SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 10: Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings awarded the KIA Rookie of the Month award prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors announced that the team will host a trio of California Classic summer league games at Chase Center in July. The Sacramento Kings will also host three games at the Golden 1 Center. Golden State will host games on July 3rd, 5th, and 6th while Sacramento will host games on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. The Kings, Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks will compete in the three-day tournament in Sacramento while the Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs will compete in San Francisco.
While season-ticket holders often receive first dibs at tickets for summer league/preseason games, these games often remain the most affordable tickets to a Warriors game at Chase Center will ever be. Of course, anyone getting a ticket will also be attending a game without Golden State’s biggest stars. Nevertheless, Warriors guard Will Richard has said he will return to summer league play this summer, and the Warriors do currently have a lottery pick in the first round and a late second-round pick, both of which will conceivably become players that feature prominently during summer league.
Apr 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder George Springer (4) takes batting practice before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
George Springer is back from the IL and Eloy Jiménez has been DFAed to make room.
Jiménez was hitting .290/.343/.290 in 35 PA with no extra base hits. I’ll admit to being surprised, I figured it would be Yohendrick Pinago heading back to Buffalo, but if Eloy isn’t hitting for power, he doesn’t have much value and with Springer back, there is no room at DH for Eloy.
Welcome back George. Let’s have some home runs, please.
Boston, MA - April 28: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown questions a call in the fourth quarter. The Boston Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden in the first round of the NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics saved their ugliest fourth quarter for the worst possible time, and it came at a steep price.
Leading 3-1 and with a chance to close out their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden, the C’s collapsed — in near historic fashion. Boston missed its final 14 shots over the last 12 minutes and finished 3-of-22 in the frame, tying a franchise playoff record for fewest field goals in a fourth quarter, per NBC Sports Boston’s Dick Lipe. The anticipation of ending Philadelphia’s season quickly turned into silence shared between Boston’s bench and a home crowd that began filing out before the final buzzer.
Instead of celebrating and catching its breath while awaiting a semifinal opponent, Boston squandered the opportunity and now heads back to Philadelphia for Game 6.
“It was just having an understanding of we were in a good situation and just didn’t execute,” coach Joe Mazzulla said. “So we just have to be able to bounce back from that. I think when you have empty possession, empty possession, and at the other end you’re not getting stops, it gets frustrating.”
Boston held a 13-point lead with 10:13 remaining in the third quarter before the meltdown. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid — who missed the first three games of the series and was listed as probable an hour before opening tip — finally broke out. Embiid scored a game-high 33 points, grabbed four rebounds, and tallied eight assists. Celtics bigs had no answer for him as Neemias Queta, Nikola Vučević, and even Luka Garza struggled to subdue Embiid’s dominance.
Eventually, that caught up to Boston.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Jaylen Brown #7 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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
When Embiid took a trip to Philadelphia’s locker room limping with an apparent left knee injury late in the third quarter, only to return minutes later, the Celtics were in control. They carried an 86-85 lead into the fourth quarter, only to lose their grip.
“We played great up until that point, and then they made more plays down the stretch,” Mazzulla added.
It felt much like the postseason losses Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had endured for years before clearing the title hurdle in 2024 — but far, far uglier. Tatum attempted just two shots in the fourth quarter, while Queta and Sam Hauser accounted for Boston’s only three field goals, as the Celtics finished with as many made shots as turnovers.
“It was a stretch where we weren’t making shots, and they were coming down and hitting shots and getting fouled, and we just kept having to play against a set defense,” Tatum said. “So getting stops would’ve helped, for sure.”
The standard they’ve strived to meet all season simply wasn’t met. Boston’s 11 points in the fourth marked the fewest scored throughout the entire regular season and playoffs. The same energy that forced Philadelphia’s crowd to evaporate at Xfinity Mobile Arena and turn into a “We want Boston” chant from the traveling Celtics fans didn’t return with the team back home.
Even Brown admitted the performance wasn’t up to par.
