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Two-start pitchers: Nolan McLean fronts a list of viable options for the fourth week of the 2026 season

Hello and welcome to the fourth installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2026 MLB season.

I will be here every Friday to highlight some of the best two-start pitcher options in fantasy baseball leagues for the upcoming week providing my insights and recommendations on which options should be started or benched.

It’s wild that we’re already a month into the 2026 MLB season. Now that we’ve seen each of these pitchers make several starts, we should have a better feel for how they’re going to perform for the upcoming week, rather than blindly trusting what we saw from them during the spring.

This is a living document, so we'll update the options below as the weekend moves along.

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Before we get into it, we'll start with a couple of notes on situations that may be unresolved or teams that may not have a two-start pitcher lined up for the upcoming week:

The Diamondbacks only play five games next week, so unless they skip someone in their rotation, no one is going to make two starts. Merrill Kelly will start on Tuesday, so he’s the only one who would have a shot at doing so (at White Sox, vs. Padres) if the D’Backs wanted to switch things up or push someone back.

The Padres also play just five games next week, so none of their starters will line up for two starts. It’s not like you would want to start them even if they were though, as they’ll take on the Rockies at Coors Field to start the week before finishing up with a two-game set against the Diamondbacks in the high elevation and extreme run-scoring environment that is Mexico City. There’s a chance that the Padres could opt to skip Matt Waldron next week if he struggles on Friday night, in which case Randy Vasquez could end up toeing the slab twice. If that happens, I would advise against using him, as those two environments could lead to absolute ratio disaster.

It’s possible that someone could make two starts for the Rays this week (vs. Reds, vs. Twins), but as of now we aren’t sure who will be replacing the injured Joe Boyle in their rotation. They went with a bullpen game in his spot last time with Jesse Scholtens working five innings in a bulk role. If that’s the case again, Scholtens could be worth a look as a streaming option in deeper leagues. We’ll monitor the situation throughout the weekend and update here if anything changes.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of April 17 and are subject to change.

American League

▶ Strong Plays

Dylan Cease, Blue Jays, RHP (at Angels, vs. Guardians)

Through his first four starts with the Blue Jays, Cease has been everything that they were hoping for when signing him to a seven-year, $175 million contract over the winter. He has compiled a terrific 1.74 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 20 2/3 innings while racking up 32 strikeouts. Unfortunately poor run support and bullpen work has left him still searching for his first victory in a Jay’s uniform. I’d bet that will come this week with a pair of good matchups on tap against the Angels and Guardians. He should be started in all leagues every week regardless of matchups, you just get the added bonus of the extra volume and premium matchups this week. He’s one of the top overall options on the board.

Seth Lugo, Royals, RHP (vs. Orioles, vs. Angels)

Lugo has been exceptional through his first four starts of the 2026 season, posting a minuscule 1.48 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and a 21/6 K/BB ratio over 24 1/3 innings. Is he going to continue performing like a fantasy ace for the duration of the season? Absolutely not. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ride the hot hand right now. The Orioles and Angels both rank in the middle of the pack against right-handed pitching and both starts come in the pitcher-friendly confines of Kauffmann Stadium. Lugo should be started in all leagues this week.

Mick Abel, Twins, RHP (at Mets, at Rays)

After his strong showing in spring training, it’s possible that some fantasy managers may have panicked and cut Abel after he struggled out of the bullpen in his first appearance and was hit hard by the Rays during his first start. If so, those managers missed out on 13 scoreless innings with a brilliant 16/3 K/BB ratio over his last two starts. Those that held onto him – or picked him up amidst the frustration – should continue to reap the benefits this week. He starts with a matchup against the Mets, a team that ranks 28th in baseball against right-handed pitching with an OPS of .609. He finishes up with a middling matchup against the Rays in Tampa Bay. I buy into what I saw during the spring and what Abel has shown during his last two starts. That’s enough for me to roll with him in all league sizes.

Kyle Bradish, Orioles, RHP (at Royals, vs. Red Sox)

Throughout his career, whenever Kyle Bradish has been healthy enough to take the mound, he has delivered strong results for fantasy managers. At least until this year. Through his first four starts he has struggled to a 5.49 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and a 21/10 K/BB ratio over 19 2/3 innings. That’s partly due to an inflated BABIP (.375) and a strand rate that’s unsustainably low (58.8%). I think he’s much closer to what the ERA estimators are showing with a 3.09 xERA and a 3.82 xFIP. The matchups, especially against the Royals in Kansas City to start the week, are solid and the strikeouts should be there regardless. Look for Bradish to correct some of the ratio damage that he has caused for fantasy managers this week. Stay the course, he should be started in all formats.

Connelly Early, Red Sox, LHP (vs. Yankees, at Orioles)

So far, so good for Early through his first four starts. He holds an impressive 2.29 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 20/10 K/BB ratio across 19 2/3 innings. On paper, you’d think that a matchup against the Yankees’ offense should be scary, but they currently rank 28th in the league with a miserable .535 OPS against left-handed pitching. While we can’t bank on that continuing this week, when combined with how well Early has pitched through his first four starts, it’s surely enough for me to roll the dice. He’s an easy start in 15-teamers and I’d lean towards using him in 12’s also.

Emerson Hancock, Mariners, RHP (vs. Athletics, at Cardinals)

Hancock has seized the opportunity to shine in the Mariners’ rotation with Bryce Miller sidelined, registering an outstanding 2.28 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and a 25/4 K/BB ratio over his first 23 2/3 innings. Now he gets to take on a middling A’s offense that is significantly worse away from West Sacramento and a Cardinals squad that has been brutal against right-handed pitching all season. Look for the good times to continue for Hancock this week. He’s an easy start in all leagues.

▶ Decent Plays

Sonny Gray, Red Sox, RHP (vs. Tigers, at Orioles)

Normally Sonny Gray would be firmly in the must start category, but he hasn’t looked like himself through his first four starts this season. The 36-year-old right-hander even admitted as much after his last start, saying that he just doesn’t feel like himself right now. Maybe it all comes together and he rounds back into form this week, but until we see it, there’s going to be increased ratio risk. The Tigers’ offense has been rolling recently and that looks like a tough matchup on Patriot’s Day. The Orioles aren’t a cake walk either. You probably have to use him if you have him in most leagues, just understand that the ratio risk is higher than you would normally anticipate from a two-start week from Gray.

Kumar Rocker, Rangers, RHP (vs. Pirates, vs. Athletics)

Rocker has delivered pretty mediocre results through his first three starts on the season with a 4.30 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 14/7 K/BB ratio over 14 2/3 innings. If there’s ever a spot for him to be successful though, it’s this week. He draws two strong matchups, getting to take on the Pirates and the Athletics with both starts coming at home. Provided he makes both of those starts, he looks like a terrific streaming option in any leagues where he may be available. It’s possible the Rangers could use Monday’s off-day to keep Jack Leiter on normal rest and move Rocker back a day, in which case it would be Leiter making the two starts and Rocker’s double getting pushed back until next week. I’d expect we would hear about that before the weekend is through if that’s something the Rangers are considering though.

Sean Burke, White Sox, RHP (at Diamondbacks, vs. Nationals)

This one is intriguing to me as a streaming play. While he has yet to win a game, Burke has looked surprisingly competent through his first four outings (three starts) this season, posting a 4.43 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and a 17/6 K/BB ratio over his first 20 1/3 innings of work. The Diamondbacks rank in the bottom five offenses in the league against right-handers with a .660 OPS so that’s not a matchup to worry about and getting to battle the Nationals at home to finish the week should at least afford Burke the opportunity to earn a victory. I think that he can get around 10 strikeouts on the week with minimal ratio risk and a shot at a win, and we all know that makes him an easy start in 15-teamers and worth a look in 12’s as well.

Keider Montero, Tigers, RHP (vs. Brewers, at Reds)

Montero has done a nice job holding down the fort in the rotation while Justin Verlander (hip) has been sidelined. He boasts a terrific 3.31 ERA and 0.86 WHIP across 16 1/3 innings in his three starts and has even chipped in 15 strikeouts. The Brewers are one of the best teams in baseball against right-handed pitching, but their lineup has been decimated by injuries and he gets to make that start in cavernous Comerica Park. The script is then flipped, facing a Reds’ offense that struggles against right-handers in a hitter’s haven. Given how well he has been pitching and how the Tigers are playing at the moment, I’d probably use Montero in both 15 and 12-team formats for the upcoming week.

