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Cody Bellinger lifts two of Yankees' four homers, Will Warren cruises in 13-4 win over Royals

The Yankees cruised to their second win in a row, beating the Royals 13-4 on Saturday afternoon in the Bronx.

Here are some takeaways...

- Aaron Boone said pregame that Amed Rosario was in the lineup against a lefty over Ryan McMahon because he earned the opportunities. Rosario immediately made the decision pay off, smacking the first of three homers to open the scoring and a commanding advantage in the bottom of the second. 

Rosario added an RBI single later in the game, bringing his OPS to .856 on the season.

- The other two homers came left-on-left and landed in the second deck. First, Cody Bellinger crushed a two-run shot, then Ben Rice cranked a 398-foot solo blast of his own, making it 5-0 Yanks. For Rice, it was his seventh homer of the season and his second against left-handed pitching. 

Bellinger reached four times, homering twice, doubling, drawing a walk, and driving in five. 

- New York tacked on again an inning later, as back-to-back extra base-hits from Jose Caballero and J.C. Escarra resulted in the sixth run of the game. Escarra has gotten off to a bit of a slow start with the bat, but he doubled home Caballero, was gifted a triple that was later ruled an error, and then drove in another with a legit triple in the seventh. 

Escarra finished the day 2-for-4 with a pair of extra-base knocks and three RBI. 

- Working with the big league for most of the game, Will Warren continued his strong start to the season. The righty found himself in immediate trouble, giving up a double on the first pitch he threw, but he danced around it with a pair of strikeouts and a flyout. Warren cruised from there, retiring the next six hitters before allowing a leadoff single in the fourth. 

He quickly erased that baserunner, picking Bobby Witt Jr. off first to close another scoreless frame. The 26-year-old gave up another leadoff hit in the fifth, but then went on another run where he retired the next seven hitters in order before allowing a one-out knock in the top of the seventh. 

Two batters later, rookie Carter Jensen broke up the shutout, lifting a two-run homer to right. Warren responded by setting down the next two batters easily, ending his day with just those two runs allowed on five hits and no walks while matching his career-high with 11 strikeouts. 

The youngster is down to a 2.49 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 31 strikeouts through five starts. 

- Paul Blackburn saved the Yankees' bullpen by eating the final two innings, but he gave up a pair of runs on a walk and two hits in the top of the ninth. 

- It wasn't all pretty for New York, as Jazz Chisholm Jr's struggles continued. Boone said pregame that he thought the slumping infielder wasn't too far off the plate, but he went hitless in four at-bats with a pair of strikeouts in this one, bringing his average down to .149 on the season. 

- Royals manager Matt Quatro was ejected in this one after arguing Warren balked when he appeared not to come set before a pickoff attempt at second base.  

Game MVP: Cody Bellinger

New York's offense exploded in general, but Bellinger paced them with his five RBI. 

Highlights

What's next

Ryan Weathers takes the ball as the Yanks go for the sweep against Cole Ragans and the Royals on Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

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GameThread: Tigers vs. Red Sox, 4:10 p.m.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers tags out Ceddanne Rafaela #3 of the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on April 17, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Detroit Tigers (10-10) vs. Boston Red Sox (8-11)

Time/Place: 4:10 p.m., Fenway Park
SB Nation Site: Over the Monster
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA) vs. RHP Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Skubal424.124.24.240.92.420.8
Bello314.212.512.559.65.54-0.1

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Player Grades: Cavs vs Raptors Game 1 -Donovan Mitchell starts with a bang

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Ja'kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in a blowout win to start the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

Donovan Mitchell

32 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Mark another special start to the playoffs for a guy who is one of the league’s most prolific postseason scorers ever. Mitchell expertly sliced his way through Toronto’s defense, splitting double teams like it was nothing. His finishing at the rim was completed by a 4-7 three-point shooting performance.

Grade: A+

James Harden

22 points, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals

While Mitchell’s game was flash and fire, Harden took a more methodical approach. He carved the Raps up in the halfcourt, orchestrating the pick-and-roll to perfection and making sure the Cavalier offense never faltered. We should all be familiar with his shot creation by now, but I don’t plan on getting tired of it any time soon.

