MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: Jose Quintana #62 of the Colorado Rockies throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on March 29, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In an unusual road game on Monday that wraps up a four-game series, the Dodgers try to avoid a third straight defeat at the hands of the Colorado Rockies, twice done in by the bullpen late in games. They’ll do so against a familiar face in José Quintana, a starter they’ve bullied in the NLCS in each of the past two seasons on their way to World Series titles. Now, this lefty-mashing offense will get the opportunity to hit against Quintana in Coors Field.
As a team, the Dodgers have an .851 OPS against southpaws, while 28 of the other 30 clubs are below .800. And sure, scoring 16 runs in three games isn’t bad by any means, but there was probably a little part in all of us that wanted to see them crack double digits at least once while playing in Colorado. This is as good an opportunity as any.
For the second week in a row, Justin Wrobleski will square off against a lefty, now looking to replicate—at least partially—the success he had against the Mets, pitching the game of his life with eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball.
A reliever who provided length for the majority of his early career in the majors, Wrobleski fulfilled that role three times in previous appearances at Coors Field. This will be his first start at Colorado, following what seemed to be a trend in this series—Roki Sasaki and Tyler Glasnow had also never started a game in Coors before.
Since the Cubs took two of three from the Phillies last week in Philadelphia, the Cubs swept the Mets and outscored them 18-7, and the Phillies got swept at home by the Braves, outscored 16-3. The Phillies’ flight to Chicago got in after 1 a.m. today after their loss to the Braves Sunday night. So you can imagine the mood the Phillies will be in starting tonight for this four-game series at Wrigley Field.
The four games this week vs. the Phillies will wrap up the seven-game season series between the teams. April 22 will be the second-earliest date on which they have finished playing each other. In 2001, they met at Philadelphia for three games on Apr 6-8, then played three at Wrigley Field on April 17-18, with a doubleheader the second day. … This is the Cubs’ first four-game series against the Phillies since 2021, when they lost three of four at home. It is the first of four six-game series that the Cubs will play this season. Only one other will be against a team not in the Central Division, at New York vs. the Mets on June 22-25.
The Cubs will host the Reds for four games on May 4-7 and the Brewers on Aug. 31-Sept. 3. They will play four at Pittsburgh on May 25-28 and at St. Louis on July 27-30.
The Cubs will play 52 three-game series. Last year, they played four series of four games, of which they won one series. lost one and split two. They won a five-game series required due to a rainout.
(Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
Probable pitching matchups
Monday: Colin Rea, RHP (2-0, 3.63 ERA, 0.981 WHIP, 3.59 FIP) vs. Aaron Nola, RHP (1-1, 4.03 ERA, 1.299 WHIP, 3.53 FIP)
NOTE: If the Phillies stay on rotation, it’s Taijuan Walker’s turn on Wednesday, but he’s been hit really hard (9.16 ERA, six HR in 18.2 innings) so they might choose to go with someone else.
Times & TV channels
Monday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Thursday: 1:20 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (outside the Cubs and Phillies market territories)
Prediction
The Cubs are hot and the Phillies… are definitely not. Not only have the Phillies lost five in a row, they have dropped 10 of their last 13. The Cubs took two of three in Philly last week and so I’m going to call for them to stay hot and take three of four here.
Up next
The Cubs begin their first West Coast trip of 2026 in Los Angeles. They’ll play a three-game series against the Dodgers there beginning Friday evening.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Chase Field on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Diamondbacks continued to impress on a 6-3 roadtrip. What’s the key for this success to continue?
James: Get healthy. Stay healthy. That’s a solid first step. Arizona’s biggest opponent over the last year has been the IL. Also, Michael Soroka has to continue to be the Michael Soroka that he has been, resembling when he first debuted many years ago.
Wesley: James is absolutely right on all counts, especially that last point. Michael Soroka really needs to continue pitching well and stay healthy, not for the team or anything, but so that we as a fanbase can come together and publicly shame James for being so completely wrong about Soroka.
In all seriousness, aside from the team needing to stay healthy and continue playing well, the biggest thing I think is picking the right time to call up a Ryan Waldschmidt or LuJames Groover, or one of the many RHPs that Hazen signed over the offseason. At this point it is unrealistic to expect perfect health from this roster, so knowing the optimal time to call up our prospects is going to be important down the stretch
Ben: I think the easiest answer certainly is health, but the team has played really solid, well-rounded baseball. The pitching – both in the rotation and from the bullpen – has been somewhere between good and very good, there are offensive sparks up and down the lineup, and the defense has been excellent with the team pacing the majors in defensive runs saved. I think how the pitching holds up will be the key to maintaining this success. There’s probably some negative regression in store for several important contributors – particularly Eduardo Rodriguez whose FIP and expected ERA (4.24 and 4.15) are so far beyond his actual ERA of 1.96 that he almost certainly can’t continue it at that level.
Makakilo: Two observations about the Diamondbacks (7-15 April games):
5.3 runs scored per game.
15 shutdown performances by relief pitchers. Their shutdowns were second most in the Majors during their road trip.
Preston: This success will not continue in the same ways. We’ve almost certainly seen the best of both the starting rotation and the bullpen. The offense needs to step up and be the offense that we’ve seen the last couple of years. Perdomo needs to start finding more open spaces. Ildemaro Vargas is not going to continue to post a wRC+ in the 180s; his career wRC+ is 80, and his BABIP is .415. The third and fourth most valuable Diamondbacks on the offensive side (by fWAR) this season are both on the IL.
