Oklahoma City Thunder (64-16, first in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (52-28, third in the Western Conference)
Denver; Friday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City seeks to keep its seven-game win streak alive when the Thunder take on Denver.
The Nuggets are 10-5 in division matchups. Denver is 23-20 against opponents with a winning record.
The Thunder are 41-9 in Western Conference play. Oklahoma City ranks third in the NBA with 34.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Chet Holmgren averaging 7.0.
The Nuggets' 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.1 fewer made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Thunder give up. The Thunder average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than the Nuggets allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Thunder won 129-126 in the last meeting on March 9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, and Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jokic is averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 27.6 points over the last 10 games.
Cason Wallace is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.0 points and 3.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 10-0, averaging 130.6 points, 45.9 rebounds, 33.1 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.9 points per game.
Thunder: 9-1, averaging 125.6 points, 46.3 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.0 points.
INJURIES: Nuggets: Peyton Watson: out (hamstring), Spencer Jones: out (hamstring).
Thunder: Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (25-55, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (61-19, second in the Western Conference)
San Antonio; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio hosts Dallas trying to prolong its six-game home winning streak.
The Spurs are 35-15 in Western Conference games. San Antonio ranks sixth in the NBA allowing only 111.2 points per game while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.
The Mavericks are 4-11 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas ranks fifth in the league scoring 52.9 points per game in the paint led by Cooper Flagg averaging 11.3.
The Spurs average 119.6 points per game, 0.3 more points than the 119.3 the Mavericks allow. The Mavericks are shooting 46.5% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 45.0% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 138-125 on Feb. 7, with Stephon Castle scoring 40 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: De'Aaron Fox is scoring 18.5 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Spurs. Keldon Johnson is averaging 15.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 48.4% over the last 10 games.
Max Christie is scoring 12.2 points per game and averaging 3.3 rebounds for the Mavericks. John Poulakidas is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 125.5 points, 50.4 rebounds, 32.0 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points per game.
Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 116.1 points, 43.1 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.1 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Stephon Castle: out (knee), Victor Wembanyama: out (rib).
Mavericks: P.J. Washington: out (elbow), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Daniel Gafford: out (shoulder), Caleb Martin: out (foot), Brandon Williams: out (illness), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: out (hip), Klay Thompson: out (rest).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Clippers (41-39, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (40-40, ninth in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits Portland looking to prolong its four-game road winning streak.
The Trail Blazers are 27-23 in Western Conference games. Portland is seventh in the Western Conference scoring 115.4 points while shooting 45.3% from the field.
The Clippers are 24-26 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is last in the league recording 23.8 assists per game led by Kawhi Leonard averaging 3.6.
The Trail Blazers score 115.4 points per game, 2.8 more points than the 112.6 the Clippers give up. The Clippers average 12.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 fewer makes per game than the Trail Blazers allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Trail Blazers won 114-104 in the last matchup on April 1. Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, and Leonard led the Clippers with 23 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is scoring 24.0 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara is averaging 18.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 54.8% over the past 10 games.
Leonard is averaging 28 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the Clippers. Brook Lopez is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 116.5 points, 46.7 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.6 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game.
Clippers: 7-3, averaging 119.4 points, 40.5 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 10.0 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: out (calf), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Vit Krejci: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Clippers: Darius Garland: out (toe), Isaiah Jackson: out (ankle), Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 8: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 8, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The night could have easily tilted the other way for the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. No Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and a late-season game with playoff stakes quietly looming in the background. On paper, it felt like a trap.
Instead, the Spurs turned it into a statement.
Behind a composed offensive attack and a defense that tightened when it mattered most, San Antonio pulled away for a 112-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers; a victory defined less by star power and more by collective resolve. From the opening tip, the Spurs looked like a team intent on controlling the tempo. De’Aaron Fox set the tone early, slicing into the lane and dictating pace on his way to a team-high 25 points.
But this wasn’t a one-man show and it couldn’t be with San Antonio missing two stars.
San Antonio leaned into its depth. Devin Vassell filled the gaps with his two-way presence, while rookie guard Dylan Harper stepped comfortably into a larger role, guiding the offense with poise beyond his experience. Then came the spark from their other rookie. Carter Bryant, a name that doesn’t always headline box scores, caught fire from beyond the arc—knocking down five of six three-point attempts in a breakout shooting performance that stretched Portland’s defense to its limit.
“I thought we had really good contributions from everybody that played,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “I thought we did a really good job with responses throughout the game to a really competitive team… I thought we did really good job.”
Off the bench, Keldon Johnson brought his usual edge, attacking the rim and providing a physical jolt that helped the Spurs maintain control whenever momentum wavered.
