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Sabres Await Tampa Bay-Montreal Winner After Eliminating Bruins

Lindy Ruff is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year.

The Buffalo Sabres put the finishing touches on their first playoff victory since 2007, jumping out to an early 2-0 first-period lead and pulling away in a 4-1 series-clinching victory over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Friday. Alex Tuch and Mattias Samuelsson put Buffalo in front early, and after David Pastrnak cut the lead in half in the middle frame, the Sabres pulled away in the third with Zach Benson scoring an important insurance marker and Josh Norris scoring into the empty net. Alex Lyon was once again steady between the pipes with 25 stops, as Buffalo swept all three road games in Boston, by a combined score of 13-3. 

The game was marred with an ugly incident late in the third period, when Sabres pest Zach Benson slew-footed Charlie McAvoy, an offense that ired the Bruins blueliner to the point that he took a baseball swing that could earn McAvoy a tryout with the Red Sox. Benson was penalized a minor and McAvoy a major and game misconduct, but thus far the NHL's Department of Player Safety has not announced an hearing for supplementary discipline. 

"I said, we are going to win the series. We're going to win the game. We've got to do some things better, but we're going to win the game." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said to his club on Friday morning. "(Playing well in Boston) meant everything in this series for sure. You look at them coming into our building and winning two games, us coming into their building and winning three games, (I'd) really like to grab a hold of how energized our building is and use that to an advantage and win hockey games. Would have really liked this game to have been in Buffalo. It wasn't, but it would have been special to have this game there.” 

Other Sabres Stories

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

The Sabres did show at times some signs of inexperience in the series with Boston, including an anemic man advantage that enabled Boston to play more physically and on the edge. Buffalo got big offensive production from top forwards Alex Tuch (4 goals, 3 assists), and Tage Thompson (2 goals, 5 assists), as well as unexpected contributions from Peyton Krebs (6 points) and Bowen Byram (3 goals), but they went 1 for 24 on the power play, something that will have to rectified if they hope to advance further in the postseason.  

Buffalo now awaits the winner of the Tampa Bay Lightning - Montreal Canadiens series as their second-round opponent. The Lightning forced a seventh and deciding game in Tampa on Sunday night with a 1-0 victory on Friday at the Bell Centre, with Gage Gonsalves scoring at 9:03 of overtime. Andrei Vasilevskiy stood on his head with a 30-save effort, making a number of remarkable saves to keep Tampa Bay alive. 

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

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Exactly one week after the “Saturday night massacre” that saw Boston fire manager Alex Cora and five coaches, the Red Sox seem to be responding to the sudden change.

The Red Sox have won four of the six games since the decision was made, matching its best six-game mark of the season.  

Saturday is a rematch with the last-place Astros. My Astros at Red Sox predictions and MLB picks call for a Boston victory.

Who will win Astros vs Red Sox today: Red Sox moneyline (-140)

The Boston Red Sox fired all of their hitting coaches, but left the pitching side intact. Both moves have paid off. 

The Sox have a 2.60 ERA and 1.058 WHIP over the last week, (compared to 4.24 and 1.316 for the season). At the plate, Boston lifted its OPS by 100 points, to 11% over league average, compared to 13% under on the season.

The Houston Astros are hitting but haven’t gotten the clutch hit. In Friday’s series opener, the Astros hit .306 but went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Over the last four games, Houston is hitting .318 but just .256 with RISP.

Covers COVERS INTEL: The Astros have been even less clutch on the road, posting a stronger 126 OPS+ away from home but averaging fewer runs (4.94) than they do at home (5.31).

Astros vs Red Sox Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (-138)

They don’t have the name recognition of other pitchers on the respective staffs but Saturday’s starters have been the best Astro and Red Sox pitchers of the season over the first month-plus.

Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti and Boston’s Connelly Early each have the highest WAR on their team’s pitching staffs.

Arrighetti has won all three of his starts and posted a 2.00 ERA and 1.111 WHIP. He’s given up just one home run over 18 innings. Early has a 2.84 ERA and 1.200 WHIP.

He’s won two of his last three starts. Both pitchers will be facing offenses still trying to find their way.

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets:10-10 +0.48 units
  • Over/Under bets:12-12 -0.55 units

Astros vs Red Sox odds

  • Moneyline: Houston +113 | Boston -117
  • Run line: Houston +1.5 (-170) | Boston -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+122) | Under 9.5 (-127)

Astros vs Red Sox trend

The Houston Astros have only hit the Moneyline in 6 of their last 24 games (-14.70 Units / -50% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Red Sox.

