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NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, April 26: Don't Drai This at Home

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The NHL Playoffs are a week in, and games are getting more intense as teams begin to face elimination.

I've found my three favorite NHL player props for this slate, featuring Leon Draisaitl, Cole Caufield, and David Pastrnak.

Here are my free NHL picks for April 26.

Best NHL player prop bets today

PlayerBet99
Mammoth Draisaitl Over 1.5 points+105
Mammoth Caufield Over 3.5 shots+120
Mammoth David Pastrnak anytime goal scorer+130

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(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Sunday, April 26

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Leon Draisaitl Over 1.5 points

+105 at BET99

While Connor McDavid has finally awakened from his playoff scoring slumber, Leon Draisaitl has taken care of business, potting two points in all three games against the Ducks this series.

It’s business as usual against Anaheim: Draisaitl now has 16 multi-point games in his last 21 against the Ducks, a trend that should continue in a crucial one for Edmonton tonight.

His linemates, Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen, are also buzzing, combining for eight points in this series. It looks as if Anaheim won't slow down this line anytime soon.

  • Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: CBC, ESPN

Prop #2: Cole Caufield Over 3.5 shots

+120 at BET99

It’s been an extremely quiet playoff for the NHL’s second-leading goal scorer, as Cole Caufield has just three assists and zero goals against the Lightning.

With Montreal in position to push Tampa to the brink, I think the 25-year-old starts throwing everything at the net.  

Caufield was Top 15 in shots on goal this year, averaging 3.2 per game, yet he hasn’t even touched three shots in a game this series. That changes in Game 4.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: CBC, ESPN

Prop #3: David Pastrnak anytime goal scorer

+ODDS at BET99

It’s a critical situation for the Boston Bruins, who can’t afford to lose Game 4, giving Buffalo a chance to wrap things up at home in Game 5.

David Pastrnak was shut out of scoring for the first time this series, but Boston’s leading scorer will need to be prominent to bring this series back to even.

He’s scored four goals in the last six head-to-head meetings with the Sabres and will likely need another one to give his Bruins a chance.

  • Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Sportsnet, TNT

These props are available now at BET99, one of our best betting sites.

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.

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Where to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Game 4 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, April 26

The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Toronto Raptors in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. The Cavs won the series’ first two games before the Raptors took Game 3 on Thursday. Cleveland is favored by 3.5 points in Game 4. Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley is out for the entire first-round series due to a hamstring injury.

  • Spread: Toronto Raptors +3.5

  • Moneyline: Toronto Raptors +145 (39.1%) / Cleveland Cavaliers -175 (60.9%)

  • Over/Under: 220.5

Game 1:Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113
Game 2:Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105
Game 3:Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104
Game 4: Sun., April 26 at Toronto (1 p.m., ESPN)
Game 5: Wed., April 29 at Cleveland (TBD)
*Game 6: Fri., May 1 at Toronto (TBD)
*Game 7: Sun., May 3 at Cleveland (TBD)

*if necessary

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Penguins' Bold Move For Game 4 Paid Off Big Time

The Pittsburgh Penguins picked up a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 4. With this, the Penguins have kept their season alive but still trail the series 3-1. 

The Penguins made a bold lineup change for Game 4, as they started goaltender Arturs Silovs after going with Stuart Skinner for the first three games of the series. There is a risk in having a goalie come in cold deep into a series, but this bold move undoubtedly paid off for the Penguins in Game 4. 

Silovs stepped up in a big way for the Penguins in this contest, as he stopped 28 out of the 30 Flyers shots he faced. With this, ended the game with a .933 save percentage, which is quite impressive. 

Given how well Silovs played in Game 4 for the Penguins, it would be shocking if he is not the club's starter for Game 5. He did a great job keeping the Penguins' season alive, and it will now be interesting to see if he can keep this kind of play up for Pittsburgh from here. 

In 39 regular-season games this season with the Penguins, Silovs had a 19-12-8 record, an .888 save percentage, a 3.07 goals-against average, and two shutouts. 

