This swashbuckling victory moved Manchester United to within two points of Champions League qualification and is prima facie evidence of the job Michael Carrick has executed since his appointment as interim manager.
The performance is also a fair calling card for the permanent role as United bettered a doughty Brentford by simply being better.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 26: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres reacts with teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 after hitting a three run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of the MLB Mexico City Series game between San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú on April 26, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It felt like the San Diego Padres’ game all day, in large part, because it was.
Michael King twirled six innings of two-run ball, sporting eight strikeouts and only one walk. He exited the game with a 7-2 lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was over in a hurry.
The Padres’ bullpen (uncharacteristically) gave up the game in a loud way. David Morgan and Bradgley Rodriguez combined to give up six runs — including a Tim Tawa grand slam — in the bottom of the seventh before Ron Marinaccio and Wandy Peralta gave up four more runs in the eighth to give the D-backs a five-run cushion.
San Diego tried to come back multiple times but couldn’t answer once, ending in a disappointing loss after what had started off as a promising game. Three home runs, two from Manny Machado and the other from Luis Campusano, had buoyed the Friars for most of the game until the relief blowup.
On most days, if the Friars scored seven runs before turning it over to the bullpen, there’d be no worry of giving the game up. But yesterday that was not to be.
The hard truth for the Friar Faithful is there will be games like this. It’s not an indictment on the bullpen, it’s just a long, long, season and leads will be blown sometimes — no matter how good the club is.
That being said, San Diego will return home tonight hoping to best the similarly-hot Chicago Cubs. Their offense will be back in the pitcher-friendly confines of Petco Park so they’ll need to bet on a bounce back performance from the relief corps.
Taking the mound
Matthew Boyd (CHC) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
That being said, Boyd (although feared in the past) has not been pitching like himself lately. He gave up six runs in his first start of the season before being placed on the injured list for two weeks. He’s been better since returning but still sports a 5.79 ERA on the year.
Boyd has also yet to go a full six innings in a game (5 2/3 at most). That’s good news for the Friars, who will hope to get to the Chicago bullpen quickly. They’ve been mostly solid but have struggled to a 3.95 ERA to start the year, and are without closer Daniel Palencia.
Vásquez, on the other hand, has been San Diego’s ace to open the season. He’s tallied a 1.88 ERA and 1.08 WHIP to go with 30 strikeouts across 28 2/3 innings. He’s been a beast on the mound for the Padres and has only given up more than one run once.
Helping Vásquez significantly is his history facing Chicago. The righty owns a .194 opponent batting average against the Cubs’ lineup. If he can limit them similarly (like he’s done to opponents all season), Vásquez will have no problem tonight.
Batter up!
After some early tweaking by manager Craig Stammen, the lineup has been more or less set lately. It seems likely that continues tonight against Boyd, looking something like this:
Ramón Laureano, LF
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Gavin Sheets, DH
Nick Castellanos, 1B
Freddy Fermin, C
Sung-Mun Song, 2B
I’m hoping that Song makes his debut at the plate tonight. It’s possible that he debuts in a pinch-hit opportunity or DH-ing) as opposed to starting the game at second. But it seems possible he takes the start over Jake Cronenworth after Cronenworth’s slow offensive start to the season.
Tatis is still searching for his first homer of the year. It has been — by far — his longest drought without one. Hopefully he’ll hit one while being cheered on by the Friar Faithful tonight.
Relief corps
Like I said, the San Diego bullpen looked rough yesterday. But that’s hardly an indication of a downhill turn for the group. They’ve been dominant this year, ranking third in the majors with a 3.03 ERA.
The high-leverage guys (Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller) have continued to be dominant — showing no signs of stopping. Miller took the franchise record for scoreless innings pitched this weekend and will look to extend it tonight if San Diego has a lead in the ninth.
Behind those three is Kyle Hart, who will surely be first out of the ‘pen if Vásquez doesn’t perform as well as he typically does. Hart can cover several innings well for the Friars with his history as a starter, though he hopefully won’t need to so long as Vásquez pitches a gem.
