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NBA play-in tournament picks and predictions to complete 2026 playoff picture

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026 in New York City. 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 Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Playoff bracket is almost set, and the chase for the championship begins with the play-in tournament.

The NBA play-in tournament rules and format are simple. The No. 7 seed plays the No. 8 seed in each conference, and the winner gets the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The No. 9 seed plays the No. 10 seed in each conference, the winner of that game plays the loser of the 7/8 game for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.

Got it?

The play-in tournament begins Tuesday evening with the 9/10 game in the East featuring the red hot Charlotte Hornets facing the Miami Heat. The 7/8 game in the West follows with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 seed, and the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers play an elimination game in the West.

Let’s make picks for every game of the play-in tournament to complete the playoff picture.

East 9/10 game: Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets

Would you believe the Hornets have been the best team in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2026? It’s true. After a terrible start, Charlotte went 33-16 with the league’s best net-rating at +10.5 since Jan. 1. It’s one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in NBA history, and it’s possible it could end on Tuesday night. Facing Erik Spoelstra in an elimination game is a terrifying proposition, and we’ve seen him win so many play-in tournament games before. The Heat have an elite defensive big man in Bam Adebayo, they have two excellent scorers in Tyler Herro and Norm Powell ready to rock, and they have been getting a good year out of Andrew Wiggins all season. I really think the Hornets will push the Detroit Pistons in round one if they can get into the playoffs, but it’s going to be really hard just to win this game. I’m going with Charlotte, but I don’t feel good about it.

Pick: Charlotte Hornets

West 7/8 game: Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns

The Blazers have developed into an elite defensive team, and it’s produced their first winning record in five years. Portland is No. 3 in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break with sophomore center Donovan Clingan emerging into arguably the team’s best long-term piece for his elite rim protection. Deni Avdija had a fantastic season, but he’s been slowed lately by a lingering back injury, and Portland will need him at his best to actually make it into the playoffs. No one expected Phoenix to be in this position entering the season. The Suns are one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, riding a top-10 defense and getting major contributions from Collin Gillespie, Dillon Brooks, and Grayson Allen that few saw coming. The Suns have also been beat up with injuries lately, but it seems like they should have their key pieces for this game. The battle between Portland’s Jrue Holiday and Phoenix’s Devin Booker will be must see. I’d expect an ugly, physical game where both teams have to grind out scoring possessions. Both teams should feel urgency to win this game, because they could be in for an even more difficult matchup in the next round if they lose.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers get the No. 7 seed

East 7/8 game: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers

Orlando was my preseason NBA Finals pick, which was obviously a terrible call. The Magic just never found their groove in another injury-ravaged season, and it feels like head coach Jamahl Mosley should be on the hot seat even if they win this game. Orlando actually does have its key pieces available for this game, and I still think this team can be pretty good when Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are all in the lineup. Philadelphia has become Tyrese Maxey’s team this season as he’s ascended into an All-NBA talent. Joel Embiid’s health still hangs over the Sixers, but he should be ready to go for this game. Same goes for Paul George. I feel like Orlando is the bigger, more physical team in this matchup … unless Embiid roars back to form. The Magic have the perimeter defenders to make life hard on Philly’s guards, and I think Wagner should be able to score as a pick-and-roll ball handler if he gets the reps. Orlando has the upper hand barring a vintage Embiid performance.

Pick: Orlando Magic get the No. 7 seed

West 9/10 game: Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers

The Warriors are just so beat up right now, to the point that Steph Curry, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis all have a minutes restriction in an elimination game. Did we mention Jimmy Butler is out for the year with a torn ACL, too? I just don’t see how the Warriors can win this game on the road given how well the Clippers are playing lately. Los Angeles has won eight of its last 12 entering the play-in tournament. Kawhi Leonard is playing at a First-Team All-NBA level, Darius Garland has looked good since coming over from Cleveland, and Brook Lopez still has a little bit left in the tank. The Clippers are going to roll, and the Warriors will be hoping for lottery luck.

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers

Predicted matchups in NBA play-in tournament

Hornets over Sixers: The Hornets are going to be one of the best teams in the East next season. Getting into the playoffs this year is the perfect way to start their ascension as the conference’s team of the future. Whenever there’s an opportunity for Philly sports fans to have a meltdown, I’m always willing to take it. Hornets get the No. 8 seed.

Clippers over Suns: Maybe I should know better than to doubt the Suns at this point. They are a really scrappy team that plays hard every night. I just think the Clippers have more top-end talent with Kawhi leading the charge. I would take the Clippers over whoever wins the West’s 7/8 game. Clippers get the No. 8 seed.

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Rockets Pick Tracker: Coin flip to determine where Sixers pick

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass the ball as De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense during the game on December 27, 2025 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The regular season may be over, but there’s still time needed for the dust to settle.

