The Boston Celtics will look to avoid a first-round collapse as they host the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 tonight.
This series has been filled with standout performances, giving us plenty of player props to target, whether it’s Joel Embiid stuffing the stat sheet or a couple of Boston Celtics role players continuing to produce at a high rate.
Game 7 Prop #1: Joel Embiid Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists
-105 at bet365
Since his return from his surgery for appendicitis, Joel Embiid has been a force in this series, averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game for the Philadelphia 76ers.
While beating the Boston Celtics on their home court in a Game 7 might be a tall order, expect Embiid to put up another big performance after topping 40.5 PRA in each of the last three contests.
Game 7 Prop #2: Payton Pritchard Over 4.5 assists
+125 at bet365
Payton Pritchard remains an excellent distributor for the Celtics. He averaged 5.2 assists per game during the regular season and has dished out five or more assists in all but one game in this series.
Boston is leaning on Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as its primary scoring threats, and I can’t see them going away from their two biggest stars tonight.
That means putting Pritchard in a supporting role, and while his scoring numbers might increase if he hits a few more shots, he’ll mostly be looking to get the ball to the top options on the court.
Game 7 Prop #3: Neemias Queta Over 7.5 rebounds
+105 at bet365
Neemias Queta is often overlooked in the Celtics offense, and along with picking up some efficient buckets in the paint, Queta is an excellent rebounder.
While the Portuguese center has only played 19.8 minutes per game in the series, he’s still averaging 8.0 rebounds in the process.
Boston has looked to play Queta more with Embiid back in the lineup. He’s had two straight games with 20+ minutes and double-digit rebounds, and he’ll be counted on to get that kind of run again in Game 7.
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STREAKING AT HOME: The Cubs are trying today for a 10th consecutive victory at home. They have had 18 such double-digit streaks during the Modern Era, the last 14 at Wrigley Field, their home since 1916. Their most recent was 14 in a row, May 18-June 22, 2008. A 13-game streak in 2001 and a 10-game streak in 1998 are their only others of the kind since 1970. Their record is 18 straight, Sept. 4-22, 1935, during a surge that lifted them to the pennant. The 2008 streak was one of five of 14 games. The 2001 streak was the only one of 13. They also had a lone streak of 12, in 1927, and of 11, in 1910. Eight of the streaks ended after 10 games. Ten were snapped after nine wins. The first seven were in 1908-33. Then there was one in 1957 and two in back-to-back years, 2016 and 2017. The most recent streak ended with a 5-1 loss to the Braves in which the Cubs managed only five hits: two each by Ian Happ and Ben Zobrist, and one by Jason Heyward. One of Happ’s was a homer. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
THREE OF A KIND: The Cubs’ pair of three-run innings yesterday were their 11th and 12th of the season with a trio. They have scored five runs in three innings, four runs in seven and two runs in 22, for a total of 44 crooked-number innings, out of 95 total innings in which they have scored. They have allowed multiple runs in 35 of 74 innings in which they gave up runs. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
DANSBY: Dansby Swanson, last 17 games since April 12: .273/.391/.600 (15-for-55) with a double, a triple, five home runs, 11 walks, 16 runs scored and 18 RBI.
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs homered four times (Sammy Sosa, Gary Matthews Jr., Bill Mueller and Eric Young Sr.) and defeated the Padres 8-3 at Wrigley Field. It happened 25 years ago today, Wednesday, May 2, 2001.
Shōta Imanaga was a little off his game Sunday against the Dodgers, allowing five runs in 5.1 innings. One positive: He did not allow a home run and this year he’s given up just three long balls in 34.1 innings, a vast improvement over last year.
Overall, though, after a bit of a rough outing his first time out this year against the Nationals, Imanaga posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.750 WHIP in 29.1 innings in five April starts. Can’t really argue with that sort of production.
Last year, he threw seven innings of three-hit, one-run ball against the D-backs March 29, 2025 at Chase Field. Do that again, Shōta.
Ryne Nelson had a pretty good year for the D-backs in 2025 (33 games, 23 starts, 3.39 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, 3.4 bWAR), but this year has been a disaster. He’s had two decent starts but the other four have been awful, and especially the last two: 15 hits, 14 earned runs in 5.1 innings (that’s a 23.83 ERA). He’s allowed six home runs in 25.2 innings this year.
Last year he made two relief appearances against the Cubs and they absolutely pounded him: 10 hits, nine runs in 2.1 innings.
Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit. If you do go there to interact with D-backs 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.
On this day in 2018, the Winnipeg Jets delivered one of the most memorable playoff comebacks in franchise history, rallying from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 7-4 in Game 3 of their second-round series in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Facing the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Predators, the Jets stunned a raucous Nashville crowd by scoring seven unanswered goals after falling behind early, flipping the momentum of what would become one of the most intense series of that postseason.
That Jets team, led by head coach Paul Maurice, was widely regarded as one of the most complete in franchise history. The roster featured a dynamic mix of high-end scoring and physical depth, headlined by captain Blake Wheeler, star center Mark Scheifele, and electrifying winger Patrik Laine. They had veteran leadership with the likes of Dustin Byfuglien and Bryan Little, while the blue line also featured standouts like Jacob Trouba and Josh Morrissey.
