Jan 17, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Eastern Conference has three series that have yet to be decided, with three game sevens between today and tomorrow, but at least the second round of the West is set, and the NBA has released the broadcast schedule for Games 1-4 of the 2nd seed San Antonio vs. the 6th seed Minnesota Timberwolves — and it’s kind of brutal if you’re like me, have to get up early for work and therefore don’t like late tip-off times.
Western Conference Semifinals schedule: San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/D1RSHxccnl
Games 1-3 will all be at 8:30 PM CT, while Game 4 will be at 6:30 PM CT. Games 5-7 are TBD and will be scheduled as needed. Another note is there is only one time there will be an extra day off between games (i.e. two instead of 0ne), and that will be between Games 5 and 6 if needed, but there will be no break for any other travel days, such as between Games 2 and 3.
Game 1 at San Antonio: Monday, May 4 @ 8:30 PM CT on NBCSN/Peacock
Game 2 at San Antonio: Wednesday, May 6 @ 8:30 PM CT on ESPN
Game 3 at Minnesota: Friday, May 8 @ 8:30 PM CT on Prime
Game 4 at Minnesota: Sunday, May 10 @ 6:30 PM CT on NBC/Peacock
Game 5 at San Antonio: Tuesday May 12 (TBD)
Game 6 at Minnesota: Friday May 15 (TBD)
Game 7 at San Antonio: Sunday May 17 (TBD)
Perhaps the most annoying thing about this schedule is Game 1 in particular does not have to be so late since it’s not a double header, but oh well. The Spurs are back in the playoffs, and that’s all that really matters. This will be an interesting round considering we don’t know the state of the Timberwolves’ health. We know Donte DiVincenozo is out, but players like Ayo Dosunmo and especially Anthony Edwards are still up in the air.
We will have more on this series, such as match-ups, X factors, and more coming soon.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 26: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the second inning during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an epic comeback victory in game 1, the Braves will hope to secure yet another series win behind their ace against a Rockies team that is generally not good but has been competitive this season.
Chris Sale has been great this season, despite one of his career-worst starts against the Angels. Coors can always make things a bit funky, but Chris Sale hasn’t had trouble with the thinner air in a tiny sample size during his long career. He has only made three appearances at Coors, two out of the bullpen in 2011 and one start last year in which he went 7.0 innings with 10 Ks. Sale has pitched 10.1 innings, allowing 2 runs and accruing 13 strikeouts at Coors overall. Ultimately, this is a Chris Sale game against the Rockies and while this Colorado team has been less miserable so far this year than in recent years, that’s a game Atlanta should win.
It looks like the Rockies will throw Chase Dollander and he has been a very positive story for the Rockies this season. He has been used strangely this season, often following an opener or pitching bulk even later in games and it appears that he may not be the formal starter today either. He has averaged just under 5.0 innings per outing, so still has a starter-like impact. Dollander has an impressive 3.05 FIP and 3.08 xFIP this season through 32.0 innings, after a replacement-level debut 2025 season. He is striking out nearly 11 batters per 9 innings and has kept his walks down substantially. Looking at his minor league numbers, the strikeouts could be real, but the walks seem likely to creep up towards average or perhaps even higher. He was a top prospect for a reason, however, and is clearly a talented pitcher. Dollander pitches primarily off of an upper 90s 4-seamer and sinker, which both have well above average arm-side run. He is still working on secondaries however, and opts for quantity over quality, with a slider, changeup, curveball, and sweeper. He seems to struggle with location on these secondaries and can leave them over the middle of the plate or miss the zone substantially a good bit. The Braves would do well to put some runs up before Dollander enters the game, but with Sale on the mound should still feel good about this matchup.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLB.tv (and Braves.tv if you’re in-market, etc.)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (12-21) and Boston Red Sox (13-19) play the 2nd game of this 3-game weekend series at Fenway Park this afternoon.
RHP Spencer Arrighetti (3-0, 2.00 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. BOS LHP Connelly Early (2-1, 2.84 ERA). The Astros will be facing Early for the 1st time in his young career.
SPENCER’S GIFTS: After starting the season at Triple A Sugar Land, RHP Spencer Arrighetti has been strong in his 3 starts for the Astros this season. He is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA (4ER/18IP) with 9 BB and 21 SO and a .169 opp. avg.
In his last start on Sunday vs. NYY, he allowed just 3 hits and 1 run in 7.0 IP with 8 strikeouts (7-4 win).
SUCCESS VS. THE SOX: RHP Spencer Arrighetti has had success in his previous 2 starts vs. the Red Sox. In those 2 starts combined, Red Sox hitters are just 3×38 (.079) vs. him.
In his Fenway Park debut on Aug. 10, 2024, Arrighetti tallied a career-high 13 strikeouts en route to a 5-4 win (7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 13 SO).
On Aug. 12 of last season, Arrighetti allowed just 1 hit in 5.0 IP vs. BOS, but took the loss in what ended in a 14-1 Red Sox win (5 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 SO).
