BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers hangs his head on the bench during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, even the little sliver of optimism I had for this Sixers-Celtics series evaporated rather quickly on Sunday. Boston was dominant and the Sixers looked out-classed in every facet of Game 1. It looks like it’s going to be a long week for Sixers fans as their team marches their way to inevitable doom. Until then, I’ll hit our loyal readers with a fresh “5 Sixers thoughts” column…
The Sixers’ backup centers continue to flounder
Andre Drummond had a stellar evening during the Sixers’ Play-In win over Orlando that ran counter to how horrific it was to watch him on the court throughout the regular season. That didn’t carry over to the first round of the playoffs in Drummond’s 21 minutes of play, as the Sixers’ big was a negative on both ends of the court.
That’s before even getting nominal starter Adem Bona, who, in 14 minutes of play, appeared entirely out of place in an NBA playoff game. He should not be allowed to dribble the ball in transition ever again.
Sure, the Sixers are always going to be at a frontcourt disadvantage whenever Joel Embiid is out, but that’s a problem a dozen years in the making. The team has failed to get competent reserve big men play for the whole duration of the Embiid era even with it being a guarantee that Embiid will miss significant time annually.
All things considered, at least this is far less important than Greg Monroe being a -9 in under two minutes of play against Toronto in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, right?
Paul George’s effort is awful
From a pure efficiency standpoint, Paul George’s Game 1 performance was passable. He had 17 points while shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from deep and going 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Watching the actual game unfold, however, told a different story.
George’s defensive effort, maybe more than anything I witnessed on Sunday, infuriated me. The Sixers are going against likely the best wing tandem in the league with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. There was no Embiid waiting at the cup to protect the rim. I know he’s about to turn 36 years old and he’s not the All-Defensive guy he once was nearly a decade ago, but how about at least give the appearance of trying?
I know it’s ultimately the fault of the organization for handing George a contract he didn’t deserve at this stage of his star-studded career, but I’d like to see “Playoff P” attempt to live up to it, you know?
I winced in anticipation of a miss whenever Kelly Oubre shot a three-pointer
Kelly Oubre was 0-for-5 from deep on Sunday, including a few back-breaking, open-as-anything looks. That stands out in my mind, yes, but it would be wrong to not share the blame for the Sixers’ overall shooting woes. They were 4-of-23 on threes, clocking in at 17 percent. It’s nearly impossible to win in the modern NBA launching it up that poorly.
That checks out for a Sixers team that shot 34.9 percent from three in the regular season, which came in 23rd in the whole league. They’re also not hoisting enough threes to lean into wild shooting variance that could give them a puncher’s chance at a win against a heavily-favored Boston squad. The Celtics shot 44 threes in Game 1 compared to the Sixers’ 23. George and Tyrese Maxey need to let it fly with reckless abandon!
We meet again, Nikola Vučević
During the Sixers’ seven-game battle against the Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Nikola Vučević was a first-round rookie for the team. He played just three minutes across that series even while starting center Spencer Hawes was completely lost out there while going against Kevin Garnett. I would’ve liked to have seen if he had legitimately anything to give the Sixers instead of watching Hawes!
Anyway, Vučević, who turned into a two-time All-Star over the years, came off the Celtics’ bench in Game 1 and gave them some competent help. It would’ve been nice for the Sixers to be on the receiving end of that 14 years ago!
The “We want Boston!” chants got turned on their heads
As the Sixers pulled away against the Magic in the Play-In, the South Philadelphia faithful began chanting, “We want Boston!” I personally wasn’t doing that at the arena because I knew what would await this team in the first round, but I don’t begrudge those fans too much who were living in the moment and doing that.
Celtics fans certainly took notice of it though.
As Boston thrashed the Sixers on Sunday and built a lead of 30-plus points, Celtics fans trolled Philadelphia with its own “We want Boston!” chants. It is what it is. If you want to dish it out, you have to be able to take it, too.
The Cincinnati Reds mascot, Mr. Redlegs shows off his muscles during a Major League Baseball game between the Atlanta Brave and Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2, 2025. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Reds have scored just 78 runs through their 22 games played this year, yet they’ve managed to win 14 of those and sit in 1st place in their division after their weekend sweep of the Minnesota Twins.
The Tampa Bay Rays, meanwhile, have seen their runners score 103 times through just 21 games, yet they sit in 2nd place in their own division with 12 wins after dropping two of three over the weekend against Pittsburgh.
Not all baseball is played alike, of course. Tampa’s offense has come out of the gate in impressive fashion, their team wOBA ranking 11th overall, their team wRC+ 10th, and their 18.6% K-rate at the plate the second lowest of any team in baseball. The flip side to that, though, is that their 4.90 expected ERA through those 21 games is 5th worst as they’ve yielded 1.28 homers per game (5th highest) – and the collective 5.81 xERA from their relievers is the single worst of any bullpen unit to date.
