Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Cubs vs Dodgers Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for April 24

The Chicago Cubs (16-9) make the West Coast trip to Los Angeles for a three game series with the Dodgers (17-8).

Chicago is on a nine-game winning streak that came against the Phillies and the Mets. Outside of playing those two teams, Chicago is 7-8 versus the rest of the schedule. The Cubs are posting the second-best ERA over the last seven days (2.09), while the offense is third in batting average (.303).

Los Angeles is in the midst of their worst stretch of the season at 2-4 over the last six games. In that span, the Dodgers are hitting .254 (13th), while the pitching staff has the ninth-best ERA (3.96). On the season, Los Angels ranks first and third in those two categories.

Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

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

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Cubs at Dodgers

  • Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
  • Time: 10:15 PM EST
  • Site: Dodger Park 
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Network/Streaming: Apple TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Cubs at the Dodgers

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-168), Chicago Cubs (+139)
  • Spread: Cubs +1.5 (-143), Dodgers -1.5 (+119)
  • Total: 8.0

Probable starting pitchers for Cubs at Dodgers

  • Friday's pitching matchup (April 24): Emmet Sheehan vs. Jameson Taillon
  • Dodgers: Emmet Sheehan

2026 stats: 20.0 IP, 2-0, 5.85 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 18 Ks, 8 BB

  • Cubs: Jameson Taillon

2026 Stats: 22.2 IP, 1-1, 3.97 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 21 Ks, 9 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not!

  • The Cubs’ Moises Ballesteros is hitting .392 with 20 hits and 33 total bases over 51 at-bats
  • The Cubs’ Michael Busch is hitting .198 with 18 hits and 22 strikeouts over 91 at-bats
  • The Dodgers’ Andy Pages is hitting .337 with 30 hits and 49 total bases over 89 at-bats
  • The Dodgers’ Alex Freeland is hitting .213 with 13 hits and 23 strikeouts over 61 at-bats

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB 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!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Cubs at Dodgers

  • The Cubs are 13-12 ATS this season
  • The Dodgers are 13-12 ATS this season
  • The Cubs are 15-9-1 to the Over this season
  • The Dodgers are 13-12 to the Under this season

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 MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Cubs

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Friday's game between the Dodgers and the Cubs.

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dodgers at -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Over on the Game Total of 9.0

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
Posted on

George Lombard Jr. is looking comfortable in the high minors

Mar 10, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. (96) fields a ground ball in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The Yankees drafted shortstop George Lombard Jr. in June 2023, back when he was an extremely toolsy but raw 18-year-old prospect. They chose ceiling over floor, something that they don’t always do, and so far, it’s hard to say they regret their choice.

No, Lombard hasn’t made his MLB debut. He isn’t particularly close to doing so, and it might not happen this year at all. However, it’s easy to feel good about the progress he has made going up through the ranks. The Yankees have to be happy with his ability to learn and adjust. So far, Lombard has taken a bit to get used to every level he has played in, but sooner or later, he gets going and excels.

Last year, Lombard completely tore up High-A in 24 games, slashing an incredible .329/.495/.488 with a 194 wRC+ in 111 plate appearances to earn his ticket to Double-A. There, he hit .185 with an 86 wRC+ in his first 24 games, but eventually figured out some things and finished the level with a 111 wRC+ in 469 trips to the plate.

This season, Lombard is off to a scintillating start in Double-A, much like it happened last year in High-A. He is slashing a robust .350/.420/.650 with a 172 wRC+, six doubles, four home runs, and three stolen bases in 69 plate appearances before Thursday’s game.

It’s still too early to say if he really mastered Double-A or if pitchers there will eventually find some holes in his swing, but if Lombard keeps this up for a few more weeks or months, he might find himself in Triple-A. Fifteen games are obviously a tiny sample, but the young infielder is looking excellent in Somerset.

He is doing it aided by a swing change: in 2025, his hand placement was higher and closer to his body, but he decided to lower it this year (h/t Ryan García), and it has apparently helped.

Here is a look at his hands last year:

View Link

And here’s 2026:

View Link

A hitter lowering his hands usually wants to shorten the path to the ball, which can make the swing more compact. It is looking more explosive than ever before.

This doesn’t mean that a longer path and a higher placement don’t work for some prospects, but the idea is to keep things as simple as possible. Sometimes, less is more. And, for Lombard, the lowered hands seem to be working just fine.