J.T. Ginn, Athletics, RHP (at Mariners, at Rangers)

It’s a very limited sample, but I like what we have seen from Ginn so far this season. He has registered a 3.31 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and an 11/7 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings through his first five appearances (two starts). I also like the fact that both of these starts will be on the road and away from Sutter Health Park. The pitching matchups line up decently as well, taking on Emerson Hancock and Kumar Rocker. He should be able to provide some strikeouts and a shot at a victory and I don’t feel like he’s a major risk to blow up your ratios in these specific matchups. For sure I’d be looking to stream him in 15-team formats and if I was feeling frisky and didn’t like my alternative options I could probably be talked into it in 12-team leagues as well.

Jack Flaherty, Tigers, RHP (at Red Sox, at Reds)

The range out outcomes on this two-start week may be as wide as anyone on the entire board. Flaherty has struggled this season, he’s winless through his first four starts with a 4.05 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 20 innings. He’s still striking guys out though, with 21 punchouts on the season. He draws two offenses that rank in the bottom third of the league in OPS against right-handed pitching, which in theory should help him out. Both starts are in extreme hitters parks though and with his tendency to give up the long ball, that could spell disaster. I think the strikeouts will be there for sure, everything else is completely up in the air. He could spin a couple of gems or get bombed for eight runs in both starts. Whether or not you choose to roll with him depends entirely on your risk tolerance.

▶ At Your Own Risk

Luis Gil, Yankees, RHP (at Red Sox, at Astros)

Gil hasn’t looked like himself through his first two starts with the Yankees this season, giving up seven runs in his first nine innings of work (7.00 ERA) while serving up four home runs. He looked great through the first four innings of his last start though and it could be just an issue of needing to get fully stretched out again and rounding back into shape. Under normal circumstances, I’d be willing to look past the early-season struggles and think about streaming him for a two-start week. These aren’t exactly normal circumstances though. He draws a pair of very tough matchups, with both of them coming in pitcher’s parks with extremely short fences in left field which could amplify his issues giving up the long ball. If you’re desperate for volume to keep pace in wins and strikeouts, he could be worth a look in deeper leagues. There’s more ratio risk here though than I’m willing to absorb in most situations.

Slade Cecconi, Guardians, RHP (vs. Astros, at Blue Jays)

It has been a rough go for Cecconi through his first four starts of the season, posting an underwhelming 5.03 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP to go with an 18/10 K/BB ratio over 19 2/3 innings. The assignment won’t get any easier this week, having to battle an Astros’ squad that ranks in the top five in baseball against right-handed pitching before batting the defending American League Champs in Toronto. If you feel like you’re already behind in wins and strikeouts and need the volume to try to keep him, you can look Cecconi’s way. If you’re trying to protect ratios though, you may want to look elsewhere.

Jack Kochanowicz, Angels, RHP (vs. Blue Jays, at Royals)

If you haven’t been paying attention to the Angels this season, you may have missed the fact that Kochanowicz has actually looked like a decent pitcher through his first four starts on the season. He sits at 2-0 with a 3.47 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and an 18/15 K/BB ratio across 23 1/3 innings of work. The ERA estimators point in a different direction though, showing that he’s the same Kochanowicz of old with a 5.12 xERA and a 4.79 xFIP. If you think he can hold off the ratio correction for another week and want to chance using him for two starts against a pair of struggling offenses, you could roll the dice. It’s not the worst idea for 15-teamers. Aside from that though, I would stay away.

Colton Gordon, Astros, RHP (at Guardians, vs. Yankees)

Gordon has made just one start for the injury-ravaged Astros this season, getting trounced for four runs on eight hits in just 3 2/3 innings (9.82 ERA, 2.18 WHIP). It’s not even a guarantee that he’ll stick around in the rotation to make a second start during the week, as if he struggles during that start against the Guardians it’s likely the Astros will find an alternative option. Regardless, he shouldn’t be anywhere near fantasy rosters.

National League

▶ Strong Plays

Nolan McLean, Mets, RHP (vs. Twins, vs. Rockies)

McLean has looked like the dominant force that fantasy managers were hoping that he would be, compiling a 2.28 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and a 28/8 K/BB ratio over 23 2/3 innings through his first four starts. Now he gets to make a pair of starts at home, one of them against one of the worst offenses in baseball. The Twins have been crushing everyone as of late, but I still like McLean’s chances of earning a victory in that one as well. He should obviously be started in all leagues every week, and this strong two-step is no exception. The only thing that can hold him back this week is the continued lack of run support from the Mets’ offense.

Shota Imanaga, Cubs, LHP (vs. Phillies, at Dodgers)

Imanaga is throwing the ball as well as anyone in the league right now, with a 2.45 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and a 31/5 K/BB ratio across 22 innings through his first four starts. The Phillies’ offense has started to show signs of life – against right-handed pitching – they still rank among the four worst teams in baseball with a .560 OPS against left-handers. The Dodgers are at the other end of the spectrum, with the best offense against southpaws right now (.870 OPS). Despite the tough second matchup, you simply can’t sit Imanaga for a two-start week with the way he’s pitching right now, especially with the strong matchup against the Phillies to start the week. It’s also possible, depending on when Matthew Boyd slides back into the rotation, that Imanaga winds up getting pushed back from that second start and avoids the Dodgers entirely. He should be started with confidence in all leagues.

Bryce Elder, Braves, RHP (at Nationals, vs. Phillies)

We all know that a correction is coming at some point, but it’s hard to argue against what Elder has been able to do through his first four starts. He holds an outstanding 0.77 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a 23/7 K/BB ratio over 23 1/3 innings of work. The increase in strikeouts is particularly intriguing and most of the metrics under the hood support his strong start. If you have him rostered, you have to use him for this two-start week with how well he’s throwing the ball right now. Just understand that a ratio correction will be coming at some point – and that could be over the weekend against the Phillies.

Chad Patrick, Brewers, RHP (at Tigers, vs. Pirates)

Patrick has pitched well in four appearances (three starts) this season, posting a 0.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 9/7 K/BB ratio over 19 innings. I’m not concerned about the lack of strikeouts as he punched out better than a batter per inning during the 2025 campaign. He’s coming off of his best and longest start of the season, firing 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Blue Jays. The matchups look to be in his favor as well this week. There’s really no reason that Patrick should be sitting on benches or languishing on the waiver wire, even in the most shallow of formats. He should be started in 100% of leagues this week.

Michael McGreevy, Cardinals, RHP (at Marlins, vs. Mariners)

The only thing that has been lacking for McGreevy through his first four starts has been strikeouts, with just 12 punchouts in 21 2/3 innings. He has posted a scintillating 2.49 ERA and 0.83 WHIP and looks like an emerging ace for a Cardinals’ staff that desperately needs it. The matchups this week both look great on paper, taking on the Marlins in Miami before finishing up with the Mariners at home. Wins are always going to be tough to come by with the Cardinals’ offense backing him, but make no mistake, McGreevy is legitimately a strong option in all formats this week.

▶ Decent Plays

Max Meyer, Marlins, RHP (vs. Cardinals, at Giants)

So far, so good for Meyer through his first four starts – registering a 4.12 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 20/9 K/BB ratio across 19 2/3 innings. While that’s probably not good enough for weekly use during single start weeks, it absolutely puts him in play when he’s scheduled to start twice. Fortunately for the upcoming week, he does so and gets a pair of terrific matchups to boot. Expect double-digit strikeouts and a decent shot at a victory with minimal risk to your ratios. Meyer should be started in all leagues this week.

Jesus Luzardo, Phillies, LHP (at Cubs, at Braves)

To say that Luzardo has been a disaster through the first month of the season would be a massive understatement. The 28-year-old southpaw was drafted by most fantasy managers to be an ace or an SP2 and instead he has stumbled to a cringe-inducing 7.94 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 22 2/3 innings while losing three of his first four starts. The strikeouts have still been there, with 30 already on the season, but everything else has been terrible. The assignment this week won’t get any easier, as the Braves and Cubs rank fourth and sixth in baseball respectively against southpaws this season. At this point, if you’re relying on Luzardo, you have to trust the process and continue to roll him out there. The worst thing that you can do is sit him for a two-start week and miss out on a ratio correction and a large pile of strikeouts. The hope is that everything evens out by season’s end and he gives you something close to what you were looking for.

