Australian Cooper Connolly made a memorable Indian Premier League debut, holding his nerve as wickets tumbled around him to haul Punjab Kings to a tense three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.
Knicks vs Rockets Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for March 31
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Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonight’s showdown between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, with the model pinpointing several standout opportunities.
By analyzing the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve uncovered the bets with the highest value.
These Knicks vs. Rockets predictions aren’t guesswork — they’re driven by the numbers.
For those building their cards, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, March 31.
Knicks vs Rockets computer picks for March 31
 Knicks |  Rockets |
|---|---|
| Brunson u24.5 points -112 | Durant u25.5 points -120 |
| Bridges o1.5 threes -125 | Sengun u8.5 rebounds +105 |
| Hart o6.5 rebounds -130 | Thompson o4.5 assists -120 |
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Knicks computer picks
Jalen Brunson Under 24.5 points (-112)
Projection: 24.6 points
Over their last 10 road games, opposing starting point guards have averaged just 12.8 points per game against the Houston Rockets — the second-lowest mark in the NBA — making this a difficult offensive matchup, particularly for Jalen Brunson.
Additionally, the New York Knicks have played at the slowest pace in the league over their last five games. They're likely to see even fewer possessions against a Houston team that ranks as the second-slowest offense in terms of pace this season.
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Mikal Bridges Over 1.5 threes (-125)
Projection: 1.7 3-pointers
Mikal Bridges has eclipsed 1.5 made threes in five of his last 10 games, and this matchup sets up well for him to build on that trend against the Rockets.
While Houston plays at a slower pace, their defensive scheme often prioritizes protecting the paint and limiting high-percentage looks inside. That naturally shifts opportunities to the perimeter, where Bridges thrives as a catch-and-shoot weapon.
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Josh Hart Over 6.5 rebounds (-130)
Projection: 7.4 rebounds
Josh Hart has gone Over 6.5 rebounds in six of his last 10 games, and the Knicks’ strong presence on the glass should continue to boost his rebounding outlook.
New York ranks fifth in the NBA with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game this season, creating extra opportunities for Hart to capitalize on the boards.
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Rockets computer picks
Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points (-120)
Projection: 24.2 points
From a scoring standpoint, the Rockets have struggled at home, averaging just 109.9 points per game over their last 25 contests — the second-lowest mark in the NBA.
They also operate at the second-slowest pace in the league this season, a combination that could limit possessions and make it tougher for Kevin Durant to clear his points prop tonight.
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Alperen Şengün Under 8.5 rebounds (+105)
Projection: 8.4 rebounds
The Knicks have operated at the slowest pace in the league over their last five games.
This should limit possessions for the Rockets and cut into rebounding chances for Alperen Şengün, especially after he’s gone Under in five of his last 10 games at an 8.5 rebound line.
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Amen Thompson Over 4.5 assists (-120)
Projection: 5.2 assists
Amen Thompson has gone Over 4.5 assists in four of his last 10 games, and tonight’s matchup against the Knicks sets up favorably for him to continue that trend.
Thompson thrives when he can push the pace, and with the Knicks playing at the slowest tempo in the league over their last five contests, defensive rotations will be critical — opening passing lanes for a quick, athletic playmaker like Thompson.
His ability to penetrate and draw attention often forces collapses that create open opportunities for teammates, giving Thompson plenty of chances to rack up assists.
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How to watch Knicks vs Rockets tonight
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
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How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres
The San Francisco Giants continue their series against the San Diego Padres tonight from Oracle Park.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Logan Webb, who finished the 2025 season with a 3.22 ERA, 2.60 FIP, with 224 strikeouts to 46 walks in 207 innings pitched. His last start was on Opening Day, in which he allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with seven strikeouts and a walk in five innings.
He’ll be facing off against Padres right-hander Germán Márquez, who finished the 2025 season with a 6.70 ERA, 5.47 FIP, with 83 strikeouts to 48 walks in 126.1 innings pitched. This will be his first start of the 2026 season.
