The 2025-26 men's college basketball season came to an end on Monday, April 6, with maize-and-blue confetti falling from the rafters of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis after Michigan held on to beat UConn 69-63 in the championship game of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament.
One day after the Wolverines hoisted the NCAA championship trophy, cut down the nets and savored their one shining moment, they added a few other bullet points to a lengthy and impressive resume from the best season in program history.
To the no one's surprise, Coach Dusty May's team finished the season atop the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 on Tuesday, April 7. They were followed by, in order, UConn, Arizona, Duke and Illinois to round out the top five.
Though it finished with a relatively close championship game win, Michigan had one of the more dominant runs through the NCAA tournament in recent memory, winning their first five games by an average of 21.6 points, capped off by a 91-73 drubbing of fellow No. 1 seed Arizona in the Final Four.
With the season now complete, here's a look at the final Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 from the 2025-26 season:
Others receiving votes: Utah State 37; Saint Louis 30; UCLA 28; North Carolina 28; Saint Mary's 16; Miami (OH) 9; BYU 8; High Point 7; Villanova 4; UCF 3; Kentucky 3; VCU 2
AP Top 25
This section will be updated when the poll is released.
Two teams coming off rare wins will look to make it two in a row as the Brooklyn Nets host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
Milwaukee is sitting much of what little talent they still have for this game, so my Bucks vs. Nets predictions are taking Brooklyn to cover.
Read on for my free NBA picks for Tuesday, April 7.
Bucks vs Nets prediction
Bucks vs Nets best bet: Nets +2 (-110)
Both of these teams are coming off wins despite playing with rosters that hardly resemble what they looked like earlier this season. The Milwaukee Bucks are counting on players like Ryan Rollins and Cormac Ryan, while the Brooklyn Nets have been led by options such as Jalen Wilson and Nolan Traore.
The list of injuries is astounding, with Giannis Antetokunmpo, Bobby Portis, Nic Claxton, and Michael Porter Jr. among the recognizable names that won’t be playing tonight.
So how are these teams winning? By playing other teams out of the playoff race, of course.
The Bucks have recent wins over the Grizzlies and Mavericks. On the other hand, Brooklyn has gotten its recent victories over the Wizards and Kings, possibly the two teams most committed to tanking in the entire league.
Fundamentally, the Bucks have been the better team this season, but today’s injury report has changed the calculus significantly.
Milwaukee will be without Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner, and Ryan Rollins, all players who started in the victory over Memphis. The Bucks' one advantage was in their depth of reasonably capable role players, and now we know they’re all siting out tonight.
The Nets at least bring back the lineup that has seen some limited success in recent games, with Traore in particular showing some growth late in his rookie season.
With what passes for more talent on the court and the healthier roster, I’m taking Brooklyn to cover.
Bucks vs Nets same-game parlay
Traore has been one of the few bright spots for the Nets late in the season. He’s averaged 15.8 ppg over his last four outings, and is getting lots of shooting volume, making him a good pick to hit his scoring total tonight.
However, with the overall lack of talent on the court — especially with all the players being held out by Milwaukee — I’m taking the Under, which has hit in four of Brooklyn’s last six games.
Bucks vs Nets SGP
Nets +2
Under 220
Nolan Traore Over 14.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Youth is served
Let’s go all in on two of Brooklyn’s young players who have been getting significant playing time lately to hit their props.
I’m sticking with Traore to hit his scoring Over, and combining that with a bet on the 19-year-old to hit Over 1.5 threes, something he’s done in three of his last four games.
I’ll also take Wilson to dish out at least three assists after picking up four dimes against the Wizards on Sunday.
Bucks vs Nets SGP
Nets +2
Nolan Traore Over 14.5 points
Nolan Traore Over 1.5 threes made
Jalen Wilson Over 2.5 assists
Bucks vs Nets odds
Spread: Bucks -2 | Nets +2
Moneyline: Bucks -140 | Nets +115
Over/Under: Over 220 | Under 220
Bucks vs Nets betting trend to know
The Nets are 6-3 ATS in their last nine overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Nets.