It was the breakout season for superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who quickly established himself as not only a true number-one goaltender but one of the very best in the league.
The Game 3 comeback proved to be a turning point in the series as Winnipeg would go on to defeat Nashville in seven games, winning a dramatic Game 7 on the road to advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time since the franchise relocated from Atlanta.
The Jets’ run ultimately ended in the Western Conference Final, where they were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Despite the disappointing finish, the 2018 playoffs remain a defining moment for the franchise, showcasing the peak of a talented core and delivering several unforgettable performances, including the dramatic Game 3 comeback in Nashville.
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Arsenal have opened a six-point lead over Manchester City in the title race after a comprehensive home victory over Fulham
“My thanks to Richard Hirst, but if we’re talking races to the grave, I’m probably a way ahead of him,” writes Charles Antaki. “So should the Arsenal men’s team fail at this Premier League hurdle, the next may be beyond my span. Today, the universe has a chance to right the wrongs of the women’s unsatisfactory performance at Lyon; but given that the universe seems to show absolutely no interest in righting wrongs of any description, and there are a few around at the moment, I’m not particularly hopeful. But, as ever, we shall see.”
Mikel Arteta’s pre-match thoughts
Some of the changes are forced. There are other reasons as well – we need a lot of energy, freshness and quality as well.
[On Myles Lewis-Skelly playing in midfield] He’s been very patient, extremely understanding about the situation and he deserves another chance. Every time he’s played, he’s done really well.
The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees clash this afternoon in the Bronx.
That matchup headlines my favorite MLB picks for today in the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best free NRFI and YRFI bets for Saturday, May 2.
Best NRFI/YRFI bets today
Pick
Odds
/ - NRFI
-108
/ - NRFI
-117
/ - NRFI
-108
Orioles at Yankees: NRFI (-108)
The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees continue their three-game set today. Kyle Bradish takes the hill for the visitors, and he has a perfect 6-0 NRFI record this season. While his 4.80 ERA isn’t great, Bradish rarely gets into trouble in the first inning.
The Yankees are hitting just .220 in the first, and they’ve scored in the first inning just twice in their last six games. As for the O’s, they’re in the midst of a three-game NRFI streak, and Ryan Weathers has allowed no runs in the first in two of his previous four appearances.
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, YES
Blue Jays at Twins: NRFI (-117)
This one is a no-brainer. We’re looking at two teams who rarely produce offense out of the gates. The Toronto Blue Jays have a 23-9 NRFI/YRFI record, while the Minnesota Twins are 25-8 in that category.
Dylan Cease has allowed a run in the first in just two of his six starts this year, while Connor Prielipp is 1-1. The Jays are hitting just .253 in the first innings, and although the Twins are 10th in the big leagues in runs, they’re batting under .200 in the first.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Twins.TV, SN1
Phillies at Giants: NRFI (-108)
The Philadelphia Phillies send Andrew Painter to the mound tonight against the Miami Marlins. While he’s posted a dismal 5.25 ERA, Painter hasn’t allowed a run in the first inning yet this season. The Fish have also scored in the first just once across their last six appearances, and that was on Friday.
As for the Phils, their offensive struggles are well known, and they’ve only scored in the first in 66% of their games so far. Max Meyer has also shoved early in games, not surrendering a single run in the first inning in five straight starts.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSP, Marlins.TV
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
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.
Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) tags out Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez (26) trying to score on a fielder's choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field.
Torrens, 30, is set to receive $11.5 million ($5.75 million each year) as part of the new deal, with $2 million up front. He can also get $2 million in incentives.
Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) tags out Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez (26) trying to score on a fielder’s choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
He was set to become a free agent at season’s end, after two-plus years with the Mets.
Torrens, who got the contract on his 30th birthday, has hit .200 this season in 13 games, with four RBIs.
Behind the plate, he’s leading MLB with a 57.1 caught-stealing percentage after finishing at the top of baseball last year (40.8 percent).
The extension will see Torrens continue to serve as the Mets’ backup catcher behind Francisco Alvarez, who has hit four home runs this season.
Torrens was traded to the Mets from the Yankees (who he had signed a minor league contract with) in May 2024, and he’s gone on to play 152 games for the franchise.
Prior to joining the Mets, Torrens had major league stops with the Padres, Mariners and Cubs.
He saw action in two games this week as the Mets fell to the Nationals on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Mets beat the Angels 4-3 on Friday to move to 11-21 on the year.
Brighton had limbered up for this trip to Tyneside by working out with an acclaimed German cage fighter. The idea was that a spot of mixed martial arts training would toughen up Fabian Hürzeler’s players at set pieces and enable them to pack a collective punch far too powerful for Newcastle to resist.
Happily for Eddie Howe and his players it did not quite work out like that. On a day when Yasir al-Rumayyan, Newcastle’s chair, and a delegation of his colleagues from the club’s majority owners, Saudi Arabian’s Public Investment Fund, looked on from the director’s box, Howe’s team finally ended a debilitating run of five straight defeats.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks during a press conference after game six of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Grab some popcorn. Find a seat.