How to watch Astros vs Red Sox and game info

LocationFenway Park, Boston, MA
DateSaturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch4:10 p.m. ET
TVSCHN, NESN
Astros starting pitcherSpencer Arrighetti
(3-0, 2.00 ERA)
Red Sox starting pitcherConnelly Early
(2-1, 2.84 ERA)

Astros vs Red Sox latest injuries

Astros vs Red Sox weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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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.

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Game #33 GameThread: Jays @ Twins

Oct 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; General view of the stadium during the National Anthem before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros during game three of the ALDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

A series win would nice.

George Springer is in the leadoff spot again. And no Andrés Giménez. It is against a lefty.

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSTWINS
George Springer – DHByron Buxton – CF
Ernie Clement – SSTrevor Larnach – LF
Vladimir Guerrero – 1BJosh Bell – DH
Kazuma Okamoto – 3BRyan Jeffers – C
Lenyn Sosa – 2BKody Clemens – 1B
Daulton Varsho – CFLuke Keaschall – 2B
Myles Straw – RFMatt Wallner – RF
Davis Schneider – LFBrooks Lee – SS
Brandon Valenzuela – CTristan Gray – 3B
Dylan Cease – RHPConnor Prielipp – LHP

Go Jays Go

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Former Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno Deserves This Chance With Wild

It's been a while for Nick Foligno, who hadn't played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2023 as a member of the Boston Bruins. That team set an NHL record with 65 regular-season wins, but blew a 3-1 lead to the Florida Panthers in the first round. 

Following his time in Boston, Foligno eventually became the captain in Chicago, and he was in more of a mentor role than a "try to make the playoffs" role. He embraced it and never complained. 

In fact, he did the exact opposite. Every young player on the team was better for having him around early in their careers. Foligno was a great example of a leader, someone who plays every shift with high-end intensity, and a professional who conducts themselves with great class both on and off the ice. 

"He's someone that's more happy for everyone else than he is himself," Connor Bedard said of Foligno as a person. "That's infections. Our whole room is like that. Everyone wants each other to do so well. We're fighting for each other every day. He's someone who exemplifies that." 

As his time with the Hawks wound down, it was clear that he deserved an incredible opportunity to chase the Stanley Cup. Not only was he given that when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild on deadline day, but he was also given the chance to play with his brother Marcus for the first time at any level. 

The Blackhawks lost a great leader when they traded him away. The move was in the best interest of the player, which was a wonderful gesture by the front office. 

"It's bittersweet to see him go," said Kyle Davidson, who was the one who made the nice gesture to get him to Minnesota. 

"I'm happy for him," head coach Jeff Blashill said after the trade was made. "An opportunity to be a part of something with your brother will be an unbelievable thing. That means a ton to him and his family. I know how important that is. For me personally, he's been awesome. He's been awesome for the organization. He's an outstanding human being. I'll miss him personally, and we'll miss him as a group."

During their first-round series, Foligno was a menace on the ice. He wasn't the offensive point producer that guys like Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, and Quinn Hughes were, but he played a role that helps any team win. His physicality, tenacity on pucks, and ability to go through the motions were infectious on the entire team.  

Nick Foligno made his presence especially known in game six, which turned out to be the clinching win for the Wild to move on to round number two. Foligno laid the body more than once on the top players of the Dallas Stars, and made it very difficult for them to get anything going when he was on the ice. 

The whole team was committed to playing that style of hard-nosed hockey, and they dominated at even strength as a result. Now they will play the President's Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in the second round. 

With how much Foligno has given to the game and his teammates along the way throughout his 19-year NHL career, it was time for him to have this chance. 

The Wild have a long way to go. The Colorado Avalanche is their biggest test to date. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the rest of the team are geared up for another deep run themselves. They were the best team in the NHL from cover to cover.

However, the Wild have the depth needed to make it a series. If they skate the way that they did at even strength against the Stars, but close the gap on special teams, there will be an opportunity for them. 

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Jayson Tatum could miss Game 7 vs 76ers with knee injury

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum is questionable to play in Saturday’s Game 7 vs the Philadelphia 76ers with what the Celtics have described as “left knee soreness.”