It’s important to note that Lombard’s power pace, while impressive, is bound to cool off a bit. He simply won’t continue hitting a home run for every four fly balls. That doesn’t mean there can’t be an improvement there in comparison to the rates he usually runs in that department, between five and eight percent.

He is hitting the ball hard frequently and is showing a very nice batted ball mix, with 31.9 percent line drives, 34 percent ground balls, and 34 percent fly balls. The liners will come down a bit, but as long as he keeps the fly ball percentage up and the ground ball percentage down, he will be fine long-term.

We are talking about a prospect who already has two plus tools: fielding and baserunning/speed. The offensive profile, once very raw, is starting to take shape, and it’s hard not to be excited about Lombard’s ceiling. The floor might not be as high as some top prospects, because he entered the year with a middling .243 batting average and a .376 slugging percentage in the minor leagues. The ceiling, however, is exciting, and it could come with 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases with a high OBP.

Watching him perform and put up huge numbers in Double-A is proof that he belongs in the upper minors. His development has been amazing to watch, and while it is still not finished, it’s easy to imagine him playing games for the Yankees sometime in the next year and a half.

Posted on

3 keys for the Phoenix Suns to defeat Oklahoma City in Game 3

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 22: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot in front of Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on April 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a day of absorbing and analyzing Game 2, the focus shifts to Game 3 between the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Phoenix returns home for its first postseason game in nearly three years, and the challenge in front of them is real. The Thunder, through two games, look like a machine.

It feels like riding in a Tesla when someone flips it into sport mode and you are gripping the door as it launches down the highway. Your head sinks into the headrest as electricity drives you forward. That is what playing Oklahoma City feels like. It’s fast, efficient, and relentless. For some, that rush is the appeal. It is not for everyone.

So, how do you beat a team like this? What gives you a chance to take one back on your home floor? As we turn to Game 3, here are three things the Suns need to accomplish.

Push the Pace

I liked the idea from head coach Jordan Ott to lean into pace against Oklahoma City in Game 2. It tracks. If you let them sit in the half-court and load up defensively, they will eat. This is the best defense in the NBA. Any chance to push them back, get them on their heels, and keep them from getting set works in your favor.

It is not a natural style for Phoenix. They finished 24th in pace, so playing faster introduces some discomfort, reads you do not make as often, and decisions that come quicker than you are used to. Still, you are searching for edges wherever you can find them, and pace can be one.

After every rebound, after every make by Oklahoma City, get the ball out and get up the floor. Quickly. Force them to react instead of dictate. Oklahoma City will counter. Expect full-court pressure, expect them to try to slow you before you cross half-court. That adjustment is coming.

Game 2 showed a glimpse. Phoenix won the fast break points 14-11. It is something to build on and something to test again.

Hold on to the Rock

One of the byproducts of playing with pace, especially when it is not your natural rhythm, is mistakes. Against Oklahoma City, mistakes turn into points in a hurry. They finished third in the NBA in steals at 9.7 per night. Phoenix was right there at 9.5, fourth in the league, and still, the margin shows up in a different place.

Turnovers.

The Suns were 15th in the NBA at 14.5 per game, and that number has climbed through two postseason games. Oklahoma City has turned it over 18 times total, the fewest of any team in the playoffs. Phoenix has 41. That gap is as loud as the fans in Loud City. Did you know that’s what they call OKC? Loud City? Now you do.

The points off those mistakes are louder. The Suns have allowed 54 points off turnovers and scored 11. Loose handles, rushed passes, decisions made a beat too late; it all feeds into what the Thunder want to do. It fuels their runs, it creates separation, it turns competitive stretches into uphill climbs. If Phoenix wants a chance in this series, it starts here.

Protect the ball.

Threes, Anyone?

The path to a Suns win in this series is narrow, and it runs through the three-point line. There is a version of this where Phoenix catches fire and flips a game. That is the version you are chasing.

This is a Suns team that already leans on the three. They attempted the 5th most in the NBA and made the most by a Suns team in team history. Against Oklahoma City, it becomes essential. Phoenix hit 20 or more threes 10 times this season and went 9-1 in those games. They hit 18 or more 17 times and went 14-3. The math is clear. You have to shoot them, and you have to make them.

