 million each next April 1 and on April 1, 2028.
He gets salaries of $1 million this year, $2 million in 2027, $4 million in 2028, $6 million in 2029, $12.5 million in 2030, $21 million in 2031, $26.5 million in 2032 and $27.5 million each in 2033 and 2034.
His 2032 and 2033 salaries can escalate by up to $2.5 million based on MVP voting from 2026-31: $1.5 million for winning, $750,000 for second or third and $500,000 for fourth through 10th. His 2034 salary can escalate by up to $5 million based on the same levels in MVP voting from 2026-33.
Griffin receives a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block being dealt to six teams without his consent. He gets a hotel suite on road trips.
His deal supersedes a one-year agreement calling for the $780,000 minimum salary while in the major leagues and a $127,100 salary in the event he was sent back to the minors.
Griffin, who turns 20 next week, debuted on April 3 and is hitting .189 with five RBIs in his first 12 major league games.
He is among four top prospects to get a big-money deal since late March, joined by an eight-year, $150 million contract for 21-year Detroit infielder Kevin McGonigle, an eight-year, $95 million agreement for 20-year-old Seattle shortstop Colt Emerson and an eight-year, $50.75 million pact for 21-year-old Milwaukee shortstop Cooper Pratt.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: Justin Lawrence #61 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on September 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Washington Nationals this afternoon at beautiful PNC Park, where they hope to raise the Jolly Roger.
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While the Montreal Canadiens had a day off on Wednesday, their marketing and social media teams certainly weren’t off. The playoffs in Montreal are about so much more than what happens on the ice. In a town where hockey is king and generates most of the water cooler discussions, when the Habs make the spring dance, there’s a particular feeling in the air, an effervescence which normally starts from the moment they qualify to the end of the playoff run. In 2021, that meant all the way to July 7, when the Sainte-Flanelle was beaten in the Final by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Last year, it was short and sweet, as the Habs were defeated in five games by the Washington Capitals.
This year? It seems like the spark happened much earlier. With Cole Caufield scoring 50 goals, Nick Suzuki getting to 100 points, Juraj Slafkovsky having his big awakening and Lane Hutson tying a Larry Robinson record, the city has been pumped for some time. That doesn’t mean the Canadiens didn’t think it was necessary to pump it up even more. On Wednesday, the social media team released a pump-up song for the playoffs, an opus featuring Mascouche-born country recording artist Rick Duff, the Road Dogs and Bell Centre organist Diane Bibaud.
The song, titled Killer Instinct marks an interesting departure from the rock songs we normally hear in those circumstances. However, given how many Canadiens players always attend the Lasso Festival in the Summer, it’s not a shocking turn of events. Whatever the style, a song set to a video of the Canadiens’ highlights will always be well-received in town.
Rick Duff, Diane Bibaud et le groupe ont le Killer instinct en vue du hockey des séries! Visionnez le vidéoclip dès maintenant et pré-enregistrez la chanson, disponible le 16 avril!
Rick Duff, Diane Bibaud and the band have the Killer Instinct heading into the playoffs! Watch… pic.twitter.com/HhQtReABxV
Furthermore, local singer Jerome Charlebois also released a new version of his father Robert Charlebois’ iconic song Je reviendrai à Montreal (I will come back to Montreal) on the 50th anniversary of the hit. This time around, though, it’s centered on the Canadiens. While this one is not a pump-up song by any means but rather a ballad, it’s sure to bring back some nice memories for Montreal fans, and what better time for that than just before the start of the playoffs?
En l'honneur du 50e anniversaire de « Je reviendrai à Montréal », et juste à temps pour les séries de 2026, Jérôme Charlebois a enregistré une nouvelle version du classique de son père, Robert
In honor of the 50th anniversary of "Je reviendrai à Montréal", and just in time for… pic.twitter.com/vEMsd6C4Zr
Of course, in this day and age, many fans are also taking to social media to share their own video montage of the season. But I came across one that’s particularly well done by Danielle Lapierre and goes through the last five years in Habsland, set to the amazing Coldplay song Fix You, which has become an anthem for the Canadiens. From the 2021 Stanley Cup defeat and those who have left the game since, the arrival of Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis, the drafting of Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov, to this year’s highlights, this one is sure to hit Canadiens fans right in the feels. Are you ready for puck drop, Montreal?
The Colorado Avalanche have piled up the wins down the stretch, but they haven’t scored much along the way.
With nothing to play for and key pieces likely to sit, my Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions and NHL picks expect the road team to keep this one close.
Kraken vs Avalanche prediction
Kraken vs Avalanche best bet: Kraken +1.5 (-155)
The Colorado Avalanche have still won plenty of late, but the explosive offense hasn’t been there, with the high-powered Avs scoring three goals or fewer in seven consecutive games.