Tatum did not play in the final 15 minutes of Game 6 on Friday and was on the exercise bike in the hall for most of the fourth quarter. But afterwards, he explained that he wasn’t particularly concerned.

“You guys probably saw when I went to the back, saw me on the bike, my leg just was a little stiff when I came out in the third quarter,” Tatum said. “But just kind of assessing the moment, the game was a little out of reach.”

In Thursday’s postgame press conference, Tatum said he was available to play in Saturday’s Game, something that Joe Mazzulla confirmed in a conference call with reporters on Friday afternoon.

Tatum was also not listed on the Celtics’ official injury report on Thursday night.

“I expect to play,” Tatum said. “It was my other leg, not the one I injured last year. I mean, I wasn’t like overly concerned. Shit, I came out at four minutes, like I was supposed to. Just kind of assessed the game — he took the starters out fairly early in the fourth quarter.”

But, on Saturday at 1:30pm — six hours ahead of tip-off — Tatum’s injury status changed.

For the 76ers, Paul George is also a late addition to the report; he’s listed as probable with illness.

If Tatum were to sit, Baylor Scheierman or Jordan Walsh would likely take his place in the starting lineup. Payton Pritchard, who has been the team’s third-leading scorer all year, could also enter the starting lineup ahead of Game 7.

Celtics-76ers tips off at 7:30pm ET.

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Allen ‘devastated’ after missed black as Wu faces Murphy in world snooker final

  • Allen misses simple black and Wu pounces to win 17-16

  • Murphy rallies from 15-13 down to beat Higgins 17-15

Mark Allen missed a simple black to book his place in his first World Snooker Championship final before falling 17-16 to Wu Yize on Saturday night in one of the most dramatic last-four finishes in Crucible history.

The 40-year-old Antrim man had the match at his mercy when he got on top of an error-strewn 32nd frame and required just the black off its spot to wrap up a 17-15 win.

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Malik Willis threw first pitch at Marlins game. It didn't go well.

New Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was invited to throw a first pitch at the Miami Marlins' May 1 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The result likely left Dolphins fans feeling trepidation about how the 26-year-old quarterback would perform in his first season with the team.

Willis' first pitch attempt started well. The Liberty product demonstrated good form while standing on the mound at LoanDepot Park, showing a convincing wind-up and leg kick that left many expecting a strike.

Instead, Willis released the ball too early, causing his first pitch to come in high and well outside. It sailed all the way to the backstop, giving the catcher no shot at making the play.

Willis' first pitch was hardly the worst MLB fans have ever seen. Celebrities like 50 Cent, Stephen A. Smith and Mariah Carey have all endured significant difficulties delivering the ball to the plate, which has forever etched them into MLB lore.

Nonetheless, Willis' failure to deliver an accurate pitch was a surprise. Accuracy is a hallmark of the 26-year-old's skill set, as he completed 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions across limited action with the Green Bay Packers the last two seasons.

That played a big part in Miami deciding to sign Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract in free agency despite the 2022 third-round pick having just six career starts under his belt.

Still, Dolphins fans shouldn't be too worried about Willis' first pitch. He's far from the only quarterback to have logged a less-than-stellar toss at an MLB game. Patrick Mahomes – whose father pitched for six teams across 11 MLB seasons – similarly launched one well over the catcher's head at a Texas Rangers game in 2016, when he was still playing at Texas Tech.

And more recently, Fernando Mendoza lobbed a shot put-like first pitch at a Marlins game on April 21, just before the Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mahomes proved to be excellent with the football in his hands. Willis and Mendoza will similarly look to throw much better as they try to make an instant impact for their new franchises.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Malik Willis throws wild first pitch: Concern for Dolphins fans?

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Today in White Sox History: May 2

On this day 34 years ago, the White Sox became the first team to pay tribute to the Negro Leagues. Before the game, Carlton Fisk and Bobby Thigpen met with former Chicago American Giants standout Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe.

1901
The White Sox were part of the first forfeit in American League history. After the Detroit Tigers took a lead with five runs in the top of the ninth, rain began. White Sox players began stalling, hoping to have the game wash out and be called as of the last full inning played (the eighth), with the White Sox getting the win.

Umpire Tom Connolly caught on to the scheme and forfeited the game to Detroit, as soggy Sox fans stormed the field in protest. The final score was 7-5, Tigers, as Connolly had to be given a police escort to get out of the ballpark. 

