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Grizzlies vs. Thunder Odds, predictions, recent stats, trends and Best bets for April 22

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

It’s Tuesday, April 22, and the Memphis Grizzlies (48-34) and Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) are all set to square off from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

The No.1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder embarrassed
the Grizzlies in game one of the series.

The Thunder won 131-80. Not a single Grizzlies player scored more than 17 points in that matchup.

Now the Grizzlies must rely on a banged up Ja Morant to try and level the series before they head to Memphis.

The Grizzlies are currently 22-19 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Thunder have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

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Game details & how to watch Grizzlies vs. Thunder live today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  • Time: 7:30PM EST
  • Site: Paycom Center
  • City: Oklahoma City, OK
  • Network/Streaming: TNT

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Grizzlies vs. Thunder

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Grizzlies (+737), Thunder (-1190)
  • Spread:  Thunder -14.5
  • Over/Under: 229 points

That gives the Grizzlies an implied team point total of 113.63, and the Thunder 121.19.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday’s Grizzlies vs. Thunder game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on the Thunder -14.5...

Thomas: "It feels lazy to bet on the Thunder to cover again in game two. However, it's for good reason. This is not a good Grizzlies team. They are banged up, and they are playing against the best team in basketball, on the road, in front of a sellout crowd."

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Grizzlies & Thunder game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Memphis Grizzlies at +14.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 229.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Grizzlies vs. Thunder on Tuesday

  • The Thunder have won four of their last five games at home against Western Conference Southwest Division teams
  • Six of the Thunder's last seven home matchups against the Grizzlies have stayed under the Total
  • Oklahoma City have won four of the last five meetings by at least 17 points

The Thunder have won 7 of their last 9 home matchups against the Grizzlies

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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New York Islanders Part With GM Lou Lamoriello

Lou Lamoriello, seen here in 2013 (Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images)

The New York Islanders won't renew the contract of the second-winningest GM in NHL history, Lou Lamoriello.

The search for a new GM is underway, the Islandersannounced Tuesday. Operating partner John Collins will lead the search.

Lamoriello's Islanders missed the playoffs by nine points this season. Their .500 points percentage was their lowest since 2017-18.

Lamoriello, 82, joined the Islanders organization ahead of the 2018-19 season as GM and president of hockey operations. In the past seven seasons, he's had a 268-195-71 record with the Islanders.

He was named the NHL's GM of the year in 2019-20 and 2020-21, when the team made back-to-back Stanley Cup playoff semifinal appearances. Under Lamoriello, the Islanders ultimately won five playoff rounds, six including the qualifying round in the 2020 bubble playoffs.

Lamoriello brought on key players over the years, such as Semyon Varlamov, Bo Horvat, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Kyle Palmieri, Alexander Romanov and Anthony Duclair. He also re-signed important Islanders to long-term contracts, such as captain Anders Lee, Horvat, Ilya Sorokin, Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech, as well as depth players Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield.

The Islanders have had three coaches in the past seven seasons. Barry Trotz coached for four campaigns after winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018. Lane Lambert then took over for parts of two seasons and had a 61-46-20 record before Lamoriello replaced him with Patrick Roy on Jan. 20, 2024.

Whoever replaces Lamoriello has seven pending RFAs and five pending UFAs to handle, including RFAs Noah Dobson, Adam Boqvist, Romanov and Maxim Tsyplakov and UFAs Palmieri, Mike Reilly and Tony DeAngelo.

Lamoriello's resume includes the second-most regular-season games, wins and losses in NHL history, trailing only David Poile in each category. The biggest difference between Lamoriello and Poile is the former's three Stanley Cup wins, all with the New Jersey Devils in 1995, 2000 and 2003.

The Johnston, R.I., native also has the most playoff games managed and ninth-most post-season wins in NHL history. He also won a World Cup gold medal on Team USA in 1996.

Lamoriello was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2009 and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2012.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Padres at Tigers Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for April 22

Its Tuesday, April 22 and the Padres (16-7) are in Detroit to take on the Tigers (14-9). Nick Pivetta is slated to take the mound for San Diego against Jack Flaherty for Detroit.

The Tigers won game one of the series yesterday 6-4. Keider Montero started on the mound for the Tigers. He pitched 4.1 innings, giving up five hits, walking four batters, and striking out three, with just three runs earned.

Flaherty is looking to bounce back from a rough performance last time out when he went up against the Brewers. He only made it through 4.2 innings and picked up the loss.