There’s been both good luck and bad luck, though. The second best xFIP on the team belongs to…Taylor Rashi? Paul Sewald has either been lucky (if you look at BABIP and contact) or relatively in line with expectations (if you look at xERA and xFIP).
Dare I say that we are seeing what a good team does? This team isn’t winning one way. The rotation, the bullpen, the offense, the defense…none of them are elite, but all of them have contributed. This is close to the “anybody, anytime” days of the recently disgraced Tony Clark, with the significant difference that this team is not a mirage. They are legitimately good, and can win in multiple ways.
Spencer: Play solid baseball. And trust pure talent and motivation over experience and “readiness” (Fernandez and Vargas vs Smith/Sanatana).
ISH95: They have to be able to weather whatever comes next. It’s a long season, with 140 some odd games, give or take, left to go. The answer to what makes for winning baseball the past two weeks will not be the answer for the next two. Adapt to the next challenge. It’s something the team has struggled with in the past.
Merrill Kelly looked alright in his return. Any flash opinions?
James: I was pleased to see him gut out 5+ innings. I think he still looks rusty though. The ball to strike ratio would suggest the same (for Kelly). He’s going to need a bit more time to knock the rust off, which is fine and to be expected
Wesley: He did seem a bit rusty, but overall he looked really good, all things considered.
Ben: He looked all right. There wasn’t any noticeable drop in velocity or movement on his pitches and he looked relatively comfortable. I have faith he’ll continue to get more comfortable and more confident as the season progresses.
Makakilo: This season, his first game was comparable to his first game last season. He pitched 5.1 innings in each, facing 24 batters (86 pitches) this season and 23 batters (85 pitches) last season. My flash opinion is he is on track to pitch like he did last season.
Preston: He had a really bad inning that could have (and, for many D-backs’ pitchers, would have) snowballed into a 17-2 loss. He toughed through it and the Diamondbacks won. That’s the kind of veteran leadership the team needs.
Spencer: I’ve stopped discounting Kelly. He’s gonna be solid to great for years. Very impressive man.
ISH95: It’s nice to have the best pitcher on the team back, even if he didn’t pitch to his normal standards. Rust is to be expected, especially since if my memory serves he only got one true rehab game, with the others being a sim game at Extended Spring Training and a long bullpen.
Nolan Arenado has shown flashes of contribution recently. Mirage or might he be turning the corner toward Longoria type presence?
James: I never understood all the Arenado hate. Even the best players in the league go through spells like he did, especially as they get older. As long as he continues to be steady, I am not worried. The one thing I like about Arenado is that he tends not to get nervous and doesn’t try to be something he isn’t at the plate. He puts in the work and trusts the results will follow. It seems that now they are.
Wesley: I still stand by my prediction that he will bounce back offensively. I don’t think he’ll ever be the guy he was in his peak, but I think he has enough gas left in the tank to provide some positive WAR on both sides of the diamond. If he doesn’t bounce back, then you call up LuJames Groover, Tommy Troy, or one of the many good hitting middle infielders.
Makakilo: During the road trip, his 8 RBIs led the team. And his .208 BABIP shows he was relatively unlucky, so his performance could be higher.
On the other hand, on the road trip, his 15.4% hard hits was lower than his season average, suggesting it was a mirage.
Overall, I’m optimistic that he will continue to make significant positive contributions.
Preston: For what we are paying him, we’re getting value. He’s not the player he once was. He also has turned on some fastballs recently and hit them a long way. His bat speed isn’t bad. But I’d really like to see him draw some walks and stop chasing pitches a mile out of the zone. That’s not an age-related decline; that’s more of a pressing too hard decline.
Spencer: He old, man. But even old dogs still have tricks. He’s almost always defied some metrics, so I trust he can be productive. Something close to the middle ground of the polar sides we saw from Suarez.
Ben: If our expectations for Arenado are 2023 Longoria, then I think those expectations will be met. In the first few weeks, Arenado has shown he can still be a very positive contributor in the field while having some contributions with the bat. Putting the two head-to-head emphasizes that as Arenado still finds his footing with a new team. The biggest red flag so far? His chase rate, strikeout rate, and walk rate are all sitting at career worst, but that might be a function of trying to force something rather than allowing the game to come to him more naturally.
ISH95: Spencer’s right, the man is old and it shows. His defense, while still good, has clearly lost a step, and the bat hasn’t been there for a while. Can he maintain a decent balance of the two and be Longoria 2.0, yeah, probably.
What’s your favorite TV show?
James: That’s a tough call for me as I have seen a ridiculous amount of television in my time as I review many shows/episodes. On the short list though would be such titles as: Murdoch Mysteries Death in Paradise
The West Wing (followed quite closely by another Aaron Sorkin gem, The Newsroom)
Lucifer Babyloinfielder.
Wesley: I can’t answer a question as broad as that. Even if we narrow it down to a favorite in specific genres, I’d still have a hard time picking just one favorite. Favorite scripted live-action comedy? Hard to choose between ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ ‘Wilfred’ ‘Brockmire’ along with another five or six shows I’m forgetting. Favorite sketch comedy show? Once again, it’s very hard to choose between ‘The Whitest Kids U Know’ ‘Key & Peele’ ‘Upright Citizens Brigade’ ‘Kids in the Hall’ ‘Chappelle’s Show’ ‘Mr. Show w/ Bob and David’ and that doesn’t even get it things like ‘The Muppet Show’
Although I didn’t exactly answer the question, I think you get my point. Comparing a comedy like ‘It’s Always Sunny’ to a dramatic thriller ‘Mr. Robot’ doesn’t do either show any favors.