In many ways, the 12-9 Rays are the inverse of the 14-8 Reds, who have gotten where they are thanks to elite bullpen work and improved defense (Cincinnati ranks 13th in DEF at FanGraphs while Tampa ranks 2nd worst) despite bottom of the barrel offense. Both clubs, though, have managed to win a lot more than they’ve lost despite both still boasting negative run differentials for the season, with Tampa mimicking the Reds with a 4-1 record in one-run games of their own.
Something will likely have to give in this series, though that’s not a given. We could get a 9-6 win from Tampa followed by a pair of pair of 2-1 Reds victories, and that would just about sum up where both clubs are on the baseball result spectrum at this point in the galaxy’s history.
Rhett Lowder will toe the rubber in Monday’s series opener, with Chase Burns (Tuesday) and Brandon Williamson (Wednesday) slated to follow. First pitch Monday at the renovated Trop is set for 6:40 PM ET, and the Reds will line up like so:
The game ended with Kerr gathering Green and Warriors superstar Stephen Curry on the sideline for an embrace in which he appeared to acknowledge it could be his final game as the Warriors' coach. Kerr told Green and Curry, according to audio captured by Prime Video, "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you."
Kerr's contract expired after this season and the team told reporters Monday that Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy won't speak publicly until Kerr and Golden State come to a resolution. Green acknowledged Kerr's words would provide some closure if his run as coach is over.
"Steph, myself, Steve shared a moment in what could be our last time playing with Steve as our coach," Green said. "I'm happy we got to share that moment, like he didn't miss the moment. It was a big deal. I hope he's our coach next year. You want my opinion? I think not, just because it feels like that. It felt like that was it."
Green went on to note that he's "never been so uncertain since early in my career on what happens next." The 36-year-old forward has a $27.6 million player option on the final year of his current contract that he can exercise to remain with Golden State next season.
Kerr has been the Warriors' coach since 2014, leading the franchise to four NBA championships with Curry and Green serving as the team's cornerstones throughout the run.
Both Curry and Green could become free agents after the 2026-27 season if they don't sign contract extensions with Golden State this offseason. Curry has indicated he would like Kerr to return if that's what the coach wants to do.
The day is finally here. After eight years, the Ducks are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their opponent, the battle-tested Edmonton Oilers, have finished the previous two seasons as the Stanley Cup Final runner-up.
"You look at the regular season, it's a big grind," Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. It's long, especially when you have two deep (playoff) runs in recent history. It's hard to get up for every game, I'm not gonna lie. But this time of year, everybody, you've got to do everything. You've got to get yourself geared up and get going here."
"It's the best time of year," Oilers forward Zach Hyman said. "This is the time you want to play in. It's a long season, and we've had a lot of experience in the playoffs, so it's nice to be back."
Mar 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman (18) trips up Anaheim Ducks defensemen Jackson LaCombe (2) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
The Ducks and Oilers finished the season one point apart in the standings, with the latter taking advantage of the former's slump in the final 10 games of the regular season (2-6-2) to close the gap and grab home ice.
"Yeah, absolutely," Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke said on being able to turn the page and get off to a fresh start in the playoffs. "A lot of us, this is our first playoff game, so we're all super excited. This is something we've been looking forward to for a long time."
A majority of Anaheim's roster has never played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. None of their top-5 points leaders this season has ever played in an NHL playoff game before, though Chris Kreider (sixth) and Mikael Granlund (seventh) have a combined 200 games of NHL playoff experience between them.
Another player on the Ducks roster with plenty of playoff experience is captain Radko Gudas, who has played in 57 playoff games. His last playoff appearance was in 2023 with the Florida Panthers, when they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.
"Very exciting," Gudas said. "This is the goal we set for ourselves at the start of the season. We're excited to get a few games in, a lot of firsts for a lot of our guys. Just a lot of excitement in the room. Looking forward to hard work ahead of us."
Apr 7, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) moves the puck against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
"They say the first round's always the hardest," Ducks forward Ryan Poehling said. "It's just the physicality, the energy. Everyone's ready to go. You've got that big bump in energy. So I think that's the biggest thing, just being prepared mentally and just meeting it head-on, being the aggressor. You don't want them to come at you, you want to go with them and get lost in the moment."
"They said (to) just kind of try and weather the storm in the first five minutes," Sennecke said. "Everyone's super excited, especially in Game 1. And then get physical. Every little detail, they said, can change a game, can change a series, so it's just making sure that you're playing 100% and managing the puck properly."
"If you want to win, you've got to play without the puck," Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said. "You've got to check and you've got to make sure that you prioritize that, especially against a team that can score and has a lethal power play. So, let's go make sure we avoid taking unnecessary or careless penalties. But, we've got to play well with the puck as well and manage it as best we can, too."
