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Power-focused shift has Nats’ CJ Abrams off and running early

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 14: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his solo home run with teammates during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ever since coming to Washington as one of the main headliners in the infamous Juan Soto trade from the San Diego Padres, Nationals’ shortstop CJ Abrams has been excruciatingly close to proving his worth as a franchise player.

The 25-year-old made his Major League debut in 2022 and has been a steady contributor for the Nats, averaging 3.4 Wins Above Replacement per season across 433 games from 2023-2025. Abrams has flashed superstar potential offensively, generating plenty of excitement among the fanbase about the player he could become. For all the success he’s had, however, consistency has remained a struggle; seemingly continuing to plateau and settle in the good-not-great tier.

The 2026 season is still in its earliest stages, but this may be the year that Abrams finally takes that offensive leap and transcends into a full-on star. He’s had hot stretches before, so why might this one be different?

He’s finally doing what Nats fans have been pleading with him to do since he arrived in the organization: pulling the ball in the air with authority. On the surface, there’s plenty to love with how Abrams has begun his 2026 campaign. In 77 plate appearances, he’s already racked up 1.2 bWAR, is slashing .371/.481/.710, and has smacked 6 home runs, 3 doubles, 19 Runs Batted In, and stolen 4 bases.

Just leaving it at that would do more than enough to justify the current hype surrounding Abrams, but digging deeper reveals even more reasons why this stretch may be sustainable long-term. Coming into 2026, he had seen slight year-to-year improvements in his Pull-Air%, climbing from 13.4% in 2022 to 22.2% in 2025. His upward trajectory was encouraging, but it still wasn’t enough to elevate his game to meet the expectations he came with.

Then comes 2026, where he’s clocked in at a whopping 26.4% to go along with career-highs in Average Exit Velo (92.1 MPH), Barrel% (13.2%), and Hard-Hit% (50.9), among others. On the flip side, he’s also working with a career low in K% at just 13.0%. Summing up all the data, a very simple conclusion is revealed for why he’s playing at such a high level:

Abrams is rarely getting punched out, and he’s pulling the ball in the air with more frequency and authority than he ever has.

His tools were never questioned, and his upside was always mouthwatering. Now, Abrams is doing exactly what he needs to do to be successful by tapping into his physical traits and getting out in front of the ball at a high clip. Through 18 games, he’s done nothing but pummel opposing pitchers into submission. He’s routinely peppering the ball to his pull side with a combination of raw power and timing that Nats fans hadn’t yet seen during his tenure,

If the Nationals want to work themselves out of their rebuild cycle and make a legitimate playoff push, whether this year or further into the future, they need foundational pieces. Abrams has been talked about as one for a while, and this year, he’s finally meeting the moment.

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Former Columbus Blue Jackets Are Strongly Represented In This Years Playoffs

With the Columbus Blue Jackets not in the playoffs, many fans find themselves rooting for other teams to win the cup. They root for the teams for various reasons, but most of those center around players who used to play for Columbus. 

There are 22 different players on the playoff teams this season. All teams except the Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers have ex-Jackets on their rosters. Many others work in the various front offices, but we'll stick to players today. 

Colorado Avalanche - Nick Blankenburg

Los Angeles Kings - Artemi Panarin, Anton Forsberg

Dallas Stars - Matt Duchene

Minnesota Wild - Nick Foligno, Daemon Hunt

Vegas Golden Knights - William Karlsson, Brandon Saad

Utah Mammoth - Kevin Stenlund, Ian Cole

Edmonton Oilers - Jack Roslovic

Buffalo Sabres - Justin Danforth

Boston Bruins - Sean Kuraly, Jordan Harris, Andrew Peeke, Joonas Korpisalo

Tampa Bay Lightning - Oliver Bjorkstrand

Montreal Canadiens - Josh Anderson, Patrik Laine, Alexandre Texier

Carolina Hurricanes - Eric Robinson

Pittsburgh Penguins - Egor Chinakhov

So, who will you be rooting for?

Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, 2025, where the CBJ will most likely pick 14 or 15. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.