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Best NBA Player Props Today for April 26: Edgecombe Does Dirty Work

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Sunday’s four-game slate is certainly not lacking in excitement. The Los Angeles Lakers can complete the sweep of the Houston Rockets on the road and head to the Western Conference semifinals with a victory. 

The other three matchups all feature home teams down 2-1, looking to even up their respective series. Today’s best NBA player props and NBA picks focus on those games, keying in on young players enjoying breakout postseason success.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
RaptorsRJ BarrettOver 20.5 points-120
BlazersScoot HendersonOver 14.5 points-130
76ersVJ EdgecombeOver 6.5 rebounds+115
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Prop #1: RJ Barrett Over 20.5 points

-120 at bet365

The Toronto Raptors wouldn’t have won Game 3 without RJ Barrett... plain and simple. He scored 16 points in the decisive fourth quarter, going off for 13 points in a blistering three-minute stretch to put Cleveland out of striking distance once and for all.

Over his last 14 games, dating back to the regular season, Barrett has averaged 22 points, reaching 21+ nine times. He’s hit that mark in four of his last seven at home and scored exactly 20 one more time.

Immanuel Quickley is out again, and Barrett’s scoring average increased from 19 points per game to 20.6 in eight games with Quickley on the sideline. Barrett scored 21+ in four of eight regular-season games without IQ this season.

Barrett has averaged a healthy 26.3 points per game while shooting 64.4% from the floor in this series. His efficiency is bound to drop off, but I don’t expect it to crater, and I’m counting on another strong offensive showing.

  • Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ESPN

Prop #2: Scoot Henderson Over 14.5 points

-130 at bet365

Scoot Henderson missed most of the regular season due to a left hamstring injury, but he averaged a career-high 14.2 points across 30 games to close out his third NBA campaign.

Dating back to the regular season, he's started 11 straight games, and he’s averaged 17.4 points in that span. Henderson recorded at least 15 points in eight of his last 11, going for exactly 14 once more.

Scoot has been phenomenal in his first-ever playoff series. He ranks third on the team in field goal attempts and minutes per game, and he leads Portland in points (23.3) and triples (4.0).

The 22-year-old microwave scorer is making the most of his opportunities, and his season-high 31 points propelled the Portland Trail Blazers to victory in Game 2.

They'll need all the scoring they can get against a stout San Antonio Spurs defense, and Henderson’s outside shooting will be key to spacing the floor and countering the daunting interior presence of Victor Wembanyama.

  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ESPN

Prop #3: VJ Edgecombe Over 6.5 rebounds

+115 at bet365

Like Barrett and Henderson, VJ Edgecombe is another hungry, young player having a productive playoff run. With Joel Embiid expected to sit out Game 4, Edgecombe should continue to see increased rebounding opportunities.

Edgecombe recorded 10 rebounds in Games 2 and 3, and he’s finished with 7+ boards in three of seven total matchups with the Boston Celtics this season. In those seven games, the rookie averaged 6.1 boards.

Edgecombe averaged 5.6 rebounds per game on the season, but he’s taken his rebounding to a new level over his last eight appearances. In that span, Edgecombe has averaged eight boards and corralled at least seven in six of them. 

Playing at home and in desperate need of a win, I expect Edgecombe to continue his stellar inaugural playoff run and cash this plus-money player prop.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBC/Peacock

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Not intended for use in MA.
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Coventry celebrate title win in style after denting Wrexham playoff chances

Coventry celebrated their Championship title with a 3-1 victory that leaves Wrexham’s playoff ambitions in the balance.

The Sky Blues were in party mood after Frank Lampard’s side had wrapped up the title on Tuesday and before the trophy presentation after the final whistle. Brandon Thomas-Asante volleyed the hosts ahead after 19 minutes at the CBS Arena, but Ollie Rathbone replied quickly for sixth-placed Wrexham.

Continue reading...
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Cavaliers vs Raptors Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 4

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Our NBA player prop projections have been providing winners all season long, and now they have six NBA picks for today's Game 4 matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

We've also got you covered with in-depth analysis in our complete Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions for April 26.