The looks are there. In this series, the Suns are shooting 34.3% from deep, 24-of-70, and half of those attempts are classified as “wide open”. They are hitting 37.1% on those. One out of every two threes is wide open, and those have to fall at a higher rate. Right now, that 37.1% on wide open threes ranks ninth among playoff teams still playing. That is not enough in this matchup. The process is working. The opportunities are there. Now you have to cash them in.

It is possible to beat Oklahoma City. We have seen it. The Suns did it in the regular season. It took a Devin Booker buzzer beater and came in a game with lineups that looked more G League than playoff rotation, but it still counts. It shows a path.

This season has already pushed past expectations. This team has overachieved. If they want to reach a little further, they grab one at home. Game 3 or Game 4. Extend this to five. That is progress. That is growth.

And it would be fun.

Posted on

Opposition research: Michael Harris II

Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (23) at bat during the ninth inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The situation for the Phillies has gotten beyond the level of ugliness. It’s so dire that I was actually encouraged by them getting to extra innings before losing on Thursday.

On the other hand, the Phillies’ opponents this weekend have had just about everything go right this season. Is it possible that the Braves somehow stole the Phillies’ mojo like Dr. Evil did in the second Austin Powers movie? At this point, I’m not ruling anything out.

As for things that are going right for the Braves, outfielder Michael Harris II is near the top of the list. In 2022, Harris displayed superb defense in centerfield and recorded an OPS of .853 to earn the National League’s Rookie of the Year award. He pretty much matched those numbers the following season, but his performance at the plate dipped the past two years. He was still good on defense – he’s certainly made his share of highlight plays against the Phillies – but his on-base percentage fell to .268 in 2025, and he had become an offensive liability.

Harris certainly seems to have his mojo back this season, putting up a slash line of .316/.356./.565. He’s still only 25 years of age, and player development is often non-linear. It’s possible that Harris simply needed to re-adjust to how pitchers were attacking him in recent years, and he will be a positive at the plate going forward.

Trivia

By popular demand, trivia has returned! I think I may reserve the song battles for the weekday series and trivia for the weekends.

Remember how it works: Answer in the comments, don’t confirm answers, and try not to look it up.

Who was the first Phillies to hit a home run at Truist Park (opened in 2017)?

Non-Phillies thought

It’s nice to see that the Flyers have broken the brains of Penguins fans.

Sometimes I wish I could be as blissfully un-self-aware as a guy calling himself “Penguins Jesus” calling anything cringy and weird.

Additional thought about the series

I’m at a loss here. I thought the Phillies would take a small step back from last year, and I know several fans thought the step back would be considerable. But I don’t think anyone could have predicted the team look like one of the worst – if not the absolute worst – in baseball.

Say what you will about the offseason, but this group is mostly the same one that won the division with ease in 2025. I never would have suspected that Nick Castellanos, Ranger Suarez, and Matt Strahm were the glue holding it all together. Obviously losing Zack Wheeler has hurt, but the Phillies did go 35-19 in August and September last year when he was either injured or showing reduced effectiveness.

I’m somewhat reminded of the 2023 Eagles where they had a load of talent on the roster, but the situation had gotten so bad by the end of the season that they looked incapable of winning a game.

At this point, I’m not sure if it’s good news or bad news that it’s still only April. Sure, there’s lots of time left to dig out of this hole, but if the team really is as bad as they’ve looked, then we have a lot more bad baseball left to endure.

I’d say it would be great for the Phillies to get their act together and win this series. But Truist Field hasn’t been all that hospitable for the Phillies even when they were playing well. At this point, I think it would be a real accomplishment if they can find a way to win a single game this weekend.

Posted on

Suns' Devin Booker fined $35,000 for calling out officials after Game 2, but will it be worth it?

Devin Booker was frustrated. There was the technical foul he got that nobody could understand (more on that below, keep reading). Then there were the two offensive fouls he picked, the first because it looked like Oklahoma City’s Alex Caruso tried to slow him down off the ball on the break, they got tangled up, and Caruso went to the ground. The second was for an “unnatural shooting motion” on a play in which he just pivoted and tried to shoot over Caruso. After Game 2 against the Thunder, Booker didn't hold back talking about those calls.

"It just feels disrespectful. I know I haven't won a championship in this league, but I have been in it for 11 years now. So to get to this point to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud, it's bad... This is my first time (criticizing the officiating) in 11 years, but it's needed. Whatever I get fined for it, everybody can pull the clips and see where the frustration is from."