Grade: A+

Evan Mobley

17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists

Mobley played this game like someone ready to make a statement on the big stage. He was aggressive, attacking mismatches whenever they were offered to him. This offense will never cater to Mobley’s self-creation, but he can still be a massively impactful scorer due to his abilities as a play finisher. To that, he was excellent today.

Grade: A

Jarrett Allen

10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal

Allen opened this game with a fresh pair of shoes and three thunderous dunks. How’s that for a start?

The Cavs bigs understand what’s at stake this postseason. They’ve been labeled soft for years by their detractors. Only a strong showing in the playoffs can dispel that narrative once and for all. Both Mobley and Allen looked eager to get started on that.

The box score doesn’t tell the full story. Allen was a huge presence on both sides of the floor.

Grade: B+

Dean Wade

5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

Wade airballed his first three-point attempt, then looked hesitant to shoot again. Once he finally did, it was a clean jumper from the corner during the fourth quarter. The Cavs’ offense flowed seamlessly regardless of Wade’s hesitancy, and the value he brings as their only true wing defender is irreplaceable. Wade finished as a plus 20 in 22 minutes.

Grade: B+

Max Strus

24 points, 3 rebounds

Strus looked spry in this one. He was quick off his feet, attacking a closeout early in the first half for a tough finish at the rim and then later doing the same thing all over again. He’s always had a knack for showing up in big moments, and today was no different.

Grade: A+

Keon Ellis

3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal

Ellis’ only bucket came on a potential four-point play as he was knocked down while shooting a three-pointer. He missed the free throw and didn’t score the rest of the day. His defense was positive, though limited against Toronto’s length.

Grade: C-

Jaylon Tyson

2 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4 fouls

Tyson picked up three fouls in his first stint on the court. That’s not the way he wanted his playoff career to begin. However, I can’t fault him for trying to set the tone by being overly physical on defense. That’s something that usually turns into a positive in the playoffs.

Grade: F

Sam Merrill

7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Merrill started the game 0-3 from the field and wasn’t able to hit either of his three-point attempts. The Cavs will hope that changes as the series goes on. Otherwise, Merrill held his own on defense and contributed on the boards to save his grade. Of course, his gravity on offense has value on its own.

Grade: C+

Dennis Schroder

2 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound

I’m sure that Schroder is capable of having a better game than this. He’s someone I’d expect could swing a playoff game at one point throughout this run if his scoring, playmaking, and scrappy defense ever hit at the same time. That didn’t happen today.

Grade: D+

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The Suns have clinched more than a playoff spot

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 17: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

“Don’t let good be the enemy of great”. It’s something my father has told me since I was young. Just because the Phoenix Suns came up short in the 2021 NBA Finals doesn’t mean that the season was a failure. The same can be said about the 2023 Miami Heat that got to the last round as an eighth seed, and the Dallas Mavericks two seasons ago, when they surprised the masses in 2024.

That is the perspective that is most relevant when looking at the Suns before they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. No matter what happens the rest of the way, the Suns exceeded expectations. While they struggled down the stretch of the season and lost the seventh seed in the 7/8 play-in game, they remained in the top eight for almost the entirety of the year, including being in the top six at times.

Going into the year, many had doubts about the Phoenix Suns. Many pundits and sports books had them projected to be one of the worst teams not only in the Western Conference, but in the entire league. The team’s Vegas win total before the season was 30.5. Outside of Phoenix Suns Insider John Gambadoro, most people were very bearish on the team’s outlook for the 2025-2026 campaign.

While at times the team showed flashes of being better than their record suggested, like when they beat the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City, and the Detroit Pistons, that doesn’t negate the fact that it was a great year for the team.

It’s not just that the Suns made the playoffs and blew away expectations; it’s that they have found a direction, which would have been true even if they had lost to the Golden Warriors in the play-in. The team has built an identity and a core around Devin Booker. Dillon Brooks has brought a much-needed toughness to the team. Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie present how Brian Gregory and Jordan Ott can build teams around the margins, and Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale are examples of how veterans can have career years in Phoenix.

For a team that has limited draft assets for the foreseeable future, the development of Rasheer Fleming, Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, and Khaman Maluach remains pivotal. Outside of Ighodaro, none of them played consistent roles for the team this year, so it wasn’t a perfect season, but throughout the year, the team established that they are in a much better spot than they were a year ago.

