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Game Thread: Rays (10-7) at White Sox (6-12)

Post lineup in haste, repent at Leasure? | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The White Sox will be trying to salvage a win in a series where they’ve been pretty well thumped in the first two games, and the pitching staff may give a try at keeping the Rays to fewer than eight runs while they’re at it. This will be the first game where there’s no one in the Sox lineup making a major league debut, so maybe experience will come into play.

The Sox presumably have their best starter on the mound, since it’s Anthony Kay’s turn in the rotation, though Jordan Leasure is playing the role of opener. Before you slap your forehead and scream, “Oh, no — not HIM!!” please note that Leasure has given up no runs in his last four appearances, so somebody must have pointed out to him that the object is to keep opponents off the bases.

The Rays counter with veteran lefty Steven Matz, who is 3-0 with a 3.94 ERA and outstanding 0.938 WHIP and held the Yankees to two runs in five innings last time out. Matz will face a White Sox lineup without Colson Montgomery, who struck out four times last night, or any batter with more than 20 at-bats who’s hitting over .203, but with San Antonacci, who was 1-for-3 in his MLB debut last night ,in left and hitting ninth.

Leasure and presumably Kay will face a Rays lineup that has won five in a row, two of them pummels of the Sox and three of them close wins over the Yankees.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 Central, with a chance of thunderstorms theoretically going away about then, with a temp of 71 and winds blowing out to left. Usual broadcast suspects.

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Ja Morant reportedly tells players he isn't going to play for Grizzlies anymore; trade expected

Ja Morant's frustration with the Grizzlies and coach Tuomas Iisalo is no secret — the team suspended its star one game last season for "conduct detrimental to the team" after a locker-room confrontation with Iisalo. The coach's short shift patterns in game and bluntness in calling out stars rubbed Morant the wrong way.

Enough so that Morant told people he no longer wanted to play for the Grizzlies, reports Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright of ESPN.

"In the aftermath, Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn't playing for Memphis anymore, sources said."

He's expected to get his wish this offseason.

The Grizzlies looked for a Morant trade at the February deadline, but nothing materialized that Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman liked — the offers were "modest." He did trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in the wake of trading Desmond Bane to Orlando the previous summer. The Grizzlies are in a rebuild and Morant — a fan favorite in Memphis — is almost unquestionably going to be moved.

However, Morant is not going to bring back the haul of draft picks that Jackson and Bane brought to Memphis, ESPN reports.

Several executives from other teams polled by ESPN believe the Grizzlies should have better luck finding a destination for Morant this summer, with the caveat that Memphis shouldn't expect to get much value in return.

A few things hold teams back from going all-in on Morant. One is that he is owed $87.1 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, and in an NBA where teams are trying to avoid the tax aprons, that is a lot of money to take on for anything short of an All-Star player. Second is Morant's injury history — he has not played in 65 games since his rookie season and not more than 50 in any of the last three. Finally, there is Morant's ball-dominant style — he has to have the ball in his hands and be the primary shot creator to be at his best — and that is not a natural fit on a lot of rosters.

That said, this summer there will be teams chasing the bigger names — Giannis Antetokounmpo, maybe Kawhi Leonard — that will strike out, and suddenly see Morant as an option. The ESPN story mentions the retooling Sacramento Kings, who spoke to the Grizzlies at the deadline but didn't come anywhere near a deal.

Wherever it is, expect Morant to be in a new uniform next season. He's ready to move on from the Grizzies and they are ready to move on from him.

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Tyrese Maxey willed the Sixers back to the playoffs

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 12: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a three-pointer with a fan during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Sixers’ 109-97 win over the Orlando Magic in the Play-In tournament to secure the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference cemented their turnaround from a disastrous 2024-25 campaign. Thanks to a 21-win increase they were able to clinch a playoff spot for the eighth time in the last nine seasons.

It’s not like the Sixers achieved this with major roster upheaval. They retained 11 players from the prior season heading into this one. Proving that the previous season was just an injury-riddled disaster was something they all took pride in.