Booker got his wish, the league fined him $35,000 for "public criticism of the officiating." In its release announcing the league added this little dig: "Following an investigation including multiple interviews and video review, the league found no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials."

Booker also picked up a technical foul in Game 2 for trying to save with a behind-the-back pass of a ball going out of bounds. Notice Caruso lobbies for the technical and gets it.

"I heard Caruso tell him to call the tech and he ended up doing it," Booker said. "In my 11 years, I haven't called a ref out by name, but James (Williams) was terrible tonight, through and through. It's bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as a WWE if they're not held responsible."

The real question is, will this work for the Suns?

Publicly calling out the officiating and taking the fine for it, trying to plant a seed in the referees' minds for the next game, is a tried-and-true playoff tactic. Phil Jackson did it. Pat Riley did it. That trend has continued to the modern era, with mostly coaches but some players willing to see if it works.

Will the Suns get a whistle they like better at home in Game 3 on Friday night? They need it and every other break they can get in a series where they are down 0-2 to the defending champions.

Posted on

Where to watch New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Friday, April 24

The New York Yankees open a three-game series against the Houston Astros. The New York Yankees are favored with a -145 moneyline compared to the Houston Astros' +120. Starting pitchers are Will Warren for the Yankees, with a 2.49 ERA, and Lance McCullers Jr. for the Astros, with a 6.20 ERA.

  • Date: Friday, April 24

  • Time: 8:10 p.m. ET / 5:10 p.m. PT

  • Where: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

  • TV Channels: Space City Home Network, YES

  • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • New York Yankees: 16-9 (No. 1 in AL East)

  • Houston Astros: 10-16 (No. 5 in AL West)

  • Spread: Houston Astros +1.5

  • Moneyline: Houston Astros +120 (43.4%) / New York Yankees -145 (56.6%)

  • Over/Under: 9.0

New York Yankees: Will Warren (2-0, ERA: 2.49, K: 31, WHIP: 1.11)
Houston Astros: Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1, ERA: 6.20, K: 21, WHIP: 1.38)

Weather: 81°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 41,000 | Roof: Retractable | Surface: Grass

Posted on

Cubs vs Dodgers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Chicago Cubs are the hottest team in baseball, and they’ll head west to visit the Los Angeles Dodgers in a tape-measuring series beginning tonight.

My Cubs vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks call for Chicago to stay hot and outscore Los Angeles in the series opener on Friday, April 24. 

Who will win Cubs vs Dodgers tonight: Cubs moneyline (+140)

The Chicago Cubs have averaged 6.5 runs per game while pacing the majors in wOBA during their 12-3 heater, and the Los Angeles Dodgers check in at 4.6 runs per game with a 12th-ranked wOBA over the same stretch.

Chicago right-hander Jameson Taillon has posted a rock-solid 3.48 ERA since the beginning of the 2024 campaign, so he should hold the Dodgers in check just enough for the Cubbies to eke out the win.

Don’t overlook Los Angeles’ promising youngster Emmet Sheehan either, who enters tonight with an underwhelming 5.85 ERA and 4.01 xFIP.

Covers COVERS INTEL: The Chicago Cubs own the second-lowest strikeout rate in the majors during their 12-3 hot streak.

Cubs vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-140)

With the wind forecasted to be blowing out modestly at Dodger Stadium, I expect both the Cubs and Dodgers to have success at the dish.

In addition to Sheehan's noted early-season struggles, the Cubs have eclipsed their team total in 12 of the past 15 games (+9.10 Units / 52% ROI), and the full game Over has hit in 12 of Chicago's last 17 contests (+7.60 Units / 40% ROI).

Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 9-7, +2.64 units
  • Over/Under bets: 4-5, -1.64 units

Cubs vs Dodgers odds

  • Moneyline: Cubs +140 | Dodgers -170
  • Run line: Cubs +1.5 (-150) | Dodgers -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-140) | Under 8.5 (+120)

Cubs vs Dodgers trend

Chicago has won its last nine games (+9.40 Units / 83% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Dodgers.

How to watch Cubs vs Dodgers and game info

LocationDodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
DateFriday, April 24, 2026
First pitch10:15 p.m. ET
TVApple TV+
Cubs starting pitcherJameson Taillon
(1-1, 3.97 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcherEmmet Sheehan
(2-0, 5.85 ERA)

Cubs vs Dodgers latest injuries

Cubs vs Dodgers weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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

Posted on

Report: Henri Veesaar turned down $6 million offers to transfer away from UNC before NBA Draft decision

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) bites his jersey against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

It was reported on Friday that North Carolina center Henri Veesaar is departing the program and intends to stay in the NBA Draft. CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander had the report.