“I thought he [Carter Bryant] did a great job,” Coach Johnson said of the rookie. “He played within himself in terms of things we’ve talked about and training on. He shot with confidence and played with physicality.”
Still, Portland didn’t go quietly. Deni Avdija carved up the defense with 29 points, while Scoot Henderson added 20, helping the Trail Blazers chip away at San Antonio’s lead heading into the second half. For a moment in the third quarter, it felt like the game might slip. Portland surged, testing a Spurs lineup missing its defensive anchor.
That’s when San Antonio responded, not with flash, but with discipline.
The Spurs locked in defensively, cutting off driving lanes and forcing tough looks. On the other end, Fox returned to orchestrate, mixing timely buckets with smart decision-making. A late push, highlighted by key contributions from role players and interior finishes, reestablished control for good.
By the final minutes, the outcome felt inevitable. San Antonio didn’t just survive without its stars, it looked comfortable doing so. The win pushed the Spurs to 61 victories on the season and secured a top-two seed in the Western Conference, a milestone that underscores how far the franchise has come in a short time.
More importantly, it revealed something deeper. This isn’t just a team built around a generational talent. It’s a roster that can adapt, absorb adversity, and still impose its identity.
On a night when the spotlight could have dimmed, the Spurs proved they don’t need it to shine.
Game Notes
Mitch Johnson confirmed Carter Bryant will be part of his playoff rotation following his career night. “He will play in the playoffs,” the Spurs’ head coach told reporters postgame.
Keldon Johnson may have secured his Sixth Man of the Year award with his performance on Wednesday night.
Johnson and Bryant combined for 37 points off the bench for San Antonio, a dangerous sign for other teams if those guys can match those numbers.
The Colorado Avalanche have already locked up the top seed in the Western Conference, leaving just one box left to check before the postseason begins: securing the Presidents’ Trophy and home-ice advantage all the way through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They’re within striking distance, too. Just two more points over their final five games would seal it, and their first opportunity comes Thursday night against the Calgary Flames on home ice.
Colorado (51-16-10, 112 points) punched its ticket to the top of the conference with a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. It’s been a long time coming—the Avalanche have held the NHL’s best record since Dec. 1—and the only team still within reach is the Carolina Hurricanes, who sit six points back with four games remaining. Colorado also holds the edge in the season series, going 1-0-1.
“We set our goals at the start of the year, and we wanted to be on top,” captain Gabriel Landeskog said after the win in St. Louis. “That's a big step. We know it doesn't mean anything come playoff time, other than we get an extra game at home every series.”
Injury Concerns Surface Despite Win
As dominant as Tuesday’s win looked on paper, it didn’t come without a cost. Nazem Kadri exited after blocking a shot late in the second period, suffering a finger injury that will sideline him for an undisclosed period. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Wednesday on Altitude Radio that Kadri will miss time, though no timeline has been set.
Kadri, who was dealt from Calgary to Colorado on March 6, still leads the Flames in scoring with 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists). Since joining the Avalanche, he’s chipped in nine points (four goals, five assists) over 16 games.
Colorado has also been without star defenseman Cale Makar, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since March 30—ironically suffered against Calgary. The good news: he’s expected to return before the regular season wraps up.
Kadri is no stranger to playing through adversity. During the 2022 Stanley Cup run, he underwent thumb surgery in the second round but still managed to return for the final three games of the Final.
On the other side, Calgary (32-36-9, 73 points) is playing out the string after being officially eliminated from playoff contention following a win by the Nashville Predators on Monday. Still, the Flames didn’t roll over in Dallas on Tuesday, pushing the Dallas Stars to the brink before falling 4-3 in overtime.
Calgary had built a 3-1 lead early in the third period before the Stars stormed back to steal the extra point.
“I liked our game,” Flames coach Ryan Huska said. “There was a lot of our game where I thought we played hard. We did a good job away from the pucks, thought we had some lengthy shifts in the offensive zone. ... At the end of the night, again, you're taking penalties against a very good power play. That's tough.”
The Flames also took an injury hit of their own, as defenseman Kevin Bahl logged just two shifts before leaving with a lower-body issue. No update was provided postgame.
Thursday’s matchup marks the second meeting in a condensed stretch, with the two teams set to face off three times in just nine games. After not seeing each other at all earlier this season, they’ll wrap up the series Tuesday in Calgary.