That trend likely continues against the Seattle Kraken. Nathan MacKinnon hinted key Avalanche players could be watching this one from the seats. With nothing to play for, this sets up as a lower-scoring affair.
While Seattle is limping to the finish line, many players are trying to better position themselves for paydays this summer or bigger roles next season.
Expect the Kraken to put forth a competitive effort and keep this close.
Kraken vs Avalanche same-game parlay
Matty Beniers is centering Bobby McMann and Jordan Eberle on Seattle’s top line. It just so happens that McMann and Eberle rank first and second among Kraken players in goals this season. He has great linemates to make the most of his playmaking ability.
The Avalanche have played in seven straight Unders and are likely to sit most of their best players, leaving less firepower to gain separation or push this game Over the number.
The Avalanche have cashed the Under in 14 of their last 20 games for +9.8 units and a 45% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends for Kraken vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Kraken vs Avalanche
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Kraken vs Avalanche 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.
Several Florida Panthers rookies collected some very special pucks on Wednesday night.
Playing in the final game of an injury-riddled season, the Panthers dressed several of the team’s young prospects against the Detroit Red Wings.
“They’ve been good for us,” Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said of the rookies. “We put them in a tough spot – we had six guys who play in the American league on defense – and they really played well.”
During Florida’s 5-1 victory, three of those youngsters accomplished some extremely special achievements.
We’ll touch on them all as they happened chronologically.
First it was forward Wilmer Skoog picking up the primary assist on Vinnie Hinostroza’s goal 4:57 into the game.
It was Skoog’s first NHL point in just his third NHL game.
The next big moment came about halfway through the game.
With Florida on the power play, A.J. Greer scored his 17th goal of the season on assists by Noah Gregor and rookie defenseman Ludvig Jansson.
Jansson, playing in only his fourth NHL game, had his first point in the National as well.
“It’s a surreal feeling, just being here,” Jansson said. “Scoring my first point in this game, the last game of the (season) up here, just trying to gain all this confidence and go back to Charlotte and have a good run there.”
But wait, there’s more!
Defenseman Mike Benning had one heck of a night, picking up his first NHL goal on a shot that took a crazy couple of bounces, going off the glass and the back of goaltender John Gibson’s skate before trickling over the goal line.
“I thought Skoog scored, to be honest,” Benning said. “I thought he would be celebrating too but he’s a pretty honest guy, he’s a good teammate as well. I didn’t know, but he pointed at me and said, ‘It’s all yours’ so I just had a smile and went back to work.”
He wasn’t done there, scoring his second NHL goal just 3:02 later, this time putting it in the net the traditional way after receiving a gorgeous cross-ice pass from fellow blueliner Donovan Sebrango.
“When you’ve got Sebrango putting it on your tape back door, it’s pretty easy, all you’ve got to do is hit the net,” Benning said. “Playing with players like him, and even older guys, it’s easy, you’ve just got to get open.”
Fast forward to the third period, when rookie defenseman Mikulas Hovorka logged an assist on Cole Schwindt’s fifth goal of the season.
The assist was Hovorka’s first in the NHL that came during the 24-year-old’s fourth game in the league.
“It feels pretty good, to be honest,” he said. “It’s a great experience every time you get a chance to play in the NHL against top players. Watching that league growing up, it’s surreal, for sure.”
To summarize, four Florida rookies hit major milestones on their respective career paths on Wednesday: three picked up their first NHL points and another scored his first NHL goals.
It’s a night that will not be forgotten by any of those players, or their families.
“They’ll be on the phone tonight,” Maurice said. “It’s wonderful for their parents to get to see their son have a big night.”
Additionally, the knowledge and familiarity gained by these young Panthers will benefit them exponentially as they move forward.
For now, that means gearing up for a Calder Cup Playoff run with AHL Charlotte. Afterwards, it will be time to start preparing for next season, something that should come a little easier after absorbing some valuable NHL experience.
“It was super fun,” said Jansson. “It’s a childhood dream coming true.”
“It was nice, it’s a cherry on top, for sure,” added Benning. “Those opportunities will come if you just play the right way and gain the trust of the coaches.”
Photo caption: Apr 15, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Benning (20) celebrates with right wing MacKie Samoskevich (11) after scoring against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Bryson Tiller is leaving Kansas for bitter rival Missouri after a promising and productive freshman season with the Jayhawks.