Leon Draisaitl and Jason Dickinson are expected to return to the lineup for Edmonton. Draisaitl missed the final month of the regular season due to a lower-body injury, while Dickinson missed the final three games of the regular season due to a leg injury.
Troy Terry was absent from Anaheim's morning skate, but Quenneville confirmed that Terry will be in the lineup for Game 1.
Ducks Projected Lines
Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Troy Terry Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke Mason McTavish - Ryan Poehling - Cutter Gauthier Jeff Viel - Tim Washe - Ian Moore
Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba Pavel Mintyukov - John Carlson Tyson Hinds - Radko Gudas
Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)
Oilers Projected Lines
Matt Savoie - Connor McDavid - Zach Hyman Vasily Podkolzin - Leon Draisaitl - Kasperi Kapanen Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Jason Dickinson - Jack Roslovic Colton Dach - Adam Henrique - Trent Frederic
Apr 20, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Roman Anthony (19) center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) and right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) celebrate their win over the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
So we can only have so many nice things with the 2026 Red Sox, eh?
Good news! The offense can actually produce runs!
Bad news! Sonny Gray left the game in the third with right hamstring tightness and we had to almost empty out the pen before the series against the Yankees!
Fun times.
Can I also just say the jersey matchup today was phenomenal? I wouldn’t be opposed to the Tigers bringing these navy getups back in much more permanent fashion.
Studs
Roman Anthony (1-for-2, 3 BB, 1 RBI)
Things might be starting to click for Roman, and it’s really because of the walks. Being able to have a good eye means you’re not swinging at bull. When he can put the second half of it together and make good contact on his pitches, watch out.
Masataka Yoshida (2-for-4, 2 runs scored, 1 BB)
Where has he come from? His exit velo is at a career high, his clutch meter is through the roof, his decision making…well he at least got back to third and didn’t get caught blowing by a stop sign in this one, but I’m seeing a good ballplayer!
Middle Bullpen (Weissert, Whitlock)
The Italian Stallion and Mr. Whit cleaned up a big mess inherited from the below. It let the Sox score a few more runs and breath a little.
Duds
Middle Bullpen (Morán, Watson, Kelly)
These guys are lucky that the Sox don’t have so many function arms because BOY do they get used a lot and boy is it an adventure every single time. Ryan Watson, WHAT are you doing?
Jarren Duran (0-for-3, 1 K)
Almost put Abreu on here but he walked and brought in a run, Duran just didn’t have an affect on this one.
Play of the Game
I was going to go for Rafaela’s RBI single in the 7th, but this actually ended up being the game-winning hit after all was said and done. I can’t believe after getting inches from being beaned on a bunt, he slapped that single.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 12: Jorge Mateo #2 of the Atlanta Braves scores a run in the second inning during the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves will be facing off against the Washington Nationals tonight in a battle of two of top three offenses in MLB right now in terms of runs scored per game. The Braves are scoring 5.55 runs per game and the Nats are scoring 5.50.
This matchup will feature five hitters in the top thirty in the NL in wRC+. CJ Abrams in currently number two in the NL with Michael Harris rounding out the top thirty.
With the Nats’ starter Jake Irvin being a RHP, it could be assumed that we will see a lineup that features the red hot Dom Smith, but what we did not know for certain is if Walt Weiss will be resting any of the starters. He has been doing that this season seemingly more than Brian Snitker did.
We knew Matt Olson would not be sitting, but he has struggled against Irvin in his sixteen at-bats with a .188 average and .610 OPS. Dominic Smith has a .333 average against Irvin in his six at-bats, but only a .666 OPS. The player to keep an eye on is Michael Harris who leads the team with eighteen at-bats against Irvin and has been successful. He has a .389 average and .950 OPS against him.
It turns out that Mauricio Dubón will be getting the night off as Jorge Mateo will be getting the nod at SS. We also have some other movements of note. Mike Yastrzemski has been moved down to ninth while he is waiting to get into a groove, and red hot Michael Harris has been moved up to sixth in the lineup. It is nice to see that Walt Weiss is not stuck on a certain lineup and will play the hot hand and move certain players around.
For the Nationals, CJ Abrams has had no trouble against Bryce Elder in his career. In his fifteen at-bats against him, he has a .400 average and .905 OPS. In fact, five of the seven players to have faced Elder before have an OPS of .800 or better. The difference is this is arguably the best version of Bryce Elder we have ever seen.