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 8: Cooper Flagg #32 and Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 8, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks came up just short Wednesday night, falling 112-107 to the Phoenix Suns in a game that stayed competitive into the final minutes but ultimately slipped away late. Dallas actually shot a respectable 41.1% from the field and 36.1% from three, but couldn’t quite match Phoenix’s overall efficiency and shot-making. Marvin Bagley III led the way with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting and 8 rebounds, continuing his strong play, while Cooper Flagg struggled from the field at 4-of-19 but still stuffed the stat sheet with 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Max Christie added 18 points on 4-of-9 from three, and Ryan Nembhard chipped in 7 assists, but the Mavericks couldn’t find enough consistent scoring late. Phoenix was more balanced and efficient, shooting 46.2% from the field and 40.0% from three, led by Devin Booker’s 37 points and 9 assists and Dillon Brooks’ 28 points.
Dallas came out with solid early energy, getting offense through Marvin Bagley III inside and from three, while Max Christie hit a pair of threes and Cooper Flagg added scoring and playmaking to give the Mavericks early rhythm and even brief control. But that momentum didn’t last, as the Suns flipped the first quarter late behind Royce O’Neale’s shooting and Devin Booker’s shot creation, turning a competitive start into a 33-29 deficit. In the second quarter, Dallas pushed back, with Flagg attacking downhill, Nembhard creating looks, and contributions from Cisse and Middleton helping tie the game around 45-45.
Still, the same issues showed up again, as the Mavericks couldn’t sustain offense or string together stops. Booker took over late in the half, scoring off drives, pull-ups, and free throws while Dallas fell into missed shots and empty possessions. Even when Dallas had chances to grab control, they couldn’t convert, and Phoenix consistently answered with efficient offense. By halftime, the Suns led 61-53, a half where Dallas showed flashes but couldn’t match Phoenix’s consistency.
The second half had stretches where it felt like Dallas might flip the game, but they could never sustain it. In the third quarter, the Mavericks chipped away behind Marvin Bagley’s interior scoring, Poulakidas hitting shots, and Cooper Flagg facilitating, even cutting the deficit down multiple times. But every push was answered, as Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks consistently generated efficient offense, keeping Phoenix in control.
The fourth quarter followed that same script, with Dallas getting within one possession behind Christie’s threes and more Bagley scoring, but missed layups and empty trips prevented them from taking the lead. Booker closed it late with shot-making and free throws, while Dallas’ offense stalled at the worst time. The box score tells the story, as the Mavericks shot 41.1% overall, with Bagley leading with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Flagg struggled at 4-of-19 despite filling the stat sheet. Phoenix was simply more efficient, shooting 46.2% and hitting 14 threes, led by Booker’s 37 and Brooks’ 28, which ultimately sealed a 112-107 loss.
23: Poulakidas points
John Poulakidas was one of the most impressive players in this game, especially considering the context. In real rotation minutes, he didn’t just hold his own; he legitimately impacted the game with his shooting and confidence. He finished with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 5-of-8 from three (62.5%), and it felt like every make came in rhythm and within the flow of the offense. This wasn’t empty production either. He hit tough shots, spaced the floor, and gave Dallas a scoring punch they desperately needed.
What stood out most was how unafraid he was. There were multiple possessions where he went right at Devin Booker, either answering on the other end or forcing Booker to work defensively. That kind of shot-making and confidence, especially from a player in his role, changes how the game feels. Instead of the offense stalling, Dallas actually had someone who could step into a jumper and make it count.
For a team searching for consistent perimeter shooting, this is exactly the kind of performance that should turn heads. Poulakidas didn’t just have a hot night. He showed real, translatable skill as a shooter who can stretch defenses and compete against high-level players.
10: Missed AJ Johnson shots
This was AJ Johnson’s first real extended run, and it was about as rough as it could look. He finished just 1-of-11 from the field (9.1%) and 0-of-3 from three, and it felt even worse than the numbers suggest. The misses weren’t just tough looks. They were forced shots, rushed decisions, and possessions that stalled the offense completely. When Dallas was trying to make a push, those empty trips added up fast.
It wasn’t just the shooting, either. The overall feel wasn’t there. Timing, decision-making, and control all looked off, and instead of settling things down, his minutes often sped the game up in the wrong way. For a player getting a real opportunity, you want to see composure and flashes of creation, but this was mostly out of sync from start to finish.
It’s one game, and young players are going to have nights like this. But this was a reminder of how far he still has to go. When you’re trying to evaluate pieces for the future, performances like this stand out just as much as the good ones.
Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) blocks the shot of Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns lost an emotional, hard-fought game against the Houston Rockets and had to bounce back quickly against a pesky Dallas Mavericks team. The Suns got great nights from Devin Booker, who scored 37 points and dished out nine assists, and Dillon Brooks, who scored 28 points on 50% from the field and survived, barely, to win 112-107.
Here’s what the Suns did well: they held Cooper Flagg to 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The Suns shot 40% from the 3-point line and made 14 threes. The Suns outscored the Mavericks 16-6 in points off turnovers. Yet it was another game full of big momentum swings and consistent play.