Let us know what you think below.

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Rockets vs Lakers Win Probability for Game 1 at Prediction Markets

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Did you know Kalshi offers prediction markets for tonight's Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 1 NBA Western Conference playoff series?

We’ve got NBA picks for Saturday night's Game 1 to help you make good choices and selections before tip-off.

Read on for our Rockets vs. Lakers predictions for Saturday, April 18.  

Who will win Rockets vs Lakers Game 1?

Rockets win probability:81% (-490)
Lakers win probability:19% (+425)

The market is heavily backing the Houston Rockets here, giving them over an 80% chance to win. That’s a big number, which tells you how much respect the Rockets are getting right now.

Our prediction:Lakers to win

The Rockets are Game 1 road chalk, but if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win at least one game in this series, it’ll be the opener.

LeBron James is fresh with a home-court edge, while the Rockets’ youngsters could shrink a little on the postseason stage. It wouldn’t shock me if L.A. comes out swinging Saturday. 

Read more in Jason Logan's full Rockets vs. Lakers predictions.

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More Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Rockets vs. Lakers at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Lakers +5.5 spread means the Lakers will cover, while "No" means the Rockets will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Rockets vs Lakers spread and total at prediction markets

OutcomeYesNo
Lakers +5.548¢ (+100)53¢ (-113)
Over 207.5 points53¢ (-113)48¢ (+100)

Our predictions:Lakers +5.5 — Yes and Over 207.5 points — Yes

The Lakers should cover because their half-court efficiency and ability to get to the free-throw line put constant pressure on a young Rockets defense that still struggles with discipline late in games.

The total should go Over 207.5 because both teams push pace more than people realize, and Houston’s improving offense combined with the Lakers’ transition scoring creates enough possessions to clear a modest number.

Other Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets available

  • LeBron James 25+ points (Yes: 57¢)
  • Alperen Sengun 6+ assists (Yes: 46¢)
  • Deandre Ayton 8+ rebounds (Yes: 56¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Lakers win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Rockets vs Lakers at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

  1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.

  2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.

  3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.

  4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Is Luka Doncic playing for the Lakers in Game 1 vs. the Rockets?

The Los Angeles Lakers open the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Saturday night against the Houston Rockets, but the series comes with an uphill battle for Los Angeles. The Lakers will have to navigate it without NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic, who is sidelined with an injury.

The injury occurred on April 2 in a regular-season loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic exited the game in the third quarter in visible pain. An MRI the following day confirmed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, which ruled him out for the rest of the regular season. Before going down, Doncic was playing some of the best basketball of his career, leading the league with 33.5 points per game while averaging 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Head coach JJ Redick confirmed on April 14 that both Doncic and Reaves are out indefinitely, offering no timeline on their return.

“They’re out indefinitely,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”

The team has said they have no expectation of either player being back at any point in the first round, though they have not completely ruled out the possibility if the series stretches to six or seven games.

King vs. Clutch City: Lakers–Rockets staff predictions and latest odds

Luka Doncic injury update:

Doncic is officially out for Game 1 (hamstring). Head coach JJ Redick addressed the injury earlier in the week but did not give too much information, merely stating on Doncic and Austin Reaves (oblique), "They’re out indefinitely,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”

How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Game 1

  • Date: Saturday, April 18
  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • TV: ABC
  • Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Calif.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic injury update: Will Lakers star play vs Rockets?

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Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan take major step toward repairing friendship after 14-year spat

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Charles Barkley holds a golf club during a practice round for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Image 2 shows Michael Jordan laughing at a NASCAR event

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan weren’t just two of the biggest stars in the NBA in the 1990s, they were also teammates on the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics and close friends who happened to love golf.

But Barkley’s criticism over a decade ago of Jordan’s then-role as owner and head of basketball operations of the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) damaged that relationship.

Now, they appear to have mended fences — and golf will once again be involved.