Shortly after, Norlander reported a bombshell. Prior to Veesaar’s decision to enter the NBA Draft, multiple schools tried to lure the Second Team All-ACC selection into the Transfer Portal. He was offered at least $6 million, although Carolina’s NIL negotiations never came close to that number. North Carolina‘s brass could have offered Veesaar in the ballpark of $4 million to stay, but he instead wishes to begin his professional basketball journey.

This news comes after Norlander reported that Florida star forward Thomas Haugh, who spurned the NBA Draft lottery to return to college, could make more than $10 million in NIL for the 2026-27 season. College basketball is bigger than ever, and programs are dishing out more money than ever.

More on Henri Veesaar’s decision to enter, stay in 2026 NBA Draft

Following the firing of Hubert Davis and shocking hire of former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, it remained unclear in the immediate aftermath what Veesaar planned on doing. If he returned to Carolina, there’s no doubt he’d be the Preseason ACC Player of the Year. If he entered the Portal, he likely would have been the No. 1 player available.

However, he is heading to the NBA, and will surpass a massive NIL payday from a potential National Championship contender. Veesaar is projected to be the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (Cleveland), in Yahoo Sports‘ Kevin O’Connor‘s latest Mock Draft.

In his lone season at North Carolina, Veesaar emerged as one of the most dominant players in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tallin, Estonia native averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 31 games for the Tar Heels.

His career began at Arizona, where he averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 66 games. Veesaar’s best game at North Carolina came in an 80-79 loss to Clemson on March 12, in which he scored a career-high 28 points. He also grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds in the game.

The prized center heads to the NBA as North Carolina basketball heads into a new era. After five seasons at the helm, head coach Hubert Davis and the program parted ways after the Tar Heels fell in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season. Carolina hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to fill the opening, although that was not enough to entice the 7’0″ center to return to Chapel Hill.

Posted on

Phillies vs Braves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Atlanta Braves return home to open a series against the Philadelphia Phillies in a series that matches the teams with the best and worst run differentials in baseball.

Philadelphia has lost nine straight, its longest slump in eight years. The Braves have won eight of their last nine and have a 5.5 game advantage in what was supposed to be a competitive division.

Our Phillies vs. Braves predictions and MLB picks look for the teams to continue on their current trajectories as Atlanta wins.

Who will win Phillies vs Braves today: Braves run line -1.5 (+144)

The Atlanta Braves swept three from the Philadelphia Phillies on the road last week. Atlanta has covered the run line in each of their last seven wins. The Braves’ run differential is seven better than the Dodgers. Their run line record is 17-9, just one worse than their straight-up mark.

The Phillies could finish Friday with their first double-digit losing streak of the 21st century. Their run differential is 16 runs worse than the team directly ahead of them, and their record is tied for worst in MLB.

Philly has covered just four games all season and none against the NL East.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Michael Harris has an RBI in five straight games and is hitting .565 with four homers over the last seven. He’s expected to play after leaving with quad tightness Thursday.

Phillies vs Braves Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-101)

The Braves saw rookie Andrew Painter five days ago, when Philly got a look at Grant Holmes. The familiarity should lead to offense from two pitchers that combined to give up six runs in half of Sunday’s game.

The bullpens aren’t likely to shut things down like they did Sunday. Four Philadelphia relievers have thrown more than 20 pitches in the last three games, and three are over 30. The Braves have three relievers at 19 or more.

The Braves have had a game total of 10+ runs in three of the last four—and the fourth had a total of nine.

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets:7-8 ,-1.38 units
  • Over/Under bets:9-10, -1.31 units

Phillies vs Braves odds

  • Moneyline: Philadelphia +133 | Atlanta -138
  • Run line: Philadelphia +1.5 (-156) | Atlanta -1.5 (+144)
  • Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+108) | Under 9.5 (-113)

Phillies vs Braves trend

The Philadelphia Phillies have only covered the Run Line in 3 of their last 24 games (-20.45 Units / -75% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Braves.