The Suns led by 18 points in the third quarter, only to go scoreless for five minutes and allow the Mavericks to go on an 18-1 run, cutting the deficit to 1. Then they woke up and went up double digits again, only for that lead to evaporate quickly and the Mavericks to lead by two. Booker and Brooks combined for 65 points, and the Suns only beat the 25-55 Mavericks by five points. Stagnant offense and poor defense allowed the Mavericks to hang around in a game the Suns should have won easily.
Part of the roller coaster ride for the Suns was due to two in-game injuries to Jalen Green (knee) and Jordan Goodwin (lower leg injury), who both left the game in the first half and did not return. Already without Mark Williams and Grayson Allen, the Suns went to their bench and played everyone. Ryan Dunn played 24 minutes and guarded Flagg exceptionally well, while Rasheer Fleming played 14 minutes and had little impact on the game. Jamaree Bouyea played four minutes, and Amir Coffey played six as well.
The big, emphasis on big, story of the night was Khaman Maluach, who started his first NBA game and showed why he was the Suns’ lottery prize this offseason. He scored 4 points, grabbed 14 rebounds (one night after the Suns were obliterated on the boards), and blocked three shots, including a monster block on a Flagg dunk attempt.
Maluach still showed many flaws that he will have to work through to become a great center in the NBA, like his ability to grab the ball without bobbling it, finishing strong in the paint, and not getting pushed around. Tonight, though, he was the difference between the Suns winning and losing because of his effort. He challenged players at the rim, even though he got dunked on by Marvin Bagley in the first quarter, he blocked Flagg late in the game when the Suns needed it most. It was not just that he was trying to block shots either; it was his effort to contest shots and then immediately pursue the rebound after, something that Mark Williams has struggled to do since December. He and Booker tied for a team high +11 in plus/minus, and the eye test matched that. He was brilliant in his first start as a Phoenix Sun, and showed that he could be the Suns’ future at center as early as, well, right now.
Game Flow
First Half
The first half was back and forth between the Suns and the Mavericks. Neither team led by more than two possessions until the Suns closed the first half on an impressive 15-6 run to lead 61-53 at halftime. The Suns allowed just one field goal from the Mavericks in the last six minutes of the second quarter. Devin Booker started the game with a quick 8 points early in the first quarter and finished the second quarter attacking Dallas’s little guards at the rim. He had 19 points in the first half.
Outside of Booker, it was Phoenix’s 3-point shooting that was the difference in the first half, with Royce O’Neale scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from long distance. Jordan Goodwin hit three 3-point shots as well, but unfortunately, he left the game with a lower leg injury in the second quarter. The Mavericks were 12-of-12 from the free-throw line and got just enough offense to remain close at the break.
With Mark Williams and Grayson Allen out of the lineup for injury management, and Jalen Green heading to the locker room just four minutes into the game, Jordan Ott was forced to play his young players. Khaman Maluach started the game for Williams and grabbed seven rebounds in the first half, and his defense was a mixed bag. His length at the rim is disruptive, but Marvin Bagley scored a team-high 11 points in the first half, with all of them coming against Maluach, including a thunderous dunk in the light center.
Ryan Dunn got into the rotation and played well, shutting down Cooper Flagg multiple times and finding shooters in the corner in the short roll on offense. Rasheer Fleming played seven minutes and was quiet in his minutes.
Second Half
The Suns started the second half with a quick 10-0 run. Dillon Brooks was getting into his midrange bag, forcing the Mavericks to call a quick timeout just two minutes into the quarter. The Suns led 71-53 and had created the separation needed to take full control of the game, except they didn’t score for the next five minutes of game action. The Suns’ lack of ball movement and Brooks’ isolations were major contributors to the drought. The Mavericks did what they do best: get to the free-throw line and score in the paint. Dallas guard Max Christie knocked in a couple of 3-point jumpers as well, and just as fast as the Suns’ lead ballooned to 18, it dwindled to just one, 72-71. The Mavericks 18-1 run was another extended slog of unremarkable basketball from a Suns team that needs to be playing its best basketball right now.
The Suns woke up and closed the quarter strong. Booker was attacking again in the midrange and converted multiple and-1 pullups to give the Suns a boost, and Gillespie scored 7 quick points to give the Suns an 88-80 lead after three quarters of basketball.
The fourth quarter was another seesaw of runs. Mavericks guard John Poulakidas continued his hot shooting in the fourth quarter, knocking down multiple jumpers to get Dallas back into the game. The Suns’ offense continued to stagnate, and the Mavericks took their first lead of the game, 95-93, after a Christie pull-up 3-point shot in transition. It was Booker to the rescue yet again as he checked in and immediately deposited a long-range triple and got the free throw line. A tough pull-up jumpshot at the right elbow from Brooks put the Suns up 102-95 after a 9-0 run with five minutes to go.