Enjoy the bloodbath between the Sixers and the Celtics.
The Knicks will just be resting and patiently waiting.
On the offensive changes after falling down 2-1 in Game 3:
“We changed what we’d done offensively, but again, it was because we were pushed to do it. We feel pretty good about what we fell into. We had to find more ways to put our guys in their strengths while getting to it quickly while still having options. I’m not a guy that likes to call every play. I want our guys to be able to read where the advantage is quickly throughout the course of the action. And Atlanta forced us to find a way to do that and we feel pretty good about where we’re at right now. But it happened holistically after Game 3.”
EXCLUSIVE: Pride kicked in for Josh Hart, who pushed to guard McCollum, who cursed at an assistant after he was taken off McCollum, who walked into the coaches room to announce, “I’m on him. Don’t take me off him.”
“I think I had good physicality. I was able to force him into some tough shots. I was just trying to make life hard for him. Obviously, that’s a guy that’s got a lot of buckets in this league. That was something I thought, after Game 1 and Game 2, he kind of went off and kind of took over the game, that’s the matchup that I wanted going into Game 3 and after. For starters, I thought KAT was amazing. To start the game blitzing, protecting the rim, he had some big blocks, his energy was huge for us. I just think the physicality, the attention to detail, focus on the game plan, I think all those are at a very high level. And now we have to continue to build, watch Game 7 Saturday and focus on who we have.”
On running the offense through Towns:
“I think we were always comfortable with [running offense through Towns]. I think we just didn’t do a good enough job doing that. So that’s something that you’ve seen the ability. He’s able to do — what, two triple doubles in the last three games? It shows the ability. He’s able to knock down shots, play off the dribble and pass very well. So that’s something we’re gonna continue to do.”
On personally asking coaches to defend CJ McCollum:
“Dude goes down and averages 30 [points] for the first two games, nah. I’ll be the point of attack on that. I cursed out one of our defensive [coaches] for taking me off him at the end of Game 3. I said, ‘I’m on him. Don’t take me off him. I’m guarding him,’ And that was the challenge I wanted.
“At a certain point, it’s just pride. It’s wanting to obviously try to stop him, to limit him. Games 1 and 2, he had (about) 30 [per game]. It was just a pride thing. Go out there and get stops.”
“During this series, we didn’t play our best basketball. For us to make a statement about who we could be when we’re clicking on all cylinders [is important]. It’s great for us to have this kind of tape, so that we can look back at it and see, when we’re playing our best, what are we doing correctly? But it’s about consistency in the playoffs. How many times can we do that in a seven-game series?”
On answering the call against the Hawks:
“I just wanted to answer the call. You ask for the opportunities, and they oblige. I’ve got to repay that trust and that opportunity. I always talk to y’all about impacting winning. I got more opportunities to do that, and I wanted to make sure I took advantage of the opportunities I was given and I’m proud I’ve been able to help us win.”
On Knicks’ fans and the sky-high expectations:
“It’s understandable that the fans didn’t know what version they would see of us, especially after—during this series, we didn’t play our best basketball. And for us to make a statement about who we are when we’re clicking on all cylinders — it’s great for us to have this kind of tape to look back at and see when we’re playing our best, what are we doing throughout the game.”
“I feel like we’ve been comfortable with [going to Towns]. I think KAT is doing a better job of asserting himself, posting up, wanting the ball, and then making the plays. He’s a great player. So I feel like it’s kind of both of our parts as a team. We’ve got to make a conscious effort to get great players the ball in areas we know they’re going to excel. At the same time, they have to want to be assertive in those positions.”
Stephon Marbury on IG: “Recharging after the last series is vital. It’s about rebooting the system for a new challenger. This little refresher will give me the energy I need to yell and scream 🗣️📣🗣️so people can truly feel what we mean…” pic.twitter.com/qklYy5QgFq
“[Being out of the rotation is] definitely challenging, but I’ve been in the league for 12 years. I know how it goes. Just continue to stay ready. There’s a locker room of young guys and other people, watching me and seeing how I react to those things. Set an example for them. Continue to stay locked in. … Just wait for my opportunity to go out there and play. Everybody setting that example and having everybody ready is big for the team.”
“Jalen Brunson ran over me. Jalen Brunson ran over me We had a real collision Yeaaaahh I need the video Who got the video? Jalen Brunson ran over me I need the video.”
Cam’ron was talking about the New York Knicks winning against the Atlanta Hawks, then out of nowhere had to talk to two women in the middle of It Is What It Is😂 pic.twitter.com/Q4PbGlFTIo
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 1, 2026
Sunderland had Dan Ballard sent off for hair pulling as their hopes of European football next season were dented by a 1-1 draw at already-relegated Wolves.
Ballard was given his marching orders in the 24th minute by referee Paul Tierney after a check with VAR determined the Sunderland centre-back had tugged at the long braids of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 17: Andrés Giménez #0 and Anthony Molina #35 of team Venezuela celebrates in the locker room after wining the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team USA at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The NL East leading Atlanta Braves, who have a 7.5 game lead and refuse to lose a series, have made a roster move before tonight’s game with the Colorado Rockies.