LOTS OF LEFTIES: The Astros are scheduled to face LH starters in all 3 games of this series.
The last time they faced a LH starter in all games of a 3-game series was April 30-May 2, 2021 vs. TB (almost exactly 5 years ago).
The last time that HOU has faced 3 consecutive LH starters overall was Sept. 19-21, 2024 vs. LAA (4-game series).
ROADIES: Today is the 5th game (1-3 thus far) of a 6-game road trip for the Astros.
HOU was 1-2 in BAL on the first stop of the trip.
DAYTIMERS: As a result of Wednesday night’s rainout in BAL, 4 of the 6 games on the Astros current road trip will be day games.
HOU ended their last homestand with a day game, so they will have played 5 of 7 games in the daytime once they complete this road trip.
VS THE SAWX: The Astros swept the Red Sox in a 3-game series at Daikin Park earlier this season, Mar. 30-April 1.
Over the past 10 seasons (since 2017), HOU is 33-23 (.589) vs. BOS overall.
FUN AT FENWAY: Despite being swept in a 3-game series in their last visit here (Aug. 1-3), the Astros have had recent success at Fenway Park. HOU has won 6 of their last 10 games at Fenway.
Prior to last year’s series in Aug., HOU had swept the Red Sox in 2 consecutive visits to Fenway, Aug. 28-30 of 2023 and Aug. 9-11 of 2024 (both 3-game series).
The Astros are 16-10 (.615) in the regular season at Fenway Park since 2017. Houston is also 4-3 at Fenway all-time in the postseason.
YORDAN AT FENWAY: In 13 career reg. season games at Fenway, Yordan Alvarez is hitting .438 (21×48) with 7 HR and 16 RBI with a 1.529 OPS. His career OPS, SLG (.979) and OBP (.550) at Fenway are the best all-time (min. 50 PA).
PLAYER OF THE MONTH?: Yordan Alvarez is a strong candidate for the AL Player of the Month Award for March/April as he has had a torrid start to his season, hitting .341 with 12 HR and 27 RBI.
Alvarez currently leads the AL in RBI (27), TB (87) and OBP (.446) while ranking 2nd in batting avg. (.341), SLG (.707) and OPS (1.153) and T-2nd in HR (12).
HIT PARADE: The Astros, who lead the AL in batting (.267), have reached double-figures in hits in each of the last 3 games, going 38×118 (.322) in that span.
Last night marked the 14th game in which HOU reached double figures in hits in 2026.
ROAD WARRIOR: In 12 road games (9 starts) this season, Brice Matthews is 11×35 (.314) with a HR, 7 RBI and 5 BB, slashing (.313/.400/.486) for an .886 OPS.
In his young career, Matthews is hitting .288 in 19 road games (15 starts) with 5 HR and 16 RBI with a .373 OBP and a .593 SLG (.966 OPS).
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: With 238 career HR as a second basemen, Jose Altuve needs one more to tie Lou Whitaker for 7th place all-time among 2nd basemen.
Altuve also needs 3 RBI to become the 5th player in franchise history to reach 900.
WALKER, TEXAS HAMMER: Christian Walker is hitting .375 (15×40) in his last 10 games (since 4/20) with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
For the season, Walker enters today ranked T-7th in the AL in RBI (24), 7th in SLG (.546), 5th in TB (65), 9th in OPS (.917) and T-6th in doubles (9).
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2017 – The Astros erupt for 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, lifting them to an 8-7, come-from-behind win over the Texas Rangers in Houston. Marwin Gonzalez led the way as his grand slam in that 8th inning was the key blow. For the game, Gonzalez went 2×3 with 2 HR and 5 RBI.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 3:10 p.m. CT
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 31: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during after the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on March 31, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s that time of year again. Michael Porter Jr. is on the podcast circuit with its usual misogyny, assorted hangers-on and certified weirdness that, sadly, we’ve become accustomed to. He’s been warned about it and we’ve commented on it. But as in the past, there’s usually some news amidst the detritus: After intially admitting to hating the trade, New York has won him over and he can “see the the future” in Brooklyn.
In this instance, during an extended run with 21-year-old live-streamer with a half-million followers, N3ON (described charitably as having “mastered the medium by stirring up trouble”) we see and hear MPJ, among other things: Get into an argument with an ex-girlfriend that leads to her doxxing him and police call; first scolding then jokingly (?) offering a youngster $500 to beat up a friend who had called MPJ the N-word at a video arcade; and suggesting that his decision to disclose Adam Silver’s personal phone number years ago may have cost him an All-Star berth … while also noting he apologized to the commissioner during the Nuggets ring ceremony. He even gets into the controversy surrounding Deni Advija’s loyalty to Israel. Like we said, among other things
Curious Mike indeed … but yes entertaining as well.
In the same conversation, all it not only streamed but broken into somewhat digestible pieces, MPJ spoke about last June’s salary dumps of all salary dumps, the one that sent him and an unprotected first round Nugget pick in 2032 to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson and some cap space that the Nuggets then used to sign Christian Braun. (Bill Simmons famously called it “one of the worst trades of the decade” and in a way he might be right … if he had been talking about Denver.)
