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April 21, 2026

Rockets vs Lakers Win Probability for Game 2 at Prediction Markets

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After the Los Angeles Lakers shot the lights out in Game 1, the Houston Rockets will look to get revenge at Crypto.com Arena tonight.

We break down Kalshi’s win probability markets and deliver some Rockets vs. Lakers predictions to help guide your NBA picks for Tuesday, April 21.

Who will win Rockets vs Lakers Game 2?

Rockets win probability:63% (-170)
Lakers win probability:37% (+170)

Houston is 22-8 SU off a loss this season, and that has the Rockets trading at 63¢ to even the series.

Our prediction:Rockets to win

Expect balance to be restored in Game 2 as Houston’s role players get on track and the Lakers’ support staff plummets back to earth.

Read more in Jason Logan's full Rockets vs. Lakers predictions.

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More Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Rockets vs. Lakers at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Rockets -4.5 spread means the Rockets will cover, while "No" means the Lakers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Rockets vs Lakers spread and total at prediction markets

Outcome	Yes	No
Rockets -4.5	52¢ (-108)	49¢ (+104)
Over 208.5 points	50¢ (+100)	51¢ (-104)

Our predictions:Rockets -4.5 — Yes

Los Angeles won’t connect at the same clip tonight, and Houston will tighten the bolts on offense, with or without Kevin Durant.

Head coach Ime Udoka is emphasizing spacing and more screen action — both on- and off-ball — after iso-heavy sets stagnated the Rockets in Game 1.

I’m holding out hope Durant returns for the sake of this bet, but I’m confident Houston will still perform better than Game 1 if he doesn’t.

Other Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets available

LeBron James 25+ points (Yes: 49¢)
Alperen Sengun 6+ rebounds (Yes: 54¢)
Reed Sheppard 3+ threes (Yes: 56¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts," which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Lakers win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Rockets vs Lakers at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

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.

April 21, 2026

Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Quarter-Final – Game 2

4/21/26 - 7:30 pm at KeyBank Center, in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo – 50-23-9 | - 109 points – 1st place in the Atlantic Division

Boston – 45-27-10 | - 100 points – 4th place in the Atlantic Division

Special Teams

Buffalo

Power Play(Reg) – 19.5% (21st)

Power Play(Playoffs) - 0 for 4 - 0% (8th)

Penalty Kill(Reg) – 81.9% (4th)

Penalty Kill(Playoffs) - 2 for 3 - 66.7% (10th)

Boston

Power Play(Reg) – 23.4% (9th)

Power Play(Playoffs) - 1 for 3 - 33.3% (5th)

Penalty Kill(Reg) - 77.0% (24th)

Penalty Kill(Playoffs) - 100% - 4 for 4 (1st)

Top Scorers

Buffalo

Tage Thompson: 1 GP, 2 G, 1 A, 3 PTS

Alex Tuch: 1 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS

Mattias Samuelsson: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS

Boston

David Pastrnak: 1 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS

Morgan Geekie: 1 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS

Elias Lindholm: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS

Starting Goalies

Buffalo – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1-0, 3.01 GAA, .850 Sv %)

Boston – Jeremy Swayman (0-1, 3.06 GAA, .919 Sv %)

Other Sabres Stories

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Lindy Ruff - Jack Adams favorite?

Sabres Line Combinations and Pairings (projected)

Forwards

Peyton Krebs - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch

Zach Benson - Josh Norris - Josh Doan

Jason Zucker - Ryan McLeod - Jack Quinn

Jordan Greenway - Josh Dunne - Beck Malenstyn

Ex., Tanner Pearson, Tyson Kozak

Defense

Mattias Samuelsson - Rasmus Dahlin

Owen Power - Bowen Byram

Logan Stanley - Conor Timmins

Ex. Luke Schenn, Michael Kesselring, Zach Metsa

Goaltenders

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Alex Lyon

Colten Ellis

Injuries

Justin Danforth (lower body, Oct. 18; injured reserve)

Jiri Kulich (blood clot, Nov. 4; injured reserve - out for the season)

Sam Carrick (upper body, Mar. 31; injured reserve)

Noah Ostlund (upper body, Mar. 25; day-to-day)

Notes

On April 4, Buffalo clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. The Sabres have compiled 125 playoff wins all-time, 93 of which have come in regulation. Game 1 marked just the second time the Sabres overcame a third-period deficit of two or more goals in a playoff game in franchise history.

The Sabres’ four-goal third period marked the third-fastest four-goal

stretch (6:46) in Sabres playoff history. The team scored four goals in 6:38 vs. Boston on April 29, 1992 and in 5:28 vs. Philadelphia on April 27, 1998. The Sabres registered 53 hits in Game 1, the most by Buffalo in a single playoff game since the league began tracking hits in 2005-06.

Alex Tuch’s 10 hits were the most by a Sabres skater in a single playoff game. Entering Game 1. Tuch had never recorded more than six hits in any game of his career (regular season and playoffs).

Tage Thompson’s three points (2+1) in Game 1 were the most by a Sabres forward in a playoff game since Daniel Briere on May 6, 2007 at NY Rangers (0+3). A multi-point performance tonight would make Thompson the first Sabres forward to record back-to-back multipoint games in the playoffs since Mike Grier from May 2 to 5, 2006 (2+5).

Peyton Krebs and Thompson each posted a plus-3 rating in Game 1, the highest plus/minus all-time by a Sabres skater in their first career playoff contest.

Mattias Samuelsson’s Game 1 goal was the first playoff point of his career and it made him the first Sabres defenseman since Jason Woolley on April 30, 2001 at Pittsburgh to score a go-ahead goal in the third period of a playoff game.