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Game #5
Who: San Francisco Giants (1-3) vs. San Diego Padres (1-3)
Where: Petco Park, San Diego, California
When: 6:40 p.m. PT
Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area
National broadcast: n/a
Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM
Trail Blazers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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There’s a “2-for-1” deal inside Intuit Dome when the Los Angeles Clippers host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. These Western Conference rivals are Nos. 8 and 9, respectively, in the Western Conference standings, which means a victory is twice as nice.
Los Angeles is on a five-game run, but kicking the tires on that tear sees L.A. taking advantage of some NBA bottom-feeders.
My Trail Blazers vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks believe L.A. reserve Bennedict Mathurin has gotten fat off that cupcake competition, and aren’t convinced he’ll keep the points coming.
Trail Blazers vs Clippers prediction
Trail Blazers vs Clippers best bet: Bennedict Mathurin Under 17.5 points (-125)
Bennedict Mathurin has been massive for the Los Angeles Clippers' turnaround the past two months.
The 6-foot-5 guard gives L.A. a shot of energy off the bench, upping his scoring to 20+ points per game since the beginning of February. Mathurin has been especially hot in his last nine outings, averaging almost 23 points since March 7.
Helping heap on the points has been a schedule littered with lousy defenses. Four of those last nine games came against teams ranked Bottom 4 in defensive rating since the All-Star break (Indiana, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Memphis), along with a 26-point showing versus Chicago (21st).
Tuesday’s tilt brings a sneaky-good Portland Trail Blazers team to Los Angeles. Portland has also roughed up some weaker foes in recent games but sits No. 4 in defensive rating since the break and will approach this vital matchup with a playoff-like intensity.
The Blazers blitz opposing ball-handlers with smothering pressure and force them to get rid of the rock. That tactic has Portland giving up the third-fewest points to guards across the Association (47.2 per game).
Mathurin relies on getting to the foul line to pick up points, going to the stripe at least nine times in seven of his last nine outings. He won’t be able to get into attack mode versus that Portland press.
Projections all sit below his scoring prop, with my number just north of 15 points. That should have this Under 17.5 priced around -200 rather than the modest ask of -125.
Trail Blazers vs Clippers same-game parlay
The Clippers have boosted their stock against some bad teams recently. Portland is a stiff defensive challenge for L.A,. and our game models see the Clippers escaping but not covering as home chalk.
The forecasted final also comes up short of the current Over/Under total. The Trail Blazers can’t match the firepower of the Clippers and will try to turn this into a grinder of a game.
Trail Blazers vs Clippers SGP
- Trail Blazers +5.5
- Under 227.5
- Bennedict Mathurin Under 17.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Chairmen of the boards
The Trail Blazers need this win to keep pace in the playoff race, but won’t win a shootout against the Clippers. Defense is the name of the game for Portland, which keeps the score low and Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija busy on the glass. Both Blazers are projected to top their rebound markets tonight.
Trail Blazers vs Clippers SGP
- Trail Blazers moneyline
- Under 227.5
- Jrue Holiday Over 3.5 rebounds
- Deni Avdija Over 6.5 rebounds
Trail Blazers vs Clippers odds
- Spread: Trail Blazers +5.5 | Clippers -5.5
- Moneyline: Trail Blazers +180 | Clippers -220
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Trail Blazers vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Trail Blazers are 7-14 Over/Under (63% Unders) as road underdogs this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Clippers.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Clippers
| Location | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA |
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 11:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Trail Blazers vs Clippers latest injuries
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Hornets vs Nets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
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Allow Charlotte Hornets fans to feel optimism for once. They have earned it. They can even look at an opponent like the Brooklyn Nets and have complete confidence in a win tonight.
My Hornets vs. Nets predictions and these NBA picks even go so far as to expect Charlotte to give some players a lighter workload on Tuesday, March 31.