Head coach Nick Nurse opened the year saying there was a lot of “pissed off-ness” about how the ’24-25 season went and how motivated the organization was to erase that. He reiterated that again after the victory over Orlando.

“I said we had a really, really big hole to dig out of and we want to get in the tournament somehow” Nurse said postgame. “It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty, but we’re here now and now we get to see what we can do with it.”

To Nurse’s point, it’s not like everything that went wrong a season ago suddenly clicked into place. Joel Embiid and Paul George still missed a combined 87 games this year with no guarantee Embiid will be able to suit up for the playoffs.

“It means a lot,” George said. “Last season, that was as about as tough as a season I’ve been a part of, but for us to turn it around, we dealt with some adversity this year but we got through it.”

No player took this more to heart than Tyrese Maxey. While he hasn’t quite snatched the title of most impactful star on the Sixers roster from Joel Embiid, he is definitely the most available. The fact that he’s able to suit up regularly makes him bear the brunt of the team’s on-court struggles on a day-to-day basis.

The All-NBA caliber season in which he averaged 28 points per game is nice, but proving he can lead a team through the regular season to the playoffs has been a larger goal. He made a vow to get back watching last year’s playoffs, and didn’t care for Knicks’ commentator Walt Frazier’s preseason assessment that he better get used to losing.

Driving this type of winning is so important to Maxey that he promised multiple teammates that he would lead them back to the playoffs.

“I promised Kyle [Lowry] before the season,” Maxey said. “He called me around May, I said ‘there’s just no chance that I’m gonna let you not be in the playoffs next year.’”

He also detailed how important that was for many of the younger guys who haven’t made the playoffs yet, guys like Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker and, of course, VJ Edgecombe.

“Dalen Terry came up to me at shootaround and just said ‘please, man, just please, get me in there. I have been in the Play-In four years straight,’” Maxey explained. “I said, ‘we going to the playoffs, so don’t worry about it, D.T.’”

In his own words, coming through on this promise meant everything to Maxey.

“The way last season went, I just didn’t want to have that feeling again,” he said. “I just challenged myself last summer, and I feel like I rose to that challenge.”

Maxey’s teammates have not been shy about the vocal leader he has developed into over the past couple of seasons. If there’s one way to cement yourself as the locker room leader, it’s coming through on promises like that.

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Warriors vs Suns Same-Game Parlay for Today's NBA Game

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The Golden State Warriors aren’t done yet. 

Golden State was able to rewind to 2017 for 12 minutes and live another day, setting up Friday's NBA Play-In Tournament showdown with the Phoenix Suns for the No. 8 seed in the West (and the right to get smacked by OKC).

However, my Warriors vs. Suns predictions aren’t drinking from Golden State’s fountain of youth, as I’m betting on Phoenix to sunset the final remnants of this dynasty.

Read more in my latest NBA picks for April 17.

Our best Warriors vs Suns SGP for April 17

The Phoenix Suns opened as short home favorites, being discounted for a close loss to a red-hot Portland squad in Tuesday’s Play-In opener. Phoenix has the homecourt and rest edge over a Golden State Warriors team ripe for a letdown and playing its fourth away game in eight days.

The last thing the Suns want is to get into a shootout with the Warriors. Phoenix plays a methodical pace on offense and is among the better defensive teams in the NBA — especially at home, where they own a 15-27 Over/Under record.

Jalen Green’s knee is doing just fine. He exploded for 35 points against a very stingy Blazers team and now faces a Golden State squad that ranks among the softer defenses in the Association.

Green's projections call for 20+ points, which is a bar he’s hit in 15 of his last 21 outings.

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Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in NBA Betting Scheme Case

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A former player tied to a major NBA betting scandal seemingly wants to switch his stance in one of the federal cases against him. 

Key Takeaways

  • Ex-NBA player Damon Jones is tied to the betting scandal and the rigged poker games.

  • Jones hasn’t changed his not guilty plea in the other charge.

