The NCAA is still deliberating expanding March Madness on both the men's and women's sides to 76 teams for next season — a much-expected development that's been in the works for years.
The NCAA released a brief statement Tuesday in the wake of an ESPN report that cited unnamed sources saying a decision to add eight teams to the bracket is a mere formality that's expected in May.
“Expanding the basketball tournaments would require approval from multiple NCAA committees, including the men’s and women’s basketball committees, and no final recommendations or decisions have been made at this time,” the statement said.
Earlier this month at the Final Four, NCAA President Charlie Baker said the committees would, in fact, return to discussing the expansion once this year's tournament was over.
The tournaments have been at 68 teams since 2011, when four play-in games were added to the beginning of the first week of play. The new format would add eight more at-large teams and take eight more teams out of the main bracket for play-in games.
The expansion isn't expected to generate a lot more income because it will only add games early in the first week. The current TV deal runs through 2032 and could be tweaked slightly.
Regardless of finances, the expansion would give power conferences more chances to place teams in the bracket — a growing concern as those conferences seek more power and control over college sports in the era of name, image and likeness compensation and the transfer portal.
The Detroit Red Wings are fortunate to have two of the NHL's most intriguing goaltending prospects in their system, one of whom is expected to make the jump to a full-time role in Detroit next season.
Sebastian Cossa (15th overall, 2021 NHL Draft) and Trey Augustine (41st overall, 2023 NHL Draft) are both currently with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins, and fans are understandably excited at the thought of one (or even both of them) being an eventual brick wall for the Red Wings at some point in the near future.
Augustine, who hails from the Detroit suburb of South Lyon, played for the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth and attended Michigan State University.
He has since joined the Griffins on an amateur tryout after completing his time in the collegiate ranks.
Having grown up in Michigan as a Red Wings fan, routinely attending games at Joe Louis Arena, getting a chance to suit up for the club would be nothing short of living out a childhood dream.
“It means so much to me and my family as well,” Augustine explained recently to WILX reporter Ben Shockley, reflecting on the significance of joining the Red Wings organization.
“Me and my Dad used to go to games at Joe Louis Arena all the time, seeing Jimmy Howard, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg play,” he added. “I mean, growing up in Michigan, I've always been a Red Wings fan. Hopefully one day, I'll get to wear the Winged Wheel.”
While with the Spartans, Augustine became the goaltender in school history to win the Mike Richter Award as the nation's top player at his position, and was also named a First Team All-American two consecutive years.
Additionally, he won back to back Big Ten Goaltender of the Year awards, and was also a 2026 Hobey Baker Award Top Ten Finalist.
Making the adjustment to life in professional hockey has been smooth so far, and Augustine hopes that he'll eventually see some playing time.
"It's been good so far, it's a little different than Michigan State, but it's been good to get my feet wet," he said. "Looking forward to playing hockey down the stretch."
"There are a bunch of new guys, but they're all great and helped me feel like part of the team, which is awesome. "
Right now, Augustine is third on the Griffins' goaltending depth chart behind Cossa and Michal Postava. While his competitive side wants to see as much playing time as possible, he's also voiced his support for his teammates while standing at the ready if he's called upon.
"Obviously, I'd like to play every game, but they're a great team with two great other goalies," Augustine said of Cossa and Postava. "I'll just do anything I can to help them be ready to go, and obviously put myself in a position where if I'm called to play, I'm ready."
"Obviously, we're trying to win the Calder Cup here, and the coaches are gonna play who they think will give the team the best chance to win the game, and I'm going to do everything I can to help support that," he continued.
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Forward Tyran Stokes committed to Kansas, he announced on "Inside the NBA" on Tuesday, April 28 in a major get for Bill Self and the Jayhawks.
It's been a major sweepstakes as programs awaited to see where Stokes would choose to play college ball, as he was the last major prospect yet to announce his decision. He is the consensus No. 1 recruit in the country per 247Sports and ESPN. The Seattle-native chose Kansas over other contenders in Kentucky, Oregon, Louisville and Southern California.