The Detroit Pistons will try to even their first-round playoff series with the Orlando Magic in Game 4. The top-seeded Pistons have dropped two of the first three games to the Magic. Detroit is a 2.5-point favorite in Game 4. The over/under for the matchup is set at 213.5.
Moneyline: Orlando Magic +125 (42.2%) / Detroit Pistons -155 (57.8%)
Over/Under: 213.5
Series results, schedule (all times Eastern)
Game 1:Magic 112, Pistons 101 Game 2:Pistons 98, Magic 83 Game 3:Magic 113, Pistons 105 Game 4: Mon. April 27, at Orlando (8 p.m., NBC/Peacock) Game 5: Wed., April 29, at Detroit (7 p.m., Amazon) *Game 6: Fri., May 1, at Orlando (time and network TBD) *Game 7: Sun., May 3, at Detroit (time and network TBD)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 25: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball as Oso Ighodaro #11 screens Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 25, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 6:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: NBCSN/Peacock
Listen: KMVP 98.7
This very well could be the final game of the 2025-26 NBA season for the Phoenix Suns. If it is, what a ride it’s been.
No team in league history has ever come back from down 3-0. Phoenix is also the only team without a playoff win this year after the Rockets finally got one against the Lakers last night.
Phoenix made things slightly more interesting last game, but Shai had a performance for the ages, and the Suns just couldn’t hang despite an early 9-point lead in the first quarter. But, as we’ve seen all series long… the Thunder are just simply too good. They are the defending champs and won 64 games for a reason, after all.
The adjustments have been minimal from first-year head coach Jordan Ott. Will we see more of the same? If this team is who they’ve said they are all season long, they should go down swinging.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns injury report vs. Thunder:
OUT: Mark Williams (left foot third metatarsal; stress reaction).
QUESTIONABLE: Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain). #Suns#ThunderUp
Jordan Goodwin — QUESTIONABLE (Left Calf Soreness)
Thunder
Thomas Sorber — OUT (Right ACL)
Jalen Williams — OUT (Left Hamstring Strain)
What to Watch For
Jalen Williams is out again, and that means plenty more Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins minutes. This team is deep. Shai’s firepower led the way in Game 3, with eight players contributing 6+ points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nearly unstoppable. He is hitting tough contested shots, he is getting downhill with ease, and drawing fouls when he needs to. Or kicking it to his open teammate if the Suns overcommit. Slowing him down has been virtually impossible. If they want any chance at an upset tonight, the defense on him has to improve. Easier said than done.
One person who could certainly help with that would be Jordan Goodwin. Goody’s status is in question again, as he has been sidelined since the first game of the series with a calf injury. There’s been a lot of chatter about how much the Suns have missed Mark Williams, and rightfully so due to the size disadvantage. But to me, Jordan Goodwin’s absence has been the most negatively impactful for this Suns squad. His presence changes everything defensively.
Outside of Dillon Brooks, he is the culture setter. The big momentum-shifting plays and the “little things” he does over the course of the game add up.
Key to a Suns Win
It’s simple, really. Take care of the ball. Rebound.
If they do those two things while playing their brand of hard-nosed basketball, they have a chance against anyone. If they continue to carelessly turn it over or allow second-chance points, they are toast. The margin for error against this Thunder team is microscopic.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 25: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder steals the ball from Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 25, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 121-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The possessions where the Suns had an excellent defensive stand for 20-to-23 seconds that led to a miss, only for the Thunder to grab the offensive board and hit a triple are the backbreakers. Those momentum shifts are the difference between a transition opportunity for your offense and your defense getting overworked for another 10-13 seconds and a potential 5-point swing on a single possession.
Shooters need to shoot. We’re going to need Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen to knock their shots down. Royce O’Neale as well. The “Big 3” of Booker, Brooks, and Green will draw the most defensive attention, so it sets up the role players for quality looks. They surprisingly had plenty of good looks from deep in the last game; the shots just weren’t falling at the rate they needed to.