The 6-foot-11 forward arrived in Lawrence before the spring semester in 2025 and redshirted before playing last season, when Tiller was a regular in the starting lineup. He averaged 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds, and one of his best games for Kansas came against the Tigers, when he had 13 points, five rebounds and five blocks in an 80-60 rout at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Missouri has been active in the transfer portal, landing Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey and Providence forward Jamier Jones.
Tiller visited the Tigers on Sunday and made the decision to join coach Dennis Gates over interest from Michigan, Georgia Tech, NC State, Arizona and others. He visited Miami but canceled a planned visit to Arizona.
Kansas already lost another big man, Flory Bidunga, who decided to transfer to Louisville.
NEW YORK — The Dodgers shattered Major League Baseball’s spending record with a combined $515 million in payroll and luxury tax last year en route to their second straight World Series title, according to final figures compiled by the commissioner’s office, and Los Angeles is projected for the highest total again in 2026.
Los Angeles’ 2025 spending included records for payroll at $345.3 million and tax of $169.4 million for a total of $514.6 million. Despite several contracts discounted to reflect deferred payments, the Dodgers’ total was seven times the $68.7 million payroll of the Miami Marlins, the lowest-spending team, and more than the payrolls of the bottom six clubs combined.
Spending by the Dodgers last year topped the previous high of $430.4 million by the 2024 New York Mets — and Los Angeles’ total didn’t include the $6.5 million signing bonus given pitcher Roki Sasaki as part of a minor league contract.
The Mets and Dodgers combined to spend $948.3 million. The ratio of the five highest spenders to the five lowest increased from 3.6 in 2021 to a record-high 4.7 last year.
The Dodgers in 2025 ended the Mets’ three-year streak as the top payroll, boosted by $8.5 million in earned bonuses by retiring ace Clayton Kershaw.
Los Angeles’ total would have been about $71 million higher but for the use of deferred money for seven players that resulted in discounting for their payroll calculations. Shohei Ohtani counts at $28.2 million because $68 million of his $70 million salary last year isn’t due until 2035.
The Mets finished second in payroll at $342.1 million and with tax had a total spend of $433.7 million.
In the first five seasons after owner Steve Cohen bought the team, the Mets spent $1.44 billion without winning a title: $1.11 billion in payroll and $320 million in tax.
Both the Mets and Dodgers exceeded the previous record-high payroll set by the 2024 Mets at $333.3 million.
Los Angeles is projected as of MLB’s opening-day figures to lead in 2026 spending with a $323.3 million payroll for its 40-man roster and a $163.7 million tax for a $487.1 million total. The Mets began with a record payroll at $358.4 million and have a projected tax of $124.1 million for a $482.5 million spend.
Cleveland has the lowest opening day 40-man payroll this year at $75.5 million.
Total spending, based on regular payrolls, rose 3.1% to $5.32 billion last year from $5.16 billion in 2024 and has increased 31.3% in four seasons under the current labor contract from $4.05 billion in 2021.
Those figures do not include the $50 million annual pre-arbitration bonus pool that began in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement or allocations for benefits, which are included in MLB’s luxury tax payrolls.
Among luxury tax payrolls, eight teams began 2026 over the $244 million tax threshold. The Dodgers ($415.2 million), Mets ($379.2 million) and New York Yankees ($339.6 million) were followed by Toronto ($319.5 million), Philadelphia ($315.2 million), Boston ($263.7 million), San Diego ($260.1 million) and Atlanta ($247.9 million).
The Chicago Cubs started $25,000 under and Detroit $2.5 million below. Payrolls increase and decrease during the season due to trades and roster moves.
The Yankees finished 2025 with the third-highest regular payroll at $301.5 million, followed by Philadelphia ($291.9 million), AL champion Toronto ($253.1 million), Houston ($236.4 million) and Texas ($229.9 million).
Four of the top five spenders reached the playoffs, except the Mets, along with teams whose payrolls ranked ninth, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th.
The Dodgers boosted payroll the most in 2025 at $74.4 million. Other teams with big 2025 increases were Detroit ($61.9 million), Baltimore ($60.2 million to $165.6 million), San Diego ($45.6 million to $217.6 million), Philadelphia ($42.8 million) and Toronto ($34.7 million).
Fifteen teams cut payroll from 2024 to 2025, led by the Chicago White Sox (by $66.1 million to $87.9 million), St. Louis ($39.3 million to $139.1 million), Miami ($29.4 million to $68.8 million) and San Francisco (by $28 million to $182.9 million). The Cardinals have further slashed payroll to $102.3 million on opening day this year, and that includes about $47.4 million attributable to trades involving three players no longer with the Cardinals: Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.
The Yankees cut payroll by $9.4 million from 2024 to 2025 and have raised it to $302.8 million this year.
