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Tatum and Brown score 25 each, Celtics take 2-1 series lead with 108-100 Game 3 win over 76ers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Jayson Tatum #0 and Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics react during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After a rough Game 2 loss the Celtics needed a bounce back win in Game 3. They got it, thanks to clutch shots by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the fourth. Each Jay scored 25 points as the Celtics won a great game against the 76ers, 108-100.

There were no injuries to report for the Celtics and they started their usuals of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta. Joel Embiid is nearing a return, but it was not in Game 3. Philadelphia started Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George and Adem Bona.

It was back and forth for the start of the game. Just like in Game 1, Neemias Queta picked up 2 quick fouls, so he had to go to the bench. Nikola Vucevic was once again the first big off of the bench for Boston.

The Celtics led 29-24 at the end of the first quarter. Jaylen Brown led the team with 7 points while Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic all had 6 points.

Baylor Scheierman and Luka Garza were brought into the game to start the 2nd quarter. Both players made impacts with offensive rebounds and a made three.

The Celtics got hot from three in the 2nd quarter, but the Sixers were still hanging around. The Celtics led 41-35 with 7:42 to go in the 2nd quarter after a VJ Edgecombe dunk led to a Joe Mazzulla timeout.

Boston did have the lead, up 54-47 at the end of the first half. It was still Brown leading the way in scoring with 11 points while Tatum and Vucevic were behind him with 8 each.

Vucevic started the 3rd quarter over Neemias Queta.

Paul George really got going in the third quarter;he had the Sixers first 8 points of the quarter and matched his first half total in the first 2 minutes of the quarter.

The Celtics built up a 9-point lead, but 7 straight Sixers points cut the lead to 2 and a Joe Mazzulla timeout.

The third quarter was back and fourth as the Celtics could not pull away from the Sixers, in large part due to their turnovers.

The Celtics led 79-74 at the end of three. Jaylen’s 15 and Jayson’s 14 led the team in scoring but Payton Pritchard also needs to be shouted out, through 3 quarters, he had 12 points and was a +15.

It was the Tyrese Maxey show to open the fourth quarter for the 76ers. He had 8 points in the first 3:18 of the period as the Sixers took an 85-84 lead.

Just too many turnovers for the Celtics. They had 17 with just over 7 minutes to go in the 4th while giving up 21 points off of those turnovers.

The Celtics need more from Derrick White on offense. He has been so great on defense all season but he just hasn’t made his threes. He was 3/12 from the floor and 1/8 from three with just over 4 minutes to go in the game.

The Celtics took a timeout after a Kelly Oubre Jr. layup cut what was a 7 point lead down to 2 at 92-90.

Neither team was getting a lot of stops late in the game. Clutch threes from Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard kept the Celtics in the lead but the Sixers were running Paul George and Andre Drummond pick and roll and getting buckets every time because Nikola Vucevic was struggling to guard it.

After a pair of Kelly Oubre Jr. free throws cut the lead to 3, Nikola Vucevic missed an open three but a Derrick White offensive rebound and kick out to Jayson Tatum leading to a three put the Celtics up 6 and they did not look back.

The Celtics won the game 108-100 with 25 points from each Jay leading the way.

Boston shot 44% from the field and 43% from three while Philly shot 44% from the field and 34% from 3. Game 4 is Sunday night from Philly at 7 EST.

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Mets hit into four double plays en route to 4-3 loss to Rockies

The Mets dropped the series opener against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on Friday night by a score of 4-3.

Here are the takeaways...

-- After putting up 10 runs the night before to break out of a long, team-wide slump, New York's offense went right back to sleep against Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen, who entered the game with a 7.48 ERA. Lorenzen held the Mets to just one run through seven innings, maneuvering around seven hits by keeping the ball on the ground and getting New York to hit into three double plays.

The first double play of the night at least brought home a run when Brett Baty scored following Marcus Semien's double play grounder in the second inning to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. Still, the inning started out promisingly after Baty doubled to lead off, followed by Mark Vientos' infield single. With two outs and nobody on, the inning continued with a Carson Benge single and Tyrone Taylor reaching on an error, but Ronny Mauricio grounded out to end the threat.

New York would threaten again in the fifth after back-to-back, one-out singles by Taylor and Mauricio, but Bo Bichette's double play grounder on the first pitch got Lorenzen through the frame unscathed. Juan Soto then began the sixth with a well-struck single but was erased on a double play by Francisco Alvarez.