It’s quite likely that the Suns get trounced by the Thunder, and if that happens, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Phoenix exceeded expectations from what they were projected to do to start the season.

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Game Thread: White Sox (7-13) at A’s (10-10)

Apr 17, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) celebrates with left fielder Andrew Benintendi (23) after hitting a grand slam against the Athletics during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park.
It’s Benny and Mune atop the lineup again today. | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, pleasurable though being on the winning side of a blowout may be, the rules say you have to start the next game all over again at 0-0. That’s a bad break for the White Sox, who had about as many hits last night as they’d had in a normal week over the past four seasons.

Trying to build on the pitching momentum from last night’s fine performance by Davis Martin will be Erick Fedde, who’s having a solid year so far with a 3.63 ERA (4.22 FIP) and 1.063 WHIP. Fedde was particularly strong last time out, giving up just a solo homer to the Royals in five innings.

Trying to tame the Big Sox Machine will be veteran righty Luis Severino, who is having a lousy season so far (0-2 with a 5.59 ERA/4.50 FIP). The problems are mostly of his own making, since at age 32 the two-time All Star is apparently suffering from early onset memory loss and and can’t remember where the strike zone is, walking 16 in 19 1/3 innings.

Severino will face a a Sox lineup that has Andrew Benintendi (who had what was about his season’s worth of hits last night and has hurt Severino at a .342 clip through the years) again in the leadoff spot, and Munetaka Murakami (whose grand slam blast last night is probably still traveling) again hitting second:

Only one batter for the young A’s has ever faced Fedde — but that’s leadoff hitter Jeff McNeil, who’s 7-for-18 against him.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Central, with perfect baseball weather of 73° and almost no wind. Usual broadcast suspects.

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Marlins to activate Kyle Stowers from the injured list Sunday for season debut

MIAMI — The Marlins will get a huge offensive boost soon.

Miami plans to activate Kyle Stowers off the injured list on Sunday, clearing the way for the All-Star outfielder to make his season debut after being sidelined with a hamstring strain.

Manager Clayton McCullough said before Saturday’s game against Milwaukee that Stowers, who was at the ballpark, is ready to go.

“Everything from the rehab checked out,” McCullough said. “He continued to check the necessary boxes. I think certainly there was a physical component with how he felt, how the hamstring was.”

Stowers, who strained his right hamstring in spring training, made five rehab appearances with Triple-A Jacksonville, including outings on Thursday and Friday.

“He got back-to-back, nine-inning games,” McCullough said. “I think he came out of that feeling like he’s in a really good spot physically. Also, I think mentally now he feels like, ‘OK, I’m kind of over this.’”

Stowers is coming off a career-best year in 2025 when he recorded 115 hits, 25 home runs and 73 RBIs in 117 games, earning his first career All-Star nod before a left oblique strain sidelined him for the final stretch of the season.

Before breaking out last season, Stowers was shuffling back and forth between Triple-A Norfolk and Baltimore — which drafted him in the second round of the 2019 amateur draft — trying to establish himself as a major leaguer.

The Orioles eventually dealt him to Miami, where he batted .186 in his first 50 games.

But last season was the start of his ascension.

He began that year by singling in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Paul Skenes and Pittsburgh on opening day. He led Miami in home runs and RBIs while becoming the first Marlins outfielder to be named an NL All-Star since Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton in 2017.

This season, the Marlins have started 9-11 and are currently second in the NL East behind Atlanta (13-7), looking to build on the momentum from last year’s surprising 79-83 season. They’re sixth in the league in total hits (171), 11th in runs (93) and 10th in RBIs (90).

“Getting Kyle back in the lineup will really be a nice boost to help lengthen some things out,” McCullough said. “And then also, Kyle is a really steady teammate. A lot of guys lean on him. He’s not usually too up and down. I think he handles things in stride very well. And a lot of that probably is due to just his path of getting here. He’s been knocked down a lot, but he keeps getting up.”

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Cavs cage Raptors in Game 1, take 1-0 series lead with 126-113 win

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jeff Haynes /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon on the strength of a strong third quarter. They controlled the pace of the game and executed at a high level in the half-court thanks to superstar performances from their guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. This added up to a stress-free 126-113 victory.