Eleven teams topped $200 million in 2025, matching the record set in 2023. Five teams were below $100 million, one more than the record-low in 2024.
Regular payrolls for last year are based on 2025 salaries, earned bonuses and prorated shares of signing bonuses and non-cash compensation for 40-man rosters. Deferred salaries and bonus payments are discounted to present-day values, and termination pay, option buyouts and cash transactions among clubs are accounted for.
MLB calculated the average salary as of Aug. 31, the last day before active rosters expanded to 26, at $4,611,595. The players’ association, using a slightly different methodology, arrived at $4,721,393,
Luxury tax is based on payrolls with average annual values that include benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. The players’ association doesn’t think tax payments should be used in measuring disparity because half the tax money goes to a commissioner’s discretionary fund distributed among teams eligible to receive revenue-sharing money which have grown their non-media local revenue.
It's getaway day on the diamond, with a litany of afternoon games to make MLB picks on.
We're getting into our expert's MLB best bets right away, jumping on the first game of the day and carrying into the afternoon based on prices from Polymarket, which allows baseball fans all over the country to jump in on today's MLB action.
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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Nationals/Pirates Under 8.5
Price: 47¢ (+113) at Polymarket
Who doesn't love an afternoon getaway spot with a high total? The wind is still blowing out, but neither the Nationals nor the Pirates took advantage yesterday in a 2-0 game... with just five total hits. The pitching matchup is stronger today, and both bullpens should be fully available. Getaway lineups also tend to feature a few bench bats, which can dilute the offense. This number looks a bit high, with a fair price in the -120 to -115 range, making the plus-money Under worth a look.
Jon Metler's expert pick: Rockies moneyline
Price: 38¢ (+163) at Polymarket
The Rockies may be using an opener in Juan Mejia for this game, but the Astros are getting far too much respect in the market because of it. The Rockies are trading as a 38-cent underdog on Polymarket, but I make them closer to a 42¢ dog in this spot. Ryan Weiss is on the mound for the Astros, and he’s allowing left-handed hitters to bat .357 with a 1.009 OPS this season. That's a problem against a Rockies lineup loaded with lefties at the top, including Mickey Moniak, Edouard Julien, and TJ Rumfield. If those hitters can work the count, Weiss is likely to leave pitches over the heart of the plate that they can attack — especially considering he ranks in just the 7th percentile in hard-hit rate allowed, which is not a good sign for him — but a great sign for our bet.
Neil Parker's expert pick: Orioles moneyline
Price: 48¢ (+108) at Polymarket
Guardians starter Parker Messick will face a tough test today, with the Orioles ranking third in wOBA against southpaws. The 25-year-old lefty has an unsustainable .227 BABIP and 100% strand rate — and the pendulum is set to swing in the opposite direction with a potent Baltimore lineup. Cleveland also ranks 20th in wOBA against righties, and Baltimore starter Shane Baz has allowed three runs or fewer in 22 of his past 34 starts.
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.
We have 11 games on the MLB betting board today and a few of our favorite props are in the early games.
See why I'm backing Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter and Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz with my best freeMLB player propsfor Thursday, April 16.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Jack Leiter
Over 5.5 strikeouts
-110
Yandy Diaz
Over 1.5 total bases
-105
Parker Messick
Under 5.5 strikeouts
-106
Jack Leiter Over 5.5 strikeouts (-110)
Texas Rangers righty Jack Leiter is coming off a rough outing against the Dodgers elite offense. However, he impressed in his first two starts, striking out eight batters versus Baltimore and fanning nine against Cincinnati.
Leiter is in the 88th percentile in strikeout rate (33.3%) and the 94th percentile in whiff rate (37.3%). He came on strong towards the end of his rookie year in 2025, averaging 10.1 K/9 after the All-Star break.
He should mow down an Athletics lineup that strikes out at the second-highest rate in the majors (27.5%) and ranks 26th in whiff rate (29%)
Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC Sports California, Rangers Sports Network
Yandy Diaz Over 1.5 total bases (-105)
The Chicago White Sox will use Jordan Leasure (4.95 xERA) as an opener today with Anthony Kay in a bulk relief role. Kay has a 2.46 ERA but analytics suggest major regression. He's in the fifth percentile in hard-hit rate, and the 10th percentile in xERA (7.26) and xBA (.302).
He'll get roughed up by Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz. Diaz is slashing .369/.468/.569 and has racked up 37 total bases through 17 games. He has the platoon advantage against Kay and there's a 14 mph breeze blowing towards the outfield at Guaranteed Rate Field today.
The rookie has gone below 5.5 strikeouts in two of three starts this season. He doesn't have overpowering stuff and his whiff rate is in the 30th percentile. He generates most of his strikeouts due to a high chase rate but Baltimore doesn't chase many pitches.