Pivetta is looking to make it three wins in a row against the Tigers tonight and four on the season.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Padres at Tigers

  • Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  • Time: 6:40PM EST
  • Site: Comerica Park
  • City: Detroit, MI

  • Network/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, Padres.TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Padres at the Tigers

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Padres (-105), Tigers (-115)
  • Spread:  Tigers 1.5
  • Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Padres at Tigers

  • Pitching matchup for April 22, 2025: Nick Pivetta vs. Jack Flaherty
    • Padres: Nick Pivetta, (3-1, 1.57 ERA)
      Last outing (4/16): 6.0 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, Walks, and 6 Strikeouts
    • Tigers: Jack Flaherty, (1-1, 2.53 ERA)
      Last outing (4/15): 4.2 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Padres at Tigers

  • The Padres have won 5 of 7 games following a defeat
  • The Tigers are showing a profit of 4.24 units on the Run Line in their last 5 games at Comerica Park

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Padres and the Tigers

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Padres and the Tigers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the San Diego Padres on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Diego Padres at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa: Premier League – as it happened

Matheus Nunes scored the winner deep into added time as City put some clear blue light between themselves and Villa in the race for Champions League qualification

17 secs: Ollie Watkins scored after 34 seconds against Newcastle on Saturday. Marcus Rashford nearly does so after half that tonight! He twists and turns down the inside-left channel before threading a shot across Ortega and off the base of the right-hand post!

Villa get the ball rolling. It’s not a sell-out.

Continue reading...
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Brewers at Giants Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 22

It's Tuesday, April 22 and the Brewers (12-11) are in San Francisco to take on the Giants (15-8). Jose Quintana is slated to take the mound for Milwaukee against Jordan Hicks for San Francisco.

Milwaukee won the series-opener against San Francisco, 5-2 yesterday with one run scored in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. Milwaukee did not score after the second inning of yesterday's loss.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch the Brewers at Giants

  • Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  • Time: 9:45PM EST
  • Site: Oracle Park
  • City: San Francisco, CA
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNWIX, NBCSBA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Probable starting pitchers for the Brewers at Giants

  • Pitching matchup for April 22, 2025: Jose Quintana vs. Jordan Hicks
    • Brewers: Jose Quintana, (2-0, 0.71 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.2 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Run Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Giants: Jordan Hicks, (1-2, 6.05 ERA)
      Last outing: 7.0 Innings Pitched, 5 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Odds for the Brewers at the Giants

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Brewers (+115), Giants (-135)
  • Spread:  Giants -1.5
  • Total: 7.0 runs

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Giants

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Brewers ML for the plus-money price:

"The Giants have struggled against left-handed pitching this season with bottom 10 wRC+ ranks. While Jose Quintana isn't a star-studded pitcher, he has been efficient with a 0.71 ERA so far. The pitching edge is certainly with Milwaukee today, so it's Brewers ML at +110 or pass for me."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Brewers and the Giants:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Milwaukee Brewers at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Brewers at Giants

  • The Brewers have won 4 of their last 5 series
  • 4 of the Brewers' last 5 matchups with the Giants have stayed under the Total
  • The Giants are 5-2 at home this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Simone Biles unsure of competing at 2028 LA Olympics: ‘My body is aging’

  • American has won seven Olympics golds
  • Biles would be 31 at the start of next Summer Games

Simone Biles says she is unsure whether she will compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

The 28-year-old says she has other priorities, and is mindful of the demands her sport puts on her body at an age when most elite gymnasts have long since retired. Biles will be 31 when the LA Olympics start: the oldest all-around female gymnastics champion is Maria Gorokhovskaya, who won gold at the age of 30 at the 1952 Games.

Continue reading...
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Ronnie O’Sullivan holds narrow lead over Ali Carter in World Snooker Championship

  • O’Sullivan leads 5-4 on his return to competition
  • Former champion Judd Trump makes positive start

Ronnie O’Sullivan had to settle for a single-frame overnight advantage as the opening session of his world championship first-round encounter with his old foe Ali Carter failed to live up to its pre-match hype.

The seven-time champion, returning to the tour for the first time since dumping his cue after losing a Championship League match in January, appeared to have scraped out a 6-3 lead to take into Wednesday afternoon’s scheduled conclusion. However, Carter dug deep after O’Sullivan missed a long red to the top corner in the final frame of the day, gradually reeling in a 51-point deficit and nervelessly clearing the colours to cut his deficit to 5-4.