The newest Jayhawk is also a contender to be the top overall pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Breaking: Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 recruit in the SC Next 100 Class of 2026, has committed to Kansas, he announced on Inside the NBA. pic.twitter.com/tPjZWdLYPo
At 6-7 and 230 pounds, Stokes has displayed elite skills on both sides of the ball to make him one of the top high school players in the country. He has the ability to handle to ball on the perimeter while also dominating near the bucket, all while maintaining a stout defensive game with the ability to create steals.
In his senior season at Rainier Beach (Seattle), he averaged 31 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals per game while leading his team to a state title. He also had one game where he scored 63 points.
What Tyran Stokes means for Kansas
By choosing the Jayhawks, Self also secures another talented recruiting class that includes two five-star prospects in Stokes and guard Taylen Kinney, and brings a major boost to Lawrence after concerns about the future.
There was speculation Self could retire after Kansas was eliminated in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the fourth straight season the Jayhawks failed to advance to the Sweet 16. However, he decide to return for his 24th season, and he gets another top recruit in the process after last season's team featured Darryn Peterson, who declared for the NBA draft..
Peterson was one of several players that have left Kansas, which includes Flory Bidunga, Melvin Council Jr. and Bryson Tiller.
Stokes gives Kansas a chance to improve its March fortune, trying to compete for another national championship since winning it all in 2022. In addition to Stokes and Kinney, other recruits include four-star rated players in center Davion Adkins, forward Trent Perry and guard Luke Barnett. Kansas also got additions in the transfer portal in Keanu Dawes (Utah), Christian Reeves (Charleston) and Leroy Blyden Jr. (Toledo).
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 25: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after a collision to his knee against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (2-2) host the Atlanta Hawks tonight at Madison Square Garden in Game Five of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. A win puts either team one victory away from advancing to the second round.
Tip-off is 8:00 pm EST on NBC and Peacock. This is your game thread. This is Peachtree Hoops. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be shining ambassadors of Knicks fandom. And go Knickerbockers!
I hope you didn’t turn the TV off when the Celtics were up 13.
The Celtics went up 63-50 a couple minutes into the third quarter Tuesday night in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference First-Round series at TD Garden.
The rest of the game? Sixers 63-44.
It added up to an improbable 113-97 Sixers win, reducing the Celtics’ lead in the best-of-seven series to three games to two.
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THEY SCORED 11 POINTS: The Celtics have played 400 home playoff games in franchise history, and their 11 points Tuesday night are the 4th-fewest they’ve ever scored in the fourth quarter of a home playoff game. They scored nine against the Bucks in 1983, 10 against the 76ers (Syracuse Nationals) in 1954 and 10 vs. the Pacers in 2005. It’s their 5th-fewest in any game in 754 all-time playoff games. It’s their fewest 4th-quarter points vs. the 76ers in any game – regular season or postseason – in 36 years, since they had nine in a 97-93 76ers win at Boston Garden in 1988. The 76ers’ 17-point 4th-quarter advantage – 28-11 – is the 5th-largest ever against the Celtics in a playoff game and it’s tied for the 76ers’ 2nd -largest ever. Their only larger 4th-quarter playoff margin was 18 points (32-14) in a win over the Heat in their 2018 Eastern Conference 1st-round game at American Airlines Arena.
BIGGEST LOST EVER: The Celtics led 86-85 going into the fourth quarter before losing by 16 points. That makes this the Celtics’ worst loss ever when they led going into the fourth quarter. Their previous biggest loss after leading going into the fourth quarter was 15 points when they led the Pistons 73-71 in Game 3 of their 1989 Eastern Conference First-Round series before losing 100-85 at Boston Garden. It was also the 76ers’ biggest postseason win after trailing going into the fourth quarter. They won three games by eight points after trailing after three quarters, most recently in 1982, when they trailed the Celtics 90-88 going into the fourth quarter of Game 2 of their 1982 Eastern Conference Finals series at Boston Garden before winning 121-113. The Celtics were 46-5 in their last 51 playoff games when they had the lead going into the fourth quarter and 60-5 all-time vs. the 76ers when leading in the playoffs going into the fourth quarter.