Cavaliers vs Raptors computer picks for Game 4

Cavaliers CavaliersRaptors Raptors
Mitchell u26.5 points
-112		Walter o7.5 points
-125
Mobley o0.5 threes 
-135		 Barrett o19.5 points
-120
Harden o19.5 points 
-112		Ingram u19.5 points
-110

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Cavaliers Game 4 computer picks

Donovan Mitchell Under 26.5 points (-112)

Projection: 24.38 points

After two strong games at home to start the series, Donovan Mitchell put up just 15 points in this 6ix. The Toronto Raptors did a much better job of keeping him at bay, and our model expects them to have similar success.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mitchell Now at bet365!/span

Evan Mobley Over 0.5 threes (-135)

Projection: 0.92 threes

Evan Mobley is by no means a sharpshooter, but he has a reliable stroke from deep when the Cleveland Cavaliers need him to. Mobley hit threes in two of the first three games, and his volume will be high enough that he'll knock at least one long ball down.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mobley Now at bet365!/span

James Harden Over 19.5 points (-112)

Projection: 21.49 points

Similar to Mitchell, James Harden had a quieter Game 3 in Toronto. Still, 20 points is a lot more obtainable than 27, and our model believes "The Beard" will have enough volume to go Over this number.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harden Now at bet365!/span

Raptors Game 4 computer picks

Ja'Kobe Walter Over 7.5 points (-125)

Projection: 10.07 points

This is the top model play according to our projections. Ja'Kobe Walter delivered a stinker in Game 3, but he finished with 14 points in Game 2 and seven in Game 1.

He won't go 0-fer again, and he'll be able to knock down enough shots to hit this number.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet walter Now at bet365!/span

RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points (-120)

Projection: 21.90 points

RJ Barrett has played like a man possessed vs. the Cavs, going 3-for-3 on his points line. With Brandon Ingram struggling, Barrett has stepped up in a big way and will do so again in Game 3.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet barrett Now at bet365!/span

Brandon Ingram Under 20.5 points (-110)

Projection: 19.12 points

As mentioned, BI has been brutal through the first three games. The slick wing has 19 points combined in his last two outings, and our model expects those shooting woes to continue this afternoon.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet ingram Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 4

LocationScotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
DateSunday, April 26, 2026
Tip-off1:00 p.m. ET
TVTSN, ESPN

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Cavaliers vs Raptors NBA Playoffs Game 4 Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 26

Toronto took Game 3, 126-104, to avoid being down a 0-3 hole. Now, down 2-1, the Raptors look to defend home court again and tie the series versus the Cavaliers.

Cleveland and Toronto both made 14 three-pointers, but the difference was the Cavaliers took 45 attempts to the Raptors 23. The Raptors had an all-around impressive shooting performance and assisted on 29 of 50 makes. Toronto used a 43-23 fourth quarter to pull away against Cleveland. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each led the game in scoring with 33 points apiece.

The Cavaliers have a chance to go back to Cleveland with a 3-1 lead and the chance to close out the series. Cleveland didn't have a single scorer reach 20 points in Game 3 after Donovan Mitchell and James Harden both did so in Game 1 and 2's wins and Evan Mobley once. The team that has led at the end of the first quarter has won all three games, so getting off to a quick start is important in this series.

Let’s take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Raptors vs. Cavaliers

  • Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
  • Time: 1:10 PM EST
  • Site: Scotiabank Arena
  • City: Toronto, ON
  • Network/Streaming: ESPN

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Cavaliers vs. Raptors

The latest odds as of Sunday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers (-170), Toronto Raptors (+142)
  • Spread: Cavaliers -3.5
  • Total: 220.5 points

This game sits right where it opened with Cleveland favored by 2.5 and the Game Total set at 220.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Cavaliers vs. Raptors

Toronto Raptors

  • PG Ja'Kobe Walter
  • SG Brandon Ingram
  • SF RJ Barrett
  • PF Scottie Barnes
  • SF Jakob Poeltl