Makakilo: Death in Paradise.
Preston: I’ve recently enjoyed sharing The Good Place with my oldest; there’s something about sharing shows with people that mean a lot to you that makes them better. I personally love Bojack Horseman, but I also haven’t seen it since my life was in a place where I needed to see it, so I don’t know if holds up.
Spencer: Person of Interest has long been the answer here. It’s just excellent in every aspect (with one weird episode ending music choice). But currently on air? The Pitt, Ted Lasso, Shrinking and maybe Your Friends & Neighbors.
Ben: I’m with everyone else – trying to choose just one TV show would be extremely difficult. The West Wing is regularly quoted in our household, The Office was long a comfort show for me, but there are so many shows that I’ve loved. ISH95: My colleagues are not wrong that this is nearly an impossible question to answer. However, nothing is actually impossible if you actually set your mind to it, so I will say Doctor Who, even though sometimes it seems as though the show and those behind it do in fact hate its viewers.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Team Venezuela and the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Astros have placed IF Nick Allen on the 10-day IL (retro 4/19) due to mid-back spasms.
To take his place on the active roster, the Astros selected IF Braden Shewmake (#28)to the Major League roster.
To make room for Shewmake on 40-man roster, the Astros transferred RHP Cristian Javier to the 60-day IL.
RHP J.P. France has been outrighted to Triple A Sugar Land.
The San Antonio Spurs aren’t looking to drag this first-round series out. As admirable as the Portland Trail Blazers’ season has been—especially given the turmoil surrounding their head coach’s arrest just before opening night—it’s likely to end quietly without much resistance in this matchup.
My Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions and these NBA picks welcome our new overlord, Victor Wembanyama, as he continues his dominance in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction
Who will win Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2?
Spurs: Victor Wembanyama has officially arrived. Not to overreact to an easy Game 1 win, but this version of the San Antonio Spurs should be feared by everyone in the NBA.
The Trail Blazers had a delightfully surprising season, but it would be an act of mercy by the NBA to shorten this series to best-of-five, if not best-of-three.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points (-105)
What of Victor Wembanyama’s resounding playoff debut might not be repeatable? The San Antonio Spurs’ superstar scored 35 points in a dominant win, playing fewer than 33 minutes.
He did shoot 5-for-6 from deep; perhaps he will shoot just 2-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2. Those nine points would be costly in pursuit of this points prop. But then again, Wembanyama did not need to stress in that Game 1 win. Missing a few more 3-pointers would create a more competitive game, leading to more Wembanyama minutes.
That would provide enough of a cushion to think Wembanyama should clear this prop in either game state.
Focus on his last few weeks. The Frenchman scored at least 34 points in four of his final five regular-season games. He has been locked in for a bit.
And as Sunday night made clear, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a defender to slow down Wembanyama. Donovan Clingan may be a massive human being, but he is simply not quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay
Clingan will have a quality NBA career. It should last more than a decade. His size and defensive instincts are assets that contenders will value.
But he is no match for Wembanyama right now. Portland realized that in Game 1, and Clingan played just 21 minutes. Logic would have expected him to be more in the 28-30 range, but with Wembanyama ruling, the Trail Blazers needed to alter their rotation.
Clingan’s minutes may stay limited this whole series, leading to some continued value in the Unders on his player props.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 points
Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby, Whatever Way
This is not doubt in Wembanyama. I'm merely suggesting that Portland will try a different coverage, because Sunday’s clearly did not work. Forcing Wembanyama off the arc will do only so much to his overall scoring.
The one thing the Trail Blazers should carry over from Game 1 is slowing down the pace. Fewer possessions give San Antonio fewer chances to enjoy its talent advantages, led by Wembanyama, obviously.
Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know
As every game became a must-win for Portland, the Trail Blazers became a reliable Under team. Six of their final eight regular-season games cashed their Unders. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Trail Blazers vs Spurs latest injuries
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The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 2 down 1-0 after Denver Nuggets protected home court in the opener, and the market isn’t exactly expecting a bounce-back. With Denver now laying -7.5, oddsmakers are pricing in a clear gap as the series stays in altitude.
Our Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and free NBA picks break down whether that number is justified — or if there’s value on Minnesota to respond before this series gets out of hand.
With a 77% win probability, the Denver Nuggets are expected to take Game 2 behind Nikola Jokic’s playmaking and Jamal Murray’s scoring, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will need a big response from Anthony Edwards to beat the odds.
Our prediction:Nuggets to win
Our NBA expert is calling for a Nuggets victory: "I fully expect the Nuggets to go up 2-0 in this series. When healthy, this Denver rotation may be the second-best team in the NBA, something not enough people recognize because it was healthy so rarely this season.
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More Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets
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Timberwolves vs Nuggets spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Nuggets -7.5
50¢ (+100)
51¢ (-104)
Over 230.5 points
53¢ (-113)
48¢ (+108)
Our predictions:Nuggets -7.5 — Yes and Over 230.5 points — Yes
Our projections back the Denver Nuggets to cover the -7.5 behind Nikola Jokic controlling tempo and Jamal Murray scoring efficiently, while the pace and shot-making on both sides push this game Over 230.5.