MAGIC FROM JOEL: Joel Embiid shot 0-for-5 from 3 but 12-for-23 overall from the field for 52 percent. He’s only the second player in NBA history to shoot over 50 percent from the field and score 33 points in a game where he took at least five 3’s and didn’t make any of them. In 2017, Kyrie Irving was 0-for-7 in the Cavs’ loss to the Golden State Warriors but shot 16-for-29 overall (55 percent). Before this series, only 12 Sixers had ever shot 0-for-5 in a playoff game. In this series, three 76ers have done it a total of four times – Kelly Oubre in Game 1, V.J. Edgecombe in Games 1 and 3 and Embiid in Game 5.
76ERS OWN TD GARDEN: After beating the Celtics 111-97 in Game 2 last Tuesday and again in Game 5 Tuesday night, the 76ers have won back-to-back games in a series in Boston for the first time in 58 years. In 1968, they beat the Celtics 115-106 in Game 2 of their Eastern Division Finals series at Boston Garden and four days later won 110-105 in Game 4. They wound up losing that series in seven games. Last time the 76ers won any two games in a row in Boston was in 1980 and 1981. They won Game 5 of their 1980 Eastern Conference Finals series 105-94 and a year later won Game 1 of their 1981 Eastern Conference Finals series 105-104. They won the 1980 series and lost the 1981 series.
HOW ABOUT THAT 4TH QUARTER? In the fourth quarter, the Celtics shot 3-for-22 from the field for 14 percent and 1-for-14 from 2-point range for 7 percent. They had 29 possessions and made three baskets. In the fourth quarter alone, Neemias Queta was minus-16, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White were both minus-14 and Jayson Tatum was minus-9. Tatum, Brown, White and Queta shot a combined 1-for-15 in the fourth quarter. For the 76ers, V.G. Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes and Paul George were all plus-16 an Embiid was plus-16. The 76ers shot 9-for-17 in the fourth quarter for 53 percent. And how about this: In the fourth quarter alone, Maxey and Edgecombe – two guards – combined for nine rebounds, five for Maxey, four for Edgecombe. Maxey and Embiid each had as many baskets in the fourth quarter as the Celtics.
HE’S ALMOST 36: George, who turns 36 on Thursday, had 16 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals, becoming the 5th-oldest player in NBA history to reach those benchmarks in a playoff game. The only older players with 16, 9, 7 and 2 are LeBron James, Kareem Jabbar, Steph Curry and Scottie Pippen.
WHERE DID THIS COME FROM? Andre Drummond made his only 3-point attempt, and he’s now 4-for-6 from 3 in the series. That’s more 3’s than he had in five regular seasons from 2021 through 2025 combined (three).
GRIMES FROM ARDMORE! Grimes made four 3’s in just 24 minutes, the 2nd most 3-pointers in franchise history by a player in 24 or fewer minutes. Buddy Hield made six against the Knicks in 2024. Grimes’ four 3’s is also 3rd-most in 76ers history by a player off the bench. In addition to Hield in 2024, DeAndre Melton made five off the bench in Boston in 2023.
Two former Fordham basketball players were permanently banned by the NCAA on Tuesday for their roles in a point-shaving scheme that was the subject of a sprawling federal indictment unsealed in January.
According to the NCAA's Division I Committee on Infractions, Elijah Gray and Will Richardson each agreed with a bettor to throw a game against Duquesne on Feb. 23, 2024, in exchange for $10,000 to $15,000. Gray cooperated with NCAA investigators, while Richardson did not, the NCAA said.
Gray was one of more than two dozen people accused by federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania conspiring to fix games. He has agreed to plead guilty in that case, and his sentencing is scheduled for July.
Gray told NCAA investigators that, although he conspired to underperform during the game, he ultimately reneged on the agreement, played with his usual effort and was not paid by the bettor. Fordham beat Duquesne 79-67.
Although he did not follow through with the scheme, Gray “agreed that he violated ethical conduct rules by providing information to a known bettor” and “expressed remorse for his actions,” the NCAA said.
Gray's attorney did not immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press. Richardson declined to comment when reached by ESPN.
Both players transferred after the 2023-24 season, with Gray going to Temple and then to Wisconsin. Richardson transferred to Albany. Neither player has competed since the 2024-25 season.