Hornets vs Nets prediction
Hornets vs Nets best bet: LaMelo Ball Under 19.5 points (-120)
This is what life is like on the other side, Charlotte Hornets fans. You are no longer tanking; you get to take advantage of the teams that are tanking, like the Brooklyn Nets.
Sometimes that joy can be a bit excruciating itself. Your stars may not take the game as seriously, like scoring 20 points on 7-for-16 shooting against the Kings a week ago. Or they may not see as many minutes, like not even playing 22 minutes against the Pacers in late February.
LaMelo Ball cleared this prop in both those instances, but scoring 20 points against tanking teams is hardly an argument that he 'll ruin this prop by the hook tonight.
The Hornets have a back-to-back coming up on Thursday and Friday; they likely need to win both games — vs. Phoenix and then vs. Indiana — to keep their chances of slipping into the preferred Play-In game as the No. 8 seed in mid-April alive.
Limiting Ball’s minutes tonight will only help that cause later in the week, and Charlotte certainly should not need much of a performance from him against Brooklyn. The Nets have one outright win in their last 11 games, against the Kings.
Hornets vs Nets same-game parlay
Limiting Ball’s minutes while increasing Coby White’s will serve Charlotte not only to rest Ball for later in the week but also to further White’s understanding of this Hornets offense. Since joining the rotation in late February, White has taken at least 11 shots in 10 of 15 games, including each of the last eight.
More and more White usage should create Charlotte permutations that frustrate postseason opponents. An early lead will create a clear opportunity for less Ball and more White tonight.
Hornets vs Nets SGP
- Hornets first half -10
- LaMelo Ball Under 19.5 points
- Coby White Over 14.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Nets Hang Around
The Nets may be the complete inverse of the Jazz. While Utah stays competitive into the fourth quarter and then benches its contributing pieces to assure a loss, Brooklyn tends to hang around the whole game, then score garbage-time points to cover the full-game spread. The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six.
Hornets vs Nets SGP
- Nets +17.5
- Hornets first half -10
- LaMelo Ball Under 19.5 points
Hornets vs Nets odds
- Spread: Hornets -17.5 | Nets +17.5
- Moneyline: Hornets -1700 | Nets +950
- Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Under 219.5
Hornets vs Nets betting trend to know
The last five Hornets games have all cashed their Unders, and by an average of 5.7 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Nets.
How to watch Hornets vs Nets
| Location | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SE-CHA, WLNY |
Hornets vs Nets latest injuries
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Dylan Harper’s rookie season has been better than the numbers
The NBA Rookie of the Year award can be a good indicator of future success, but it doesn’t always mean the player who won it will go on to have the best career of his class, nor does it mean the ones who didn’t win it can’t be just as successful. This year, the NBA’s top candidates are Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, and both of them are special players with high ceilings. Still, the San Antonio Spurs made the made the right pick by selecting Dylan Harper at 2nd overall (sorry, Kevin O’Connor), and here’s why.
There are 19 NBA rookies playing at least 20 minutes per game in the 2025-26 season, and only three are logging at least 30 mpg (minimum 55 games played): Flagg, Knueppel, and VJ Edgecomb. All three have been mostly starers for their teams, while Harper is 12th among rookies in minutes at 22.3 per game with just two starts, meaning he doesn’t have as strong of a case for ROY as his fellow top four picks. Still, any rookie who has made himself a rotation player has done a good job, especially when they earn that spot on a quality team like the Spurs.
Keep in mind that only three Spurs rookies have averaged 30 minutes since 1988-89: Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Willie Anderson. A lot of that has to do with how stacked many Spurs teams have been over the years, but it’s also not their motto to put too much on rookies’ plates, especially the younger ones. While the three Spurs above all entered the league aged 21 or older and started from day 1, Harper plays mostly with the second unit. Yet notably, the five-man unit with Harper, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama is one of their best.
That rotation is their 12th most-used this season, but part of the reason for its success is having added versatility with multiple ball handlers. The other is the sharp perimeter defense that buys Wemby the extra second to get where he wants.