As he has in the past, Porter described how he learned of the trade from his agent and the Nuggets GM on a flight to St. Tropez on the French Riviera but he added for the first time that he was not at all happy going to Brooklyn from a perennial contender…
Michael Porter Jr. tells N3ON he was HEATED after the Denver Nuggets traded him to the Brooklyn Nets 😳
“My first reaction, I was sick,” he admitted to N3ON. “because first of all, I knew Brooklyn wasn’t a good team at the time and I hated New York. New York is my least favorite city I have ever been in. I always hated New York because it’s so claustrophobic. I’m from Missouri in the middle of nowhere where you get to move around and New York’s the opposite so I hated that I was traded there. But then, I got there and know my way around, it’s lit! New York is crackin!” N3ON
When N3ON asks if Nets have a good “culture”, MPJ offered an enthusiastic response.
“Yeah, great culture. Everyone’s cool Young team! So that’s nice,” he added, saying that he’s embracing his role at the team leader as the third oldest player on the team (dropping to second by season’s end behind only Terrance Mann.)
In the same clip, Porter spoke about how he thinks the Nuggets made a mistake in trading him and how he sees the future in Brooklyn.
When N3ON asks if he thinks the Nuggets would’ve won the NBA title — instead of crashing out in the first round — with him on the roster, MPJ agreed.
“I do, they never should have traded me,” he said, but quickly pointed out that he is happy with the Nets. “Honestly, I’m living my best life in Brooklyn. Even though we didn’t do well this year, I can see the future. We’re the youngest team in the league. We got a lot of money to spend.”
In comparison with some of his podcasts last summer, the back-and-forth with N3ON, one of the top practicioners of live-streaming’, was tame. Not to mention that the 27-year-old Porter has ingratiating himself with Nets fans. Bottom line is he is what he is.
Star players were on the bench in street clothes. Houston lacked shooting or consistent shot creation from their young core — their offense got stagnant. Without Steven Adams, they lacked the offensive rebounding power to cover that up. While the defense remained impressive — the Lakers didn't score in triple-digits and had just a 106 offensive rating — if Houston wasn't creating turnovers and converting them into transition buckets, its offense struggled.
Houston was a team that looked better on paper than it did on the court for most of the season. Which begs the question:
Now what?
Stand pat, bank on better health and improved play from their young core, and hope that is enough? Even if things go much better, is that enough in a Western Conference with Oklahoma City and San Antonio? And where does Kevin Durant fit into all of this?
Or, there is another option.
Rockets may go star hunting
With that young talent and a lot of draft picks, the Rockets could make an impressive pitch for Giannis Antetokounmpo or any other star players who become available (Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell are popular targets of speculation). A lot of people around the league expect the Rockets to push their chips in and try to maximize their window with Durant, William Guillory and Sam Amick at The Athletic report.
Should Houston prioritize chasing the limited window that comes with a 37-year-old superstar, even if it means chipping away at these young players that they've built up over the past few seasons? If the Rockets decide to chase another star-level talent this summer — like so many rival executives believe they will — they are well positioned to do so. But whether it's chasing Antetokounmpo, or perhaps Leonard or Mitchell, that approach runs the risk of backfiring if they come up short while sending the wrong kinds of signals to this current core.
Any trade for another star likely involved Alperen Sengun going out, both because of his potential — he's a two-time All-Star — and his contract, which would be needed to match the money (Sengun is in the first year of a $185 million, five-year deal). Houston also has a lot of draft picks they can throw in the mix.
That star would have to pair well with Durant, who signed a two-year, $90 million extension with the team last summer and has said he wants to end his career in Houston. He's not going anywhere unless he asks out, despite the reported friction with teammates about his X burner accounts.
Just getting healthy
Houston's loss of Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL during a September players mini-camp changed the Rockets season. He was the secondary shot creator and the veteran floor general this team sorely lacked — something that was very evident during the playoff series with the Lakers. Adams was another big loss because of his offensive rebounding, pick setting and presence in the paint.
Then there was Durant. He had been incredibly healthy all season, playing in 78 games and more total minutes than he had since 2013-14. However, he banged knees with a teammate in practice before Game 1 and had to sit that one out, then rolled his ankle in Game 2 and suffered a bone bruise. He played in just one of the six games in the series, and it was another big blow to the Houston offense.
What if those veterans all come back next season healthy, while the young core with Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard all take a step forward? Is that enough? This team amassed 52 wins and finished fifth in the Western Conference despite all the injuries.
While Udoka will certainly be under fire for the part he played in the collapse, he signed a lucrative multiyear extension last summer that most league observers believe should shield him from being fired. The third-year Rockets coach is still considered one of the NBA's elite defensive coaches, with this latest version of his team still finishing sixth in defensive rating despite losing their most impactful defender, Dillon Brooks, in the Durant deal (they were fifth last season).