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • PG James Harden
  • SG Donovan Mitchell
  • SF Dean Wade
  • PF Evan Mobley
  • C Jarrett Allen

Injury Report: Raptors vs. Cavaliers

Toronto Raptors

  • Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) has been declared OUT of for the remainder of the first round series

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • None

Important stats, trends and insights: Raptors vs. Cavaliers

  • Cleveland is an NBA worst 35-50 ATS
  • Cleveland is 43-42 to the Under
  • Cleveland is 17-25 ATS on the road
  • Toronto is 51-34 to the Under, ranking tied for third-best
  • Toronto is 43-42 ATS
  • Toronto is 22-20 ATS as the home team
  • Toronto is 23-19 to the Under as the home team

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Sunday’s Raptors and Cavaliers’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning toward a play on the Cavaliers Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers -3.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 220.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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Cavaliers vs Raptors Same-Game Parlay for Tonight's NBA Playoffs Game 4

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The Toronto Raptors needed a response in Game 3 and they got it, and they'll need another one against the Cleveland Cavaliers in tonight's Game 4 if they want to head back to Cleveland all tied up.

However, our Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions suggest Cleveland should be eager to play much better tonight, and our SGP picks expect Donovan Mitchell to be at his best.

Our best Cavaliers vs Raptors SGP for Game 4

Coming off a Game 3 where he scored just 15 points and shot 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, Donovan Mitchell is a prime bounce-back candidate tonight.

Spida had poured in 30+ points in four straight outings before a quiet night on Thursday, and his 3-point shooting is a natural spark for his stat lines.

This is a guy who shot nearly 56% from the floor and 47% from beyond the arc through the first two games of this series. That shooting touch will return tonight.

Though Scottie Barnes has given Toronto a lifeline in this series, the Cleveland Cavaliers can lean on more playoff experience and a larger pool of counters, so I’ll lay the small spread and trust in the visitors’ 7-2 SU mark in their last nine contests.

Cleveland has also put together a healthy 25-17 record on the road this season.

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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.

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Tim Hudson and Terry Pendleton reflect on Brian Snitker’s impact

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 24: Atlanta Braves legends Dale Murphy, Tim Hudson,Terry Pendleton and Leo Mazzone are inducted into the Atlanta Braves hall of fame during the MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves on August 24, 2024 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The rain ahead of Saturday’s contest between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies may have forced Brian Snitker’s Braves Hall of Fame induction ceremony indoors but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of anybody who was in the house for Snit’s big day.

That included Braves Hall-of-Famers Tim Hudson and Terry Pendleton, who were two of many former stars, legends and luminaries who showed up to be there for Snit’s time in the sun (well, the rain but I think you know what I’m getting at, here).

Both legends took questions in the Braves dugout right as the tarp was being rolled onto the field and both of them made it very clear just how impactful Brian Snitker was on them — not just as ballplayers but as human beings as well.

“When you start thinking about hall of famers and thinking accomplishments: Who’s been in an organization 50 years? Who’s been a manager who’s won a World Championship and continue to help kids and adults get better Also off the field, too,” stated Terry Pendleton when he was asked about how his feelings on Snit getting inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame.

“We’re all looking at baseball on the field — do you know how encouraging it is for a youngster out there trying to accomplish something? Not just baseball but life or work and trying to be the best they can be and grow and do something special. Snit has shown everybody how to do that, how to endure and continue on.”

Pendleton also revealed that the baseball-lifer Snitker was actually a bit nervous and wondered if he belonged in the same category as those who have been inducted before he was. Pendleton let us know that he made it clear that Snit belonged. “I told him down in Florida, he was like ‘I saw these names and I’m not worthy of this’ and I said ‘Hey, if anybody’s worthy of this, you are.”

Pendleton also spoke about how while the two of them didn’t really cross paths that much during Pendleton’s time as a big-leaguer, he took home some valuable lessons and inspiration from the man once Pendleton became a coach, himself.“

“Well, it took a while. It took some years. I didn’t really get to hang around him when I was in the big leagues since he was in the minor leagues down working,” explained Pendleton. “It didn’t really happen until we came together as coaches in the big leagues and I really got to learn who the man was and I love the man. Don’t get me wrong: I love his coaching, I love his managing but I love the man because I know what the man stands for and I know who he is.”