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan had once fallen out over criticism’s the broadcaster made of the Chicago Bulls legend. Getty Images

The problems started in 2012, when Barkley said on ESPN Chicago’s Waddle & Silvy show that “the biggest problem has been I don’t know if [Jordan] has hired enough people around him who he will listen to. One thing about being famous is the people around you, you pay all their bills, so they very rarely disagree with you because they want you to pick up the check… I don’t think Michael has hired enough people around him who will disagree.”

Barkley added at the time: “I love Michael, but he has not done a good job.”

Jordan, not surprisingly, did not appreciate those comments and in 2020, Barkley noted their relationship hadn’t recovered.

“The guy was like a brother to me for, shoot, 20-something years,” Barkley said six years ago. “And I do… I feel sadness. But to me, he’s still the greatest basketball player ever. I wish him nothing but the best. But there’s nothing I can do about it, brother.”

Until now, apparently.

Speaking on Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Unleashed on SiriusXM on Friday, Barkley said the two have started talking again and will hit the links after the NBA season is over.

“We had a conversation,” Barkley said. “We’re going to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.” 

As Russo said to Barkley, “Charles, that’s a big story because he was mad at you!”

Jordan and Barkley will soon get together for a game of golf. AP

But Barkley insisted the issues weren’t that deep.

“We’re not like Prince William and Prince Harry,” said Barkley, who is on “Inside the NBA” on ESPN, while Jordan is a minority owner with the Hornets, whose season ended Friday night in a play-in loss to the Orlando Magic. “We always had a lot of love for each other. But we talked, actually, in the last probably 72 hours. We decided to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”

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Mapping out the pros and cons of a Cam Schlittler extension

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium on April 7, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The fact that this conversation is happening—even externally—is great news. The Yankees have a young, exciting, and highly talented player whose services they’d probably like to retain for a long time. This is not a luxury every organization has, obviously, and extending that relationship is something the Yankees should seriously consider with Cam Schlittler.

Extensions for budding young stars have been as relevant as ever in recent news cycles. Nineteen-year-old Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who just recently made his debut as the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball, signed a nine-year $140 million deal to remain in the Steel City until at least 2034. In Detroit, one of baseball’s other top prospects, 21-year-old Kevin McGonigle, inked a comparable eight-year $150 million contract with the Tigers. The Red Sox notably came to terms on a deal like that as well for the ascendant Roman Anthony in August 2025, extending him for eight years and $130 million. Those are some very early-career extensions given the amount of money they could be leaving on the table, but once you get well into nine figures, it’s hard to fault a guy for locking down generational wealth. Heck, Colt Emerson didn’t quite get nine figures from the Mariners, but a month ago, they put $95 million in front of a prospect who still has yet to debut, and he understandably agreed.

Although the amount and length likely won’t match the aforementioned contracts, the Yankees have a similar situation to consider with Schlittler. The 25-year-old delivered a promising half-season in his rookie campaign in 2025, and is now flourishing as a vital member of the Yankees rotation. In the early offing, Schlittler is already easily surpassing the already impressive numbers he posted last season—walks are down, K’s are up, and he hasn’t given up a homer since September 21st—so keeping him around for the long haul may quickly become a priority for the Yankees.

In relation to deals like the ones given to Griffin or McGonigle, the situation between Schlittler and the Yanks is different. He’s older than the two top prospects and more importantly, he’s not a position player. Although it’s certainly something both sides should look into, there are plenty of positives and negatives to consider regarding a possible extension for the righty.

The pros are clear and obvious: he is an excellent pitcher. Schlittler has made five starts thus far in 2026, and his 27.2 innings of work have been simply electric. His start on Friday against the Royals moved his ERA to a sparkling 1.95 on the season, and even more impressively, his FIP remains at an eye-popping 0.88, which leads the majors (as does his 1.0 BB/9). The stuff is excellent, and his early success on the mound only adds to the confidence in his four-pitch mix.