  • He allegedly provided bettors with the injury information for LeBron James and Anthony Davis for profit.

Damon Jones originally pleaded not guilty in November 2025 to providing injury information on star NBA players LeBron James and Anthony Davis to bettors. However, he has requested a change-of-plea hearing, according to ABC News, citing court documents. 

The hearing has reportedly been scheduled for April 28.

Jones allegedly twice attempted to sell personnel information to a group of bettors that included Marves Fairley and Shane Hennen. Jones, who played 11 seasons in the NBA for 10 teams, was charged by federal prosecutors in the same case involving Terry Rozier in October 2025. 

He was also named in the indictment as a part of a rigged poker game with suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups. Jones hasn’t altered his not guilty plea to that charge. 

Insider information instance

The first occasion occurred before a February 9, 2023, game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, when he had a close relationship with James as an unofficial assistant coach. 

Jones told the group of co-conspirators that James was going to miss the game. He told them in a text message to “get a big bet on Milwaukee” before the public information on James’ status was released, and Jones asked them to “bet enough” that he would get a piece of the winnings. 

James indeed sat out. The Lakers lost the game, and the group of bettors profited from nonpublic information, according to the indictment. James, also a former teammate of Jones, was not implicated in the scheme. 

“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement last year. “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.”

Other alleged improprieties 

In January 2024, Fairley paid Jones $2,500 on a peer-to-peer transaction app for injury information reportedly on Davis, who was listed as probable for the game. 

The conspirators thought Davis would sit, but he played, and the Lakers won. Fairley asked for his money back, but Jones claimed it was “credible” insider information, the indictment notes.

Fairley has also pleaded not guilty and said he didn’t benefit from Jones’ nonpublic NBA player injury information. 

In the other case, Jones is accused, with Billups, of luring poker players into a game rigged by the mob. The defendants, who have also pleaded not guilty, allegedly used sophisticated electronic equipment to cheat players out of millions of dollars, according to the indictment. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Game #19: Rangers at A’s Game Thread

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 11: Jacob Lopez #57 of the Athletics throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field on April 11, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We are close to game time today in Sacramento as the Athletics prepare to wrap up this four-game series against the Texas Rangers. This afternoon, the Athletics look to win their third-straight game, third-straight series and increase their divisional lead. On the other side, the Rangers seek the series split, hoping to leave town tied atop the standings again.

Last night, the Athletics won 6-5, catapulting into first place in the American League West. Catcher Shea Langeliers and shortstop Jacob Wilson hit two-run home runs in back-to-back innings, giving the hosts a four run lead. Wilson’s run proved to be the game winner. Rangers first baseman Jake Burger’s three-run home run in the eighth inning off A’s reliever Mark Leiter Jr. reduced the visitors deficit to one. That was the closest Texas would get as A’s reliever Joel Kuhnel continued to excel, recording a four-out save.

Left-handed pitcher Jacob Lopez takes the mound for the A’s today for his fourth start of the season. He has largely struggled his first three outings, recording a 1-1 record and 7.43 ERA. In Lopez’s last start against the New York Mets, he gave up five runs in five innings, leaving the game after the A’s 7-1 lead was reduced to 7-6. If the A’s want to win this series against their division rivals, the team needs its lanky lefty to put forth his best start of the season. If he struggles again, the A’s may consider moving him to the bullpen or Triple-A Las Vegas in exchange for a better-performing pitcher. After Lopez, high-upside right hander Jack Perkins may make an appearance out of the bullpen, depending on the game’s score and situation.

The Athletics lineup for Game four shakes out like this:

Second baseman Jeff McNeil will bat leadoff today for the first time with the Athletics. Maybe moving first baseman Nick Kurtz to the third spot in the order will snap him out of his early-season slump. Austin Wynns is catching today, yet Langeliers remains in the lineup as the designated hitter in the wake of his 467–foot home run last night. Lastly, Darell Hernáiz gets the start at third base in place of Max Muncy and Carlos Cortes is in right field with usual right fielder Lawrence Butler shifting to center field.