How to watch Bucks vs Nets
Location
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Date
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Wisconsin, WLNY
Bucks vs Nets latest injuries
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MAILBAG: This communique from Rangers Fan In Florida – Sir Al Greenberg – points an accusatory finger at Artemi Panarin:
"Interestingly," says Greenberg, `'the Rangers' late season – and commendable – victory rush coincides with the trading of Breadman Panarin. Considering Artemi's importance to the team, his plus-minus mark of MINUS - 16 hurt the Blueshirts."
Perhaps more than we ever imagined.
Like The Maven, Sir Alan questions aspects of GM Chris Drury's "Retooling" or whatever you choose to call the full-speed ahead youth movement.
"They have a heck of a prospect in (left wing) Adam Sýkora but I'm baffled by the fact that they let him rot in Hartford when he could have flourished in New York. Same with Gabe Perreault, Jaroslav Chmelař and Noah Laba."
Thanks for the "heads-up" Brother Greenberg, too bad you weren't in the general manager's chair; this team could have made the playoffs!
It’s a jam-packed day of NBA action with 10 games on the schedule, but as is the case with late-season NBA, we’ve got a lot of massive spreads. Tonight's slate features five games with spreads at -10 or higher.
Sometimes, games with big spreads are best to attack with NBA player props. My NBA picks for today have plays in three of those games, including Ace Bailey continuing his strong play for the Jazz.
The Indiana Pacers are just winding down the clock on the season. They obviously have issues everywhere, but one of the best places to exploit them is on the glass.
Indiana enters this matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves ranked 24th in opponent rebounds per game and 27th in rebounding rate since the All-Star break.
The T-wolves have an obvious rebounding props candidate in Rudy Gobert, but the big man isn’t my favorite value on the board tonight. The honor belongs to guard Donte DiVincenzo.
While DiVincenzo hasn’t had much impact on the glass lately, he still averages 4.2 rebounds per game, and we’re getting the Over at 3.5 at plus money.
The other thing to like about this play is that the Pacers take the 12th most threes per game since coming out of the break. That means long boards to grab for DiVincenzo.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN-North, FDSN-Indiana
Prop #2: Ace Bailey Over 17.5 points
-115 at bet365
The Utah Jazz have clearly gone full tank mode down the stretch, but one guy is still getting minutes and making the most of them: Ace Bailey.
Bailey is showing why he was worth a high lottery pick. He’s averaging 19.5 points per game over his last 15 games, which includes him shooting a solid 37.7% from 3-point range.
He gets an interesting matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans has been playing better basketball once the team got healthy, but it was too little too late, and they're out of the playoffs.
On that note, though, Trey Murphy III is out for this game, and Dejounte Murray is questionable, two of their best defenders. That’s not great for a team that still ranks 19th in defensive rating since the All-Star break.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: KJZZ, GCSEN
Prop #3: John Collins Over 11.5 points
-115 at bet365
The Los Angeles Clippers are locked into a Play-In spot in the Western Conference, but playing those games at home is still on the table with a strong finish.
The Mavericks need that offensive outburst because they aren’t stopping anyone from scoring, particularly on the inside. Dallas enters tonight’s matchup ranked 24th in defensive rating and 27th in opponent points in the paint since coming out of the All-Star break.
That has me targeting John Collins. The power forward is in a groove, averaging 19.8 points over his last four games with a .704 effective field goal percentage, putting up at least 15 points in all four.
He keeps that going by dominating the Mavs down low.
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The Detroit Red Wings suffered one of their most difficult losses of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Wild. And it was a costly penalty by a future Hall of Famer that ultimately opened the door for Minnesota’s late, game-winning power-play goal.
Forward Patrick Kane, who had just knotted the score at 4-4 minutes earlier to erase what had been a 4-1 Detroit deficit, inexplicably tripped former Michigan Wolverines defenseman Quinn Hughes in the neutral zone, well outside of the play.
Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizov completed his sixth-career hat trick on the ensuing power-play, netting the winner with just 1:51 left in regulation.
While Kane did not speak after the game, he addressed the incident following Tuesday morning's practice at Little Caesars Arena.
"I mean, obviously, a lapse in judgment for sure. Looking back at the play, I've watched it obviously numerous times," he said. "Just going for a change, probably trying to get in front of Quinn a little bit and give a little bit of interference, and the stick got caught up in between his legs."