Aaron Nola, Phillies, RHP (at Cubs, at Braves)

It hasn’t quite been the full resurgence that even year truthers had been hoping for from Nola in 2026, but he has pitched decently overall, compiling a 4.03 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and a 24/6 K/BB ratio over 22 1/3 innings in his first four outings. The Braves have punished right-handed pitching this season to the tune of a .783 OPS – the third best mark in baseball. The Cubs have been middle of the pack, though pitching at Wrigley Field is never an easy task. The strikeouts have always been there for Nola and he shouldn’t have a problem reaching double digits during this two-start week. It’s the ratios that are at risk. I think he has shown enough to be trusted in 15-teamers and I’d probably be using him in most 12’s as well unless I had a cushion in strikeouts and was looking to protect my WHIP already.

Carmen Mlodzinski, Pirates, RHP (at Rangers, at Brewers)

I have been very impressed by what I have seen from Mlodzinski so far this season. In four appearances (three starts), he has registered a 1.77 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 20/8 K/BB ratio over 20 1/3 innings of work. The ERA estimators aren’t quite as good, but still show a solid 3.13 xERA and 3.61 xFIP. If he had neutral matchups, I’d be recommending him as a strong start in all leagues for next week. Unfortunately, the matchups aren’y great. Both the Rangers and Brewers rank in the top 6 in OPS against right-handed pitching and both starts will be on the road, where Mlodzinski is likely to be an underdog in each of them. If you’re looking to stream volume, he should be able to pile up some strikeouts and I don’t think he puts your ratios in any extreme amount of danger. His chances of securing a victory aren’t great though. In 15’s he’s still an easy start, in 12’s it would depend on what other options I had available at my disposal.

Reynaldo Lopez, Braves, RHP (at Nationals, vs. Phillies)

Lopez has pitched well through his first four starts for the Braves, compiling a 2.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and a 19/8 K/BB ratio through his first 20 2/3 innings. The 3.79 xERA and 4.37 xFIP hint that he’s been a bit fortunate in his run prevention thus far, but at a minimum he should be able to punch out double-digit batters over the course of the week and will have a decent shot at earning a victory in that start against the Nationals. The home start against the Phillies worries me a bit, but it’s not enough for me to sit him. I’d use him for sure in all 15-team formats and would probably go there in most 12’s as well.

Justin Wrobleski, Dodgers, LHP (at Rockies, vs. Cubs)

With the Dodgers currently employing a six-man rotation, the chances of getting a pitcher to have a two-start week at all are few and far between. When it does happen, you have to take advantage, even if it means that the first start has to come against the Rockies at Coors Field. Wrobleski has pitched extremely well through his first two starts, posting elite ratios and a pair of victories despite limited strikeout numbers. I’d be comfortable using him in all league sizes for this two-start week.

Rhett Lowder, Reds, RHP (at Rays, vs. Tigers)

Lowder has done a nice job through his first four starts with the Reds, posting a 3.52 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 15/7 K/BB ratio over 23 frames while picking up a couple of victories. His track record in the minor leagues hints at higher strikeout upside, we just haven’t seen it yet. This week’s matchups are neutral at best, as both the Tigers and Rays rank in the top 12 in OPS against right-handed pitching. He’s certainly worth a look in 15-teamers. In 12’s it would depend on what other options I had available.

Foster Griffin, Nationals, LHP (vs. Braves, at White Sox)

Griffin pitched very well in three tough matchups to start the season, then was working on a gem his last time out against the Pirates before giving up four runs with two outs in the fifth inning. Still, he holds a solid 3.05 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and a 19/7 K/BB ratio over 20 2/3 innings to start the season. The Braves have punished left-handed pitching this season to the tune of a .808 OPS, which is the only reason that I have Griffin listed in the decent options section instead of being a strong one. I do like his chances of earning a victory against the White Sox to finish the week though. I’ll be using him in 15-team formats without question. In 12’s, it depends on what other options I have available.

▶ At Your Own Risk

Chase Dollander, Rockies, RHP (vs. Padres, at Mets)

If you were ever going to try streaming a two-start option from the Rockies, this might be it. Dollander has looked very sharp in a bulk role out of the bullpen, posting a 3.32 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 23/6 K/BB ratio over 19 innings of work. He has even picked up a pair of victories. One of the starts being at Coors isn’t ideal, though the Padres rank just middle of the pack against right-handed pitchers. Working in a bulk role should increase his chances of earning a win and limit the overall ratio risk. That second start against the Mets in New York looks great on paper. I can’t fully endorse going here, but if you’re looking for volume in 15 teamers, you could do a whole lot worse.

Tyler Mahle, Giants, RHP (vs. Dodgers, vs. Marlins)

I’m not quite sure what to make of Tyler Mahle this season. He has always been someone that pitches well when healthy, but breaks down far too often to deliver long-term value for fantasy purposes. The problem is that he has been healthy through four starts this season yet has stumbled to a 7.23 ERA and horrifying 1.93 WHIP over 18 2/3 innings. The strikeout have still been there with 21 so far, but they have come against a league-high 12 walks and six home runs. I still think there’s enough talent here that he can turn things around and become a viable fantasy asset at some point this season, but trusting him to figure it out against the Dodgers seems like wishful thinking at best and gross misconduct at worst. I’d advise holding him and letting him figure it out on your bench, but I wouldn’t be streaming him this week.

Jake Irvin, Nationals, RHP (vs. Braves, at White Sox)

Has Jake Irvin pitched well through his first four starts this season? No. He owns a 6.16 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over his first 19 innings. If there any reason to expect him to pitch well during this two-start week? Also no. His 5.13 xERA and 4.66 xFIP aren’t what we’re looking for and his elevated strikeout rate this season doesn’t appear to be sustainable. If you’re desperate for volume you can go ahead and roll the dice. You and your ratios have been warned though.

Colin Rea, Cubs, RHP (vs. Phillies, at Dodgers)

I like Colin Rea as much as the next person and most weeks I would advise that he’s a viable streaming option. This isn’t most weeks though. The Phillies have been swinging the bats well as of late and no one wants to be rolling out their pitchers against the Dodgers in Los Angeles if they can help it. It’s possible that he dances through raindrops and delivers some value here, but I’d avoid the ratio risk and try alternative options if possible.

Jose Quintana, Rockies, LHP (vs. Dodgers, at Mets)

Our “Never Rockies” rule is in full effect on this one. Quintana holds a miserable 5.63 ERA and 1.88 WHIP through his first two starts for the club and now he has to take on the best offense in baseball at Coors Field to start the week. There’s no reason to try this one in any format, stay far, far away.

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2026 NBA Playoffs: Bracket, schedule, scores, matchups for first round including Lakers vs. Rockets

The NBA Playoffs are here! Finally, games every night with weight and meaning. No more tanking — or worse yet, the endless discussion about tanking. Just teams putting their best five on the court, diving deep into strategy, and going all out to win.

Here are the playoff brackets and updated scores — plus the times and where to watch anything — starting with the first round. This story will be updated through the NBA Finals. Here's what you need to know.

When do the NBA Playoffs begin?

The first round starts on Saturday, April 18, with four games. Play in the first round will potentially continue into May (depending on whether a series goes seven games). The times and dates for the second round and the conference finals have yet to be set.

When do the NBA Finals begin?

The NBA Finals tip off on June 3, with the first game set for 8:30 ET (broadcast on ABC) at the arena of the Finals team with the better regular-season record (Oklahoma City has the best record overall in the league and would have home-court advantage against anyone in the Finals).

NBA Eastern Conference, Western Conference playoff bracket

NBA Playoffs Schedule 2026

All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).