How to watch Phillies vs Braves and game info

LocationTruist Park, Cumberland, GA
DateFriday, April 24, 2026
First pitch7:15 p.m. ET
TVApple TV+
Phillies starting pitcherAndrew Painter
(1-1, 4.42 ERA)
Braves starting pitcherGrant Holmes
(1-1, 3.42 ERA)

Phillies vs Braves latest injuries

Phillies vs Braves weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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

Posted on

The NHL playoffs are nearing a record for penalty shots and it’s still the first round

Penalty Shot

Apr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) stops the penalty shot by Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (48) during the first overtime in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

James Guillory/James Guillory-Imagn Images

No game in the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs ever has ended with a goal on a penalty shot in overtime and Carolina’s Jordan Martinook was not eager to make history.

He and the Hurricanes thought they’d won Game 2 of their first-round series against Ottawa when teammate Mark Jankowski scored, but a league-initiated challenge ruled the play to be offside, took the goal off the board and rewound the clock. The very next shift, Martinook was hooked by Senators forward Warren Foegele on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot.

“I was trying to tell (the referee) we needed the power play, not the penalty shot,” Martinook said. He got turned aside by Linus Ullmark, then scored the winner in double overtime.

There have been four penalty shots already in these playoffs — more through 21 games than the previous three years’ worth combined, including zero in 2025 — and the goaltenders have saved all four.

Two more penalty shots would tie the record for the most in a single postseason. There doesn’t seem to be a reason for the uptick in refs calling for penalty shots over power plays, but there is no doubt it has added rare and must-see entertainment to a compelling first round.

“Everything’s very circumstantial,” Buffalo goalie Alex Lyon said after denying Boston’s Viktor Arvidsson in Game 3. He’s not sure if he’d rather face the 1-on-1 matchup or endure a 2-minute penalty kill.

“To be honest with you, every player in this league has the ability to score on penalty shots,” Lyon said. “So yeah, I guess it’s just more circumstantial, but I don’t really have a definitive answer one way or the other.”

Lyon stopped Arvidsson, Ullmark stopped Martinook, Philadelphia’s Owen Tippett missed the net against Pittsburgh’s Stuart Skinner, and Colorado’s Scott Wedgewood made such a highlight-reel save on Los Angeles’ Quinton Byfield that jubilant fans in Denver broke the glass behind the Kings’ bench.

“Never really seen the glass shatter behind the bench,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said following a repair process that delayed the game more than 15 minutes. “That’s a different one. Stuff happens. Fans get excited. Our guys were excited.”

Is more grabbing going on during play? More breakaways in a league that has increased the emphasis on offense in recent years? Both could be true.

The NHL’s rule 24.1 says “a penalty shot is designed to restore a scoring opportunity which was lost as a result of an infraction being committed by the offending team, based on the parameters set out in these rules.” That does provide some latitude for officials to determine what constitutes a penalty shot if a player is unimpeded by an opponent with no one between him and the net.

Still, four penalty shots before the end of the first round is unusual. The only playoffs with more penalty shots 2019 (five) and 2008 (six).

These are potentially game-changing moments and add even more pressure to a playoff game. Martinook described his experience as being the big guy on one end of a teeter-totter, acknowledging he didn’t feel good about himself after not scoring on his opportunity. The 33-year-old grinder made good on his next one to keep from being perceived as the goat.

“It was going to be a long night if that penalty shot came back to bite me,” Martinook said. “Hockey’s crazy, sports are crazy and being able to score after that, I’ll tell my grandkids about that one, that’s for sure.”

Posted on

Islanders & Playoff News: The end for Bridgeport

Goalie, coach. | Getty Images

Happy Shawn Bates Penalty Shot Day.

After last night’s AHL results, there is officially nothing Islanders playoff-related to discuss anymore except the past and perhaps hopes for the future.

The end of Bridgeport’s 25-year run as the Islanders’ AHL affiliate came with a frustratingly familiar, quick playoff exit. The Bridgeport Islanders (nee Sound Tigers) were swept in their best-of-three opener against Hershey, losing Game 2 Thursday night.

Their previous postseason appearance, in 2021-22, included a qualifying mini-round 2-0 sweep of Providence before quickly exiting at the hands of Charlotte, 3-1.

Prior to that, in their Sound Tigers era, they’d make the playoffs about once every three seasons with first-round exits — often to Hershey or Wilkes-Barrie — each time other than their first two appearances. The first season, when they made it to the finals under Steve Stirling, was and remains the high point.

