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Astros vs. Yankees Game Thread, Game 27 4/24/26

he Houston Astros (10-16) will play the first of a three-game series with their heated interdivision rival New York Yankkes (16-9), tonight at Daikin Park.

RHP Lance McCullers Jr (1-1, 6.20 ERA) will make his fifth regular season appearance for the Astros tonight opposite the Yankees and starter RHP Will Warren (2-0, 2.49 ERA).

TONIGHT’S STARTER: RHP Lance McCullers is making his fifth start of the season as he tries to right the ship after three consecutive lackluster starts.

This season, McCullers opened the season with a brilliant seven inning outing, but has since struggled to get through the fifth inning. He did make it through five innings the last time out, but did give up four tuns in the process taking another loss.

HOME-COOKIN’: Tonight is the first game of a brief three game home stand against the Yankees. Even though the team is 10-16 overall, seven of those wins have come at home this season as the team is a respectable 7-6 at home coming into tonight’s game.

VS. THE YANKEES: This series revives a major rivalry between two stalwart American League franchises including three different playoff tilts since 2015. In spite of the dominance in the playoffs, the Yankees hold a 52-36 record all-time. The two teams split the season series last year at three games a piece.

TODAY’S MEDIA AVAILABILITY: The Astros clubhouse will be open to approved media from 3-3:50 p.m….Astros Manager Joe Espada will be available in the Astros dugout at approx. 3:50 p.m.

STALKING THE PUMA: LF Yordan Alvarez has matched the Astros franchise record with 11 home runs in the club’s first 26 games of a season, also reached one other time, by OF Lance Berkman in 2002…should Alvarez homer tonight, he would be the first player in franchise history to hit 12 homers within the club’s first 27 games.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 6:05 p.m. CST

Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: Space City Home Network

Streaming: SCHN+

Radio: KTRH 740 AM & 99.1 FM HD2; KTRH 740 AM; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

Astros Lineup

SS Carlos Correa

DH Yordan Alvarez

3B Isaac Paredes

2B Jose Altuve

1B Christian Walker

RF Cam Smith

LF Dustin Harris

C Yainer Diaz

CF Brice Matthews

Yankees Lineup

CF Trent Grisham

RF Aaron Judge

LF Cody Bellinger

1B Ben Rice

DH Giancarlo Stanton

2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.

C J.C. Escarra

3B Ryan McMahon

SS Jose Caballero

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Yankees @ Astros: Will Warren vs. Lance McCullers Jr.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 03: Will Warren #98 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on September 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Fresh off a three-game sweep of Boston at Fenway Park, the Yankees begin the second series of this nine-game road trip. The opponent? Another rival club that is off to a rough start to 2026: the Houston Astros. Devastated by injuries to their pitching staff, the ‘Stros come into the series with a 10-16 record. If you’re wondering how it’s going for Houston on the mound, peep the 5.81 team ERA and collective 1.630 WHIP.

Will Warren takes the ball for New York, coming off one of the finest outings of his career (by Game Score, the second-best) against Kansas City. Warren struck out 11 over seven innings of two-run ball. The 26-year-old is off to a solid start in 2026, with a 2.45 ERA through 25.1 frames. Warren has relied heavily on his heat, throwing his four-seamer and sinker a combined 68 percent of the time. He augments those with his sweeper. And against lefties, he adds a curve and a change into the mix.

Meanwhile, Lance McCullers, Jr., one of the few healthy Astros starting pitchers, makes the start for Houston. One of the scant Astros remaining from the controversial 2017 team that knocked the Yankees out of the ALCS during Aaron Judge’s phenomenal rookie year, McCullers’ career has been absolutely derailed by injury, as he’s missed three entire seasons, including 2023 and 2024. This will be his fifth start of the season. His last two outings have been particularly rough, with McCullers allowing a combined 10 runs in 9.1 innings. Walks have been an issue, with five free passes in those 9.1 innings.

With the Yanks facing a right-handed pitcher for the first time in what seems like months, the lefty boppers are in the lineup. Trent Grisham leads off, and Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice sit behind Judge. Austin Wells gets the night off, so J.C. Escarra dons the tools of ignorance. With all the time McCullers has missed, not many Yankees have experience against him. Judge has faced him 11 times, the most for any Yankee. Giancarlo Stanton is the only Bronx Bomber who’s taken McCullers deep.