Owen Power (0+1) and Jack Quinn (0+1) also registered their first career playoff point in their first career playoff game.

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

April 21, 2026

Big Game 2 Ahead For The Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens will hope to pick up right where they left off when the puck drops on Game 2 of their best-of-seven series with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but chances are the Bolts will have adjusted. Coach Jon Cooper was far from pleased with his team’s performance after their 4-3 overtime loss. Speaking to the media after the game, he said:

I mean, come on, we took four offensive-zone penalties. Just look at them. That’s not over-aggression. That’s just stupidity, you know, a lot of them. That was on us. That was a game that we just allowed them to win. This is the Stanley Cup playoffs. This isn’t Game 62. So that is extremely disappointing in the way we conducted ourselves and the amount of penalties we took.

- Jon Cooper after Game 1

Canadiens Back To Work After Game 1 Win
Canadiens’ Blueline Had A Big Game
Slafkovsky Steals The Show and The Canadiens Steal Home-Ice Advantage With Win

It shouldn’t have surprised anyone then that on Monday, while the Canadiens held a practice lasting around 15 minutes, Cooper put his men through a much longer one. Tampa has no interest in going down 2-0 in this series, but the fact is that their home record in the playoffs since the spring of 2023 stands at one win and eight losses. In overtime, they are 0-5 in the same time span. Needless to say, the heat is on.

Historically, the Bolts have a 24-15 record in Game 2 overall; at home, they are 13-8. However, when they trail 1-0 in a series, they have a 12-11 record overall and an 8-5 record at home for a .615 winning percentage. As for the Canadiens, they have a record of 82-43 in Game 2 overall but are 24-22 on the road. When they lead 1-0 in a series, they are 64-11 overall and 10-3 on the road for an enviable .769 winning percentage.

Martin St-Louis didn’t discuss his lineup yesterday, which is no surprise, but given Sunday’s result, it would be surprising if he made any changes to his lineup. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any in the series. The coach has some good options waiting in the wings, such as Brendan Gallagher and Joe Veleno up front, and David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom on the back end.

With the Laval Rocket having won their division, they have a bye in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs, meaning the young defensemen might as well stay with the Canadiens and get a feel for the Stanley Cup playoffs, even if it’s just in practice. The Rocket will either face the Toronto Marlies or the Rochester Americans in the Division Semifinal. Should it be the Marlies, the series will start on April 29; if it’s the Americans, the date is to be determined. Once Laval starts playing, one of the two youngsters will more than likely be sent down to help.

All eyes will be on the Canadiens’ first line tonight. They’ve been the team’s offensive dynamo all season, but in Game 1, they were unable to make an impact. If the Canadiens are to win the series, they will need that line to elevate its play. In the 10 minutes that Nick Suzuki’s line spent on the ice at even strength against the Anthony Cirelli line, the Lightning led 9-2 in attempted shots.

On Tampa’s side, Charles-Edouard D’Astous, who left game one after being simultaneously hit by Josh Anderson and Jake Evans, is doubtful to play on Tuesday night. As for Dominic James, who momentarily exited the game after colliding with Arber Xhekaj in his first shift, it doesn’t seem like there was lasting damage since he did practice yesterday.

One thing to watch on Tuesday night is whether the referees are as strict on penalties as they were in Game 1; if so, players will need to adjust in a hurry. Both teams have proven they have efficient power-play units, and, as evidenced by the Canadiens’ overtime win in Game 1, an ill-timed penalty can be very costly.

Frederick L'Ecuyer and Graham Skilliter will officiate, while Jesse Marquis and Andrew Smith will be the linemen; none of them were on duty in Game 1. The game is set for 7:00 PM at the Benchmark International Arena, and you can catch it on The Spot, ESPN2, SN, TVAS, and CBC.

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

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April 21, 2026

Yankees Birthday of the Day: Joe McCarthy

(Original Caption) Joe McCarthy, manager of the New York Yankees, is recognized by experts as one of the master strategists of both major leagues. You see him here in this series as he directed his charges from the dugout at the Yankee Stadium. Above, McCarthy seems none too pleased at what he sees on the diamond.

The 1929 Yankees were riding high. Coming off back-to-back World Series sweeps and with the heart of Murderers’ Row still intact, a team which had been an afterthought for most of its history appeared to be cresting a wave. Then, tragedy struck. Beloved manager Miller Huggins, who’d been at the helm for the Yankees’ turnaround and was the only skipper Babe Ruth had played under in New York, died unexpectedly on September 25th. His squad, while in mourning, ended up a distant 18 games behind Philadelphia for the pennant. The next year, under Bob Shawkey, the Yankees finished third as the A’s became a dynasty; it looked like the Yankees’ moment had passed.

That’s when the team’s owner, Jacob Ruppert, hired a new manager to right the ship, a man who’d one day join Huggins in Monument Park.

Joseph Vincent McCarthy
Born: April 21, 1887 (Philadelphia, PA)
Died: January 13, 1978 (Buffalo, NY)
Yankees Tenure: 1931-46 (manager)

Born on a Philly spring day in 1887, young Joe’s father died when he was just three in a cave-in, leaving his son to grow up in poverty. Baseball was a saving grace for McCarthy, netting him first a scholarship at Niagara University and then a long career in pro ball. He was a scrappy and versatile ballplayer, a decent enough hitter who never ran well due to a knee injury sustained in his youth. McCarthy’s determination and wiles kept him afloat in the minors for 15 seasons, throughout much of which he served as a player-manager.

McCarthy was first given the reins while playing in the New York State League for the Wilkes-Barre Barons—a long-ago predecessor of the Yankees’ modern Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. At the age of 25, he was the youngest manager in pro ball. He continued managing into his 30s with Double-A Louisville. Between 1921 (his final year as a player) and 1925, his Cardinals twice won the pennant and became a reliable contender.