Other Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets available
Jamal Murray 25+ points (Yes: 60¢)
Nikola Jokic 25+ points (Yes: 68¢)
Anthony Edwards 25+ points (Yes: 65¢)
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WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - APRIL 18, 2026: Victor Estevez #7 congratulates James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals as he circles the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 18, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. The Giants beat the Nationals, 7-6 in 12 innings. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Nats were able to salvage their weekend series against the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 win on Sunday, and now they’re slated to play host to the red-hot Atlanta Braves.
Zack Littell gave up 6 runs in the 2nd inning of Game 1 to essentially put the game out of reach, as Daylen Lile and James Wood’s homers were only able to cut the deficit to 5. Game 2 was an extra-inning heartbreaker, as the Nats wasted walk-off chances in the 10th and 11th innings after tying the game in the 9th before relinquishing the deciding run in the 12th. Bulk outings from Miles Mikolas and Andrew Alvarez blanked San Francisco in the final game of the series, with a Keibert Ruiz RBI double and a 2-run Joey Wiemer blast more than enough to secure the victory.
Atlanta comes to the nation’s capital as winners of 8 of their last 10 games, with a sweep of the division rival Philadelphia Phillies extending their lead in the NL East. Getting to the Braves’ pitching staff has been far from easy for teams to do, and the Nats are next in line, looking to bring themselves closer to the division lead.
Monday – 6:45 PM EST
ATL: RHP Bryce Elder (2-1, 0.77 ERA)
WSH: RHP Jake Irvin (1-2, 6.16 ERA)
It had been a rough go for Elder the past 2 seasons after he broke onto the scene in 2022 and then posted respectable numbers as a 12-game winner in 2023. Through 4 starts in 2025, however, it’s been a completely different story. The righthander has generated timely whiffs, has kept the ball on the ground, and has given up barrels at a staggeringly low 1.7%. He’s certainly a tough matchup for the series opener, and the Nats’ lefties will look to keep him from getting into an early groove.
Irvin hasn’t given Washington much length this season, as he hasn’t worked past 5.0 innings in a start so far this season, but he looked much better in his last outing against Pittsburgh. The walks are still a concerning aspect of his game, but he limited the Pirates to just 4 hits and 2 runs last Wednesday. Atlanta clearly has the statistical pitching advantage, but a replication of Irvin’s last start could keep the Nats in the game long enough for the offense to take over.
Tuesday – 6:45 PM EST
ATL: RHP Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18 ERA)
WSH: LHP Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05 ERA)
Lopez is another Braves starter who has gotten off to a much better start in 2026 than his 2025 campaign did. He’s dropped his ERA by over 3 full points since last season, and his strikeout numbers have followed in his most recent outings. Lifting the ball has been the one area where opponents have found success against the 32-year-old, making the game plan for the Nats’ hitters quite clear.
Tuesday night’s game will be a big test for Griffin, as he’s faced with his first opportunity to bounce back after a bad start since making his MLB return. He surrendered 8 hits and 4 runs in 5.1 innings against the Pirates, and will look to regain his form versus Atlanta. The southpaw has been one of the most effective arms on the roster, and proving he can fight through adversity would be another fantastic sign.
Wednesday – 6:45 PM EST
ATL: LHP Martin Perez (1-1, 2.21 ERA)
WSH: RHP Zack Littell (0-2, 7.11 ERA)
Atlanta entered the season with plenty of question marks surrounding their starting rotation, including Perez, but boy, have the doubters quieted. Pitching for his 5th team, he’s had his entire arsenal working through 4 starts, including a shutdown 6-inning, 0-run performance last Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Inducing soft contact is where Perez has beaten teams, with Washington slated to try to break that pattern.
This will be a start to watch for Littell, as he’s coming off enduring an absolute beatdown from the San Francisco Giants. Opposing batters are hitting .325 with 7 home runs off him in just 19 total innings, making this easily the Nats’ toughest draw. With both Irvin and Miles Mikolas unable to find their rhythm to this point, Littell reverting to the steady arm he’s been for most of his career would be a much-needed change.
Thursday – 1:05 PM EST
ATL: LHP Chris Sale (4-1, 2.79 ERA)
WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.12 ERA)
Sale hasn’t missed a beat from his elite 2025 campaign, racking up 4 wins on the early season and keeping his ERA under 3 for the 3rd consecutive year. He’s given opponents everything they can handle with 29 sparkling innings, and the underlying metrics are just as good. Finding a weak spot in his game is a task few hitters have accomplished so far, and it would be quite beneficial for the Nats to push across some wins early in the series before facing him.
Cavalli has looked extremely close to putting it together at times this year, but has consistently come up short trying to work his way out of innings. Defense didn’t help him in his shortened 4.0-inning outing against the Giants, with just 1 of his 3 runs earned, and he did post his first start without a walk. Adding onto what he was able to do could give the Nats a much-needed chance against Sale, especially if the series is close entering the finale.