Let’s keep this whole “immiserate our enemies” thing going. The Yanks kicked Boston while they were down. Here’s hoping they can do it to the H.

How to Watch:

Location: Daikin Park — Houston, TX

First Pitch: 8:10 pm EDT

TV broadcast: YES / Space City Home Network

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 / KTRH 740 AM/99.1 FM HD-2, KTLN-TUDN 102.9 FM

Online stream: MLB Network (out-of-market-only)

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The state of the Knicks offense is exhausting Jalen Brunson

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) goes up for a shot as Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) gives chase during the fourth quarter. , Image 2 shows New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the fourth quarter

ATLANTA — The biggest hole on the Knicks roster has become more and more noticeable. 

It’s allowed the Hawks to stymie Jalen Brunson. 

One of coach Mike Brown’s biggest goals this season was to have Brunson play off the ball and allow others to more often facilitate the offense. The idea was to take some of that burden away from Brunson and create easier shots for him, while also keeping his supporting cast more involved. 

But in the first three games of this first-round series, which the Knicks trail 2-1 and are “playing for our lives,” as Miles McBride said, that element of the offense has largely been absent. 

“We called it a few times, you gotta give Atlanta credit,” Brown said Friday. “They did a nice job of defending it the few times we called it. But we gotta keep trying to implement it, whether it’s play call or within the flow of what we’re trying to do conceptually on the offensive end of the floor.” 

The problem is that outside of Brunson, they lack ball handlers who are capable of creating and orchestrating the offense. Josh Hart can, but it’s not his ideal role. OG Anunoby is best as a spot-up shooter. Karl-Anthony Towns is a good passer, but he’s not someone who can break down a defense by himself. Mikal Bridges, despite Brown saying before the year he’d be the top candidate for the role, has floundered as a ball handler, particularly in Game 3 when he had four turnovers and was benched for the majority of the second half. 

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) goes up for a shot as Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) gives chase during the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

There are no true backup point guards in the rotation either. McBride and Landry Shamet play there at times, but neither is a natural. Jose Alvarado is, but his limited offensive ability has meant he’s on the fringe of the rotation. Tyler Kolek is completely out of the rotation. 

So it’s all falling on Brunson again. And that means less movement on offense as a whole. As the four other players on the court stand and wait for Brunson to create everything, it makes it easier for the Hawks to blitz him, send double-teams and make it difficult for him to take high-quality shots. Usually, it’s Dyson Daniels or Nickeil Alexander-Walker guarding him, with help from a second defender. 

In Game 3, Brunson shot 3-for-11 — and 0-for-3 from 3-point range — when guarded by Daniels or Alexander-Walker, per the league’s official tracking stats. 

“They both are great defenders,” Brunson said. “You have to be smart, you have to be kind of tactical in what you do. Just being able to not really focus on what they’re doing but focus on your shot and doing the things that I need to do to make sure I’m comfortable shooting the shots I want to shoot and be in positions I want to be in. But you gotta give them credit. They make things very difficult.” 

Jalen Brunson (11) goes up for a shot as Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) fouls during the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Nobody has had the ball in his hands more than Brunson during these playoffs across the league. He’s having to work incredibly hard for his shots — almost none of which are open. 

The Knicks barely have anyone who can even bring the ball up the court, which would allow Brunson to collect it in the halfcourt and remove some wear and tear on him. Daniels and Alexander-Walker are picking him up full court, so by the time Brunson finally gets the ball into the halfcourt, he’s expended significant energy. 

It was a little better when McBride was on the floor with Brunson in place of Bridges. There were a few possessions in the third quarter — during an 11-0 Knicks run — when McBride was able to bring the ball up the floor. When Bridges tried that, it was an utter failure. 

“We all have to be aggressive, not just to shoot the ball, but be aggressive to touch the paint [on drives],” Brown said. “And if you don’t have anything in the paint, you gotta spray it. We haven’t gone anywhere near our sprays that we’ve wanted to in these first three games.” 

Brunson is also getting pummeled on the other end trying to guard CJ McCollum, who has torched him this series. So much so that the Knicks have been forced to change their coverage and have Hart guard him. 