It was on the strength of this track record that Cubs owner William Wrigley, Jr. hired McCarthy to lead his squad for the 1926 season. Chicago finished just seven games back of the pennant that year, their best finish since they’d won it in 1919, and would remain in regular contention throughout McCarthy’s tenure. The Cubs made it to the World Series in 1929 but were trounced by Connie Mack’s Athletics four games to one, a resounding defeat that was the beginning of the end for the team’s manager. “I have always wanted a world’s championship, and I am not sure that Joe McCarthy is the man to give me that kind of team,” Wrigley said after the ‘29 loss, a comment that wouldn’t take long to age poorly.

Despite finishing just two games back in the NL the following season, McCarthy was shown the door. The Yankees, still reeling from the loss of Huggins, jumped on the opportunity to recruit the former Cubs skipper, making him a more attractive offer than the rival Red Sox to secure his services — even going so far as dismissing the longtime pitcher Shawkey as their skipper after just one year. The response among the baseball press to the signing was exultant. “The coming of McCarthy to New York is one of the biggest achievements of the American League since Colonel Ruppert engaged the late lamented Miller Huggins 12 years ago,” one paper gushed. “McCarthy is a figure of national importance.”

McCarthy righted the ship in year one, leading his team to 94 wins and a second-place finish. He quickly became known for a reserved, cautious temperament, both with his team and with the press. This remove led to a contentious relationship with the New York media, who would give the manager his propers for the nuts-and-bolts management of his team but withheld the type of adulation they’d heap upon one of his successors, Casey Stengel, throughout the ‘50s. A representative back-handed compliment came from Arthur Daley of The New York Times. “Few men in baseball were ever as single-minded as he. That was to be both his strength and his weakness,” the columnist opined of McCarthy. “Baseball was his entire life and it never was lightened by laughter because he was a grim, humorless man with a brooding introspection which ate his heart out.”

Perhaps the fairest characterization of what made McCarthy great was his ability as a teacher of the game. “Never a day went by that you didn’t learn something from McCarthy,” said no less an authority than Joe DiMaggio of the man under whom he played for the first eight years of his career.

Whatever the reason, the Yankee behemoth was back in full force the following season. Led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, who combined for 75 homers, and a pitching staff that included future Hall of Famers Red Ruffing and Lefty Gomez, the 1932 Yankees became the third team in AL history to win 107 games, coasting to the pennant.

In a sweet twist of fate for McCarthy, his Bronx Bombers would face the Cubs team that had thrown him overboard just two years prior. It was to be a good, old-fashioned beatdown. Ruffing and Gomez hurled complete game victories in Games 1 and 2 and the five future Hall of Famers in the Yankees’ stacked lineup each posted an OPS of at least .900. Gehrig was the star of the show, hitting .519 with three homers to lead the Yankees to a sweep. The resounding victory was vindication for McCarthy, who later called it the greatest thrill of his career. “First, it was my first World Series winner,” he stated plainly. “Secondly, it was against the Cubs.”

The Yankees missed out on October the next couple years and McCarthy’s relationship with the biggest star in the sport waned. Ruth was unhappy that he wasn’t offered the opportunity to be a player/manager in any of the searches following Huggins’ death, and as such, he was not fond of McCarthy. The Bambino’s time as a Yankee was coming to a close anyway, but it was probably best for both sides when Ruth departed the Bronx after the 1934 campaign.

Soon, McCarthy had another star on his hands with DiMaggio joining Gehrig, and a new standard of excellence was set. They won a then-record four consecutive championships from 1936-39 and then two more in ’41 and ‘43. During this time, he not only shepherded his star-studded teams to success on the field but played a pivotal role in establishing the mythos of the “Yankee Way,” ensuring his players adhered to strict standards of dress and behavior, even when outside of the clubhouse. When one player tried to carry on the age-old, impish tradition of giving a teammate a hotfoot, his skipper told him simply, “You’re a Yankee now. We don’t do that.” George Steinbrenner would have been proud.

McCarthy’s teams excelled into the mid-’40s before their momentum was slowed by World War II, which cost them the likes of DiMaggio and Ruffing as well as fellow Hall of Famers Bill Dickey and Joe Gordon. Thirty-five games into the 1946 season, his 16th at the helm in New York, McCarthy resigned, citing a recurring gall-bladder condition (though he was also battling alcoholism). Many at the time assumed a rift with new general manager Larry MacPhail was the true culprit, a theory that gained more credibility when a 60-year-old McCarthy returned to manage the Red Sox two years later. His Boston squads won 96 games in each of his two full seasons there before he retired for good during the 1950 season, once again citing health concerns.

McCarthy enjoyed a long retirement, living on his farm in Tonawanda, New York until dying of pneumonia in 1979 at the age of 90, just a few years after the Yankees dedicated a plaque to him in Monument Park. Well before, he had the chance to travel to Cooperstown to be recognized in 1957 for his excellence with induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame — an achievement well-earned for someone all over the all-time managerial leaderboard. “Little did I think when I was in the minor leagues I would ever make the Hall of Fame,” the normally reserved McCarthy said upon hearing of his induction. “I’m very, very happy.”

See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

April 21, 2026

76ers vs Celtics Win Probability for Game 2 at Prediction Markets

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The Boston Celtics handled the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers with ease in Game 1, and they should have no problem doing so again tonight in Game 2.

Our 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks expect another dominant C's win on April 21.

Who will win 76ers vs Celtics Game 2?