-- Opposite Lorenzen was Freddy Peralta, who was looking to get back on track after losing his previous two starts. Staked to the early 1-0 lead and nothing else, the right-hander made it stick for the first four innings, getting some help from his defense in the fourth after Benge made a diving catch in left field after running a long way.

Striking out six through four innings, Peralta had things working early, but he loaded the bases with one out in the fifth and allowed Colorado to tie the game on a weak groundout. Things unraveled further for Peralta in the sixth after a walk and a single brought up Jake McCarthy, who doubled in a run to give the Rockies the lead.

After striking out Brenton Doyle, Peralta's night was done. His final line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K on 95 pitches (67 strikes). His ERA dropped to 3.90.

-- With runners on second and third, Sean Manaea entered the game and struck out Mickey Moniak to keep the Mets' deficit at one. He wasn't so lucky in the seventh, though, getting into trouble and surrendering a two-run single to Troy Johnston. Manaea pitched 3.1 innings, allowed two earned runs on three hits, a walk and a HBP while striking out seven.

-- With Lorenzen out of the game, New York was finally able to capitalize with runners in scoring position. The inning began with singles from Mauricio and Bichette and after a lineout by Soto, Alvarez singled to load the bases. Baty followed with another single to score two and get the Mets to within a run. 

Just as New York was getting a rally going, Vientos stepped up to the plate and, as luck would have it, lined into an unassisted double play for the Mets' fourth double play of the game. The ball Vientos hit had an exit velocity of 107.7 mph, but was hit directly at the second baseman, who doubled off pinch-runner Tommy Pham, who had no chance of getting back to the base.

New York went down 1-2-3 in the ninth inning.

Game MVP: Michael Lorenzen

The right-hander got the win after pitching seven terrific innings.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets and Rockies continue their three-game series on Saturday with first pitch set for 4:10 p.m. on SNY.

RHP Kodai Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) will face former Met LHP Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23 ERA).

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How to watch Pistons vs. Magic Game 3: TV channel, live stream, start time

The NBA playoffs on NBC continue Saturday afternoon with the Detroit Pistons playing the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of their first-round series. The game will be on Peacock.

Detroit tied the series at 1-1 on Wednesday, winning 98-83. The win ended an 11-game home playoff losing streak for the Pistons, dating back to 2008 — the longest home playoff losing streak in NBA history. The streak was so long that the win also marked the Pistons' first-ever postseason win at Little Caesars Arena, which opened ahead of the 2017-18 season.

Star guard Cade Cunningham had a game-high 27 points and game-high 11 assists in Game 2. It was Cunningham's second career playoff game recording 25+ points and 10+ assists.

This is the fifth playoff series between the Pistons and Magic and the first since 2008, which is also the last time the Pistons won a playoff series (2008 conference semifinals). You have to go back to the 1996 first round for the one and only time the Magic have won a playoff series over the Pistons.

See below for additional information on the Pistons-Magic game and how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

How to watch Pistons vs. Magic Game 3

  • When: Saturday, April 25
  • Where: Kia Center in Orlando, Florida
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • Announcing team: Michael Grady, Austin Rivers, Robbie Hummel, Grant Liffmann
  • Live stream: Peacock
  • Series status: Tied 1-1

What other games are on NBC and Peacock Saturday?

  • Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns (Game 3), 3:30 p.m. on NBC & Peacock
  • New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks (Game 4), 6 p.m. on NBC & Peacock

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic Game 3 preview

Orlando came out hot to start the series, upsetting Detroit 112-101 in Game 1 to take a 1-0 series lead as the only lower-seeded team to win their opening game of their respective first round series. Detroit won the second game, 98-83, to break the aforementioned 11-game home playoff losing streak that dated back to 2008.

Detroit's Cunningham and Orlando's Paolo Banchero — the No. 1 draft picks in 2021 and 2022, respectively — have been at the center of the two franchises' revivals. The Pistons and Magic finished as the bottom two teams in the Eastern Conference in the 2021-22 season. Just four years later, they are now playoff mainstays thanks to their star players.

This is a key turning point for this series. Teams that win Game 3 of a 1-1 best-of-seven series go on to win the series 73.7% of the time, according to NBC Sports research. To further drive home the significance of Saturday's game: Detroit is 15-2 all-time in best-of-seven series when it takes a 2-1 series lead, and Orlando is 5-1 in the same scenario.