Harper is a smart shot creator, averaging a 2.76 assist-to-turnover ratio: the best among rookies. Most of his passes and assists have gone to Johnson, who also passes him the ball the most. To boot, Harper is one of three rookies to score in double figures with a minimum 54.0 effective field goal percentage, and on the Spurs, he generates the third most 3-pointers (5.4) for his teammates after Castle and De’Aaron Fox.
Harper was never going to make as much noise as many 2nd overall picks do because of his role, but take out that bit of context, and what he’s done matters a lot to a team that has turned into a championship contender at least a year earlier than expected. Despite being a rookie, he’s someone coach Mitch Johnson can count on in big games and is a big part of why the team has a top-eight scoring bench. His rookie campaign may not be as glamourous as Flagg or Knueppel’s, but it’s still rare for a rookie to garner that much trust so early in their careers.
It’s always difficult to get a read on how award voters will lean, but while it’s probably safe to assume Harper won’t win Rookie of the Year, he at least deserves to be on one of the All-Rookie teams. He’s quick, strong and shifty with the ball, and while he has only started twice this year against two low-level opponents, the Spurs offense didn’t miss a beat in his minutes. He is in the top five among rookies in points in the paint and fastbreak points, but most importantly, he’s doing all this for a team that’s on the hunt for the league’s best record. Other rookies can put up similar numbers with no pressure since their team is going nowhere or their role is not in jeopardy, but Harper is under pressure to produce, because if he doesn’t, the Spurs can simply turn to Fox or Castle for more minutes.
If Harper has one weakness, it’s his 3-point shooting. Almost all of his attempts are open to wide-open, making league average efficiency with 4-6 feet of space, but only 31.2 percent with six feet or more space. Spurs fans should not worry about this being a long term problem because he works hard, and Chip Engelland’s secret sauce has been closely replicated by the team. For now, he can focus on becoming a screener after a handoff if opponents scheme him out by daring him to shoot, which will help him rack up assists and is a good counter by attacking the space.
There’s only seven games left in the regular season, so it is doubtful anyone will learn anything new from the crop of youngsters at this point. But we so know who Rookie Harper, and he’s earned himself an A- on my scale. The scary thing for the rest of the league is he has much more room to grow.
Mariners Prospect Ratings: #6, RF Lazaro Montes
Lazaro Montes, perhaps the single most powerful bat the Mariners have had in their minor leagues this decade, is a polarizing player within the scouting community. While many see his thunderous bat that launched 32 homers last season across two different levels and liken him to some of the great sluggers of our time, others are concerned about his contact rates and lack of positional versatility, positing he won’t ever hit enough to make his power play in game action. Regardless of where you align yourself on the spectrum of outcomes Laz ultimately arrives at, Montes is undoubtedly one of the best prospects in this entire system and deserves his flowers after an excellent 2025 season.
The calling card here is the power. With some mammoth home runs under his belt, his lefty swing is catered for lofting balls over the outfield fence, and thanks to his hulking frame (he’s listed at 6’5 210lb, but as someone who has stood next to him, I can assure you he’s bigger than that), he accomplishes that goal with regularity. The exit velocities are loud, and because he’s able to elevate the ball so frequently, they lead to tangible results on the field.
An interesting tidbit for Montes that gets underrated by most public outlets, Montes seems to have a better innate handle for the bat than many give him credit for. He’s shown stretches of time where he is very obviously avoiding the “sell out for power” mentality, poking singles the other way and making more contact with the ball. There’s a happy medium in there somewhere, and if he’s able to achieve a sustainable balance of contact and dynamic power, Montes quashes a lot of the concerns evaluators have around his offensive game.