The Raptors had a strong start. Three quick triples from Scottie Barnes allowed the Raptors to grab a five-point lead by the tail end of the opening quarter. The Cavs responded with seven-straight baskets to close the first, which included five points in the final 26 seconds from Max Strus to give Cleveland a four-point advantage at the end of the first.

Toronto responded well at the start of the second. They kept the Cavs from pulling away by continuing to execute their game plan on both ends, but they once again weren’t able to close the quarter well.

Harden controlled the tempo of the game while making sure the Cavs got a good shot on every possession. That was seen most clearly at the end of the second quarter when the Cavs stretched what was a two-point lead to a 10-point advantage near the end of the second. An RJ Barrett three just before time expired in the half made it a seven-point lead for the Cavs heading into the break.

Toronto’s first-half resiliency broke in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Cavs opened the third on a 21-6 run that was capped off by a triple and layup from Strus that pushed their seven-point lead at the break out to 22. Cleveland ended up winning that frame 36-22.

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To the Raptors’ credit, they didn’t roll over. They could’ve stopped competing and opted to save their energy for Game 2. Instead, they pushed through the finish line and kept things from getting completely away from them. But their chance to actually take this game ended with Strus’s run in the middle of the third quarter.

Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points. He did so efficiently by going 11-20 from the field, while also contributing four assists and two steals. This was the ninth time he scored 30 or more in the opening game of a playoff series.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson liked how Mitchell got to the basket. “I love how downhill he was.” He pointed out that this was a team-wide focus. Mitchell went 7-11 in the paint in the victory.

Despite how well Mitchell played, this was a complete team performance.

Harden showed how valuable he can be. The Raptors struggled to keep him from getting to his spots. His court vision and ability to make every pass are invaluable in keeping the offense on schedule. Harden finished with 22 points on 8-17 shooting with 10 assists and two steals.

Afterward, Atkinson said this was a “typical” game from Harden. “He just commands the game.”

Strus didn’t score the most points, but his short scoring spurts came at the right times to change the momentum of the game. He supplied 24 points on 8-10 shooting, which included going 4-6 from three in the victory.

The Raptors were led by 24 points from RJ Barrett. Scottie Barnes had an inefficient 21 points on 6-14 shooting. Brandon Ingram had 17 points and four assists on 5-9 shooting.

This type of showing was important for the Cavs. They’ve struggled with intensity and effort throughout the regular season — especially in afternoon games. That wasn’t an issue here. The Cavs were the aggressors in both this game and the series.

“You set the tone first,” Atkinson said. “It’s hard to come back from that.”

In the Donovan Mitchell-era, playoff series have been won by the team that prevailed in Game 1. Cleveland is hoping that trend continues here.

Additionally, the victory brings the Cavs’ all-time record against the Raptors in the playoffs to 13-2.

Game 2 will be back at Rocket Arena on Monday evening. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

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Game Thread: The Pirates sure do have some good young pitching, huh?

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park on April 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Go Rays!

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Jhoan Duran to the IL, Otto Kemp to Lehigh

Apr 6, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images | Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Some news on the day for the Phillies, not all of it good.

The Duran injury is one that is an issue, but he hasn’t had many leads to protect anyway! They can linger, so they’ll likely take their time on it.

Otto Kemp has done almost nothing with the big league team, so they’re bringing up the hot hitting Felix Reyes instead.

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MSU Spartans in the NBA Playoffs

Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The NBA season has wrapped up and the playoffs have begun. As someone who also writes for Detroit Bad Boys, I highly encourage you to watch the #1 seed Detroit Pistons who look to have some postseason success for the first time in 15+ years.

Or, if you’re looking for some more postseason basketball now that March Madness is over, you can keep an eye out on a few MSU alums. There are seven total Michigan State Spartans currently in the NBA, but only one will see playoff minutes. You could argue it could be four Spartans if you include Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, and Xavier Tillman the after the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets lost their play-in games for the #8 seed last night.

Draymond has been with the Warriors since he was drafted in 2012. Miles has been with Charlotte since 2018 and Xavier teamed-up with him for the first time since they were teammates during Tillman’s freshman year.

Your sole Spartan in the playoffs is none other than Jase Richardson of the #8 seed Orlando Magic, who just happen to be matched up with the #1 Detroit Pistons. While Jase may not be a part of Magic’s postseason rotation, he’s still earning valuable experience as he finishes his rookie year.