Once Terry Pendleton got done talking about Snitker, it was Tim Hudson’s turn. The Alabama native whose entire time as a starting pitcher for the Braves coincided with Brian Snitker’s tenure as a third base coach also spoke kindly about the time and experience he got to share with Snitker in the clubhouse and on the field. Huddy even talked about a time when h got to experience something that pitcher’s don’t usually get to do (and they certainly don’t get to do in today’s game).

“I remember there was a game in Washington where I was on first base and there was a double hit to the gap,” explained Hudson. “I thought I was kind of an athlete back then so I’m running hard and nine-times-out-of-ten or almost 100 percent f the time, the third base coach is going to stop you right at third base since you don’t want to hurt the pitcher.”

“Well I’m running and all of a sudden, I get close to third base and I see Snit and he’s giving me the [signal to round third and come home], he’s willing me around third base. I say, ‘Oh yeah, I’m scoring’. We never scored from first base, being pitchers and it was a play at the plate. It was like a bang-bang play. I felt like an athlete. I felt like a baseball player.”

Hudson did admit that the decision from Snitker to wave him around third wasn’t exactly smiled upon but Hudson appreciated it. “I’m sure people’s hearts skipped a few beats when that happened but it was just the kind of guy he was. He loves baseball, he loved working with the pitchers that could handle the bat a little bit and could run the bases and I appreciated that as a player.”

I then asked Tim Hudson if there was anything he he could take away from his experience with Brian Snitker and not just as a baseball player but as a human being, oto.“

“Probably after he’s retired and after I retired, I probably have a lot more respect for him now than I did when he was a manager or a coach because we’ve gotten to be a lot closer now as a family since he’s retired and since I’ve retired than we were [in the clubhouse]. Ronnie, his wife and my wife are really good friends. He always supported anything that we’ve had going on with our charity work and he always comes to Auburn and hangs out and does things. He’s a real person and he’s very approachable. If you can take away from this game four-or-five people that you can really call friends, you’re pretty lucky. He’s one of those guys.”

These were just two collections of stories from two of the truly countless amount of players that Brian Snitker got to either play with, coach or manage during his now-50 years with the Braves — remember, he’s still employed as a special consultant. Whether you consider that a ceremonial job or not, he’s still sticking around the organization. Either way, Brian Snitker has truly been an important part of this organization for quite some time and it’s good to see that everybody who he impacted made an effort to give him his flowers on his Braves Hall of Fame induction day.

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Good Morning San Diego: Padres continue late inning heroics, open Mexico City Series with win over D-backs

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 25: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres roads the bases after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning during a 2026 Mexico City Series game between the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Diego Padres put together another late inning rally to overcome a four-run deficit and beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-4 at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu in Mexico City. The Padres had to overcome a rough second inning for starter German Marquez who allowed four runs with two outs in the inning. To his credit, Marquez made an adjustment and was able to complete six innings to avoid overworking the bullpen. San Diego was not able to get much if any offense in the early part of the contest, but after Zac Gallen left the game following being struck by a Freddy Fermin line drive. Brandon Pfaadt came on in the fourth and was affective until the Padres were able to knock him out in the top of the seventh. The Padres added four runs to their 4-1 deficit which put them in the lead for good. Ty France hit two homers in the effort and was the star of the game for San Diego on the offensive side. The Padres will finish their series with the Diamondbacks on Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

Padres News:

  • The San Diego farm system continues to function as normal despite all the naysayers. Is it the top system in the game? No, but it does not have to be for the Padres to benefit and for the system to make headlines.
  • With the Padres and Diamondbacks kicking off the Mexico City Series 2026, Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball took a trip down memory lane and pointed out some of the highlights of past trips for the Padres in Mexico.
  • Mason Miller has been more than what the Friar Faithful could have expected as the closer of the Padres and he now stands alone as the franchise leader with 34.2 innings pitched without allowing a run. San Diego general manager A.J. Preller took some criticism for the trade, but it seems to be paying off for him and the Padres.