First-Round Games

Eastern Conference

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Orlando/Charlotte

Game 1: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit, Sunday April 19 (6:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit, Wednesday April 22 (7 ET, ESPN)
Game 3: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte April 25 (1 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 4: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte April 27 (TBD)
* Game 5: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit April 29 (TBD)
* Game 6: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte May 1 (TBD)
* Game 7: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit May 3 (TBD)

(2) Boston vs. (7) Philadelphia

Game 1: Philadelphia at Boston, Sunday April 19 (1 ET, ABC)
Game 2: Philadelphia at Boston, Tuesday April 21 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Boston at Philadelphia, April 24 (7 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: Boston at Philadelphia, April 26 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock)
*Game 5: Philadelphia at Boston, April 28 (TBD)
*Game 6: Boston at Philadelphia, April 30 (TBD)
*Game 7: Philadelphia at Boston, May 2 (TBD)

(3) New York vs. (6) Atlanta

Game 1: Atlanta at New York, Saturday April 18 (6 ET, Prime Video)
Game 2: Atlanta at New York, Monday April 20 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: New York at Atlanta, Thursday April 23 (7 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: New York at Atlanta, April 25 (6 ET, NBC)
* Game 5: Atlanta at New York, April 28 (TBD)
* Game 6: New York at Atlanta, April 30 (TBD)
* Game 7: Atlanta at New York, May 2 (TBD)

(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Toronto

Game 1: Toronto at Cleveland, Saturday April 18 (1 ET, Prime Video)
Game 2: Toronto at Cleveland, Monday April 20 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Cleveland at Toronto, Thursday April 23 (8 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: Cleveland at Toronto, April 26 (1 ET, ESPN)
* Game 5: Toronto at Cleveland, April 29 (TBD)
* Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto, May 1 (TBD)
* Game 7: Toronto at Cleveland, May 3 (TBD)

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) Phoenix/Golden State

Game 1: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, Sunday April 19 (3:30 ET, ABC)
Game 2: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, Wednesday April 22 (9:30 ET, ESPN)
Game 3: Oklahoma City at Phoenix/Golden State, April 25 (3:30 ET, NBC)
Game 4: Oklahoma City at Phoenix/Golden State, April 27 (TBD)
* Game 5: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, April 29 (TBD)
* Game 6: Oklahoma City at Phoenix/Golden State, May 1 (TBD)
* Game 7: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, May 3 (TBD)

(2) San Antonio vs. (7) Portland

Game 1: Portland at San Antonio, Sunday April 19 (9 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Portland at San Antonio, Tuesday April 21 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: San Antonio at Portland, April 24 (10:30 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: San Antonio at Portland. April 26 (3:30 ET, ESPN)
* Game 5: Portland at San Antonio, April 28 (TBD)
* Game 6: San Antonio at Portland, April 30 (TBD)
* Game 7: Portland at San Antonio, May 2 (TBD)

(3) Denver vs. (6) Minnesota

Game 1: Minnesota at Denver, Saturday April 18 (3:30 ET, Prime Video)
Game 2: Minnesota at Denver, Monday April 20 (10:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Denver at Minnesota, Thursday April 23 (9:30 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: Denver at Minnesota, April 25 (8:30 ET, ABC)
* Game 5: Minnesota at Denver, April 27 (TBD)
* Game 6: Denver at Minnesota, April 30 (TBD)
* Game 7: Minnesota at Denver, May 2 (TBD)

(4) Los Angeles vs. (5) Houston

Game 1: Houston at Los Angeles, Saturday April 18 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles, Tuesday April 21 (10:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Los Angeles at Houston, Friday April 24 (8 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: Los Angeles at Houston, April 26 (9:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
* Game 5: Houston at Los Angeles, April 29 (TBD)
* Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston, May 1 (TBD)
* Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles, May 3 (TBD)

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Looking back at the Sixers’ regular season meetings against Boston

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 1, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to begin their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. The Celtics are the odds-on favorite to reach the NBA Finals, so the Sixers are understandably huge underdogs to extend their season beyond the next four-to-seven games.

If there is any silver lining in this particular matchup, Philadelphia did fare reasonably well against the Celtics during the regular season, which we’ll examine a bit more in depth below. The two teams split the four games, each winning once at home and once on the road.

There are a few significant roster changes since those meetings in the regular season. For the Sixers, Joel Embiid is out indefinitely following appendicitis surgery; he appeared in two of the four games against Boston. Interestingly, Paul George did not play in any of the Boston matchups but will be on the floor for Game 1 in Boston.

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum made his season debut on March 6 following Achilles surgery, which came after the final meeting with the Sixers. He has rounded into form lately and looks like a fair approximation of his old self, scoring at least 23 points in seven straight games and playing a season-high 40 minutes the last time he took the floor. Nikola Vucevic also joined Boston at the trade deadline, since playing minutes in the low-20s off the bench for Boston.

Now, let’s take a look at the four meetings this season.

10/22/25 – Boston, MA – Philadelphia 117, Boston 116

The Sixers started the season on a high note, just edging out the rival Celtics on the road in the opener. Philadelphia received 40 points and six assists from Tyrese Maxey, while VJ Edgecombe had a historically great rookie NBA debut with 34 points. Joel Embiid was extremely underwhelming, scoring just four points on 1-of-9 shooting in 20 minutes in his first game since the previous February. The Celtics received 25 points apiece from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.

After Edgecombe missed a pair of free throws in the closing seconds (which hopefully didn’t end up spoiling his amazing overall performance), Payton Pritchard missed a couple shots at the end of the game to keep the Sixers in front.

10/31/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Boston 109, Philadelphia 108

Philadelphia was led by 26 points and 14 assists from Maxey. Embiid scored 20 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Edgecombe each chipped in with 17 points. Boston was led by 32 points from Jaylen Brown.

This game was the one where the Sixers had the ball with a chance to win it and didn’t even technically get a shot off before the final buzzer. Everyone came at Nick Nurse pretty hard for the late-game decision-making in what was the Sixers’ first loss of the season.

11/11/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia 102, Boston 100

This Sixers win was the most improbable result of the season series against Boston. Philadelphia was led by 22 points off the bench from Justin Edwards, who shot 5-of-6 from three. Andre Drummond, starting in place of Embiid, had 14 points and 13 rebounds. Jaylen Brown once again paced Boston with 24 points.

Oubre put back a bucket off an offensive rebound with eight seconds left to break the tie (ironically rebounding Edwards’ only missed three of the night). Then, Drummond played great defense to knock the ball away from Derrick White and force a wild shot in the final seconds.

3/1/26 – Boston, MA – Boston 114, Philadelphia 98

Here we have the only stinker of the four regular season meetings. Without Embiid and George, Maxey and Edgecombe led the offensive charge with a combined 56 points. Still, the defensive effort was lacking and there was no fight on the glass, most emphasized by Neemias Queta collecting 27 points and 17 rebounds. Jaylen Brown tied for team-high honors with 27 points of his own.

This game represents the realistic downside scenario for the Sixers in the postseason. Boston can spread the Sixers out and if Philadelphia’s defensive rotations aren’t crisp and the work on the glass is a problem, as it often has been, things could get away from them in a hurry.

Overall, there are encouraging signs from these games for the Sixers. The obvious one is that they are going to need a huge series from their starting backcourt. Both Maxey and Edgecombe had some very solid outings against Boston this year. Of course, Joel Embiid being sidelined is a gargantuan blow, but at the very least, the Sixers can go in with the knowledge that they’ve beaten Boston once this year without Joel and once when he had probably a negative impact on the court. Jayson Tatum is a much, much better player than Paul George at this stage of their careers, but everyone brings up “the Celtics now have Tatum” without mentioning “the Sixers now have George” in this matchup. PG has been great since returning from suspension and should at least be a big help in guarding either Brown or Tatum on the wings.

I don’t think the Sixers without Embiid have any real shot of getting past Boston in the first round, but I believe they could provide some fun moments and keep things competitive in extending this series to six games.

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Angels' World Series hero and taciturn slugger Garret Anderson dies at 53

FILE - Former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson throws the ceremonial first pitch after he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame during ceremonies before a baseball game between the Angels and the New York Yankees in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)
Former Angels outfielder Garret Anderson throws the ceremonial first pitch after he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame during ceremonies in Anaheim on Aug. 20, 2016. (Reed Saxon/AP)

Garret Anderson, the often misunderstood and always lethal Angels slugger who starred in the 2002 World Series, has died of a heart attack. He was 53.

Anderson's most memorable moment was belting a decisive three-run double in Game 7 of the only World Series ever played by the Angels. Yet consistency over 17 seasons — 15 with the Angels and one each with the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves — was the hallmark of the taciturn left fielder.

“The Angels Organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” owner Arte Moreno said Friday in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series Championship.

"Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable."

Nicknamed "G.A.," Anderson is the Angels leader in games (2,013), at-bats (7,989), hits (2,368), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489) and runs batted in (1,292). And he achieved it all without fanfare.

"Garret didn't seek the limelight," said Mike DiGiovanna, The Times' Angels beat writer throughout most of Anderson's career. "A classic lunch-pail guy. He was a superstar, he just didn't act like it."

Fans occasionally booed Anderson for a perceived lack of hustle. He didn't dive for fly balls and on rare occasions failed to run hard when he hit a ground ball.

Read more:Anderson's Even Keel Is Anchor for Angels

His teammates, however, backed him without hesitation, saying he was one of the smartest players in baseball and made the game look easy through hard work.

“He doesn’t dive for balls because he gets there quicker than most guys,” center fielder Darin Erstad said in 2003.

Fans cheered in shock when Anderson made a diving catch against the Minnesota Twins in 2002.