The Orioles are 21st in the majors in strikeout rate (23.7%) but have trimmed that number to 19.7% over the last week. There's also a chance they get to Messick early since they have a sizzling .796 OPS against lefties.
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CLEGuardians.TV, MASN
Rohit Ponnaiya's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 2-1, +1.65 units
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 Mets have traded left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady to the Washington Nationals in exchange for cash considerations.
Lovelady was designated for assignment on April 11 when the club called up righty Craig Kimbrel.
The 30-year-old Lovelady appeared in six games for the Mets this season, pitching to a 3.68 ERA in 7.1 innings, striking out six and walking four. Lovelady also appeared in eight games for the Mets last season, when he posted a 6.30 ERA.
The Mets have had to make a number of bullpen moves lately, including releasing Luis Garcia and calling up Kimbrel and Austin Warren.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic during the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Down in South Philadelphia last night, the crowd filled in slowly for the Sixers’ Play-In Tournament matchup with the Magic. Blame traffic concerns if you’d like given that the Phillies were hosting a game across the street too and the simple fact that it was a weeknight. Sitting at Xfinity Mobile Arena before tipoff, both levels of the stands were fairly dead. Would the fan base lay an egg for this one? I couldn’t blame them much if that was the case.
The Sixers were playing for the right to be the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and likely lose to the Celtics in the postseason for the sixth time this century. Joel Embiid was sidelined as he recovers from surgery for appendicitis while his timetable for returning to the court remains unclear. The promises of the Process and those first handful of playoff runs in the Embiid era have evaporated. Most people in this city are bitter about the team, or, even worse, apathetic.
Things, however, shifted as the game progressed. The arena filled up. People were decked out in jerseys from across the decades for the franchise, from Julius Erving to Allen Iverson to even a lingering Dario Šarić that I saw. Fans fed off the energy of the Sixers’ dynamic backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. By the time Andre Drummond, the unsung hero of the evening, nailed a three-pointer with under a minute to go in the first half, the crowd popped. It was as if the clock turned back to a time where anything was possible for the direction of the Sixers as unlimited possibilities were staring at us for the next decade.
I remember being there for the Sixers’ first post-Process playoff game against the Heat in 2018. It may have only been six years since the last time the Sixers were in the postseason, but it felt closer to 60. The Sixers torched Miami in the 27-point victory as vets Marco Belinelli and Ersan İlyasova went supernova off the bench and rookie sensation Ben Simmons dished out 14 assists. It was everything I had dreamed of playing out in front of my own eyes.
I’m a Sixers pessimist. That has been abundantly clear for a while, likely dating back to the team’s 2021 collapse against Atlanta that I’ve never fully recovered from in terms of my fandom. Still, it’s nice to get wrapped up in something bigger than ourselves, right? That’s how it felt watching this team pull out that win. Roaring after yet another improbable Drummond three near the end of the fourth quarter that padded the Sixers’ lead with 20,000 people is what it’s all about.
This all may be fleeting. I am not entertaining a miraculous upset of the Celtics in the coming days. I also imagine quite a few Boston fans, both those from the New England area and the disgusting locals who root for them, will be present and diminish the Sixers’ home court energy. At the very least, this win over Orlando was a call back to what makes playoff basketball so special for the fans in attendance and, maybe, just maybe, a harbinger of brighter days for the franchise in the future (maybe the distant future…).
The Detroit Tigers (9-9) host the Kansas City Royals (7-11) this afternoon at Comerica Park, looking to complete a series sweep and extend their winning streak to six games. The Royals have lost three in a row. As a result, the Tigers have climbed to within a game and a half of Minnesota in the American League Central and the Royals have fallen 3.5 games off the pace.
This series has highlighted two struggling offenses. Detroit has won each of the first two games by the score of 2-1. The Royals managed but six hits and the Tigers seven with Gleyber Torres accounting for three of the seven.
Kansas City has scored an American League-worst 56 runs this season. Only the San Francisco Giants have scored fewer in all of baseball with 55. As a team, the Royals are hitting .214. They have hit just 13 home runs. Their slugging percentage is .330. Metrics suggest they are hitting the ball hard, which suggests things should improve but its rough right now.
As noted earlier, Kansas City will not be the only team on the field in Detroit today that is struggling to score. The Tigers have scored 74 runs to date this season. They rank near the bottom of baseball with a mere 213 total bases in 666 plate appearances.
Now that we know not to expect an offensive bonanza today, lets look at today’s matchup specifically. The Tigers will send right-hander Keider Montero (1-1, 1.74 ERA) to the bump against KC southpaw Kris Bubic (2-1, 2.50 ERA).