Points in the paint is the stat to watch. In each of the first two games of this series, the winning team has dominated the other team in that area. The Magic outscored the Pistons 54-34 in the paint in Game 1, while Detroit outscored Orlando 54-34 in points in the paint in Game 2.

Both teams are looking to break first round droughts, with neither team reaching the second round of the playoffs since 2010.

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the first round and 11 games in the conference semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock.

Which playoff rounds will be available on Peacock?

Peacock’s NBA playoffs coverage spans multiple rounds, including the first round, the conference semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals, with coverage evolving as the postseason progresses.

How to sign up for Peacock

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

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Sixers show plenty of fight but fall to 2-1 series deficit after tough Game 3 loss to Celtics

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Rebounds, got to grab those, guys.

The Sixers fell short 108-100 to the Boston Celtics in Game 3 Friday night, falling down 2-1 in the series.

Tyrese Maxey, off an electric third quarter, led all scorers with 31 shooting 12-of-31 from the floor along with six assists. Paul George shot it well once he started attacking, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting.

VJ Edgecombe’s jump shot came down to earth. He finished with 10 points shooting 5-of-17 from the floor with 10 rebounds.

Despite being upgraded to doubtful on the initial injury report, Joel Embiid remained the only injured player unable to suit up.

Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.

First Quarter

  • Edgecombe was able to pick up where he left off, beating his defender and going right at Neemias Queta, hitting a contested layup for the Sixers’ first points of the game. The Sixers took advantage of their paint touches early as Maxey was able to kick to Kelly Oubre Jr. for a wide open corner three. Their effort on the glass was good early with Edgecombe and Adem Bona poking free two defensive rebounds while Bona got an early putback on the other end.
  • Brown opened the game for Boston by getting switched onto Bona in space and was able to beat him pretty easily with a pump fake. After that the Celtics went on to miss their next six shots. The Sixers started to settle into jumpers though and none of them fell. Four straight misses prevented them from getting any type of space.
  • The Celtics found their three-point stroke, hitting seven to round out the quarter. The Sixers were able to get to the rim a couple of times, but their offense looked pretty gummed up. There was no better example of that than Andre Drummond accidentally bumping into Maxey and knocking him over mid-jump shot attempt. Free throws from Maxey and Oubre were answered by another Nik Vucevic three to put the Celtics up by five after the first.

Second Quarter

  • It was a very quiet first for PG. He had only taken one shot attempt. He started the second with a pull-up three for his first points of the game, but struggling to rebound had the second unit in trouble. Two quick offensive rebounds led to six Boston points. A couple more threes gave the Celtics the first double-digit lead of the game.
  • A big difference from the first two games in this series was how much better the Sixers were with Bona on the floor than Drummond. Bona struck the balance of being much more under control while being in good position to contest shots. He had two blocks, the second leading to a much needed fast break when the Sixers needed some life.
  • George really got the worst of it drawing an offensive foul as Brown hit him in the groin trying to create space. Despite the crowd’s protests, the play was rightfully not upgraded to a flagrant. Bona took a hard fall and was favoring his left wrist but also stayed in the game.
  • Bona did sub out though when he picked up his third foul, two of them coming on moving screens. Drummond started the shift well, but giving up an offensive rebound, an open layup, and turning it over to lead to an open three was a brutal five-point swing. Derrick White hasn’t been able to hit anything in this series, but he hit a tough midrange fadeaway to push the Celtics lead at seven before the break.

Third Quarter

  • PG making his first three shots of the half was exactly what the Sixers needed. Two Boston threes thanks to a blown switch and an offensive rebound weren’t though, as well as Bona picking up his fourth. Edgecombe could not buy a three. He missed two more to make him 0-of-5 from deep. Maxey though was able to hit one after putting Sam Hauser on skates. George finding an open Bona rolling for a dunk cut the lead to two and prompted a Celtics timeout.
  • The Sixers’ defense did a great job rotating over and forcing a turnover coming out of that timeout. Maxey tied the game up with a midrange and took the lead on the next possession with a stepback three over Tatum. Things really came to a halt though when Drummond was T’d up for a hostile act fighting for a rebound with Queta. It was a weird whistle in a playoff game.
  • The Celtics turned it over on the following two possessions but the Sixers weren’t able to score off either of them. A few trips to the line for Boston and a Drummond three swung the game on the seesaw. Quentin Grimes made a great stand to block a Brown pull-up, but the Sixers’ confusion when play wasn’t stopped led to a Payon Pritchard three. That gave him enough confidence to come off a screen and hit another one from about 35 feet, keeping the Celtics lead at five.