Chance to turn the NL East tide
Sitting 5.0 games back of the Braves for 1st place in the National League East, this could be a pivotal series despite still being in April. If the Nats can come in guns blazing and force a sweep, they would find themselves within just 1 game of the division lead. Tempering expectations a bit, the goal should be to maintain within striking distance of Atlanta by the time they depart for Chicago on Thursday. Splitting or winning the series would keep Washington in the thick of things, as they’re set to face the White Sox and then the scuffling New York Mets after this series.
The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs didn’t hit the heights of the Play-In drama, but that could all change tonight with the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves trying to rebound from Game 1 losses.
As those teams dig into adjustments and counters, I’ve brought a similar focus to the NBA player props market, and my favorite targets lean into the home squads, with wagers on James Harden and Aaron Gordon.
Check out my three favorite NBA picks for the April 20 hoops action.
James Harden feasted against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, racking up 22 points and 10 assists, and I expect his shooting stroke to be there again in Game 2. The Beard knocked down four 3-pointers over the weekend, and he’s finished with 3+ triples in four of his past five outings.
It’s fair to pencil in a better defensive effort from Toronto tonight. Still, Harden can get to his stepback 3-ball in any matchup, and he’ll gladly hunt Toronto's weaker defenders on the perimeter.
Harden made his 3-pointers at a 44% clip in his 26 regular-season contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’s set to be a thorn in the Raptors’ side again at Rocket Arena.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock/NBCSN
Prop #2: Dyson Daniels Over 5.5 assists
-112 at bet365
Dyson Daniels pushed the New York Knicks all the way in Game 1, and his motor will be a factor again tonight at MSG.
Daniels dished 11 assists at MSG on Saturday — his second straight outing with double-digit dimes — and we should see playmaking flashes from the Aussie again here, with New York clamping down on CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
That’ll leave the ball in Daniels’ hands on plenty of possessions, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five outings. Plus, look for his minutes to climb even higher as the Atlanta Hawks try to level the series tonight.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC/Peacock
Prop #3: Aaron Gordon Over 22.5 points + rebounds
-110 at bet365
Aaron Gordon was his usual steady self in Game 1, ending up with 17 points and eight rebounds, and I’m going back to the well tonight for another do-it-all performance from AG in this very familiar matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Denver Nuggets need Gordon at full strength to make a Finals run, and that’ll include more opportunistic sharpshooting from downtown, where he posted a 39% mark during the regular season.
Most of all, this pick banks on Gordon’s ability to go up a level in the playoffs. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.6 rpb in last year’s postseason, and he’s a natural beneficiary in the paint when Nikola Jokic draws a swarm of Minnesota defenders.
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The Montreal Canadiens are back in action tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning after their thrilling Game 1 victory as the visitors.
My Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions and NHL picks expect Lane Hutson (among many other young Habs players) to make his mark on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 2 prediction
Who will win Canadiens vs Lightning Game 2?
Canadiens: They've defeated Tampa three straight times within the last month, and snatching the overtime victory in Game 1 was a gargantuan momentum-builder. Jakub Dobes is playing the best hockey of his young career, and the Habs' power play looks absolutely lethal.
Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points (-160)
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson inserted himself into Norris Trophy conversation in just his second NHL season, notching an astounding 78 points.
The 22-year-old picked up an assist on Juraj Slafkovsky's overtime winner in Game 1, giving him six points in six career playoff games. He quarterbacks what looks like a deadly, game-breaking top power-play unit in Montreal.
Look for Hutson to weave through a Tampa Bay Lightning defense and pick up an apple as he so often does.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 2 same-game parlay
A few key defensemen were relied upon heavily in Game 1, given the absence of Noah Dobson on the Habs' blue line. Among them was Kaiden Guhle, playing over 21 minutes despite sitting out for a four-minute high-sticking penalty.
He only blocked one shot on Sunday, but barring another controversial double-minor penalty call, he'll have a fantastic opportunity to wear a few more at Benchmark International Arena on Tuesday.
Montreal has put up three or more goals in three of the last four games against Tampa, and was the second-highest scoring team on the road this season. They had eight high-danger chances at 5-on-5 compared to Tampa's one, and led 15-6 at all strengths.
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points
Kaiden Guhle Over 1.5 blocked shots
Montreal team total Over 2.5
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 2 goal scorer pick
Alex Newhook (+405)
Alex Newhook often gets overshadowed among the myriad of fast, young Habs forwards. While he has just one goal in his last eight games, he's occupying the 2C role, and he'll remain a scoring threat playing alongside a premier playmaker like Ivan Demidov.
He had a solid high-danger scoring chance in the first period of Game 1, stemming from a cheeky setup by Demidov.
Montreal has won three straight against Tampa Bay. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning Game 2
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN2
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.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 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
Tyrese Maxey is like the wind. He gets up to dangerous speeds, and can make you feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, Boston brought their windbreaker, and inside TD Garden there wasn’t even a breeze.
Without Joel Embiid, Game 1 was all about Maxey. We knew that, he knew that, and most importantly, so did the Celtics.
Maxey played the entirety of the first quarter, and finished with a 34.5% usage percentage. In that frame he shot 3-9, outpacing everyone in field goal attempts on either side. It felt like a predetermined mindset that the best way to counter Boston’s plans to smother him was to be ultra aggressive.
He started the game with a lightly contested step back 3-pointer over Sam Hauser, then hit just 2 of his next 10. A substantial reason for this is that in preparation for an assertive Maxey, Boston focused on how they could still dictate the terms.