The Nationals red hot offense will be a real test to see if Elder is for real. Every pitcher has an off night every once in awhile. We saw it with Chris Sale recently. But, Elder could also prove tonight that he can slow down a potent lineup. The key will be slowing down Abrams and James Wood, who has hit a HR off of Elder already in his young career.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: Jose Quintana #62 of the Colorado Rockies throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on March 29, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In an unusual road game on Monday that wraps up a four-game series, the Dodgers try to avoid a third straight defeat at the hands of the Colorado Rockies, twice done in by the bullpen late in games. They’ll do so against a familiar face in José Quintana, a starter they’ve bullied in the NLCS in each of the past two seasons on their way to World Series titles. Now, this lefty-mashing offense will get the opportunity to hit against Quintana in Coors Field.
As a team, the Dodgers have an .851 OPS against southpaws, while 28 of the other 30 clubs are below .800. And sure, scoring 16 runs in three games isn’t bad by any means, but there was probably a little part in all of us that wanted to see them crack double digits at least once while playing in Colorado. This is as good an opportunity as any.
For the second week in a row, Justin Wrobleski will square off against a lefty, now looking to replicate—at least partially—the success he had against the Mets, pitching the game of his life with eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball.
A reliever who provided length for the majority of his early career in the majors, Wrobleski fulfilled that role three times in previous appearances at Coors Field. This will be his first start at Colorado, following what seemed to be a trend in this series—Roki Sasaki and Tyler Glasnow had also never started a game in Coors before.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Chase Field on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Diamondbacks continued to impress on a 6-3 roadtrip. What’s the key for this success to continue?
James: Get healthy. Stay healthy. That’s a solid first step. Arizona’s biggest opponent over the last year has been the IL. Also, Michael Soroka has to continue to be the Michael Soroka that he has been, resembling when he first debuted many years ago.
Wesley: James is absolutely right on all counts, especially that last point. Michael Soroka really needs to continue pitching well and stay healthy, not for the team or anything, but so that we as a fanbase can come together and publicly shame James for being so completely wrong about Soroka.
In all seriousness, aside from the team needing to stay healthy and continue playing well, the biggest thing I think is picking the right time to call up a Ryan Waldschmidt or LuJames Groover, or one of the many RHPs that Hazen signed over the offseason. At this point it is unrealistic to expect perfect health from this roster, so knowing the optimal time to call up our prospects is going to be important down the stretch
Ben: I think the easiest answer certainly is health, but the team has played really solid, well-rounded baseball. The pitching – both in the rotation and from the bullpen – has been somewhere between good and very good, there are offensive sparks up and down the lineup, and the defense has been excellent with the team pacing the majors in defensive runs saved. I think how the pitching holds up will be the key to maintaining this success. There’s probably some negative regression in store for several important contributors – particularly Eduardo Rodriguez whose FIP and expected ERA (4.24 and 4.15) are so far beyond his actual ERA of 1.96 that he almost certainly can’t continue it at that level.
Makakilo: Two observations about the Diamondbacks (7-15 April games):
5.3 runs scored per game.
15 shutdown performances by relief pitchers. Their shutdowns were second most in the Majors during their road trip.
Preston: This success will not continue in the same ways. We’ve almost certainly seen the best of both the starting rotation and the bullpen. The offense needs to step up and be the offense that we’ve seen the last couple of years. Perdomo needs to start finding more open spaces. Ildemaro Vargas is not going to continue to post a wRC+ in the 180s; his career wRC+ is 80, and his BABIP is .415. The third and fourth most valuable Diamondbacks on the offensive side (by fWAR) this season are both on the IL.
There’s been both good luck and bad luck, though. The second best xFIP on the team belongs to…Taylor Rashi? Paul Sewald has either been lucky (if you look at BABIP and contact) or relatively in line with expectations (if you look at xERA and xFIP).
Dare I say that we are seeing what a good team does? This team isn’t winning one way. The rotation, the bullpen, the offense, the defense…none of them are elite, but all of them have contributed. This is close to the “anybody, anytime” days of the recently disgraced Tony Clark, with the significant difference that this team is not a mirage. They are legitimately good, and can win in multiple ways.
Spencer: Play solid baseball. And trust pure talent and motivation over experience and “readiness” (Fernandez and Vargas vs Smith/Sanatana).
ISH95: They have to be able to weather whatever comes next. It’s a long season, with 140 some odd games, give or take, left to go. The answer to what makes for winning baseball the past two weeks will not be the answer for the next two. Adapt to the next challenge. It’s something the team has struggled with in the past.
Merrill Kelly looked alright in his return. Any flash opinions?
James: I was pleased to see him gut out 5+ innings. I think he still looks rusty though. The ball to strike ratio would suggest the same (for Kelly). He’s going to need a bit more time to knock the rust off, which is fine and to be expected
Wesley: He did seem a bit rusty, but overall he looked really good, all things considered.
Ben: He looked all right. There wasn’t any noticeable drop in velocity or movement on his pitches and he looked relatively comfortable. I have faith he’ll continue to get more comfortable and more confident as the season progresses.