Now that teams are locked into their positions, it’s time to look at where the Houston Rockets’ 2026 first-round pick owed to the Sixers ended up. The Rockets ended the season winning nine of out of their last 10 games, finishing with a 52-30 record and fifth in the Western Conference.

That’s the exact same record as the Cleveland Cavaliers, who owe their first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. Some time in the coming weeks or months the NBA will hold a random drawing between the Sixers and Hawks to determine who picks at 22 and who picks at 23.

A random drawing is the only tiebreaker used in these scenarios, there aren’t any other records factored in. The Rockets beat the Cavs in both of their matchups this regular season, but the Cavs finished with both a better conference record and division record.

As Adam Aaronson of Philly Voice has pointed out, these random drawings have been kind to the Sixers in previous years. They won the last two they were in involved in back in the 2020 and 2024 draft, respectively. Ironically, the player they drafted after winning the ‘24 tiebreaker was used to acquire this 2026 first-rounder from Houston via the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This ended up being a kind second half of the season pick-wise for the Sixers despite Houston ending the season on a surge. They dropped down a seed and potentially two spots down in draft order since this tracker was launched. Now it’s up to the Sixers’ front office to use that pick well enough to make the fanbase stop complaining about the Jared McCain trade.

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What do the cheapest Lakers vs. Rockets NBA playoffs tickets cost?

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

LeBron James (L) and Kevin Durant are meeting in the Divisional Round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Over the course of his 23-season NBA career, LeBron James has pulled off innumerable heroic feats.

However, at 41, he may be up for his tallest task yet when his Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves-less Los Angeles Lakers take on Kevin Durant’s No. 5 Houston Rockets in the Divisional Round of the NBA Playoffs.

If you’d like to see if James — along with a starting five made up of DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard — have the guts and gusto scrap out a victory, tickets are available for all four hypothetical home games at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena as of today.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for any one contest was $142 including fees on StubHub.

Should you opt to road-trip to Houston, prices start at $179 including fees for games at the Rockets’ Toyota Center.

When the two clubs met in the regular season, Los Angeles swiped two of three contests from Houston but that was largely thanks to 36 and 40-point scoring efforts from Dončić on March 16 and 18.

Still, head coach J.J. Redick is optimistic that his Lakers can compete.

“Houston’s obviously a really good basketball team and we’re gonna prepare and we’re gonna fight and we’re gonna go try to win the series,” Redick, 41, said in a postgame press conference.

“We’re gonna do everything we can to get our guys in a great frame of mind, great physical shape over the next four or five days and be ready to play.”

On a promising note, the LAL closed the regular season on an impressive three-game win-streak where they blew out the Warriors, Suns and Jazz.

Will this be LeBron’s most heroic series to date over an already storied career?

Although we can’t say for certain, we do know you’ll want to be in the building to see King James take on KD for the fourth time in the playoffs and first since 2018.

For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about the Lakers vs. Rockets 2026 NBA Playoffs series below.

Lakers playoff home game tickets

A complete calendar including all announced Lakers home game dates and the best prices on tickets can be found here:

Lakers home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game One
Saturday, April 18		$166(fees included)
Game Two
TBD		$142(fees included)
Game Five
TBD		$174(fees included)
Game Seven
TBD		$219(fees included)

Houston Rockets playoff home game tickets

All Rockets playoff home game dates and the cheapest tickets available can be found below.

Rockets home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game Three
TBD		$179(fees included)
Game Four
TBD		$191(fees included)
Game Six
TBD		$205(fees included)

How to watch the Lakers and Rockets on TV

Fans hoping to catch LeBron and co. on the tube can watch all first-round playoff games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, Prime Video, NBC and NBA TV.

Just make sure to review your local listings before tuning in.

If you don’t have cable, your best bet may be DIRECTV.

About Lakers-Rockets

As noted above, the Lakers and Rockets met three times over the course of the 2025-26 campaign. Los Angeles won two; Houston came out on top on Christmas Day.

However, losing Luka Dončić and Reaves in early April changes everything.

Now, the Rockets’ young nucleus of Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun loom larger than ever.

Thankfully, the Rockets turned the ball over the fourth most in the NBA this season. If the Lakers capitalize, anything can happen.

Especially if Luka dons the purple and gold yet again this year; he’s been in Spain undergoing treatment on his injured leg over the past few days and may return.

2026 NBA playoff schedule

Been meaning to see who’s on the playoff bubble?

Check out the NBA’s 2026 playoff hopefuls here.

Huge 2026 concerts

Looking for entertainment outside of the NBA playoffs?

We’ve got you covered.

Here are just five huge artists you won’t want to miss live these next few months.

• J. Cole

• Gorillaz

• Wu-Tang Clan

• BTS

• RUSH

Want to see who else is on the road? Check out our list of all the biggest concert tours in 2026 to find the show for you.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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Grant Holmes takes on Miami Marlins as Atlanta Braves look to stay hot

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 8: Grant Holmes #66 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 8, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves take on the Miami Marlins this evening after riding the high of having yet another offensive explosive game. The Braves are now the only team in MLB left to have not lost a series yet. The Guardians were the other, and thanks to the Braves, that is no longer the case.