The list of things that have to go right to win is pretty long. Do we have one last fight in us?
Prediction
This thing is over. I expect the Thunder to aim to put one final bow on this thing and wrap it up so they can enter their next series well rested against the Lakers or Rockets. Prove me wrong one last time, Suns.
Who will win Mariners vs Twins today: Mariners moneyline (-135)
The Seattle Mariners have captured four straight victories heading into tonight’s contest. Luis Castillo gets the ball tonight, and he’s found his form lately. The righty is also very familiar with this Minnesota Twins lineup.
Castillo has held their offense to a .195 average across 113 at-bats. Castillo has also allowed just three earned runs across his last two starts, and he’s only given up four earned runs on the road this year.
Seattle faces rookie Connor Prielipp this evening, who has held his own through three appearances. In his first start last week, Prielipp surrendered only two earned runs to the New York Mets.
However, he’s up against an M’s lineup which has scored 14 runs across its last two games.
I could see both guys throwing the ball well, but Castillo will be better, and Seattle will muster up enough offense to chase Prielipp relatively early.
COVERS INTEL: Minnesota’s bullpen has a horrid 4.85 ERA, and the Twins have also lost five straight games.
Mariners vs Twins Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+100)
While Seattle’s offense broke out a bit over the weekend, neither of these teams are scoring a ton of runs overall. The M’s are 22nd in runs scored, and they cashed the Under in two of the three games against the Cardinals.
The Twins also took part in a low-scoring series with the Tampa Bay Rays, with the Under hitting in all three matchups as well. They also scored just five runs in that series, and Minny comes up against a very good arm in Castillo.
The Mariners’ bullpen is also elite, compiling a 3.18 ERA. Most of the offense tonight will come from Seattle, but don’t expect a ton. Pitching will be the storyline of the first game of this series.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 7-6, -2.94 units
Over/Under bets: 7-6, +0.19 units
Mariners vs Twins odds
Moneyline: Mariners -134 | Twins +114
Run line: Mariners -1.5 | Twins +1.5
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Mariners vs Twins trend
The Mariners have hit the Under in 10 of their last 13 away games (+6.80 Units / 48% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Mariners vs. Twins.
How to watch Mariners vs Twins and game info
Location
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Monday, April 27, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
Mariners.TV, Twins.TV
Mariners starting pitcher
Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.01 ERA)
Twins starting pitcher
Connor Prielipp (0-0, 4.50 ERA)
Mariners vs Twins latest injuries
Mariners vs Twins 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.
The top of the Western Conference continues on its pace toward a Western Conference Finals matchup that we could see for many years to come.
The San Antonio Spurs suffered a brief hiccup against the Portland Trail Blazers, but my Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions and these NBA picks expect the series to end in five games on Tuesday, April 28.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction
Who will win Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 5
Spurs: You had your chance, Portland. But you did not capitalize on Victor Wembanyama’s Game 3 absence, and that has cost you. This never would have been een a gentleman’s sweep if Wembanyama did not suffer that concussion, something that should be made clear tonight.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Stephon Castle Over 17.5 points (-110)
However far the San Antonio Spurs advance in these NBA playoffs, enjoy Stephon Castle’s further emergence in each round. The second-year guard is considered the third banana for the Spurs, behind Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, but Castle may actually be the most fun player on the roster.
He makes everyone else better while also pushing the pace himself and is capable of hitting just about any shot.
Castle has cleared this points prop in only two of the four games in this series, but the two games in which he fell short still featured 17 and 16 points while San Antonio won so handily that Castle’s minutes were a bit shortened.
There should be no such cruise control in Game 5. The Spurs can dispatch the Portland Trail Blazers. They should play with that clinching mentality; Castle can rest this weekend. Furthermore, Portland should go down swinging; a 20-point lead will still require protecting in the fourth quarter.