Fourth Quarter

  • It didn’t take long for the game to get back on the seesaw. Maxey drilled another jumper from the top of the key to start the quarter with replay showing that his foot was in fact behind the three-point line. Bona split a pair of free throws and Edgecombe floated in for another impressive layup before Maxey came off a screen to hit another three at the top of the key, putting the Sixers back up by one as the Celtics called timeout.
  • The Celtics went back in front thanks to a controversial goaltending call on a Tatum layup. The Sixers then turned it over twice in a row, then jacked up a three that didn’t come close and Boston took full advantage with an 8-0 run. Drummond getting fouled on a roll didn’t stop the run, but the corner three he got on the following possession did.
  • Oubre and Maxey were both able to get to the basket to get it to two, but both of those were answered by baskets from Brown. George led the offense for two possessions that both led to Drummond dump-offs. Tatum had split a pair of free throws in between them, but a defensive breakdown on the following possession gave him an open three.
  • George took the ball again and hit a tough floater, but Pritchard was able to outlast Maxey on the other end and answer with another three. Oubre cut it to three at the line. Vucevic missed a corner three but no one tagged White flying in from the corner. He grabbed the offensive rebound, the Celtics’ 15th of the game, and found Tatum who hit the dagger three.
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How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Miami Marlins

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 18: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants welcome the Miami Marlins to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game series.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Adrian Houser, who enters tonight’s game with a 5.40 ERA, 4.44 FIP, with 11 strikeouts to seven walks in 21.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 7-6 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday, in which he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits with one strikeout and two walks in five and two thirds innings.

He’ll be facing off against Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara, who enters tonight’s game with a 2.80 ERA, 4.42 FIP, with 23 strikeouts to 12 walks in 35.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Marlins’ 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, in which he allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits with one strikeout and six walks in five innings.

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Game #26

Who: San Francisco Giants (11-14) vs. Miami Marlins (12-13)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 7:15 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

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Watch: LeBron James throws alley-oop reverse layup to Bronny for first father-to-son assist in NBA Playoff history

HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round 1 Game...

History was made in Houston on Friday night at the Toyota Center when LeBron James tossed an alley-oop to his son Bronny James Jr. for a reverse layup in the second quarter of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. 

The play, which occurred with 7:14 remaining in the second quarter was the first ever father-to-son assist in NBA Playoff history.

Bronny made the most of his six-minute burst in the second quarter, scoring five points, including a stepback three that ignited the crowd, turning the Toyota Center into a home game for the Los Angeles Lakers. The arena was half-empty for arguably the most important game of the season for the Rockets. 

LeBron recently called playing with his son in the NBA Playoffs in front of his mother, Florida, and his wife, Savannah, and daughter Zhuri, surreal. 

“I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game. That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career,” said James after Game 1 in Los Angeles last Saturday. “My mom got to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. That’s crazy.” 

The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series 2-0, and currently lead at halftime of Game 3, 63-52.

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The NHL Winter Classic will be played in Utah on New Year's Eve

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The NHL Winter Classic for the 2026-27 season will be played on New Year’s Eve, league commissioner Gary Bettman announced on Friday.

The Utah Mammoth will host divisional rival Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium on the University of Utah campus.

Bettman was in Salt Lake City for Game 3 of the first-round series between Utah and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Mammoth owner Ryan Smith said other events will be put together in conjunction with the Winter Classic to run throughout the holiday weekend — highlighted by a postgame concert at the Delta Center on New Year's Eve.

“Our hope is this is a whole weekend that is a version of an all-star game where we can come in and we can program and activate our state and show our state off,” Smith said. “You can expect a weekend of full programming of events, sports, concerts, and activities that will be pretty special.”

___

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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David Stearns still confident his Mets moves despite troubling early results

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows David Stearns speaking to the media before a game, Image 2 shows New York Mets player Bo Bichette (19) celebrates a win against the Minnesota Twins, Image 3 shows Devin Williams of the New York Mets reacts after a strikeout during a game against the Minnesota Twins

David Stearns un in making over the Mets roster, and a 12-game losing streak just two weeks into the year might lead an executive to some regrets. 