Overreliance on offense and getting bullied on defense equals a player who is getting worn out. 

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Mets haven’t discussed moving Devin Williams to set-up role amid continued struggles

Devin Williams’ Mets tenure hasn’t quite started as planned. 

The righty has struggled mightily after starting the season with five straight scoreless outings, as he’s been knocked around and has given up runs each of his last four times out. 

The latest came on Thursday, when Williams again ran into trouble, giving up three hits and a run before recording the final two outs in a victory over the Twins. 

His outs were a pair of strikeouts, but not before bringing the go-ahead run to the plate.

The former All-Star closer is now up to an ugly 10.29 ERA and 2.86 WHIP with six walks and 13 strikeouts over his first nine appearances in orange and blue.

David Stearns broke down what he’s seen of late prior to Friday’s series opener with the Rockies. 

“His changeup hasn’t been where he wants it yet -- there hasn’t been that level of consistency he’s used to,” he said. “He’s gone through stretches like this in his career before and we're confident he will get through this.”

One of those stretches came last season when Williams struggled to find his footing for the majority of his lone campaign pitching on the other side of town with the Yankees.  

He did find more success after the team bumped him to a set-up role in front of Luke Weaver, but that isn't something that the Mets have considered with the two to this point. 

“That’s not something [Carlos Mendoza] and I have really talked about,” Stearns said. “I think we’re focused on getting Devin right, regardless of what inning he happens to be pitching in.”

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Where to watch San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers Game 3 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Friday, April 24

The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers meet in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games with Portland rallying from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win Game 2. Victor Wembanyama left Game 2 in the second quarter with a concussion and is questionable to play in Game 3.

  • Spread: Portland Trail Blazers 2.5

  • Moneyline: Portland Trail Blazers +118 (43.7%) / San Antonio Spurs -145 (56.3%)

  • Over/Under: 220.5

Game 1:Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98
Game 2:Trail Blazers 106, Spurs 103
Game 3: San Antonio at Portland on Friday, April 24 (10:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 4: San Antonio at Portland on Sunday, April 26 (3:30 p.m., ESPN)
*Game 5: Portland at San Antonio on Tuesday, April 28 (time and network TBD)
*Game 6: San Antonio at Portland on Thursday, April 30 (time and network TBD)
*Game 7: Portland at San Antonio on Saturday, May 2 (time and network TBD)

*if necessary

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Lakers star guard Austin Reaves ruled out for Game 3 at Rockets

HOUSTON — The Lakers will have to wait at least one more game before they’re able to get one of their star guards back in the lineup.

Austin Reaves was downgraded from questionable to out for Friday’s Game 3 against the Rockets at Toyota Center.

The Lakers’ Austin Reaves won’t play Friday against the host Rockets in Game 3. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Reaves has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 left oblique strain, an injury that typically comes with a four-to-six-week recovery timeline.

Coach JJ Redick said pregame, before Reaves was ruled out, that Reaves had progressed “well” and had played in stay-ready games ahead of Friday.

The fifth-year guard, along with fellow star guard Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain), suffered the regular-season-ending injury during the April 2 loss to the Thunder.

He and Doncic missed the final five games of the regular season with their respective injuries.

Reaves had been seen shooting after practices over the last week, including after Thursday’s practice at the team’s practice facility before the team left for Houston.

Doncic was also seen going through shooting drills Thursday, with no timetable for his return. 

Reaves averaged a career-high 23.3 points to go with 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in a career-low 51 regular-season games after also missing significant time in December and January because of a calf strain. 

He has a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27 that he’s expected to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason with the expectation of a significant pay raise.

The Lakers entered Friday up 2-0 in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Rockets.

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Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker named NBA's 2025-26 Most Improved Player

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been named as the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2025-26 season.

Alexander-Walker had a career year, starting in 71 of the 78 games he played in this season. The 27-year-old guard averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game – all personal career highs. Walker also set the Hawks record for most 3-pointers in a season, draining 251 in the 2025-26 season while shooting 39.9% from 3-point range.

Alexander-Walker was traded to Atlanta on July 6, 2025 after spending two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Hawks have become the first team to have back-to-back Most Improved Award winners. Guard Dyson Daniels won the award as a member of the Hawks last season.