Here are the final three Spartans in the NBA:

  • Max Christie – Dallas Mavericks
  • Gary Harris – Milwaukee Bucks
  • Jaren Jackson Jr – Utah Jazz

He’s not a player, but I’ll at least give one last shoutout to Mat Isbhia, former MSU guard and current owner of the #8 seed Phoenix Suns.

Enjoy your playoff basketball!

Go Green.

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Kings vs Avalanche Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NHL Playoffs Game 1

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The Colorado Avalanche swept three head-to-head matchups with the Los Angeles Kings this season, allowing just five goals along the way.

My Kings vs. Avalanche predictions expect the home team to win in convincing fashion again in the series opener.

Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Sunday, April 19.

Kings vs Avalanche Game 1 prediction

Kings vs Avalanche best bet: Avalanche -1.5 (+105)

The Colorado Avalanche ran over the Los Angeles Kings in the regular season, winning all three meetings by multiple goals while beating them 13-5 in aggregate.

That was par for the course for Los Angeles when facing high-end teams, especially defensively.

Los Angeles lost seven of its last 10 games against Top-10 defensive teams, averaging 1.8 goals and 24.9 shots per game. Generating offense was a massive challenge.

It won’t get any easier for them against the Avalanche, who went 15-3-1 with a net goal differential of +1.79 per game following 2+ days of rest.

Kings vs Avalanche Game 1 same-game parlay

Artturi Lehkonen has a strong track record of playoff success, piling up 17 points over his last 20 games. He has a great nose for the net and will go to the dirty areas to produce. That’s especially important when the ice is more contested at this time of year.

On the other side, I’m zeroing in on defenseman Brandt Clarke. He has blocked an average of 3.8 shots over his past 10 games and is facing an Avalanche squad that ranked first in shot attempt rate at home this season.

Kings vs Avalanche SGP

  • Avalanche -1.5
  • Artturi Lehkonen Over 0.5 points
  • Brandt Clarke Over 2.5 blocked shots

Kings vs Avalanche Game 1 goal scorer pick

Nathan MacKinnon (-125)

Nathan MacKinnon led the NHL in goals, shot attempts, and shots on target during the regular season. He was especially productive when well-rested.

He has scored 10 goals over his last nine games working on two days of rest, and five goals spanning four games after having 3+ days of rest.

MacKinnon also found the net in 64% of Colorado’s home wins, and I expect the Avalanche to win decisively here.

Kings vs Avalanche odds for Game 1

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles +190 | Colorado -230
  • Puck line: Los Angeles +1.5 (-130) | Colorado -1.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Kings vs Avalanche trend

The Avalanche have covered the puck line in five of their last eight games (+4.50 Units / 55% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs. Avalanche.

How to watch Kings vs Avalanche Game 1

LocationBall Arena, Denver, CO
DateSunday, April 19, 2026
Puck drop3:00 p.m. ET
TVTNT, truTV

Kings vs Avalanche latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Round One Preview: Colorado Avalanche vs. LA Kings

We usually do a phase-by-phase preview, but since we had to wait till game 82 to figure out Colorado’s first-round matchup, we decided to do all three phases of this glorious game and matchup in one fell swoop.

For starters, this matchup definitely has David vs. Goliath vibes, but LA looks like a better team (on paper) than its regular-season result suggests.

We’ve seen eight Presidents’ Trophy-winning teams be eliminated in the first round dating all the way back to 1991, but should the Avalanche and their fans be worried this time around?

The Avalanche swept the season series (3-0) with MacKenzie Blackwood securing two of the three victories, with Scott Wedgewood having one.

Let’s take a deeper look and see what may be cause for concern, or ammo for confidence in round one!

Forwards

The Colorado Avalanche might not have “five, six, seven of the best players in the world,” as LA Kings head coach DJ Smith put it, but I’d wager they have three in Nathan MacKinnon, Marty Necas, and Cale Makar.

The first two listed should give the Colorado Avalanche a decided advantage, although the Kings do have some top-end talent to be aware of.

It’s Anze Kopitar’s last ride, so he and his talent represent a bit of a wild card in this series. Artemis Panarin, or “the bread-man,” is also among the more skilled players in the league.