“But, see, that’s what I’m talking about,” he said. “I never should have had to dive for that ball. I got a bad jump. I study hitters. I have an idea of where the ball is going. I don’t dive because I don’t have to.”

Anderson's understated demeanor fit well in an Angels clubhouse stocked with young, rowdy personalities.

“We have so many emotional guys on this team, Garret is a calming force,” teammate Tim Salmon said in 2003. “He’s criticized for a lack of emotion, but I think it’s good.”

For his part, Anderson possessed a wry sense of humor and wasn't above poking fun at himself.

“Interesting,” he told The Times Bill Plaschke with a faint smile. “I used to be called lazy. Now that we win a World Series, I’m called graceful.”

Read more:Davey Lopes, part of Dodgers' historic infield and World Series winner, dies at age 80

After Anderson retired in 2010, he worked as a television analyst for the Angels.

Garret Joseph Anderson was born June 30, 1972, in Los Angeles. He attended Granada Hills Kennedy High, where he starred in baseball and basketball. He remained close to his baseball coach, Manny Alvarado.

“I’ve lost a handful, some of them at a young age, but this one we had a relationship for a long time," Alvarado said Friday. "I have a ton of memories, some of them from day one and some just recently. The one thing that comes to mind he was kind of an old soul. A lot of major leaguers have a lot to learn from him.

"He was very humble and always picked up the phone. He made it to a lot of alumni games, was very generous."

Anderson was drafted in 1990 by the Angels in the fourth round and made his major league debut July 27, 1994. vs. Oakland before going on to become one of the most productive players in franchise history.

Anderson had a stretch of eight consecutive seasons appearing in at least 150 games for the Angels and played in at least 140 games in 11 of his 17 Major League seasons. He was inducted into the Angels' Hall of Fame in 2016.

"Teammates and fans came to appreciate him for his consistency," DiGiovanna said. "He was like a metronome."

Read more:Shaikin: The Angels ran L.A. early this century. The Dodgers do now. Our all quarter-century teams!

In addition to his World Series Game 7 heroics, Anderson batted .300 with four doubles, two home runs and 13 RBIs during the 2002 postseason. He finished fourth in American League Most Valuable Player voting that year.

In 2003, he became the first player since Cal Ripken Jr. to become both the Home Run Derby champion and MVP of the All-Star Game. Anderson batted .293 with 287 home runs in his career.

His final season came with the Dodgers in 2010. At age 38 he batted only .181 but provided a settling influence on young Dodgers stars Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.

The Angels will honor Anderson by wearing a memorial patch on their jerseys the rest of the season. There will be a moment of silence and a tribute video before Friday's game.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey and son Garret "Trey" Anderson III.

Times staff writers Eric Sondheimer and Bill Shaikin contributed to this story.
 

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Coventry City promoted to Premier League after 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers – as it happened

Bobby Thomas’s header guided Coventry to the promised land and denied a spirited Rovers

The teams take to the field at Ewood Park. It’s all Coventry, the Jolly Boating song ringing out. It’s a bit more sparse in the home end, despite efforts from those in Warwickshire to get hold of tickets. The hill behind the Darwen End may well be full of Sky Blue, too.

Frank Lampard’s advice to his players: “Stay calm in your heads but not in your legs.”

Continue reading...
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Yankees series preview: Not a team you want to face during a losing streak

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a home run in the first inning during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium on April 16, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Royals have stumbled out to a 7-12 start and are winless on this road trip as they travel to the Bronx. The Yankees are always expected to be one of the top teams to contend for a title, although a championship has eluded them now for 16 seasons. They got off to a great start this year, but have dropped seven of their last nine, including getting swept by the Rays.

Kansas City Royals (7-12) vs. New York Yankees (10-9) at Yankee Stadium, New York, NY

Royals: 3.42 runs scored/game (26th in MLB), 4.16 runs allowed/game (12th)

Yankees: 4.53 runs scored/game (13th), 4.00 runs allowed/game (8th)

Only four teams have hit more home runs than the Yankees this year, and 15 of their 23 home runs have come at home. They also have the second-highest walk rate in baseball. Aaron Judge is tied for the most home runs in baseball with eight. He’s a .325/.416/.663 with 16 home runs in 43 career games against the Royals. He is hitting just 3-f0r-21 with 11 strikeouts against Michael Wacha though.

Trent Grisham hit just .182/.303/.348 against lefties last year. Austin Wells hit .208/.259/.403 in the second half last year. Shortstop Anthony Volpe is out with a shoulder injury, replaced by José Caballero, who stole 49 bases last year. Giancarlo Stanton is just 4-for-29 (.138) over his last nine games, although he homered yesterday against the Angels.

The Yankees are without Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Gerrit Cole due to injury, and the Royals will miss Max Fried this series. But Cam Schlittler leads all pitchers in fWAR so far this year, tossing 13.2 scoreless innings to start the season. He had made just 18 career MLB starts, but has a 2.85 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 94.2 innings. He throws a 97 mph four-seamer that opponents are hitting just .161 against this year.

Will Warren has only pitched into the fifth inning once in his first four starts. Lefties hit .266/.350/.436 against him last year. He relies a lot on a sinker and sweeper, generating a 56 groundball rate so far this year.

The Yankees acquired lefty Ryan Weathers from the Marlins for four minor leaguers last winter. He has pitched in parts of the last five seasons, but has never made more than 20 starts in a year. Injuries limited him to just eight starts last year, and he posted a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. In his last start against the Angels, nine of the 10 balls in play against were flyballs sent at least 295 feet.

The Yankees’ bullpen has a 4.13 ERA and they have four blown saves already. David Bednar is tied for the AL lead with five saves, but he has given up a run in four of his last six outings. Fernando Cruz had a 36 percent strikeout rate last year, seventh-highest for a pitcher with at least 30 innings. Tim Hill had a 64.8 percent ground ball rate last year.

The Royals are coming off getting swept and are in bad need of some early wins. Yankee Stadium is a tough place for that, but the smaller dimensions of the ballpark may get the bats going. The Royals need to at least grab a win, and maybe two, or else they will return home Monday finding their season in a deep hole.

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“Come Back Stronger”: Alex DeBrincat Challenges Red Wings To Respond Next Season

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While 16 teams are preparing for battle in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings were once again left cleaning out their lockers at Little Caesars Arena after another disappointing finish.

Despite being tied for first overall in the Eastern Conference in late January, the Red Wings stumbled to a 9-15-5 record during the final 29-game stretch of their centennial campaign, seeing their playoff cushion disappear and ultimately be eliminated from postseason competition last Saturday. 

It marks the 10th consecutive season of no postseason hockey in Detroit, not only the longest drought in team history, but now officially the longest active drought in the NHL. 

Forward Alex DeBrincat, who scored 41 goals, the most by any Red Wings forward since Marian Hossa in 2008-09, explained that the club needed to channel the disappointment they're currently feeling and use it as fuel for next season. 

“Over the summer, we need to bottle up what this feels like and come back stronger,” DeBrincat said. “I think, I feel like we’ve said that the past couple of years, but overall, I think we played good hockey for, you know, 3/4 of the season and put ourselves in a great spot, had confidence. We were coming to the rink ready to play and confident we could beat any team in the League for a long time there." 

Not long after the resumption of the schedule following the Olympic break, the Red Wings suffered a 4-3 OT loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on March 4, a game in which they led 3-1 in the third period.

What followed was a series of costly losses, perhaps the most damaging of which was a stunning 4-3 regulation setback against the Florida Panthers. Detroit led 3-2 with 90 seconds left, only to see the Panthers knot the score and then score the go-ahead goal with just 14 seconds left. 

While they eventually rebounded with two straight wins over the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens at home, they dropped four of their next five, all against opponents they were jockeying for playoff position against. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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“And that kind of slipped," DeBrincat said of Detroit's lead in the standings. "I don’t know exactly when it slipped or what happened, but then you see the mental side of the game come in, and we feel defeated, and you can see it. We need to find a way to work hard every game to the end of the season."

Following the aforementioned 5–3 loss to the Devils last Saturday that sealed Detroit’s playoff fate, the Red Wings earned a point with a third-period comeback against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. However, they then sleepwalked through an 8–1 loss in their regular-season finale against the Panthers—their largest margin of defeat all season and the most goals the club has surrendered since November 2022. 

"I think our last game was probably one of the most embarrassing games I’ve played in myself," DeBrincat said of their lopsided loss. "Everyone, it seems like, we weren’t working hard, and I know it didn’t mean anything, but you could kind of see that creep into our game during that last bit. Very frustrating.”