1907
The defending World Champion White Sox knocked off the Tigers in Detroit, 4-2, to ascend to first place, where they would stay until August 6. Nick Altrock spun the complete-game win, and was also a hitting star, with two singles and a walk in the win.

The White Sox flirted with first through the rest of August, but wouldn’t return to the top spot after August 25. With a final record of 87-64-6, Chicago finished in third place, 5 1⁄2 games out.

1919
In what remains the latest non-pandemic home opener in White Sox history, the 6-1 South Siders dropped their first game of the season at Comiskey Park, 11-4. The 1-5 Browns ran up a 6-0 lead through six batting outs, and held on. The White Sox remained in first place, however, and would win the AL pennant in this truncated, 140-game season.

There were several reasons for the delayed and shortened 1919 seasons, starting with the fact that World War I had just ended the previous November, and a later start gave players returning from service more time to round into shape. Additionally, MLB also anticipated a poor season at the gate.

The White Sox season had opened at St. Louis, with an 13-4 win, on April 23.

1984
It was the finest regular season performance of LaMarr Hoyt’s career, as he one-hit the New York Yankees in a 3-0 win at Comiskey Park. The reigning Cy Young winner lost his no-hit bid with one out in the seventh inning, as first baseman Don Mattingly tapped a a wind-aided, bloop single that fell between shortstop Jerry Dybzinski and left fielder Ron Kittle.

Hoyt only threw 101 pitches on the night and faced the minimum 27 batters.

Also notable in this game was that lefthander Mike Squires, a first baseman, started and played the first half of the win at third base; it’s believed he was the first southpaw to start at third base since 1936. He had no chances in the first five innings, after which he crossed the diamond to finish the game at first base.

1992
Just two years after creating the innovative Old Timers’ Day promotion that reverberates to this day, the White Sox paid tribute to the Negro Leagues by donning Chicago American Giants caps during their 4-1 loss to Texas in 11 innings. The Giants used Comiskey Park as their home grounds from 1941-50.

The event was a full-blown Negro Leagues reunion, inviting scores of living Negro Leagues players, including Minnie Miñoso, Buck O’Neill, Ernie Banks, Sam Jethroe, Double Duty Radcliffe, Gene Benson, Joe Black, Col. Jimmie Crutchfield, Claro Duany, Frank Duncan III, Perry Hall, Buster Haywood, Connie Johnson, Lester Lockett, Butch McCord, Marvin Price, Clyde McNeal, and Mule Miles.

White Sox players contributed $19,750 to go toward the care of the aged former players, with White Sox ownership matching that total for a total donation to the Baseball Assistance Team of $39,500. Tim Raines presented the check, while many White Sox (including Bobby Thigpen, Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Guillén, Lance Johnson and Carlton Fisk) listened to the players’ stories and posed for photos.

The White Sox later wore full Chicago American Giants uniforms in tribute, in 2007, 2008 and 2011.

2021
Seasons can change in a heartbeat, and on this day the high expectations for the White Sox took a stunning turn for the worse. Five-tool outfielder Luis Robert Jr., the Gold Glove outfielder and runner-up in the 2020 Rookie of the Year voting, completely tore his right hip flexor when running out a ground ball in the first inning in a 5-0 loss to Cleveland.

The White Sox were already without the services of Robert’s teammate Eloy Jiménez, one of the top young sluggers in the game, because of an injury that happened late in Spring Training. Robert wasn’t even able to try to resume baseball activities for a period of a few months.

His loss left a gaping hole both offensively and defensively in the White Sox lineup, but remarkably after a grueling rehab he returned to the team on August 9 in Minnesota and helped contribute to the club winning the Central Division with a total of 93 victories.

Robert’s bad injury luck continued into the 2022 season when he missed time with vertigo, blurred vision and worst of all, a sprained left wrist that never properly healed and was so bad at times he was swinging a bat one-handed.

2022
Dylan Cease became the second White Sox pitcher ever with a start of seven innings-plus, 11 or more Ks and just one hit, with no runs or walks. Kurt Suzuki broke up Cease’s no-hitter with a leadoff single in the eighth inning of a 3-0 win in Chicago. Leigh Allan had South Side Sox coverage of the game.

Gary Peters was the first White Sox hurler to accomplish this feat, on July 15, 1963.