Let’s put it this way: Castle has cleared this prop in every game he has played at least 34 minutes in this series. Per 34 minutes, he is averaging 21.8 points.With a chance to win a postseason for the first time in San Antonio since 2017, expect Castle to play at least 34 minutes.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay
First of all, Castle has hit 9-of-21 shots from beyond the arc in this series, 42.9%, and cleared this prop in three of the four games. He is very much a shooter, and that only raises his scoring ceiling.
Second of all, it may seem counterintuitive to bet on Castle’s props because he should play a full workload tonight to clinch the series and then still expect a blowout, but those are actually hand-in-hand thoughts. Portland should press until the very, very end. That does not mean the game will get closer.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP
Stephon Castle Over 17.5 points
Stephon Castle Over 1.5 threes
Spurs -12
Our "from downtown" SGP: Quickly, Spurs
The Spurs should want to put this series to bed more than a team normally would up 3-1. Victor Wembanyama may be back on the court, but rest will help him recover from his Game 2 concussion.
His shot did not look great in his Game 4 return, though he did find 12 rebounds in only 34 minutes.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP
Stephon Castle Over 17.5points
Stephon Castle Over 1.5 threes
Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
Spurs -7.5 — 1H
Spurs -12
Trail Blazers vs Spurs odds for Game 5
Spread: Trail Blazers +12 | Spurs -12
Moneyline: Trail Blazers +500 | Spurs -700
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know
Not only have three of the four games in this series gone Under their totals, but all three of the regular-season matchups between these two also went Under their totals. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 5
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Trail Blazers vs Spurs latest injuries
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The NBA playoffs on NBC continue Monday night with the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of their first-round series on Peacock and NBCSN.
In winning the first three games by an average margin of at least 20 points, Oklahoma City (the top seed in the West) is on the verge of its third consecutive first-round sweep (after ousting New Orleans in 2024 and Memphis in 2025.
The Thunder's 11 consecutive victories in the first round are tied with the Heat (2012-16) for the fifth-longest streak in NBA history behind the Lakers (20 in 1984-90), the Cavaliers (14 in 1990-95) and the Bulls (14 in 1990-1995, 13 in 1995-05).
No. 8 seed Phoenix has lost nine consecutive playoff games, and a 10th in a row would move the Suns into a tie for the longest active playoff losing streak with Brooklyn (2021-23). Phoenix's most recent playoff win was at home on May 7, 2023 over Denver in Game of the Western Conference Semifinals.
See below for additional information on the Thunder-Suns game and how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns game preview:
Reigning Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a career-high 42 points while shooting 15 of 18 (83.3%) from the field in Game 3. In breaking his previous mark of 40 (set last year against Minnesota, Gilgeous-Alexander became only the fifth player to score at least 40 points in a playoff game while shooting at least 80% from the field (joining Terry Porter, 41 pts on 85.7% in 1992; Elton Brand 40 pts on 81.8% in 2006; Dirk Nowitzki 48 pts on 80% in 2011; and Devin Booker (47 pts on 80% in 2023).
The rest of the OKC starters combined for 43 points with swingman Jalen Williams out for Game 3 with a left hamstring injury that will sideline him for at least a week. Ajay Mitchell got his first career playoff start and had 15 points and six rebounds.
“He’s obviously not shy," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said of Mitchell. "Winners fail and losers hide. He wasn’t hiding.”
Dillon Brooks led the Suns in Game 3 with a playoff career-high 33 points. Devin Booker, Phoenix's five-time All-Star and 11-year veteran, went to the locker room in the third quarter of Game 3 with an apparent left ankle injury. He returned after missing only 3 minutes of the game and quickly scored five points before being held scoreless in the 4th quarter.
In his fifth playoff appearance, Booker is averaging postseason career lows in points per game (20.3), assists per game (4.3), and steals per game (0.3). He is down from averaging 26.1 points per game in the regular season.
NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the First Round and 11 games in the Conference Semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock.
Which playoff rounds will be available on Peacock?
Peacock’s NBA Playoffs coverage spans multiple rounds, including Round 1, the Conference Semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals, with coverage evolving as the postseason progresses.