According to the NCAA, the bettors who approached Gray and Richardson about fixing the game did so under the guise of being agents who could help them secure name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
Gray told the NCAA he had no further communication with the bettor who asked him to fix the game, but he told investigators that Richardson remained in communication with the person.
Richardson knowingly provided false information to investigators during an October 2025 interview, the NCAA said.
Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) skates against Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Boston Bruins will be without second-line forward Viktor Arvidsson when they face elimination in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series at Buffalo on Tuesday night.
Without disclosing the nature of the injury, coach Marco Sturm said Arvidsson did not travel with the team. Arvidsson was hurt after being checked by Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson in the first period of Boston’s 6-1 loss on Sunday.
The Bruins trail the series 3-1, with Arvidsson scoring twice in Boston’s 4-2 victory in Game 2.
Sturm said forwards Michael Eyssimont and Alex Steeves are among the options to make their series debuts. The coach added veteran defenseman Henri Jokiharju will replace Jordan Harris and play his first game of the series.
“I think we are excited to bounce back,” Sturm said. “We want to show that last game that’s not really us.”
Adam Silver and the NBA's quixotic quest to end tanking reached a new level of complexity on Tuesday when the league unveiled a new plan to the 30 league GMs on a conference call.
This new "3-2-1" system — named after how many ping pong balls each team would get, depending upon their finish — would expand the lottery to 16 teams, according to reports by Shams Charania at ESPN and Sam Amick at The Athletic. Here is how the new system would break down:
• The teams with the three worst records in the league would fall into a "relegation zone" and be penalized by only getting two lottery balls, not three like other teams that missed the playoffs. Those three teams would have a 5.4% chance at the No. 1 pick, and in this system could fall no further than 12th. Meaning the team that was the worst the season before could well draft 10th, 11th or 12th.
• Teams that missed the playoffs but were not one of the worst three — teams four through 10 at the bottom of the standings — would get three lottery balls and an 8.1% chance at the No. 1 pick.
• Teams that finish as the No. 9 and 10 seeds in each conference will each get two lottery balls.
• Teams that lose the 7-8 play-in for each conference get one lottery ball (2.7% chance of landing the No. 1 pick).
• Teams cannot win the No. 1 pick in consecutive years or have three consecutive top-five picks.
• Going forward, teams could not protect picks in slots 12 through 15.
• The NBA would have expanded authority to regulate and discipline tanking teams and potentially remove some of their lottery balls.
• This system would expire in 2029, at which time it could be extended, modified or scrapped entirely.
This or any new system put in place would need to be approved by a vote of the NBA owners, which is scheduled for May 28 at the Board of Governors meeting. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, "the key points of the framework have a majority of the support from teams."
Is it a good plan?
The fact that it took me eight bullet points to try to explain the system says a lot.
Look at it this way: If this new proposed system were in place this season, the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder (which controls the LA Clippers pick), Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets all would have the exact same lottery odds as the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings.
Is that the point of the draft?
The league's argument for its plan is a good one is that it incentivizes its worst teams to win and avoid the "relegation zone," so teams will not all-out tank. The league has been focused on that exact point (seemingly almost exclusively).
The problem with that theory is that these are not quality teams choosing to lose, they are bad teams — some certainly trying to be worse to improve lottery odds, but not good to start with — that need good players to turn things around. This proposal makes it harder for those struggling teams to get the best players.
All of this would change future lotteries for which picks were traded, assuming they would be under the old system or something close to it. This could dramatically mess with the value of picks.
This entire new plan is Silver and the league office reacting to a year when a lot of teams chose to focus on the draft because it is particularly deep. If the NBA did nothing, tanking would be far less of an issue next season because the draft class is not considered nearly as deep or as talented.
The NBA owners can tweak and modify any system put in front of them, but they will have to be pushed by their GMs to do so. It's going to be an interesting month to see how that plays out.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks recovers a loose ball against Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the final seconds of the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (2-2) try to repeat their Game 2 win in Madison Square Garden tonight in Game 5.
Jock Landale (right high ankle sprain) has been ruled out.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York, NY
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With both teams suffering a slew of injuries to key players, this Lakers-Rockets series hasn’t exactly been beautiful basketball. All of the games have featured offensive struggles and the winning team having to grit and grind their way to victory.