Does management force Udoka to take on an "offensive coordinator" assistant coach? Maybe.
While a lot of options are on the table, expect the Rockets to be bold this summer. They already spent big and went all-in with Kevin Durant, this is no time to start playing it safe.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight and a +1600 double-double SGP.
The Detroit Pistons forced Game 7 this afternoon and are just one win away from completing a 3-1 comeback against the Orlando Magic.
My Magic vs. Pistons predictions expect Cade Cunningham to leave it all on the floor in Detroit.
Here are my free NBA picks for today's winner-take-all matchup at Little Caesars Arena.
Magic vs Pistons prediction
Who will win Magic vs Pistons Game 7?
Pistons: The Orlando Magic set a record for the fewest points scored in a half when they put up a measly 19 points in the third and fourth quarters of Friday’s loss. Orlando squandered a 24-point lead at home and will get the daunting task of playing Game 7 on the road.
The Magic will surely be better than what they were at the end of Game 6, but momentum is clearly on Detroit’s side. Cade Cunningham said it himself, it's about going out and finishing the job.
Magic vs Pistons best bet: Cade Cunningham Over 44.5 points + rebounds + assists (-120)
Cade Cunningham was tremendous in the regular season, but as good as he was through those 64 games, he’s elevated his play to another level in the postseason.
Cunningham has averaged 32.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists in the series, good for 45.3 PRA. He’s averaged 48.7 at home compared to 42 on the road. He recorded 45+ PRA in two of three home playoff games, going for exactly 44 in the other.
The Detroit Pistons star point guard averaged an eye-popping 32.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists in three regular-season matchups with Orlando, comfortably clearing the Over on this combo prop in each game. He averaged 54.5 PRA in two at home in the regular season.
In the playoffs, Cunningham ranks second in points per game, first in field goal attempts, third in free throw attempts and fourth in minutes. His 23 field goal attempts are up from 18.6 in the regular season. His free throws have increased from six per game to 10.7, and his minutes have shot up from 33.9 to 40.5.
Cunningham leads all players in postseason usage at 35.3%. He comfortably leads his team in that category, with Tobias Harris coming in second at just 24.8.
The Pistons go as far as Cade takes them, and the team will need him to stuff the stat sheet in order to complete the series comeback and avoid an upset by the No. 8 seed. I’m expecting a huge game for the breakout playoff star.
Magic vs Pistons same-game parlay
The Orlando Magic have outplayed the Pistons for most of the series, but the psychological aspect of competition comes into play here.
The Magic were up 22 points at halftime in front of the home crowd before suffering an historic meltdown and blowing its chances to complete the upset and advance to the second round.
The Pistons were clearly feeling themselves at the end of Game 6, and they’ve got swagger and momentum to go with home court advantage. Orlando has got to be reeling, and I’ll bet on Detroit to win this one by double digits.
Scoring has come at a major premium in this series, and the Game Total Under has hit in four of six matchups. The Game Total has gone Under 203.5 in three of six, including two of the last three.
Both teams failed to record 100 points three times in the series, and I’ll take the Under in what should be a gritty, physical dog fight.
Magic vs Pistons SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 44.5 points + rebounds + assists
Pistons -9
Under 202.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Cade and Tobi lead the way!
Cunningham finished sixth in the Association in double-doubles this season at 38, leading all guards and finishing four ahead of Luka Doncic in the same number of games played (64).
He’s recorded two double-doubles in the playoffs and come within one rebound of a double-double twice more. He recorded a double-double in all three regular-season matchups with Orlando.
Tobias Harris averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds across 27.7 minutes in the regular season. The veteran forward’s minutes and stats have taken a huge leap in the postseason.
Through six games in the first round, he’s averaging 20.2 points and eight rebounds. Harris has recorded two double-doubles, and he’s scored in double figures in all six contests.
If you want to get even riskier for Game 7, replacing a Cade double-double with a Cade triple-double offers final odds of +9000. Cunningham recorded a triple-double in one of three regular-season tilts with the Magic.
Magic vs Pistons SGP
Pistons -9
Cade Cunningham Double-Double
Tobias Harris Double-Double
Magic vs Pistons odds for Game 7
Spread: Orlando +9 | Detroit -9
Moneyline: Orlando +290 | Detroit -370
Over/Under: Over 203 | Under 203
Magic vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Orlando Magic have hit the Game Total Under in five of their last six road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Pistons.
How to watch Magic vs Pistons Game 7
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Magic vs Pistons latest injuries
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Update, 6:45 p.m.: Paul George (illness) is officially available.
Update, 5:45 p.m.: Jayson Tatum is now listed OUT for the Celtics vs. the Sixers for Game 7 in Boston.
Paul George, who celebrates his 36th birthday today, was added to the injury report, but he’s considered probable with an illness. Joel Embiid is also listed as probable.
Nick Nurse: Paul George woke up this morning “not feeling well.”