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The positives don’t stop at his clear ability either, as unlike the rest of the current rotation, Father Time is still on his side in this regard. Schlittler only turned 25 in February, and his arrival is well-timed. If everyone’s health is in order, the Yankees have one of the league’s most talented starting groups. But in that core of multiple potential aces (Will Warren just isn’t at that level, and Luis Gil’s future is in complete jeopardy), Schlittler is the lone member on the right side of 30. Max Fried is 32, Carlos Rodón is 33, and Gerrit Cole will turn 36 in September. It is a very good group, but is not a particularly youthful one, so locking up a young gun with ace potential like Schlitter could be a timely move for the Yankees. That’s especially true if there are significant changes to free agent eligibility in the next CBA, which is certainly possible if these other extensions are canaries in the coal mine for slight changes in general front-office philosophy.

While there are plenty of pros here, a potential deal does not come without its risks. As mentioned, Schlittler’s pitcher-hood (for lack of a better term) adds some inherent risk over say, the shortstops that recently inked deals. Think of someone like the Rays’ Shane McClanahan, who didn’t actually sign a deal, but who showed all the potential in the world, only to miss more than two full seasons of action due to injury. Other arms like Spencer Strider, Lance McCullers Jr. and Cristian Javier have spent quite a bit of post-extension time on the shelf as well.

New York has also been burned in the past with extensions for young hurlers. Although it wasn’t the highest-stakes deal, after Luis Severino signed his four-year, $40 million extension prior to the 2019 season, he went on to throw 18 total innings in a three-year span, before returning to results that ranged from so-so to bad. While that’s just one case, it is a clear example of the risk involved in locking down a young pitcher. One day they are the future of the franchise, and the next they can be a non-factor for years. Also, assuming that the next CBA doesn’t alter free agency too much—for all the talks, the status quo is the safer bet as a rule—then Schlittler wouldn’t hit the open market until after 2031, his age-30 season. The Yankees might prefer to just ride it out in that regard.

There is always risk involved when signing a young player with minimal experience, and pitching a baseball at close to 100 mph is risky business. But, the Yankees will have a decision to make at some point or another, and with other extensions being handed out to young phenoms, there’s a chance it’s something that comes up sooner rather than later. There’s plenty to consider with a deal like this, and even with the risk it poses, the top-shelf upside Schlittler has already shown and his possible importance to the future of the franchise is impossible to ignore.

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Hawks vs Knicks Win Probability for Game 1 at Prediction Markets

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The New York Knicks begin their playoff run tonight at Madison Square Garden as the Atlanta Hawks visit the Big Apple for Game 1 of their first-round series.

We break down Kalshi’s win probability markets and deliver some Hawks vs. Knicks predictions to help guide your NBA picks for Saturday, April 18.

Who will win Hawks vs Knicks Game 1?

Hawks win probability:34% (+194)
Knicks win probability:68% (-212)

Although Atlanta prevailed 111-99 in the last head-to-head meeting at MSG, oddsmakers are trading the Knicks at 68% (-212) to prevail this time around. 

Our prediction:Atlanta to win

The Hawks have been hot since the break, and their lethal combination of strong defense and a barrage of three-pointers gives them a puncher’s chance to emerge victorious and complete the upset at Madison Square Garden. 

Read more in Zak Hanshew's full Hawks vs. Knicks predictions.

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More Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Hawks vs. Knicks at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Knicks -6.5 spread means the Knicks will cover, while "No" means the Hawks will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Hawks vs Knicks spread and total at prediction markets

OutcomeYesNo
Knicks -6.548¢ (+108)53¢ (-113)
Over 216.5 points54¢ (-117)47¢ (+113)

Our predictions:Knicks -6.5 — No

After the All-Star break, Atlanta owned the seventh-best offensive rating (119.8), second-best defensive rating (109.5), and third-best net rating (10.3).

Given the team’s recent success and advantage from the perimeter, take the Hawks to cover a modest spread on the road.

Other Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets available

  • Jalen Brunson 25+ points (Yes: 65¢)
  • CJ McCollum 4+ assists (Yes: 54¢)
  • Jalen Johnson 11+ rebounds (Yes: 49¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts," which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Knicks win today?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Hawks vs Knicks at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

  1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.

  2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.

  3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.

