Posts

Posted on

Game #15 A’s at Mets Game Thread

At the start of the Athletics weeklong trip to New York City to play the New York Yankees and Mets, few thought the team would walk away with two series wins. The A’s have proved doubters wrong as they enter today’s series finale against the Mets with a chance to sweep their first series of the season and finish their time in “The Big Apple” with five wins in six games.

Yesterday, the A’s finally snapped their multi-game home run drought. By doing so, the team introduced its new home run celebration, a cool but somewhat creepy looking elephant mask andgold chain featuring an elephant’s head. Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom donned the mask twice, his second home run coming at a critical moment in the game. The Mets had scored five unanswered to cut the A’s lead from 7-1 to 7-6. In the eighth inning, with the game’s momentum firmly on the hosts side, Soderstrom hit a three-run home run to right-center, his blast all but sealing the A’s series-clinching victory.

Right-hander Aaron Civale will be on the mound today as the A’s vie for the sweep. Through two starts, Civale (1-0, 2.70 ERA) has been the solid veteran pitcher the A’s needed. He does not throw hard, yet he moves the baseball around and gets batters out. Having gone five innings in each of his first two starts, the A’s would love for him to pitch at least that many innings today against a reeling but talented Mets lineup.

The A’s lineup on this fine Sunday:

This morning’s A’s lineup is nearly unchanged from yesterday, except designated hitter Carlos Cortes moves up after his three-run homer Saturday. Backup infielder Darell Hernáiz starts at shortstop with Jacob Wilson getting the day off. Recently promoted infielder Zack Gelof, who took the injured Brent Rooker’s place on the team’s roster, is on the bench again. A’s manager Mark Kotsay should give Gelof, who has significantly regressed since his impressive rookie performance, some playing time in Sacramento this week to evaluate whether he is worth keeping around or not.

Civale will be opposed by Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta this morning. The Mets acquired Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in one of this past offseason’s biggest trades. The longtime Brewers ace is 1-0 with a 4.80 ERA through his first three starts with his new team. Peralta will pose a stiff challenge for the Athletics’ offense. A’s hitters will have to bring the solid approaches they displayed yesterday and pounce on any mistakes Peralta makes.

The Mets’ lineup:

Can the Athletics complete the sweep? Who will earn the elephant mask today? Let’s go A’s!



Posted on

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates preview, Sunday 4/12, 1:20 CT

Today’s roster move: Here

Sunday notes…

  • NOT WINNING THE CLOSE ONES: The Cubs are 1-2 so far in games decided by one run. Last year, they finished 25-19, making 2025 the first full season they had a winning record in such games since 2018, when they were 26-25. They were 10-9 in the 60-game 2020 season. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • THROW THOSE GUYS OUT, PLEASE: The Pirates stole four bases yesterday. They were the first team with four thefts against the Cubs since the Nationals did it at Wrigley Field on Sept. 19, 2024. The Cubs won that game, 7-6. Yesterday’s game was the Cubs’ 184th game since then. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • STILL GOOD AGAINST PITTSBURGH: The Cubs are 113-70 (.617) vs. the Pirates since the start of the 2015 campaign, their best record vs. an NL opponent.
  • MAYBE TRY THIS: Since the beginning of last season, the Cubs are an MLB-best 72-21 (.774) when scoring the first run of the game. They have scored the game’s first run in 10 of their 14 games this season and are 7-3 in those games.

Cubs lineup:

The Pirates lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Pirates lineup.

Jameson Taillon, RHP vs. Bubba Chandler, RHP

A long time ago (16 years, to be exact) Jameson Taillon was the Pirates’ No. 1 pick (second overall) out of high school in Florida. He pitched four years for them before moving on to the Yankees, and then the Cubs.

Taillon’s numbers this year look decent (2.53 ERA, 1.219 WHIP) but he struggled in his first start (even though it ended up scoreless), then threw a bit better in completing six innings his second time out.

He threw well against the Pirates last year, six hits and two runs in 12.1 innings. Overall current Pirates are batting .233 (24-for-103) against Taillon with one home run (Bryan Reynolds).