Jordan Walsh spoke before the series about the challenge and goals of covering a player like Maxey, and his analysis hit on the what the Celtics honed in on in Game 1.
“Taking away tendencies, and knowing the small things.” Walsh said. “Make them go to their second option, their third option… if he wants to go right and do a step back, just don’t let him do that and make him do something else and usually we’ll live with the end result.”
Walsh revealed one observable key to the matchup, limiting Maxey’s step backs going right. As the chart shows, Maxey is significantly more effective from distance when he’s shooting toward his right. On the night, just one of his four three point attempts came from that right wing.
His second shot of the game came after getting Jayson Tatum switched onto him.
The most important aspect of this possession is the positioning of Sam Hauser. The moment Maxey begins his drive, Hauser stunts at him. This is often an incredibly forcing idea. It can lead to live ball turnovers, kick outs, or early dribble pick ups. For a crafty downhill driver like Maxey, that lowers his threat levels if he can’t get to his floater or deep into the paint. He identifies the stunt — and an awaiting Queta — and opts for the left wing step back instead.
If there’s a true blind spot on the floor for Maxey, it is the left short midrange area. He has 28 attempts there on the season, and converted just 25% of those looks. It’s not a zone that he looks for, but on multiple occasions it’s exactly where the Celtics guided him to.
In this case, it was Maxey pushing the ball up quick, enjoying the space he found 1-on-1 with Derrick White. But again, it’s the positioning from Boston with Tatum and Hauser overextending that shrinks the middle of floor. This narrows his options, and Maxey settles for a contested turnaround jumper in unfamiliar territory.
A possession like that feels like the balance of Maxey trying to show he won’t be limited, versus Boston pushing him out of his comfort zones and living with the results, as Walsh explained.
This is arguably the best example of the Celtics’ guiding hand at work.
With Boston prepared to switch, Oubre sets a brush screen to try to create an opening for Maxey to get to his right. White had no interest in the screen, and beats Maxey to the spot. This forces the Sixers to reset, and Oubre comes back to ghost the screen this time.
Maxey gets downhill to his left but Vucevic is waiting in the paint, Hauser is cheating over, and White is still on his hip. His shot fake gets White out of the picture, but he is instantly replaced by Hauser and Tatum rushing to contest. He’s forced to kick it out to Paul George, who sees his own driving lane disappear with a similar hoard of Celtics in his path. His pass is picked off, and Tatum finishes in transition.
You can’t win every possession, but the goal was to keep Maxey driving left and staying left as much as possible. When he begins a play on the left wing — whether it’s isolation or pick & roll — he prefers to spin, crossover or euro his way toward the middle and his right hand.
Notice how White positions himself against this screen. He stays above it, but waits for any sign of a drive to the right. Maxey concedes, using the Drummond screen to go left. White spins under it to meet him on the other side, while Vucevic and Brown join him to suffocate what just looked like open space. Maxey picks up his dribble, and attempts his second contested short midrange jumper from the left side.
The attention to detail stands out from every player on the floor. In each clip it’s not necessarily the individual defense of one player, but the collective understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish. As three players converge on one drive, the other two are rotating or zoning up on the weak side.
In the moments where it is about on-ball isolation defense, the rest of the team is still moving on a string to prevent breakdowns or openings elsewhere.
Here Maxey draws the Tatum matchup again. He has room to operate, and tries to get separation for his trusty step back. Tatum probably still doesn’t get enough credit for his defensive ability, but it’s his intuition here that allows him to throw Maxey off. He stays close enough to dissuade the three without giving up a step on the drive. He sends Maxey toward the baseline — where Vucevic is headed — and forces him to cross back toward the left hand, before trying an awkward floating shot facing away from the hoop.
While Tatum’s defense is under the spotlight here, it’s important to note the tandem effort from Vucevic and Walsh the allows them to send help to the rim without leaving the corner or the big available as outlets.
That connected effort was the theme of the night. Maxey finished with 21 points on 8/20 shooting, and his aggressiveness visibly diminished after the first quarter. Each defender had their job in slowing him down, regardless of who drew the initial matchup.
This was only Game 1, and Philly will adjust. They’ll look to free Maxey off the ball, flip the angle of his screens, and find ways to get him moving before the defense is set.
The larger problem remains if his supporting cast can’t command enough defensive attention to force Boston into tougher choices. As long as the Celtics can sag off the shooters and load up in the driving lanes, they’ll continue to dictate the terms.
Maxey is still the wind. Boston just knows which way it blows.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 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
Going into the series against the Sixers, the Celtics had to wait to see which coverage Nick Nurse would pick on ball-screen actions. As most modern basketball plays start with a screen for the ball-handler, the chosen coverage tells a lot about a team’s philosophy and its capabilities.
If Joël Embiid was healthy (so a pretty big if), the Sixers would probably have been in drop coverage, with the former MVP staying low under the screen, waiting for the Celtics to attempt a drive or forcing them into pull-ups. But, as often, the big man from Cameroon is out. Nurse has to make do with either Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, or sometimes Dominick Barlow.
With these bigs, it makes less sense to go for drop coverage, as their rim protection isn’t elite. Plus, they are a little more mobile than Embiid, offering an opportunity to switch and try to contain the ball-handler, or hedge and apply pressure. With Nurse being an adept of aggressive coverages and defensive playmaking, it was somewhat expected to see a hedge coverage… and the Celtics totally exposed it.