“Just not good enough overall from the Celtics tonight,” Brown said. “The result was the result, but gotta move on, play in another couple of days and get a chance to respond. So we look at it, learn from it, and move forward.”
Brown continued: “Just can’t sum it up — a lot of different areas were just not good enough. We’ll watch it, and we’ll make sure we’ll come out with the right energy, the right mindset, the right mentality on the road in Philadelphia. So that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
The Celtics entered Tuesday night with three chances to put the Sixers away for good. They’ll have their second chance in Game 6 on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
In a first-round playoff sweep by the Colorado Avalanche, the Los Angeles Kings weren't able to record one win after fighting all season to get into the post-season. The Avalanche were able to handle anything the Kings threw at them, and in the end, Los Angeles wasn't very threatening.
The reasons the Kings weren't able to get a lead for most of this series, or even win a game, are glaring. And these issues may hold the Kings back from even seeing the Stanley Cup playoffs next year.
So, what were the alarming dark spots that held Los Angeles back in the post-season?
General Offense
It's no secret that the Kings have struggled to score goals, not only in the playoffs but throughout the regular season, too.
Across the 82-game campaign, Los Angeles scored 220 goals, which was the fourth fewest in the NHL. Only the lottery teams, the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames had weaker offenses.
In the post-season, that weak offense was on full display for the Kings, especially at 5-on-5. In total, Los Angeles tied the Ottawa Senators with the fewest goals scored in the playoffs, with five in four games.
In terms of 5-on-5, the Kings had the fewest goals with just a pair. The rest of the team's tallies were on the power play, which is surprising considering that they had the fifth-worst power-play percentage in the regular season.
But at 5-on-5, Los Angeles really couldn't generate many threatening chances.
Understandably, the Kings would be a little more conservative against the Presidents' Trophy winners and heavy favorites Avalanche. But Los Angeles didn't give themselves a chance to force Colorado on its heels, and ultimately, it was an ugly series for them offensively.
Artemi Panarin, Brandt Clarke, Adrian Kempe and Joel Edmundson (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Lack Of Star Power
Los Angeles' top line was pretty much invisible when it came to getting on the scoresheet, which is another reference to the team's inability to score. However, the Kings' top players are responsible for leading the way offensively, and they weren't close to that.
Artemi Panarin and Anze Kopitar didn't register a single even-strength point, and Adrian Kempe finally got his first in the lone goal of Game 4. Top defensemen Drew Doughty and Brandt Clarke can be added to the list of notable Kings to not earned an even-strength point in the series.
The way the Kings prioritized defensive hockey over a more balanced game was evident, and that's what leads to a dry spell offensively. Even in the regular season, it's not often that the Kings have a player reach 80 points in a season.
Panarin finished the campaign with 84 points, but most of his year was spent with the New York Rangers. The last time Los Angeles had an 80-point scorer was in 2017-18 when Kopitar scored 92 points.
If the Kings want to be a serious team when it matters most, the stars must shine under the bright lights, and that starts with exceptional production in the regular season, which hasn't been the case over the years.
Possibly, with a new head coach, that could change.
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Former world No 4’s knee problem follows arm injury
Draper says it is ‘gutting’ to miss Roland Garros
Jack Draper has been ruled out of the French Open with a knee injury. It is another blow in his attempt to re-establish himself after a long-term arm injury ruled him out for the best part of eight months.
Draper has managed nine matches in five events since returning in February and retired during his first-round match with Tomás Martín Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open this month. He was diagnosed with an aggravated knee tendon injury and had initially hoped to return before the second grand slam of the year next month.
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 22: Elmer Rodríguez (35) of the New York Yankees pitches during a spring training workout on March 22, 2026 at the New York Yankees Minor League Complex in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s past vs. the future this afternoon in Arlington, as the Yankees go for a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers in a Wednesday matinee on the backs of a highly-touted prospect making his MLB debut against a grizzled veteran who once donned the pinstripes as a youngster.