Alexander-Walker and the Hawks are currently playing in the postseason, leading the New York Knicks 2-1 in an Eastern Conference first-round series.

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) shoots against the New York Knicks in the third quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 23, 2026.

Previous Most Improved Player winners

  • 2026: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks
  • 2025: Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
  • 2024: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2023: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
  • 2022: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2021: Julius Randle, New York Knicks
  • 2020: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
  • 2019: Pascal Siakim, Toronto Raptors
  • 2018: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
  • 2017: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
  • 2016: CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
  • 2015: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
  • 2014: Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
  • 2013: Paul George, Indiana Pacers
  • 2012: Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic
  • 2011: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 2010: Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
  • 2009: Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
  • 2008: Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic
  • 2007: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors
  • 2006: Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns

2025-26 NBA Awards winners

  • Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
  • Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
  • NBA Sportsmanship Award: Derrick White, Boston Celtics

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker voted NBA Most Improved Player

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Game Thread: Nationals (11-15) at White Sox (10-15)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: Bryan Hudson #60 of the Chicago White Sox delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Rate Field on April 08, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Tonight’s starter? It’s reliever Bryan Hudson. | (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

I’m sure most of you are thinking that it’s WAY COOL that after a surprisingly successful road trip (4-2, two series wins!) out west that the home cooking will taste MIGHTY FINE with the Nationals in town. Yes, it’s true that no one is expecting anything from the Nasty Nats this season, the club is a half-game better than our guys at the moment. Let’s not start counting our City Connects before they’re worn.

But worn they will be, tonight, for the first time all season. Last year was an incredibly successful one 8-5, not losing on a home Friday until the end of June and ending up 8-5 for the year; for a 102-loss team, that’s quite a nice clip.

In addition to vibes the White Sox have going for them, there’s also another opener situation happening, as lefty Bryan Hudson starts the game for Erick Fedde tonight. And once again, a DH leads off, only it’s not Andrew Benintendi:

Manager Will Venable continues to concentrate his best power in the middle of the lineup, as Nos. 3-5 boast 22 HRs and the other six hitters just five combined. And for all the surge of the trip west generated, four batters in tonight’s lineup are languishing below the Mendoza Line.

The Nationals are throwing an opener as well, PJ Poulin. I believe he’s opening for Robbie Ray (another southpaw, so not sure that checks out given the lefty-righty fetish in MLB), but seriously I can hardly keep track of the White Sox. We’ll learn together!

Ballgame’s at 6:40 p.m. CT on the usual channels.

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Alex de Minaur’s horror run continues with loss to Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar in Madrid

  • Australia No 1 defeated 6-3 6-1 by 19-year-old in second round

  • World No 8 has lost six of past 10 matches in alarming stretch of form

Alex de Minaur has suffered a startling defeat, crushed by the latest teenage Spanish wonder boy in the second round of the Madrid Open.

On a day when Carlos Alcaraz caused consternation by announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming French Open with a wrist injury, 19-year-old Madrid local Rafael Jodar filled his place seamlessly by blowing away the Australian 6-3 6-1 in 75 one-sided minutes.

Continue reading...
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Cubs roster move: Nicky Lopez added, Scott Kingery optioned

It was reported after Thursday’s game that the Cubs had acquired Nicky Lopez from the Rockies for cash considerations. As Lopez was on a minor-league deal with Colorado, there was no immediate 26-man or 40-man roster move needed by the Cubs.

This afternoon, before Friday’s game against the Dodgers at Los Angeles, the Cubs added Lopez to the 26-man active roster and optioned infielder Scott Kingery to Triple-A Iowa. The option was not announced but is listed on the Cubs transactions page.

Kingery had largely just been a pinch-runner this year, but when pressed into service in the field Wednesday, he made two errors that made that night’s win over the Phillies closer than it should have been. Lopez is a better defender.

To make room for Lopez on the 40-man roster, pitcher Porter Hodge, who will miss the entire 2026 season, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Lopez is 31 and a Chicago-area native (Naperville Central HS) who grew up as a Cubs fan. Last year Lopez spent Spring Training with Cubs, was released, signed with the Angels, played four games there, was let go by them and re-signed with the Cubs in late April. He played in 14 games with the Cubs, largely as a defensive replacement, and went 1-for-18. He can play third, short and second and so gives manager Craig Counsell some more flexibility.