The Lakers have been the better team under these conditions and won the first three games. In Game 4, though, they couldn’t complete the first-round sweep and were blown out by the Rockets.
Los Angeles out-rebounded Houston and scored more points in the paint despite Alperen Şengün having a stellar game, so why weren’t they able to pull off the win?
LeBron James offered an explanation postgame.
“Defense wasn’t our problem tonight,” LeBron said. “It was our offense. Defense wasn’t our problem. I mean, s—, we turned the ball over 23 times for 30 points?… Defense wasn’t our problem. It was offense.”
Not only did the Lakers turn the ball over constantly, but even when they held possession, they didn’t do much with it. As a team, they went 5-22 from 3-point range, which equals a woeful 23% from deep.
LA scoring just 96 points in Game 4, just isn’t enough to win many postseason games. Even in victories, the purple and gold have struggled offensively. In these playoffs, they have an offensive rating of 108.6, which ranks 11th out of 16 playoff teams.
“This is a top ten defense the entire season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “It’s obviously very challenging without your two leading scorers to generate offense. We’ll take a look at the process again on that end as well. I know our points per shot and our expected points per shot were slightly below our season average. So, to me, it goes back to the two keys. Take care of the ball and we’ll look at that and how we can be better there.”
If he does, then that gives LA a tremendous offensive boost. Reaves averages 23.3 points per game and is a much more reliable player to depend on to score 20-plus points than, say, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, who have done it during this series, but can’t regularly.
“Again, they played a great game,” Redick said. “I think our guys came into the game with the right intent. [Houston] certainly played a really good offensive game. They didn’t do anything differently. We can certainly be better with some of our small details whether it be pick and roll up to touch, our shifts, all that stuff. Our shifts to close, we did a better job of boxing out tonight but some of that was they made more shots. We’re going to look at it over the next two days and get better.”
Despite the offensive struggles, the Lakers are still in the driver’s seat. They are up 3-1, have Game 5 at home up next and have home court in case somehow this series goes the distance.
If they can make the appropriate adjustments and get Reaves back, they can still easily win and advance to play the Thunder.
The main path towards that outcome is to improve offensively. So far, Redick and the Lakers have proven that when things need fixing, they get it done. We’ll see if they do so in Game 5.
Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) shoots the puck against Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund (64) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
EDMONTON, Alberta — Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid will be a game-time decision Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks in the teams’ Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.
McDavid, who led the NHL in points this season, did not participate in the team’s morning skate ahead of a must-win game for Edmonton.
The Oilers are trying to avoid elimination and rally from a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series. Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup final in each of the last two seasons before losing to the two-time champion Florida Panthers.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch also said the status of forward/center Jason Dickinson would be decided before the game and that Connor Ingram would start in net.
The 29-year-old McDavid has looked uncomfortable at times since rolling his ankle in the second period of Game 2 when he collided with teammate Mattias Ekholm.
McDavid, who led the league with 138 points, scored his first goal in Game 3 and had his first multi-point games in the third and fourth games of the series in Anaheim. McDavid didn’t participate in Saturday’s off-day skate in Anaheim.
McDavid was nominated Tuesday for the Ted Lindsay Award, along with San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov. The award is for the league’s “most outstanding player” as voted by NHL players. McDavid is a four-time winner.
Ingram returns to the Edmonton net on Tuesday after Tristan Jarry made 34 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4. Ingram started the first three games of the series. He earned a 4-3 victory in Game 1 before allowing 11 goals in consecutive losses behind a leaky Edmonton defense.
“Nothing against Jarry,” Knoblauch said. “I thought he had a solid game the other night, but going down this last few weeks or months, Ingram’s been our starter. He’s been our guy. Now that our season’s on the line, we felt that we would go with our guy.”
Dickinson sat out the second and third games of the series due to injury. He scored twice in Edmonton’s win in the opener and assisted on the Oilers’ first goal in the Game 4 loss.
The Montreal Canadiens are back in the Sunshine State to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in tonight's Game 5, with the series tied 2-2.