76ers win probability:12% (+733)
Celtics win probability:88% (-735)

After Boston checked the 76ers' asses directly into the Smackdown hotel in Game 1, the Celtics are 88¢ favorites to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Our prediction:Celtics to win

Joel Embiid is officially ruled out for Game 2, and Adem Bona and Andre Drummond ain't gonna cut it.

With a bounty of respect for the veteran center, Philadelphia is relying too much on Drummond to be taken seriously in the playoffs in 2026.

The 76ers have little choice but to play Drummond, but that reality dooms them to waiting for a blowout in which their offense eventually becomes a liability.

Read more in Jason Logan's full 76ers vs. Celtics predictions.

Start trading with Kalshi today!

Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' and get a $10 trading bonus after you trade $10 on any other event contracts — including 76ers/Celtics!

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More 76ers vs Celtics prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for 76ers vs. Celtics at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Celtics -15.5 spread means the Celtics will cover, while "No" means the 76ers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

76ers vs Celtics spread and total at prediction markets

Outcome	Yes	No
Celtics -15.5	46¢ (+117)	55¢ (-122)
Over 216.5 points	51¢ (-104)	50¢ (+100)

Our predictions:Celtics -15.5 — Yes and Over 216.5 points — No

Without Embiid, the 76ers' offense lacks any real depth to help the Celtics push this Over the total.

Other 76ers vs Celtics prediction markets available

VJ Edgecombe 15+ points (Yes: 51¢)
Tyrese Maxey 30+ points (Yes: 60¢)
Payton Pritchard 3+ threes (Yes: 41¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Celtics win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

Why should I wager on 76ers vs Celtics at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

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.

April 21, 2026

Brewers vs Tigers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Milwaukee Brewers head to the Motor City to start a series with the Detroit Tigers today, and both teams will see something unfamiliar: an opponent with a winning record.

Detroit has yet to beat an opponent over .500, going 0-4. Milwaukee is facing just its second winning foe after taking two of three over the Rays (who, full disclosure, are over .500 now but weren’t when they played the Brewers).

See why our Brewers vs. Tigers predictions and MLB picks look for the Tigers to win at home.

Who will win Brewers vs Tigers today: Tigers moneyline (-110)

The Detroit Tigers return home, where they have won six straight and are 8-1 on the season.

Only five teams have allowed fewer runs than the Tigers, who've surrendered two or fewer in five of their last six home games, and in three of the four in Boston. Today's starter, Keider Montero, has yet to allow a home run through three starts.

With injuries to Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, and Andrew Vaughn, the Milwaukee Brewers have a skeleton crew lineup. Three starters and the top four bench players are hitting below .200 with an OPS under .600.

COVERS INTEL: A key to Montero's success has been a barrel rate of 2.2%, which ranks in the 89th percentile.

Brewers vs Tigers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-107)

The Brewers are in the bottom 10 in MLB in home runs, and the Tigers are in the bottom five. Both teams are exactly league average in OPS+, and are in the Top 8 in fewest runs allowed and ERA.

Brewers starter Kyle Harrison missed his last outing after getting banged up in a collision covering first base.

He’s been cleared and has been outstanding this season, striking out more than a batter an inning and posting a 3.07 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.

Montero has a 3.31, 0.86. The two combined have walked six in 30-plus innings, setting this up as a pitching-forward showdown.

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record

ML/RL bets: 7-7, -0.38 units
Over/Under bets: 9-9, -0.31 units

Brewers vs Tigers odds

Moneyline: Brewers +100 | Tigers -104
Run line: Brewers -1.5 (+170) | Tigers +1.5 (-178)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+104) | Under 8.5 (-108)

Brewers vs Tigers trend

The Milwaukee Brewers have hit the Team Total Under in 16 of their last 23 away games (+7.55 Units / 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Tigers.

How to watch Brewers vs Tigers and game info

Location	Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Date	Tuesday, April 21, 2026
First pitch	6:40 p.m. ET
TV	Brewers.TV, DSN
Brewers starting pitcher	Kyle Harrison (1-1, 3.07 ERA)
Tigers starting pitcher	Keider Montero (1-1, 3.31 ERA)

Brewers vs Tigers latest injuries

Brewers vs Tigers 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.

April 21, 2026

Trail Blazers vs. Spurs – Game 2 NBA Playoffs – predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for April 21

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will look to grab a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven series against Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at Frost Bank Center.

After trailing early in the first quarter in Game 1, the Spurs ended the opening twelve minutes on a 21-9 run, that was capped off by a Keldon Johnson 3-pointer at the buzzer. San Antonio would lead by as many as 21 points and go on to win the opening game of the series at home, 111-98. The Spurs were led by a game-high 35 points from Victor Wembanyama who made an immediate impact in his first career playoff game. Portland All-Star Deni Avdija led the way for the Trail Blazers with 30 points and 10 rebounds.

In what was their first career NBA playoff games, both Wembanyama and Avdija made history for their respective franchises. Wembanyama’s 35 points were the most points by a Spurs’ player in their playoff debut. He also knocked down a team record five, three-pointers (also a record for a Spurs player in his playoff debut). Avdija, the 25-year-old from Israel, scored 30 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. He became the first Portland player ever to post a 30/10/5 stat line in a playoff game and also became the third player in NBA history to post a 30/10/5 stat line in their playoff debut (Julius Erving – 1977, LeBron James – 2006).

The ultimate differences in Game 1 came down to the contributions or lack thereof from the supporting cast of each team and the Spurs’ surprising control of the glass. Four of the Spurs’ role players scored in double figures (Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and Luke Kornet) while only Scoot Henderson hit double digits in the scoring column for Portland. San Antonio beat Portland at their own game on the glass in Game 1. The Trail Blazers were second in the NBA in offensive rebounding (14.1 OREB/gm) and led the NBA in second chance points (18.5 per gm) in the regular season, but the Spurs held a +7 advantage on the boards (45-38) and totaled 11 OREBs compared to Portland’s 8 offensive boards in the series opener.