The #Braves today selected RHP Carlos Carrasco to the major league roster after optioning RHP Anthony Molina to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.
Anthony Molina was helpful in last night’s come-from-behind win for the never-say-die, put-them-in-a-Walt-Weiss-sleeper-hold Braves. He pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh inning with a walk and no strikeouts as Atlanta staged their comeback. And hahahaha just as I was writing something to highlight Anthony Molina, he’s been sent to Gwinnett. I will do it anyway but still annoying. He has my attention. With a 96-97 MPH fastball and a 85 MPH curveball, he is more equipped than the average fringe reliever. But with a career 15% K rate and 110 xFIP-, he still needs to cook in Gwinnett.
Speaking of Cook(ie), Carlos Carrasco is back with Atlanta tonight. Carlos was designated for assignment on Wednesday, chose free agency on Friday, and will be in the Braves bullpen tonight. With Chris Sale on the mound tonight, they may not need him. But Denver has made a fool of many pitchers.
Crumpet and Lobo love walks. Unfortunately, so do opposing batters and my dogs only wish they could get walked at the rate A’s pitchers are offering. It’s been an issue all season and not only does it continue to be a major barrier to success, it is a widespread phenomenon across all types and levels of pitchers.
Last night the A’s issued 8 more free passes, 5 from starter JT Ginn in just 4.1 IP. Today’s starting pitcher, Jacob Lopez, is trying to bring down a walk rate that started at over a batter an inning and currently sits at 21 BB in 24.1 IP. “Ace” Luis Severino has put together two excellent starts in a row, but has still walked 23 in his 38.1 IP for the season.
Team wide, strangely the A’s have issued the 3rd most walks in all of MLB yet also only the 3rd most walks in the division. More generous than A’s pitchers are only those who toil for the Angels and Astros. But for contrast, the A’s have now walked 147 batters in 32 games (4.6 per game) while despite playing one more game the Mariners staff has walked only 82 (2.48 per game).
What is typical this season, with the ABS challenge system shrinking the strike zone a bit as umpires can’t “Verlander” the opposing hitters? 3.5 BB/game is the median, meaning the A’s staff is a whopping 31.4% above the league average so far in 2026.
Here’s the ominous part. The issue is far from limited to the big league club. Currently the A’s have an organizational problem with throwing enough strikes, including their very best pitching prospects.
Gage Jump? Scouts continue to be excited about his potential and his ceiling and cite him as not being far from ready to pitch in the big leagues. Yet one stat stands out as still needing work and attention: so far this season at AAA, Jump has thrown 18.1 IP and walked 10.
Luis Morales was envisioned to be a breakout candidate pitching his way to the front of the A’s big league rotation but he has been wild at 3 levels in the span of a month. In spring training Morales threw 19 sad innings in which he walked 14 and was tagged for 16 ER. Then he lasted only 7.1 IP in the big leagues as he walked 8 and was soon shipped back to AAA for more seasoning. At AAA he has completed just 12.1 IP in 3 starts, walking 9. So that’s, in aggregate, 38.2 IP, 31 BB.
Mason Barnett continues to struggle greatly to throw enough strikes, with an MLB mark of 13 BB in 24.1 IP. At AAA he has not made strides, with 12 BB in 19.2 IP.
Even Kade Morris, a “pitch to contact” sinker baller with low K rates but strong “pitchability,” has walked 16 in his 31.1 IP.
Dipping down to AA, Jamie Arnold is, like Jump, viewed as a “fast mover” with upside and in fairness to Arnold starting his pro career at AA is an aggressive assignment. Arnold came with some concerns around his control and so far, indeed control has been his main vice. In 21.1 IP he has walked 10.
Perhaps most puzzling is Wei-En Lin who, at 19 years old last season, established himself as a strike throwing machine. Lin issued only 22 free passes in 87 IP as a teenager (while striking out 117), walking just 2.28/9 IP at AA. But Lin walked 4 batters in his 3.1 IP in spring training and hasn’t been nearly as efficient at Midland so far this season with 9 BB in 21 IP (3.86/9 IP). It’s as if everyone in the A’s system has caught the walkies bug.
To what can we attribute what is becoming a serious issue impeding the A’s quest for success on the mound? There are myriad potential explanations, most of which are probably entirely inaccurate. They include:
1. Lack of talent. If the group of MLB pitchers and top MiLB prospects just doesn’t measure up to the industry norm then you’re going to see it reflected in performance. Certainly pre-season projections did not favor the big league staff as a whole, but few organizations would not want to have Jump, Morales, Arnold, and Lin among their top pitching prospects.
2. Mechanical issues not solved. Control problems often arise when a pitcher loses that “repeatability” or something gets off with their mechanics, they can’t get right in real time and coaches are unable to help them right the ship.
3. Approach not geared to limit walks. If pitchers are nibbling, throwing breaking pitches in fastball counts, trying to miss bats with chase pitches instead of challenging, etc., the cost is going to be higher walk totals along the way.