By the way, Cory Schneider has been doing some unofficial goalie coaching with the Baby Islanders. [THN]

Meanwhile, in the NHL playoffs, there are some good series…and some laughers.

  • The Stanley Cup favorite Avalanche have the Kings on the brink at 3-0, which is no surprise to anyone — honestly, the Kings have done well with their vaunted defense to keep each game close.
  • The Hurricanes likewise have the Senators’ backs against the wall after winning Game 3 in Ottawa. That included an amazing sequence where the Senators couldn’t get the puck out of their half of the ice with a sixth attacker. It was a remarkable display of incompetence for a playoff team, and great work by the Canes.
  • The other 3-0 series is the Battle of Pennsylvania, but the Penguins get an extra day to complain about officiating and stew over their doomed fate in Philadelphia, as that series resumes on Saturday.

Friday night’s games span the time zones, with three 1-1 series shifting venues: The Lightning in Montreal, the Knights in Utah and the Oilers in Anaheim.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, the man who has been in charge of getting players for the Wings for most of their decade-long playoff drought says they need to get better players. [TSN]

Posted on

Projected top-three pick Darryn Peterson declares for 2026 NBA Draft

This was expected, but now Darryn Peterson has made it official.

Peterson has declared for the NBA Draft, announcing his decision on Instagram.

Peterson, a 6'5" combo guard, is an elite shot creator and finisher who averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds a game, shooting 32.8% from 3-point range.

That season at Kansas also raised a few eyebrows because of health concerns — Peterson missed 11 games (a sprained ankle and illnesses), but maybe more concerning were the early exits due to cramping. Several times during the season, Peterson checked himself out of games due to cramping. The most notable was against BYU and potential No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa — Peterson was dominant in the first half but left early in the third quarter. He has yo-yo'ed in and out of the lineup all season, but he also explained what was behind this in his mind.

Scouts and team officials NBC Sports has spoken with said they are not overly concerned about the health issues, but acknowledge that, for stretches of the season, he has not looked as explosive as he did a year earlier in high school. To a man, they added, "We want to see the medicals," referring to the medical evaluations that will take place at the NBA Draft Combine next month.

Those health concerns were enough to take Peterson from the projected No. 1 pick in the draft to likely No. 2 behind Dybantsa, because Dybantsa is seen as a safer bet.

Peterson entered the season seen as a point guard and a high-level playmaker, but he averaged just 1.6 assists per game with the Jayhawks. Some scouts speaking to NBC Sports wondered how much coach Bill Self's offensive system limited Peterson in that regard. Still, one scout told NBC Sports he may be more of an Anthony Edwards type who needs to play next to a traditional point guard, but what team couldn't use an Anthony Edwards?

Posted on

Cincinnati Reds play host to Detroit Tigers this weekend in GABP

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 15: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Bradburn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Cincinnati Reds lefty Andrew Abbott went toe to toe with Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet on Opening Day in Great American Ball Park, and did so admirably. Abbott fired 6.0 IP of scoreless ball for the Reds, scattering 7 hits and a walk while striking out 4 in an 83 pitch effort that kept the Reds otherwise inept offense within striking distance of a comeback (even though that didn’t pan out).

In the four starts since then, however, Abbott has looked a shell of his All-Star self. He’s only managed to clear 18.2 IP in that span, and has been tagged with 17 runs (16 earned) with a near equal 11/10 K/BB.

Next up for Abbott is the lineup of the Detroit Tigers, as that’s who is in town this weekend as the Reds celebrate their newest inductees into their team Hall of Fame. Detroit, to date, owns a .308 wOBA and 93 wRC+ against left-handed pitching so far in the early going of 2026, marks that both rank 18th in the league in their respective categories. They have, however, swatted only 3 dingers off southpaws this season, and only two teams can claim fewer homers in said category (the Marlins with 2 and Padres with 0, somehow).

The Reds, for the record, rank 4th in Major League Baseball with 12 homers off LHP – thanks, Elly!

Cincinnati will be up against an All-Star lefty themselves in the series opener on Friday as veteran Framber Valdez gets the start. He was mauled by the Minnesota Twins for 8 ER in 5.0 IP in his start against them on April 8th, yet in his other four starts combined he’s yielded 1 ER or fewer in each (3 ER total in 25.0 IP), so odds are the Reds are going to be up against it a bit.

Fortunately for the Reds, all-world ace Tarik Skubal pitched yesterday in the series finale between the Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers. So, he won’t feature in this particular series.