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

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

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

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Spurs vs. Trail Blazers

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 8PM EST
Site: Frost Bank Center
City: San Antonio, TX
Network/Streaming: NBC/Peacock

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Game Odds: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

Moneyline: Portland Trail Blazers (+470), San Antonio Spurs (-650)
Spread: Spurs -11.5
Total: 219.5 points

This game opened Spurs -12.5 with the Game Total set at 218.5.

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

Expected Starting Lineups: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs

Portland Trail Blazers

PG Jrue Holiday
SG Scoot Henderson
C Donovan Clingan
SF Deni Avdija
PF Toumani Camara

San Antonio Spurs

PG De’Aaron Fox
SG Devin Vassell
SG Stephon Castle
C Victor Wembanyama
PF Julian Champagnie

Injury Report: Spurs vs. Trail Blazers

San Antonio Spurs

Jordan McLaughlin (ankle) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
David Jones Garcia (ankle) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game

Important stats, trends and insights: Spurs vs. Trail Blazers

The Spurs are 33-8 at home this season
The Blazers are 19-24 on the road this season
The Spurs are 46-36-2 ATS this season
Portland is 45-39 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 43 of the Blazers’ 84 games this season (43-41)
The OVER has cashed in 36 of the Spurs’ 84 games this season (36-48)

Victor Wembanyama was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year on Monday
Wembanyamais the first unanimous winner of the award
Deni Avdija was named a finalist for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award

Rotoworld Best Bet

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

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

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday’s Spurs and Trail Blazers game:

Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Spurs -11.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 219.5

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April 21, 2026

Billy Donovan steps away as Chicago Bulls head coach after six years

When the Chicago Bulls fired their top front office executives Arturas Karnisova and Marc Eversley recently, ownership said whoever was going to be hired had to fit and work with coach Billy Donovan, who wasn't going anywhere.

That's not how Donovan saw it — if the Bulls were cleaning house, then the new front office should have a clean slate. After meeting with ownership and then having "extensive dialogue" with it, Billy Donovan has chosen to step away as Chicago Bulls head coach (he had an option in his contract for next season).

"After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold," Donovan said in a statement. "I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit. My gratitude for this community and this organization is permanent."

"We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach - that was never in question," team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement announcing the change. "But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new Head of Basketball Operations the right to build out his staff was the most important thing for the future of this franchise. That is the kind of person Billy is — he put the Bulls first. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organization."

The Bulls will now finish their search for a new head of basketball operations, then allow that person to hire their coach.

Donovan had left a trail of breadcrumbs that his exit might be coming, considering some of his public comments. The fact that no matter who came in as the Bulls' next GM, this was going to be a multi-year retooling project — something he felt he had been in since he came to Chicago — weighed on him.

"Selfishly, competitively, I want us to be in that situation where we're playing in real legitimate (games)," Donovan said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times. "You're in the playoffs, you're going through a seven-game series and you're trying to advance and move on."

Donovan was the third-longest-tenured coach in Bulls history at six years (training only Phil Jackson and Dick Motta). Donovan leaves with a 226-256 career record with the Bulls and one playoff appearance in six years (the team felt like a play-in regular until this season).

Donovan's name will now come up in nearly every NBA job search, as well as for any major colleges. Donovan had been in the mix for the University of North Carolina job, to jump back to college (he won two NCAA titles at Florida), but the Tar Heels went with another former NBA coach in Michael Malone.

April 21, 2026

Tatum’s defense holding up under pressure

Boston, MA - April 19: Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey drives to the basket in between Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and center Nikola Vucevic in the first quarter. The Celtics played the 76ers in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Philadelphia 76ers targeted Jayson Tatum early and often in Game 1 — and may have revealed that one of Boston’s old strengths is still available for another title run.

Now, it’s no secret that Tatum is back and looking good. He made headlines with a dominant showing in his return to playoff basketball on Sunday, finishing with 25 points on 52.9% shooting from the field, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals, as he and Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 32-point blowout.

While his offensive output was impressive, his defensive performance may be just as important for Boston’s title chances.

Tatum has always been a strong defender. He’s got the length and lateral agility to stick with guards on the perimeter, and the size and strength to battle with some big men in the post. That versatility enables the Celtics to deploy a highly switchable defense, especially when the team runs Tatum as a small-ball 5.

The Celtics utilized Tatum defensively against opposing 5s to great effect during the team’s 2024 championship run, when it used the strategy to defang the lob-happy Mavericks in the Finals. By having Tatum guard Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford and switch on screens, Boston neutralized the benefits of Dallas’ 1-5 pick and rolls, as Luka Dončić was unable to use the action to hunt the Celtics’ slower big men. Limiting that action also pulled Dallas’ bigs out of their comfort zone, since they were unable to fulfill their most dangerous roles as PnR lob threats.

Nevertheless, last year’s Achilles tear threw all of that into question. The Achilles tendon is like a spring that enables people to push their feet off the ground, so many who rupture it lose lateral agility and explosive burst — two crucial factors for a defender in the NBA.

Yet in the small sample since his March return, Tatum’s defense has shown little evidence of a drop-off.

In the 16 games he played before the end of the regular season, Tatum posted a career-low in block percentage (0.6%), but also career-highs in defensive rebound percentage (31.3%) and steal percentage (2.1%). While advanced defensive metrics can be unreliable, Tatum set another career-high with a +1.8 in defensive box plus/minus, according to Basketball Reference.

However, the Sixers did not appear to be convinced heading into Game 1.