Will Peacock show both Eastern and Western Conference playoff games?
Yes. During earlier rounds such as Round 1 and the Conference Semifinals, Peacock will carry a mix of Eastern and Western Conference playoff games.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis Jr.(Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. is exiting the first month of the 2026 season with a disappointing .250/.333/.290 line, zero HR, 12 RBI, and 0.0 WAR. A very strange start for a player with a career WAR of 27.2. Nevertheless, not an area of concern, but certainly a step back in run production.
Tatis Jr. is an elite defender with two Gold Gloves and two Platinum Gloves for his effort. However, for a player to be a Most Valuable Player candidate, the honor is closely tied to an outstanding offensive season. Unfortunately, Tatis Jr.’s output is nothing to write home about.
Tatis Jr. has become a more patient hitter
Granted, we are still in April, but the Friar Faithful want to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The star outfielder seems to be willing to take pitches and be more patient at the plate. Tatis Jr. did not overhaul his swing mechanics but has concentrated on putting more of the bat’s barrel on the ball.
The adjustment has drawn 13 walks in 27 games, which could challenge his career-high 89 BB last season. His walk rate is at 10% for the first month, as he is swinging less and is more willing to take a walk that puts a runner on base for the heart of the batting order.
The lone negative to his start, Tatis Jr. is still striking out at an alarming rate with runners in scoring position. Currently, his walk-to-strikeout rate is nearly 1-2.5, with Tatis Jr.’s strikeout rate at 24.6%. It has led to some missed scoring opportunities, as he has been having trouble putting the ball in the air.
To become a better run-producer, Tatis Jr. must drive the ball
Tatis Jr. has an 18.7% fly ball rate, which is the lowest of his seven-year major league career. Surprisingly, he is hitting a career-high 49.3% groundball rate in 100 at-bats. This combination likely explains his 27-game homerless streak.
Let’s not get too restless, as the newfound plate discipline will result in better quality contact at-bats. The three-time All-Star’s OPS (.623) is decent, but nowhere near his career average of .859. Tatis Jr.’s best mark was .975 in 2021. He wants to put himself into favorable count situations. But Tatis Jr. is failing to lift the ball for extra base hits.
Despite the slow offensive production, Tatis Jr. is too talented a home run hitter to remain silent much longer. If he goes on a mini spree, his walk rate will likely decline.
He is scorching the ball when making solid contact, but it is right at the waiting glove of a fielder. Tatis Jr. is sporting a robust 66.7% hard-hit rate, well above the league average of 38.6%. He has an exit velocity of 93.3 mph this month. Tatis Jr. is trying to use the whole field and not pull every pitch. Still, you would expect better production than the results have shown.
His newfound plate discipline should provide more hittable situations. At some point, Tatis Jr. will do damage against opposing pitching.
The Vegas Golden Knights are looking to bounce back after falling behind 2-1 in their series against the Utah Mammoth. They’ll get their chance in Game 4 on Monday at the Delta Center.
Game 3 was last on Friday at the Delta Center. The Golden Knights started strong, outshooting the Mammoth 12-2 through the first 12 minutes. However, the Mammoth made the most of their limited scoring chances and jumped out to a crushing 4-0 lead in the second period. The Golden Knights pushed, but couldn’t mount a comeback and lost 4-2.
Puck drop for Game 4 is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. PST.
Carter Hart will start in goal for the Golden Knights. Hart has a 1-2 record and a .892 average save percentage in three games this postseason.
Karel Vejmelka will start in goal for the Mammoth. Vejmelka has a 2-1 record and a .916 average save percentage in three games this postseason.