"Obviously, didn't mean to do that or take a penalty at that time of the game, but nonetheless, I take responsibility for what happened there," he continued. "It just sucks that time and moment, you're down 4-1, and coach challenges you, you come back to make it 4-4, and give it away on one stupid play."
Head coach Todd McLellan was asked his thoughts on the penalty and if there were any conversations with Kane about what had transpired.
"You figure he knows how he should be feeling, but if we're (coaching staff) doing our jobs, we still meet with him, and I've met with him, we've dealt with it, we're moving on," he said. "We can't turn the clock back now and change it. And I know he's owned it. That's two nights ago now; we've got to move forward."
As a longtime NHL veteran with multiple Stanley Cup rings, Kane understands all too well the weight of a mistake like that, especially with so much at stake in the playoff race.
"You feel like you let your teammates down after all we'd been through in that game, to come back and maybe get a point or two," Kane said. "It's disappointing to end up with nothing, obviously."
Kane and the Red Wings have no choice but to regroup for Tuesday evening's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are tied with them in the standings at 88 points apiece.
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CLEVELAND — Gabriel Arias was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Cleveland Guardians due to a strained left hamstring.
Juan Brito was called up from Triple-A Columbus and will make his big league debut during Tuesday afternoon’s game against Kansas City. Brito is batting sixth and playing second base.
“We’ve been excited about Juan for a really long time. And I feel like last year with his injuries, we would have seen him last year at some point, but we just couldn’t be more excited,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “Juan has historically been a good decision maker at the plate. He’s got the ability to make contact and he’s got the power to drive the ball out of the yard. So he’s a complete hitter from both sides.”
Brito — who played in only 31 games last season due to thumb and hamstring injuries — is in his seventh professional season and fourth in Cleveland’s organization. He was 11 for 35 with five doubles and four RBIs in nine games this season for Columbus.
Brito played mostly at third base for the Clippers, but Vogt said he would primarily be at second base while Arias is sidelined.
Arias suffered the injury during the fifth inning of Monday night’s game. The shortstop appeared to get hurt while running to second base on his double to right field.
The injury comes at an inopportune time for Arias, who was 5 for 14 with two home runs and four RBIs in his last five games.
Arias is expected to miss at least a month due to the injury, which has been classified as a moderate hamstring strain.
Brayan Rocchio and Daniel Schneemann will be the primary shortstops. Rocchio had been playing second base during the first two weeks of the season.
Despite the frigid temps, we've polled our baseball experts for their favorite MLB picks today — and thanks to prediction markets like Polymarket, bettors all over the country can join us on the action as well!
UPDATE: Added four additional best bets for today.
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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Dodgers/Blue Jays Under 7.5
Price: 47¢ (+113) at Polymarket
The Toronto Blue Jays' offense is in a tough stretch, scoring just 10 runs during their current five-game losing streak, and now they draw a difficult matchup against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. On the other side, Kevin Gausman, who has cashed the Under in both of his starts so far, should be given a long leash, with Toronto leaning on its A-bullpen behind him after burning the B arms yesterday. Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a potent lineup, but Toronto’s high-leverage arms should be able to limit scoring late — and with the Dodgers also resting their top bullpen options last night, run production in the final innings should be limited.
Neil Parker's expert pick: Nationals moneyline
Price: 51¢ (-104) at Polymarket
There’s a screaming statistical correction coming for Cardinals lefty Matthew Liberatore, and the Nationals lineup is set to serve it. Liberatore’s 1.64 ERA through two starts is saddled with a 5.28 xFIP, and both his .216 BABIP and 100.0% strand rate are going to take hits tonight against a Washington lineup that paces the majors in on-base percentage and ranks third in wOBA against southpaws.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Yankees -1.5
Price: 51¢ (-104) at Polymarket
Cam Schlittler couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season, allowing zero earned runs with just three total baserunners and 15 strikeouts across two road outings. He’s supported by a rested bullpen that ranks first in FIP, while the offense is rolling with 5+ runs scored in five straight games. They’ve also dominated A’s starter Aaron Civale, posting a 1.095 OPS in 59 combined at-bats — plus, all seven of the Yankees' wins have come by at least two runs.
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Man, if the Dodgers offense had been this hot the last time they were in Toronto, the series would not have gone seven games. But then I suppose we would’ve been robbed of all that amazing drama.