  4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Abreu Implodes Again, Astros Crushed by Cardinals 9-4

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros bats in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Daikin Park on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bryan Abreu’s struggles continued last night, and the Astros lost their second straight game at home in a 9-4 defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park.

Bryan Abreu entered the game last night with the Astros down 4-3 in the 7th inning. 16 pitches later, the game was 7-3 and effectively over.

Abreu allowed 3 runs in his single inning of work, allowing a walk and 2 hits, including a 3-run home run to Nolan Gorman. Gorman entered the game hitting .208 with a paltry .611 OPS. He had not homered since March 30, and was in the midst of a 2 for 18 slump.

Abreu’s velocity continues to be a problem, as it is not only 2 MPH slower on average (97.3MPH in 2025, 95.4 MPH in 2026 per Statcast/Baseball Savant), but the velocity continues to be inconsistent pitch to pitch. Abreu’s fastball ranged from 96.4 on the high end (resulted in HR) to 94.7 on the low end (fly ball to right). The slowest one was his final fastball he threw.

Abreu’s slider has not been impacted velocity-wise, as his average slider last season was 86.5 MPH and this season it is 87.1 MPH.

Abreu’s command has also been off significantly this season. He threw only 8 of his 16 pitches last night for strikes, and has walked 13 batters in 7.1 IP this season. Last night, he walked Jordan Walker on 4 straight sliders, 3 of which weren’t close. He then threw 3 straight fastballs to Gorman, 2 of which were similar eye level. The second of those was hammered for a home run.

Houston called up Peter Lambert to start the game for them due to their rash of injuries, and Lambert gave them a decent performance. He was able to get through 5 innings, which has been an accomplishment for Astros’ starters.

Of note, Lambert generated a lot of swings and misses:

He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked 1 and struck out 8. The 1 walk and 8 strikeouts were strong points. He also hit 2 batters. However, he gave them 5 innings, which the team desperately needed. He left trailing 4-3, but he gave the team a chance to compete and win.

Abreu removed that chance in the 7th.

Down 3-0 in the third, the Astros would answer with a pair of solo homers:

Christian Vazquez continued his torrid start at the plate:

The Yordan Alvarez would follow 2 batters later with his 8th HR of the season:

Vazquez is now hitting .400 on the season with an 1.171 OPS. While certainly not sustainable, it should earn him more playing time over the struggling Yainer Diaz (.186 AVG, .476 OPS, -0.4 WAR). Vazquez’ defensive superiority has been evident as well.

Alvarez is now batting .333 with a 1.229 OPS, hitting like the monster at the plate that he is.

After the Cardinals added a run in the fourth, Jose Altuve got the Astros another run in the 5th:

Altuve’s 3rd HR of the season got Houston back to within 4-3. Altuve is now batting .293 with an .897 OPS, looking more like the Jose Altuve fans have come to expect over the last several seasons after struggling somewhat while playing through injury in 2025.

J.P. France pitched the 8th and 9th innings, allowing a 2-run home run. Taylor Trammell had an RBI single in the 8th off old friend Ryne Stanek to score the Astros final run at 9-4.

With the loss, the Astros are now 8-13, tied for last place in the AL West with the Seattle Mariners. They are 3.5 games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers.

NOTES: Joey Loperfido left the game last night due to right quad tightness. He appeared to suffer the injury running to first base on a groundout in the bottom of the 6th. He was replaced by Brice Matthews.

Isaac Paredes also left the game last night. Manager Joe Espada said after the game that his “legs weren’t feeling good” after he ran down a foul pop. Shay Whitcomb replaced him in the 8th.

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

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The New York Yankees continue their weekend series against the Kansas City Royals this afternoon, who look to snap a five-game losing streak.

Kansas City’s offense has been virtually non-existent during the skid, and I don’t see that changing today in my Royals vs. Yankees prediction.

Read the full analysis below in my MLB picks for Saturday, April 18.

Who will win Royals vs Yankees today: Yankees moneyline (-170)

The Kansas City Royals have been abysmal at the plate this season, ranking 29th in runs scored (67) and 26th in team batting average (.219).