Stearns insisted Friday he remains confident in the group he put together as the president of baseball operations. 

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“It’s tough for me to take two weeks — even two weeks when we didn’t win a baseball game — and say that’s going to dramatically alter who we think we are,’’ Stearns said before the Mets opened a series against the Rockies with a 4-3 loss at Citi Field. 

“I still think we’re a good team,” Stearns said. “I recognize we had a stretch where we did not play good baseball, and it cost us. It cost us repeatedly. I think we’re a good team, and I think we will show that.” 

It hasn’t been evident much so far, as the new-look offense has mostly slumped — outside of a 10-run eruption in Thursday’s win. 

But even that victory was almost spoiled by some rough work by a bullpen that Stearns called “inconsistent,” with an odd mix of starting pitchers and the unreliable Devin Williams closing. 

The rotation has been shaky outside of Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes and the defense, also a focal point of the offseason, has had its rocky moments. 

New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns speaks to the media before a game against the Athletics at Citi Field, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

And it left the Mets with a 9-17 record after Friday’s loss. 

Asked about his attempt to improve the team’s run prevention — a theme in the offseason — Stearns said the results have been mixed. 

“Run prevention as a whole is pitching and defense,’’ Stearns said. “There have been moments it’s really good [and] a couple moments that haven’t been so good. It leads to the record we’re at right now. We’ve had consistent play from different parts of our team.” 

Devin Williams #38 of the New York Mets reacts after a strikeout during the ninth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on April 23, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images

Bo Bichette has shown signs of life at the plate, as has Marcus Semien, but only the Giants entered Friday having scored fewer runs than the Mets and the lineup as a whole has struggled against hard fastballs. 

Stearns pointed to the fact that some of those hitters struggling against high velocity have performed better in those spots throughout their careers and is confident that will happen again. 

But the reality is, even with winning consecutive games following the franchise’s longest losing streak since 2002, the Mets have issues — including being without Francisco Lindor indefinitely with a strained left calf just as Juan Soto returned from a right calf strain. 

Bo Bichette (19) celebrates the win against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“Injuries are part of this and injuries to good players are part of this,’’ Stearns said. “We’ve just got to get through it.” 

Hopefully with more success without Lindor than in Soto’s absence. 

“It’s frustrating,’’ Stearns said of the recent streak. “No one likes to lose and when you lose every single day for two weeks, it’s not a good feeling. We also know — I also know — where we are in the schedule and how long the season is.” 

And that’s why he’s not looking back and wondering what went wrong in putting the team together. 

“We’re not going to wholesale change the evaluation of our team over a two-week stretch,’’ Stearns said. “This is a long season. Going through a 12-game losing streak is difficult and not usual. There’s a reason it doesn’t happen very often, especially this early in the season.”

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Mets reveal Francisco Lindor’s injury timeline as Ronny Mauricio looks to seize chance

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) in the dugout when the New York Mets played the Colorado Rockies Friday, April 24, 2026, Image 2 shows Francisco Lindor (12) grimaces rounding third on his way to score on a New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) RBI double during the fourth inning when the New York Mets played the Minnesota Twins Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The Mets have gotten some clarity on Francisco Lindor’s left calf strain — and it’s not good news.

A day after the shortstop landed on the IL, manager Carlos Mendoza said Lindor would be in a walking boot for a week before being reevaluated in three weeks.

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Mendoza said he did not yet know the grade of Lindor’s calf strain, as he and team president David Stearns both expressed that the five-time All-Star would be reassessed in 21 days.

Lindor’s injury, suffered during Wednesday’s 3-2 win against the Twins, came as the Mets welcomed back Juan Soto from a 15-game absence (following a calf issue of his own).

“Injuries are part of this, and injuries to good players are part of this,” Stearns said on Friday before the Mets faced the Rockies. “We’re certainly not the only team in baseball that deals with this, and we just got to get through it.”

The Mets did that on Thursday, winning their series against the Twins on the back of a 12-game losing streak, but will now rely on a rather unproven prospect in Lindor’s place.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) in the dugout when the New York Mets played the Colorado Rockies Friday, April 24, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

His injury resulted in a second call-up of the season for Ronny Mauricio, who will look to seize his latest chance after blasting six homers in 15 games for Triple-A Syracuse.