Game 7 between Philadelphia and Boston is currently hours away and as everyone waits with bated breath for what could be a historic contest, a new wrinkle has emerged in the buildup to the game.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been downgraded to questionable for Game 7 tonight as he deals with knee stiffness.
For once, it isn’t the Sixers with a surprise change to the injury report, as Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum has been downgraded to questionable with knee stiffness. Tatum had left the second half of Game 6 with a calf issue, but then was not listed on the original Game 7 injury report. This late change involving the six-time NBA All-Star is certainly a concerning development if you’re a Boston supporter.
Notably, Tatum tore his Achilles in his right foot in the Eastern Conference semifinals last May. He returned to the court for Boston in early March, a ten-month absence that ranked among the fastest returns from that injury in history. He averaged 37.8 minutes per across the first five games of this series, before leaving early and logging 29 minutes in Game 6. We can’t make a direct connection between this current issue and the prior Achilles injury (guys can pick up knocks at any time obviously), but given the reinjury risk associated with that injury, you’d expect the Celtics to operate with an abundance of caution.
You hate to see injuries for anyone, but obviously Tatum’s absence would hugely benefit the Sixers from a competitive standpoint with the season on the line. We’ll await further updates in these final remaining hours to tipoff.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates before the pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on April 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.18 ERA) vs. Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2, 4.13 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at beautiful PNC Park looking for a win.
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May 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate their win against the Miami Marlins following the game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
In the few weeks that have passed since the Vancouver Canucks fired General Manager Patrik Allvin, a sea of names have popped up in various reports on who could be next in line for the role. From Jim Rutherford’s initial ringing endorsement of Assistant General Manager Ryan Johnson, to newer names like Brett Peterson and Evan Gold, here is a list of 10 names mentioned in reports surrounding the Canucks’ GM search.
Ryan Johnson, Canucks AGM & Abbotsford Canucks GM
Johnson has been with the Canucks organization since the 2013–14 season, first acting as a Development Coach before stepping into management in 2017–18 with then AHL-affiliate Utica Comets. In 2022–23, his role with Vancouver shifted from Director of Player Development to Special Assistant to the GM, before evolving to Assistant GM in 2024–25.
Kevyn Adams, Buffalo Sabres GM (Former)
Adams was fired by the Sabres in December of 2025, ending a tenure with the organization that had lasted since the 2009–10 season. During his time with Buffalo, Adams served as a:
Development Coach (2009–10 to 2010–11),
Assistant Coach (2011–12 to 2012–13),
Director (2013–14 to 2018–19),
Youth Hockey Supervisor (2013–14 to 2018–19),
Vice President (2019–20),
And General Manager (2020–21 to 2025–26).
Vancouver required permission to interview Adams due to the fact that the former GM is still under contract with the Sabres.
Ryan Bowness, New York Islanders AGM
Son of former Canucks Assistant Coach Rick Bowness, Ryan, currently the Islanders’ Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel, has been in scouting and management roles at the NHL level since 2009–10. From 2009–10 to 2012–13, he acted as the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets’ Team Manager, before transitioning into a pro scout. His tenure with the Jets organization ended when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in a pro-scouting role in 2016–17, where he was ultimately elevated to Director of Pro Scouting in 2019–20. Bowness then joined the Ottawa Senators organization as an Assistant General Manager and General Manager of the Belleville Senators of the AHL (2022–23 to 2024–25) before joining the Islanders.
Shane Doan, Toronto Maple Leafs’ Special Assistant To The GM
While not necessarily confirmed to be considered for the GM role, reports circulated that Vancouver had requested permission to interview Doan, a former NHL veteran with 20+ years of experience. After 13 years of captaining the Arizona Coyotes, Doan began his management career as an owner of the Kamloops Blazers before adding on team consultant and general manager work for Team Canada (2018–19 to 2022–23). He joined the Maple Leafs as Special Assistant to the GM in 2023–24 and has occupied this role since.
Bill Scott, Edmonton Oilers AGM
Scott, who has been with the Oilers organization since the 2010–11 season, was reported to be having a Zoom interview with the Canucks sometime this week. Throughout this span of time, he has served as:
The Oilers’ former AHL-affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, General Manager (2010–11 to 2013–14),
Edmonton’s Assistant General Manager (2014–15 to 2015–16, 2022–23 to current),
The Bakersfield Condors’ General Manager (2015–16 to 2017–18),
And Director of Hockey Operations with an emphasis on salary cap management as Director (2016–17 to 2021–22).
Brett Peterson, Florida Panthers AGM
Peterson is one of the newer names added to the list of potential Canucks General Manager candidates, with his name being floated through reports on Wednesday. The Panthers Assistant General Manager has held his current role since the 2020–21 season, also taking on roles with Team USA at the IIHF World Championships since 2023–24. He’ll serve as Team USA’s General Manager for the 2025–26 World Championship for the second time in his career after acting as Assistant GM in 2024–25.