This afternoon will be a Leiter family reunion. Mark Leiter Jr.’s cousin Jack Leiter is the Rangers starting pitcher. The No. 2 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA entering his fourth start of the season. In his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Leiter allowed five runs in only 3 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old has good stuff, but has struggled to find consistent success. In a matchup that could be a high-scoring affair, the A’s offense needs to work counts, make Leiter exert a lot of effort and take advantage of any mistakes he makes.

The Rangers’ starting lineup:

The Rangers lineup for today’s series finale is missing some notable names, most significantly superstar shortstop Corey Seager, who hit a two-run home run yesterday. Even without Seager, the Rangers still have multiple dangerous hitters in their lineup. First baseman Jake Burger has been a one-man wrecking ball this series. He will likely be licking his chops today as the right-handed hitter gets to face the left-hander Lopez. In addition to Burger, Lopez must be careful when pitching to outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Wyatt Langford.

Let’s win another series today, fellas. Let’s go A’s!

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Warriors vs Suns Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight's NBA Play-In Tournament Game

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Basketball nostalgia is a potent drug. I’ve spent hours watching highlights from the past, reminiscing on the glory days of NBA action.

Hoop heads got a strong dose of just that on Wednesday, when the Golden State Warriors erupted for 43 points in the fourth quarter to stun the L.A. Clippers.

Stephen Curry’s 3-point barrage, Draymond Green’s lockdown defense, and the Dubs digging themselves out of a 13-point hole stirred up memories of Golden State’s past postseason dominance and sets up a Play-In Tournament tilt with the Phoenix Suns.

But despite what my retro-heavy sneaker collection would tell you, I’m not buying this throwback.

Our Warriors vs. Suns predictions are being realistic about Golden State’s tough situational spot on Friday, and my NBA picks are siding with an undervalued home team.

  • UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.

 

Warriors vs Suns prediction

Who will win Warriors vs Suns?

Suns: Not to tip my hand on the “best bet” but I like the Phoenix Suns to win this Play-In tilt and take the No. 8 seed in the West. The Suns are being discounted after running into a hot Portland squad on Tuesday and the Golden State Warriors will show their age in a tough travel spot Friday.

Warriors vs Suns best bet: Suns -3 (-110)

I’m a big fan of situational betting, and after hearing Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, following his team’s comeback in L.A., my “spot betting sense” is tingling.

"For one night, we're us. We're champions again,” Kerr told reporters. “I know that that may sound crazy to everybody out there, but it's a play-in game. I don't care.”

The Warriors’ motivations were already mixed heading into the Play-In Tournament, but after such a wild win and that statement from Kerr, it really feels like the Dubs are ripe for a massive letdown in Phoenix on Friday.

If you can separate from that nostalgic joy for a second, you’ll remember Golden State backed into the postseason with one win in its final eight games. The Warriors were the ninth-worst defense since the All-Star break and finished 4-10 SU in their final 14 road games.

That potential for a faceplant isn’t the only reason I’m fading Golden State. The Warriors will now hit the road for the fourth time in eight days, which is a lot of wear and tear on the aging legs of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis. 

The Phoenix Suns, on the other hand, get to stay home and enjoy an added day of rest and prep. Phoenix is being discounted after running into a red-hot Portland squad in the Play-In and has shown an ability to bounce back from poor performances, going 22-15 SU and 21-16 ATS when coming off a loss.

Warriors vs Suns same-game parlay

If the Suns are going to get right and put away the Warriors, it will be with defense. Phoenix plays a methodical pace and ranks among the stingier home teams in the league, allowing just 108.5 points against inside Mortgage Matchup Center, and they are 15-27 Over/Under at home this season.

Jalen Green looked great coming back from a knee injury against Portland, exploding for 35 points in the Play-In loss. He’s scored 20+ points in 15 of his last 21 games and is projected for 20 points versus the Warriors on Friday.