First pitch on Friday is set for 6:40 PM ET. Brady Singer will toe the rubber on Saturday at 7:15 PM ET (after the team’s big HoF induction ceremony), while Rhett Lowder will start on Sunday in the series finale at 1:40 PM ET.

Posted on

Avalanche get a pair of lucky goals and hold off Kings 4-2, taking a 3-0 series lead

Colorado Avalanche

Apr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) and center Parker Kelly (17) celebrate an empty net goal during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES — Cale Makar scored the tiebreaking goal, Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves and the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche moved to the brink of the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

Gabriel Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen scored on fortunate deflections for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche, who went up 3-0 in the series with another narrow win over the persistent Kings.

With Wedgewood backstopping the defense in his first playoff series, Colorado has allowed just four goals in three games by defense-minded Los Angeles, which has held superstar Nathan MacKinnon without a goal so far.

“It’s been tough sledding to create offense, but we have different guys stepping up on different nights and scoring in different situations,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “That’s been able to make the difference.”

Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe scored and Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, but the Kings are a loss away from being eliminated in the first round for the fifth consecutive season.

Game 4 is in Los Angeles. A loss would end the 20-year career of Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who is retiring after the season.

Los Angeles scored two goals for the first time in the series, but couldn’t find a tying goal after Kempe scored on a power play with 4:03 to play. Instead, Brock Nelson scored into LA’s empty net with 2:18 left.

“We’ve just got to continue to find ways to break them down,” Makar said. “I feel like tonight, we got a lot of chances and capitalized on a few. Still, I feel like there’s areas for improvement, for sure.”

Los Angeles hasn’t won a playoff round in six previous tries since raising the Stanley Cup in 2014, and this loss was the Kings’ seventh straight postseason defeat dating to last spring.

After grinding out a pair of 2-1 victories in Denver, the Avalanche again took care of business in LA with fundamentally sound hockey — and a good bit of luck this time.

Landeskog put the Avs ahead in the opening minutes with a fluke goal when his wrist shot hit the end boards and caromed back perfectly to deflect in off Forsberg’s skate.

Colorado then got another fortunate bounce during a Kings power play in the third period. When Lehkonen and Logan O’Connor broke out on an odd-man rush, Lehkonen’s pass deflected off the back of Kempe’s skate and ricocheted through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 to play.

Offense remains the fatal flaw of the Kings, who were the only team in the bottom third of the NHL in scoring to make the playoffs. Los Angeles has four goals on 76 shots against Colorado.

“We’ve got to find ways to score,” Kings interim coach D.J. Smith said. “I mean, we had looks. You can give them credit, but we missed the net 13 times leading into the third period.”

Makar put Colorado ahead in the second, dangling just inside the blue line and firing a brilliant wrist shot through traffic. The perennial Norris Trophy candidate has 23 playoff goals — second-most among active defensemen — in 82 career games, memorably scoring eight in his Conn Smythe Trophy-winning performance during the Avs’ championship run in 2022.

Colorado defenseman Josh Manson left Game 3 early with an upper-body injury. He’ll be re-evaluated before Game 4, Bednar said.

Posted on

Pistons vs Magic Same-Game Parlay for Tonight's NBA Playoffs Game 3

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic take their Round 1 set to the “Sunshine State” with the series locked up at 1-1.

Game 3 has a tight spread, but my same-game parlay tips its hat to the visitors, with Detroit boasting one of the best road records in the NBA.

Beyond that moneyline pick, however, I like Jalen Suggs to keep hitting from deep while Tobias Harris’ inefficient offense comes back to earth.

Here are my Pistons vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks on April 24.

Our best Pistons vs Magic SGP for Game 3

The Detroit Pistons let homecourt slip away but can build on the momentum of a Game 2 win. Their smothering defense keeps this limited Orlando Magic offense away from the rim and turns the Magic’s miscues into easy buckets on the other end.

Jalen Suggs has made three triples in each of the first two games of the series but still isn’t making the most of the wide open looks offered up by the Pistons' perimeter defense. He’s a much sharper shooter at home and makes Detroit pay from distance in Game 3.

Tobias Harris has scored 16 and 17 points in the first two games despite poor shooting, especially from deep. Detroit is spreading the scoring around and Harris’ Game 3 projections come in short of his scoring prop of 15.5 points O/U.

MORE NBA FREE PICKS

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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