Continue reading...
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Uh-oh … Sanchez leaves after 2 inning vs. Mets with forearm soreness

Uh-oh … Sanchez leaves after 2 inning vs. Mets with forearm soreness originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

NEW YORK – Oh boy …

A start after dominating the Giants to the tune of 12 strikeouts, Cristopher Sanchez was lifted Tuesday night with left forearm soreness after just two innings against the Mets.

Sanchez needed 58 pitches to complete those two innings, struggling with command and allowing three hits with two walks.

Sanchez’ sinker velocity was down from a season average of 95.9 mph to 94.7. He threw a good changeup to Juan Soto in the second inning but didn’t have his best changeup otherwise.

Sanchez saw a team doctor after leaving the game and went through movement drills in the training room.

“Right now, I feel normal,” he said. “I think it’s not going to be a thing we have to worry about. … The doc checked me out and I feel positive that we’re not gonna have to be worried about this.”

Forearm injuries are never a good sign and the Phillies will hope that this doesn’t reach Sanchez’ elbow. He will be further evaluated throughout the week and may go for an MRI. Sanchez is such an important piece of the Phillies’ rotation and team, especially with Aaron Nola struggling and Ranger Suarez yet to make his season debut.

Suarez threw five scoreless innings Tuesday at Triple A in his third rehab start and is still in line to make another one on Sunday for Lehigh Valley, manager Rob Thomson said late Tuesday night. Suarez has topped out at five innings/59 pitches and the Phillies ideally wanted him extended to six innings/85 pitches before having him join the rotation.

Sanchez has a 3.42 ERA through five starts. He broke out last season with a 3.32 ERA in 181⅔ innings, 33 above his prior career-high, and with additional velocity, more muscle and more confidence, Sanchez appeared poised to take another step in 2025.

The Phillies will cross their fingers that he’ll still have a chance.

“Well, he’s one of the best pitchers in the National League,” Thomson said of Sanchez. “Other people would have to pick it up. But I’m not anticipating that yet.”

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Suarez moved up to AAA, could be back with Phillies during next homestand

Suarez moved up to AAA, could be back with Phillies during next homestand originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

NEW YORK — Ranger Suarez had his rehab assignment transferred from Single A Clearwater to Triple A Lehigh Valley and will make his third tune-up start on Tuesday night for the IronPigs.

He could be back with the Phillies by next weekend’s home series against the Diamondbacks.

Suarez will be in the five-inning, 75-pitch range Tuesday and will make one more rehab start on Sunday with Lehigh Valley. The Phillies want to extend him to 85-90 pitches in that one before returning him to the major-league rotation.

Suarez has been out since the second week of March with low back stiffness. He made just two Grapefruit League appearances and totaled five innings, so this rehab assignment has basically been his spring training, part two.

The lefty has been effective in two rehab starts, throwing his sinker 92 mph and striking out 11 in seven innings with just one walk. He was facing a much lower level of competition, obviously, which is why the Phillies wanted to send him back north once the schedule and weather permitted.

If Suarez returns to a healthy Phillies rotation, he will replace Taijuan Walker, who has a 2.29 ERA in 19⅔ innings over four starts. Walker experienced shoulder stiffness during Saturday’s start but came out of Tuesday’s bullpen session feeling good. He’s on track to pitch Friday at Wrigley Field.

Outfielder Brandon Marsh (hamstring strain) ran the bases at 100% intensity on Tuesday and will likely begin a rehab assignment Thursday.

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Suarez moved up to AAA, could be back with Phillies during next homestand

Suarez moved up to AAA, could be back with Phillies during next homestand originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

NEW YORK — Ranger Suarez had his rehab assignment transferred from Single A Clearwater to Triple A Lehigh Valley and will make his third tune-up start on Tuesday night for the IronPigs.

He could be back with the Phillies by next weekend’s home series against the Diamondbacks.

Suarez will be in the five-inning, 75-pitch range Tuesday and will make one more rehab start on Sunday with Lehigh Valley. The Phillies want to extend him to 85-90 pitches in that one before returning him to the major-league rotation.

Suarez has been out since the second week of March with low back stiffness. He made just two Grapefruit League appearances and totaled five innings, so this rehab assignment has basically been his spring training, part two.

The lefty has been effective in two rehab starts, throwing his sinker 92 mph and striking out 11 in seven innings with just one walk. He was facing a much lower level of competition, obviously, which is why the Phillies wanted to send him back north once the schedule and weather permitted.