The NBA Playoffs are all about poking and prodding for weaknesses, then game planning to exploit those weaknesses. Philadelphia Head Coach Nick Nurse clearly believed Tatum’s defense could be a potential weakness, as the Sixers deliberately targeted him from the jump.

In Philly’s second offensive possession of the game, Sixers star Tyrese Maxey isolated Tatum on the wing, pulled back to wind up for a blowby, then drove to Tatum’s left. But, instead of a blowby, Tatum stuck hip-to-hip with Maxey, steered him to the baseline and forced a pass into a missed corner three-pointer.

If that was an isolated incident it wouldn’t mean much, but it wasn’t. Maxey — whose blazing speed makes him a tricky cover on the perimeter — targeted Tatum in isolation three more times in the first quarter alone. Of those four isolation possessions, Maxey only scored on one, where he drove into the paint, improvised a couple moves and slipped a circus shot past the outstretched arms of Tatum and Nikola Vučević.

Four possessions is very little to work with, but the results did not appear to be a fluke. Tatum was able to keep up with Maxey’s drives, dance with him on the perimeter and get a good contest on each shot.

Jayson Tatum's defense vs 76ers

Incredible iso and help defense pic.twitter.com/XXpGJZqnyd
— NikNBA🏀 (@NIKNBAYT) April 20, 2026

Nurse and the rest of the Sixers must have noticed, too, since they tested Tatum in isolation less and less as the game went on. In the second quarter, Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. both got an isolation possession against Tatum, but neither resulted in a bucket. By the time the third quarter rolled around, the Sixers had multiple chances to isolate Tatum, but started passing out to explore other action. Philly only tried to isolate him twice over the second half of the game, with neither attempt proving successful.

In addition to his impressive work in isolation, Tatum played solid help defense and displayed his elite versatility by switching onto multiple Sixers, including Philly’s 6’10” starting center, Adem Bona.

Overall, the Sixers only shot 6-19 from the field (31.6%) in Game 1 with Tatum as the primary defender, according to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.

That number will change as the series progresses — Philly struggled to hit shots all night and likely won’t continue to shoot so poorly — but Tatum has so far passed the test with flying colors.

While Tatum has yet to be tasked with regularly guarding opposing 5s as he was in the 2025 NBA Finals, if he can keep up this level of defensive play, there’s little reason to think he can’t handle that role again. And, at this point in Tatum’s return, how could anyone who has been paying any attention doubt him?

April 21, 2026

The Penguins have relied on their resilience all year. They’ll need to once again down 2-0 to the Flyers

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins’ resilience carried them to a surprise playoff berth.

Sidney Crosby and company will need to rely on it, maybe a lot of it, if they want their postseason appearance to be more than a token cameo.

It took the Philadelphia Flyers roughly 48 hours to take all the good vibes Pittsburgh generated during a resurgent season and make them a distant memory. Winning a pair of games on the road and shutting down one of the top offenses in the NHL will do that.

The Penguins visibly were frustrated on the ice and notably chastened off it following a 3-0 loss in Game 2 that dropped them in a significant hole when the series shifts east to Philadelphia.

“I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” said Crosby, who was held without a point for the second straight game. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us.”

Pittsburgh’s best likely will be required against the young Flyers, who have had no trouble carrying their searing finishing kick to the regular season into the playoffs. While Philadelphia didn’t put on a defensive clinic as it did for most of Game 1, when the Penguins were limited to just 17 shots, the Flyers largely limited Pittsburgh to firing away from the outside.

The Penguins generated 27 shots on goal and generated another 48 that either missed the net or were blocked. The ones that found their way to Dan Vladar were turned away. The ones that didn’t mostly were long blasts from the outside that missed the mark.

“Everything’s harder, it’s supposed to be harder, it’s the NHL playoffs,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “You’re going to have to do those little things that can give you an extra inch, finding a shot lane a little bit quicker, working to get to the net front a little bit faster.”

Pittsburgh’s power play, which was ranked a respectable seventh during the regular season, is now 0 for 7 through two games. The Penguins actually were outscored when they were up a man. Philadelphia’s Garnet Hathaway produced a short-handed goal late in the second to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead, though teammate Owen Tippett did the hard work, fending off two yellow-clad opponents to set Hathaway up.

“We don’t really get in sync yet,” Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson said. “You would think that we would dictate what we want to do out there, but they’re doing a good job and we’re not. That’s the bottom line.”

And time is running out. The Penguins have fallen behind 2-0 in a series 15 times and only rallied to win a third of them, the last in the 2009 Stanley Cup finals against Detroit.

Those Pittsburgh teams had featured a young Crosby and longtime running mate Evgeni Malkin still in the nascent stages of their careers. They’re both nearing 40 — Malkin will get there in July — and while they remain a threat every time they hop over the boards, the franchise icons and their teammates have been outskated and outplayed over the course of 120 minutes against a team that has 10 players making their playoff debut in this series.

“We’ve played 82 games,” Karlsson said. “We know how to play hockey in here. I think maybe we’re overthinking things a little too much. We’re not playing on our instincts.”

And as a result, the Penguins are playing from behind.

This isn’t the first time in the last seven months that Pittsburgh seems to have been on the verge of letting a promising season get away. The Penguins have navigated extended absences by both Crosby and Malkin and occasionally shaky play in net, among other things, on their way to a playoff spot that seemed like a longshot when training camp began.

The league’s third-highest-scoring team found a way to respond each time. On Tuesday, they’ll hop on a plane and make the short flight across the state hoping it’s not the final road trip of the year.

“I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this,” Crosby said, “hopefully brings out the best in us again.”

April 21, 2026

Yankees vs Red Sox Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will renew a rivalry for the first time this season.