Today’s game preview will post at 7 p.m. CT.

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Game 26 Game Day Thread – West Sacramento Athletics @ Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 9: Chelby Coley of Atlanta takes a photo of the new Texas Rangers City Connect jersey at Globe Life Field's Grand Slam Team Store in Arlington, TX, Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images)

West of Nevada Athletics @ Texas Rangers

Friday, April 24, 2026, 7:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / CW33)

The Shed

RHP Luis Severino vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi

Today’s Lineups

ATHLETICSRANGERS
Nick Kurtz – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Shea Langeliers – CJoc Pederson – DH
Carlos Cortes – DHCorey Seager – SS
Tyler Soderstrom – LFJake Burger – 1B
Jacob Wilson – SSJosh Jung – 3B
Jeff McNeil – 2BEvan Carter – CF
Max Muncy – 3BKyle Higashioka – C
Lawrence Butler – RFJosh Smith – 2B
Zack Gelof – CFAlejandro Osuna – LF
Luis Severino – RHPNathan Eovaldi – RHP

Go Rangers!

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Game #26: A’s at Rangers Game Thread

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 18: Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the top of the six inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A much-needed day off should have our A’s rested and charged for their second stop of this road trip. After going into Seattle and taking two of three the A’s are now in Texas to take on the Rangers for a three-game weekend series. Big stakes on the line between these two as both enter the series at 13-12 and the series winner will be in first place on Monday morning.

Righty Luis Severino is on the mound tonight for his sixth start this season. The veteran has been up and down mostly this year, and more down than up in recent outings. He’s given up nine runs combined over this two most recent starts so he’ll be looking to right the ship against a Texas team that is tied with the Athletics for first in the division.

Here’s how the Athletics’ lineup looks for the first game in Arlington:

Get used to this lineup, it might be a consistent one we see over the coming weeks. Manager Mark Kotsay seems to love Carlos Cortes in the three hole. And apparently he’s also comfortable with Zack Gelof in center field. He should get lots of run there with Denzel Clarke on the IL.

That starting nine will be tasked with taking down Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi. The veteran has a long track record of success against the A’s but has had a tough start to his season here in 2026, so the team needs to get on the right-hander quickly or else he could get on a roll.

The Texas lineup:

Let’s go A’s!

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Royals vs. Angels Friday gamethread

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 28: Starting pitcher Noah Cameron #65 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the first inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Kauffman Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Royals desperately need a series win, and the Angels provide an opportunity this weekend.

Noah Cameron takes the bump after giving up a career-high seven runs his last start against the Yankees. Matt Quatraro goes with a righty-heavy lineup against lefty Yusei Kikuchi.

The Angels took two of three at Kauffman Stadium last year. They were off to a good start this year until they lost four of their last five.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on both Royals.TV and free over-the-air on KCTV5 in Kansas City.

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GAME THREAD: Guardians at Blue Jays, game 27 of 162

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 19: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here’s the Guardians lineup:

Here’s the Blue Jays lineup:

Let’s go, Guardians!

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Rockets' Kevin Durant out for critical Game 3 vs. Lakers Friday with sprained ankle

Kevin Durant is out with a left ankle sprain on Friday night, missing a must-win Game 3 for the Houston Rockets.

This is a massive setback for a team that has struggled to generate offense through the first two games against the Lakers. Durant suffered the sprain during Game 2. Durant's status for Game 3 was moved to "questionable" on Thursday, but the widespread expectation was that he would play. Before the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Durant was a game-time decision based on how his pregame workout went, but according to reporters in the building, Durant never went out for warmups.

Durant missed the first game of this first-round series with a knee contusion, and the Rockets scored only 98 points in that game. KD played in the second game, but the Lakers doubled him nearly every time he touched the ball, and while he still scored 23 points, he also had nine turnovers and had to pass out of the double a lot, and his teammates were not stepping up.

With Durant out, and looking to shake things up, Udoka said he would move Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason into the starting lineup.

The Rockets have a 106.1 offensive rating through two games in this series, 12.5 points per 100 possessions worse than their regular-season number. The Rockets need to find a way to generate offense on their home court Friday night, or they could find themselves in a 0-3 hole, something no NBA team has ever climbed out of.