This juggernaut Atlantic Division series has become a best-of-three, with both teams snagging a crucial road win.
My Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions and NHL picks for tonight's game expect Montreal's usual suspects to rise to the occasion, with timely help from secondary scoring.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 prediction
Who will win Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5?
Montreal: This game may be the biggest toss-up of the series. The Habs were one of the best road teams during the regular season, and will be extra hungry after letting a two-goal lead slip away in Game 4.
Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists (-150)
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has been one of the league's best playmakers all season and has registered four assists through four games in this series.
He's garnered 11 apples in 12 April games, and his 72 assists in the regular season ranked fifth in the entire league.
The 101-point scorer has 10 assists in his last nine road games and will be heavily relied upon in a pivotal Game 5 in Tampa Bay. Perhaps his connecting with Cole Caufield for a goal in Game 4 will finally open the floodgates for the Habs' top line.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 same-game parlay
Lane Hutson has seemingly kicked into another gear in the absence of Noah Dobson.
The sophomore blue liner has compiled 10 shots on goal this series — more than he had in his previous 11 games combined. He's played over 26 minutes in every game of the series, peaking at 32:00 in Game 2.
He's everywhere, all the time, and has been firing on all cylinders this series.
Apart from the likely heroes in Suzuki, Hutson, and company, the Habs have welcomed some very timely secondary scoring. Zachary Bolduc has three points in this series and has fired seven shots on goal in his last three games.
The Quebecer makes up one-third of a formidable third line alongside Kirby Dach and Oliver Kapanen. At plus-odds, there's some serious value in a young, hometown kid making his presence felt.
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists
Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots
Zachary Bolduc Over 1.5 shots
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 goal scorer pick
Lane Hutson (+475)
Hutson already has two goals in this series, including that unforgettable overtime winner in Game 3. He rang one off the post in the dying seconds of Game 2, putting the Habs inches away from a commanding series lead.
Expect the defenseman to be wreaking havoc in the offensive zone tonight.
Each of the last five games between these teams has been decided by a goal, with three needing extra time. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TNT, truTV, CBC
Canadiens vs Lightning 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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Boston Bruins will be without second-line forward Viktor Arvidsson when they face elimination in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series at Buffalo on Tuesday night.
Without disclosing the nature of the injury, coach Marco Sturm said Arvidsson did not travel with the team. Arvidsson was hurt after being checked by Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson in the first period of Boston’s 6-1 loss on Sunday.
The Bruins trail the series 3-1, with Arvidsson scoring twice in Boston’s 4-2 victory in Game 2.
Sturm said forwards Michael Eyssimont and Alex Steeves are among the options to make their series debuts. The coach added veteran defenseman Henri Jokiharju will replace Jordan Harris and play his first game of the series.
“I think we are excited to bounce back,” Sturm said. “We want to show that last game that’s not really us.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick knows how difficult it is to close out a playoff series.
When asked ahead of Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Rockets about the challenge of closing out a series, Redick was quick to provide a reminder that he was on the Clippers team that blew the 3-1 series lead to the Rockets in the 2015 Western Conference semifinals before eventually losing the series in seven games.
But he was also on the Magic team that forced a Game 6 in the 2010 Eastern Conference finals matchup to the Celtics after trailing 3-0 in the series.
Lakers coach JJ Redick understands what it’s like to blow a 3-1 series lead when, as a player in 2015, his LA Clippers team led the Rockets 3-1 before losing 4-3 in the Western Conference semifinals. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Once a team’s backs are against the wall, their sense of desperation heightens. Holes that would’ve been easier to exploit in the series are either filled because the game plans adjust, or added hustle makes it more challenging to capitalize off the weaknesses.
The Lakers just saw how difficult it was to close out their best-of-seven first round series against the Rockets.
They were more aggressive and physical defensively, a significant reason for the Lakers’ 24 turnovers that led to 30 Rockets’ points.
The Rockets finally found an offensive rhythm and attacked the weak points in the Lakers’ defense, helping them score a series-high 115 points on series-bests of 48.1% shooting from the field, 52.9% on 2-pointers (27 of 51) and 40% shooting on 3-pointers (12 of 30).