Makakilo: This season, his first game was comparable to his first game last season. He pitched 5.1 innings in each, facing 24 batters (86 pitches) this season and 23 batters (85 pitches) last season. My flash opinion is he is on track to pitch like he did last season.
Preston: He had a really bad inning that could have (and, for many D-backs’ pitchers, would have) snowballed into a 17-2 loss. He toughed through it and the Diamondbacks won. That’s the kind of veteran leadership the team needs.
Spencer: I’ve stopped discounting Kelly. He’s gonna be solid to great for years. Very impressive man.
ISH95: It’s nice to have the best pitcher on the team back, even if he didn’t pitch to his normal standards. Rust is to be expected, especially since if my memory serves he only got one true rehab game, with the others being a sim game at Extended Spring Training and a long bullpen.
Nolan Arenado has shown flashes of contribution recently. Mirage or might he be turning the corner toward Longoria type presence?
James: I never understood all the Arenado hate. Even the best players in the league go through spells like he did, especially as they get older. As long as he continues to be steady, I am not worried. The one thing I like about Arenado is that he tends not to get nervous and doesn’t try to be something he isn’t at the plate. He puts in the work and trusts the results will follow. It seems that now they are.
Wesley: I still stand by my prediction that he will bounce back offensively. I don’t think he’ll ever be the guy he was in his peak, but I think he has enough gas left in the tank to provide some positive WAR on both sides of the diamond. If he doesn’t bounce back, then you call up LuJames Groover, Tommy Troy, or one of the many good hitting middle infielders.
Makakilo: During the road trip, his 8 RBIs led the team. And his .208 BABIP shows he was relatively unlucky, so his performance could be higher.
On the other hand, on the road trip, his 15.4% hard hits was lower than his season average, suggesting it was a mirage.
Overall, I’m optimistic that he will continue to make significant positive contributions.
Preston: For what we are paying him, we’re getting value. He’s not the player he once was. He also has turned on some fastballs recently and hit them a long way. His bat speed isn’t bad. But I’d really like to see him draw some walks and stop chasing pitches a mile out of the zone. That’s not an age-related decline; that’s more of a pressing too hard decline.
Spencer: He old, man. But even old dogs still have tricks. He’s almost always defied some metrics, so I trust he can be productive. Something close to the middle ground of the polar sides we saw from Suarez.
Ben: If our expectations for Arenado are 2023 Longoria, then I think those expectations will be met. In the first few weeks, Arenado has shown he can still be a very positive contributor in the field while having some contributions with the bat. Putting the two head-to-head emphasizes that as Arenado still finds his footing with a new team. The biggest red flag so far? His chase rate, strikeout rate, and walk rate are all sitting at career worst, but that might be a function of trying to force something rather than allowing the game to come to him more naturally.
ISH95: Spencer’s right, the man is old and it shows. His defense, while still good, has clearly lost a step, and the bat hasn’t been there for a while. Can he maintain a decent balance of the two and be Longoria 2.0, yeah, probably.
What’s your favorite TV show?
James: That’s a tough call for me as I have seen a ridiculous amount of television in my time as I review many shows/episodes. On the short list though would be such titles as: Murdoch Mysteries Death in Paradise
The West Wing (followed quite closely by another Aaron Sorkin gem, The Newsroom)
Lucifer Babyloinfielder.
Wesley: I can’t answer a question as broad as that. Even if we narrow it down to a favorite in specific genres, I’d still have a hard time picking just one favorite. Favorite scripted live-action comedy? Hard to choose between ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ ‘Wilfred’ ‘Brockmire’ along with another five or six shows I’m forgetting. Favorite sketch comedy show? Once again, it’s very hard to choose between ‘The Whitest Kids U Know’ ‘Key & Peele’ ‘Upright Citizens Brigade’ ‘Kids in the Hall’ ‘Chappelle’s Show’ ‘Mr. Show w/ Bob and David’ and that doesn’t even get it things like ‘The Muppet Show’
Although I didn’t exactly answer the question, I think you get my point. Comparing a comedy like ‘It’s Always Sunny’ to a dramatic thriller ‘Mr. Robot’ doesn’t do either show any favors.
Makakilo: Death in Paradise.
Preston: I’ve recently enjoyed sharing The Good Place with my oldest; there’s something about sharing shows with people that mean a lot to you that makes them better. I personally love Bojack Horseman, but I also haven’t seen it since my life was in a place where I needed to see it, so I don’t know if holds up.
Spencer: Person of Interest has long been the answer here. It’s just excellent in every aspect (with one weird episode ending music choice). But currently on air? The Pitt, Ted Lasso, Shrinking and maybe Your Friends & Neighbors.