The overall theme of this group is a capable top line, with some grit and pesky vibes from the rest of the group. LA’s second line is decent, but up against Colorado’s, they may be in over their head.

Be prepared to be frustrated by Joel Armia and Scott Laughton’s physicality and tendency to toe the line of what’s allowed in the playoffs.

Speaking of, I imagine the approach will be to be as close to that line as possible, all series as an attempt to slow Colorado’s transition and attack.

It’s a strategy that’s worked in the past, but you have to have the horses to pull it off.

Kings Projected Forwards:

Artemi Panarin — Anze Kopitar — Adrian Kempe|
Trevor Moore — Quinton Byfield — Alex Laferriere
Joel Armia — Scott Laughton — Jared Wright
Mathieu Joseph — Samuel Helenius — Taylor Ward

Avalanche Projected Forwards:

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton — Nazem Kadri — Nicholas Roy
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor

When you put the two forward groups up next to each other, a couple of things stand out.

My first takeaway is that this healthy version of the Avalanche is super deep, boasts elite talent, and offers plenty of options.

I have no issue with starting with Landeskog on the second line with Nelson and Nichushkin, as he was a great playoff performer last season, even without a full training camp and with limited confidence. This time around, he’s got the legs of a seasoned player again, and every playoff game is one more than most thought Landy would get.

If you do want to inject more scoring into the top six, you can easily swap Kadri, Roy, or Colton with any of the three ahead of them to mix things up.

I’d imagine we see these lines take a different shape when contextualized by each game’s flow.

Colorado’s bottom six could prove the competitive advantage in this one, as the big guns can’t always go, and the Avalanche have plenty of talent on lines three and four.

In fact, the third line of Kelly, Kadri, and Roy has combined for 45 goals this season.

Defenders

The real question with a defensive comparison is how each side will hold up (match-up-wise) against their opposition’s top forwards?

Can Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty hold up against one of the fastest and best lines in hockey in Colorado’s top group?

Will Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci be sheltered effectively, avoid being matched up against Colorado’s top skill, and hold up against the Avalanche’s bottom six I described earlier?

If they try to play a shutdown style, expect a muddy neutral zone and a lot of chip and chase from both sides.

That approach is a slippery slope against a team like the Avalanche, which can establish an early lead and never look back.

I should also mention that Brandt Clarke is bound to be at the top of the list of players Avs fans grow tired of.

Projected Kings Defenders:

Mikey Anderson — Drew Doughty
Joel Edmundson — Brandt Clarke
Brian Dumoulin — Cody Ceci

Projected Avalanche Defenders:

Brett Kulak — Cale Makar
Devon Toews — Sam Malinski
Josh Manson — Brent Burns

The Avalanche have mixed and matched this D core over the last month or so, and while Cale Makar was on the mend, we saw the re-emergence of Devon Toews offensive touch, and the arrival of Sam Malinski’s as well.

Malinski has as many goals since March 24, 2026, as he had in all of his 2024-25 campaign with the Avalanche.

Brent Burns is looking at his best chance to hoist since his time in San Jose with this Avalanche team, so expect his best and brightest.

Josh Manson didn’t play to end the season, so let’s keep an eye on how he looks early in this series.

Brett Kulak will face the Kings in the first round for the third consecutive postseason, and pairing him up with Cale seems smart considering how calm and cool Kulak is.

He can stay home while Cale struts his stuff.

Goaltenders

Interestingly enough, both LA and Colorado will start goalies who have been regarded as back-ups for most of their careers.

There’s no doubt who the fans want between the pipes for Colorado: Scott Wedgewood, who leads the league in SV% (.921) and GAA (2.02) and ranks 4th in wins this season.

Colorado can go with a tandem approach and potentially start Blackwood in game two, but if Wedgewood shows out and bails his team out with a game one win, largely in part to his performance, the Avalanche will ride the hot hand.

It looks like Anton Forsberg will get the net to start things for LA.

Forsberg coincidentally was one of Jared Bednar’s netminders during his time as a head coach and Calder Cup winner with the Lake Erie Monsters (now Cleveland Monsters).

If things don’t go well for Anton, Darcy Kuemper is waiting in the wings.

I don’t think I need to talk Avalanche fans into respecting Darcy Kuemper.

We know more than most how good Darcy can be when he’s really on his game.