It is crazy to think that the Braves and Marlins are the two teams fighting for first place after what happened last season.

Grant Holmes will hope to continue his hot start to the season tonight when he faces a Marlins’ offense that is surprisingly in the top half of MLB in runs scored per game with 4.38.

Holmes has limited his opponents to a pristine 2.55 ERA so far this season while maintaining a 1.08 WHIP over 17.2 innings. His strikeout to walk ratio is fourteen to eight so it is not elite, but he has limited hard contact well. His 28.6 percent hard-hit rate is good for the top 17.0 percent of all MLB pitchers. He also has an expected ERA (xERA) of 3.20 which shows that although he has been a bit lucky, he has still been very good.

His biggest weakness is when he has to face a hitter for the third time in a game. The first time he faces a hitter, they hit .091/.259/.227, the second time they hit .192/.222/.346, but the third time through they hit .214/.313/.286. An OPS .598 against him the third time through is not bad at all, but it is clear that he walks hitters more in that scenario. Holmes has been a shining light in a rotation that has been through the ringer with injuries.

Only five Marlins have faced Holmes before, but in small samples. Xaiver Edwards leads the team with seven at-bats, but has struggled to a .393 OPS. Otto Lopez and Liam Hicks each have a hit off of Holmes in two at-bats each.

Fireballer Eury Pérez has been the opposite side of the coin for the Marlins so far. He has not been able to keep runs off the board despite his fastball averaging 98.3 MPH. He had high hopes from Marlins fans after his 3.23 xERA last season, but he currently sits at a 5.056 ERA and 4.98 xERA. Despite his fastball having an elite velocity he has struggled with command and only has a chase rate of 26.4 percent overall. Hitters are also hitting the ball hard 42.9 percent of the time, which is good for bottom 35.0 percent of MLB pitchers.

Even though Pérez plays for the Marlins, no Braves hitter has more than six at-bats against him. Dominic Smith and Matt Olson lead the team in at-bats and have been successful with an OPS of .833 and .762 respectively. Drake Baldwin has four at-bats and two of those resulted in a HR, while Albies and Acuña both have a HR against him as well.

Michael Harris will also be back from paternity leave, and likely will get the start tonight.

First pitch is at 7:15 EDT at Truist Park.

Game Info

Game Time: Monday, April 13th, 7:15 pm EDT

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Ga.

Watch: BravesVision

Radio/Audio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

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Injuries to Ken Waldichuk and Cole Henry force Washington Nationals to make a pair of bullpen moves

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 12: Ken Waldichuk #52 of the Washington Nationals walks off the field after an apparent injury during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on April 12, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As if the Nats did not already have enough problems in their bullpen, they have now been hit with the injury bug. Two Nats relievers are now on the shelf, with Cole Henry and Ken Waldichuk hitting the IL. Waldichuk going on the IL was not much of a surprise to anyone who watched him leave the other day, but Henry hitting the shelf is a bit more surprising.

Things looked really bad for Ken Waldichuk when he left the game yesterday. Leaving the game while grimacing in pain and pointing at your elbow is never a good sign. For now at least, the injury is just listed as forearm tightness. Hopefully Waldichuk avoided anything serious and can come back sooner rather than later.

Waldichuk had a Tommy John in 2024, and the recovery was bumpy to say the least. He did not look like himself when he returned in 2025. That led to the southpaw bouncing around the waiver wire until he found a home in DC. Before he got hurt, Waldichuk was having his best outing of the season, which made the injury sting even more.

For Henry, you have to hope this injury is not too serious and is just a case of the Nats wanting to give him a re-set. After Waldichuk went down, Henry came in and blew the Nats lead. Now, he is on the shelf with a rotator cuff injury. 

For a guy with a lengthy injury history that includes surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a rotator cuff injury sounds ominous. We will have to hear about what the severity of that injury is before we jump to conclusions. Henry got off to a great start in the big leagues last year, but faded down the stretch and did not have a good start to this season.

To replace these two, the Nats have turned to a couple familiar faces. Of the pair, I am the most excited about Orlando Ribalta. The results have not been there for Ribalta in his 26 career big league outings, but I like his stuff. Ribalta has a mid-90’s heater with real life, as well as a slider and a changeup that can both look very good at times.

The big thing for Ribalta is control and keeping the ball in the yard. He has struggled with both as a big leaguer, walking over 6 batters per nine and allowing nearly two homers per nine. However, he does have swing and miss stuff, as well as a track record of success in the minors. In his six outings for Rochester, Ribalta has been very solid this season with a 3.38 ERA and a WHIP of 0.75.