Bubba Chandler made his MLB debut last year and posted a 4.02 ERA in seven games (four starts). This year in two starts for the Pirates he has posted a 3.12 ERA, which isn’t terrible but this is: He’s leading the NL in walks allowed with 10 in just 8.2 innings. Oddly, walks were not an issue with him in his 31.1 MLB innings last year — just four of them. Chandler throws hard, as you can see by the chart below, but doesn’t always know where the ball is going.

So maybe Cubs hitters, who are generally patient, can work some walks. Chandler has never faced the Cubs and the only Cub who has faced him is Michael Conforto (o-for-2).

In case you were wondering, Bubba’s actualy given name is Roy. The last players named “Roy” in MLB were Roy Oswalt and Roy Halladay, whose careers both ended after 2013.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout. If you do go there to interact with Pirates fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!
Posted on

Hawks vs Heat Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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

The Miami Heat will try to improve their Play-In seeding tonight as they host the Atlanta Hawks in the regular-season finale for both teams.

With many star players likely prioritizing rest over winning, I’m taking the Under in my Hawks vs. Heat predictions. 

Keep reading to see how I’m approaching tonight’s game with my free NBA picks for Sunday, April 12.

Hawks vs Heat prediction

Hawks vs Heat best bet: Under 241.5 (-110)

Both teams have clinched a spot in the postseason — albeit in the Play-In tournament for the Miami Heat — and that will influence how each coach approaches tonight's regular-season finale. 

For the Atlanta Hawks, the injury report suggests we won't see many of their biggest stars, as Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jonathan Kuminga, Onyeka Okongwu, and CJ McCollum are all listed as questionable.

Chances are, we’ll see someone from that list on the court. However, I seriously doubt they’ll play anywhere near their normal allotment of minutes as Atlanta prioritizes staying healthy for the postseason.

Fewer players are being held out for Miami, which makes sense, as the Heat are still playing for home-court advantage in their first Play-In game. Still, it remains to be seen just how much we’ll see Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and others. 

Considering all the absences and the players likely to be limited, this game will lose a lot of scoring punch. It’s especially a problem for Atlanta, as it'll be without many of its top playmakers against a Heat team prepping some different defensive looks ahead of the playoffs. 

In three head-to-head matchups this year, these teams haven’t combined for more than 242 points, and the most recent matchup ended up with a 225-point total.

Hawks vs Heat same-game parlay

While nearly the entire Hawks lineup is listed as questionable, the Heat will likely deploy many of their key players, including Herro (who is listed as available).

That makes me favor Miami to cover.

While I’m still staying away from their biggest stars for the most part tonight, I’ll take Jaime Jaquez Jr. (15.2 points per game) to score Over 13.5 points, something he’s done in eight of his last nine games.

Hawks vs Heat SGP

  • Under 241.5
  • Heat -5
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 13.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Holding out for a Herro

For a long shot SGP,  I’m going to bump Jaquez up to go Over 23.5 PRA, which he’s done in six of his last eight games, and to hit Over 1.5 threes after doing so eight times in 10 contests. Herro is also an excellent pick to hit his made threes prop, as he’s drained Over 2.5 shots from deep in four of his last five games.

Hawks vs Heat SGP

  • Under 241.5
  • Heat -5
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 23.5 points+rebounds+assists
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 1.5 made threes
  • Tyler Herro Over 2.5 made threes

Hawks vs Heat odds

  • Spread: Hawks +5 (-110) | Heat -5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Hawks +165 | Heat -200
  • Over/Under: Over 241.5 (-110) | Under 241.5 (-110)

Hawks vs Heat betting trend to know

The Atlanta Hawks have hit the 2H Game Total Under in 29 of their last 45 games (+10.59 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Heat.

How to watch Hawks vs Heat

LocationKaseya Center, Miami, FL
DateSunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off6:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN Southeast Atlanta, FDSN Sun

Hawks vs Heat latest injuries

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.