Coming into the middle game of the Blue Jays series, the Dodgers have scored eight or more runs in every game of this first road trip of the season.
On Tuesday, Yoshinobu Yamamoto returns to the mound where he last stood as a World Series champion. Dodger fans remember his heroics, going six innings in Game 6 and then pitching the Dodgers to the championship by handling extra innings duties just a day later. Overall, Yamamoto had an incredible 1.02 ERA against the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. The team is looking for both Yamamoto and the offense to continue their dominance.
Will Smith returns to the lineup after having two days in a row off to rest his legs. Dalton Rushing has filled in splendidly, going 5-for-7 with including three home runs.
That hot offense will face Kevin Gausman, who so far this season has a miniscule 0.75 ERA with 21 strikeouts over just 12 innings. Starter Max Scherzer lasted just two innings in Monday’s game, so the Blue Jays will be hoping for a lot of length out of Gausman. It will be interesting to see which one of these factions wins out. Yamamoto famously doesn’t get a lot of run support.
Yamamoto vs Gausman is a replay of Games 2 and 6 of the 2025 World Series.
In fairness to the Blue Jays, half of the team has been sidelined by the flu, and quite a few more are injured, so they are definitely not playing with a full tank of gas. Still, it is fun to watch this high powered and highly paid offense do what it is supposed to do.
So, apply all of the normal thoughts to this game – Dodgers have scored so many for the last four games they are due for no offense, especially since Yamamoto is pitching. Regardless hopefully it will be an impressive outing by both pitchers, as the last four Dodger games have been blowouts.
Now that the confetti has been swept up and the nets have been cut down, there is one final piece of business to close the book on the men’s college basketball season.
Michigan takes its rightful place as No. 1 in the season-ending USA TODAY Sports coaches poll after claiming the program's second title with a defeat of Connecticut. The Wolverines, who held the top spot for a stretch during the regular season, finishes atop the rankings for the first time since USA TODAY began administration of the coaches poll. Their previous title in 1989. The runner-up Huskies finish at No. 2 overall, though the Huskies did not receive every second-place vote among the 31 panelists.
Arizona lands at No. 3 overall. Duke, which entered the tournament at No. 1 , finishes ahead of semifinalist Illinois for the No. 4 spot despite falling short of the Final Four thanks to UConn’s buzzer-beater.
Houston lands at No. 6 in the final rankings, followed by Purdue and Iowa State. Florida, the first top regional seed eliminated, topples to No. 9. St. John’s rounds out the top 10.
It’s an impressive final poll for the Big Ten. In addition to ending its championship drought while sending two representatives to the Final Four, the league ends up with seven ranked teams in all as Wisconsin narrowly edges Utah State for the No. 25 spot.
The SEC lands six thanks to No. 24 Texas’s surprising run from First Four to Sweet 16. The Big 12 is next with five teams in the top 25, and the ACC lands four.
Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images | David Dermer-Imagn Images
It’s my first regular season gamethread of the year. We’ve made it! Last week’s Tuesday was an off day, so it’s the first Tuesday game of the year. Honored to be back.
Now, we will all be watching this one from the comfort of our homes and, let’s be honest, offices. But if you made the poor decision to go to Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, you’re going to get temps in the 30s in what will be a very uncomfortable baseball game. I don’t know why you’d buy a ticket to see any Great Lakes sports team in early April, because whether it’s Detroit or Chicago or Cleveland this is what you might get.
Noah Cameron will take the mound for Kansas City, with Jensen getting catching duties. Gavin Williams will be taking the mound for Cleveland.
Also, side note—do you think the Guardians reached out to Marvel to see if they could snag the @Guardians username for the Guardians of the Galaxy Twitter account? They barely post. Kind of lame the Guardians had to grab the @CleGuardians username, but “kind of lame” is an apt description for the club, so. Maybe it matches up.
One of the most chaotic seasons in past memory is nearing a grand finale.
The Nashville Predators were the worst team in the NHL for the first two months of the season. Now, they are in a razor-thin race for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.
Following Monday's shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings, 3-2, the Predators are a point outside of the final Wild Card spot with 82 points and five games left. San Jose is a point back and Winnipeg is two points back.