The visitors enter Saturday with a 2-8 record over their last 10 games while scoring two runs or fewer in eight of those outings.

New York Yankees starter Will Warren won’t make things easy on the Royals today, either. The right-hander has a stingy 2.45 ERA over his first four outings, holding opponents to two earned runs in three of four games.

The Yankees will get it done at home today.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Aaron Judge has an MLB-best five home runs over the last seven days while riding a six-game hit streak.

Royals vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-110)

The Royals (70%; 1st) and Yankees (55.6%; t-4th) have been cashing the Under more than almost anyone in the MLB this year. Kansas City has hit the Under in six of its last eight, while New York has done so in three of four.

Royals starter Noah Cameron has also been solid with a 3.94 ERA, allowing just one earned run in two of his three outings, but it's Kansas City’s offense (or lack thereof) that’ll keep this one Under 8.5 runs.

Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 0-0
  • Over/Under bets: 0-0

Royals vs Yankees odds

  • Moneyline: Kansas City +144 | New York -150
  • Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-138) | New York -1.5 (+133)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-122) | Under 8.5 (+117)

Royals vs Yankees trend

New York has won nine straight head-to-head meetings vs. Kansas City. Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Yankees.

How to watch Royals vs Yankees and game info

LocationYankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
DateSaturday, April 18, 2026
First pitch1:35 p.m. ET
TVRoyals.TV, YES
Royals starting pitcherNoah Cameron
(1-0, 3.94 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcherWill Warren
(1-0, 2.46 ERA)

Royals vs Yankees latest injuries

Royals 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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Suns vs Thunder Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 1

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The defending NBA champions open as the top seed in the Western Conference for the third straight year when the Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns in the opening game of the first round of the playoffs today.

With a quirky offense and thorn-in-the-side defenders like Dillon Brooks, Phoenix could cause headaches for the defending champs.

However, my Suns vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks call for OKC to solve the puzzle and roll to a solid cover.

  • UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.

Suns vs Thunder prediction

Who will win Suns vs Thunder Game 1?

Thunder: The Oklahoma City Thunder has played four first-round games against the 8-seed at home over the last two postseasons. They've never allowed 100 points and have won by an average margin of 116.8-90.8.

Suns vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -13 (-110)

The Oklahoma City Thunder had the best defensive rating in the NBA and allowed the second-fewest points, despite not playing at an exceedingly slow pace. The Thunder essentially took the last week of the regular season off, benching 10 rotation players.

That means a team that struggled with injury all year has had 11 days of rest.

Prior to the season-ending shutdown, OKC was clicking. The Thunder had won seven straight, going 5-2 ATS before their skeleton crew dropped the last two regular-season contests.

The Phoenix Suns were the last team to make the field, beating Golden State on Friday in the play-in tournament. Phoenix won two of five against OKC this season, going 3-2 ATS, including going 2-1 ATS in Oklahoma City.

However, one of those games was the regular-season finale, where both teams rested their starters and key bench players. There's a good chance some of the players who participated in that Suns win will even suit up for this series.

The Suns' fluid, pass-intensive offense is something the Thunder didn't see every day, and Phoenix had a top-10 defense. OKC has done well against the Suns' D this season, however, averaging 125 points in the four games where starters played.

That's six points above their season average and 14 more than Phoenix allowed. They also held the Suns to 106 points, more than a half-dozen below Phoenix's average.

Suns vs Thunder same-game parlay

OKC ranked 16th in the NBA in pace this season. Phoenix won't be trying to speed things up—it ranked 24th in pace. Last season, the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure in the postseason. 

Scoring dropped by eight combined points per game in the first-round series and seven points per game in the Thunder's entire playoff run.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP performer against the Suns this season. He averaged 30 points per game and hit half of his three-point attempts. He also hit 51% of his two-point shots, an area where the Suns were weak this season, allowing opponents to shoot .556 on the inside.

Suns vs Thunder SGP

  • Thunder -13
  • Under 215.5 points
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Dishing and Swishing!