Posted on

Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #16: 4/12 @ Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 24: A detailed view of a cheesesteak prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 24, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rays defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

DIAMONDBACKSPHILLIES
Ildemaro Vargas – 2BTrea Turner – SS
Corbin Carroll – DHKyle Schwarber – DH
Geraldo Perdomo – SSBryce Harper – 1B
Jose Fernandez – 1BBrandon Marsh – LF
Nolan Arenado – 3BBryson Stott – 2B
Tim Tawa – LFAdolis Garcia – RF
James McCann – CAlec Bohm – 3B
Alek Thomas – CFRafael Marchan – C
Jorge Barrosa – RFJustin Crawford – CF
Zac Gallen – RHPAndrew Painter – RHP

/goes back to bed.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!
Posted on

Who's in NHL playoffs? Latest 2026 bracket, standings, clinching scenarios

Sunday's NHL schedule is full of playoff permutations but the biggest question is whether this will be Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin's final home game and final meeting with the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, has said he won't make a decision on his future until he talks with his family and team management during the offseason. But the Capitals don't have any more home games after the Sunday, April 12 matchup against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, barring a longshot chance to make the playoffs. They need one point in this game to stay alive and a win would be better.

The Capitals captain, who broke Wayne Gretzky's record last season, is in the final year of his contract and will turn 41 in September. He scored his 929th career goal on Saturday, April 11 in Pittsburgh.

Also on Sunday, the Anaheim Ducks can end their seven-year playoff drought and move into second place in the Pacific Division. The Montreal Canadiens could reclaim second place in the Atlantic Division, the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins (tied in points as Eastern Conference wild cards) are in action, and the Columbus Blue Jackets could tie for third place in the Metropolitan Division, although the Philadelphia Flyers would have a game in hand.

Here's what to know about the NHL standings, including the latest playoff bracket, Sunday's clinching scenarios and the tiebreaker procedures for the 2025-26 season:

Third period underway

1-0 Capitals. If this holds up, Washington stays alive in the playoff hunt.

Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby stats

Through two periods, Alex Ovechkin has three shots and four hits. Sidney Crosby has two shots and two hits.

End of second period: Capitals 1, Penguins 0

Trevor van Riemsdyk scores his third goal of the season to give the Capitals the lead in what's essentially a must-win game for Washington. Alex Ovechkin had a good chance off a Capitals faceoff win but is stopped by Stuart Skinner. Washington's Logan Thompson stops a partial breakaway by Sidney Crosby.

Tom Wilson injury update

He's back on the bench in the final seconds of the second period.

Tom Wilson injury

Washington's Tom Wilson is down on the ice after blocking a shot from Erik Karlsson. He eventually gets up and limps toward the dressing room. The Capitals kill of the rest of the Penguins power play, allowing no shots.

Penguins power play

Washington's Martin Fehervary is called for tripping, his second penalty of the game.

Capitals score: Trevor van Riemsdyk opens scoring

The Capitals take the lead with the first goal of the game. Trevor van Riemsdyk is down low and taps in a loose puck in the crease. It's his third goal of the season. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Connor McMichael pick up the assists. Capitals 1, Penguins 0

Midway through game

Still scoreless.

Second period underway

The Penguins kill off the rest of the Sidney Crosby penalty.

End of first period: Capitals 0, Penguins 0

The Capitals appeared to go ahead, but the goal was overturned on a challenge for offsides. Alex Ovechkin's stats so far: one shot, three hits. Sidney Crosby has one shot, two hits, a faceoff win against Ovechkin and a penalty. He'll still be in the penalty box when the second period begins.

Capitals goal overturned

Alex Ovechkin would have drawn an assist as Justin Sourdif scores a power play goal, but the Penguins challenge for offsides. No goal. Still 0-0.

Sidney Crosby goes to penalty box

The Penguins star is called for tripping. Alex Ovechkin is out there for the power play.

Ovechkin-Crosby rivalry acknowledged

The Capitals acknowledge the 100th meeting of the two stars. Ovechkin stands on the bench as fans cheer. Crosby is on the ice with the Penguins about to go on a power play. The Capitals kill off the penalty.

Alex Ovechkin's game so far

Alex Ovechkin, also known for his physical play, lays out Kris Letang with a big hit. Later, his deflection attempt is stopped by Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner.

Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby

Pittsburgh stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday's game. This is the 100th meeting of Ovechkin and Crosby. Even though Ovechkin is a winger, he took the opening faceoff against Crosby. The Penguins star won.

Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?

Eastern Conference: Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Boston

Western Conference: Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Utah, Edmonton, Vegas

Who could clinch an NHL playoff berth today?