The infielder committed an error in his first start back but has the trust of Stearns to make the shortstop position his own in Lindor’s absence.

“He’s going to get opportunity there. He demonstrated to us both in spring training and Triple-A that he can play shortstop, and we’re going to be confident in him at shortstop,” Stearns said.

“I recognize last night was a rough showing, but we believe he can play shortstop and we’re going to give him a chance.”

Francisco Lindor (12) grimaces rounding third on his way to score on a New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) RBI double during the fourth inning when the New York Mets played the Minnesota Twins Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The 25-year-old’s gaudy minor league numbers haven’t yet translated to the majors, and he went 0-4 at the plate despite the Mets’ 10-8 win.

Mendoza said he is confident Mauricio will figure it out.

“It’s always important when you finally get an opportunity, but [it] also can put too much pressure. The last thing you want is trying to do too much and trying to impress people,” the manager said. 

“I think it’s just ‘go out there, play your game, be yourself.’ That’s all we’re asking him to do. And he’ll do just that. He’s a really good player that just needs to settle in here.”

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Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong expecting boos at Dodger Stadium

Following his controversial remarks about Dodgers fans this offseason, Pete Crow-Armstrong told The California Post he’s anticipating a loud round of boos throughout his trip to Dodger Stadium on Friday night.

But if you think the expected response has the Cubs outfielder reconsidering his polarizing stance, think again.

Pete Crow-Armstrong sparked controversy this offseason when he criticized Dodgers fans. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

“I don’t triple down,” Crow-Armstrong said. “But I don’t f—king regret s—t.”

In February, Crow-Armstrong, who grew up in Los Angeles, ruffled Angelenos’ feathers when he accused Dodgers fans of being fairweather supporters.

While praising Cubs fans for their passion, he alleged Boys in Blue backers simply show up to the ballpark “to take pictures and whatever.”

A few days later, following backlash, he stood by his statements.

“I grew up going to Dodgers games when they weren’t always good,” he said. “Their fans go in phases. Putting the Giants fan in the coma stuck with me as a kid. Sitting in the stands, nasty stuff goes on. I didn’t always experience that at other ballparks.”

Crow-Armstrong told The Post hours before he and his team took on the Dodgers for the first time since he muttered the shade that his feelings haven’t changed one bit.

“People that I grew up with that say they’re Dodgers fans don’t know s—t about baseball,” said Crow-Armstrong, a Harvard-Westlake School alum. “They don’t pay attention to the team, it’s just a place they go.

Pete Crow-Armstrong will play at Dodger Stadium on Friday night for the first time since making controversial statements about Los Angeles fans. Getty Images

“So, again, no shade to diehard Dodgers fans. Because they’re out there. Every team’s got ‘em. But that’s what I got.”

Crow-Armstrong added that he truly feels people in LA head to Chavez Ravine to “take pictures of themselves at the games, just like what they go to Lakers games for and sit courtside and look good.”

“And, do what you do,” he continued. “But Cubs fans don’t do that. We got a fan base that loves being there in 20-degree weather.”

Pete Crow-Armstrong told The California Post he’s expecting to be booed at Friday’s game against the Dodgers. Getty Images

Crow-Armstrong also said he actually got threats over his initial statements.

“I’ve had people telling me that all offseason that my comments about the two fans that put the Giants fan in a coma — ‘I hope you get ready to know what that feels like,'” he said.

But he added he never took any seriously.

The Cubs and Dodgers will square off beginning at 7:15 p.m. Crow-Armstrong will start in center field and bat eighth.

And he said while he’s expecting a lot of trash talk, he won’t be shy about returning it.

“If I give them reason to talk s—t,” he said, “then I hope they take advantage of it and vice versa.”

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Dodgers on Deck: Saturday, April 25 vs. Cubs

Los Angeles, CA - April 12: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) looks towards the field before heading to pitch before the first inning of an MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Dodgers and Cubs continue their weekend series with another exclusive national broadcast on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday is the Dodgers’ first game on Fox this season, which means no SportsNet LA for the series opener. But they will have Joe Davis on the national call, his first of two consecutive Dodgers Saturday telecasts for Fox.

Roki Sasaki gets the start on his bobblehead night, the third Dodgers player to play in their bobblehead game this season. Will Smith hit a game-winning two-run home run in the eighth inning on March 28, which was also his 31st birthday. Shohei Ohtani had a single and walk in his five plate appearances on April 10.