SGA has also dished out 7.3 assists per game against the Suns this season. He had 33 assists in four April games. Getting plus odds on a 6.5 assist cutoff seems like a gift.

Jalen Green was blazing hot during the play-in games, scoring 35 and 36 and hitting eight treys against the Warriors. Getting plus odds on him also seems out of whack.

Isaiah Hartenstein averaged 9.2 rebounds this season and averaged 10.3 in games when he played at least 20 minutes. 

Suns vs Thunder SGP

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 assists
  • Jalen Green Over 2.5 made threes
  • Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 rebounds

Suns vs Thunder odds for Game 1

  • Spread: Suns +13 | Thunder -13
  • Moneyline: Suns +561 | Thunder -800
  • Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5

Suns vs Thunder betting trend to know


The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 17 of their last 24 games at home (+9.05 Units / 33% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Thunder.

How to watch Suns vs Thunder Game 1

LocationPaycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
DateSunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off3:30 p.m. ET
TVABC

Suns vs Thunder latest injuries

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Mets place Jorge Polanco on injured list, call up Hayden Senger

Jorge Polanco looks up in frustration in a road grey Mets uniform
Jorge Polanco | (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Mets have placed Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list, and the team’s official reason for doing so is the right wrist contusion that arose recently. The 32-year-old, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets shortly after Pete Alonso signed a five-year deal with the Orioles, had also been dealing with an Achilles issue that kept him out of the lineup multiple times.

At the time of his signing, the Mets indicated that they intended to play Polanco at first base, a position he had never played, on a regular basis. But after just two games there to start the season, he stopped playing the field, as the Achilles issue came about quickly.

There’s still plenty of time for Polanco to bounce back at the plate if he can get fully healthy, even if the Statcast metrics don’t look super encouraging at the moment. In 61 plate appearances this season, he’s hit .179/.246/.286 with a 53 wRC+ and been worth -0.3 fWAR.

As for his replacement on the active roster, the Mets are calling up catcher Hayden Senger. Presumably, that’ll mean that Francisco Alvarez—the standout position player of the early portion of this season—will have the opportunity to get more plate appearances as the Mets’ designated hitter on days he isn’t catching. If Senger does get some starts behind the plate, though, he’s been on fire in Triple-A Syracuse to start the season, as he’s hit five home runs with a .257/.316/.714 line in 38 plate appearances.

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Mets' Jorge Polanco lands on IL with right wrist contusion, no timeline for return

Jorge Polanco is officially hitting the injured list. 

The Mets placed the infielder on the 10-day IL with a wrist contusion prior to Saturday's game against the Cubs. 

Carlos Mendoza said it looked as if he was hit by a pitch at first, but the injury actually occurred while taking some swings against Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Tuesday night's loss.   

Trainers didn't think much of it at the time, but it got worse the next day, so they sent him for testing. 

Polanco will now be forced to the sidelines without a timeline for his return. 

While this is a big blow for the Mets' lineup, it does give the veteran an opportunity to fully heal from the Achilles injury that's been bugging him since the second game of the season. 

Polanco is said to have been making good progress on that front, but he was visibly hobbled on the basepaths and had gotten off to a slow start at the plate, with just four of his 10 hits going for extra bases. 

He has also been limited to strictly DH duties since that opening series against the Pirates. 

In a corresponding move, Hayden Senger has been recalled from Syracuse. 

Adding a third catcher allows the Mets to be aggressive with Luis Torrens off the bench and keep Francisco Alvarez's bat in the lineup on an everyday basis, whether it's at DH or behind the plate. 

Senger has also gotten off to a nice start with Syracuse, lifting six XBHs over his first 12 games. 

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Is Kevin Durant playing for Rockets vs Lakers tonight? Injury update for NBA playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets square off in an intriguing first-round Western Conference playoff series.

The best-of-seven series could come down to who isn't going to be on the floor, instead of who is actually playing.

The Lakers are expected to be without Luka Doncic, who suffered a hamstring injury late in the season, and Austin Reaves (oblique) at least for Game 1, set to tip off April 18 in Los Angeles.