The Anaheim Ducks will clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Vancouver Canucks.

NHL games today (Sunday, April 12)

  • Pittsburgh at Washington, 3, TNT, tru
  • Montreal at N.Y. Islanders
  • Boston at Columbus, 6, NHL Network
  • Ottawa at New Jersey, 7
  • Vancouver at Anaheim, 8
  • Utah at Calgary, 9

NHL playoff standings

NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26

After April 11 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Metropolitan Division

  • y-Carolina Hurricanes (110)
  • x-Pittsburgh Penguins (98)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (94)

Atlantic Division

  • x-Buffalo Sabres (106)
  • x-Tampa Bay Lightning (104)
  • x-Montreal Canadiens (104)

Wild card

  • x-Ottawa Senators (96)
  • x-Boston Bruins (96)

Sitting out of playoff position: Columbus Blue Jackets (92), Washington Capitals (91), z-Detroit Red Wings (91), New York Islanders (91), z-New Jersey Devils (85), z-Florida Panthers (80), z-Toronto Maple Leafs (78), z-New York Rangers (75)

NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26

After April 11 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Central Division

  • y-Colorado Avalanche (115) - Presidents' Trophy winner
  • x-Dallas Stars (108)
  • x-Minnesota Wild (102)

Pacific Division

  • x-Vegas Golden Knights (91)
  • x-Edmonton Oilers (90)
  • Anaheim Ducks (89)

Wild card

  • x-Utah Mammoth (90)
  • Los Angeles Kings (87)

Sitting out of playoff position: Nashville Predators (86), Winnipeg Jets (82), San Jose Sharks (82), z-St. Louis Blues (80), z-Seattle Kraken (79), z-Calgary Flames (73), z-Chicago Blackhawks (70), z-Vancouver Canucks (54)

NHL playoffs if they started today

NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 11:

  • Carolina (M1) vs. Boston (WC2)
  • Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Philadelphia (M3)
  • Buffalo (A1) vs. Ottawa (WC1)
  • Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card

NHL Western Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 11.

  • Colorado (C1) vs. Los Angeles (WC2)
  • Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3). This series is set
  • Vegas (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
  • Edmonton (P2) vs. Anaheim (P3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card

NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?

If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:

  1. Regulation wins
  2. Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
  3. Total wins
  4. Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded. When more than two clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any odd games) shall be used to determine standings.
  5. Goal differential
  6. Total goals

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff bracket, latest 2026 standings and clinching scenarios

Posted on

Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz to reclaim world No 1 spot: Monte Carlo Masters final highlights

Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time on Sunday and reclaim the world No 1 ranking from his Spanish rival.

Sinner saw off Alcaraz 7-6 (5), 6-3 to capture his third ATP 1000 title of the year after completing the 'Sunshine Double' last month with victories in Indian Wells and Miami.

The 24-year-old Sinner joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as only the third player to win four successive ATP 1000 titles, having also triumphed in Paris at the end of last season.

Continue reading...
Posted on

On This Day: Keith Tkachuk’s 50th Goal Lifts Jets in Emotional Final Regular Season Game at Winnipeg Arena

On a night thick with emotion inside Winnipeg Arena, Keith Tkachuk delivered one of the most memorable moments in franchise history, and helped keep playoff hopes alive in what would soon become the end of an era.

With the crowd in a “whiteout” frenzy, Tkachuk scored his 50th goal of the season in the final regular season home game for the original Winnipeg Jets, sealing a 5–3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. The late goal, scored into an empty net with just seconds remaining, clinched a playoff berth and etched Tkachuk’s name into team history as just the third player in the franchise to reach the 50-goal mark. 

The milestone capped a career-best campaign for Tkachuk, who had been drafted 19th overall by Winnipeg in 1990 and developed into one of the greatest power forwards in the league's history. 

During the 1995–96 season, Tkachuk recorded 50 goals and 98 points, leading the team in both categories and producing the highest point total of his career. His physical style and scoring touch made him the centerpiece of a Jets team fighting both on the ice and off it.