4. Drafting/Acquiring philosophy. Certainly, from Joe Boyle to Elvis Alvarado to Braden Nett to the selection of Arnold, the A’s have not shied away recently from pitchers with plus stuff whose biggest red flag on the mound is their control. Perhaps the organization is paying the price of a “be careful what you wish for” approach.
5. Home field disadvantage. Both in Sacramento and Las Vegas/PCL, A’s pitchers face a hostile pitching environment that discourages being aggressive in the strike zone and tempts hurlers to be extra careful. This could inflate walk totals as well as embedding bad habits even when in the comfort of a “pitcher’s park”.
What do you think is at the root of the A’s system wide breakdown in throwing enough strikes in 2026? It’s having a significant impact on the big league team’s success and on the development of the A’s top prospects, so it would be prudent for the A’s to identify and solve the issue. Walks are great for doggies and terrible for ERAs.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gestures during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Every day, Pinstripe Alley offers updates on what the Yankees’ top American League opponents are up to through the Rivalry Roundup. The AL East is well-trodden ground there, but with the season’s final month upon us, we’re going to take a peek around MLB as a whole and check in with each of the other five divisions. Who’s surprising? Who’s underwhelming? Who’s simply mediocre at the moment? Read on and find out.
Out in the West, it already looks like a two-horse race will pull many lengths ahead of the rest of the pack. The Dodgers got off to a scorching start and have never relinquished their grasp on the NL West lead. However, a recent slip up and consistent strong play from the Padres have the Friars breathing down the necks of their division rivals.
First Place: Los Angeles Dodgers (20-11)
Top Position Player: Max Muncy (1.4 fWAR) Top Pitcher: Shohei Ohtani (1.3 fWAR)
Shohei Ohtani looks like he’s on a mission to secure one of the few pieces of hardware that has eluded him thus far in his career. He has four MVPs and a pair of rings, next up on the mantel might be the NL Cy Young. He leads all NL pitchers with a 1.97 FIP and 1.3 fWAR, his 0.60 ERA in five starts the second-lowest of any starts after the Angels’ José Soriano and has yet to give up a home run in 30 innings. His hitting has suffered a touch as he sacrificed some DH days to focus on pitching, but even then he still has six home runs and a 143 wRC+. He leads a team that boasts the best offense by wRC+ (123) and second-best pitching staff by ERA (3.19) in baseball.
Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts are once again experiencing slow starts to their campaigns, both right around league-average at the plate and not much more valuable than replacement level. Kyle Tucker has also had a slow start to his Dodgers career with a 100 wRC+ and 0.3 fWAR. Fortunately for LA, Max Muncy as well as a pair of their youngsters have been carrying the weight at the dish, Andy Pages looking like a legitimate perennial All-Star caliber center fielder while rookie catcher Dalton Rushing has been worth a win while trying his hardest to be the league’s biggest villain.
Ohtani is joined by three other excellent starters in the rotation, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Wrobleski all sporting sub-3.00 ERAs. The bullpen will be without big money closer Edwin Díaz until at least the All-Star break after he underwent elbow surgery, but a resurgent Tanner Scott has helped ease that blow. Top to bottom the Dodgers once again look like a deep, scary team, which underlines why they are still the overwhelming favorites to make it a three-peat.
Second Place: San Diego Padres (19-11)
Top Position Player: Luis Campusano (0.9 fWAR) Top Pitcher: Mason Miller (0.9 fWAR)
The Padres have had to play their best baseball to keep pace with the Dodgers, but a recent 5-7 stretch by LA has the Dads within a half-game. It’s not often that you see a relief pitcher being a team’s most valuable pitcher, but Mason Miller is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible from a pitcher. He recently had his scoreless streak ended, but a -0.06 FIP from striking out over half the batters he has faced is the stuff of video games. His efforts have gone a long way toward carrying an offense and pitching staff that has been middle of the pack in terms of wRC+ (97) and ERA (4.23).
Their offense lacks any standout performers. Case in point: the usually light hitting Luis Campusano leads the way with 0.9 fWAR, propped up a lot by his defense behind the plate and an unsustainably high .400 BABIP. Fernando Tatis Jr. has been one of the unluckiest hitters so far and still has yet to hit his first home run of the year while Jackson Merrill has been a serious disappointment — neither has a wRC+ above Tatis’ 76. Xander Bogaerts is riding a hot start while Manny Machado has been league average so far.
Two of the pitchers from the Juan Soto trade to the Yankees lead the way in the rotation, both Michael King and Randy Vásquez sporting sub-3.00 ERAs. However, there is a chance they could lose Nick Pivetta for the season after an MRI revealed a forearm flexor strain — often a harbinger of Tommy John surgery. Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito could be close to reinforcing the rotation once they return from injury.