Warriors vs Suns SGP

  • Suns -3
  • Under 220
  • Jalen Green Over 18.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Green monsters

These Green guys can pack the box score for both teams. Draymond gets after it on the glass against the Suns’ small-ball lineup while Jalen keeps up his play-in performances with another huge game for Phoenix.

Warriors vs Suns SGP

  • Jalen Green Over 18.5 points
  • Jalen Green Over 4.5 rebounds
  • Draymond Green Over 8.5 points
  • Draymond Green Over 5.5 rebounds

Warriors vs Suns odds

  • Spread: Warriors +3 | Suns -3
  • Moneyline: Warriors +135 | Suns -150
  • Over/Under: Over 220 | Under 220

Warriors vs Suns betting trend to know

Favorites of -3 or shorter are 9-4 SU and ATS in the current format of the NBA Play-In Tournament (since 2021). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Suns.

How to watch Warriors vs Suns

LocationMortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
DateFriday, April 17, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVPrime Video

Warriors vs Suns latest injuries

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Suns' Dillon Brooks gets his wish, states he wanted Warriors in play-in matchup

Suns' Dillon Brooks gets his wish, states he wanted Warriors in play-in matchup originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Get your popcorn ready. Dillon Brooks and the Warriors meet again in another play-in matchup.

Brooks didn’t sugarcoat the reason he wanted Golden State to beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

“Steph and Draymond,” Brooks muttered. “That’s it. And Steve Kerr.”

The latest chapter in the rivalry was back in February when De’Anthony Melton forced Brooks into a tough shot, leading to Golden State sealing a 14-point comeback road win.

Brooks and the Warriors have a history dating back to his days with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Oregon alum was suspended for Game 3 of the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals after a flagrant foul on Gary Payton II.

The intensity will be consistent, but the rosters are completely different. In a June 2025 blockbuster trade, the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Brooks, Jalen Green, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks.

Since joining the Suns, Brooks has averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game, along with a 43.5 field goal percentage.

On the Warriors’ side, Phoenix has yet to see Steph Curry and Kristaps Porziņģis play together. Brooks was asked by reporters about playing against Curry.

“One of the best players to ever do it,” Brooks claimed. “Who else do you want to go against in an elimination game? He’s proven it over the years, and they’ve been battle-tested in every way possible. So it’s a good matchup for us.”

Brooks shows respect to his opponent, for now. Come Friday night, as we’ve seen in the past, nothing is off the table.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets, Picks, Parlay & Odds for Thursday, April 16

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The homers kept pouring in yesterday, marking three straight days with a long ball and a major turnaround in ROI, flipping from -11.1u to +2.6u. Let’s keep the momentum going with more home runs and MLB player props.

I’m double-dipping in this afternoon’s Rangers-A’s AL West matchup, while also targeting Tampa Bay Rays slugger Yandy Díaz in a prime hitter-friendly spot.

These are my favorite home run bets for Thursday, April 16.

  • UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.

Best MLB home run props today

Player to hit a HROdds
Rangers Corey Seager+490
AthleticsNick Kurtz+410
Rays Yandy Diaz+470
💲Today's HR parlay+11888

Corey Seager (+490)

Corey Seager to hit a homer at +490 is the best +EV home run prop of the morning, with a fair price around +310, and it’s easy to see why.

He gets a great matchup against A's starter Jacob Lopez, a lefty who isn’t any tougher on same-handed bats. Lopez has already allowed three home runs in 13+ innings, and the setting in Sacramento isn’t doing him any favors. He’s also struggling with control, issuing 13 walks, which can lead to pitches leaking over the heart of the plate.

Jake Burger sits at +370 to go deep but projects for the same home run rate (0.29) as Seager. Almost every Texas Rangers bat is showing +EV for a homer today, suggesting this is a matchup the market hasn’t fully priced in.

  • Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSCA, Rangers Sports Network

Nick Kurtz (+410)

Sticking with the Rangers/Athletics game, Nick Kurtz projects as the best home run bet on the home side at +410, with a fair price around +330/+340. It’s a strong lefty vs. righty matchup, and Kurtz has already taken Jack Leiter deep in just three plate appearances.