That season came under difficult circumstances as the franchise was facing severe financial instability, and even Tkachuk’s own future in Winnipeg had been uncertain following a contract dispute the previous summer. Despite the turmoil, he delivered a historic performance when the team needed it most. The game also marked the beginning of the end for NHL hockey at Winnipeg Arena, which had been the club’s home throughout its WHA and NHL history. 

Just days later, the Jets would play their final regular season game, and shortly after that, their final playoff game in the building. By the end of the spring, the team’s departure was confirmed.

The reason was largely financial with Ownership struggling for years to keep the team viable in one of the league’s smallest markets, and in January 1996 agreed to sell the franchise to a group intending to relocate it to the United States. That summer, the Jets officially moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they became the Phoenix Coyotes.  Winnipeg would go 15 years without an NHL team before the Jets name returned in 2011.

That revival came when the Atlanta Thrashers franchise was purchased and relocated to Manitoba, bringing NHL hockey back to the city under the historic Jets name. While the modern Jets are technically a continuation of the Thrashers franchise, the return restored a cultural and emotional connection that had been missing since 1996.

Image

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Game Thread #15: Milwaukee Brewers (8-6) vs. Washington Nationals (6-8)

Apr 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers have had a rough week. After wrapping up their third consecutive series win last weekend in Kansas City, Milwaukee moved to 8-2 with a series-opening win in Boston on Monday. Since then, however, they’ve lost four straight. In those four losses — two to the Red Sox and two to the Nationals — the Brewers have mostly fallen short offensively, scoring just six runs.

They’ll look to snap that skid — and prevent a sweep at the hands of the Nationals — on Sunday afternoon at American Family Field. Brandon Woodruff gets the ball for Milwaukee, coming off a rough start in the Crew’s last win on Monday. In that one, he went 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, a pair of walks, and a notable hit-by-pitch of Willson Contreras. He also struck out four.

Opposite Woodruff will be a familiar foe in Zack Littell. Littell spent last season with the Rays and Reds, making three starts against Milwaukee (two with the Reds, one with the Rays), allowing four runs and striking out 11 over 16 2/3 innings. In two appearances this season, he’s totaled 10 innings with four runs allowed and seven strikeouts.

The Brewer lineup features Brice Turang atop the order, followed by William Contreras and Christian Yelich at DH. Garrett Mitchell bats cleanup, followed by Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick. Brandon Lockridge rounds out the outfield, batting seventh, with David Hamilton and Joey Ortiz batting eighth and ninth, respectively.

First pitch in this one is set for 1:10 p.m. CT, available as usual on Brewers.TV, along with WTMJ 620 and the Brewers Radio Network.

Posted on

Nuggets to sit key rotation players, Nikola Jokic questionable for Sunday showdown with Spurs

The Denver Nuggets control their own fate on Sunday. Win against San Antonio and Denver will be the No. 3 seed, then face Minnesota in the first round, and it would be in line to face this same Spurs team in the second round. Lose, and if the Lakers beat the Jazz as expected, the Nuggets fall to fourth in the West and will face the Rockets in the first round and be lined up to face the defending champion Thunder in the second round (assuming both teams win and advance).

Faced with that choice, Denver is sitting nearly all its key rotation players on Sunday: Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Watson are all out Sunday (Watson has missed the last four games with a hamstring issue).

Denver MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is questionable, but if he does not play he will not reach the NBA's 65-game threshold and will not be eligible for any postseason awards and honors. He likely plays at least the minimum of 15 minutes needed to become eligible.

Denver sat a lot of the same players on Friday night against Oklahoma City, a team that also sat all its key rotation players as it had the No. 1 seed secured (the Nuggets won that game). Asked about the decision to sit all those stars on Friday, coach David Adelman said this, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.

"What's on the injury report is what they're out with. They're dealing with a lot more than that physically, not to mention some of the soft tissue stuff. Scary kinds of injuries."

Denver is choosing health going into the postseason, and likely a matchup it likes better against Houston in the first round, over concerns about the second round and beyond.

The Spurs would likely rather face the winner of the Lakers/Timberwolves series in the second round than the Nuggets, so it may push to win (assuming San Antonio beats a play-in team in the first round).

All of which may take all the drama out of one of the NBA's hoped-for dramatic final days of games.