Elmer Rodríguez is getting an audition these next two weeks, as he figures to get two (maybe three?) starts as the Yankees’ fifth starter before Carlos Rodón returns from his rehab assignment. For a breakdown of what to expect, check out Andrés’ piece from this morning.
Acquired from the rival Red Sox for Carlos Narváez in December 2024, the Puerto Rico native is the No. 72-ranked prospect in all of baseball and No. 3 in the Yankees’ organization behind George Lombard Jr. and Carlos Lagrange. After a solid spring training and World Baseball Classic performance, Rodríguez was off to a dynamite start in Scranton, pitching to a 1.27 ERA in 21.1 innings with 20 strikeouts to just four walks. He doesn’t seem to have a path to staying in the bigs for much of this season, barring injury, but the Yankees clearly would rather try him out than keep throwing Luis Gil every fifth day.
Old frenemy Nathan Eovaldi gets the start for the Rangers and will be making his 22nd career start against his former team, the most of any opponent. Originally drafted by the Dodgers, he was dealt to the Marlins for Hanley Ramírez and then flipped to the Yanks in December 2014 alongside Garrett Jones and then-prospect Domingo Germán for Martín Prado and David Phelps. He spent two years in pinstripes and made 48 starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery and being released after the 2016 season.
From then on, he’s been an enemy. He split time with the Rays and Red Sox in 2018 and was a key part of Boston’s 2018 World Series victory. After gettomg a new contract from Boston, he had a down 2019, but rebounded to be one of the most effective and consistent pitchers in the game for the next three seasons and tortured the Yankees along the way, allowing two runs in 12.1 career postseason innings against New York. He’s spent the last few years in Texas, where he won a another ring in 2023 and has been similarly steady until this year, when he’s struggled to a 5.79 ERA through six starts, giving up an AL-high nine homers.
Eovaldi still has great command, gets a lot of groundballs, and plenty of chases and whiffs, but he’s getting tagged significantly more this year than ever before. His fastball has never been his money pitch, but it has a startlingly bad -7 run value this year, while his cutter and curveball have similarly regressed. His strength remains his filthy splitter, which he’ll use to keep a powerful lineup honest all night.
Trent Grisham’s injury scare last night wasn’t enough to keep him out of the lineup today, as he leads off. The usual next four follow, with Jasson Domínguez getting his first start in left field in 2026 so Judge can DH, batting sixth. J.C. Escarra gets the “day game after a night game” start, followed by Ryan McMahon and José Caballero.
Similar top of the order for the Rangers with Brandon Nimmo, Josh Jung, Corey Seager, and Joc Pederson. The top six is identical to last night, but Kyle Higashioka slides in at catcher and Ezequiel Duran bats ninth at second base, with Alejandro Osuna between them.
How to watch
Location: Globe Life Field — Arlington, TX
First pitch: 2:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Rangers Sports Network
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), 105.2 The Fan, KLFC 1270 (TEX)
The job just got a lot harder for Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy.
Boston ace Garrett Crochet was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with left shoulder inflammation.
It comes after Crochet had a disappointing start to the season with a 6.30 ERA after six starts, though those numbers are inflated by one disastrous start against the Twins in which he gave up 10 runs in 1 ⅔ innings.
Garrett Crochet is going on the IL after starting for the Red Sox on April 25 against the Orioles. Getty Images
Cora’s firing came after the Red Sox’s 17-1 win over the Orioles in which the 26-year-old Crochet threw six shutout innings.
Crochet told reporters in Toronto on Wednesday that he is “pretty confident” he’ll return when eligible to come off the IL in a couple of weeks, according to MassLive.com.
“Just some fatigue I was feeling in my last start,” Crochet, who emerged as a dominant No. 1 starter for Boston last season, said. “Was able to grind through it there at the end. It just makes more sense to get ahead of it now so I’m not playing catch-up the rest of the season.
“It’s tough. Talked to Bres (Craig Breslow) and Brandon (head athletic trainer Brandon Henry) yesterday about trying to push through and ultimately, what good is that doing for the team if I’m just kicking the can down the road?”