Outside of the bat, Montes profiles as a corner outfielder at the next level, with a massive arm suited for right field. His speed, though perhaps a hair underrated, is still below average and won’t be a major part of his game, but what he lacks in footspeed he makes up for with incessant hustle. He is constantly giving max effort everywhere on the field, and it’s incredibly fun to watch as a fan. There’s never a doubt Montes deeply cares about doing his best for the team in any way he can, and it’s a refreshing style of play that fans naturally gravitate to.
Montes draws more extreme comps than just about any prospect in this system, and while a player with his skills is typically clumped into one bucket of corner outfielders or another, it’s doing Montes a disservice to remove all nuance from him as a player. Yes, the strikeouts are very high, and yes, he does not make a lot of contact, but how much of a concern is it if a then 20 year old is producing in Double-A? At what point does production reign supreme? To say Montes is a perfect prospect would be a lie, but to discount Montes’ accomplishments and cite only his worst trait as a universal dealbreaker is equally flawed. The risk associated around him is why he’s at sixth in our overall rankings, but with a supremely talented top of the farm, Montes was neck-and-neck with the next prospects on our list and still sits within our upper echelon of premium prospect talent.
AHL Board Of Governors Approves Bridgeport's Relocation To Hamilton
BUFFALO, NY -- The AHL's Board of Governors has approved Bridgeport's move to Hamilton on Tuesday:
Official email #Islespic.twitter.com/0uBrIr92ux
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) March 31, 2026
The team will play at the newly renovated TD Coliseum, which just underwent a $300 million renovation and seats 18,000 fans. The hope is to attract more talent to the Islanders organization, as the team will play in a more promising hockey environment, which Bridgeport could not compete with.
Hamilton offers a much better venue and a stronger hockey market.
End Of An Era: Islanders Announce Intent To Move AHL Affiliate From Bridgeport To HamiltonThe Islanders must get approval from the AHL's Board of Governors before this can Bridgeport was the home of the Islanders' AHL affilaite for the last 25 years.
Here's Bridgeport's message to their fans:
A message to our fans, from the New York Islanders regarding the team’s relocation.
— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) March 31, 2026
Press release link: https://t.co/Am6ouVqnwfpic.twitter.com/9q2xvTpp3R
The AHL Islanders are currently holding down a playoff spot with seven games to go.
Dallas Stars give GM Jim Nill a 2-year contract extension before 5th playoff appearance in a row
Feb 4, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill is celebrate as the Stars honor their 2026 Winter Olympics hockey players before the game against the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars have extended the contract of general manager Jim Nill for two years, keeping in place the architect of the team headed to the playoffs again after advancing to the Western Conference final each of the past three seasons.
Nill has been the Stars GM since 2013, and his contract was only through this season until the announcement. His extension through the 2027-28 season was finalized less than 24 hours after a prominent job opened when the Toronto Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving.
“Jim has established himself as one of the most respected general managers in the NHL,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said. “Through his roster management and talent evaluation, he has positioned our franchise to be amongst the best teams in our league in both the present and future. I’m thrilled that he will continue to guide the Stars.”
Going into a game Tuesday night at Boston, the Stars’ 100 points rank second in the NHL behind Central Division foe Colorado. Dallas already has qualified for its fifth consecutive playoff appearance.
The 67-year-old Nill was selected as the NHL’s top GM each of the past three seasons by a panel that includes all of the league’s general managers. The only current GMs that have been with their teams longer are Kevin Cheveldayoff in Winnipeg and Doug Armstrong in St. Louis.
Since Nill began with the Stars before the 2013-14 season, their 63 postseason wins are the second most in the NHL. They’ve qualified for the playoffs nine times in that span, and made the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. He previously was in the front office of the Detroit Red Wings.
“I’m fortunate to work with incredibly talented and passionate individuals that have helped our franchise become one of the best in the NHL,” Nill said. “I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to continue as general manager of the Stars.”
Detroit Red Wings At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To Watch
The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off their biggest win of the 2025-26 season to date on Monday against the New York Islanders.