The reigning Rookie of the Year hasn’t produced at the surface level, but the underlying power metrics are still there, including the best swing speed on the team and room for growth in his Blast Contact% numbers.

Leiter continues to give up loud contact and is coming off a four-walk, two-homer outing vs. the Dodgers. Plus, not many pitchers enjoy working at Sutter Health Park.

  • Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSCA, Rangers Sports Network

Yandy Diaz (+470)

The home-run setting is strong on the South Side of Chicago today, with double-digit winds blowing out to left-center field. The Tampa Bay Rays also get the ninth-inning guarantee and a favorable group of arms to target.

Opener Jordan Leasure could go a couple of innings, and two of the six hits he’s allowed have left the yard. He’s expected to hand it off to lefty Anthony Kay, who has posted solid surface numbers but has shown signs of regression.

His command has been shaky with eight walks in 14+ innings, and, to get nerdy, his ideal attack angle rate ranks near the bottom of the league, meaning hitters are consistently getting optimal launch angles against him.

I'm backing Yandy Diaz at +470. He hits at the top of the order and could see five plate appearances. His BlastCon% is the best on the team, and he is red-hot with a hit and an RBI in five straight games. The top of this Tampa Bay lineup could do some damage and might be worth a HR round robin. 

  • Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Rays.TV, CHSN
Jinglis' 2026 Transparency Record
  • HR picks: 5-28, +2.6 units

Today’s HR parlay

Rangers Corey SeagerBet Now
+11888
Athletics Nick Kurtz
Rays Yandy Diaz

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Spurs Regular Season Recap, Part 3: Every team hits a rough patch

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 17: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on January 17, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Spurs are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, with Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers set for 8 PM CT on Sunday. That’s still several days out, so in the meantime, we’re looking back one of the best regular seasons in franchise history.

In Part 1, we reviewed the first part of the Spurs season that featured a strong start despite missing De’Aaron Fox to start the season and Victor Wembanyama for 12 straight games. In Part 2, we recalled their memorable and arguably season-defining stretch in the second half of December, which featured Wemby’s return and a Cup Semi-finals win plus two more in a 12-day span against the defending champion Thunder, officially putting the Spurs on the map. The year concluded with a record-breaking performance from Julian Champagnie against the Knicks, but then the Spurs hit arguably their only rough patch of the season, which is where we’re picking up today.

Part 3: January 2026 (8-7)

After suffering a strained oblique in the Knicks game to close 2025, Wemby missed the two opening games of 2026: a win over the lowly Pacers and close loss at home to the Trail Blazers. (I’m just now realizing Wemby missed all three regular season matchups against them this season, so there’s a new twist to the playoffs due to them not having a chance to scout that match-up.) He soon returned, but January continued to follow an up-and-down pattern with some good wins combined with frustrating losses.

They got their second win over Lakers despite a typical 38-10-10 triple double from Luka Doncic, followed by a victory in Boston against a Celtics club that was supposed to be in a “gap” year with Jayson Tatum missing most of the season and them having to trade away a lot of their depth but rode an MVP-level performance from Jalen Brown to the second seed in the East. Oh, and the Lakers game was our last great Jeremy Sochan “troll” moment as he set off Jared Vanderbilt after the game.

Those two wins were followed by road losses to two playoff teams in the Timberwolves and Thunder, but then it was up again with another classic match-up between Wemby and Giannis Antetokounmpo. (It wasn’t that exciting of a game, but who knows where this match-up is headed with Giannis uncertain future with the Bucks, so we’ll enjoy it while it lasts.)

That was followed by a heart attack-inducing but thrilling victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs built a 25-point halftime lead thanks to a season-high 48 points in the second quarter, but in pattern from each of their match-ups against this team this season, the Spurs proceeded to blow it while Anthony Edwards scored 26 of his 55 points in the fourth quarter. The Wolves eventually took the lead before bald Wemby went into superstar mode to bring them back with a 39-point performance, but it wasn’t won without plenty of free throw drama first.