Baseball News:

  • Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan was scratched from the lineup in their matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays due to neck stiffness.
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Thoughts on a 4-3 Rangers win

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 25: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers celebrates with teammate Jake Burger #21 following the team's win over the Athletics at Globe Life Field on April 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rangers 4, A’s 3

  • The Rangers beat a lefty starter! Woo hoo!
  • MacKenzie Gore had what I’m starting to think of as a rather MacKenzie Gore start. He struck out the side in the first on 14 pitches, making you feel like he was locked in. The broadcast was marveling at how his fastball was playing, how the A’s hitters weren’t catching up to it.
  • Then in the second, Tyler Soderstrom had a well struck fly out, Jacob Wilson smoked a double, and Darell Hernaiz had a hard hit single to drive him in for a 1-0 A’s lead. Corey Seager booted a two out grounder, which made things more worrisome, but Gore got Zack Gelof to fly out to end the inning.
  • In the third, it looked like Gore was in danger of having a really short outing. A line drive single by She Langeliers, a walk to Nick Kurtz, and a line drive single by Colby Thomas brought a run in. A ground out advanced the runners, Jacob Wilson had a sac fly, and then a seven pitch walk to Max Muncy followed by a six pitch walk to Hernaiz loaded the bases with Gore at 32 pitches in the inning.
  • Gore got out of it, though, getting Austin Wynns to fly out. And after that he was fine, allowing a single in the fourth and another in the fifth but not allowing either runner past first.
  • Gore’s final line was three runs in five innings, six hits, three walks, seven Ks. He generated 14 whiffs on 106 pitches, 10 of which came on his fastball and another two on his sinker. His offspeed pitches weren’t getting it done.
  • The bullpen, on the other hand, did get it done. An inning apiece from Cole Winn, Jalen Beeks, Jakob Junis and Jacob Latz, with just one A’s hitter reaching base over the final four innings.
  • As for the offense, they didn’t get on base much, but when they did, they made it count. A pair of two spots, one in the third and one in the sixth.
  • In the third they loaded the bases with no one out on a Danny Jansen HBP, an Evan Carter full count walk, and a Sam Haggerty bunt single. Brandon Nimmo brought home one run with a sacrifice fly, and a Corey Seager two out flare single brought home the second.
  • Josh Jung was responsible for the second two run inning, as he went the opposite way for a home run after Seager had lead off the inning with a single.
  • If you’re keeping track, Jung is now slashing .299/.354/.540 on the season. Not bad.
  • Every other inning was a 1-2-3 inning for the Rangers, except for the fourth, when Jansen had a two out single.
  • MacKenzie Gore hit 97.6 mph with his fastball, averaging 95.9 mph. Cole Winn touched 96.3 mph with his fastball. Jalen Beeks reached 95.3 mph with his fastball. Jakob Junis’s fastball topped out at 92.9 mph. Jacob Latz hit 97.1 mph with his fastball.
  • Brandon Nimmo had a 102.9 mph groundout. Josh Jung’s home run was 100.6 mph. Jake Burger had a 100.4 mph fly out.
  • Can the Rangers win the finale on Sunday and take the series? Tune in and find out…
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Embiid status up in the air as Sixers look for another bounce back in Game 4 vs. Celtics

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Philadelphia 76ers will get a chance at home to even their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics on Sunday in Game 4.

The Celtics were able to reclaim the series lead on Friday, going up 2-1 after defeating the hosting Sixers in Game 3. It was a much closer affair though than Boston’s first win in this series — a 32-point victory in Game 1 — with Philadelphia putting up another valiant effort until simply faltering a bit too much at the end of the 108-100 contest.

Sunday is a new day however, and the Sixers will be back on their home court in front of their fans at Xfinity Mobile Arena with a chance to re-tie the series before things head back to Boston.