Third Place: Arizona Diamondbacks (16-15)
Top Position Player: Ildemaro Vargas (1.5 fWAR) Top Pitcher: Michael Soroka (0.6 fWAR)
Last year, the Diamondbacks mounted a late surge led by a three-headed monster of Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Geraldo Perdomo. Carroll is the only one to have picked up where he led off with a 165 wRC+ and 1.3 fWAR. Perdomo is at a 107 wRC+ while Marte is at 89 after both were at or above 138 in 2025. Instead, it’s the most improbable candidate leading the way, 34-year-old journeyman first baseman Ildemaro Vargas posting MLB’s fourth highest wRC+ at 199 (which is almost certain to normalize given his 3.2-percent walk rate and almost 100 point gap between wOBA and xwOBA).
It’s quite remarkable that they are above .500 considering they are one of only three teams with a staff ERA north of 5.00. Four of their six starters in Eduardo Rodriguez, Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, and Merrill Kelly have been replacement level or worse. The bullpen has been a smidge better, led by Juan Morillo and his 1.84 ERA.
Fourth Place: Colorado Rockies (14-18)
Top Position Player: Mickey Moniak (0.9 fWAR) Top Pitcher: Antonio Senzatela (0.7 fWAR)
I’m not sure anyone would have believed that the team that lost 119 games in 2025 would not be in last place at the end of April. Mickey Moniak might finally be fulfilling the pedigree of being the first overall pick in 2016, leading the way with his 162 wRC+ and 0.9 fWAR along with eight home runs. He’s joined by fellow slugger Hunter Goodman and his nine home runs, 129 wRC+, and 0.8 fWAR. Otherwise, their offense is a bottom-five unit in the game.
Instead, it’s Colorado’s completely remade pitching department that leads the way. After finishing dead last in ERA and FIP in each of the last three seasons, they modernized their analytics department, leading to a pitching staff that is middle of the pack now in those aforementioned stats. They brought in starters Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Jose Quintana to bring some experience to the room, but it’s actually the bullpen that has shown up. Led by converted starter Antonio Senzatela and his 0.46 ERA, the Rockies are just not surrendering leads with the same ferocity with which we are accustomed.
Last Place: San Francisco Giants (13-19)
Top Position Player: Luis Arraez (0.9 fWAR) Top Pitcher: Landen Roupp (0.9 fWAR)
The Giants are adrift in the wilderness, led by a college manager with zero MLB experience in Tony Vitello who could find his seat growing quite hot given the way heads are rolling early this year. Despite investing over a half-billion dollars into Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman, San Francisco are rolling out a bottom-three offense by wRC+ (84) and fWAR (0.8).
Devers is the second-worst qualified hitter in baseball with a 48 wRC+ and -0.8 fWAR as his ability to hit the fastball has seemingly disappeared. Adames isn’t much better at a 64 wRC+ and -0.5 fWAR, that pair two of the ten worst hitters in the sport. As a team, they’ve hit an MLB-worst 19 home runs, so it is fitting that their top position player is noted singles hitter Luis Arraez at a 97 wRC+ and 0.9 fWAR.
Their pitching staff is in the top-third of the league in ERA (3.96), but there is only so much you can do to make up for an absent offense. Landen Roupp has displaced a surprisingly underperforming Logan Webb from the top spot among their pitchers — the third-year righty sports a 2.55 ERA and has yet to give up a barrel in 84 batted ball events. Robbie Ray is having another nice start to the campaign, but winter signings Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser have been worse than replacement level. Their bullpen is the lone bright spot, second in the majors at a 3.19 ERA led by Erik Miller (3.18 ERA, 1.72 FIP, and Keaton Winn (2.84 ERA, 2.26 FIP).
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: VJ Edgecombe #77, Tyrese Maxey #0 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Boston Celtics 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 your head and your heart often conflict on the outcome of a game involving one of your teams, your head is usually more realistic or pessimistic while your heart is the more optimistic part of your body. For most Sixers fans, it’s the opposite entering Saturday night’s Game 7 in Boston in a first-round series that has gone on much longer than anyone would have expected.
Philadelphia sports teams have lost seven consecutive Game 7s. That streak is eight if you include the winner-take-all Game 5 that the Phillies lost in the 2011 NLDS. That’s right, a Philadelphia sports team has not won a Game 7 since the Flyers eliminated the Sabres in the spring of 2011. The Sixers are responsible for four of the seven Game 7 losses in a streak that has spanned 15 years for the city.
Two of the four recent losses for the Sixers in Game 7s came at the same building they’re about to play another one in. What’s even more symbolic is the timing of those two losses to the Celtics in Game 7s on the road. The first one came in 2012. Philly was a pesky eight seed that was giving a veteran Celtics group all they could handle in the second round. The Celtics won a low-scoring 85-75 game and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. It felt like the absolute apex of what those Sixers teams could achieve. Philly capitalized on Derrick Rose’s injury in the first round to eliminate the Bulls and then scratched and clawed for as long as it could against Boston but simply wasn’t talented enough to beat a Celtics team that had won the East in 2008 and 2010. Heck, even if the Sixers had pulled it out in Boston, they would have been an even bigger underdog against Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals, as the Heat went on to win the NBA Championship in 2012.
That game was the final one Andre Iguodala played as a Sixer. Iggy was a part of the package in the four-team trade with the Sixers, Lakers, Magic and Nuggets that sent Andrew Bynum across the country from LA to Philly while Iguodala landed in Denver. After Bynum never played a game in Philadelphia, Sam Hinkie came in to blow things up and start The Process.