Know also that Detroit is now 7-1 at home this season.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game Details and How to Watch: Royals at Tigers
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 1:10PM EST
Site: Comerica Park
City: Detroit, MI
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Royals vs. Tigers
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Kansas City Royals (-122), Detroit Tigers (+102)
Kevin McGonigle has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 games (6-15)
Gleyber Torres was 1 for his last 13 prior to his 3 hits last night
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB 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!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Royals vs. Tigers
The Royals are 8-10 on the Run Line this season
The Tigers are 8-10 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed an MLB-worst 5 times in the Royals’ 18 games this season (5-13)
The OVER has cashed 7 times in the Tigers’ 18 games this season (7-9-2)
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 MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions: Royals at Tigers
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Thursday’s game between the Royals and the Tigers:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Tigers on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 8.5.
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ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale will miss at least the first two weeks of the NBA playoffs because of his sprained right ankle.
Landale averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 regular-season games with Atlanta. He sustained a high ankle sprain on April 1 at Orlando. The Hawks say he “is progressing in his rehabilitation” and “will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.” An update is expected after his re-evaluation.
Atlanta is the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and opens its first-round series at the third-seeded New York Knicks on Saturday.
The Hawks addressed a lack of depth at center — Kristaps Porzingis has been unavailable much of the season and N’Faly Dante is out for the year — by acquiring Landale from Utah for cash considerations in early February. He never played for the Jazz and was with them less than a day after being part of an eight-player trade involving Memphis.
The 30-year-old Landale averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in 45 games for Memphis.
The Australian is in his fifth NBA season. He made his NBA debut with San Antonio in the 2021-22 season and also has played for Phoenix and Houston.
Oct 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics are going to be facing off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs this season after they beat the Orlando Magic 109-97 in the Play-In Tournament. This is the 23rd time that Boston and Philadelphia have faced off against each other, the most in NBA playoff history.
The Celtics have an all time playoff record of 66-50 against the 76ers that dates back to when Philadelphia went by the Syracuse Nationals in the 1950s. Boston is 15-7 all time in playoff series against Philadelphia, dominating the matchup especially in recent memory.
Before we take a trip down memory lane, lets look at the 2026 regular season matchups between Boston and Philadelphia where they split the season series. The first matchup was all the way back to Opening Night on October 22nd where Philly beat Boston 117-116 in TD Garden. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 40 point alongside one of the best rookie debut performances in NBA History from VJ Edgecombe who dropped 34 points. Boston was led by Jaylen Brown and Derrick White who had 25 points each and the Celtics almost won if the game winning shot by Payton Pritchard went in at the final buzzer.
Game 2 was was only nine days on October 31st where Jaylen Brown gave the city of Philadelphia a Halloween fright, dropping 32 points in a 109-108 win for Boston on the road. This game was almost the opposite of Opening Night where it was Joel Embiid who missed the game wining three at the buzzer after Quinten Grimes dribbled out the shot clock. Anfernee Simons had a great game for Boston off the bench with 19 points while Maxey led the way for the 76ers with 26 points.
Boston played their third game against Philadelphia only eleven days later on November 11th where it finished as another close game, this time the 76ers winning 102-100 at home. Kelly Oubre Jr was the hero for Philly with a game winning put-back layup with 8.7 seconds to go and a Derrick White half court heave at the buzzer just missed. This was also known as the “Justin Edwards Game” where he led the 76ers with 22 points on 8-9 shooting from the field and 5-6 shooting from three. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 24 points but it wasn’t enough.
The final game of the season series didn’t come until four months later where on March 1st, Boston beat Philadelphia 114-98 in TD Garden, the biggest margin of victory between these teams all year. It was a close game with under three minutes to go in the fourth quarter before the Celtics rattled off an 11-1 run to close it out. This was the Neemias Queta Legacy Game where he dropped a career high 27 points and 17 rebounds on 10-14 shooting, dominating the 76ers underneath the basket. Brown also finished with 27 points for Boston while Maxey led the way with 33 points for Philadelphia.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after a dunk against 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
Early Years: Celtics vs Nationals/76ers (1953-1969)
Back in the day when there was only 8 to 9 teams in the NBA, the Celtics and Nationals would face off almost every season from 1953-1961. In that time frame Boston had the upper hand in this matchup with a record of 15-13 in 7 different matchups in this span.
In 1953 we saw the Celtics sweep the Nationals in the first round in a three game series behind 50 points from Bob Cousy on 10-22 shooting and 30-32 from the free throw line in a Game 2 that had four overtimes. Syracuse would respond by winning the next three series from 1954-1956. Two of these matchups came in what is now the conference finals and ending in a championship in 1955.