The Game 4 victory in Houston was so energizing for the Rockets that on Tuesday starting forward Jabari Smith said: “We’re obviously the better team. I just feel like from top to bottom…we’re the better team.”
One victory gave the Rockets life.
That’s what the Lakers are looking to take away during Wednesday’s Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena – metaphorically, of course.
“Well, you have to kill them,” Redick responded when asked why it’s so difficult to close out a playoff series. “It’s difficult to kill someone. You’ve got to…again, survival instincts say, ‘I want to stay alive.’ And so, you got to be able to kill them. That’s what [it takes].”
Having generated the greatest 3-1 comeback in NBA history, LeBron James understands the importance of Game 5 at home when the Lakers host the Rockets Wednesday night at 7 p.m. AP
Statistics and history are on the Lakers’ side to wrap up the first round series, and do so quickly.
Since the NBA moved to a 16-team playoff format in 1984, no team in league history has come back from a 3-0 deficit in the 125 instances it happened entering this year’s playoffs.
That includes a perfect 105-0 record for the team that entered the series with homecourt advantage.
The Rockets are one of just 39 teams to force a Game 5 after dropping the first two road games and first home game consecutively under the 2-2-1-1-1 format.
Of those 39, just eight forced a Game 6.
And of those eight, only two forced a Game 7: the Nuggets in the 1994 Western Conference semifinals against the Jazz; and the Trail Blazers against the Mavericks in the first round of the 2003 playoffs.
Most recently, the Celtics forced a Game 7 against the Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference finals, but that was after dropping their first two home games and their first road game.
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. added fuel to the fire ahead of Game 5 against the Lakers when he told media, “We’re obviously the better team. I just feel like from top to bottom…we’re the better team.” NBAE via Getty Images
But all of those series ended the same: The team that had the three-game lead won.
But the Rockets took the most important step in their attempt to pull off the improbable comeback. They won a game at home.
“I mean it’s tough to play in the playoffs on the road,” Luke Kennard said on Tuesday. “It’s just how it is and we saw that in Game 3, we came up with a great win, but Game 4, they took it up another level. I don’t want to say we weren’t ready for it because we talked about it but at the same time it’s tough and we knew that. They made some good adjustments, so give some credit to them for that. But for us, again, we gotta come back and protect home court and be ready for Game 5.”
The Rockets will have renewed life in Game 5. And confidence.
The Lakers’ mission is to ensure it doesn’t last any longer.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid will play Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 of the teams' first-round playoff series.
McDavid, who led the NHL in points this season, did not participate in the team's morning skate ahead of a must-win game for Edmonton and was a game-time decision, according to coach Kris Knoblauch.
The 29-year-old McDavid has looked uncomfortable at times since rolling his ankle in the second period of Game 2 when he collided with teammate Mattias Ekholm.
The Oilers are trying to avoid elimination and rally from a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series. Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup final in each of the last two seasons before losing to the two-time champion Florida Panthers.
Edmonton forward/center Jason Dickinson, also a game-time decision, was also in the lineup released shortly before gametime.
Knoblauch said earlier Tuesday that Connor Ingram would start in net after Tristan Jarry started in Game 4.
McDavid, who led the league with 138 points, scored his first goal in Game 3 and had his first multi-point games in the third and fourth games of the series in Anaheim. McDavid didn’t participate in Saturday’s off-day skate in Anaheim.
McDavid was nominated Tuesday for the Ted Lindsay Award, along with San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov. The award is for the league’s “most outstanding player” as voted by NHL players. McDavid is a four-time winner.
Ingram returns to the Edmonton net on Tuesday after Jarry made 34 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4. Ingram started the first three games of the series. He earned a 4-3 victory in Game 1 before allowing 11 goals in consecutive losses behind a leaky Edmonton defense.
“Nothing against Jarry,” Knoblauch said early Tuesday. “I thought he had a solid game the other night, but going down this last few weeks or months, Ingram’s been our starter. He’s been our guy. Now that our season’s on the line, we felt that we would go with our guy.”
Dickinson sat out the second and third games of the series due to injury. He scored twice in Edmonton’s win in the opener and assisted on the Oilers’ first goal in the Game 4 loss.