Posted on

Suns vs Thunder Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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

It’s the last game of the NBA regular season, but it might look more like an NFL preseason game on Sunday night when the Phoenix Suns visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Both teams are locked into their postseason spots and have nothing to play for. That means a lot of little-known bench players and G League call-ups will get most of the time.

Fully functional OKC would be heavy favorites, but bench against bench is a coin flip. That’s why my Suns vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks take the Suns with a very generous moneyline price.

Suns vs Thunder prediction

Suns vs Thunder best bet: Suns moneyline (+195)

The Oklahoma City Thunder ruled 10 players out for Friday’s game, and the same 10 will be sitting tonight. That includes full-time starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein, as well as most of the rotation players on the bench.

The group sitting this weekend combined for 310 of OKC’s 400 starts through the first 80 games. The only starter to play Friday was Luguentz Dort, who played 20 minutes. The other seven players to see the floor combined for 23 starts this season.  

The Phoenix Suns were planning to be more generous with playing their starters. Devin Booker and three rotation players sat on Friday, but, with the Suns locked into the Play-In on Tuesday, head coach Jordan Ott didn’t want rust to set in and planned on giving several key players minutes.

Then Grayson Allen went down with a hamstring injury during the game. That changed the plans significantly. Booker and Allen are out, joined by starters Royce O’Neal and Dillon Brooks. Most of the other key players are listed as questionable.

Both skeleton crews got hammered on Friday night — OKC by 20 at Denver, Phoenix by 28 at the Lakers. Sunday’s game will see Dort and a handful of unknowns for OKC against whichever Suns players listed as questionable put in limited time.

I think we can expect at least two or three of Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Jalen Green, Haywood Highsmith, and Mark Williams to log 20+ minutes. That should be an advantage for Phoenix.

Suns vs Thunder same-game parlay

Jared McCain was the only Thunder player to make half his shots in Friday’s loss. The eight Suns who took 5+ shots on Friday shot a combined 19-for-64, .297. The Hall of Fame won’t be asking for a tape of this game to demonstrate the game being played at its highest level, and neither team will be motivated to play up-tempo.

The Suns will be particularly thin in the backcourt, and Jalen Green has battled injuries all season and could use the day off. Jordan Goodwin is more likely to be the shooting guard who plays. He’s made multiple threes in 10 of the last 11 games he’s played and 3+ in back-to-back games.

Suns vs Thunder SGP

  • Suns moneyline
  • Under 213
  • Jordan Goodwin Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: B-Team Bandits

Aaron Wiggins has made multiple threes four of the last five times he’s logged at least 15 minutes of playing time. He played 23 minutes on Friday. More importantly, he put up six threes. He should get the opportunity to shoot tonight.

Kenrich Williams had 12 rebounds in 31 minutes on Friday. He’ll likely be battling little-used Suns rookie Khaman Maluach in the paint on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Brandon Carlson dished out five in Friday’s game and will be the biggest scoring threat on the floor for most of the game. That should give him plenty of opportunities to find the open man. This is an easy addition.

Suns vs Thunder SGP

  • Jordan Goodwin Over 2.5 threes
  • Aaron Wiggins Over 1.5 threes
  • Kenrich Williams Over 9.5 rebounds
  • Brandon Carlson Over 2.5 assists

Suns vs Thunder odds

  • Spread: Suns +5.5 | Thunder -5.5
  • Moneyline: Suns +195 | Thunder -250
  • Over/Under: Over 213 | Under 213

Suns vs Thunder betting trend to know

The Thunder have gone Under their team total in 16 of their last 23 home games for +8.05 units and a 31% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Thunder.

How to watch Suns vs Thunder

LocationPaycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
DateSunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVSuns+, FDSN Oklahoma

Suns vs Thunder latest injuries

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.

Posted on

Report: Maple Leafs Begin Head Of Hockey Ops Search With Goal Of Hiring One Person

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for what could potentially be a month-long search to find their next head of hockey operations, reports suggest fans should brace for possibly just one hire from MLSE.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Headlines, the Maple Leafs are going to have a bunch of interviews for the position next week, and it won't be a short process.

"The Maple Leafs are determined to talk to as many people as they can," Friedman said, "and get as many opinions as they can about what they should do."