Jackson Rutledge was the other pitcher the Nats called up. Rutledge was a first round pick for the Nats back in 2019, but has not yet solidified himself as a big leaguer. He made 63 appearances last year, and looked good at times, but his 5.77 ERA for the season left a lot to be desired. 

Rutledge has not looked great in AAA to start this year either. He has a 5.40 ERA in five innings, with five walks to just one strikeout. Rutledge’s fastball, slider and splitter combo can look good at times, but it is inconsistent. Despite solid velocity, the fastball does not play well. When he has a feel for his secondary pitches, he can have success, but when he does not, things can get ugly.

Overall, this is just more musical chairs for a bullpen that is light on difference makers. I like Ribalta’s upside and Rutledge can look good in flashes, but both need to find consistency. For the bullpen, the Nats need to keep giving guys chances and see who can stick around.

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White Sox deal Lenyn Sosa to Toronto

KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 12: Lenyn Sosa #50 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run in the fourth inning during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tanner Gatlin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Lenyn Sosa’s time on the South Side ends after flashes of power but no clear role. | (Tanner Gatlin/Getty Images)

The White Sox pulled the trigger on another early-season shuffle, packing off Lenyn Sosa to Toronto for outfielder Jordan Rich and the usual bag of mystery cash or future guy.

Sosa, 26, leaves the South Side after five seasons of fits and starts. Signed as a kid out of Venezuela in 2016, up for air in 2022, and never quite sticking. He flashed some pop but never found a glove that fit and got lost in the White Sox infield traffic jam.

He finally broke out in 2025: .264 average, 22 bombs, 75 driven in over 140 games. Not bad. But 2026? Back to the bench, just 12 games, squeezed out as the Sox tried every other infield flavor.

Now he heads north, a Band-Aid for the Blue Jays with Addison Barger shelved. Toronto hopes Sosa’s pop plays, even if he’s just a plug-and-play bat off the bench.

Coming back to the White Sox is Jordan Rich, 18, a 2025 17th-rounder who hasn’t played a pro inning. He’s fast, he walked a lot in high school, and that’s about all we know.

With the swap, the Sox clear the infield logjam, and Sosa gets a shot at relevance, and everyone moves on.

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Lakers open as massive betting underdogs in playoff matchup with Rockets

Oddsmakers don’t seem to believe the Lakers have much of a chance to beat the Rockets in their upcoming postseason matchup.

Los Angeles has opened up as a massive underdog against Houston, according to oddsmakers at BetMGM.

The gambling outlet has given the Rockets -800 odds to beat the Lakers, meaning bettors would have to throw down a whopping $800 just to win $100.

Kevin Durant and the Rockets opened as big betting favorites against the LA Lakers. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Conversely, the Lakers have received +550 odds to win the series, giving gamblers an opportunity to make $550 on a $100 bet.

LA learned on Sunday it’d be playing Kevin Durant and the Rockets after it beat the Jazz, 131–107, at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers officially earned the No. 4 seed with the victory, pitting them against No. 5-seeded Houston.

LA’s Luka Dončić has been out since early April while dealing with a hamstring injury. NBAE via Getty Images

Part of the reason the Lakers aren’t expected to beat the Rockets, of course, is their health.

Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) have both been sidelined since April 2 after they suffered injuries in a road loss to the Thunder, and neither appears likely to play in the first round of the playoffs.

LeBron James is expected to be the Lakers’ No. 1 option during their postseason matchup with the Rockets. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NBA insider Shams Charania, however, reported during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday that there is a chance Dončić could suit up at some point after he spent the last few days in Spain undergoing treatment on his injured leg.

“My understanding is he’ll be back in the States on Tuesday,” Charania said. “And then they’re going to reevaluate him.”

Game 1 of the Lakers vs. Rockets series will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT on Saturday in Los Angeles.

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Daily MLB Expert Picks & Baseball Predictions April 13

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

We're kicking off the week with a smaller MLB slate — just 10 games on the board — but there's still plenty of value to be found courtesy of Polymarket, which allows baseball fans across the country to get in on the action.

We've got some MLB picks from our baseball experts, along with some more MLB best bets from the Covers staff, to fill up your card for Monday, April 13. 

  • UPDATE: Added best bets for LAA/NYY and BOS/MIN.

MLB expert picks for today

PickOdds
Josh Inglis Josh Inglis: BOS/MIN o7.5+104
Jon Metler Jon Metler: PHI ML-170

Prices courtesy of Polymarket.

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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Red Sox/Twins Over 7.5

Price: 49¢ (+104) at Polymarket

THE BAT projects this number closer to 8.5 total runs, as even with Garrett Crochet on the mound, the Boston Red Sox are capable of doing damage against Bailey Ober, who is a flyball pitcher that isn’t missing bats this season (4.61 K/9). His starts have also trended towards high scoring for the Twins, with results of 8–6 and 10–4. There’s also some uncertainty around Crochet’s workload amid potential weather concerns and a possible delay, with a 65% chance of rain.