The Suns had control of the game again; they just had to hold on a little longer. Another Brooks jumper gave the Suns an eight-point lead, but the Mavericks continued to fight (even after they took out all of their best players to try to lose the game). The Mavericks cut the deficit to three, but a Booker side step 3-point shot was the nail in the coffin, as the Suns led 110-104 and went on to win 112-107.
Up Next
A Friday night showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, with tip-off at 7:30 Arizona time.
The Clippers offense was held to just five hits on the day, three of which came from Dayan Frias. Nolan Jones also went 1-4 with an RBI and a BB. He continues to mash AAA pitching.
Everyone’s favorite innings eater Pedro Avila got the start today, he allowed one run on four hits in three innings pitched while also striking out two. Tommy Mace also tossed 2.2 scoreless innings while striking out three batters.
It was a tough day for the RubberDucks offense, as a single from Christian Knapczyk in the 9th inning saved them from being no hit in this one. It is noteworthy that top prospect Angel Genao went 0-1 with FOUR walks in this one. He continues to have an incredible start to the season as he is hitting .375 with a 1.315 OPS thus far.
It was Matt Wilkinson’s(also known as Tugboat) AA debut today and he looked great. He allowed just one run on three hits with six strikeouts and two walks in his four innings pitched. Carter Rustad threw two scoreless innings in relief.
Guys, I think we really have something here with Justin Campbell. We knew he was super talented when we drafted him, but I wasn’t sure what to expect after he missed three seasons due to various injuries. I certainly did not expect THIS. Not only does his stuff look on par to what it was in college, it actually looks…better. His heater is sitting mid 90s, and the breaking balls are filthy. You would expect after missing as much time as he did that the command would be spotty, especially the secondaries, but that hasn’t been the case at all. If he can maintain his health as he continues to stretch out, we could be looking at a call up to AA sooner rather than later with an addition to the 40 man roster at the end of the season as well. I am super excited about him.
Jaison Chourio has looked a lot more like the player we thought he was this season now that he appears to be healthy. He’s hitting the ball with much more impact than we saw last season. He went 1-4 tonight but had multiple hard hit balls. Dean Curley went 2-5 with two strikeouts. Aaron Walton went 1-4 with a double and a walk. Bennet Thompson continues his hot start to the season, going 1-3 with two walks. He is now hitting .333 with an OPS of 1.223. Maick Collado went 1-4 with a clutch RBI double in extra innings.
Dauri Fernandez went 1-3 with a walk tonight, he is a prospect to keep an eye on as the season goes on. I love his swing. It’s been a slow start for him and Juneiker Caceres, but it’s only a matter of time before they get going. Cannon Peebles went 1-4 with a double. Yerlin Luis went 1-3 with a two RBI double. Yaikel Mijares also went 1-3 with a double.
It was a very exciting performance from 2025 draft pick Nelson Keljo tonight. He tossed four scoreless innings and struck out six while walking just one.Miguel Flores was also excellent tonight, with four scoreless innings of his own with five strikeouts and no walks. It was a dominant pitching performance overall from the Howlers tonight.
A little recap of Hill City's pitching in tonight's shutout win🤯
Nelson Keljo: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 6 K Miguel Flores: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 K Angel Perez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 K pic.twitter.com/OQrvsRGBKG
The New York Rangers ended their home campaign at Madison Square Garden with a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.
With the Rangers playing their last home game of the 2025-26 season, let's take a deep dive into the team’s play at the world’s most famous arena over the course of the year.
The season opened up at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Going into that matchup, there was a lot of excitement, yet uncertainty as the Mike Sullivan era was set to begin.
Against Sullivan’s former team in front of a full house at MSG, the Rangers were outplayed and lost 3-0 in what would ultimately be a sign of things to come.
The Blueshirts failed to score a goal over their first three home games, marking the second-longest scoring drought to start a season at home.
They also lost their first seven games at home before finally recording their first win on Broadway against the Nashville Predators on Nov. 10.
During this tumultuous stretch, the Rangers became the first NHL team in 98 years to be shut out in five of their first seven home games.
Through the first handful of games, despite struggling to score goals, the Rangers were putting up shots and generating offense at a high rate. It was constantly preached by both Sullivan and veteran leaders in the locker room that they were playing the right way and would eventually be rewarded.
“'I’ll go back to when you look at the first 20 games of the season, there were a lot of games that we felt pretty good about our overall game from a process standpoint, and we struggled to score goals for whatever reason in particular, at home,” Sullivan said. “We were creating offense. We just weren't scoring.”