Boston came back in 1957 in the first five game series of this matchup, sweeping the Nationals in the first playoff series of Bill Russell’s career. After taking down Syracuse, Boston made their first NBA Finals where they won win their first championship in franchise history over the St. Louis Hawks. Little did we know this would start the greatest dynasty in NBA history.
Boston faced off against Syracuse two more times in 1959 and 1961 ending in Celtics victories and two more championships. The Nationals would leave Syracuse in 1963 and move to the City of Brotherly Love, now called the Philadelphia 76ers and trading for a superstar named Wilt Chamberlain.
The rebrand did not change their luck against the Celtics however, as Boston beat them four times in five years from 1965-1969. The one time Philadelphia beat Boston was in 1967 where they won the championship but the other four times ended in the Celtics winning it all.
BOSTON – 1967: Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the Philadelphia 76ers posts up against Bill Russell #6 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1967 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1967 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Lull Period: Celtics vs 76ers (1977)
Boston was in the process of restarting their dynasty in the mid-70s, winning the championship in 1974 and 1976 but didn’t face Philadelphia at all in this time. The 76ers on the other hand were struggling post losing Wilt Chamberlain but just acquired Julius Erving ahead of the 1977 season. This did wonders for Philly as they were back in real playoff contention and met Boston in the second round of the playoffs in 1977.
This series went all 7 games with Dave Cowens and John Havlicek doing their best to lead Boston while Erving dominated for Philadelphia. In Game 7, it was a close game but ended with the 76ers beating the Celtics in a playoff series for the first time since 1967. World B. Free led the way for Philadelphia with 27 points off the bench while Cowens struggled with only 11 points on 5-16 shooting. The 76ers went on to make the NBA Finals in 1977, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers in 6 games.
This was the end of the Celtics dynasty of the 70s but it was just the beginning of them seeing the 76ers in the playoffs on a yearly basis once the 1980s began.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: Philadelphia 76ers Julius Erving, center, shoots between Boston Celtics Dave Cowens, left, and John Havlicek, right, during a game at the Boston Garden, April 22, 1977. (Photo by Frank O'Brien/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Bird Years: Celtics vs 76ers (1980-1985)
The Celtics had a brand new star to lead them back to glory in the 80’s and his name was Larry Bird. Bird’s rookie year in 1980 saw him win Rookie of the Year and lead Boston back to the playoffs. After sweeping the Houston Rockets in the first round, Bird lead the Celtics into his first matchup against the 76ers in the second round of the 1980 playoffs. Sadly, Philadelphia would win the series in 5 games and 76ers would make the NBA Finals, losing to the Los Angels Lakers.
Boston would respond to this loss in 1981 by beating the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals in 7 game series. Larry Bird led the way with 23 points in Game 7 and the Celtics would take down the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals for their 14th championship. Philadelphia came back in 1982 and blew out Boston in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, once again losing to the Lakers in the Finals. Hopefully, the 76ers would enjoy this victory over Boston because it would be the last time they beat the Celtics in a playoff series.
The Celtics wouldn’t play the 76ers in the playoffs again until 1985 where Boston dominated Philly, winning the Eastern Conference Finals in 5 games but losing to the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Boston wouldn’t play Philadelphia again for another 17 years, bringing the rivalry into the 21st century.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 29, 1981: Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass against Julius Erving #6 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Boston Garden on April 29, 1981 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by James Drake/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pierce Years: Celtics vs 76ers (2002-2012)
The 90s were a rough decade for the Celtics but one positive that came out of it was drafting Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker to be stars of the future. The duo made their first playoff appearance together in 2002 and faced off against the 76ers in the First Round. They would destroy the 2001 Eastern Conference Champion 76ers led by Allen Iverson, winning the series in 5 games. Pierce went nuclear in Game 5, where he dropped 46 points on 16-25 shooting while Walker finished with 26 points on 11-22 shooting.
The Celtics would ride this momentum to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance after beating the Pistons in 5 games in the Second Round before losing to the New Jersey Nets in 5 Games. The Nets would go on to get swept by the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
BOSTON – MAY 3: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball as Derrick Coleman #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts to block, during game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals during the 2002 NBA Playoffs at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts on May 3, 2002. The Celtics won, 120-87. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images/NBAE) | NBAE via Getty Images
Paul Pierce wouldn’t face off against the 76ers again until the Second Round in the 2012 Playoffs and a lot had changed in a decade. He was the Finals MVP in the Celtics 2008 NBA Championship with new co-stars in Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo. However, this was the Last Dance for this iteration of the Celtics and they faced off against a scrappy 76ers team who made it past the Chicago Bulls after Derrick Rose tore his ACL. They were led by All-Star Andre Iguodala and a young core of guys like Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, and Lou Williams.