A source told MassLive that Crochet is “trending better on a daily basis” and confirmed the move was made out of caution.
The Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora. AP
Crochet blamed issues with his spring training buildup as the reason behind the discomfort.
“At the end of the day, I feel like it was something that was preventable,” he said. “During the buildup, I just lost strength and never really got it back.”
The Red Sox called up utility man Nate Eaton from Triple-A to take Crochet’s place on the roster. However, that may only be a temporary situation with Boston in need of another starting pitcher.
Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after giving up a walk against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on April 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Getty Images
The Red Sox are expected to call up Jake Bennett to make his major league debut against the Astros on Friday night.
Sonny Gray, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Cardinals, is also on the IL with hamstring tightness. Veteran starters Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are dealing with long-term injuries with no return date in sight.
Tracy has won two of his three games since taking over for Cora.
18-12 AGAIN: After 30 games, the Cubs are 18-12 for the third straight season and the fifth of the last eight. The last year they were better through 30 games was 2016, when they were 24-6, which tied 1907 for their best 30-game start since 1901. They have had a winning percentage higher than .600 through 30 games in 20 seasons, but only seven after 1934, including .633 (19-11) in 1995 and 2001. This is the ninth season they have been 18-12: 1927-28, 1938, 2008 and the five starting in 2019. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE: This is the 14th of the Cubs’ 86 series at San Diego in which they have lost the first game, then won the second. In seven of the previous, the Cubs won the third game, including in one four-game series. The wins in rubber games were in 1972, 1973, 1984, 1992, 2015 and 2021. They lost the third game in 1979, 1980, 1995, 2011, 2013 and 2024. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RUN SCORING NOTES: Monday night, the Cubs lost for the first time at San Diego when scoring exactly seven runs. They had been 18-0. Last night, they won with eight runs. It was their 10th such win at San Diego. But they had lose three games: the first of its kind, 11-8, in 1970, and then the two before last night, both by 9-8, in 2019 and 2024. In all games at San Diego with at least eight runs, the Cubs are 21-4. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
BASE STEALING NOTES:The Cubs won last night despite the Padres stealing three bases. Since 2024, the Cubs are 6-29 when opponents have stolen three or more bases. Before last night, they had lost seven in a row and 10 of 11. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
Jameson Taillon has had some good starts this year, and some where he’s allowed too many home runs and runs. On the other hand, even when he allowed a season-high six runs and three homers to the Pirates, he struck out 10. So he’s been a useful fifth starter type. Unfortunately, with injuries the Cubs need him to step it up better than that.
Jamo threw four shutout innings against the Padres in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series last October, and allowed two runs in 5.1 innings to the Padres April 14, 2025 in San Diego.
Keeping the ball in the yard will help this afternoon, Jamo.
Matt Waldron spent much of 2024 in the Padres rotation, then spent almost all of last year in the minor leagues, making just one MLB start.
This year, he has made two starts for the Padres and given up six runs in both of them. I’d think the Cubs would take that this afternoon. He has never faced the Cubs and only Alex Bregman (0-for-2) and Michael Conforto (1-for-5, a double) have ever faced him.
Please visit our SB Nation Padres site Gaslamp Ball. If you do go there to interact with Padres fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
As LeBron James nears the end of his career (whether it is after this season, the next one, or even further down the road), the GOAT debate between him and Michael Jordan is only going to grow louder.
"I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different," James said. "I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot. There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s***, he was f****** great. We're both great. We're both great basketball players."
LeBron also talked about how Jordan influenced and inspired him.
"I think I am one of one. I think the way I play the game, I am a one-of-one player. And MJ, as well. A f****** unbelievable basketball player. I think his midrange jump shot was unbelievable. He did so many things great. I grew up f****** analyzing everything that he did, how he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody. Obviously, his post game was elite. His will to win. I think that is a trait that we all know and that we all wanted to be like. His determination to win."