Red Wings Lock in Depth Forward with One-Year Contract Extension Red Wings Lock in Depth Forward with One-Year Contract Extension The Detroit Red Wings have announced a one-year contract extension for depth forward John Leonard, who appeared in multiple contests this season in what was his first campaign with the organization.

DeBrincat is set to enter the final season of a four-year deal he signed shortly after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators during the 2023 offseason, but the Farmington Hills, Michigan, native reiterated that he feels comfortable playing in his hometown. 

“I love it here. I think we’re still a little far away from even having those conversations, but yeah, this is my home,” said DeBrincat. “I’ve loved every bit of playing here, but I think at the end of the day, it’s a business, so we’ll see what they want to do. But yeah, I love it here.

“I think this is a team I want to be a part of for a long time, and I think everyone knows that. I want to be a big part of changing the culture, and obviously, we’ve done a little bit of that, but there’s still work to do.”

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Rockets vs Lakers Same-Game Parlay for Saturday's NBA Playoffs Game 1

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Kevin Durant and LeBron James headline the upcoming first-round matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Regardless of your fandom, don’t sleep on this Round 1 rumble. You’ll miss KD and LeBron when they’re gone, and in honor of this Hall of Fame pairing, my Rockets vs. Lakers predictions for Saturday’s series opener lean on both superstars.

Here are my best NBA picks for April 18.

Our best Rockets vs Lakers SGP for Game 1

Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, oddsmakers aren’t giving the Los Angeles Lakers much of a shot in Round 1.

That said, if there was a game in which L.A. would show up, Saturday is it. Los Angeles is rested and ready for the Rockets, and LeBron always plays his best in the opener. The Houston Rockets' young stars could be a bit tight, having to start the playoffs on the road.

Kevin Durant hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. He was a beast in the home stretch, averaging more than 27 points in the final 13 games of the regular season. His projections sit as high as 27+ points for Game 1 against a broken L.A. rotation.

Fading LeBron James’ assist prop is kind of a nod toward his scoring prowess. The Lakers' supporting roles are terribly inconsistent, especially against a good defense like Houston. James has been dishing out the dimes with Luka out, but he’ll have to carry this team with scoring in Game 1.

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Buffalo Sabres return to NHL playoffs for first time since 2011. Get tickets

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson (L) and Pittsburgh Penguins icon David Pastrnak are meeting in the first round of the NHL Playoffs.

The drought is officially over.

After a 15-year absence from the NHL playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres are returning to the postseason in a big way.

With a sparkling 50-23-9 record and first-place Atlantic finish, Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have home-ice advantage against Jeremy Swayman and David Pastrnak’s Boston Bruins in the best-of-seven first round.

Their four hypothetical home games are scheduled to take place:

Game OneSunday, April 19
7:30 p.m.

Game TwoTuesday, April 21
7:30 p.m.

Game FiveTuesday, April 28
TBD

Game SevenSunday, May 3
TBD

If you’d like to be there to root yourself hoarse for the Blue and Gold live, tickets are available for all high-stakes showdowns.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for any of the four games in Buffalo was $360 including fees on StubHub.

Prices for games at Boston’s TD Garden start at $176 including fees.

In the off-chance you’ve been living under a rock, Buffalo’s season took a turn in mid-December when they were made fun of on “Heated Rivalry” the club let general manager Kevyn Adams go and promoted Jarmo Kekalainen.

Once the move had been made, everything started clicking for Lindy Ruff’s gritty squad.

“It’s extremely satisfying,” Ruff said after clinching the Atlantic. “[These] last four months [have] been so much fun…you hope you get the team in the right place and become consistent, but these guys have exceeded my expectations.”

Over the course of the regular season, Buffalo and Boston met twice and split the season series. The Sabres won their most recent contest 5-1 on March 5 behind goals from Ryan McLeod, Alex Tuch, Josh Norris, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson.

Although we can’t predict what happens next, we do know the best way to experience this series is live because…who knows when the Sabres will be back in the playoffs?

Don’t miss this one.

For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about the Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins 2026 first-round NHL Playoff Series below.

Buffalo Sabres playoff home game tickets

A complete calendar including all announced Sabres home game dates and the best prices on tickets can be found here:

Buffalo Sabres home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game One
Sunday, April 19		$501(including fees)
Game Two
Tuesday, April 21		$365(including fees)
Game Five
Tuesday, April 28		$360(including fees)
Game Seven
Sunday, May 3		$437(including fees)

Boston Bruins playoff home game tickets

All Bruins playoff home game dates and the cheapest tickets available can be found below.

Boston Bruins home game datesStubHub prices
start at
Game Three
Thursday, April 23		$176(including fees)
Game Four
Sunday, April 26		$198(including fees)
Game Six
Friday, May 1		$204(including fees)

How to watch the Sabres and Bruins on TV

Fans hoping to catch Ruf’s rowdy roster on the tube can watch all first-round playoff games on ABC, ESPN and TNT.

Just make sure to review your local listings before tuning in.

If you don’t have cable, your best bet may be DIRECTV.

2026 NHL playoff schedule

Want to keep tabs on how the postseason is shaking out?

Check out the NHL’s 2026 Playoff Bracket here.

Huge concerts at the KeyBank Center in 2026

Not sure what to do once the final buzzer sounds on the 2025-26 NHL season?

The KeyBank Center has you covered.

The vintage and unhinged arena has booked a number of exciting acts to entertain audiences all summer (and fall) long.

Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live.

• Bryan Adams (Aug. 14)

• Zac Brown Band (Nov. 5)

• Zayn (Nov. 7)

• Sombr (Nov. 14)

• Andrea Bocelli (Dec. 11)

Want to see who else is Buffalo-bound? Check out this list of all the upcoming events at the KeyBank Center (which includes the NHL Draft) to find the show for you.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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The Jumbo Jack and Panda Express Plate promotions have returned

Jack in the Box Mascot at ChainFEST, the world's first gourmet chain food festival on December 1, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images) | Variety via Getty Images

Almost two seasons ago, I was watching a Dodgers telecast where announcer Joe Davis and play-by-play analyst Orel Hershiser commented about one of the two main food promotions associated with the Dodgers: the “free” Jumbo Jack with the purchase of a large drink at participating Jack in the Box restaurants, the day after the Dodgers strike out at least seven batters.

The banter included a call to action for a reporter like Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times to investigate the matter, with the acknowledgment that most serious reporters would not touch this story. I accepted the challenge because doing my own thing is part of my brand here at True Blue LA.

Sometimes we get investigative pieces about the Dodgers Gondola Project, sometimes we get travelogues about Japan, and sometimes we get silly little essays about “free” hamburgers and modestly discounted sugar chicken.

Life is just funny, sometimes.

Speaking of sugar chicken, the other major fast-food promotion is offered when the Dodgers win at home. The following day, at participating Los Angeles-area restaurants, one can purchase a discounted two-entree plate from Panda Express for $7. The cost of this promotion has increased by a dollar each year over the last two years, making it less of a solid deal.

As a fun aside, Panda Express is an offshoot of the Panda Inn, which opened in Pasadena in 1973 and elsewhere in southern California, before eventually spawning the fast-casual chain we all know today. Would I ever want sugar chicken but fancy? Probably not, but to each their own.

This season, I have finally taken measures to keep track, mostly in real time, of the Dodgers’ progress in triggering these promotions. There was an AM/PM promotion for a free hot dog (after the Dodgers steal a base), and there is a McDonald’s promotion for a “free” six-piece chicken McNuggets (with a $2 purchase) after the Dodgers score six runs. But these promotions have largely failed to capture the imagination of the fanbase, mostly because they seemed ill-conceived.

The people are not clamoring for a free gas-station hot dog or a convoluted way to get one of the better things on the McDonald’s menu. (Author’s note: the best thing is the Egg McMuffin — period.)

If anything, these promotions used to work outside of the Los Angeles area, even as far away as Tulare County, three to four hours to the north. Not anymore. Am I to blame for that fact? God, I hope not.

The status of the big two promotions

As you can see, the Dodgers have been humming along, churning out victories, discounted Panda Plates, and “free” Jumbo Jacks with aplomb. Last year, the Dodgers triggered the Jumbo Jack promotion 131 times out of 162 regular season games, which is roughly a 80.9% clip. Last year, the Dodgers won 52 out of 81 home games to trigger the Panda Express promotion, which is about a 64.2% clip.