These two teams have been dead-even lately with a 5-5 head-to-head record over the last ten games although the Yankees got the last laugh a season ago eliminating its rival from the playoffs. However, Boston should get a measure of revenge tonight.

My Yankees vs. Red Sox predicitons and MLB picks break down why the Over and the underdog have value on Tuesday April 14.

Who will win Yankees vs Red Sox today: Red Sox moneyline (-115)

For the moment, I’m kind of out on New York Yankees hurler Luis Gil. He needs to regain my trust, and there’s not much to suggest that will happen anytime soon.

He’s posted some of the worst underlying metrics in 2026 to begin the season for any starting pitcher. Getting simply hit hard regularly per inning with an average exit velocity that sits in the bottom 5% of the sport and an overall hard-hit rate that is only slightly better.

The command issues that tanked his 2025 persist, and a 6.40 xERA suggests a player who has been more bad than unlucky. The Boston Red Sox have enough power in the lineup to hurt him. They’ve done it before, and the sixth-best hard-hit rate in the league looms large here.

While Connelly Early’s 2.29 ERA is propped up by a 5.25 xERA, his 74th-percentile run value suggests real competence. At a pick-em price, the Red Sox have the better matchup.

COVERS INTEL:Gil's chase rate has ranked in the bottom 10 percent of baseball for over a full year now. In the 2025 season, it sat at the bottom one percentile (20.0%) and through two starts this year it has climbed only to the bottom 9th percentile (22.4%)

Yankees vs Red Sox Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-105)

It was a fairly easy Over bet for me as I projected a total of 9.4. The cool temperatures probably make this total a half run lower than it would otherwise be, and I get it, but it still isn't enough to overcome the struggles these two pitchers have.

We’ve talked about Gil and why Boston will have success, but New York should be able to score, too.

Early's 13% barrel rate, paired with an average exit velocity that’s actually worse than Gil's, is going to give the Bronx Bombers clear paths to run-scoring opportunities. I’d play this to 9.5 with a fair amount of confidence.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record

ML/RL bets:6-5, +.92 units
Over/Under bets:7-5, +1.80 units

Yankees vs Red Sox odds

Moneyline: New York -110 | Boston -110
Run line: New York -1.5 (+150) | Boston +1.5 (-178)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-110)

Yankees vs Red Sox trend

The New York Yankees have hit the Team Total Over in 31 of their last 50 away games (+9.25 Units / 16% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Red Sox.

How to watch Yankees vs Red Sox and game info

Location	Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Date	Tuesday, April 21, 2026
First pitch	6:45 p.m. ET
TV	TBS
Yankees starting pitcher	Luis Gil (0-1, 7.00 ERA)
Red Sox starting pitcher	Connelly Early (1-0, 2.29 ERA)

Yankees vs Red Sox latest injuries

Yankees vs Red Sox weather

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.

April 21, 2026

Comparing top Formula 1 drivers to NBA stars

Formula 1 doesn’t have direct equivalents to other sports, but the personalities, pressure and pecking order of the pinnacle of auto racing translates surprisingly well to elite basketball players and teams.

Stack today’s grid against the NBA, and the parallels start to line up: dominant champions, rising stars, quiet operators and young prospects already carrying the expectations of millions.

If you're a fan of both sports, you're aware no comparison is perfect, but these match-ups really do frame where each of Formula 1’s biggest names sit alongside their possible NBA counterparts.

Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes — Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli arrived in F1 in 2025 with expectations far beyond his experience level, and already started signing his name in the record books.

Likewise, the Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, a 19-year-old sensation, is already in the running for NBA's Rookie of the Year. As with Antonelli, his stats are outstanding, as the youngest player to score 50 points, and the only teenager to ever score more than 50 points in a single game.

Much of the outside focus on both Antonelli and Flagg are on the next records they'll break. Their talent is obvious, and the timeline toward championship success is moving quickly.

George Russell, Mercedes — Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

George Russell, Mercedes

George Russell delivers strong results but, despite starting many conversations, rarely sits at the centre of them. Like Jaylen Brown (Boston), Russell is core to a championship-winning operation (Mercedes), yet he has operated as a second option for much of his career and has proved he can lead when needed. The talent and consistency are there, even if the spotlight is taking its time in noticing.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull — Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen sets the standard every weekend and rarely gives races away when given the car to win. Like multiple-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, he controls everything without needing to look spectacular doing it. Results pile up because he makes the right decisions, lap after lap, season after season.

When performing at their very best, both superstars humble rivals with a seemingly ruthless ease.

Lando Norris, McLaren — Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Lando Norris, McLaren

Lando Norris has reached the level where wins and titles are now expected, not merely hoped for. Like NBA champion Jayson Tatum with the Boston Celtics, he can dominate a weekend but still has moments that leave the door open for heartbreak. Over a full season, though, both are firmly in the fight for championships.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren — Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Oscar Piastri keeps everything controlled, on track, and under the radar. Like multiple-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, Piastri doesn’t need attention to be effective. The pace is there, the execution is clean, and wins follow. For these two athletes, you could almost argue that quietly delivering results is their loudest personality trait.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari — LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

GOAT, meet GOAT. Lewis Hamilton remains one of the defining names of his era, even late in his career. Like LeBron James, he’s no longer at his absolute peak but remains capable of delivering at the highest level. The move to Ferrari carries the same weight as a late-career legacy chapter, similar to James' earned position on the Los Angeles Lakers' roster.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari — Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Charles Leclerc has the speed to win consistently, but hasn’t always had the platform to match it. Like Luka Doncic, Leclerc produces elite performances even when the wider team structure doesn’t fully support him, or the machinery lets him down.

When everything aligns, both of these stars can look like the best on the grid or court, and appear simply untouchable.