LeBron has always said he was uninterested in the "barbershop talk" of whether he or Jordan is the greatest ever. However, one aspect of that debate used to bother him — his 4-6 NBA Finals record compared to Jordan's 6-0
"Like, people will really rather you not make the playoffs or lose in the first round than to lose in the Finals, which is crazy to me. And I almost feel like, is it because it's me? Everybody has to say something about my career: 'Oh, well, he made eight straight Finals, but he was only able to win three.' 'He's the leading scorer in NBA history, but he's played 23 years.'"
That issue is going to come up again and again in the coming years whenever LeBron chooses to step away from the game. The GOAT debate will not stop, even if LeBron wants to brush it away.
French driver struck animal while driving at 230 mph
Peta says Grosjean failed to show compassion for death
French racing driver Romain Grosjean has angered animal rights group Peta for “flippant” comments after hitting a bird while testing for next month’s Indianapolis 500.
The driver, who survived a fireball crash during the 2020 Formula One Bahrain GP, described the bird strike at around 230 mph in graphic terms this week.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before tipoff against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers have figured out how to win games without Luka and are just one victory away from advancing to the second round. However, if they do eliminate the Rockets and play the Thunder next, don’t expect Luka to be ready to start that series.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Dončić will be out at least for the beginning of the second round and there is no timetable for his return.
Reporting on the injury statuses of the Lakers' Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and Rockets' Kevin Durant for @GetUpESPN: pic.twitter.com/eYtiIQb2Gw
For the Lakers’ immediate future, this is not good. The Thunder are the best team in basketball and the Lakers got annihilated by them even when Luka was available. Luka is needed for the Lakers to have the best chance to win.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, so while it’s disappointing that Luka hasn’t made a faster recovery like Reaves, it’s not surprising. Clearly, Luka is doing everything to return, but hasn’t made enough improvement to have any kind of timetable for his comeback.
That’s only going to get harder the deeper they go into the postseason, but that’s the task at hand.
The only good news from all this is that Luka hasn’t suffered any setbacks, and the hamstring strain is a short-term injury, not a long-term one. The timing couldn’t be worse, but this isn’t the kind of injury that will signifcantly impact Luka’s future in anyway.
For the present, though, it means Lakers fans shouldn’t expect a Luka return any time soon.
If the Los Angeles Lakers aren't careful, the Houston Rockets could still make this an interesting series.
These Rockets vs. Lakers props and NBA picks expect Los Angeles to emphasize the importance of Game 5 on Wednesday, April 29.
Best Rockets vs Lakers props for Game 5
Player
Pick
LeBron James
Over 7.5 assists
-135
Tari Eason
Over 13.5 points
+102
DeAndre Ayton
10+ rebounds
+200
Game 5 Prop #1: LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
-135 at bet365
All facets of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense failed in Game 4. Or, perhaps more charitably, every aspect of the Houston Rockets’ defense succeeded in Game 4.
Either way, LeBron James tallying nine assists stood out.
No Laker scored more than 13 points aside from Deandre Ayton, who was ejected after just 25 minutes of action. No Laker knocked down multiple threes either, outside of Dalton Knecht’s two makes in garbage time.
As a team, Los Angeles shot 50% from the field and 23% from deep. Yet, James set up nine buckets for his teammates.
If LeBron can do that amid such a paltry offensive showing, it should be trusted that James will continue playmaking, even as Houston dials up its defense.
Game 5 Prop #2: Tari Eason Over 13.5 points
+102 at bet365
As the Rockets routed the Lakers in Game 4, Tari Eason deserves particular credit.
Eason finished with a +31 mark in only 30 minutes, buoyed by 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting and eight rebounds.
More Eason will make sense in Game 5. Leaning on him in Game 3 didn’t pay off offensively — the Houston forward finished with just five points — but he still posted a +6 across nearly 46 minutes in a game where the Rockets ultimately lost by four in overtime.
When Eason is on the court, Houston is better. So, logically, Eason should be on the court more.