Golden Knights Lines
Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Pavel Dorofeyev
Reilly Smith — Mitch Marner — Mark Stone
Brett Howden — Tomáš Hertl — Keegan Kolesar
Cole Smith — Nic Dowd — Colton Sissons
Defense
Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson
Jeremy Lauzon — Kaedan Korczak
Goaltenders: Carter Hart / Adin Hill
Mammoth Lines
Clayton Keller — Nick Schmaltz — Lawson Crouse
Kailer Yamamoto — Logan Cooley — Dylan Guenther
JJ Peterka — Alex Kerfoot — Michael Carcone
Liam O’Brien — Kevin Stenlund — Brandon Tanev
Defense
Mikhail Sergachev — MacKenzie Weegar
Nate Schmidt — John Marino
Ian Cole — Sean Durzi
Goaltenders: Karel Vejmelka / Vitek Vaněček
Special Teams
VGK power play: 22.2%, 5th
VGK penalty kill: 83.3%, 8th
Mammoth power play: 16.7%, 9th
Mammoth penalty kill: 77.8%, 12th
Game Notes
Tonight’s game could very well decide the fate of the Golden Knights’ season. Historically, teams that go up 3-1 go on to win the series 91.0% of the time.
The Golden Knights are 10-8in Game 4s in franchise history.
With an assist in Game 3, Mark Stone recorded his 75th playoff point (38-37-75) with the Golden Knights. He’s tied with Jonathan Marchessault for the most in franchise history.
After going 0-fer their last five power play opportunities, the Golden Knights are changing up their units.
Apr 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Edouard Julien (6) hits and RBI single in the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
While a clear feature of the 2026 Rockies is Warren Schaeffer changing up lineups depending on the opposing pitcher and analytics, one trend is emerging as a fairly regular trend: Edouard Julien in the leadoff spot.
Julien has hit in the No. 1 spot in 17 of the Rockies 29 games with all of them coming in the last 20. Jake McCarthy served as the leadoff hitter for the first five games of the season, Troy Johnston has done it three times, Tyler Freeman has done it twice and Jordan Beck and Mickey Moniak have each hit No. 1 once.
Overall, Julien is hitting .284/.369/.392 with 12 runs scored, 10 RBI, three doubles, one homer, 10 walks, 21 strikeouts and two stolen bases in 74 at-bats over 25 games. His .369 OBP is the second-best on the team for players with at least 40 at-bats.
Julien’s numbers are even better as the leadoff hitter. He’s hitting .317/.403/.429 with 20 hits, 10 RBI, one homer, two doubles, nine walks and 15 strikeouts in 63 at-bats. His production, along with patient at-bats, which are pretty rare for the Rockies, has made him the clear choice for the Rockies No. 1 hitter.
In spring training, Julien explained that he knows who he is as a hitter and takes pride in having long at-bats and not chasing.
In the first five games of the season, McCarthy had a .158 OBP as the leadoff hitter. The lack of production likely cost him the spot and relegated him to the bench. Johnston and Moniak have proved to be outstanding regardless of their place in the lineup. Unfortunately, Beck is off to a slow start in 2026 and is not getting as much time either.
Freeman was the Rockies most frequent leadoff hitter last year with 72 games in the role. Freeman is a solid choice for his low strikeout rate of 13.5% compared to the MLB average of 22.5%. A true utilityman, he’s hit in every spot in the lineup in his career and the No. 1 spot accounts for the most at the 10.3% of his games. He’s hit .260/.336/.332 with 47 runs, 30 RBI, 22 doubles, one homer, 16 stolen bases, 33 walks and 53 strikeouts in 377 at-bats over 101 games.
Freeman has struggled with some minor health issues to start the season. He started the season on the 10-day IL with lower back inflammation and tightness and was also pulled from the April 20 game with dizziness. Bloodwork came back fine, but playing in only 16 games this far, his vacancy may have opened up a spot for Julien.
Julien, who is in his fourth MLB season and first with the Rockies, is no stranger to the leadoff role. He played the majority of his time there in his first two of three seasons with Minnesota. Including his time with the Rockies, he’s now spent 43.8% of his career as a leadoff man. In his career, he’s hitting .214/.322/.356 with 72 runs scored, 41 RBI, 17 doubles, 15 homers, eight stolen bases and 72 walks with 165 strikeouts in the role in 449 at-bats in 128 games.