Jon Metler's expert pick: Phillies moneyline

Price: 63¢ (-170) at Polymarket

The Philadelphia Phillies are trading as a 63% favorite on Polymarket, and that’s a number I’m willing to back — I price them closer to a 67% favorite in this matchup against the Chicago Cubs. The wind is blowing out to right field at Citizens Bank Park at 15 mph, but that’s much less of a concern for Cristopher Sánchez than it is for Javier Assad. Sánchez is one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game and excels at generating ground balls, which helps neutralize the impact of the ballpark conditions. Assad, on the other hand, is more vulnerable in these conditions, and the wind blowing out to right field could significantly work against him.

More MLB best bets for today

PickOdds
Twins +1.5-124
Read analysis in our Red Sox vs. Twins predictions
Yankees -1.5+104
Read analysis in our Angels vs. Yankees predictions
Dodgers ML-170
Read analysis in our Mets vs. Dodgers predictions
Astros ML+150
Read analysis in our Astros vs. Mariners predictions

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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Braves reinstate Michael Harris II, DFA Luke Williams

Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) celebrates after a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

After missing the last two games of the series against Cleveland, Michael Harris II will return to the Braves a presumably proud papa.

We’ll hope that in addition to getting enough sleep, something about the addition to the Braves family changes Harris’ luck. Harris is rocking a yummy-yum-yum .401 xwOBA, but a very sad .287 wOBA. That gap is the seventh-most-woeful in MLB among anyone with 32+ PAs and is almost entirely due to ball flight/ballpark dimension stuff. Harris has the league’s seventh-best xSLG, but the third-biggest underperformance of said xSLG. Anyway, the point is: he’s a father now, universe — let his homers be homers, thanks.

As for Luke Williams, well, the roster barnacle will likely continue to barnacle. This is the nth time he’s been DFAed in his career, and second by the Braves. I think he was outrighted by the Braves three times in 2025 alone. Williams pinch-hit late yesterday and drew a walk.

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On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Phillies series preview

As you know, the Cubs are off to a rough start this season.

But then, so are the Phillies. The teams enter this series with identical 7-8 records, and the Phillies have lost four of their last five, scoring a total of just 11 runs in those five games.

Here’s more on the Phillies from Ethan Witte, manager of our SB Nation Phillies site The Good Phight.

The Phillies begin this series in a rut. They aren’t scoring consistently, having not scored in 68 of their last 76 innings, looking rather futile while doing so. However, when they do put together scoring runs, those runs tend to come in bunches. Bryce Harper has been swinging a hot bat of late, getting his season line up to .273/.375/.527 with three home runs. However, his production has been balanced by the lack of production from Alec Bohm, who is 0 for his last 16. The starting pitching has been decent of late, helped by a bullpen that has also been especially stingy. However, everything will be determined by how well the offense is playing, which is hasn’t been encouraging lately.

Fun facts

The Cubs will play at Philadelphia today through Wednesday, then host the Phillies for four games next Monday through Thursday. The final game will wrap up the season series between the teams, on April 23.

That is the second-earliest date on which they have finished playing each other. In 2001, they met at Philadelphia for three games on Apr 6-8, then played three at Wrigley Field on April 17-18, with a doubleheader the second day.
…..
The second game this year will be the 2,400th in the rivalry, which began in 1883. The Cubs have a .524 winning percentage against the Phillies, with 1,248 wins, 1,132 losses and 18 ties. They have won 138 more than they have lost at home, but have lost 22 more than they have won at Philadelphia. Their next loss there will be their 600th. They have won 577.

(Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)

Probable pitching matchups

Monday: Javier Assad, RHP (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.529 WHIP, 3.15 FIP) vs. Cristopher Sánchez, LHP (1-1, 1.65 ERA, 1.347 WHIP, 1.06 FIP)

Tuesday: Colin Rea, RHP (0-1, 3.18 ERA, 1.147 WHIP, 3.59 FIP) vs. Aaron Nola, RHP (1-1, 3.63 ERA, 1.096 WHIP, 3.90 FIP)

Wednesday: Shōta Imanaga, LHP (0-1, 2.81 ERA, 0.813 WHIP, 2.21 FIP) vs. Jesús Luzardo, LHP (1-2, 6.23 ERA, 1.154 WHIP, 2.34 FIP)

Times & TV channels

Monday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, FS1 (outside the Cubs and Phillies market territories)

Tuesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, TBS (outside the Cubs and Phillies market territories)

Wednesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Prediction

I picked two of three the last time the Cubs were on the road and was right! (Rays series.) So… why not do that again?

Up next

The Cubs have Thursday off, then return to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the New York Mets beginning Friday afternoon.

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Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick, 40, says he is retiring from the NHL

Jonathan Quick

Apr 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick (32) waves to fans after a 4-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Danny Wild/Danny Wild-Imagn Images

SUNRISE, Fla. — Jonathan Quick says he is retiring at age 40 after nearly two decades in the NHL, a stretch during which he was one of the best goaltenders of his generation.