The Spurs continued to trade wins and losses from there, with wins against the Jazz and Rockets alternating with losses to the Pelicans and Rockets, and of course who can forget the final game in January, when their Saturday game in Charlotte got moved back to noon so they could play and get out before the impending snow storm, only for the Spurs to blow the game in the final moments, still get trapped by the weather, and face even more troubles before getting back to San Antonio for a game the very next day. If there was one month to forget from this season, January was it.

They say all good teams must go through some adversity to truly come together, and as it turned out, this may have been it. From there, the Spurs would go on a nearly unprecedented run the rest of the way, so check back tomorrow for the greatest moments of the (very long) final stretch of the season, when the Spurs proved to be a true contender.

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When do the Penguins play the Flyers? NHL playoff schedule release date

The Pittsburgh Penguins are bound for the playoffs, ending a three-year drought.

The team clinched a spot in the playoffs during its April 9 game against the New Jersey Devils.

Now, they'll take on the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, with the first game set to take place on the Penguins' home ice. It's Pittsburgh's first playoff appearance since the 2021-22 season as the city looks to capture its first Stanley Cup since 2017.

Here's a look at how they got to the playoffs and the upcoming schedule.

Flyers vs. Penguins playoff schedule

While the matchup is set, the NHL has yet to release any scheduled dates for the Flyers-Penguins series. The schedule likely will be released once the regular season concludes on April 16.

When is the Penguins' first playoff game?

The Penguins' playoff schedule hasn't been released yet, but the team is scheduled to play a 2-2-1-1-1 format against their intrastate rivals. They'll start on home ice since the Penguins have home-ice advantage, and Games 2, 5 and 7 will also take place at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh if necessary.

How to watch Penguins vs. Flyers in NHL playoffs

While a TV schedule has yet to be revealed, 2026 NHL playoff games will be broadcast on ESPN, TNT and ABC as well as regional networks like SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Games can be streamed using ESPN+, Hulu and Max or via live TV services like Fubo TV and DirecTV Stream.

When to get Penguins playoffs tickets

Jan 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Noah Cates (27) shoots the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) defends during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Penguins playoff tickets aren't on sale yet through the team's website, but they can be purchased on third-party sites like SeatGeek and StubHub.

Penguins vs. Flyers playoff history

The Penguins and Flyers have a lengthy and notable playoff history.

This will be the eighth meeting between the cross-state rivals, with the last matchup taking place in 2018 when the Penguins defeated the Flyers in six games in the first round.

In 2008, the Pens beat the Flyers in five games in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Red Wings. The following season, they defeated the Flyers in the conference quarterfinals before winning the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers were victorious in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals in 2012, 2000 and in 1997, when the team lost to the Red Wings in the Cup Finals.

The first matchup came during the 1989 Patrick Division Finals, which the Flyers won in seven games.

Penguins vs. Flyers stats

The Penguins finished the season 41-24-16, clinching the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, while the Flyers finished third in the division at 42-27-12.

The two teams split the season series 2-2. Here's a look at the previous matchups:

  • Oct. 28: Flyers 3, Penguins 2 (shootout)
  • Dec. 1: Penguins 5, Flyers 1
  • Jan. 15: Penguins 6, Flyers 3
  • March 7: Flyers 4, Penguins 3 (shootout)

Last time Penguins made the playoffs

The Penguins were on a 16-year streak of being in the running for the Stanley Cup the last time they were in the playoffs in 2022. They were knocked out of the running during the first round in Game 7 against the New York Rangers.

The team won the Stanley Cup two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017, beating the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators, respectively, for their titles.

The last time the Flyers made the playoffs was in the 2019-20 season.

How the Penguins clinched a 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff spot

The Penguins secured a spot in the playoffs during their April 9 game against the New Jersey Devils, with Bryan Rust scoring his 29th goal of the season on Pittsburgh's first shot of the game.