Evan Gold, Boston Bruins AGM & Providence Bruins GM
While also mentioned in the Canucks’ GM search, reports have also indicated that Gold could be a finalist for the open General Manager role for the Maple Leafs. Gold has spent his entire NHL management career with the Bruins, acting as Director of Hockey Operations (2015–16 to 2018–19) before transitioning to Assistant General Manager in 2019–20. He also added General Manager of the Providence Bruins to his résumé in 2023–24.
Pascall has been a member of the Flames’ management team since the 2014–15 season, working as an Assistant General Manager for all 11 seasons. He has also served as the Flames AHL-affiliate’s General Manager — with the Stockton Heat from 2015–16 to 2016–17 and in 2021–22, as well as the Wranglers from 2022–23 to now. Pascall has also taken on various General Manager and Assistant General Manager roles with Team Canada at the Spengler Cup (2012–13, 2013–14, 2023–24, 2024–25), World Championships (1998–99, 2013–14), and U20 (2007–08) and U18 (2008–09, 2009–10) World Junior Championships.
Jeff Tambellini, Tampa Bay Lightning AGM & Syracuse Crunch GM
The 2025–26 season was Tambellini’s first time acting as an Assistant General Manager for an NHL team, though he has previous experience in the role at different levels. The former Canuck served as the Trail Smoke Eaters’ GM and Head Coach in 2018–19 and 2019–20, before ultimately joining the Lightning as a college scout. He was the Seattle Kraken’s Director of Player Development from 2022–23 to 2024–25, as he went back to Tampa Bay for the 2025–26 season.
Jamie Langenbrunner, Boston Bruins AGM
Like fellow candidate Gold, Langenbrunner has spent the entirety of his NHL management career with the Bruins. He joined the organization as a Development Coach in 2015–16 before being elevated to Director of Player Development in 2019–20. In 2022–23, Langenbrunner once again saw his role change, as he became an Assistant General Manager for the Bruins and has stayed in this role since.
Other names involved in speculation include former Canucks Vice President of Hockey Operations and AGM Laurence Gilman, former Montréal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, and Buffalo Sabres Director of Analytics Sam Ventura. Former Canucks such as Markus Näslund and Roberto Luongo have also had their names circulate through rumours. As per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, former candidates Patrick Burke, Ray Whitney, and Ryan Martin have been dismissed in the hiring process.
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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In his four career starts at Fenway Park, Connelly Early has gotten a grand total four runs of support from his teammates. The Red Sox have lost those games by scores of 2-1, 2-1, 3-2, and 4-0.
As bad as that is though, I regret to inform you that the Red Sox have been shut out each of the last three times I’ve been on game wrap duty (they haven’t scored a run on a Tuesday since April 7th).
In other words, for all our sakes, it sure would be nice if the bats would wake up from their slumber today.
In order to do that, they’ll have to get to Spencer Arrighetti, who is on the mound for the Astros. Arrighetti has been strong this year with a 2.00 ERA in three starts, but his career ERA paints a much less intimidating picture at 4.45. If the offense can get to him and help power the team to a win, the first Sox sweep of the year is a real possibility as the Astros still have not announced a starter for tomorrow and Boston has Ranger Suarez ready to go.
Lineup wise, Jarren Duran is back at leadoff after his three-run homer last night, and Masataka Yoshida starts on the bench for the fifth time in Chad Tracy’s first six games as manager.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is listed as questionable for Game 7 Saturday, May 2, against the Philadelphia 76ers. The team announced the forward’s downgraded status Saturday afternoon after he developed what the team said is "left knee stiffness" which forced him to leave Game 6 with about four minutes left in the third quarter.
Tatum, 28, is a game-time decision for the winner-take-all game at the TD Garden, per the team.
Tatum had been seen with an ice pack on his left calf, and reporters on the scene described it as a calf issue.
He was in the hallway working on the stationary bike during Thursday night’s game, but eventually just headed into the locker room and did not return as the Celtic s fell 106-93. That loss allowed Philadelphia to erase a 3-1 series deficit and force the win-or-go-home game on Saturday.
Tatum downplayed the injury after Thursday night’s loss.
"My leg was just a little stiff when I came out," he said after the game. "It was my other leg. Not the one I injured last year. I wasn’t overly concerned."
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was direct on Friday, telling reporters: "He’ll play."
There are some reasons to be concerned about it.
Tatum missed the first 62 games of this season, recovering from a torn right Achilles suffered in the 2025 playoffs. While Saturday’s issue involves the left knee, the opposite leg, there is speculation that it may have been caused by Tatum trying to physically compensate for the Achilles injury.
Before leaving Game 6, Tatum was averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists in the series while shooting 47.5 percent from the field. Boston is a plus-28 in his minutes this series.
If Tatum cannot play, Baylor Scheierman or Jordan Walsh would likely start in his place with Payton Pritchard, Boston’s third-leading scorer this season, also a candidate to move into the starting lineup.
The Celtics led the series 3-1 before Philadelphia won back-to-back games to force Game 7, which tips off at 7:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics hits a double that scored a run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Sutter Health Park on April 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night wasn’t fun, but the Athletics have a chance to flip the script this afternoon in Game 2 of this weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians. The A’s are still in first place even after last night’s loss but we got the Mariners hot on our heels so let’s keep them at bay with a win today.