They were down 2-0 and 3-1 in the second period before rattling off seven unanswered goals to blitz the Islanders 8-3. The win catapulted the Penguins up to second place in the Metropolitan Division with 90 points. They're one point up on the Islanders with a game in hand.
The Penguins will play another huge game on Tuesday when the desperate Detroit Red Wings come to town. The Red Wings are coming off a 5-3 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday and have lost three of their last four. They're two points back of the final playoff spot, and per MoneyPuck, their playoff odds sit at 35.3%.
Alex DeBrincat has been awesome for the Red Wings this year and leads the team in goals (37) and points (78). He's on pace to notch his third 40-goal season.
Lucas Raymond is one of the most underrated players in the NHL and has been great for the Red Wings again this season, compiling 24 goals and 71 points in 71 games. He's a strong playmaker with some great vision.
Don't forget about Dylan Larkin or Moritz Seider, either. Larkin has 29 goals and 57 points in 66 games, while Seider is a strong Norris Trophy candidate with nine goals and 53 points in 73 games.
The offense starts to dry up a little bit when those four players aren't on the ice.
Goaltender John Gibson will make his 12th consecutive start for the Red Wings in this game. He's had a strong first season with them, compiling 27 wins with a .905 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average. He has also saved 12.4 goals above expected, which ranks 13th among all goaltenders in the NHL.
Stuart Skinner will start in goal for the Penguins, and there's a chance that Evgeni Malkin returns to the lineup after missing Monday's game. If he does, he'll likely be back on the second line with Egor Chinakhov and Tommy Novak.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
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Celebrating Gordie Howe's Greatest Moments On His 98th Birthday
March 31st marks what would have been the 98th birthday of Gordie Howe, the legendary forward whose name remains synonymous with toughness, skill, and longevity in the NHL.
Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Howe built much of his legacy with the Detroit Red Wings, delivering some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. On the big man's birthday, we take a look back at several of his greatest moments and achievements, focusing on his unforgettable years in the Motor City.
First Stanley Cup in 1950
Howe’s rise to superstardom came during the 1950 Stanley Cup Final, when he helped lead the Red Wings to their first championship in seven years. Although teammate Pete Babando scored the famous double overtime winner in Game 7 against the New York Rangers, Howe’s physical play and scoring touch throughout the series set the tone for much of Detroit’s success.
This championship marked the beginning of a Red Wings dynasty, as the team would go on to win four Cups in six seasons. Howe emerged as the team’s cornerstone, blending scoring ability with unmatched toughness. The 1950 victory cemented his role as Detroit's leader and laid the groundwork for one of the most dominant eras in franchise history.
Dominant 1952 Playoff Run
In 1952, Howe delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances ever seen in the sport. He led all players in scoring during the postseason and guided the Red Wings to a perfect 8–0 record, sweeping both series en route to another Stanley Cup.
Detroit defeated the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs without losing a single game. Howe’s performance earned him the Hart Trophy that season, reinforcing his status as the league’s most valuable player.
Mr. Hockey's Peak, Back-to-Back Cups in 1954 and 1955
The mid-1950s marked the peak of Howe’s career, highlighted by consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 1954 and 1955. During these seasons, Howe consistently led the league in scoring and was widely regarded as the most complete player the sport had ever seen.
In 1954, the Red Wings defeated the Montreal Canadiens to claim the Cup, with Howe playing a central role on both ends of the ice. He followed that with another dominant season in 1955, again leading Detroit to a championship. His ability to control the pace of the game, deliver punishing checks, and produce offensively made Howe and the Red Wings nearly unstoppable.
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The Goal Record
Although best known for his Detroit years, one of Howe’s most historic milestones came later in his career. On February 29, 1980, while playing for the Hartford Whalers, Howe scored his 801st NHL goal, surpassing Gordie Howe’s own previous total to set a new all-time record.
The moment showcased Howe’s historic longevity, as he remained an elite competitor well into his 50s, which has never been seen in the sport since. His scoring record stood as the NHL benchmark until it was eventually broken by Wayne Gretzky.