The main variable for Philadelphia coming into Game 4 is the status of Joel Embiid, who is currently listed as doubtful for the contest as he continues to work toward medical clearance following an appendectomy just over two weeks ago. If he is ultimately able to play, everything changes quite a bit. We all know how the Sixers’ strategy shifts when they are able to utilize Embiid on the floor, and his presence would certainly put some extra work on the Celtics’ defense and increase spacing for everyone else. That being said, right now, all we can do is wait and see. One can imagine Embiid is probably pushing pretty hard to get out on the floor, and now it’s just up to the medical staff to be satisfied enough with his recovery to clear him to play.

Another injury-related variable coming into Sunday is Kelly Oubre Jr., who is listed questionable as of Sunday morning with right adductor soreness. Oubre has been making some solid contributions throughout the series and is coming off arguably his best performance of these playoffs so far, posting 17 points on 6-for-12 field goal shooting in Game 3. His status, for now, is another situation we just have to wait and see about.

Something that could definitely make a difference in Game 4 for the Sixers would be a bounce-back performance from VJ Edgecombe. The rookie struggled quite a bit in the Game 3 loss, putting up just 10 points in over 41 minutes played shooting 5-for-17 (29.4%) from the floor and going 0-for-7 from long range. He continued to contribute in other ways, posting 10 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, but he simply couldn’t get going offensively.

The good news is that Edgecombe had a similar experience back in the Sixers’ crushing Game 1 defeat and was able to bounce back in a huge way. The rookie had just 13 points in that series opener, shooting 37.5% from the floor and 0-for-5 from long range. Just two days later, though, was a much different story. Rather than getting down on himself about the struggles of Game 1, Edgecombe looked like a star in Game 2. The rookie led the Sixers to victory with 30 points on 12-for-20 (60.0%) field goal shooting and 6-for-10 (60.0%) three-point shooting in that second contest. It was also his first career playoff double-double, grabbing 10 boards.

The Sixers in general actually had bounced back really well in Game 2. From game strategy adjustments down to individual performances, the two contests were night and day for Philadelphia. The fortunate thing coming into Game 4 is that they don’t even need that large of a turnaround again. The Sixers actually hung in there really well with the Celtics in Game 3 throughout the majority of the contest, even with Edgecombe struggling and minimal impact from bench players not named Andre Drummond. There are certainly adjustments to be made, but the situation is not nearly as dire and desperate as after Game 1.

The question is simply are they able to make those adjustments again and tighten up in the areas they so obviously have room for improvement in, such as limiting offensive rebounding and second-chance points for Boston, and to have the guys they need to step up to do so.

I’ll be honest, I personally have been extremely impressed with the level of fight this Sixers’ squad — especially without Embiid — has been able to put up against this Celtics team. Especially after Game 1, it looked like Boston had sincere potential for a 4-0 sweep with +20-point wins. Don’t get me wrong, there are no moral victories in the playoffs, that’s not what I’m saying at all. I simply mean that I now have a lot stronger of a “they could steal a win here” coming into these games post-Game 2 than I anticipated ever having in this series coming into it — whether they are with or without Embiid by the time tipoff comes around.

But… having Embiid certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Game 4 tips off at 7 p.m. ET.

Game Details

When: Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: Peacock
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

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Canadiens On The Brink Of Taking Commanding Lead

The Montreal Canadiens are halfway there, as Bon Jovi once sang. They’ve won two games in their best-of-seven series against the favorite and experienced Tampa Bay Lightning, but the last two wins will be even harder to get as the Bolts are sure to up the tempo as they get pushed closer to elimination. Tonight’s game will be a pivotal one; there’s a huge difference between going back to Florida with a commanding 3-1 lead and heading back with a 2-2 tie.

Historically, the Lightning has a good record in Game 4 of a series, 23-16 for a .590 winning percentage, but it’s even better when said fourth game is on the road, they are 14-7 for a .666 winning percentage. However, their stats are a lot less enviable when they are trailing 2-1 in a series. Then, they are 6-8 for a measly .429 winning percentage, and it’s even worse on the road, where they are 3-6 for a lower .333 winning percentage.