Fast forward 11 years to Mother’s Day 2023 and Philly is back in a Game 7 against the Celtics. But, this time the circumstances are much different. For one, Doc Rivers is coaching the Sixers this time instead of the Celtics. Secondly, the Sixers were much more the Celtics’ equal and had just blown out the Celtics in Boston in a Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. Ironically enough, Miami was again waiting for the winner in the Eastern Conference Finals, but this wasn’t the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh Heat.
But after this loss in 2023, one simply could not use the same “they fought hard,” narrative to cope the way you could have in 2012. It was one of the more embarrassing moments for Joel Embiid, the crown jewel of Hinkie’s rebuilding plan that started in the spring of 2013. Embiid shot just 5-for-18 from the field, was a -28 and the Sixers got blown out, losing by a final score of 112-88. Boston would go on to lose to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the conference finals and it was yet another blown opportunity for the Embiid-led Sixers to make a deep playoff run.
Surely you don’t need a refresher on some of the other playoff disappointments that have happened for the Sixers in between 2012 and 2023. Although, we should point out that included in those playoff exits were two more eliminations at the hands of the Celtics in 2018 and 2020. The 2020 loss in the first-round in the COVID bubble was the final season for Brett Brown as Sixers’ head coach. The aforementioned 2023 loss to the Celtics was the end of Doc Rivers’ tenure on the sideline in Philadelphia.
The playoff eliminations for the Sixers in the last 25 years have all happened in either the first or second rounds and one of two narratives has followed each one. It was either “tough break, at least they went down swinging,” if they lost competitively or simply appeared to be outmatched but gave good effort or one of utter embarrassment that resulted in the Sixers being the butt of many jokes amongst national talking heads and other fanbases.
The point is, we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to ways the Sixers can disappoint us in the spring. We all know they have plenty of embarrassments in playoffs. If they didn’t have some of the hard-fought playoff exits, most recently in 2024 against New York, a close loss in Game 7 might be a little easier to stomach considering no one expected them to get here. But we’ve done that before too.
So, all of this is why your heart tells you they won’t win Game 7. They never do. Until you see them dig deep and find a way to pull through in the face of adversity, the only emotion you know if you’re a Sixers fan is pain. But if you remove the historical emotions and simply analyze the last two weeks of this series against Boston, your head will tell you Philadelphia can absolutely win on Saturday night.
All three of the Sixers’ wins in this series have come by double digits. Two of them have been in Beantown. Jayson Tatum seems likely to play in Game 7 for Boston, but will probably be less than 100% after leaving Game 6 with a calf injury. The Sixers aren’t as reliant on Embiid as they once were. Paul George has suddenly come alive. Tyrese Maxey’s level has risen. When VJ Edgecombe plays with the right amount of confidence, he’s not exactly a rookie. Role players like Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre and Andre Drummond have all had their moments in this series. But Embiid has still been very productive having produced a 33-point masterpiece in Game 5 and finishing just shy of a triple-double in Game 6.
A win on Saturday night would be so emotionally refreshing for this Sixers fanbase. After about a decade of playoff disappointment with Embiid leading the way, no one really went into this season with hopes of a deep playoff run. Frankly, even when things were looking good at various points in the regular season, a lot of fans probably figured, “Well, what’s the point of even getting excited? They’re just going to let me down again in the playoffs if I do enjoy this.” Then, when it was the Celtics yet again as the first-round opponent, many fans probably just felt you could simulate the series and it wasn’t even worth watching as the result would surely be Boston in 4 or 5.
While a win on Saturday doesn’t guarantee Philly gets to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001, there’s certainly a path towards a deep playoff run in an East that would open up significantly without Boston. It’s understandable to think about what might be next if the Sixers can beat the Celtics one more time on Saturday night, but Sixers fans should enjoy this moment.
You’re actually going to be nervous for a game in this series instead of just watching and waiting for the blowout loss to commence. For as frustrating as the recent playoff exits have been for the franchise, by now I think most fans know that you have to go all the way back to 1982 to find the last time Philadelphia eliminated Boston in the playoffs. Since then, it’s been a total of seven playoff series that the Sixers have lost to the Celtics.
When you consider the franchise’s history with these big games, how a win would change Embiid’s legacy and the collective shot-in-the-arm that the fanbase would get from winning one of these games, it’s impossible to undervalue what Saturday night means for the franchise. This is a lot more than just a first-round playoff series. If the Sixers were to go on to make a deep playoff run, there’s a good chance coming back from 3-1 down against the Celtics would still be the highlight of the 2026 postseason for the franchise.
So, buckle up, Sixers fans. The fact you’re even in a car that’s requiring you to buckle up again is a surprise in and of itself. These rides haven’t always been fun, but sooner or later, one of them will be. Here’s to hoping tonight’s ride is just that.
Toronto Maple Leafs star Matthew Knies was in the building Friday night for one of the wildest finishes Scotiabank Arena has seen in years, and he had every reason to lose his mind along with everyone else.