Before we get to the game info, the A’s made a minor roster move this morning, recalling right-hander Luis Morales from Triple-A while optioning lefty Brady Basso back to Las Vegas:
Adding Morales at this juncture is a bit of an interesting move. The former top pitching prospect has struggled all year long, first in two starts for the big league team and then in three for the Aviators. Walks have been a major problem for the young arm and it doesn’t seem like he’s figured it out while in the minors. The team doesn’t have an official starter listed for Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia so it’s possible the team wants to give him another chance against big league hitters. Meanwhile Basso will return to Triple-A after a tough outing last night that essentially lost the game for the A’s. He’ll be back whenever the A’s need a fresh, left-handed arm for their bullpen.
Anyway, back to the contest at hand. Going for the A’s on the pitching side of things will be lefty Jacob Lopez. He’s in serious need of a quality outing this afternoon as he’s currently one of the weak links in the starting five. His 5.84 ERA isn’t pretty to look at and the team just recalled Morales from Triple-A. It’s now May and the A’s are in first place so the team can’t afford to keep going this route if he can’t straighten things out.
The A’s starting lineup this afternoon looks like this:
The A’s are going back to their usual top of the starting lineup. Nick Kurtz is back in the leadoff spot followed by Langeliers, Soderstrom, and Rooker. Outfielder Carlos Cortes is back in there behind Rook after getting the day off yesterday against a southpaw. Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil form the tag team up the middle and in the lineup while Lawrence Butler is in center field and Darell Hernaiz rounds things out manning the hot corner.
Those hitters are set to go up against Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi. Now in his fourth season and second in Cleveland, Cecconi has been very up and down so far this year. He’s been hit harder more often than not and carries a bloated 6.23 ERA into today’s contest. We may be in store for a high-scoring affair in today’s game.
Barça will be champions if Real fail to win on Sunday
Bayern draw with Heidenheim; PSG denied by Lorient
Barcelona could secure the La Liga title on Sunday after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres struck late in a 2-1 victory at Osasuna. With four games remaining, Barça top the table on 88 points, 14 clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and visit Espanyol on Sunday. Should Madrid fail to win, Barcelona will be confirmed champions for the second successive season.
Barça broke through in the 81st minute when Marcus Rashford crossed from the right and Lewandowski rose to head in. Five minutes later Fermín López slipped Torres clear and he finished low past Sergio Herrera. Raúl García pulled back a goal from close range two minutes later, but it was too little to late for Osasuna, who remain 10th on 42 points.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Baseball is often referred to as a game of failure. Perhaps nowhere is that statement more on display than in the life of a major league pitcher, whose fate hangs on every pitch.
Pitch by pitch, batter by batter, inning by inning, game by game — a pitcher benefits from preparation, execution and the ability to wipe the slate clean when results stray from intended or expected outcomes.
It requires perseverance. That is something Bryce Elder personifies.
From All-Star to also-ran and seemingly back again, Elder’s time with the Atlanta Braves has been a roller coaster. But the right-hander’s unflappable demeanor helped him weather the storm and make adjustments that are paying off at the best possible time for his team.
Over the first five weeks of the season, all Elder is doing is running with the opportunity to start every fifth day, compiling a 1.88 ERA that ranks second in the National League heading into the weekend.
After two seasons of bouncing between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, Elder emerged from his prolonged struggles as a better version of himself. This is the kind of thing that can only be found by going directly into and through the storm.
“Something that I’ve always understood is being healthy, you’re going to get the chance,” Elder said. “If you’re good enough and healthy, you’re going to get the chance. I try to handle my business correctly to keep me out there. It’s a weird game, the more time you spend out there. It’s not always going to go well, but the more things you learn as long as you’re paying attention.”
Elder entered his fifth major league season with a somewhat tenuous hold on a spot in the rotation, once again underscoring that the best ability may very well be availability. Last year, he led the Atlanta staff with 28 starts and 156 1/3 innings, but 2026 marked the first time Elder cracked the Braves’ opening day roster.
Strong pitching is a major factor in Atlanta’s early season success. Considering the injury news that filtered out of Spring Training almost immediately, it may qualify as the most surprising aspect of the Braves’ incredible 23-10 start.
Elder is a key performer on a surprisingly productive Atlanta pitching staff that owns a 3.17 ERA, the second best mark in Major League Baseball behind the New York Yankees’ 3.05 ERA.
While you might expect to see Chris Sale fronting the rotation and posting his requisite numbers, Elder’s inclusion in the starting five came only after Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep all began the season on the injured list.
Despite those circumstances, Elder and the Braves both believed the righty tapped into something down the stretch last year. After pitching to a 6.11 ERA in his first 21 starts and 111 2/3 innings, Elder finished with a 2.82 ERA over his final seven starts and 44 2/3 innings.