Quick said his start for the New York Rangers at the Florida Panthers is his last game. It’s his 921st appearance, counting playoffs.

“He earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and staff members through his work ethic and dedication to his craft,” Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement posted on social media. “Jonathan is a special person and player, and the entire Rangers organization wishes him — along with his wife, Jackie, and three children, Madison, Carter and Cash — all the best in retirement.”

Quick backstopped the Los Angeles Kings to Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and ’14 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the first of those two title runs.

The Milford, Connecticut, native was the U.S. starter at the 2014 Olympics and has a Cup ring from 2023 as a backup for the Vegas Golden Knights.

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Bucks finish with 10th-best NBA Draft Lottery odds as standings finalize

May 12, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; A overall shot of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place West. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Bucks’ 2025–26 regular season is mercifully over, and while we still have more questions than answers—including a now-official question as to who will be coaching them come October—we do have more clarity on where Milwaukee could be drafting in June. As you’ll read, while the standings are set in stone, the lottery odds for other teams are not. Because of the Bucks’ pick swap with the Pelicans, they still have to wait to find out how many ping-pong ball combinations they have. Let’s dive in.

Official 2026 NBA Lottery Odds

Based on the end-of-season standings, here is the current lottery order (with each position’s odds to receive the no. 1 pick) for the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10:

  1. Washington Wizards — protected 1–8 (14%)
  2. Indiana Pacers — protected 1–4, to Clippers if fifth or sixth (14%)
  3. Brooklyn Nets (14%)
  4. Utah Jazz — top-8 protected (11.5%)
  5. Sacramento Kings (11.5%)
  6. Memphis Grizzlies (9%)
  7. New Orleans Pelicans (6.8%)
  8. Dallas Mavericks (6.7%)
  9. Chicago Bulls (4.5%)
  10. Milwaukee Bucks (3%)
  11. Golden State Warriors (2%)
  12. Oklahoma City Thunder — via Clippers (1.5%)*
  13. Miami Heat (1%)*
  14. Charlotte Hornets (0.5%)*

*These play-in teams could move out of the lottery if they advance into the 16-team playoff field, and be replaced by any of Portland, Orlando, Phoenix, or Philadelphia, though each of those teams’ picks is encumbered by swaps. S

Another note: the Jazz and Kings both finished with the same record, as did the Pelicans and Mavericks. Random tiebreakers will occur to determine which team receives the more favorable lottery placement. This will have some bearing on where the Bucks pick, as a better placement for the Pelicans increases the Bucks’ chances of drafting before 10th by 3.4% due to the swap. So we don’t actually know their true odds just yet.

As you likely know, the listed lottery odds for the team that finishes 10th aren’t actually what the Bucks have. In reality, they have a zero percent chance of receiving the top pick because in 2020, they traded swap rights to their 2026 first-round pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Jrue Holiday. Now, New Orleans has since traded those swap rights to Atlanta, so as I referred to above, what will end up happening is that the Hawks will receive whichever pick between the Bucks’ and Pelicans’ ends up more favorable. The Bucks will receive the less favorable choice.

Morgan and I delved into this a bit back in February, but now that the season is over, let’s go over how things actually shake out, factoring in the swap. We have to wait for the results of the tiebreaker to know their final odds, but here are the chances the Bucks will receive any lottery pick based on finishing 10th:

Bucks’ pickIf Pelicans are 7thIf Pelicans are 8th
10.0%0.0%
20.5%0.4%
31.2%1.0%
42.3%1.9%
50.0%0.0%
60.0%0.0%
70.0%0.0%
85.4%0.0%
95.4%8.0%
1061.5%64.6%
1121.5%21.8%
121.7%1.7%
13< 0.1%< 0.1%
14< 0.1% < 0.1%
AVG9.89.9

Obviously, odds are the Bucks will draft 10th. If they hadn’t dealt the swap rights to their pick, their odds of drafting 10th would be 65.9%, and they’d face about a 20.2% chance of dropping down further. Unfortunately, New Orleans decided to win a lot more in the second half of the year and finished somewhat close to Milwaukee in the standings, which upped the odds of Milwaukee falling back to between 23.1% and 23.5%, depending on that tiebreaker.

For what it’s worth, had they lost one more game and finished ninth in the lotto standings, their odds of still ending up with the 10th pick were still between 29.5% and 33.4%, while their odds at the top four improved from 3.3% or 4% (depending on if NOLA is seventh or eighth) to 4.8% to 5.8%. Their most likely draft position would have been ninth at 52% or 56.7%. Shoutout to Morgan for figuring out the code to calculate all these odds.

Anyway, since you should abandon all hope of receiving the number one overall pick, your dreams of Milwaukee receiving the second pick would only become reality if New Orleans (actually Atlanta) wins the lottery. The odds of that happening are less than half a percent. But the tiebreaker does improve the Bucks’ chances of netting a top-four selection from 3.3% to 4%, so take that for what you will.