The “Gordie Howe Hat Trick”
One of the most unique and enduring tributes to Howe’s style of play is the “Gordie Howe hat trick,” which consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game. While Howe himself rarely recorded all three in the same contest, the term became synonymous with his all-around dominance. Today, the “Gordie Howe hat trick” remains a celebrated part of hockey culture, a testament to his lasting influence on the game.
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Phillies’ prized pitching prospect Andrew Painter set for MLB debut following Tommy John surgery
PHILADELPHIA — Andrew Painter threw spring training pitches clocked at 100 mph, underwent Tommy John surgery and spent an unexpected season rehabbing in the minors.
The 22-year-old Painter — considered to have one of the top arms in any level of baseball — finally is ready for his Phillies debut.
Painter will make his first career big league start Tuesday night against Washington.
“The preparation, everything else is going to be the same,” Painter said. “I’m going to go on the field and treat it like another start.”
Painter was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft and signed for a $3.9 million bonus. He sprinted through Philadelphia’s system in 2022, going 6-2 with a 1.48 ERA in 26 appearances spread across two Class A teams and Double-A Reading.
He hurt his elbow during spring training in 2023 and had Tommy John surgery later that year.
The 6-foot-7 right-hander emerged the top candidate to win the Phillies’ fifth starter job as he attempted to crack the rotation before his 20th birthday. Instead, the injury set him back at least two seasons, and he went 5-8 with a 5.26 ERA during two minor league stops last season.
The Phillies never were concerned with his record. They wanted to see how his elbow and arm held up over a career-best 118 innings pitched.
He’s been deemed good to go and joins a stout rotation that this season will include Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo.
“It’s definitely been a long road,” Painter said. “Grateful for it. Grateful for all the failure. Last year was a tough one. But I think I learned a lot from it.”
The two-time reigning NL East champion Phillies already need Painter to step in and make a solid start following a 1-3 beginning that has them in last place.
Considered the organization’s top pitching prospect since Cole Hamels, Painter entered the season ranked No. 26 among all prospects in baseball. Painter gave up seven hits and struck out eight in 11 2/3 innings this year in spring training.
Painter said he would try to keep calm while pitching in front of about 40 friends and family in his ticket group.
“Not super anxious,” he said. “Just trying to lean into the everyday process and just keep preparation, everything the same when I show up to the ballpark and let that stuff take care of itself.”
Painter took a knee before he ever threw a regular-season pitch. He posted proposal photos on Instagram in March with his girlfriend, Shelby.
What’s more nerve-wracking, proposing or taking the mound?
“I’m not sure,” Painter said with a laugh. “We’ll revisit that.”
Mets hiring J.D. Martinez as special adviser to baseball operations
The Mets are making a notable front office addition, hiring J.D. Martinez as a special advisor to baseball operations, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.
Tim Healey of The Boston Globe was first to report the hire.
Martinez's role will be similar to Carlos Beltran's.
Beltran has been a regular presence around the team since being hired as a special assistant in February of 2023.
"Similar to the way we use Carlos," said manager Carlos Mendoza when asked what Martinez's role would be. "I love having Carlos around and when I was talking to David [Stearns] and [assistant GM] Eduardo [Brizuela] for a potential role with J.D., that’s kind of how we envisioned it. Not only being here in the clubhouse, but in the front office for him to get familiar with processes and how we come up with decisions.
"Just kind of get him on board, kind of like the way we use Carlos as well, not only with position players, but with the pitchers. There’s so much information and the value of having pitchers talking to a Hall of Famer in Carlos Beltran and now a guy like J.D. Martinez and the mind that they [have] and everything that they bring to the table so that’s kind of how we see it moving forward."
Martinez, who spent his final MLB season with the Mets in 2024, had a 14-year playing career that also included stints with the Astros, Tigers, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, and Dodgers.