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Two Badgers guards receive invites to 2026 NBA Combine

Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25), left, celebrates a play against Michigan with guard Nick Boyd (2) during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Wisconsin Badgers are losing some major production this offseason, as stars Nick Boyd and John Blackwell will be playing elsewhere next season.

Boyd, a senior this year, will be looking to make his dreams come true in the NBA, while Blackwell, who is testing the NBA Draft waters, committed to play for Duke.

Well, both players got a significant accomplishment on Friday: earning an invite to the 2026 NBA Combine.

Blackwell and Boyd are two of 73 players who were invited to the NBA Combine, joining a long list of players who hope to hear their name called in June.

The Combine will take place from May 10th to 17th, while players must either keep their name in or withdraw from the draft on May 27th. So, in Blackwell’s case, he and the other players testing the draft waters have the opportunity to participate in the combine, receive feedback, and make an informed decision on whether to return to college.

It was a strong year for the duo, who made the case of being the country’s top backcourt this season. Boyd led the way with 20.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, while shooting a respectable 48 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three.

Blackwell, on the other hand, was key as a junior, averaging 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting nearly 39 percent from three-point range.

While he’s expected back at Duke for his senior year, it’ll be a big week for both players as they look towards their future.

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White Sox vs Padres Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Padres have dropped three consecutive games for the first time this season.

With their offense heating up at home, my White Sox vs. Padres predictions see them getting back in the win column Saturday.

Let’s break down my daily MLB picks for May 2.

Who will win White Sox vs Padres today: Padres moneyline (-190)

The San Diego Padres have feasted on right-handed pitching at home over the past month, hitting .269 with a .814 OPS and .357 wOBA – all Top-7 marks.

They should cause problems for Sean Burke, whose ERA is nearly a full run below his FIP thus far. That’s a red flag.

While Burke has limited quality contact, he doesn’t miss many bats, which could get him into trouble against this lineup.

The Padres did real damage at home in April, finishing fifth in total hits and seventh in homers per at bat.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Sean Burkes ranks in the 32nd percentile in expected batting average allowed.

White Sox vs Padres Over/Under pick: Over 8.0 (-104)

Burke has done a better job of limiting hard contact but his home run to fly ball rate is only ~62% of his career average, a sign some regression could be coming. 

The Padres rank 10th in HR/FB vs. righties over the last month and eighth at home, making them a real test for Burke.

On the other side, Padres starter Michael King ranks in the 32nd percentile in barrel suppression. The Chicago White Sox sit ninth in homers and fifth in ISO vs. righties on the road so they have the power to capitalize.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 10-3, +6.18 units
  • Over/Under bets: 6-7, -1.72 units

White Sox vs Padres odds

  • Moneyline: Chicago (+160) | San Diego (-190)
  • Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-125) | San Diego -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-105) | Under 8.0 (-115)

White Sox vs Padres trend

The Chicago White Sox have hit the Game Total Over in 11 of their last 15 away games (+6.55 Units / 39% ROI).Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Padres.

How to watch White Sox vs. Padres and game info

LocationPetco Park, San Diego, CA
DateSaturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch8:40 p.m. ET
TVCHSN, Padres.TV
White Sox starting pitcherSean Burke
(1-2, 3.21 ERA)
Padres starting pitcherMichael King
(3-1, 2.41 ERA)

White Sox vs Padres latest injuries

White Sox vs Padres 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.

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How Deandre Ayton shut down Alperen Şengün in Game 6

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After blowing the opportunity to end the series in Game 5, the Lakers, on one day’s rest, came out determined to end the young and hungry Houston’s season Friday night.

With a Game 7 looming, a Lakers defensive masterclass combined with offensive ineptitude from Houston led to just 31 first-half points for the Rockets, giving LA an 18-point halftime advantage en route to a Game 6 win to end series.

​Coming into the playoffs, who won the center matchup between Deandre Ayton and All-Star Alperen Şengün was highlighted as a defining indicator of which team would hold the advantage. Ayton came to LA preaching his renewed focus on defense over offense, and, as he’s done all series, showed it once again Friday night.

​After sending double teams at Şengünin Game 5, the purple and gold went back to single coverage with Ayton. LA’s big man moved his feet, stonewalling Şengün and contesting high without fouling to shut off Houston’s main offensive engine.

As the lead initiator with Kevin Durant out, Şengün had a series-high eight assists in Game 5. It was much different in Game 6, where the single coverage forced him into just one assist and four turnovers on 5-12 shooting.