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However, the Canadiens’ outlook historically is even worse. They are 61-64 in Game 4 of a series for a .488 winning percentage, and at home, they are 19-27 for an even worse .413 winning percentage. There is some good news for Canadiens’ fans, however. When they have a 2-1 lead in a series, their record goes up to 39-11, which is a .780 winning percentage, and it’s even better at home, where they are 29-5, for a .853 winning percentage.

Given the result of the last game, it’s probably fair to expect the Canadiens to have not only the same roster, but the same lines and pairings. Despite his first line being muzzled by the Bolts, Martin St-Louis has made it clear that he trusts his first line to find a way to produce, essentially because they are elite player.

Game three made it look like Jon Cooper was a clown in another life; his ability to juggle his lines is second to none, and even on the road, he was able to get the matchup he wanted, largely because the Lightning kept having the upper hand at the faceoff circle. Nick Suzuki had only a 35.7% success rate in the faceoff circle. It’s much easier for the other team to change a couple of players on the fly when they have puck possession.

It could be an idea for St-Louis to use the same strategy he often uses in overtime in the regular season: send a draw specialist alongside Suzuki to win the faceoff, then have him change right after as they go up the ice. Jake Evans had a 66.7% success rate in the faceoff department on Friday, winning eight of his 12 draws, while Phillip Danault had an off night, winning just one of his five draws. Danault’s numbers were much better in Game 2 where he had a 66.7% success rate, while Evans was at 53.8%. Meanwhile, Suzuki was at 41,9% in Game 2 and had a surprising 71,4% success rate in the opening game.

If the Canadiens lose the draw, it’s not a big problem since both Danault and Evans are very good defensive forwards. Of course, that would give less ice time to Cole Caufield, but it might be worth trying, just to up the Canadiens’ top line’s chances of gaining puck possession and mounting a good attack.

Of course, the Canadiens have been able to grab two wins even if their top line wasn’t producing at even strength, but it stands to reason that their lives would be much easier if they could find a way to kickstart its production. However, the match unfolds, though, we should be in for yet another exciting bout between the two teams. This series is the only one that has needed overtime in all of its games so far, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it happened again.

The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Sunday, and you can catch it on CBC, TVAS, SNE, SNO, SNP, ESPN, and The Spot. Brandon Blandina and Wes McCauley are set to officiate, while CJ Murray and Jonny Murray will be the linemen. Brittany Kennell will be on national anthem duty.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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John Higgins rallies to keep Ronnie O’Sullivan in his sights at Crucible

  • Scot wins last three frames of session to trail 9-7

  • Champion Zhao Xintong beats compatriot Ding Junhui

Ronnie O’Sullivan thumped the table in frustration as John Higgins reeled in the seven-time world snooker champion in an enthralling second session of their second round match at the Crucible on Sunday night.

O’Sullivan twice led by five frames and looked set to cruise towards the quarter-finals at the expense of the out-of-sorts Scot, before Higgins drew on his decades of top-level experience to end the evening just two adrift at 9-7.

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Former Chicago Blackhawks Defender Heading Overseas

Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ian Mitchell is currently playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Syracuse Crunch. While this is the case, the right-shot blueliner has already found his home for next season. 

SC Bern of Switzerland's National League has announced that they have signed Mitchell to a two-year contract. 

Mitchell spent all of this season in the AHL, where he had four goals, 23 assists, 27 points, and a plus-31 rating in 60 games. He has also played in one playoff game for the Crunch this spring, where he was held off the scoresheet. 

Mitchell was selected by the Blackhawks with the 57th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. In 82 games over three seasons with the Blackhawks from 2020-21 to 2022-23, he had four goals, 12 assists, 16 points, 44 hits, and 119 blocks. 

Mitchell was traded with Alec Regula to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall during the 2023 NHL offseason. Following the move, Mitchell had zero goals, three assists, and a plus-4 rating in 28 games over two seasons with the Bruins.