In a race that has been heavily scrutinized for the quality of teams, the winner will more than likely face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It's truly make or break for the Predators in these final two weeks of play. Here are a few reasons for and against the Predators' post-season berth.
Should: Keep The Story Going
Apr 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) celebrates with Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) after winning the penalty shootout against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images
This could end up being one of the most amazing stories in NHL history.
A team that was dead in the water in October and November, a superstar that looked like he was nearing retirement and a general manager heading out the door, a hard rebuild looked inevitable for Nashville.
However, a 10-4-0 record in December gave this team new life, propelled by Steven Stamkos getting his mojo back. The future Hall of Famer had four points through the first month of the season, with trade rumors beginning to swirl.
Now, he is pushing 40 goals and chasing down the Predators franchise record in power-play goals.
This Disney movie needs a happy ending, as the Predators look to be the second team to complete the "worst to first" storyline, alongside the 2019 St. Louis Blues, who won the Stanley Cup after being ranked the worst team in the NHL that season.
Shouldn't: Avoiding Sweep
Dec 14, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Ross Colton (20) celebrates his goal with right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) as Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) looks on in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
While playoff experience is great, how much are the Nashville Predators going to gain by getting swept by the Avalanche?
While the Predators have played the Avalanche well this season, holding a 2-2-0 record against the best team in the league, Colorado is going to be shifting into a completely different gear.
The Avalanche has a complete squad. Nathan Mackinnon and Martin Necas are charging the offense, Cale Makar on the backend, and Scott Wedgewood standing tall in the net. This is going to be a hard team to break.
The odds are also against the Predators, as the (likely) Presidents' Trophy winner has lost in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs just six times in the last 20 years.
The last time to pull off that upset was the 2023 Florida Panthers, who took out the top-seeded Boston Bruins in seven games in their run to the Stanley Cup Final.
It's a tall task and with how inconsistent the Predators have been, especially in this final stretch of the season, if they do get it, it'll be a short postseason stint.
Should: The Future Is Now
Mar 17, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood (71) celebrates a goal on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
The Predators' youth has been critical in keeping this team afloat, and there is no better test for them than facing the league's best team in the postseason.
Late in the season, Matthew Wood and Zach L'Heureux have proven just how valuable they are, centering top lines and finding ways to convert on the scoreboard. Fedor Svechkov has also had a nice return since the Olympic break.
Luke Evangelista has earned the name "The Dishin' Magician" this season, culminating in 41 assists and leading the team for the majority of the year.
On the backend, Ryan Ufko has filled a void left by Nick Blankenburg, and Adam Wilsby has given Nashville some solid minutes this season.
This is a great opportunity for the Predators' future to showcase what's ahead and work with veteran players to give this team a chance to make some noise.
In addition, have the team in a good place next season with a youthful group that has success in the postseason.
Shouldn't: The Future Is Later
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; A general view inside the venue prior to the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
They narrowly missed the playoffs. There's no loss in that at all. It gives the Predators more material to build for tomorrow.
Similar to the Detroit Red Wings, the Predators miss out today, but could win the Division tomorrow. Rebuilds take time, and the playoffs aren't what this group needs right now.
Have the new general manager come in, make some picks and moves, and gear up this team to be not just a playoff contender next season, but a Stanley Cup contender.
An early start to the postseason allows the Predators to focus on bringing in new front office leadership sooner, discussing contracts and figuring out who to pick in the draft. By the time October comes around, this team will be flowing and ready to go.
It'll also give Nashville time to figure out whether Andrew Brunette is still the guy to lead this team. With options like Bruce Cassidy and Patrick Roy now on the market, the Predators could swap out for a more experienced head coach.
Missing out on the postseason will allow the Predators to focus more on the rebuild, or rather, a retooling after making a run at the Wild Card.
A reward today is great, but it could be so much better tomorrow.
Should: Aged In Adversity
Jun 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Ryan O'Reilly (90) kisses the Stanley Cup after defeating the Boston Bruins in game seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Nashville team has had its back against the wall all season.
Trade rumors have swirled about every star player on the team. Four depth players were traded off at the deadline for little to nothing. Brunette's stint as head coach has come under fire multiple times. The Predators struggle to start games or can't hold a lead.