The Rockets have their own injury concerns, as forward Kevin Durant showed up on the injury report this week, with a knee injury.

Durant, who played the second-most minutes in the NBA regular season, and is only 15 points short of 5,000 for his playoff career, sustained the injury in practice.

Kevin Durant injury status

The Rockets say that the 37-year-old Durant is officially questionable after sustaining a right knee contusion this week in practice.

Houston reportedly isn't concerned about the injury, and Durant (26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game), who played in 78 games this season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin Durant injury update: Rockets star playing vs. Lakers tonight?

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Steve Kerr reflects on moment that ‘derailed' Warriors' 2025-26 NBA season

Steve Kerr reflects on moment that ‘derailed' Warriors' 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After a third consecutive NBA play-in tournament appearance ended in elimination on Friday night, what went wrong for the Warriors?

Following Golden State’s 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns, coach Steve Kerr pinpointed the moment this season that the Warriors went from hopeful NBA title contenders to fighting just to clinch the Western Conference’s No. 10 seed.

“I felt like we didn’t find it early in the season; we were blowing some games that we should have closed out, and I could have done a better job,” Kerr told reporters at Mortgage Matchup Center. “But when Jimmy [Butler] got hurt, it felt like we were finding it. And so I think that injury just derailed us.

“When you look at the rest of the West, you look at the league, teams are loaded. There’s so much talent and so much skill, and to lose one of the best players in the in the game in Jimmy, it can’t do anything but take you off course.”

The Warriors entered the 2025-26 NBA season eager to enjoy a full season of Butler after acquiring the forward before the trade deadline in February 2025. After a slow start this season, Golden State began to click and put together a three-game win streak before playing Butler’s former team, the Miami Heat, on Jan. 19.

Then, disaster stuck when Butler sustained a season-ending ACL tear in the game’s third quarter.

The Warriors went on to win the game and improved to 25-19. But missing Butler, coupled with Steph Curry’s extended injury absence, was too much for Golden State to overcome as they finished the campaign 37-45 with another play-in berth.

Butler’s injury not only impacts this season, but next season, too — as does Moses Moody’s season-ending patellar tendon tear. Both injuries require extensive, grueling rehabilitation, and both players are beloved by their Warriors teammates.

“Moses, he’s developed so well, and he’s such a great young guy, and it was heartbreaking to see him go down,” Kerr continued. “So two injuries that not only affect this year, but next year. That’s pretty rough.”

After years as an NBA dynasty, the Warriors have had to develop an attitude of resiliency during a roller-coaster season. For now, they’ll regroup in the offseason and look forward to the day they’re whole again.

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NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket changes OT format

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are getting underway, meaning a major change in the overtime format.

Unlike the Olympics, where 3-on-3 overtime is played even in the gold medal game, the NHL switches things up in the postseason when the games matter more.

There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It's 5-on-5 instead. There won't be any more shootouts after five minutes of scoreless overtime play. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.

In the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, three of the first four games went to overtime, including one double-overtime game. Overall in the 2025 NHL playoffs, 20 games went to overtime, including four double-overtime games.

Here's a primer on playoff hockey overtime:

How does OT work in NHL playoffs?

If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.

The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored.

What are the longest NHL playoff overtime games?

  • 1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals. March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner.
  • 2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner.
  • 3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. May 4, 2000. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner.
  • 4 - Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner.
  • 5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. April 24, 2003. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner.
  • 6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. May 18, 2023. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner.

Longest Stanley Cup Final games

Eight Stanley Cup Final games have gone to the third overtime. The Edmonton Oilers were part of the longest game when Petr Klima scored at 15:13 of the third overtime for a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Final.

Which players in 2026 postseason have the most playoff overtime goals?

  • 5 - Corey Perry, Lightning
  • 4 - Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (all in 2025 playoffs, an NHL record for one postseason)
  • 3 - Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Artemi Panarin, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL overtime rules in playoffs, OT format and longest games