Over time, as the Rangers’ scoring woes persisted, their confidence wavered, and the positive messages that used to come out of the locker room turned into cryptic messages and seeds of doubt.
Playing in the comfort of your own building is usually an advantage, but the mounting pressure on the Rangers in the confines of MSG overwhelmed them to the point that playing on home ice became a disadvantage.
“To a certain extent, it took a life of its own because our guys care deeply about playing in front of the home crowd and the people that support us,” Sullivan said. “We have a sincere appreciation for that, and so sometimes that becomes a challenge because you're trying so hard to try to win at home. Sometimes it gets in the way of your instincts and you don't play with a free mind and instinctive mindset, which is when players are at their best.”
By the midpoint of the season, the Rangers managed to scrap together just five home wins compared to their 14 wins on the road.
“It’s a passionate fanbase. It’s hard when things are not going well, and then you squeeze a little tighter to get out of it,” J.T. Miller said. “Maybe you play a little differently than you would when you're a little more loose. It’s hard mentally.”
With the Rangers well out of the playoff race late in the season, they’ve brought life back to MSG and have played their best hockey despite the games being meaningless from a standings perspective.
The Rangers have won five out of their last seven games at home, while scoring three or more goals in each of those five victories.
“It's not like we've changed our game plan,” Sullivan said. “I think we've got back to a pretty consistent team game. We're generating a lot of offense, and we're scoring a lot of goals. I wish I could have solved it earlier. Sometimes you can't always control whether the puck goes in the net, but what you can try to control is the process.”
To finish the season, the Rangers held a 14-20-7 record at home. The franchise record for fewest wins at home is 13, set back during the 2003-04 season.
In the grand scheme of things, this hot stretch to close out the year will likely get lost in the shuffle of a season haunted by failure and disappointment.
Through it all though, there’s a sense at least from the players’ words that they’ve been able to recapture an identity that you can only hope can be carried into the 2026-27 campaign.
“I just like the way at the end of the year you can look at it like we're not playing for anything, but I think that we've done a good job of flipping that like, ‘Hey, we're playing for something, playing for the Rangers in Madison Square Garden. We're going to show up.’ I think the results lately have shown that,” Miller said. “I feel good about the way we are playing.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 08: Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants hits a three run home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 8, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Things were very different in 2013. Barry Zito was completing a wildly successful eight-year contract with the San Francisco Giants. America was falling in love with a prehistoric family called The Croods and an up-and-coming rapper from the Pacific Northwest named Macklemore. Anthony Weiner was running for mayor and Toronto mayor Rob Ford (R.I.P.) was smoking crack. It was also the last year the Philadelphia Phillies won a series in San Francisco.
That streak continued Wednesday as the Giants shut out the Phillies for the second game in a row. Tyler Mahle and four relievers combined on a four-hit shutout, with Matt Gage getting the first win of his career after Rafael Devers got the Giants on the board with a three-run home run in the 6th inning.
The 411-foot blast was Devers’ second of the season and delighted all the fans perusing the organic garden in center field. Devers finished the day with four RBI when he singled in Luis Arraez in the 8th. Arraez scored two runs, as did Willy Adames, who celebrated his teammate’s big day, by, what else, throwing a big bucket of Gatorade on him.
Adames scored on the Devers bomb and scored from first when Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado threw away Arraez’s sacrifice bunt in the 8th inning. He and Adames each went 2-for-4, with Adames adding a double and Arraez tripling in the first, though he was stranded after two strikeouts. Arraez is now hitting .320 and clearly heading for another batting title.
The 31-year-old Mahle had his best start as a Giant, yielding three hits — one on the infield — and four walks in 5.2 innings, striking out six. He retired eight straight Phillies after Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper got hits in the first, then pitched his way out of a third-inning jam after walking those same two Phillies and throwing a wild pitch, by getting Alec Bohm to ground out to third baseman/baseball vacuum Matt Chapman.
Mahle couldn’t retire Schwarber, who hat a hit and two walks, but the other Phillies went 2-for-18 with two walks against him. Gage replaced Mahle with two outs in the 6th and 94 pitches on Mahle’s count after Adolis Garcia singled and retired Brandon Marsh.
Gage gave up a pinch-hit to Otto Kemp and Caleb Killian relieved him, walking Trae Turner on four pitches. But he finally retired Schwarber, striking him out with his knuckle curve, and getting Harper to ground out. Daywalker Blade Tidwell and Erik Miller pitched perfect innings for a Giants bullpen that struggled to hold leads recently. Gage, Killian, and Tidwell still have spotless ERAs for the season.
Phillies starter Aaron Nola pitched well into the 6th, escaping trouble with strikeouts in the first and getting Devers to ground into a double play with two runners on in the 4th. But he couldn’t escape Devers and dropped to 1-1.