If Suarez returns to a healthy Phillies rotation, he will replace Taijuan Walker, who has a 2.29 ERA in 19⅔ innings over four starts. Walker experienced shoulder stiffness during Saturday’s start but came out of Tuesday’s bullpen session feeling good. He’s on track to pitch Friday at Wrigley Field.

Outfielder Brandon Marsh (hamstring strain) ran the bases at 100% intensity on Tuesday and will likely begin a rehab assignment Thursday.

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Cardinals at Braves Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for April 22

Its Tuesday, April 22 and the Cardinals (9-14) are in Atlanta to take on the Braves (9-13).

Andre Pallante is slated to take the mound for St. Louis against Nathan Wiles for Atlanta.

The Braves knocked off the Cardinals in the series opener last night. Sean Murphy cracked his fifth home run of the year as part of a five-run outburst by the Braves in the bottom of the eighth. Scott Schwellenbach gave up two earned runs in seven innings but did not earn a decision for Atlanta.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Cardinals at Braves

  • Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  • Time: 7:15PM EST
  • Site: Truist Park
  • City: Atlanta, GA
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNMW, FDSNSO

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Cardinals at the Braves

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Cardinals (+180), Braves (-220)
  • Spread:  Braves -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Cardinals at Braves

  • Pitching matchup for April 22, 2025: Andre Pallante vs. Nathan Wiles
    • Cardinals: Andre Pallante (2-1, 3.22 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/17 at Mets - 6IP, 4ER, 7H, 0BB, 2Ks
    • Braves: Nathan Wiles
      This will be Wiles major league debut

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Cardinals at Braves

  • The Braves have won 4 straight games, while the Cardinals have lost 12 of their last 15 on the road
  • In three starts for Gwinnett (Braves' Triple A affiliate), Nathan Wiles has yet to record a decision, but he has posted a 0.64 ERA, allowing just one earned run on nine hits and five walks in 14 innings
  • Wiles has registered a 1.00 WHIP and 15 strikeouts
  • The Cardinals have covered in their last 4 games against the Braves

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Cardinals and the Braves

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Cardinals and the Braves:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Atlanta Braves on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the St. Louis Cardinals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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NHL Coaching Carousel Continues To Bypass Penguins' Sullivan

Mike Sullivan - Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The last time the Pittsburgh Penguins skated in a playoff game was on May 15, 2022. Currently, only five head coaches, including Mike Sullivan, are still employed with the same team in 2025.

Those names include Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning), Jared Bednar (Colorado Avalanche), Rod Brind’Amour (Carolina Hurricanes), and Martin St. Louis (Montreal Canadiens).  

Considering the last time the Penguins won a series was on April 22, 2018, only three coaches, including Sullivan, are still running their teams: Cooper and Bednar. In seven seasons since Pittsburgh last won a series, the Lightning have won 12 matchups and the Avalanche eight, with the two clubs combining for three Stanley Cup titles. 

Penguins' Crosby Continues To Pace NHL In Top 10 Scoring Finishes During Salary Cap EraPenguins' Crosby Continues To Pace NHL In Top 10 Scoring Finishes During Salary Cap EraPittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby just finished his ninth 90-point campaign in the NHL, finishing as the league's 10th highest scorer, the 13th time he's accomplished that feat in 20 seasons. 

Since taking over, Brind’Amour has guided the Hurricanes to seven playoff series wins, while St. Louis has just gotten the Canadiens back to the playoffs since their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.

Meanwhile, just two months after their elimination, several competing teams replaced their coaches and have found postseason success. 

Bruce Cassidy (June 14, 2022) won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, Peter DeBoer (June 21, 2022) has led the Dallas Stars to back-to-back Western Conference Final appearances, while Paul Maurice (June 22, 2022) finally won the Stanley Cup on the second of back-to-back Final appearances with the Florida Panthers in 2024.

Bruce Cassidy -  Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Thus far, since the 2024-25 season ended, the NHL head coaching vacancies are starting to pile up. 

First, the Anaheim Ducks fired Greg Cronin, despite a 21-point improvement from their 2023-24 season. Next, the New York Rangers fired Peter Laviolette, almost one year to the day the team celebrated its Presidents’ Trophy win. Finally, the Seattle Kraken fired former Penguins bench boss Dan Bylsma, who was 35-41-6 in his only season in the Pacific Northwest.

Inside The Numbers: Penguins Netminders Compile Second Worst SV% Totals In 20 SeasonsInside The Numbers: Penguins Netminders Compile Second Worst SV% Totals In 20 SeasonsFans across the NHL were well aware of the nightly struggles of the trio of Pittsburgh Penguins goalies, Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Joel Blomqvist. 