A six-time All-Star who finished fourth in MVP voting in 2018, Martinez was meticulous about his craft -- regularly using a notebook in the dugout to jot things down. He finished with 16 home runs and 69 RBI in 120 games with the Mets in 2024 and was paramount in leading New York to the postseason after the team's rough start to the season.
"Huge impact," Mendoza said of Martinez during his time in Queens. "I think not only on us in here as an organization, but outside of the organization, everybody saw it, what he meant to the team in 2024 when he first came up. Not only on the field, but off the field.
"Great guy in the clubhouse, he was just super consistent, very knowledgeable and very positive. A guy that’s won a World Series, been in the playoffs. Overall, huge addition and I was super excited when I found out."
Connolly leads Punjab to a 3-wicket win over Gujarat in his IPL debut
CHANDIGARH, India (AP) — Cooper Connolly marked his Indian Premier League debut with an unbeaten half-century in Punjab Kings' three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.
Batting at No. 3, the 22-year-old Australian smashed 72 not out off 44 balls with five sixes and five fours as last year’s finalist survived a middle-order collapse to reach 165-7 with five balls to spare.
Fast bowler Vijayakumar Vyshak (3-34) and experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2-28) had earlier bowled well in the middle overs to restrict Gujarat to 162-6 after Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field.
“I was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, very happy," Connolly said. "I’m just more of a tempo player, feel the flow of my hands, don’t hit too many big sixes.”
Punjab had the chase under control at 110-2 in 12 overs before impact substitute Prasidh Krishna rattled the middle order with three wickets in 10 balls and the home team slumped to 118-6 in the 15th over.
But Connolly didn’t lose patience with wickets falling around him provided Punjab a winning start to the tournament.
Krishna ignited the collapse when Iyer clipped a straightforward catch to mid-wicket of the first ball he faced after he was struck hard on his hand at the non-striker by a hard drive from Connolly and needed on-field treatment.
Shashank Singh was undone by a sharp short ball and got a faint edge behind the wicket while Marcus Stoinis sliced a catch to Rashid Khan at third of another short delivery.
Marco Jansen smashed a six but got deceived by a slower delivery from Gujarat debutant Ashok Sharma and offered a tame catch at covers with Punjab still needing 19 runs for victory.
Xavier Bartlett (11 not out) eased the nerves when he pulled Krishna for a six over mid-wicket before Connolly guided Punjab to victory.
Earlier, skipper Shubman Gill top-scored with 39 off 27 balls, but none of the top-order Gujarat batters could convert starts into meaningful knocks. Gill started off well with his fluent boundaries in the power play, but Gujarat got tied down after scoring 54-1 in the first six overs.
Gill dominated Chahal early on with his trademark sweep shots before he got caught at mid-wicket while trying another sweep against the spinner as Gujarat couldn’t find momentum after power play.
Jos Buttler scored 38 off 33 balls, that included 14 dot balls before he holed out to long-on at the start of death overs.
Punjab did well in the last five overs and allowed Gujarat score only 34 runs with Jansen (1-20) intelligently varying his pace. Arshdeep Singh’s (0-42) long 11-ball last over went for 12 runs that included a no-ball and four wide balls.
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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
Moses Moody tweets optimistic message after season-ending surgery
On March 23rd, Moses Moody suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear during the Warriors’ game versus the Dallas Mavericks. Moody was taken off the court on a stretcher with only 58 seconds remaining in overtime. Before his injury, Moody was having a great game, with 23 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Luckily, the Warriors pulled out a win. Moody underwent knee surgery on March 27th.
Two days later, on March 29th, Moody broke his silence via Twitter.
“I appreciate all of the love. Every challenge I’ve been through in life I’m glad I went through. I’m sure I’ll feel the same about this. 💪🏾” Moody said in a tweet Sunday.
Moody, turning 24 next month, was averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game — his best season yet. Moody is young and exceptionally talented, so he has a bright future ahead of him after his recovery process. Hopefully, he comes back stronger. Either way, Dub Nation is behind him every step of the way.