It’s 1A/1A vs. 1A/1B as I see it.

Shocker: Advantage Avalanche

I’m not exactly going out on a limb here, but the Colorado Avalanche have an advantage on all three fronts of this first-round matchup with the LA Kings.

Rocket Richard, Hart Stanley Cup winning pedigree, the likes of Nathan MacKinnon don’t exactly grow on trees, and it also hardly goes unnoticed. Advantage Avalanche in the forward group because they have the best forward in the world, and he likely wants to get right after the Olympics.

Yeah, I haven’t forgotten, and I promise you Nathan MacKinnon hasn’t either.

Many fans echoed, “MacKinnon is going to destroy for the Avalanche after this.”

I’m preparing for exactly that, especially in the early rounds.

I can and will use the same logic when giving Colorado the edge defensively. This time, I’ll be way more brief but just as effective.

Cale Makar exists.

Lastly, between the pipes.

I’d say this sets up as the advantage for Colorado that probably doesnt create as wide a gap between the competition, at least as of today.

If Scott Wedgewood’s play this regular season carries over into the postseason, the clear advantage goes to Colorado, but that remains to be seen.

Let us know what you think in the comments!

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Game #21: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 10: Konnor Griffin #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, April 18, 2026, 4:05 p.m. ET

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home today against the Pittsburgh Pirates looking to grab a win against the Tampa Bay Rays.

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BD community, this is your thread for today’s game against the Rays. Enjoy!

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Game #21: White Sox at Athletics Game Thread

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park on April 13, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well, last night was rough. But it’s a new day! The A’s get a chance to get back in the win column this afternoon in the middle game of their weekend series hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gotta win today if we want a chance to get the series win this weekend.

Getting the ball today for his fourth start of the year will be Luis Severino. The veteran right-hander has been up and down so far this year. Overall he has a 5.59 ERA through 19 1/3 innings worked and is coming off a tough start last time out. Back at home he got tagged for four runs against the Texas Rangers, continuing a trend of Severino having major troubles at home. Well, he has another home start this afternoon against the White Sox, who just put up a crooked number last night. Things aren’t boding well for Severino in that regard but the veteran can begin righting the ship with a big outing for his team this afternoon.

The A’s lineup for this beautiful day in sunny Sacramento:

Mostly the same lineup as last night, save for a couple tweaks. Shea Langeliers remains in the #2 hole but will not be behind the dish this afternoon. Instead it’ll be Austin Wynns catching Severino this afternoon. Soderstrom returns to left field after DH’ing last night, Lawrence Butler slides over to center field, and Carlos Cortes takes right this afternoon, meaning Denzel Clarke will be on the bench to begin today’s game. He went 1-for-3 last night, but also had two strikeouts. Is an option to Las Vegas in the cards if this continues?

That lineup will be facing Chicago righty Erick Fedde. The veteran right-hander signed a modest one-year deal with the White Sox to be a stabilizing force for them in a young rotation, and the early returns have been positive for them. The 33-year-old has made three appearances (two starts and a “bulk” outing) and has a solid 3.38 ERA through his first 16 innings in a White Sox uniform. Shockingly, in his nine-year MLB career Fedde has only once ever pitched against the Athletics, getting roughed up for six runs in 2 2/3 innings way back in 2022 when he was still a member of the Washington Nationals. Ready for Round 2, Fedde?

The Chicago starting nine for this afternoon looks like this:

And mostly the same lineup for Chicago as well, with a tweak here and there. Why would they mess with a good thing? They just scored nine runs last night. It’d be foolish to mess with a good thing.

But we got this, right A’s fans? We have fallen to third place in the division but a win today (and some help from Seattle and San Diego) and we’re right back at the top of the division. Time to get back in the win column. Let’s go A’s!

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Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United: Premier League – as it happened

Bruno Fernandes created the only goal for Matheus Cunha as Man Utd held firm to move 10 points clear of Chelsea

2 min “After more than 40 days without internet here in Iran; I finally managed to get online,” writes Karen Asad. “You can’t imagine how difficult that is! anyway I’m looking forward to my first live blog in almost two months. I can testify that football is a great distraction from the raging war surrounding us. Here’s hoping a United win!”

1 min Man Utd kick off from left to right as we watch.

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