Jose Avila got his first hit as a Giant with a pinch-hit single in the 8th. Center fielder Harrison Bader couldn’t stick it to his old team, going 0-for-4 in the game and 1-for-10 in the series.
The Giants are now 5-8 and are 2-2 in their series, which isn’t actually a stat that counts in the standings but still feels good after some miserable games against the city of New York to start the season. They’re making what Boyz II Men would call an East Coast swing for the next week and a half, heading to Baltimore for a three-game series Friday, then hitting Cincinnati and our nation’s capital. Get ready for some crabs, spaghetti covered in chili, and some serious legislative gridlock, fellas!
DENVER , CO - APRIL 7: Kyle Freeland (21) of the Colorado Rockies works against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
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The 6-6 Colorado Rockies have made it through their rotation 2.4 times so far and each starter has had at least one road start and one home start (except for José Quintana, of course, who is on the IL with a hamstring injury).
We’ve seen some dominant performances and some not-so-dominant performances so it begs the question: how is the new Rockies’ pitching philosophy playing out in real time?
But before we answer that question, since we’re still in small sample size territory, I’d rather ask you this: how would you grade the starting rotation so far in 2026?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The never-say-die Dallas Mavericks put up a valiant, short-handed effort against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, losing 112-107. Devin Booker was the high scorer and all-around best player for the Suns, scoring 37 to go along with five rebounds and nine assists. John Poulakidas led Dallas in scoring off the bench, pouring in 23 and making it look easy.
Both the Mavericks and Suns were on fire early from the three-point line. The teams traded leads, with neither squad playing much defense. Both Cooper Flagg and Jalen Green exited the game early with injury issues and it was unclear if either would return. The Mavericks stayed feisty and stuck with the Suns, trailing 33-29 after one quarter.
With Cooper Flagg returning in the second, Dallas tried to keep pace with the Suns and managed for most of the quarter. The hot outside shooting from Dallas cooled but getting to the line allowed Dallas to match scoring with the Suns. But after tying it at 50 with 4:22 remaining, the Mavericks would score only three points the rest of the quarter. The Suns scored slowly and built up a 61-53 to take into the half.
Before the second half started began, it was reported that Jalen Green would not return. The Suns opened the half blowing up their lead to as many as 18 as Dallas looked half asleep. The Mavericks, of course, spent the rest of the period whittling that lead back down to zero only to unravel in the final few minutes. The score entering the fourth was the same difference as when the second half began: the suns lead 88-80.
Dallas would not go away. The Mavericks stormed back once again, taking a 95-93 lead with around eight minutes remaining. Following a Suns timeout, Phoenix retook the lead but not before the Mavericks entered the 45th CLUTCH game of their season, being down five with under five minutes to go. In the first really obvious tanking move I can remember, Kidd pulled all his starters and they STILL managed to keep the game within three points until a Devin Booker three sealed the game with 1:12 remaining. The Mavericks fall, 112-107.
Have yourself a game, John Poulakidas
I make it a point not to get too invested in two-way players. If a two-way player matters, the season is usually lost. But that doesn’t mean I’m against a good story, and the Yale guard has been fun for Dallas these last 40 days or so. He scored his first NBA points three weeks ago and just nine games later, scores a career high 23 points on some great looking shots.
To be honest, I have no idea if he has a spot on a NBA team. He plays real hard and has a key skill in terms of shot making that teams can use. He tries hard on defense, but considering Dallas is so bad at defense I’ve no idea how to rate him. Perhaps he can go to Summer League with the Mavericks?
The Suns have a lot of good players I enjoy watching
Dillon Brooks is an acquired taste at best, but I very much appreciate the games of Collin Gillespie and Khaman Maluach. The former helped control the game for the Suns on the offensive end while the latter was fantastic on the boards for the Suns, grabbing 14 in his first start. I’m not sure how the pieces all fit with this team; Booker is awesome and Jalen Green has a ton of talent.
AJ Johnson might be the worst NBA contract player on the Mavericks in years
Tonight, Johnson shot 1-11 from the floor. He’s now 20-72 from the field in his short time with the Mavericks. Professional basketball players cannot shoot 27% from the floor. His finishing is weak (he loses the ball on drives), his shot from distance looks as if he’s blind, and his defense is that of a grade schooler. Sorry if this is too harsh. Whoever drafted and signed him should not be allowed to make personnel decisions.
Yankees closer David Bednar took the loss on April 8, 2026.
David Bednar had earned a save in each of his five appearances this season prior to Wednesday’s loss, but the closer has struggled recently, with his fastball velocity down a bit.