Ben: I’m with everyone else – trying to choose just one TV show would be extremely difficult. The West Wing is regularly quoted in our household, The Office was long a comfort show for me, but there are so many shows that I’ve loved. ISH95: My colleagues are not wrong that this is nearly an impossible question to answer. However, nothing is actually impossible if you actually set your mind to it, so I will say Doctor Who, even though sometimes it seems as though the show and those behind it do in fact hate its viewers.
Since the Cubs took two of three from the Phillies last week in Philadelphia, the Cubs swept the Mets and outscored them 18-7, and the Phillies got swept at home by the Braves, outscored 16-3. The Phillies’ flight to Chicago got in after 1 a.m. today after their loss to the Braves Sunday night. So you can imagine the mood the Phillies will be in starting tonight for this four-game series at Wrigley Field.
The four games this week vs. the Phillies will wrap up the seven-game season series between the teams. April 22 will be the second-earliest date on which they have finished playing each other. In 2001, they met at Philadelphia for three games on Apr 6-8, then played three at Wrigley Field on April 17-18, with a doubleheader the second day. … This is the Cubs’ first four-game series against the Phillies since 2021, when they lost three of four at home. It is the first of four six-game series that the Cubs will play this season. Only one other will be against a team not in the Central Division, at New York vs. the Mets on June 22-25.
The Cubs will host the Reds for four games on May 4-7 and the Brewers on Aug. 31-Sept. 3. They will play four at Pittsburgh on May 25-28 and at St. Louis on July 27-30.
The Cubs will play 52 three-game series. Last year, they played four series of four games, of which they won one series. lost one and split two. They won a five-game series required due to a rainout.
(Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
Probable pitching matchups
Monday: Colin Rea, RHP (2-0, 3.63 ERA, 0.981 WHIP, 3.59 FIP) vs. Aaron Nola, RHP (1-1, 4.03 ERA, 1.299 WHIP, 3.53 FIP)
NOTE: If the Phillies stay on rotation, it’s Taijuan Walker’s turn on Wednesday, but he’s been hit really hard (9.16 ERA, six HR in 18.2 innings) so they might choose to go with someone else.
Times & TV channels
Monday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Thursday: 1:20 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (outside the Cubs and Phillies market territories)
Prediction
The Cubs are hot and the Phillies… are definitely not. Not only have the Phillies lost five in a row, they have dropped 10 of their last 13. The Cubs took two of three in Philly last week and so I’m going to call for them to stay hot and take three of four here.
Up next
The Cubs begin their first West Coast trip of 2026 in Los Angeles. They’ll play a three-game series against the Dodgers there beginning Friday evening.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Team Venezuela and the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Astros have placed IF Nick Allen on the 10-day IL (retro 4/19) due to mid-back spasms.
To take his place on the active roster, the Astros selected IF Braden Shewmake (#28)to the Major League roster.
To make room for Shewmake on 40-man roster, the Astros transferred RHP Cristian Javier to the 60-day IL.
RHP J.P. France has been outrighted to Triple A Sugar Land.
The San Antonio Spurs aren’t looking to drag this first-round series out. As admirable as the Portland Trail Blazers’ season has been—especially given the turmoil surrounding their head coach’s arrest just before opening night—it’s likely to end quietly without much resistance in this matchup.
My Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions and these NBA picks welcome our new overlord, Victor Wembanyama, as he continues his dominance in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction
Who will win Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2?
Spurs: Victor Wembanyama has officially arrived. Not to overreact to an easy Game 1 win, but this version of the San Antonio Spurs should be feared by everyone in the NBA.
The Trail Blazers had a delightfully surprising season, but it would be an act of mercy by the NBA to shorten this series to best-of-five, if not best-of-three.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points (-105)
What of Victor Wembanyama’s resounding playoff debut might not be repeatable? The San Antonio Spurs’ superstar scored 35 points in a dominant win, playing fewer than 33 minutes.
He did shoot 5-for-6 from deep; perhaps he will shoot just 2-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2. Those nine points would be costly in pursuit of this points prop. But then again, Wembanyama did not need to stress in that Game 1 win. Missing a few more 3-pointers would create a more competitive game, leading to more Wembanyama minutes.
That would provide enough of a cushion to think Wembanyama should clear this prop in either game state.
Focus on his last few weeks. The Frenchman scored at least 34 points in four of his final five regular-season games. He has been locked in for a bit.
And as Sunday night made clear, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a defender to slow down Wembanyama. Donovan Clingan may be a massive human being, but he is simply not quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay
Clingan will have a quality NBA career. It should last more than a decade. His size and defensive instincts are assets that contenders will value.
But he is no match for Wembanyama right now. Portland realized that in Game 1, and Clingan played just 21 minutes. Logic would have expected him to be more in the 28-30 range, but with Wembanyama ruling, the Trail Blazers needed to alter their rotation.
Clingan’s minutes may stay limited this whole series, leading to some continued value in the Unders on his player props.
Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 points
Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby, Whatever Way
This is not doubt in Wembanyama. I'm merely suggesting that Portland will try a different coverage, because Sunday’s clearly did not work. Forcing Wembanyama off the arc will do only so much to his overall scoring.
The one thing the Trail Blazers should carry over from Game 1 is slowing down the pace. Fewer possessions give San Antonio fewer chances to enjoy its talent advantages, led by Wembanyama, obviously.
Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know
As every game became a must-win for Portland, the Trail Blazers became a reliable Under team. Six of their final eight regular-season games cashed their Unders. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Trail Blazers vs Spurs latest injuries
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The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 2 down 1-0 after Denver Nuggets protected home court in the opener, and the market isn’t exactly expecting a bounce-back. With Denver now laying -7.5, oddsmakers are pricing in a clear gap as the series stays in altitude.
Our Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and free NBA picks break down whether that number is justified — or if there’s value on Minnesota to respond before this series gets out of hand.
With a 77% win probability, the Denver Nuggets are expected to take Game 2 behind Nikola Jokic’s playmaking and Jamal Murray’s scoring, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will need a big response from Anthony Edwards to beat the odds.
Our prediction:Nuggets to win
Our NBA expert is calling for a Nuggets victory: "I fully expect the Nuggets to go up 2-0 in this series. When healthy, this Denver rotation may be the second-best team in the NBA, something not enough people recognize because it was healthy so rarely this season.
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More Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets
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Timberwolves vs Nuggets spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Nuggets -7.5
50¢ (+100)
51¢ (-104)
Over 230.5 points
53¢ (-113)
48¢ (+108)
Our predictions:Nuggets -7.5 — Yes and Over 230.5 points — Yes
Our projections back the Denver Nuggets to cover the -7.5 behind Nikola Jokic controlling tempo and Jamal Murray scoring efficiently, while the pace and shot-making on both sides push this game Over 230.5.
Other Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets available
Jamal Murray 25+ points (Yes: 60¢)
Nikola Jokic 25+ points (Yes: 68¢)
Anthony Edwards 25+ points (Yes: 65¢)
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WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - APRIL 18, 2026: Victor Estevez #7 congratulates James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals as he circles the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 18, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. The Giants beat the Nationals, 7-6 in 12 innings. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Nats were able to salvage their weekend series against the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 win on Sunday, and now they’re slated to play host to the red-hot Atlanta Braves.
Zack Littell gave up 6 runs in the 2nd inning of Game 1 to essentially put the game out of reach, as Daylen Lile and James Wood’s homers were only able to cut the deficit to 5. Game 2 was an extra-inning heartbreaker, as the Nats wasted walk-off chances in the 10th and 11th innings after tying the game in the 9th before relinquishing the deciding run in the 12th. Bulk outings from Miles Mikolas and Andrew Alvarez blanked San Francisco in the final game of the series, with a Keibert Ruiz RBI double and a 2-run Joey Wiemer blast more than enough to secure the victory.
Atlanta comes to the nation’s capital as winners of 8 of their last 10 games, with a sweep of the division rival Philadelphia Phillies extending their lead in the NL East. Getting to the Braves’ pitching staff has been far from easy for teams to do, and the Nats are next in line, looking to bring themselves closer to the division lead.
Monday – 6:45 PM EST
ATL: RHP Bryce Elder (2-1, 0.77 ERA)
WSH: RHP Jake Irvin (1-2, 6.16 ERA)
It had been a rough go for Elder the past 2 seasons after he broke onto the scene in 2022 and then posted respectable numbers as a 12-game winner in 2023. Through 4 starts in 2025, however, it’s been a completely different story. The righthander has generated timely whiffs, has kept the ball on the ground, and has given up barrels at a staggeringly low 1.7%. He’s certainly a tough matchup for the series opener, and the Nats’ lefties will look to keep him from getting into an early groove.
Irvin hasn’t given Washington much length this season, as he hasn’t worked past 5.0 innings in a start so far this season, but he looked much better in his last outing against Pittsburgh. The walks are still a concerning aspect of his game, but he limited the Pirates to just 4 hits and 2 runs last Wednesday. Atlanta clearly has the statistical pitching advantage, but a replication of Irvin’s last start could keep the Nats in the game long enough for the offense to take over.
Tuesday – 6:45 PM EST
ATL: RHP Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18 ERA)
WSH: LHP Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05 ERA)
Lopez is another Braves starter who has gotten off to a much better start in 2026 than his 2025 campaign did. He’s dropped his ERA by over 3 full points since last season, and his strikeout numbers have followed in his most recent outings. Lifting the ball has been the one area where opponents have found success against the 32-year-old, making the game plan for the Nats’ hitters quite clear.