Over the course of the game, which the Penguins won 5-2, Evgeni Malkin scored, Sidney Crosby set up two goals and Kris Letang had an assist.

Penguins highlights from playoff-clinching game

NHL 2026 playoffs

Playoffs are set to begin April 18, and the regular season ends on April 16. The date and times for each matchup have yet to be announced and are expected to come once the standings are set.

NHL playoff bracket

For the latest NHL playoff matchups, you can find the bracket at nhl.com/playoffs/2026/bracket.

Penguins stats

The Penguins are led by center Sidney Crosby (74 points – 29 goals, 45 assists) and defenseman Erik Karlsson (66 points – 15 goals, 51 assists). Their points leader among wingers is Bryan Rust (65 points – 29 goals, 36 assists).

Goalie Artus Silovs was 19-12-8 with a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage during the regular season, while goalie Stuart Skinner was 12-9-5 with a 2.99 GAA and .885 save percentage.

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This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: When do the Penguins play the Flyers? NHL playoff schedule release date

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Game 19 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ West Sacramento Athletics

Apr 14, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ezequiel Duran (20) fields a ground ball against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers @ Athletics

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 2:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Sutter Health Park

RHP Jack Leiter vs. LHP Jacob Lopez

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSATHLETICS
Brandon Nimmo – RFJeff McNeil – 2B
Sam Haggerty – LFShea Langeliers – DH
Wyatt Langford – CFNick Kurtz – 1B
Jake Burger – 1BTyler Soderstrom – LF
Josh Jung – 3BJacob Wilson – SS
Kyle Higashioka – CCarlos Cortes – RF
Andrew McCutchen – DHLawrence Butler – CF
Josh Smith – 2BAustin Wynns – C
Ezequiel Duran – SSDarell Hernaiz – 3B
Jack Leiter – RHPJacob Lopez – LHP

Go Rangers!

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Yankees' Gerrit Cole to throw around 45 pitches in first minor league rehab start

NEW YORK — Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole will throw around 45 pitches in his first minor league injury rehabilitation start as he inches closer to his return to the mound.

Cole will pitch for Double-A Somerset in the same game shortstop Anthony Volpe is rehabbing a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Cole, a six-time All-Star and the 2023 AL Cy Young award winner, is returning from last year’s reconstructive elbow surgery. He made a pair of one-inning spring training starts on March 18 and 24, and has been facing hitters since.

In his latest session, Cole threw 42 pitches over three simulated innings against batters from High-A Hudson Valley.

“I think we’ll get him to a higher threshold initially, but it’s one step at a time,” manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees concluded a four-game series with the Angels. “Looking forward to him starting on Friday and we’ll build him from there and then even when he gets back to us we’ll probably be conservative with him but we’ll probably get him to a higher threshold initially.”

The Yankees anticipate Cole will return in June but will gradually build him up and take advantage of rules about the length of minor league rehab assignments for pitchers coming back from injury.

While position players’ minor league rehab assignments are limited to 20 days, pitchers have 30 days and those recovering from Tommy John surgery may receive three consecutive 10-day extensions.

Cole’s last official outing was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. He made a pair of spring training starts before undergoing the surgery with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Cole’s 2024 season debut was delayed until June 19 because of nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. He went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts for New York and was 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five postseason starts.

Cole is signed to a nine-year, $324 million contract through 2028. He has a 153-80 career record and 3.18 ERA over 317 starts with Pittsburgh (2013-17), Houston (2018-19) and the Yankees (starting in 2020).

Besides Cole, Carlos Rodón will face hitters again and likely will start a rehab assignment next week. Boone said the left-hander will need three rehab games.

Rodón threw 50 pitches to batters over three simulated innings. Rodón is recovering from surgery on Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur, and his rehab was slowed by right hamstring tightness.

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Game Thread: Takin’ em to the Matz

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 10: Steven Matz #32 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on April 10, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Go Rays!

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