Ultimately, this comparison isn’t about forcing two sports together, it’s about perspective.

Formula 1 drivers operate in a different environment, but the same patterns show up in world-class athletes, NBA stars included: dominance, timing, opportunity and pressure.

Whether it’s a champion at their peak or a young driver just getting started, the roles are familiar — even if 'driving the lane' means something very different in the NBA than it does in F1.

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

April 21, 2026

Mariners put Brendan Donovan on 10-day IL, add Will Wilson to active roster

SEATTLE — Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin muscle strain.

Donovan exited a 5-0 loss to the Texas Rangers with a left hip issue. He also has been dealing with right groin discomfort for two weeks and suggested it might be related to an Oct. 7 sports hernia surgery.

“It’s something that you have to closely monitor and keep watching on,” manager Dan Wilson said. “It’s a big surgery, and he did a great job of getting through it, getting to spring training, and the slow ramp-up in spring training. And now we’re into the season. So, it’s just continued monitoring.”

Donovan, 29, is hitting .304 and has three home runs, eight RBIs and nine walks in 18 games this season. The Mariners acquired Donovan from the Cardinals in February in a three-team trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays.

In other moves, the Mariners selected the contract of infielder Will Wilson, 27, from Triple-A Tacoma. Wilson, a first-round pick in the 2019 amateur draft, made his major league debut last season with the Cleveland Guardians. He hit .192 with four doubles, two RBIs and two stolen bases in 34 games with the Guardians. Wilson was signed by Seattle to a minor league contract with a spring training invite in January. In 14 games with Tacoma, Wilson has hit .275 with one home run and four RBIs.

The Mariners also transferred utility infielder Miles Mastrobuoni to the 60-day IL. Mastrobuoni, 30, who injured a calf while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, began the season on the 10-day IL. He hit .250 with one home run and 12 RBIs across 152 at-bats last season in a part-time role.

April 21, 2026

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

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The Chicago Cubs have won six consecutive games and outscored opponents 44-14 in aggregate.

My Phillies vs. Cubs predictions expect their winning ways to continue Tuesday against a struggling Philadelphia team.

Let’s break down why with my daily MLB picks for April 21.

Who will win Phillies vs Cubs today: Cubs moneyline (-120)

The Philadelphia Phillieshave scored two runs or fewer in five consecutive games, and it’s difficult to envision things getting much better tonight.

Philadelphia’s offense has been putrid against left-handed pitching, sporting a .260 wOBA (28th) and .549 OPS (29th). They now have to deal with Shota Imanaga, who has been one of the league’s best starters thus far.

While I believe Jesus Luzardo to be much better than his counting stats indicate, this is a tough matchup to truly get back on track.

The Chicago Cubsrank third in both wOBA and OPS against left-handed pitchers, and recorded 12 hits the last time they faced Luzardo.

COVERS INTEL: Only the Dodgers and Nationals rank ahead of the Cubs in wOBA and OPS vs. lefties.

Phillies vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-105)

Luzardo is sporting a painful 7.94 ERA despite striking out six batters for every walk issued and allowing hard contact just 28.6% of the time. He has a 1.93 xFIP and 2.45 SIERA, excellent numbers that suggest much better days are ahead.

Imanaga has been lights out to date with sparkling metrics in many categories (2.45 ERA, 2.49 xFIP, 12.68 K/9).

With strong bullpens behind these two starters — both teams rank Top 10 in xFIP this month — it’s difficult to envision either team putting up a ceiling performance at the plate.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record

ML/RL bets: 2-3, -1.82 units
Over/Under bets: 1-4, -3.67 units

Phillies vs Cubs odds

Moneyline: Philadelphia +108 | Chicago -113
Run line: Philadelphia -1.5 (+178) | Chicago +1.5 (-186)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (+100)

Phillies vs Cubs trend

The Phillies have hit the Under in 10 of their last 15 games (+4.65 Units / 28% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Cubs.

How to watch Phillies vs Cubs and game info

Location	Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date	Tuesday, April 21, 2026
First pitch	7:40 p.m. ET
TV	NBC Sports Philadelphia, Marquee
Phillies starting pitcher	Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcher	Shota Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA)

Phillies vs Cubs latest injuries

Phillies vs Cubs weather

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.

April 21, 2026

This NBA season made rare history: Three winning teams missed playoffs

For just the third year in NBA history, three teams failed to make the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with a winning record.

The previous two seasons with three teams missing the playoffs were 1970-71 and 2021-22. In all seasons prior to 1970, every winning team qualified for the playoffs.

In total, 43 teams in NBA history have finished the regular season with a record above .500 but didn’t make the playoffs. That means teams with winning records make the playoffs 95.1% of the time.

In 2025-26, Charlotte finished 44-38, Miami 43-39, and the Los Angeles Clippers 42-40 — but all three missed out on the playoffs after losing in the play-in tournament.

Despite all three teams this year posting winning records, none are close to the all-time highest winning percentage for a non-playoff team.

That honor goes to the 1971-72 Phoenix Suns, who finished 49-33 — a .598 clip — but missed out on the playoffs in a Western Conference led by the 69-win Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns have three of the best non-playoff records — in 1970-71 and 2013-14 the franchise posted identical 48-34 marks (Golden State also equaled that record in 2007-08).

Golden State and Houston are the franchises that have finished above .500 but missed out on the playoffs the most. Each team has done so six times.

Notably, out of the 43 times this feat has occurred, 31 happened to teams currently in the Western Conference, while just 12 are in the Eastern Conference.

Methodology note: USA TODAY analyzed data from Sport Reference’s Stathead site to compile this chart.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winning teams usually make the NBA playoffs. This season, three did not.