Tuesday night’s game will be a big test for Griffin, as he’s faced with his first opportunity to bounce back after a bad start since making his MLB return. He surrendered 8 hits and 4 runs in 5.1 innings against the Pirates, and will look to regain his form versus Atlanta. The southpaw has been one of the most effective arms on the roster, and proving he can fight through adversity would be another fantastic sign.
Wednesday – 6:45 PM EST
ATL: LHP Martin Perez (1-1, 2.21 ERA)
WSH: RHP Zack Littell (0-2, 7.11 ERA)
Atlanta entered the season with plenty of question marks surrounding their starting rotation, including Perez, but boy, have the doubters quieted. Pitching for his 5th team, he’s had his entire arsenal working through 4 starts, including a shutdown 6-inning, 0-run performance last Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Inducing soft contact is where Perez has beaten teams, with Washington slated to try to break that pattern.
This will be a start to watch for Littell, as he’s coming off enduring an absolute beatdown from the San Francisco Giants. Opposing batters are hitting .325 with 7 home runs off him in just 19 total innings, making this easily the Nats’ toughest draw. With both Irvin and Miles Mikolas unable to find their rhythm to this point, Littell reverting to the steady arm he’s been for most of his career would be a much-needed change.
Thursday – 1:05 PM EST
ATL: LHP Chris Sale (4-1, 2.79 ERA)
WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.12 ERA)
Sale hasn’t missed a beat from his elite 2025 campaign, racking up 4 wins on the early season and keeping his ERA under 3 for the 3rd consecutive year. He’s given opponents everything they can handle with 29 sparkling innings, and the underlying metrics are just as good. Finding a weak spot in his game is a task few hitters have accomplished so far, and it would be quite beneficial for the Nats to push across some wins early in the series before facing him.
Cavalli has looked extremely close to putting it together at times this year, but has consistently come up short trying to work his way out of innings. Defense didn’t help him in his shortened 4.0-inning outing against the Giants, with just 1 of his 3 runs earned, and he did post his first start without a walk. Adding onto what he was able to do could give the Nats a much-needed chance against Sale, especially if the series is close entering the finale.
Chance to turn the NL East tide
Sitting 5.0 games back of the Braves for 1st place in the National League East, this could be a pivotal series despite still being in April. If the Nats can come in guns blazing and force a sweep, they would find themselves within just 1 game of the division lead. Tempering expectations a bit, the goal should be to maintain within striking distance of Atlanta by the time they depart for Chicago on Thursday. Splitting or winning the series would keep Washington in the thick of things, as they’re set to face the White Sox and then the scuffling New York Mets after this series.
The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs didn’t hit the heights of the Play-In drama, but that could all change tonight with the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves trying to rebound from Game 1 losses.
As those teams dig into adjustments and counters, I’ve brought a similar focus to the NBA player props market, and my favorite targets lean into the home squads, with wagers on James Harden and Aaron Gordon.
Check out my three favorite NBA picks for the April 20 hoops action.
James Harden feasted against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, racking up 22 points and 10 assists, and I expect his shooting stroke to be there again in Game 2. The Beard knocked down four 3-pointers over the weekend, and he’s finished with 3+ triples in four of his past five outings.
It’s fair to pencil in a better defensive effort from Toronto tonight. Still, Harden can get to his stepback 3-ball in any matchup, and he’ll gladly hunt Toronto's weaker defenders on the perimeter.
Harden made his 3-pointers at a 44% clip in his 26 regular-season contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’s set to be a thorn in the Raptors’ side again at Rocket Arena.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock/NBCSN
Prop #2: Dyson Daniels Over 5.5 assists
-112 at bet365
Dyson Daniels pushed the New York Knicks all the way in Game 1, and his motor will be a factor again tonight at MSG.
Daniels dished 11 assists at MSG on Saturday — his second straight outing with double-digit dimes — and we should see playmaking flashes from the Aussie again here, with New York clamping down on CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
That’ll leave the ball in Daniels’ hands on plenty of possessions, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five outings. Plus, look for his minutes to climb even higher as the Atlanta Hawks try to level the series tonight.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC/Peacock
Prop #3: Aaron Gordon Over 22.5 points + rebounds
-110 at bet365
Aaron Gordon was his usual steady self in Game 1, ending up with 17 points and eight rebounds, and I’m going back to the well tonight for another do-it-all performance from AG in this very familiar matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Denver Nuggets need Gordon at full strength to make a Finals run, and that’ll include more opportunistic sharpshooting from downtown, where he posted a 39% mark during the regular season.
Most of all, this pick banks on Gordon’s ability to go up a level in the playoffs. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.6 rpb in last year’s postseason, and he’s a natural beneficiary in the paint when Nikola Jokic draws a swarm of Minnesota defenders.
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James Harden
Dyson Daniels
Aaron Gordon