With this approach, the Sixers wanted to force the ball out of Tatum’s hands and also create some chaos in the Celtics’ offense. However, JT has improved so much as a playmaker that he has learned how to deal with these coverages.
On this first example with Neemias Queta, he finds him on the short roll around the free-throw line, as he expects him to be free from his matchup. Because of his size and basketball IQ, this coverage doesn’t work if nobody comes to tag the roll man, like here.
However, basketball is like an onion and has many layers. So what happens if the Sixers tag the roll man (here Nikola Vucevic) when executing a hedge coverage? To do so, you need a third defender, who will have to leave his man open for a second to contain the roll. This takes away the paint but creates an open shot beyond the line. Here, for one of the best shooters alive, Sam Hauser.
While this approach makes Jayson Tatum’s passing shine, at least it takes away his scoring. At least a little. On this next play, Barlow is too slow to step up on the ball screen and leaves space between him and the screener. JT’s handle is sharp enough to split the defense as he crosses in front of the defender and finishes at the rim. This is a great example of why the Sixers coaching staff would rather put two on the ball so these drives don’t happen.
The other limitation of this coverage is how much the screener’s defender can anticipate the ball direction. Here, Drummond is getting ready for Jaylen Brown to go left and commits to that play too early. JB sees it, rejects the screen, and can drive with his right hand into an open paint. Bad coverage and bad execution.
Once everybody saw how bad the Sixers were at hedging the pick-and-roll, it became a playground for the Celtics’ offense. Here, Payton Pritchard beats it himself with patience, great vision, and good timing to find Queta alone below the rim, as Drummond is once again behind the play.
This coverage is also going poorly due to the elite spacing that the Celtics have. On this play, with Derrick White as the ball-handler, the secondary rim protector and low man is supposed to be Paul George. However, PG is forced to choose between protecting the paint or covering Hauser in the corner—an impossible decision leading to another shot at the rim.
Overall, the Celtics had elite rim efficiency, and it was largely due to poorly chosen and executed coverages. Now, the Sixers have a couple of days to adjust their approach to slow down the Celtics’ avalanche.
Apr 20, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Hope you had your coffee ready for this, the stupidest start time of the season. The Tigers had a very early game today because they have no off days this weekend so they needed time to get to Milwaukee. It’s also Boston Marathon day, which makes me wonder why they aren’t wearing their marathon-inspired City Connects. Anyway, we had Jack Flaherty on the mound for the Tigers, while Sonny Gray was getting the start for the Red Sox. The Tigers had taken the last two games in the series and were hoping to make it three of four.
Kevin McGonigle kicked things off in the first with a leadoff single, but was soon eliminated in a double play off the bat of Gleyber Torres. A Colt Keith flyout ended things with no runs scored. In the home half, Willson Contreras got a one-out single, then one out later, Masataka Yoshida took a walk, but Flaherty got out of the jam with no harm done. We did get treated to this incredible catch for the final out of the inning, though.
The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the top of the second. Things got incredibly weird in the bottom of the inning. Caleb Durbin got a one-out walk, followed by a single from Marcelo Mayer that advanced Dubrin to third. Carlos Narvaez reached on a fielder’s choice, and what should have been a rundown out on the third base path resulted in the ball getting thrown away and Durbin scoring. Flaherty was charged with the error. Roman Anthony then walked to load the bases. With two outs in the inning, Flaherty’s troubles continued and he walked Wilyer Abreu, walking in the second run of the game. That was it for the inning, but not at all a good showing from Flaherty.
Matt Vierling started the third with a double on a zippy line drive. Then a Hao-Yu Lee groundout got Vierling to third. A Jake Rogers single brought Matt home, and put the Tigers on the board.
Rogers saw an opening and successfully stole second while Torres worked on a lengthy at-bat against Gray. Torres fought out a walk, and then the Red Sox came out for a mound visit with Gray, who was obviously experiencing some issues. Gray was then pulled from the game, despite a strong early start, something was definitely wrong. Danny Coulombe came out of the Red Sox pen and collected the final out of the inning, leaving two men stranded. In the bottom of the inning, Flaherty got his footing back a little. He gave up a two-out double to Durbin, but the runner didn’t amount to anything as the next out finished the inning.
Riley Greene got a leadoff walk in the top of the fourth. However, a force out off the bat of Dillon Dingler eliminated Greene and deposited Greene safely on first. Kerry Carpenter was hit by a pitch to put two men on. Zack Kelly came in to replace Coulombe for the Sox. With two outs in the inning, Lee came in and collected his first major league hit, and an RBI at that, bringing in the tying run.
An update came through about Gray, who apparently left the game with a leg injury. I am not a doctor, but it looked like a potential hamstring injury. Good old unreliable Flaherty was back in gear in the bottom of the fourth, giving up back-to-back walks to Narvaez and Roman Anthony, and acting like the strike zone was an ex-girlfriend he was trying to avoid. Flaherty got the first out of the inning, but it would be his last out of the game as Hinch came in to pull him. Brant Hurter came out of the pen. Jack’s final line of the game was 3.1 IP, 2 R, 0 ER (though I feel like if you committed the error, you should still be responsible for the run), 6 BB, 3 K on 73 pitches. I would normally try to look at the bright side of any start, but the bright side here is that he was pulled before things got worse. Abreu hit into a force out at second, which was a bit of a heart-stopper as Torres struggled to tag second on time, but made it just before the runner. A lineout ended the inning and the threat.