Final 2025–26 NBA Standings

Here are the final standings for each conference, with the play-in ultimately set to decide who will face the top two seeds in each. The no. 2 seed in each conference will play the winner of the 7-8 game, while the no. 1 seed will play the winner of the next game, between the loser of the 7-8 game and the winner of the 9-10 game. 

Eliminated teams in italics.

Eastern Conference

  1. Detroit Pistons
  2. Boston Celtics
  3. New York Knicks
  4. Cleveland Cavaliers
  5. Toronto Raptors
  6. Atlanta Hawks
  7. Philadelphia 76ers (play-in)
  8. Orlando Magic (play-in)
  9. Charlotte Hornets (play-in)
  10. Miami Heat (play-in)
  11. Milwaukee Bucks
  12. Chicago Bulls
  13. Brooklyn Nets
  14. Indiana Pacers
  15. Washington Wizards

Western Conference

  1. Oklahoma City Thunder
  2. San Antonio Spurs
  3. Denver Nuggets
  4. Los Angeles Lakers
  5. Houston Rockets
  6. Minnesota Timberwolves
  7. Phoenix Suns (play-in)
  8. Portland Trail Blazers (play-in)
  9. LA Clippers (play-in)
  10. Golden State Warriors (play-in)
  11. New Orleans Pelicans
  12. Dallas Mavericks
  13. Memphis Grizzlies
  14. Sacramento Kings
  15. Utah Jazz

Check out FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook of SB Nation, for all your lottery odds.

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Mets news: Ronny Mauricio optioned to Triple-A

Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Ronny Mauricio (0) throws out Athletics third baseman Max Muncy after fielding a ground ball during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

As the corresponding move for Tommy Pham joining the team ahead of the series with the Dodgers, Ronny Mauricio has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

Mauricio was called up to the majors on April 6, when Juan Soto was placed on the Injured List for a calf strain. Since his call up, Mauricio collected a extra inning, game winning RBI in walk-off fashion against the Diamondbacks and went 0-3 in a game where he played third base against the Athletics.

Mauricio was always a little bit of a square peg on this roster, as they already have Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Francisco Lindor locking down Maruicio’s most natural positions, as well as Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Jared Young, and Jorge Polanco all getting reps at first base as well. As our Steve Sypa said in our 2026 Season Preview, Mauricio has been a Mets’ farmhand for a long time, but there’s no clear path for him to spend significant time in the majors:

Where the 25-year-old begins the season is most likely dependent on factors beyond his control. Francisco Lindor’s surgery to correct a hamate injury may or may not cost the All-Star some time at the beginning of the season. If he is unable to start the year on the active roster, Mauricio is one of a handful of shortstop options the Mets have to fill-in for the injured Lindor, perhaps the most appealing, as he is a young, homegrown player that has more potential upside than the Jackson Cluffs, Vidal Brujans, Christian Arroyos, and Grae Kessingers of the baseball world. If Lindor is fully healthy and ready to go when the season begins, it will likely be in Mauricio’s best interest to begin the year in Triple-A, so that he can get regular at-bats. At the same time, his bat from the left-side would be useful off the Mets’ bench, as he posted a .265/.336/.447 in 132 at-bats, good for a 121 wRC+. On one hand, being used irregularly in certain situations might not be the best use for Mauricio’s development as a baseball player. But then again, Mauricio has long showed us that this is who he is, so perhaps why not?

Since Pham signed after spring training and was not working out with a club before his signing, it appears that Mauricio was simply an extra bat off the bench until Pham was ready. Pham’s contract included an opt-out as of April 25th if he wasn’t called up to the majors. The deal can be worth as much as $3.1 million if all goes well.

Pham has been a more or less replacement level player over the past few years, racking up season OPS+s of 95, 92, 11, and 85 over the past four seasons.

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Astros vs Mariners Prediction, Picks & Best Bet for Today's MLB Game

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The Houston Astros can’t get home soon enough. 

The team has not only struggled on its current 10-game road trip, but this away swing seems cursed. Injuries are piling up for Houston as it plays its final stop against the Seattle Mariners this afternoon.

Houston, which has one win in the first nine games of this trip, is desperate to avoid a sweep in Seattle. It could have bodies back in the infield and provide right-hander Mike Burrows with support on both sides of the plate.

Our Astros vs. Mariners predictions tell Seattle to put away the brooms with my MLB picks hopping on Houston.

Who will win Astros vs Mariners today: Astros moneyline (+156)

The Houston Astros took a 6-1 beating on Sunday but were without SS Jeremy Pena and 3B Carlos Correa. 

Correa is expected to return, while Pena has been placed on the injured list. But getting Correa back is a boost, providing solid hitting in the middle of the order, as he ranks in the 95th percentile in expected batting average and the 91st in strikeout rate. 