Several names have already surfaced as potential candidates for the position, like Mike Gillis and Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported this week that Toronto has been granted permission to speak with Mehta.

But as this search goes on, many wonder if Mehta's resume fits the bill to be the head of hockey operations for one of the NHL's most coveted franchises.

I only say that because, according to Friedman, the Maple Leafs are entering this search to hire one person to lead their hockey ops department.

"Now, it doesn't mean that they can't morph into more," Friedman continued, "but they are starting the search with the goal of one person."

Furthermore, Friedman believes Mehta won't be the only person from the Panthers' front office that the Maple Leafs will request to speak with.

"I also believe, we talked about one specific member of Florida's front office (Sunny Mehta). I don't think that's the only request that's going to be made of the Panthers. I think the Maple Leafs could ask for multiple permissions to talk to people with Florida."

Chris Pronger 'Interested In Having A Conversation' With MLSE About Potential Role With Maple LeafsChris Pronger 'Interested In Having A Conversation' With MLSE About Potential Role With Maple LeafsPronger spoke with Sportsnet's Paul D. Grant about his new memoir, as well as the Maple Leafs' latest job opening.

In LeBrun's report, which said Toronto had been granted permission to speak with Mehta, he also wondered if the Maple Leafs would request to speak with another Panthers assistant GM, Brett Peterson.

After his playing career, Peterson was vice president of THE TEAM (formerly Wasserman Media Group) before joining the Panthers' front office in 2020. He had also been a certified NHL player agent with THE TEAM since 2009.

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said the goal was to have someone hired for the position "in the middle of May, but the end of May, prior to the combine, would be good. But if not, very early June because you need to prep for the draft."

Posted on

Game Preview: Suns take on Thunder in regular eason finale

Will the Suns bounceback at home?
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns scores on a dunk during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Who: Phoenix Suns (44-37) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (64-17)

When: 5:30 pm Arizona Time

Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

The Phoenix Suns are looking to win their final game of the season, taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the team locked into the seventh seed, there is not much to play for, but the fans should expect the young guys to get some burn. Heading into this one, the Suns and Thunder look to play for the fifth time this season, with OKC leading the season series 3-1.

The Thunder have the first place locked up and do not need to injure any players, so they are taking the night off as well. This is sadly what comes at the end of a long season, but what could you do? This matchup though, could not be the last we see this year, as the Suns still have the Play-In to go.

If they were to lose their 7 vs. 8 seed matchup on Tuesday, they would be slated to face OKC in the first round of the playoffs. Now that is something no one is wishing for, but very well could be the outcome the Suns draw.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

  • Collin Gillespie (right shoulder contusion) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Jalen Green (right knee soreness) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Mark Williams (left foot injury management) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Grayson Allen (left hamstring soreness) — OUT
  • Devin Booker (right ankle injury management) — OUT
  • Dillon Brooks (left 2nd metacarpal injury management) — OUT
  • Royce O’Neale (left knee injury management) — OUT

Thunder

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (oblique injury management) — OUT
  • Chet Holmgren (back spasms) — OUT
  • Jalen Williams (hamstring injury management) — OUT
  • Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus injury management) — OUT
  • Cason Wallace (toe soreness) — OUT
  • Ajay Mitchell (ankle injury management) — OUT
  • Alex Caruso (rest) — OUT
  • Isaiah Joe (knee soreness) — OUT
  • Jaylin Williams (Achilles tendinitis) — OUT
  • Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) — OUT

What to Watch For

The young guys and how they look are the main takeaways from this one. With the Suns set in stone as the seventh seed, there is no need for them to try to force a win for no reason. It would be nice to win against OKC, but that isn’t the goal here. It is to set the tone and get ready for the play-in on Tuesday.

Therefore, let the leash loose on guys like Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming to thrive in a game that matters nothing. See what these guys can do in a game where they are the primary options and get the hype surrounding them for the future. Buy these fans into the players they expect to see for the future.

Key to a Suns Win

The way for the Suns to take this one is to continue shooting great from three-point land. It has been evident all season long that if the Suns’ three-point shot does not show up, it is an uphill battle for them offensively. To make sure they can get off to the right start, they need guys like Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin to deliver from behind the arc. Especially Goodwin, who had a career-high in threes when the Suns beat the Thunder for the only time this season.