Knies attended the Toronto Raptors’ Game 6 first-round playoff matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, joining a sellout crowd desperate for a reason to believe. Heading in down 3-2 in the series, the Raptors’ season was hanging by a thread, and the night was shaping up to be a grim farewell to Toronto’s basketball season. With the Raptors trailing by a couple of points in the final minute of overtime, the atmosphere had turned funereal.
Then came the sequence that will be remembered for a while. After Raptors point guard Jamal Shead missed one of two free throws, the Raptors managed to pull within one point with 10.9 seconds remaining. That set the stage for RJ Barrett, who fielded the ball and heaved a desperation three-pointer from well beyond the arc. The shot looked like a prayer that wasn’t going to be answered. The ball caromed off the back of the rim, rocketed straight up into the air, and then dropped back down through the net, giving the Raptors a stunning one-point lead with just 1.2 seconds remaining on the clock.
Knies, there with a group of friends, was one of many who absolutely erupted when the ball fell through. Video circulating on social media showed the 23-year-old forward celebrating with the kind of unbridled joy that only a miraculous buzzer-beater can produce. You can take the guy out of the playoffs, the Leafs missed the postseason this spring, but you can’t take the competitor out of him.
Knies isn’t the only Leaf to have made an appearance at the Raptors’ playoff run this spring. William Nylander was spotted courtside during Game 4 of the series, the Swedish winger taking in the action from prime real estate near the floor. It speaks to the genuine crossover appeal these athletes have within Toronto’s broader sports community and perhaps to the fact that, with their own playoff run cut short, the Leafs have had some free time on their hands.
Matthew Knies and his buddies went nuts after RJ Barrett scored the game-winning bucket in Game 6
That last part stings a little. The Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade this season, bringing an abrupt and painful end to a year that carried genuine Stanley Cup aspirations before injuries and inconsistency derailed the campaign. For Knies in particular, the early offseason has been a period of reflection following a breakout 2023-24 in which he established himself as one of the most important young power forwards in the Eastern Conference. Watching another Toronto team battle for its playoff life was surely a mix of inspiration and reminder of what the Leafs will need to summon come next October.
As for the Raptors, they completed the comeback to win 112-110, forcing a deciding Game 7 on Sunday in Cleveland. Whether they can pull off the ultimate upset on the road remains to be seen, but Friday night they gave this city exactly the kind of moment it needed, and Matthew Knies was right there for all of it.
The New York Yankees took care of business on Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, and showed no signs of slowing down.
With the Orioles sending a vulnerable pitcher to the mound, my Orioles vs. Yankees predictions expect today to be a repeat of yesterday as the Yankees win in a high-scoring affair.
Read all about it in my MLB picks for Saturday, May 2.
Who will win Orioles vs Yankees today: Yankees moneyline (-163)
Kyle Bradish's arsenal is a problem against this New York Yankees lineup.
His fastball, breaking ball, and overall pitching run value all grade in the Bottom 15th percentile, and his walk rate sits in the 24th percentile, meaning he is going to put runners on base. That's a problem against such a potent offense.
New York’s league-leading barrel rate is a prevailing story in this matchup. Bradish is a true groundball pitcher, and that should help him in some aspects of this matchup, particularly against the bottom of the lineup. But he’s not elite enough in that category.
His 50% groundball rate is in the 80th percentile of baseball, and that’s likely due for some regression given his historical numbers.
I simply don’t think that’s good enough to overcome a Yankees team that is rolling like they are for the moment, especially when you have a Bottom 30th percentile hard-hit rate and barrel rate. I’d play this to -170.
COVERS INTEL: This matchup features two teams ranking in the Top 3 of baseball in hard-hit rate against two pitchers with hard-hit rates in the Bottom 30% of the sport.
Orioles vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)
Rinse and repeat from yesterday, with a lot of the same reasons. Both pitchers have real vulnerabilities, and the Yankees should score a good amount of runs, meaning the Baltimore Orioles won’t have to do much.
Moving on from Bradish, it’s past time for Ryan Weathers to come down to earth. His xERA of 4.63 is nearly a full run and a half over his actual.
What’s pushing that expected number the most is a poor hard-hit rate and barrel rate that both rank in the Bottom 25 percentile of the sport. This Orioles lineup isn’t overwhelming with power, but the likes of Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman should still be enough to punish here.
Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 12-9, +2.62 units
Over/Under bets: 13-9, +3.72 units
Orioles vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Orioles +149 | Yankees -162
Run line: Orioles +1.5 | Yankees -1.5
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Orioles vs Yankees trend
The Yankees have hit the F5 Moneyline in 17 of their last 25 games at home (+7.20 Units / 14% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Orioles vs. Yankees.
How to watch Orioles vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
MASN, YES
Orioles starting pitcher
Kyle Bradish (1-3, 4.20 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Ryan Weathers (1-2, 3.21 ERA)
Orioles vs Yankees latest injuries
Orioles vs Yankees 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.
Joel Embiid
Payton Pritchard
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COVERS INTEL: This matchup features two teams ranking in the Top 3 of baseball in hard-hit rate against two pitchers with hard-hit rates in the Bottom 30% of the sport.