Both Bednar and Aaron Boone said they are unconcerned about the dip with his four-seamer and his splitter, but the right-hander gave up a run for the third time in his last four outings in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the A’s.
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“It’s early in the season and the weather [is cold],” Bednar said. “It’s nothing to panic about.”
Bednar could also be feeling the effects of recent consecutive appearances in which he combined to throw 73 pitches.
He struggled again against the A’s, as he allowed a pair of hits and the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly.
In his last four games, Bednar has thrown 4 ¹/₃ innings and allowed eight hits, a walk and three runs, while striking out six.
“I got ahead of guys and couldn’t put them away,’’ Bednar said of his performance Wednesday. “That can’t happen in a game like that. I got in a jam, tried to get out of it and unfortunately wasn’t able to.”
Yankees closer David Bednar took the loss on April 8, 2026. Jason Szenes / New York Post
In an interesting peek at what was and maybe what could be, Jasson Domínguez returned to center field Wednesday for the first time since 2024.
Domínguez — who had begun his professional career in center then was moved to left field, where he exclusively played in the majors last season and where he had begun this season — was the center fielder for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in his eighth minor league game this year, going 0-for-5.
With Domínguez moving over, Spencer Jones received his first start in left field this season. Aaron Boone said the Yankees want to give the top prospects looks at different spots.
“You never know when things pop up,” the manager said.
Injuries pop up and sometimes so does underperformance. The Yankees major league outfield is filled — with Cody Bellinger in left, Trent Grisham in center, Aaron Judge in right, Giancarlo Stanton at DH and Randal Grichuk as a righty bat off the bench — which has meant the Yankees have a star-studded prospect outfield at the top level of the minors.
With the outfield remaining healthy, neither Domínguez nor Jones had a real shot at cracking the Opening Day roster. Boone said he was happy with Domínguez’s spring at-bats, particularly a few later in the Grapefruit League as a righty, including launching a home run against Philadelphia lefty Tanner Banks. The switch-hitting Domínguez has struggled in the minors and majors from the right side.
Jasson Domínguez looks up as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of the Yankees’ spring training win over the Cubs on March 24, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. AP
“I know he’s had a homer and an extra-base hit from the right side down there,” Boone said. “I saw him make a really good play in left field the other day in their day game that I was watching. So off to a pretty good start.”
If Domínguez and Jones prove capable at both the corners and center field, the Yankees would be able to pick the better performer when they have a major league need. That need could arise out of injury or if, say, Grisham is not able to replicate his strong 2025 season.
Carlos Rodón was set to throw two simulated innings during a bullpen session. The lefty, whose progress from offseason elbow surgery was paused because of a tight hamstring last week, was able to throw through the setback.
Boone was not immediately sure of the next step for Rodón, who had been close to starting a rehab assignment before the hamstring issue.
“We want to make sure he’s in a good spot before he goes and does something live or in a game situation,” Boone said.
When the Yankees travel home from a series in Tampa this weekend, they expect Anthony Volpe to join them.
Volpe, who has been getting at-bats at the club’s spring facility, could start a rehab assignment next week, Boone said, “but we’ll see in the next few days.”
Honored as 2025 Silver Slugger Award winners before the game: Judge (outfield), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (second base) and the entire Yankees offense, which won the team award.
While he has been rehabbing, the two-time All-Star has been at Pacers games to help cheer on his team, and away from the court, he’s thrown himself into some different hobbies.
According to The Athletic, Haliburton has been learning to DJ, working on a sneaker line with Puma and livestreaming with his brother.
The news on Wednesday had fans excited to see the NBA star inching closer to a return.
“You’ll back more [strong] than before Hali,” one fan wrote on X.
Tyrese Haliburton reacts after suffering a ruptured Achilles during the Pacers’ Game 7 loss to the Thunder in the NBA Finals on June 22, 2025. Xinhua News Agency via Getty Ima
He did return to the Pacers bench on March 25.
The Pacers are down to their final three games of the season with a trip to Brooklyn on Thursday before playing at home against the 76ers on Friday and the Pistons on Sunday.
Well the Braves are quietly cruising so far this season, with a strong 8-5 record and tied for the MLB lead in run differential. The rotation hasn’t been a weakness yet overall, though the fifth spot had been pretty rough, and while the offense hasn’t been truly humming, only 3 teams in MLB have scored more runs. With Sean Murphy and Spencer Strider seemingly only a few weeks away from their return and further reinforcements coming later on with Ha-Seong Kim and potentially a handful of talented pitchers, it sure feels like the Braves could be near the top of the standings this season based on the first two weeks of baseball. When Ronald Acuna gets going and Austin Riley recovers some of his form at the plate, this team could be a force to be reckoned with at full strength.