Game 5 Prop #3: DeAndre Ayton 10+ rebounds
+200 at bet365
He may have been (questionably) ejected, but DeAndre Ayton was just about the only piece of the Lakers that worked in Game 4.
The Rockets are likely willing to take that risk again, knowing Ayton’s offensive ceiling is limited compared to someone like LeBron or even Luke Kennard.
LA's starting center went 9-for-12 from the field for 19 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes. He’s the Lakers' best source of size, and getting +200 odds on him to record another double-double in rebounds offers great value.
Ayton grabbed 11 rebounds in Game 1, a similar showing to Game 4 in many regards. This is simply a foolish price.
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Our NBA player prop projections are ready for Game 5 between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, with the model highlighting several high-value spots.
By analyzing the data against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges exist.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Wednesday, April 29.
Magic vs Pistons computer picks for Game 5
Magic
Pistons
Suggs o13.5 points -125
Duren o10.5 rebounds +110
Bane o2.5 3-pointers -170
Cunningham u28.5 points -105
Carter Jr. o7.5 rebounds -140
Robinson o2.5 3-pointers +130
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Magic Game 5 computer picks
Jalen Suggs Over 13.5 points (-125)
Projection: 13.9 points
The Detroit Pistons have allowed the second-most points per game to opposing starting point guards this season (21.2), making this a strong offensive matchup for Jalen Suggs after a quiet five-point outing in Game 4.
With the Orlando Magic in position to close out the series, expect Suggs to bounce back and be more aggressive offensively.
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Desmond Bane Under 2.5 3-pointers (-170)
Projection: 2.16 3-pointers
The Magic have struggled from deep on the road, shooting just 32.7% (the lowest mark in the NBA this season).
This matchup doesn’t help, either. The Pistons limit opposing starting shooting guards to the second-lowest 3-point rate (27.6%), putting Desmond Bane in a tough spot to find success from beyond the arc.
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Wendell Carter Jr. Over 7.5 rebounds (-140)
Projection: 7.87 rebounds
The Magic rank fifth in the NBA in offensive rebounding over their last 10 games (12.5 per contest), and Wendell Carter Jr. has capitalized with 17 and 11 boards in Games 3 and 4.
With Orlando building momentum, expect Carter to stay active on the glass and push this prop Over again tonight.
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Pistons Game 5 computer picks
Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds (+110)
Projection: 11.7 rebounds
The Pistons rank third in the NBA in offensive rebounding, and in an elimination game, Jalen Duren should be anything but passive on the glass. If anything, expect him to ramp up the effort to create second-chance opportunities and keep Detroit alive.
After falling short of this prop all series, this sets up as the spot for Duren to elevate his impact when it matters most.
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Cade Cunningham Under 28.5 points (-105)
Projection: 27.21 points
This is the spot where the Pistons need a statement performance from Cade Cunningham. Outside of Game 1, he’s fallen just short of this points line, but if there’s a time for him to break through, it’s now.
If he hits the Under again, it likely means one of two things (or both): Detroit’s season ends early, or Cunningham finds other ways to make an impact despite not clearing the number.
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Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 3-pointers (+130)
Projection: 2.62 3-pointers
This is a favorable matchup for 3-point volume against Orlando. On the road, the Magic allow the most attempts per game to opposing starting shooting guards (7.2).
With Detroit needing a spark in Game 5, Duncan Robinson is a strong candidate to capitalize when he finds his rhythm from deep.
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How to watch Magic vs Pistons Game 5
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Tip-off
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Sorokin tied a franchise record with seven shutouts while Swayman had a career-best 31 wins to help the Bruins get back to the playoffs. Vasilevskiy had a league-best 39 wins as the Lightning reached the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season.
Here's what to know about the Vezina Trophy finalists and the rollout for announcements for the NHL's major awards.
Vezina Trophy finalists
Players listed in alphabetical order Voting is by general managers
Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders: Sorokin led the NHL in shutouts (seven), high-danger saves (452), high-danger shots against (523), high-danger save percentage (.864), road wins (18) and road shutouts (5). He's a second-time finalist.
Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins: Swayman, who struggled at times in 2024-25 after missing training camp in a contract dispute, bounced back this season. He had his first 30-win season and led the league with 17 games with 30 or more saves. He allowed two or fewer goals in 31 games. He's a first-time finalist.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning: Vasilevskiy led the league with 39 wins and allowed two or fewer goals in 35 games, which tied him for first. He ranked second in goals-against average (2.31) and third in save percentage (.912). He's a six-time finalist and won the award in 2018-19.
Who will win the Vezina Trophy?
Likely Sorokin, considering he finished first in multiple categories. He was considered a favorite all season before the Islanders slumped at the end of the season and missed the playoffs.
Vezina Trophy snub
Colorado's Scott Wedgewood led the league in goals against average and save percentage among goalies with 40 or more starts.
NHL awards finalists announcement schedule
Tuesday, April 28: Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player): Macklin Celebrini, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid.
Wednesday, April 29: Vezina Trophy (goaltender): Ilya Sorokin, Jeremy Swayman, Andrei Vasilevskiy
Thursday, April 30: Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)
Friday, May 1: Jack Adams Award (coach)
Monday, May 4: Masterton Trophy (perseverance)
Tuesday, May 5: Calder Trophy (rookie)
Wednesday, May 6: Selke Trophy (defensive forward)
Thursday, May 7: Norris Trophy (defenseman)
Friday, May 8: Hart Trophy (MVP)
Monday, May 11: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (impact on community, culture or society)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 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. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
UPDATE: While it’s a game of semantics, it sounds more and more encouraging that Austin Reaves will make his return in Game 5. On Wednesday morning, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Reaves expects to play.
Reporting on the injury statuses of the Lakers' Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and Rockets' Kevin Durant for @GetUpESPN: pic.twitter.com/eYtiIQb2Gw
“My understanding is Austin Reaves expects to play tonight in Game 5 against the Rockets barring any setback. He’s gone through his progression — 1-on-1s, 3-on-3s, 5-on-5s. He’s had no setbacks.”
For now, it’s unclear if he will be on a minutes restriction or if he will start or come off the bench. But simply getting him back is a huge boost for a Lakers team that needs it to close out the series.
Original story follows.
Have no fear, Lakers fans, Austin Reaves is almost here.
After a couple of games where Reaves was listed as questionable but didn’t play, it seems that he is likely to make his return to the court for Game 5 vs. the Rockets.
Shams Charania of ESPN is reporting that, barring a setback, the Lakers expect their star guard to return.
Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is optimistic to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after missing about four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, sources tell ESPN. Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest. pic.twitter.com/gT6nYaEPY1
Charania did say he will be a game-time decision, so it’s not absolutely certain that Reaves will play, but it certainly seems to be trending in that direction.
While the Lakers have done well without Reaves, their offense has been struggling in the last couple of playoff games against the Rockets. His return and production could help the Lakers secure the final win they need to eliminate Houston.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season. His rebounding and scoring totals are career-highs for the five-year guard.
Returning so soon from an injury that can often take well over a month to heal from is a clear indicator of how hard Reaves worked to get back. The Lakers reportedly thought Reaves and Luka Dončić wouldn’t be able to play in the opening round. While Luka is still out, they’ve at least gotten back one of their best players in Austin.
It took multiple weeks, and the Lakers had to win some playoff games without him, but Reaves will be joining the team for competitive matchups once again.
It’s been nearly a month since Reaves has played in a Lakers game. He suffered his injury during a loss against the Thunder. Afterward, his MRI confirmed that he had a Grade 2 oblique strain, and the projected recovery period was 4-6 weeks.
Despite the Lakers’ short-term success, long-term wins will only come with Reaves on the floor. And now that he is likely back, this will only increase LA’s chances of a successful postseason run.
LeBron James
Tari Eason
Magic
Pistons