Houston runs Şengün in more than just straight post-up actions. The Reed Sheppard-Şengün pick and roll had given the Lakers some issues in previous games.

​Watch below as Ayton “shows”— meets the ballhandler at the level of the screen and gives the guard defender Austin Reaves time to recover — and returns to match up with Şengün on the low block. His hands were high, ready to contest, pinning the big man under the basket and forcing an ill-advised behind-the-back pass for a turnover.

A few possessions later, with Houston threatening a second quarter run, they isolated Şengün at the free-throw line extended. Watch as Ayton absorbs three separate body bumps and a ball fake, then extends a contest to get a block on the fade-away attempt.

To start the third, Şengün looked to attack with a head of steam. He catches it on the trail from Amen Thompson and prepares for his patented spin move at the basket. Ayton keeps his position, doesn’t bite on the pump fake and contests the jump hook while cleaning the defensive glass.

“[Ayton] played his ass off tonight,” Marcus Smart said postgame. “He was locked in from the start to the finish. He kept his composure and he really set the tone for us on that defensive end. It allowed me to do what I do and everyone else to kind of galvanize and come together and do our thing.”

That composure held Şengün, a 52% shooter from the field in the regular season, to just 46% for the series and 28 assists to 18 turnovers.

Backup center Jaxson Hayes struggled mightily in this series, unable to stay on the floor with consistent fouls. The center production was entirely in Ayton’s hands. His minutes jumped up in this series as a result, while he was anchoring a defense that held the Rockets to a bottom-five offense in the playoffs.

The Lakers were underdogs in every game they won this series and the Thunder will be heavy favorites in the next round. No matter how that matchup goes, within all the criticism, Ayton came through when they needed it the most.

As promised to begin the year, he was content going without offensive touches, having only six shots in 28 minutes, and shut down Şengün to give the Lakers their first playoff series win in three years.

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu

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Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton progressing from calf strain, hitting in cage

The Yankees got a positive update on Saturday regarding slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who's currently on the 10-day injured list with a low-grade calf strain.

Stanton told YES Network's Meredith Marakovits that his right calf is improving as he took swings in the batting cage Friday and will again on Saturday. 

He will also be working out in the pool on Saturday and is encouraged by the progress he's made so far in his recovery, he told Marakovits.

Stanton was placed on the 10-day IL on April 27, as manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism that he wouldn't miss too much time.

"Doesn't look too serious, but enough to not want to wait a couple more days," Boone said. "We'll see what we have as the week unfolds -- hopefully not too long, but we'll see."

Over 24 games (90 at-bats) this season, Stanton is hitting .276 and owns a .724 OPS with three home runs, six doubles, and 14 RBI.

 

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New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: Ryan Weathers vs. Kyle Bradish

Apr 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) delivers a pitch during the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

With Luis Gil back at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Elmer Rodríguez not exactly dealing in his MLB debut, some of the muddied water around returning Yankee starters has begun to clear. Still, after Will Warren’s excellent outing last night in the win over Baltimore, Ryan Weathers is tasked with holding serve in his own start today, and in fairness to him he’s putting together a nice little run.

Making his seventh start of the year, Weathers has made one truly bad outing against the Angels, but everything else has varied between serviceable to very good, including a combined 12.1 innings allowing two runs against the Astros and Royals since that debacle at the hands of the Halos. I feel like there’s still another level to Weathers though, and maybe that comes in the rotation, maybe it comes deployed as a five-out-reliever-type. The better each successive start goes, the more I’m going to believe in the former.

Orioles starter Kyle Bradish, meanwhile, is all about the walks. The righty is issuing free passes to 12.5 percent of batters faced, leading to a paltry 10.3 percent K-BB rate, my personal favorite pitching stat. The Yankees have the second-highest walk rate in the game, and there have been points this year where I’ve wondered if they’re actually too passive, but against a hurler like Bradish you can see why they’d be willing to work counts.

Offensively, the lineup reverts back to its normal form against righties. Paul Goldschmidt is back on the bench, Ben Rice is at first batting second, and Ryan McMahon gets the start at third base. Jasson Domínguez will be your DH today, back in the starting nine with a clean bill of health on his elbow after an injury scare in Texas.