Right-hander Colin Rea starts for the Cubs.

Saturday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Cubs
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Time: 4:15 p.m.
  • TV: Fox (Joe Davis, John Smoltz)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Yankees' Carlos Rodon pitches 4.1 scoreless innings in first rehab start

Yankees left-hander Carlos RodĂłn made his first rehab start for High-A Hudson Valley on Friday night as he recovers from left elbow surgery and he hit the ground running by going 4.1 scoreless innings against the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets' High-A affiliate.

RodĂłn allowed a hit, a Mitch Voit leadoff single, a walk and struck out four while throwing 65 pitches (43 strikes). He also hit a batter -- Voit in the third -- but ended his outing without surrendering a run.

At 50 pitches through three innings, RodĂłn went back out for the fourth inning which took him just nine pitches to complete, ending the frame with a strikeout of Colin Houck. After getting the first out of the fifth, Rodon walked the next batter, on a few questionable calls, and was pulled. He left with a 4-0 lead.

Rory Fox entered in relief and struck out two, stranding RodĂłn's runner at first base.

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Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker named Most Improved Player

For the second year in a row, an Atlanta Hawk is the Most Improved Player in the NBA.

Last season, it was Dyson Daniels. This season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker earned the honor.

"Nickeil's dedication, continual work on his craft, and the ensuing results this season make him incredibly deserving of this award," said Hawks coach Quin Snyder. "He has a tireless work ethic and a focus on improving in every aspect of his game. His game continues to evolve, and his commitment and unselfish attitude as a teammate have also positively impacted the success of the team."

Alexander-Walker won the award because he grew and thrived in a role that was radically different from any one he had been in before. For the previous two seasons with the Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker came off the bench and was asked to be a defensive stopper and score a little, but it was more of a 3&D role, where he averaged 9.4 points a game. This season, especially as Atlanta moved on from the Trae Young era, Alexander-Walker became a starter with the ball in his hand — and he had the best year of his career in his seventh season in the league, at age 27.

Walker Sset career highs in scoring (20.8 ppg), rebounding (3.4 rpg), assists (3.7 apg), steals (1.31 spg), minutes (33.4 mpg), field goal percentage (45.9%), three-point field goal percentage (39.9%) and free throw percentage (90.2%). Plus, he, along with Daniels, gave Atlanta arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league.

Walker got 66 first-place votes from the panel of 100 media members who voted for the award. Jalen Duren from Detroit was a clear second, with Deni Avdija from Portland third. After those three, there was a pretty steep drop off to Boston's Neemias Queta at four and Milwaukee's Ryan Rollins at five.

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Cubs roster move: Caleb Thielbar to injured list, Vince Velasquez added

Earlier today, I reported on the Cubs roster move replacing Scott Kingery on the active roster with Nicky Lopez.

The Cubs transactions page had noted Kingery was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Now, there’s been another move. As you know, Caleb Thielbar left Thursday’s game with a hamstring injury. This is how that happened [VIDEO].

Before Friday’s game at Dodger Stadium, the Cubs placed Thielbar on the 15-day injured list and added right-hander Vince Velasquez to the active roster. To make room for Velasquez on the 40-man roster, Kingery was designated for assignment.

The 33-year-old Velasquez has a 3.71 ERA (7 ER/17.0 IP) and 19 strikeouts in four games (three starts) with Iowa this season. He leads the I-Cubs in innings pitched and is tied for second in strikeouts. The right-hander signed a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training with the Cubs on February 13, 2026.

In 191 career major league games, including 144 starts, with Houston (2015), Philadelphia (2016-21), San Diego (2021), the White Sox (2022), and Pittsburgh (2023), Velasquez is 38-51 with a 4.88 ERA (414 ER/763.2 IP), 822 strikeouts, 307 walks, and a 1.37 WHIP. He holds a 34-19 record with three saves, a 3.27 ERA (158 ER/434.1 IP), and 513 strikeouts compared to 173 walks in 109 minor league games (82 starts) across parts of 12 seasons.

I would think Velasquez will work long relief for the Cubs, which might free up Javier Assad to close — Assad did a real nice job in the 10th inning Thursday. Or Assad could set up for Ben Brown.

Lopez will wear No. 5 and Velasquez will wear No. 56.

As always, we await developments.