So far, the Dodgers are at a slightly slower pace with the Jumbo Jacks promotion and a slightly faster pace with the Panda Express promotion, but the season is still less than a full month old.

To refer to Joe Davis’ original request, no one should be eating fast food every single day. If one were forced to, there are ways to make the Panda Express plate tolerable to your health (double teriyaki chicken, no sauce, vegetables — you’re welcome).

With Jack in the Box, it’s much harder to be healthier. Admittedly, you’re at a burger joint; the window for good choices closed as even less bad menu choices are not covered by the promotion, which is the only reason apart from sheer hunger than patrons should go.

Unlike other seasons, I am keeping a daily track to prevent the slog of sifting through box scores for a single statistic, which is anathema to joy. Speaking of anathema, Jack in the Box has gone through tough times like another fast food operators in recent years.

The company has had a colorful history, accidentally serving Australian horse and kangaroo meat in the early 1980s to marketing that was poorly timed with the Oklahoma City bombing in 1994. Does this downturn mean the Jumbo Jack promotion may go the way of Rax and other fast food restaurants swept into the dustbin of history? Who can say.

Still, if one lives in the Los Angeles area and wanted to take “advantage” of these deals, sooner would be better than later. However, given recent history, the Dodgers will likely trigger either or both of these promotions on a regular basis during the rest of the 2026 campaign.

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Game Preview: Booker vs. Curry in a win-or-go-home Friday night finale

Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) attempts to drive to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Who: Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors

When: 7:00pm Arizona Time

Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Prime Video

Listen: KMVP 98.7

So the season comes down to this. One game against the Golden State Warriors for the right to stay alive. For the right to earn the eight seed. For the right to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champions, and the best team in the league.

At first glance, it feels favorable. The Warriors limped to a 37–45 record and haven’t been playing their best basketball. But that surface read doesn’t hold for long. Because what they have can’t be measured in standings. They know who they are. They know how to win. The core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr has lived in these moments. Four championships together are unquantifiable. You saw it against the Los Angeles Clippers. Down double digits, they didn’t blink. They dropped 43 points in the fourth quarter and took control. That’s not luck. That’s experience.

So the record gets tossed. The late-season struggles get tossed. Because they have the one thing that travels in games like this. They have Curry.

For the Suns, it’s a shot at redemption. A chance to still reach the postseason after dropping the 7–8 game. No seven seed has failed to advance in the Play-In era. Phoenix doesn’t want to be the first. Standing in the way is a team that has given them problems, even if it’s been a while since they last met. None of that matters now. One game. One result. Season on the line.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

  • Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring Soreness)
  • Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Left Foot Soreness)

Warriors

  • Jimmy Butler III — OUT (Right ACL)
  • Moses Moody — OUT (Left Patellar Tendon)
  • Kristaps Porzingis — QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Soreness)
  • Quinten Post — OUT (Right Foot Injury Management)

Tale of the Tape

All of the statistics listed below are post-All-Star break.

SUNSSTATWARRIORS
13-14Record8-19
110.5 (28th)PPG112.7 (27th)
109.7 (5th)OPP PPG118.2 (20th)
113.6 (17th)OFF RTG112.9 (19th)
113.1 (13th)DEF RTG118.2 (22nd)
35.7% (18th)3PT%34.2% (25th)
43.2 (19th)RPG41.9 (22nd)
24.0 (30th)APG28.9 (8th)
8.4 (16th)STL9.2 (10th)
37.5 (30th)/49.2 (11th)PITP/OPP PITP48.2 (21st)/52.3 (22nd)
18.0 (13th)/16.4 (10th)PTS OFF TO/OPP PTS OFF TO19.1 (10th)/19.8 (26th)
36.6 (19th)Bench Scoring45.8 (6th)

What to Watch For

It starts at the point of attack for the Phoenix Suns. That’s been the issue for two months now.

If you can’t contain the ball up top, everything behind it gets stressed. It puts pressure on guys like Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro to protect the rim, and when they do, the defense collapses. That leads to kick-outs and open threes. Against the Golden State Warriors, that’s dangerous. They may sit 25th in three-point percentage since the All-Star break, but they’re 11th in makes. Volume matters. Give them space and they’ll make you pay. So while collapsing the defense has its place, it comes with risk.

On the other end, the Suns need to find the three-point line early. This is where their advantage lies. 18th in the NBA in three-point percentage since the break, Phoenix is 4th in makes at 15.0 per game. Golden State isn’t as long or as disruptive on the perimeter as the Portland Trail Blazers. That was Portland’s blueprint: keep Phoenix off the arc. It worked. The Suns didn’t hit their first three until midway through the second quarter.

That can’t happen again.

You want an early rhythm. Knock down a couple. Get the crowd engaged. Settle the building before the tension creeps in. Because it will. This is an elimination game. If the Suns fall behind, even briefly, that anxious energy will show up.

Key to a Suns Win

Control your emotions. You’re facing the Golden State Warriors, a group built on experience. They’ve lived in elimination games and understand the moment. They’re the more mature team.

The Suns are different. Phoenix is younger and more emotional. They’re in their emo phase, and my assumption is Fall Out Boy posters are all over their room. The team feeds off that energy, but it can swing on them fast. It needs to be controlled. Add Draymond Green into the mix, poking and prodding, and you can feel how this could tilt early. Don’t be surprised if a couple of technicals show up as officials try to keep it in check.

Devin Booker needs to show real leadership, especially the emotional kind. In a game like this, that means being the emotional beacon: the player who gives his teammates space to feel the moment while keeping his own emotions firmly under control.

We felt it on Tuesday, the way these games come in waves. There are runs and momentum shifts. The team that stays composed usually comes out on top. If the Suns are going to win, it starts there. Stay composed. Stay disciplined. Use emotion as a tool to impose your will.

Prediction

It hasn’t been a great track record against the Golden State Warriors this season, but I have confidence that this Phoenix Suns group has more depth. They can sustain scoring, keep pressure on throughout, and that matters against a team that isn’t elite defensively.

Because of that, I lean Suns. They find enough offense, they hold steady, and they get it done. Phoenix wins and moves on to the postseason. We have one amazing day of discourse before the reality of a matchup against OKC sinks in.

Suns 109, Warriors 101

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Martin Perez returns to Braves, opens Phillies series on mound

It’s been quite an eventful week for Martin Perez.

After allowing one run over five innings in the Braves’ 6-0 loss to Cleveland on Saturday, he was designated for assignment but elected free agency when he cleared waivers on Tuesday. However, he rejoined the Braves on a minor league contract Wednesday and was officially brought back to the Atlanta roster Friday morning.

That lands him right back where he was at this time last week, taking the mound the fifth spot in the Braves’ rotation as Atlanta kicks off a three-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies Friday evening.

Perez, 35, was viewed as more of a depth piece when he signed a minor league contract with the Braves in late January. As the injuries stacked up, though, his case for a roster spot grew and eventually came to fruition.

Now in his 15th major league season, Perez has largely been what Atlanta needed from a fill-in starter. In three games (two starts), he’s allowed five runs over 14 1/3 innings for a 3.14 ERA. He’s never really been a strikeout pitcher and has just six this season, but has managed well with a 0.91 WHIP.

Per Baseball Savant, he’s in the ninth percentile in whiff percentage and third percentile in strikeout percentage. However, he’s in the 87th percentile in barrel percentage and 83rd percentile in hard-hit percentage.

Atlanta will be looking for Perez to set the tone against Philadelphia as it looks to move back atop the NL East this season after a two-year lull. After the Braves had won the regular-season series against the Phillies each of the last four years, Philadelphia claimed the season series for the first time since 2019 last year, winning eight of 13 games against Atlanta on the way to its second straight division title.

The Phillies, though, have not been at their best early this season. They enter this series with an 8-10 record having lost three straight series, most recently losing two of three to Arizona and the Chicago Cubs at home.

They are tied for 10th in the league in home runs (20), but 23rd in batting average (.229), 22nd in on-base percentage (.309) and 18th in slugging percentage (.381).

It hasn’t been much better on the mound for Philadelphia. Without Zach Wheeler early this season as he nears a return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery which included the removal of a rib which he kept, they’re 26th in the league in ERA (4.92) and dead last in opponent’s batting average (.276).

While Cristopher Sánchez has picked up right where he left off (the Braves will see him Saturday against Chris Sale in a battle of the aces), a number of other starters have struggled in the early going. That includes veteran RHP Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36 ERA), who the Braves will face in the series opener.