After a strong series against the Dodgers, Julien explained his philosophy of putting together quality at-bats.
At least for the foreseeable future, the leadoff spot appears to be Julien’s. With the Rockies off to a 13-16 start, and Colorado going 9-8 with Julien hitting first, it should be.
Do I think the Philadelphia 76ers can stave off elimination? Not really. But I do see the 11.5-point spread as something they can manage? Yeah.
With Joel Embiid shaking off the rust, he can help the 76ers fight the Boston Celtics off the offensive glass, which will cut down on second-chance points that buried them in Game 4.
Embiid returning to form also gives Philly an inside-out attack that was sorely lacking with Adem Bona and Andre Drummond down low.
SGP leg #2: Joel Embiid Over 8.5 rebounds
Speaking of the big man, he grabbed 10 rebounds on 21 rebounding chances in his Game 4 return. With the Sixers putting in an extra effort to box out Boston, I like Philadelphia's center to snatch up nine or more rebounds, and so do game projections.
Current models are hovering around 10.4 rebounds for Embiid, which is more than enough for him to cash this leg of the SGP.
SGP leg #3: Paul George Over 3.5 threes
Paul George has taken a step back in this offense, especially with Embiid returning. He does still pose a threat from distance, and with Embiid packing the paint, PG finds extra space on his 3-pointers.
George finished 3-for-3 from 3-point land in Game 4 and made four triples in Game 3. Game script has Philly fighting from behind, prompting plenty of 3PAs from PG.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his 76ers vs Celtics predictions for Game 5.
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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 19: Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) watches play from the home dugout during the MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros on April 19, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:
Astros GM Dana Brown says Manager Joe Espada is NOT in jeopardy of losing his job:
From his suite overlooking Daikin Park, Astros GM Dana Brown backed manager Joe Espada on Sunday morning amid the team's 11-18 start.
"I can’t start pointing the finger at Joe because we’re walking a ton of guys and we’re banged up.” – https://t.co/OTydlzDEsp
Chandler Rome on where he sees fault lying with the Astros current state and slow start on the Gallant Says podcast with Sportsradio 610’s Paul Gallant:
Tyler Stafford also doesn’t think Espada is to blame for the Astros early season woes – from the Crush City Territory podcast he hosts with Chandler Rome:
"This isn't a team that's just given up and is going through the motions."@tylercstafford doesn't believe Joe Espada can be pointed to as the issue for the Astros, but could a move still be made? pic.twitter.com/aFaVdezxTe
Rome also questions if Brown has the authority to fore Espada if he wanted to (and that he currently does NOT want to) on his Crush City Territory podcast:
"I am not sure that Dana Brown has the autonomous authority to [fire Joe Espada] if he wanted to. It doesn't sound like he wants to."@Chandler_Rome breaks down the power dynamics within the Astros organization right now. pic.twitter.com/CZ0ArKjgU7
Spencer Arrighetti didn’t make the Opening Day roster, but was always expected to be the 6th starter. Things haven’t gone according to play for the Astros, but Arrighetti is currently their best healthy starter:
Spencer Arrighetti went seven innings today against the Yankees, tying Lance McCullers Jr. (March 30) for the longest start by a Houston pitcher this year.
He gave up three hits, one run (a HR by Judge) and struck out eight batters to lower his ERA to 2.00 in 18 innings.
After a slow start to the season, Isaac Paredes is finding his groove. Over his last 7 games, he has raised his AVG from .186 to .233, SLG from .254 to .384, OPS from .569 to .710. In that span he is 9×27, 3 HR, 8 RBI:
Is Imai getting more comfortable in Houston, in America?
New for @CrawfishBoxes: The Astros expect Tatsuya Imai to begin a rehab assignment in Corpus Christi on Tuesday, and Joe Espada believes Imai is getting more comfortable with the Astros https://t.co/1xeiy05XFC
SP Cody Bolton made his first rehab start at Sugar Land Sunday. He pitched 2 innings, allowed 1 run on 2 hits and a walk. He threw 20 pitches, including 13 for strikes:
ANOTHER REHAB ALERT ‼️
RHP Cody Bolton is scheduled to make a rehab appearance with the Space Cowboys today! Subject to change without notice.