Houston needs to show up for starter Mike Burrows, who's been serviceable in his last two outings, with five earned runs on 13 hits over 10 1/3 innings.

The Seattle Mariners are hitting well vs. Houston, especially in the later frames, with 14 of 23 runs coming from the fifth inning onward. However, I expect regression from a Mariners lineup that sits near the bottom of most batting stats to start 2026.

Covers COVERS INTEL:George Kirby has allowed a home run in each of his three starts, and Houston is second in slugging (.454) and third in home runs per outing (1.19).

Astros vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (+100)

Given the state of the Astros’ injury-plagued bullpen, Houston needs plenty of run support to escape Seattle without a brooming. 

The Astros lineup scored 13 runs in the opening two games of the series — both went Over — and Monday’s finale could see Houston hitting hard early and Seattle surging late. 

The Astros have been a red-hot Over bet to start 2026, with an 11-5 O/U record. Game models are calling for at least eight runs this afternoon.

Astros vs Mariners odds

  • Moneyline: Astros +156 | Mariners -163
  • Run line: Astros +1.5 (-138) | Mariners -1.5 (+133)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+100) | Under 7.5 (-104)

Astros vs Mariners trend

The Houston Astros have gone Over the total in 11 of their last 14 games (+7.60 Units/ 9% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Mariners.

How to watch Astros vs Mariners and game info

LocationT-Mobile Field, Seattle, WA
DateMonday, April 13, 2026
First pitch4:10 p.m. ET
TVSCHN, Mariners.tv
Astros starting pitcherMike Burrows
(1-2, 5.63 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcherGeorge Kirby
(1-2, 3.60 ERA)

Astros vs Mariners latest injuries

Astros vs Mariners weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Blackhawks Vs Sabres: Projected Lineup, How To Watch, & More Ahead Of Game 81

The Chicago Blackhawks will welcome the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night. Buffalo is the last team to be paying their first visit to the United Center in 2025-26, and it comes in the second-to-last game of the season.

Back on November 21st, the Sabres skated off their home ice with a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. That was their third win in four games, moving their record to 8-9-4. 

Shockingly, since that win over the Blackhawks, the Sabres have had a winning percentage above .700 and have been one of the best teams in the National Hockey League. 

They enter Monday 49-23-8 with 106 points, the fourth-best record in the NHL, and a chance to win the Atlantic Division with two games left. The turnaround has been one of the most remarkable in NHL history. 

Scouting Buffalo

The Sabres have a great mix of veterans, young players, and depth up and down the lineup. They play a fast and heavy game, which allows them to compete with whoever may be on the other side. 

Krebs-Thompson-Tuch

Zucker-McLeod-Quinn

Benson-Norris-Doan

Greenway-Kozak-Malenstyn

Dahlin-Samuelsson

Byram-Power

Stanley-Metsa

Luukkonen

At forward, Tage Thompson drives the bus offensively, and he's supported by stars like Alex Tuch, Josh Doan, Jason Zucker, Josh Norris, and Jack Quinn, amongst others. 

On defense, Rasmus Dahlin is one of the five best in the NHL, and his name will appear on lots of Norris Trophy ballots. 

Head coach Lindy Ruff has started using Owen Power, a former number one overall pick, as a shutdown defenseman, and he has thrived. It has also taken pressure off Dahlin, who is now put in even more of an offensive role. This also allows Bowen Byram to thrive playing with a player like Power, who has been focused solely on shutting down the opposition. 

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is going to start in goal for the Sabres. Since their turnaround began, he's been a wall for them. With a chance to clinch the Atlantic Division on the line, they are going with their number one guy. 

Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago

The Blackhawks had Oliver Moore on the ice in a regular sweater for their morning skate on Monday, but he will not play. This does, however, leave the door open for him to play in their season finale on Wednesday.

Greene - Bedard - Lardis

Bertuzzi - Frondell - Mikheyev

Donato - Nazar - Burakovsky

Slaggert - Boisvert - Teravainen

Vlasic-Crevier

Kaiser-Rinzel

Korchinski-Del Mastro

Knight

Frank Nazar was hit in the face with a puck last game. He left and did not return. However, he avoided the worst-case scenario, which is a broken jaw for the second time this season. He's missing a few front chicklets, but he will play against Buffalo. 

Ethan Del Mastro was a late scratch last time out due to injury. He was replaced by Sam Lafferty, who was a forward playing defense for a night. Del Mastro will return to the lineup against Buffalo. 

Andrew Mangiapane was also injured during the last game against the Blues, and he wasn't out for the morning skate. One of Sam Lafferty or Landon Slaggert is likely to get in the forward lineup for him.

Spencer Knight is going to start for the Blackhawks in this one. He will likely close out the season for Chicago, with there being just one more game. 

How To Watch

The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it is available locally on CHSN. Nationally, it is available to stream on ESPN+. The puck will drop shortly after 7:30 PM CT. 

Image

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