Rather than trying to avoid bats and live almost exclusively in the margins of the strike zone, Elder started approaching his opponents much more directly. As a result, he cut down his walk rate while seeing his strikeout rate rise across those seven outings.
Attacking hitters helped Elder find the kind of consistency he’s been searching for since the first half of his career-best 2023 season.
“That’s something I learned last year,” Elder said. “The good run I went on last year literally started with me saying, ‘If I give up five or six runs, that’s fine, but I’m going to progress the game. The game is going to move forward. I’m not going to get in bad counts and situations.’ And, obviously, it’s still going to happen, but progressing the game forward and keeping it moving, it’s turned out that I realize maybe my stuff is a little better than I thought it was. So, I’m kind of staying in the zone and making hitters swing.”
Something else Elder is benefiting from is the fact that not all swings are created equal.
He has been proficient at avoiding barrels. According to MLB Statcast data, Elder is in the 86th percentile with just a 3.3 percent opponent’s barrel rate. That elite level of barrel suppression correlates directly to Elder’s career-best home run rate of 0.4 per nine innings. Keeping the ball in the park always bodes well for a pitcher’s chances on any given day.
Elder’s overall success owes largely to an improved arsenal that includes a mix of three fastball types in addition to his slider and changeup. Having more weapons and a purpose for each pitch has Elder feeling like a new man on the mound compared to the one who was searching for answers over the past three seasons.
Perhaps his best weapon is the slider, a pitch he throws roughly a third of the time and has limited opposing hitters to just a .183 average and only one home run thus far this year. That’s a marked improvement over the .259 average and 8 home runs allowed on the pitch in 28 starts a year ago.
Braves manager Walt Weiss believes that is a weapon that looks better than ever this year.
“I think it’s all of his pitches and the secondary stuff is better,” Weiss said. “His slider is an underrated pitch. If you go back to 2023, when he made the All-Star team, you would see a lot of hitters swing at bounced sliders. I think he’s got that slider back again. He’s getting a lot of swing and miss on it. He’s getting some takes on it (because) they just don’t see it very well.”
Along with refining the slider, Elder reintroduced a cutter to go along with his sinker and four-seamer. That trio of fastball offerings can be utilized to do different things to different hitters in different counts, to say nothing of the occasional changeup Elder can keep in his back pocket.
It all adds up to the most complete version of Elder that the Braves have ever seen.
“He’s got the cutter to add to the arsenal,” Weiss said. “He had it once upon a time and he brought it back. It’s a good pitch for him (and) complements the changeup really well. His changeup has gotten better. All of his stuff has ticked up – the two-seam, the four-seam. So, he’s got three different fastballs – the two-seam, the four-seam and the cutter – and it makes it difficult on a hitter when you’ve got three different fastballs and the other stuff is working, too. He’s throwing the ball really well.
Elder’s stuff has definitely ticked up on the radar gun. The four-seam fastball that average 90-91 mph over his first three seasons is clocked up to 94 mph this year and average 92.5 mph.
In addition to tapping into a little more velocity, Elder added the cut-fastball to his repertoire, primarily as a weapon against left-handed hitters.
“Last year, the four-seam had a lot of good action to it and I was getting good results with it,” Elder said. “I still plan on using that, but I think the cutter just kind of creates another plane. Everything is usually up and down for me, being a higher arm-slot guy. So, (it’s) a little different plane moving into the lefties… I’ve been working on it.”
While he may eventually show it to right-handed hitters, Elder is using the pitch with great results against lefties. They are batting just .176 and slugging just .294 against the changeup in 76 offerings.
Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has been behind the plate for Elder over the past two seasons and sees the improved arsenal and extra velocity as the keys to success.
“I think his velocity is ticking up,” Baldwin said. “He has a little bit different pitch mix, a little more north-south and using that four-seam and cutter more. I think that pitch mix has helped him keep hitters a little bit more off balance.”
In a game that requires constant adjustments, Elder was able to bring what he learned down the stretch last year and add to it this season. While the results may have changed for the better, his teammates still see the pitcher they’ve always known, a tireless worker.
“He’s the same guy,” Baldwin said. “He’s always come in, worked his tail off and done everything he can scouting report-wise to know (hitters). This pitch mix is working more for him, and he’s been doing really well.”
When Elder went to the All-Star game in 2023, he was coming off a great first half. He went 7-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 18 starts before stumbling in the second half and falling out of favor and subsequently in and out of rotation over the two years that followed.
A litany of injuries to other starters afforded Elder an opportunity to keep pitching in the big leagues despite posting a 5.47 ERA combined between 2024 and 2025. Those extended struggles represented a chance to refine his mental and physical approach to the game.
With an improved pitch arsenal and grounded perspective, Elder appears to be on the right path to find success for both himself and the team.
“I’ve had a lot of good runs, and I’ve had a lot of bad runs,” Elder said.” I think more than anything just trying to – it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth – go one at a time and just keep my stuff crisp and keep my work right. Whatever happens every fifth day, that’s what happens.”