Chandler Rome with an interesting take on the internet-based rumors of the Astros potentially dealing Yordan Alvarez on the Gallant Says podcast with Sportsradio 610’s Paul Gallant:
I had to ask Chandler Rome about the ragebait Astros trade q that got wayyy too much traction this month.
When Carlos Correa returned to Houston at the trade deadline last season, he was excited about the opportunity to play 3B and how it would take stress off his body no longer being an everyday SS. Due to multiple injuries to SS Jeremy Pena, Correa has had to primarily play SS. He’s been pretty good his first full season back in Houston:
Is this Astros team just not built to withstand injuries? Chandler Rome on the Crush City Territory Podcast:
"Other teams in baseball are just more equipped to deal with injuries than the Astros currently are."@Chandler_Rome says the series against the Yankees showcased one of Houston's biggest flaws. pic.twitter.com/1EPUMd4aEA
The Boston Red Sox fired Alex Cora and a bunch of his coaches over the weekend in what looks like a power play by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. Players are perturbed, media is perplexed, management is not on the same page and the owner is silent, as usual:
Trevor Story is not happy with the decisions and says he wants to clear the air with Craig Breslow today. Says “some of the best coaches in the world didn’t get a fair shot.”
Pretty weird to see Craig Breslow paint the decision to fire Alex Cora as a joint decision, before Sam Kennedy makes it very clear this move was led by Breslow. pic.twitter.com/BhvwjLsZax
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) April 26, 2026
From @spencernusbaum_: Irate Red Sox players blast front office’s purge of Alex Cora and coaches
“If this shows us anything,” Trevor Story said, “it’s we’re here to play baseball, and that’s it. We don’t make decisions. We don’t have any input on that.”https://t.co/xr9CvQ906U
By not allowing players to ask questions after firing Alex Cora, Red Sox higher-ups exemplified an ongoing lack of feel, says @Ken_Rosenthal.
"This is a lack of respect for your players, and in Henry's case, not addressing anything is a lack of respect for your fans." pic.twitter.com/OuDg5x8jEf
#MLBCentral reacts to the state of the Red Sox after parting ways with Alex Cora and 5 members of the coaching staff this past weekend. pic.twitter.com/k6oFmY18mD
Red Sox SP Garrett Crochet has had how many managers now?
Garrett Crochet noted that this is the seventh season in which he has been in the majors. And Chad Tracy is his seventh manager. https://t.co/ql84zJktqx
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are the two oldest active players in MLB. They are both now on the IL after tough starts to the season:
Max Scherzer lands on the IL with forearm and ankle injuries. He's one strikeout away from 3500, but he's posted a 9.64 ERA in five starts this season pic.twitter.com/8CDGRVVbKu
In a tie game in the 9th, umpire John Bacon called a strike to Rob Refsnyder that missed outside by 2.71 inches. Then, he tried to call him out on a pitch that missed by 5.97 inches.
This was the largest miss on a called strikeout this season.
Former Phillies closer Ricky Bottalico lets loose on the team in it’s own postgame show:
"The hitting is atrocious. The starting pitching is worse. And the bullpen is just all over the place… You want me to come on here and be positive and tell you everything's gonna be fine?…"
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar wreaked havoc as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru skittled out Delhi Capitals for 75 before romping to a nine-wicket victory in the IPL on Monday.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Jack Leiter #22 of the Texas Rangers in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for April 27, 2026 against the New York Yankees: starting pitchers are Jack Leiter for the Rangers and Max Fried for the Yankees.
The Rangers take on the Yankees in a game that will determine whether the Rangers will be above or below .500 tomorrow.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Jung — 3B
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
McCutchen — DH
Higashioka — C
Haggerty — LF
Carter — CF
Duran — 2B
7:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +140 underdogs.