In theory this should have been an easy series for the Celtics to win but the 76ers put up a fight, forcing a Game 7 back in TD Garden after trading wins through the first six games. In that Game 7 the new core of Celtics were able to squash the 76ers Cinderella story, led by Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo who scored 18 points. Boston advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but had a similar result from 2002, losing to the Big 3 Miami Heat in 7 games.
This would be the end of an era in Celtics history as Allen left to join the Heat in the offseason while Pierce and Garnett got traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013. Little did we know that the draft picks from this trade would bring the next iteration of stars to the rivalry.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 26: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics protects the ball during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2012 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Jays Years: Celtics vs 76ers (2018-2023)
We have reached the Modern Day in Celtics History, with the team now being led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, they had to continue the tradition of their first playoff series coming against the Philadelphia 76ers. In the Second Round in 2018, the Celtics faced off against the 76ers young core of Joel Embiid and Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons.
Boston was not favored since they lost their stars Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving but that did not stop their young group from beating Philadelphia in 5 games. In that Game 5 we saw a glimpse of the future, with Tatum leading the way with 25 points on 8-15 shooting while Brown finished with 24 points on 10-13 shooting. This overachieving Boston Celtics team would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would lose to the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers in 7 games.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 9: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston would face off against Philadelphia again in the NBA Bubble, in the First Round of the 2020 Playoffs. This is sort of a footnote in the rivalry with the Celtics sweeping the 76ers. Simmons was out for the entire series and that led Embiid to try and carry the load by himself. The Celtics blew them out through three games before Kemba Walker dropped 32 points in Game 4 to win the series. The Celtics would once again make it to the Eastern Conference Finals after taking down the Toronto Raptors in 7 games in the Second Round but ran out of gas and lost to the Jimmy Butler led Miami Heat in 6 games. Miami would end up losing in the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in 6 games.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks with Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers after the game in Game Four of the first round of the playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The most recent matchup of the Celtics vs 76ers rivalry came in the Second Round of the 2023 Playoffs and that was the best series of the Jays era so far. It went all 7 games, starting with Boston losing Game 1 at home behind 45 points from James Harden. The Celtics won the next two games before dropping the next two to go down 3-2 in the series with Game 6 on the road and this is where Jayson Tatum would cement his playoff legacy.
Tatum was awful to start Game 6, shooting 1-13 through three quarters before dropping 16 points in the fourth quarter on 4-8 shooting to lead Boston to the win. This set the stage for the main event of Game 7 back in TD Garden with the season on the line. Jayson Tatum would proceed to break the record for points in a Game 7, dropping 51 points on 17-28 shooting from the field and 6-10 from three to lead the Celtics to a blowout victory over the 76ers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Once advancing to the Conference Finals, the Celtics would lose another series to the Heat, this time in a heart breaking Game 7. Miami would lose in the NBA Finals to the Denver Nuggets in 5 games.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2026 Playoff Prediction
After going over the very long and extensive playoff history between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers it is now time to make my prediction for how the 2026 First Round series is going to go. The 76ers are a very dangerous team going into this series.
Joel Embiid might be out but Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecobe are a scary combination to face after they combined for 50 points against the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Game. Paul George is also back from his suspension early in the season and could also be a difference maker as a third option in this series. Philadelphia’s depth also has potential to help with Kelly Oubre Jr and Andre Drummond being solid support pieces.
The one thing that the Celtics have that the 76ers don’t is Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. For years teams have had a hard time finding an answer to guard both of them and the Jays are playing some of their best basketball going into the playoffs. Philly’s center depth could also cause them some issues, leading to potentially a ton of drives by Boston to the basket and easy points for a guy like Neemias Queta. Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser also have the chance to light up the 76ers from deep and we’ve seen Baylor Scheirman and Jordan Walsh play some great defense against tough competition.
My Final Prediction: Celtics Win the Series in 5 games. For as much as I respect Maxey and Edgecombe, I think Boston is just the better team and have too much firepower for Philadelphia to handle. I think the 76ers might be able to steal a win in this series but the Celtics should be able to win this series in a Gentleman’s Sweep.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrate during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays (7-10) and Milwaukee Brewers (9-8) meet in the decisive third game of their series. The teams split the first two games with the Brewers winning 9-7 on Tuesday and the Blue Jays winning 2-1 on Wednesday.
How to watch Toronto Blue Jays vs. Milwaukee Brewers
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