Since their last playoff win, the Penguins have compiled a 112-99-35 record for 259 points, which ranks 21st in the NHL, all under the guidance of Sullivan.

Interestingly, when we examine the teams with worse records, the number of coaching changes is quite fascinating. Never mind, when we look at the NHL in general, here’s a look at the head coaches and the franchise records since the end of the 2021-22 season.

  1. Dallas (149-68-29) 327 points (1 - Pete DeBoer)
  2. Carolina (151-74-21) 323 points (1 - Rod Brind’Amour)
  3. Toronto (148-73-25) 321 points (2 - Sheldon Keefe, Craig Berube)
  4. Winnipeg (154-79-13) 321 points (2 - Rick Bowness, Scott Arniel)
  5. Boston (145-71-30) 320 points (2 - Jim Montgomery, Joe Sacco)
  6. Vegas (146-73-27) 319 points (1 - Bruce Cassidy)
  7. Colorado (150-78-18) 318 points (1 - Jared Bednar)
  8. Edmonton (147-79-20) 308 points (2 - Jay Woodcroft, Kris Knoblauch)
  9. Los Angeles (139-77-30) 308 points (2 - Todd McLellan, Jim Hiller)
  10. New York Rangers (141-81-24) 306 points (2 - Gerard Gallant, Peter Laviolette)
  11. Florida (141-87-18) 300 points (1 - Paul Maurice)
  12. Tampa Bay (138-86-22) 298 points (1 - Jon Cooper)
  13. Minnesota (130-89-27) 287 points (2 - Dean Evason, John Hynes)
  14. New Jersey (132-94-20) 284 points (3 - Lindy Ruff, Travis Green, Sheldon Keefe)
  15. Vancouver (126-90-30) 282 points (2 - Bruce Boudreau, Rick Tocchet)
  16. Washington (126-90-30) 282 points (2 - Peter Laviolette, Spencer Carbery)
  17. Calgary (117-93-36) 270 points (2 - Darryl Sutter, Ryan Huska)
  18. St. Louis (124-101-21) 269 points (3 - Craig Berube, Drew Bannister, Jim Montgomery)
  19. New York Islanders (116-93-37) 269 points (2 - Lane Lambert, Patrick Roy)
  20. Ottawa (121-106-19) 261 points (3 - D.J. Smith, Jacques Martin, Travis Green)
  21. Pittsburgh (112-99-35) 259 points (1 - Mike Sullivan)
  22. Nashville (119-106-21) 259 points (2 - John Hynes, Andrew Brunette)
  23. Detroit (115-104-27) 257 points (2 - Derek Lalonde, Todd McLellan)
  24. Seattle (115-104-27) 257 points (2 - Dave Hakstol, Dan Bylsma)
  25. Buffalo (117-109-20) 254 points (2 - Don Granato, Lindy Ruff)
  26. Philadelphia (102-110-34) 238 points (2 - John Tortorella, Brad Shaw)
  27. Utah/Arizona (102-111-32) 236 points (1 - Andre Tourigny) 
  28. Montreal (101-112-33) 235 points (1 - Martin St. Louis)
  29. Columbus (92-124-30) 197 points (3 - Brad Larsen, Pascal Vincent, Dean Evason)
  30. Anaheim (85-134-27) 197 points (2 - Dallas Eakins, Greg Cronin)
  31. Chicago (74-148-37) 172 points (2 - Luke Richardson, Anders Sorensen)
  32. San Jose (61-148-37) 159 points (2 - David Quinn, Ryan Warsofsky)

Except for the Canadiens and Utah Hockey Club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes), every franchise below the Penguins in the standings has switched coaches at least once. In Montreal’s case, they finally clinched a playoff spot in 2025, increasing from 68 points to 76 and now 91, a 23-point rise in the standings. 

Utah had a winning record, 38-31-13 (89 points) in their first season, while registering 70 and 77 point seasons in the desert under Tourigny. 

In Pittsburgh, under Sullivan’s guidance for the past three seasons, the Penguins have only continued to drop in the standings. In 2022-23, they finished 11 games over .500, with a record of 40-31-11 for 91 points. Last year, they were only six games over .500 at 38-32-12 for 88 points, while finishing two games under .500 this season at 34-36-12 for 80 points, an 11-point drop from three seasons ago. 

If we go back even further to 2021-22, when the Penguins lost to the Rangers in Game 7, that year’s club had 103 points, meaning this year’s club finished 23 points below their most recent best season. 