Walker was hit hard in his first two starts of the season, allowing a combined 17 hits and 10 earned runs over 9 2/3 innings in losses against the Nationals and Rockies. But he may have found something last time out against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on four hits over five innings with a season-high six strikeouts and two walks.

He did allow one more home run in that win, though, running his season total to four.

Friday’s game will be the only game of the weekend with the local broadcasting crew of Brandon Gaudin and C.J. Nitkowski. Saturday’s game will be broadcast on FOX, and Sunday’s will be back on NBC/Peacock for the second straight week.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, April 17, 6:40 p.m. EDT

Location: Citizens Bank Ballpark, Philadelphia, PA

TV: BravesVision, Gray TV

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

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Knicks fans can hurl eggs at comedian in Hawks garb in wild NBA playoff stunt

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A young man in a blue

Knicks fans don’t have Trae Young to vilify anymore, but a new person will be getting the ire of the Madison Square Garden faithful on Saturday night when they host the Atlanta Hawks for Game 1 of the playoffs.

The Post has learned that there will be a stunt set up outside MSG where a comedian will be enclosed in a plexiglass case decked out in Hawks gear with a microphone to needle Knicks fans as they enter and leave the arena, beginning pregame at 5 p.m. ET and could last into the wee hours of the night

The stunt, put on by sports and prediction company Underdog, will include employees handing fans eggs and other projectiles to throw at comedian Andrew Weiss.

New York Knicks fans protest against the NYPD as they set up barricades to the Subway entrance after the Knicks’ win against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of Round 3, the Eastern Conference Finals. Angelina Katsanis

The Garden had not been notified of the upcoming stunt and is not involved. Parts of the sidewalks are public property, though they are maintained in part by Vornado Property Management.

A source told The Post that the Knicks had “no involvement” in this stunt.

NYC’s Street Activity Permit Office did not respond to multiple requests for comment about whether one was needed for such a stunt.

Win or lose, the comedian is slated to be there both pre- and postgame.

Knicks fans won’t need to target Trae Young any further. Angelina Katsanis
Outside of MSG will be some wild Knicks fans looking to settle scores with a Hawks fan. NBAE via Getty Images

Knicks fans are typically rather rambunctious outside the arena after playoff games, and their “F–k Trae Young” chants from the 2021 NBA Playoffs and beyond are part of Garden lore.

The stakes are notably higher this year. First-year Knicks coach Mike Brown’s group embarks on a massive playoff campaign in their first season without Tom Thibodeau.

The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals and took the Pacers to six games last season, falling just short of making the NBA Finals.

Fans will be on pins and needles as they head into the arena, and perhaps will have some scores to settle after the game as well. Weiss will need to be in top form either way.

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David Stearns talks causes of Mets' struggles: 'Urgency is not the problem here’

It’s been a tough week for the Mets. 

The club's offense has been stuck in a rut, as they’ve found themselves quickly falling to five games under the .500 mark in the midst of their eight-game losing streak. 

New York has been shut out three times, and they’ve scored just 12 runs over that span. 

“We haven’t played good baseball for the last week,” David Stearns said Friday in Chicago. “We’ve had a tough time scoring runs -- it’s a combination of we’re not hitting great and we also ran into some good pitching, and we need to play better.”

While the Mets have looked lifeless at times during this tough stretch, Stearns emphasized that urgency is not the problem. 

The inability to generate scoring chances has often led to them trying to do too much at the plate, which has led to them sitting among the league's worst in chase rate. 

“We’re trying to score runs,” Stearns said. “Sometimes you have to let the pitcher come to you, and that’s really easy for me to say and it’s really easy for me to watch a game and think that -- it’s a heck of a lot tougher when you’re in the box and want to make something happen.

“You guys have asked about urgency -- there’s plenty of urgency, there’s plenty of want -- sometimes that can lead to things like chase rate, unfortunately, but I think that ends with just one bases-clearing double. We’ve all seen that throughout our careers in baseball, and I think once we get that it’ll normalize.”

Even while they wait for that one big knock, Stearns feels good about the team he assembled.

“We believe in our players,” he said. “Fundamentally, we believe that we have good players who are preparing in the best way possible, who are working hard, and in my experience when you have players who care about the right things -- which our players do -- it leads to good results.

“Certainly over the seven-to-10 days we haven’t seen that, but we still have a long season to go and I’m confident that we will see it.”

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Playoff Preview: 3 Keys to Cavs beating Raptors

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 24: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 24, 2025 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a chip on their shoulders. Before they can prove anything of substance and go the distance, they need to take care of business as the heavy favorites in their first-round series with the Toronto Raptors.

Here are three keys to making sure that happens. All stats are via Cleaning the Glass.

1. Control the Pace

The Cavs have a talent advantage in this series. But talent can only get you so far. Winning on the margins is often what determines outcomes. If you lose the mini-battles, you lose the series.

For Cleveland, losing control of the pace would be the quickest path to destruction.

Toronto finished the regular season 3rd in transition frequency. They scored over 20 points per game off fastbreaks. They also generated the fourth most turnovers in the league. These transition opportunities are huge for a team that finished 13th in offensive efficiency.

In short, this series favors the Cavs if they can keep this game in the halfcourt. How do you achieve that?

Taking care of the ball is the first step. Cleveland finished the season 8th in turnover percentage and was even better (6th) in the two months after acquiring James Harden. This will be key as the Cavs ranked 11th in transition defense post All-Star break, but struggled heavily in scenarios created off turnovers, finishing 20th off steals.

Then there’s the double-edged sword of attacking the offensive glass. On one hand, offensive rebounds can wear a team down and slow things significantly. On the other hand, coming up short on an offensive board will leave your transition defense more vulnerable. The Cavs have to play this carefully.

The Raptors finished 1st in transition frequency off live rebounds. However, they ranked 19th in keeping opponents off the offensive glass. Cleveland was 11th in offensive rebounding percentage. There’s an opportunity for the Cavs to burn or get burned here. I’ll be interested to see how they approach this.

Either way, a slower pace benefits Cleveland. Expect the Cavs to make this their top priority in round one.

2. Trust the Math

There isn’t much in the world that everyone can agree on. We can, however, agree that three is greater than two, right?

If my math is correct, then the Cavs once again have an advantage.

The Raptors finished 25th in three-point frequency and 18th in accuracy this season. They are… not a great perimeter team. Aside from scoring in transition, the Raps primarily made up for their lack of shooting by attacking the paint (9th in rim frequency) and mid-range (6th in mid-range frequency).

This is exactly the type of style that Cleveland’s defense prefers to go against.

The Cavs have always worked to run opponents off the line and force them to score from the middle of the floor. Difficult, inefficient two-pointers are preferable to three-point jumpers. This has been the basis of Cleveland being an elite defense in years past. It will be their blueprint for round one, too.

Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes will try their best to beat Cleveland from the mid-range. They’ll likely even have a game or two where they are red-hot from that zone. But this is a gamble the Cavs are willing to accept. The math says that Toronto will have a hard time winning four out of seven games by scoring in the mid-range.

The Cavs will trust that even the most prolific scoring performance from the mid-range will be something they can overcome with their own three-point shooting. Let’s talk more about that in our next section.

3. Score, Score, Score

I can’t blame anyone who might feel hesitant to trust Cleveland’s defense. After all, we spent most of the regular season watching them either be banged up or struggling to play with consistent effort. I’ll grant you that concern.

But this team should pack a strong enough punch offensively to make everything else in this series moot.

Lineups featuring James Harden had an offensive rating of 120.9 (87th percentile). Add Donovan Mitchell next to him, and those lineups had a scorching 125.7 offensive rating (98th percentile). You’re banking on that being enough to overcome anything in this first round, even a top-10 defense.

For reference, the Cavs ranked sixth in offensive rating against top-10 opponents after the All-Star break. The Raps ranked 21st.

The problem-solving capabilities of Harden and Mitchell make this possible. They can punish you in isolation, through their pick-and-roll dynamism with Allen and Mobley, or by spraying the ball to any of Cleveland’s various three-point specialists. They have a solution to anything a defense can throw at them.

And while we know that the guards can fill it up, the potential for either Mobley or Allen to control the paint is just as dangerous. These two hit their stride in the back half of the season and will put a heavy strain on Toronto’s frontcourt to keep them from racking up dunks.

Finally, X-Factors like Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Keon Ellis, and Max Strus can swing the entire series with their three-point shooting. Either one of them can heat up in a hurry and deliver a game-ending run.

All in all, the Cavalier offense has all of the tools needed to be an extinction-level threat to the Raptors. This is their greatest advantage in round one.