With the Thunder having ten players out as well, the depth of this team needs to show that they are worthy of staying in Phoenix beyond this season. A player like Jamaree Bpuyea should take this advantage to shine in a game where the ball is mainly in his hands. The two-way players, such as C.J. Huntley and Koby Brea, should get some run, allowing Brea to let loose from three, which could help the Suns match OKC.

Prediction Time

The Suns win their final game for the fans.

Suns 108, Thunder 100

Posted on

Lakers sign Nick Smith Jr. to two-year deal

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Nick Smith Jr. #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass past the defense of Koby Brea #14 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The final roster spot for the Lakers will be used for one of their own and no big last-minute splash signing.

On Sunday morning, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Nick Smith Jr. and the Lakers had agreed to a two-year deal. Smith has spent the season on a two-way contract in LA.

The Lakers opened up a roster spot earlier in the weekend by waiving Kobe Bufkin, who they signed to a standard contract in the opening months of the campaign.

While other names like Chris Paul or Lonzo Ball were the flashier names mentioned as possible signings, it always felt likeliest that the open roster spot and contract would go to one of the team’s two-way signings in Smith Jr. and Drew Timme. Two-way players are not eligible for the playoffs, so if Redick wanted to continue using those players in his rotation, they would have to be signed to a deal.

Details of the deal are not known nor have they been reported, but in similar situations in previous years, the “two-year” aspect of the deal means the remaining one game and postseason of the 2025-26 season and likely a non-guaranteed second year.

On the season, Smith Jr. is averaging six points on 43.3% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from range. Most memorably, he won a game for the Lakers in Portland very early in the season when a host of players were out injured.

Even during the months when Bufkin was on a standard contract, Smith Jr. seemed to be ahead of him in the rotation and had the trust of head coach JJ Redick and the staff. With injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the path to minutes for Smith Jr. is not all that crowded.

While he won’t be called upon if the remaining players are healthy, an injury or foul trouble in one of the playoff games could lead to him seeing minutes.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Posted on

Gamethread 4/12: Phillies vs. Diamondbacks

After pulling out a narrow win on Saturday afternoon, the Phillies will go for the series win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Andrew Painter will make the third start of his young career in the rubber match.

The Diamondbacks will go with veteran righthander Zac Gallen. Gallen has had success against the Phillies over the years with a 2.52 ERA in seven career starts.

Game time is 1:35 PM and will be televised locally on NBCSP.

Posted on

Minor league update for 4/11/26

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 19: Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo performs at The Grove summer concert series at The Grove on July 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A.J. Russell made his second pro appearance for the Crawdads, using 34 pitches in one inning of work, striking out two, walking two, allowing two hits and giving up two runs. Louis Marinaro struck out four in 1.2 shutout innings.

Yolfran Castillo had a hit, two walks and a stolen base. Paulino Santana had a hit, a walk and a stolen base. Esteban Mejia had a hit and a walk. josh Spring had a hit and two walks. Dewar Tovar had a double and a walk. Marcos Torres had a hit and a walk.

Hickory box score

Hub City starter Ismael Agreda struck out seven and walked two in 4.1 scoreless innings. Anthony Susac struck out one in 1.1 scoreless.

Hub City had one hit — a single by Arturo Disla — and two walks. Through seven games, the Spartanburgers are slashing .143/.233/.224 as a club.

Hub City box score

Dylan MacLean started for Frisco and gave up five runs in 3.2 IP, striking out two and walking two. Eric Loomis struck out two and allowed a Zombie Runner to score in an inning of work.

Ian Moller homered. Dylan Dreiling was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base.

Frisco box score

For Round Rock, Dane Acker threw 2.2 shutout innings, striking out one and walking one. Robbie Ahlstrom gave up two runs in an inning, striking out one. Ryan Brasier allowed three runs in 0.2 IP. Josh Sborz struck out three and walked two in 1.1 IP. Michel Otanez gave up a walkoff two out, three run home run.

Justin Foscue was 2 for 6 with a double. Aaron Zavala had a single, a double and a walk.

Round Rock box score