Jim Montgomery - Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

While the NHL coaching carousel continues to spin across North America, it has thus far bypassed Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, big-name head coaches are winning the Jack Adams Award, something Sullivan has never achieved, and have since been fired, as seen with Cassidy (2019), Sutter (2022), and Montgomery (2023). 

Outside of Sutter’s absence from the game, both Cassidy and Montgomery have found successes with their new clubs, while their former club, the Bruins, plummeted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Meanwhile, the Penguins remain content with Sullivan behind the bench, with his most recent successes quickly fading into the rearview mirror. 

Inside The Numbers: Penguins' Record In Season FinalesInside The Numbers: Penguins' Record In Season FinalesThe Pittsburgh Penguins just finished their 57th season with a 34-36-12 record, missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive campaign.
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With Brandon Sproat a step away, Mets could soon have a good rotation conundrum on their hands

"I think difficult decisions are a good thing."

The above quote came from David Stearns on Monday while he was speaking about the conundrum the Mets will be facing when Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil return from the IL, which could come as soon as Friday.

In Alvarez and McNeil's absence, their replacements -- Luis Torrens and Luisangel Acuña -- have excelled, which could mean the kind of split playing time that perhaps wasn't envisioned when Alvarez and McNeil suffered their injuries during spring training.

But things happen. And plans change.

While not an imminent situation the Mets face, the club could have some tough (but good) choices to make with their starting rotation in the near future.

And though Stearns hasn't yet fielded a question about what the team will do when Brandon Sproat -- and later Nolan McLean -- are deemed ready, it's fair to believe he'd respond much like he did when discussing Alvarez and McNeil on Monday: "I think difficult decisions are a good thing."

As far as Sproat specifically, it will be a shock if he remains in Triple-A Syracuse all season if the Mets determine that he's ready for the majors. That's simply not how good teams operate.

When your top starting pitching prospect, who also happens to be the top prospect in your entire organization, is ready, you make room for him.

An old adage to cite at this point is that potentially tough decisions -- like the one the Mets could have with their rotation -- almost always find a way of working themselves out.

David Stearns
David Stearns / SNY

A pitcher or two currently in the rotation could start underperforming. There could be injuries. Roles could change.

But the Mets are in such good shape right now pitching-wise that doing this exercise makes sense. And that's even more impressive considering their rotation was their main question mark entering the season.

The results so far are a testament to the Mets' pitching lab, to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, to Stearns' decision-making, and to the talent and work ethic of everyone currently in the starting rotation.

Consider the following:

  • Kodai Senga leads the National League with a 0.79 ERA and 483 ERA+. He has a 0.97 WHIP, and again looks like the pitcher who finished seventh in Cy Young voting in 2023
  • Clay Holmes' transition from reliever to starter hit some bumps early, but is humming along now. He has a 3.16 ERA, has yet to allow a home run this season, and has completed five or more innings in each of his last three starts
  • David Peterson has a 3.27 ERA (3.08 FIP) and a strikeout rate of 10.6 per nine
  • Tylor Megill has a 1.09 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He has been overpowering at times, including on Monday against the Phillies, when he fired 5.1 shutout innings while striking out 10 and allowing just one hit
  • Griffin Canning has a 3.43 ERA, and has seemingly put his rough 2024 campaign behind him while under new tutelage

New York Mets starting pitcher Griffin Canning (46) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.
New York Mets starting pitcher Griffin Canning (46) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

There's also the presence of Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, who are working their way back from their respective injuries and could be ready to rejoin the rotation around early June.

All of this led me to fire off a tweet on Monday where I suggested the Mets could be looking at a six-man rotation some point this summer that doesn't include Canning or Megill.

That tweet, which was met with understandable indignance by some, was not a commentary on Canning and Megill.

Rather, it had to do with an understanding that reinforcements (Manaea, Montas, Sproat, and perhaps McLean) are coming -- and that model organizations (which the Mets are) do not let 24-year-old top pitching prospects waste innings in the minors once they're ready for the majors.

The next sentence is one that the March version of myself would've thought was a crazy one to write. But like it or not, Sproat will be in the rotation at some point this season, bringing with him top-of-the-rotation upside.

The way McLean is pitching, he could force his way up to Queens this summer, too.

That means there's a scenario in the not-too-distant future where the Mets have nine legitimate big league starting pitchers for six spots.

As is noted above, things could easily change between now and then. But for the moment, the Mets are starting pitching-rich, and the decisions they might have to make soon would be both difficult and good.