And yet, this team is still in the running for the playoffs.
Nashville may be the most battle-tested team in the NHL and has found ways to stay afloat through it all. Even if the Predators don't make the playoffs, there's something to be said about a team that was able to climb out of the basement of the league like Nashville has.
In addition, many Predators players have been in the playoffs as underdogs before.
Ryan O'Reilly was on that Blues team that went from "worst to first."
Jonathan Marchessault played on a Vegas Golden Knights team that went all the way to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final in its first year of existence.
Even Brunette capped off one of the biggest upsets in NHL history as a player. He scored a Game 7 series-winning overtime goal in the 2003 Western Conference Quarterfinals, as the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Wild eliminated the No. 3 Colorado Avalanche.
The Wild went down 3-1 to a team that featured Patrick Roy, Rob Blake, Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic. Minnesota made a run to the Western Conference Final that season, which remains its best postseason run in franchise history.
CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox placed outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Hays got hurt during a 2-1 loss to Baltimore. He pulled up while pursuing Tyler O’Neill’s two-out flyball to left in the fourth inning. The ball landed near the line, and O’Neill was credited with an RBI single when Adley Rutschman scored from first on the play.
The 30-year-old Hays signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the White Sox in free agency. He is batting .219 with a homer and six RBIs in nine games this season.
The White Sox also brought up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte. Right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The 26-year-old Harris signed a minor league deal with the team in December. He is batting .217 (10 for 46) with two homers and five RBIs in 21 career major league games — all with Texas.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom said he felt something in his right knee before Monday night’s start, which limited him to five innings and 78 pitches in the Texas Rangers’ 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners.
The Rangers said deGrom had mild right knee discomfort, and manager Skip Schumaker said the staff didn’t want to push the 37-year-old too hard. DeGrom allowed only one hit — a first-inning home run to 2025 homer champ Cal Raleigh on a 12-pitch at-bat — walked one and struck out six.
“I feel OK,” deGrom said, “It’s a little tender, but I think we’ll be OK.
“I gave up the homer to Cal, and I was like: ‘I’d better lock this in. This might be a pretty close game.’”
DeGrom went 4 2/3 innings while throwing 78 pitches last Tuesday at Baltimore in an 8-5 Rangers win in his only previous outing this season. He was scheduled to make his first start March 28 at Philadelphia but was scratched with neck stiffness.
DeGrom made his 250th career start, ranking 18th among active pitchers. He was voted the AL Comeback Player of the Year last season, going 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA, after returning late in the 2024 season from a second major reconstruction surgery on his pitching elbow.
“Obviously any day you’re able to put this uniform on you’ve got to be thankful for that,” he said.
The Tony Vitello era careened off the tracks before it ever truly got started, leaving the San Francisco Giants with a 3-8 record and in desperate need of a win as they host the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.
Christopher Sanchez takes the mound for the visitors, while Robbie Ray gets the nod for the home team.
My Phillies vs. Giants predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, April 7 are targeting San Francisco to get back on track at a good price in a low-scoring contest.
Who will win Phillies vs Giants today: Giants (+132)
The Philadelphia Phillies have been anemic against left-handed pitching, posting a measly 59 wRC+ and .165 AVG in 112 at-bats.
Robbie Ray performed admirably at Oracle Park last year (3.50 FIP) and has had plenty of juice in his first two starts (108 Stuff+), so he forecasts for a strong outing.
Facing Cristopher Sanchez is never fun, but he’s down one mph on his fastball and has been unusually hittable (10th percentile average exit velocity, 14th percentile hard-hit rate).
For as bad as the San Francisco Giants have been against RHP, the lineup is close to league-average against southpaws.
COVERS INTEL: Ray has found success against Philadelphia’s lineup in the past, holding their projected lineup to 20-for-87 (.230) with 30 strikeouts.
Phillies vs Giants Over/Under pick: Under 7 (-105)
These are two quality starting pitchers, facing two lineups that have had their fair share of troubles — Philadelphia against lefties and San Francisco in general. The Giants have plated four or fewer runs in nine of their 11 games.
Although the surface-level statistics may not show it, these are two quality bullpens. The Phillies have the best SIERA in relief (2.69) but a 4.17 ERA, and the Giants have a quality 3.81 SIERA but a grotesque 4.93 ERA.