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NY

First pitch: 1:35 pm ET

TV broadcast: YES | MASN

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, WBAL 1090 AM

Online stream: MLB.tv

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J.T. Realmuto returns from IL, Garrett Stubbs survives as utility man

J.T. Realmuto returns from IL, Garrett Stubbs survives as utility man originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

MIAMI – The Phillies reinstated catcher J.T. Realmuto from the injured list and made an adjustment to their bench before Saturday’s game against the Miami Marlins.

Realmuto’s return meant someone had to be subtracted from the 26-man roster. The subtraction turned out to be seldom-used utility man Dylan Moore, who was designated for assignment. With Moore gone, Garrett Stubbs remains with the club in the role of utility man.

Stubbs, who had come up from Triple A to serve as the backup catcher when Realmuto was sidelined with back spasms on April 22, was immediately pressed into outfield duty Saturday. He started in left field when Justin Crawford was scratched with a migraine moments before first pitch. The Phils’ outfield had already been short with Brandon Marsh nursing a sore right elbow after being hit by a pitch Friday night. With Crawford out, manager Don Mattingly moved Adolis Garcia from right field to center field and Felix Reyes from left field to right.

Stubbs was the Phillies’ primary backup catcher from 2022 to 2024. He spent most of last season at Triple A Lehigh Valley and returned there again this season. In addition to catching, Stubbs played some third base and left field at Triple A. He also saw some time at those positions in spring training. Earlier in his career, he played some second base.

With a third catcher on the roster, Mattingly will feel comfortable using Realmuto as a pinch-hitter on days he’s not in the starting lineup.

“I like the thought of the three catchers,” Mattingly said. “It allows a little bit more freedom with pinch-hitting and pinch-running. Stubby’s not a traditional catcher that can’t do anything else. He can play second, he can play third, he can play left, he actually runs, he can steal a bag. He’s a good baserunner, a good bunter. All the things that role brings, we feel pretty good about Stubby doing it.”

Stubbs feared he’d be the one let go when Realmuto returned. He got a welcome surprise when he arrived at the ballpark Saturday.

“I had Saturday marked on my calendar, knowing that was the day J.T. would be back,” he said. “I was able to take a deep breath when Donnie told me and I knew I’d be on the roster.”

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Royals vs Mariners Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Seattle Mariners have piled up the runs at home lately, plating at least four runs in five of their last six games at T-Mobile Park. 

My Royals vs. Mariners predictions expect the offense to give Seth Lugo plenty of trouble as they pull out the win. 

Let’s dive deeper into my latest MLB picks for Saturday, May 2.

Who will win Royals vs Mariners today: Mariners (-140)

Although the Seattle Mariners have been inconsistent this season, their offense has been a clear strength at home, specifically against right-handed pitchers.

Seattle currently ranks second against righties in wRC+ at home, trailing only Detroit.  

Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo will struggle to slow Seattle’s offense. He is sitting in the 18th percentile in whiff rate and is struggling to miss bats, leading to a lot of contact. Lugo also ranks in the 26th percentile in expected batting average.

The M's offense is set up for a productive outing tonight.

Covers COVERS INTEL: The Mariners rank second in line drive rate against righties at home, hitting them 22.1% of the time.

Royals vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-110)

Lugo’s underlying profile screams regression. He owns a 3.91 xFIP, 4.31 xERA, and has allowed homers on only 2.4% of his flyballs, not even a quarter of his career rate (11.7%).

On the other side, Emerson Hancock has stranded 95.4% of opposing baserunners. That has made his ERA more flattering than it should be. For reference, his previous marks were 71.2% as a rookie and 72.2% last season. 

With some red flags on both sides, this matchup sets up well for the offenses.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 10-3, +6.18 units
  • Over/Under bets: 6-7, -1.72 units

Royals vs Mariners odds

  • Moneyline: Kansas City (+120) | Seattle (-140)
  • Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-170) | Seattle -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-110) | Under 7.5 (-110)

Royals vs Mariners trend

Seattle has cashed the moneyline in 34 of its last 50 home games (+11.80 Units / 14% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Mariners.

How to watch Royals vs Mariners and game info

LocationT-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
DateSaturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch9:40 p.m. ET
TVMLB Network
Royals starting pitcherSeth Lugo
(1-1, 2.63 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcherEmerson Hancock
(2-1, 2.86 ERA)

Royals vs Mariners latest injuries

Royals vs Mariners weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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