The Tigers had a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth, and for the first time all game, the Red Sox went down in order in the home half.
Jovani Morán came on in the top of the sixth, and gave up back-to-back walks to Greene and Dingler. Jahmai Jones came in to pinch-hit for Kerry Carpenter, and he singled, bringing Greene in and giving the Tigers the lead for the first time in the game.
The Sox made another pitching change, bringing in Greg Weissert, and he got the Tigers out in order after that. With one out in the home half, Narvaez doubled, then successfully stole third. Roman Anthony came in and singled, re-tying the game. Anthony then stole second. The Tigers stopped the bleeding at just one run, but the score was back to even.
Garrett Whitlock was the next Red Sox pitcher in, and he got the Tigers out in order in the top of the seventh. Tyler Holton replaced Hurter in the home half, and it was about to be one very ugly inning. Yoshida got things started with a single, followed by a walk to Trevor Story. A one-out single from Durbin got the bases loaded. Ceddanne Rafaela, on to pinch hit, hit a liner into right, to drive in two runs and get the Red Sox a much healthier lead. Durbin was tagged out at home, though, so it could have been worse. A wild pitch allowed Rafaela to advance, then Narvaez singled to bring him home. Anthony walked, and that was it for Holton, who was replaced by Drew Anderson. Anderson induced the final out of the inning, but the Sox were now ahead three runs.
Riley Greene singled at the top of the eighth, but was once again eliminated in a force out off the bat of Dingler. The Red Sox then got lucky with a review call that ultimately resulted in Wenceel Perez being ruled out at first instead of the initial safe call. Definitely a bummer for the Tigers. Yoshida got a one-out single in the home half. Trevor Story then doubled, but the Red Sox third base coach basically had to stand in front of Yoshida to keep him from going for home. He got there anyway when Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled to score two additional runs. Kiner-Falefa then stole second, but two outs followed, including another great catch by Greene at the Monster to keep the damage at least somewhat limited.
Lee kept going with MLB firsts, getting his first double with a leadoff in the top of the ninth. If there was one nice thing about losing the lead so spectacularly, the Tigers didn’t need to face Aroldis Chapman. Kevin McGonigle doubled, but Lee only advanced to third thanks to a strong arm with Abreu in the outfield. Torres singled, bringing Lee home. So much for avoiding Chapman, because the Red Sox now had to dip into the bullpen for him. With two outs, Riley Greene doubled, scoring another two runs. Chapman did the final out after that, though, so while the Tigers did make a valiant effort in the ninth, it wasn’t enough to stage a full comeback.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 3: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Minnesota TImberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 3, 2026 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. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, any news is good news after what we all witnessed Sunday afternoon.
After the Sixers were thoroughly beaten by the Celtics in Game 1 in Boston, it appears there is a glimmer of hope that Joel Embiid can return before the series ends.
The Sixers Monday announced that Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program.
Sixers say Joel Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program post-appendectomy.
Embiid is back in Philly and not with the team in Boston.
It’s hard to know what to make of this as far as when Embiid could return to action.
Embiid underwent his emergency appendectomy on Thursday, April 9, so we’re 11 days post-surgery. Again, this feels like positive news that he’s even reached a stage where he can begin a strength and conditioning program — something he wouldn’t be doing unless there was a chance he could come back — but there are likely many more hurdles to clear and much will depend on how Embiid’s body responds.
Remember, you’re asking Embiid to play in NBA playoffs games against a great team when he’s been unable to do much physically for over a week. That’s an impossible ask. But if we’ve learned anything about Embiid in recent years, it’s that he’s going to push to play — sometimes to his own detriment.
Both Adem Bona, who got the starting nod, and Andre Drummond struggled mightily in Game 1. Both got in early foul trouble as well, only adding to the Sixers’ litany of issues. It’s painfully obvious that Embiid would help a great deal, but it’s hard to know what to expect when/if he comes back.
The Sixers will be without Embiid for Game 2 in Boston Tuesday night. Could he be available when the series goes to Philly for Game 3 on Friday night? It appears we’re back to playing the will he/won’t he game with Embiid yet again. To be honest, it’s comfortable territory at this point.
And it beats having to watch the version of the team we watched Sunday.
The San Antonio Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday after a historic season, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner since its inception in 1982-83.
He beat out finalists Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson.
Victor Wembanyama is the first unanimous Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year since the award’s inception in 1982-83.
The winner was selected by a global media panel of 100 voters.
At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is the youngest player to ever earn the award – surpassing 23-year-old winners Alvin Robertson (1986), Dwight Howard (2009), Kawhi Leonard (2015), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023) and Evan Mobley (2025).
Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks in each of his three NBA seasons since being drafted first overall in 2023. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.
As a rookie in 2023-24, Wembanyama finished second in DPOY voting behind Rudy Gobert while making First-Team All-Defense. His second season ended early with just 46 games played, making him ineligible for awards despite averaging a league-high 3.8 blocks per game.
Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP, along with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. In his playoff debut on Sunday night, Wembanyama led the second-seeded Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while blocking two shots and scoring 35 points.
If he can stay healthy, this is expected to be the first of many Defensive Player of the Year honors for the French star. For now, though, his focus is on helping the Spurs win their first playoff series since 2017.
James Harden
Dyson Daniels
Aaron Gordon