Both of those bullpen ERAs are due for positive regression, creating value in the Under in the meantime.
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-2, -0.13 units
Over/Under bets: 2-3, -1.11 units
Phillies vs Giants odds
Moneyline: Philadelphia -156 | San Francisco +132
Run line: Philadelphia -1.5 | San Francisco +1.5
Over/Under: Over 7 | Under 7
Phillies vs Giants trend
Philadelphia has hit the Under in 44 of its last 79 away games. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Giants.
How to watch Phillies vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
First pitch
9:45 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Philadelphia+, NBC Sports Bay Area+
Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez (1-0, 0.79 ERA)
Giants starting pitcher
Robbie Ray (1-1, 3.38 ERA)
Phillies vs Giants latest injuries
Phillies vs Giants weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Two teams whose seasons feel like they’ve been in extended garbage time clash on Tuesday, when the Chicago Bulls visit the Washington Wizards.
The Bulls come in riding a seven-game losing streak, while Washington has just a single win in its last 23 games, part of the reason they’re five-point home ‘dogs in the NBA odds.
Even though these are two of the worst scoring defenses in the NBA, my Bulls vs. Wizards predictions and free NBA picks has this coming in Under an exceptionally high total.
Bulls vs Wizards prediction
Bulls vs Wizards best bet: Under 251.5 points (-110)
Except for a one-point loss to Memphis, every other game in the Chicago Bulls’ seven-game slide has been a demolition, losing by double digits in each.
During this skid, they are allowing an NBA-worst 134.7 points per game, with teams shooting 51.4% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range.
They are also limping into the US Capital, with Josh Giddey, the team’s leading scorer, rebounder and assist man down with a hamstring injury.
Barring an unforeseen four-game win streak (and help), the Washington Wizards will finish the year with the worst record in the NBA, and a legit shot at the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
They’ve locked that in with a futile 1-22 run, where they’ve allowed a league-worst 129.3 points per game. That includes three games allowing 150+ points, and 10 at 130+.
But a little closer into the numbers, and these teams aren’t locks to combine for 249 points.
The Wiz have hit the Over seven of the last 10, but Overs that cashed at 249+ points (4) came against teams that were in the playoff picture.
The Bulls have actually gone Under the total in three of their last four, and the last 10 head-to-heads between these teams have produced just one Over at this hefty number – and they’ve cashed the Under in each of the last five.
Bulls vs Wizards same-game parlay
Washington has been allowing teams to shoot 37% from three during this skid, and Leonard Miller has had the range of late, hitting at least two triples in three of his last four games.
I’m not sure how a 7-footer has just one game with 5+ rebounds in nine games, but that’s where we are with Tristan Vukcevic. However, he did pull down eight boards against the Bulls in their lone meeting this season.
Bulls vs Wizards SGP
Under 251.5 points
Leonard Miller Over 1.5 3-pointers made
Tristan Vukcevic Over 4.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Silver liners for Wizards
It's been a banner stretch for Washington rookie Will Riley, who's coming off back-to-back 30+ point games, and has actually cracked the 20-point plateau in four of his last six.
He's a far different player than the one that logged just three minutes and recorded one assist in his first game against Chicago on Nov 22.
Bub Carrington has just one game with at least three boards in his last eight, but he’s pulled down at least three rebounds in four of his last five games against the Bulls.
Bulls vs Wizards SGP
Under 251.5 points
Leonard Miller Over 1.5 3-pointers made
Tristan Vukcevic Over 4.5 rebounds
Will Riley Over 19.5 points
Bub Carrington Over 2.5 rebounds
Bulls vs Wizards odds
Spread: Chicago -6 (-110) | Washington +6 (-110)
Moneyline: Chicago -225 | Washington +185
Over/Under: Over 251.5 (-110) | Under 251.5 (-110)
Bulls vs Wizards betting trend to know
Chicago has covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 games following a loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Wizards.
How to watch Bulls vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, MNMT
Bulls vs Wizards 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.
Donte DiVincenzo
John Collins
Ace Bailey
COVERS INTEL: Ray has found success against Philadelphia’s lineup in the past, holding their projected lineup to 20-for-87 (.230) with 30 strikeouts.