The Philadelphia Flyers, for now, appear to have avoided an injury scare with goalie Dan Vladar as they look to finish off the Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Vladar, 28, has been the Flyers' MVP so far, posting a perfect 3-0-0 record with a .946 save percentage, 1.33 GAA, and one shutout.
As of now, the Flyers and head coach Rick Tocchet don't appear to be too concerned about their starting goalie's injury and subsequent absence from practice, and he was going to be kept off the ice anyway.
"It's more of a maintenance day. He was probably going to be off anyways, but he's a little banged up," Tocchet said to reporters after Thursday's practice. "Feels better today. That's all the information I really have."
Vladar suffered the apparent injury when a Penguins player landed on him in the crease, pulling the blocker off his hand in the process.
After a brief hold-your-breath moment with trainer Tommy Alva, Vladar ultimately carried on and finished Game 3, though he wasn't made available to speak with the media after the game.
Fortunately, the Flyers won't play again until Saturday night, so the Czech netminder will be afforded one more day of rest and recovery before it's showtime again.
If Vladar cannot play, the Flyers will presumably turn to Sam Ersson, who would be backed up by No. 3 goalie Aleksei Kolosov.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Josh Hart #3 & Karl-Anthony Towns #32 help up Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks head to Atlanta for Game Three with their First Round series knotted at one, still stinging from a Game Two fourth-quarter collapse. Although they led through most of the first two games, concerning (effort, mental) lapses and disconnect on offense have the alarm bells clanging. New York is still in command of the series, but falling behind 1-2 would make their lives more difficult and incite brain meltdowns across the fanbase.
Tip-off is 7:00 pm EST on Amazon Prime. This is your game thread. This is Peachtree Hoops. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Remember your manners. And go Knicks!
Apr 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Here are the NBA playoff games for Thursday, April 23, 2026:
New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors — 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
All three games tonight are streaming on Prime Video, so please keep that in mind! Enjoy the basketball!
NORTH PORT, FL- FEBRUARY 22: JR Ritchie #92 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins on February 22, 2026 at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming into today’s matchup, the Braves were coming off of a strong win but one where the bullpen was taxed after Didier Fuentes was removed after three innings – just a single day after Reynaldo Lopez struggled through a little more than an inning of work.
The Braves were looking for a hero – enter Battery Power No. 2 prospect JR Ritchie, who did just that. He not only limited the No. 2 offense in the league to just five hits and two runs but also giving the team much needed length as he navigated through seven innings while making a bit of franchise history.
JR Ritchie today became the first pitcher in franchise history to complete at least 7.0 innings while allowing no more than two runs and striking out at least seven in his major league debut. pic.twitter.com/4LBrBgX3We
What’s so impressive about JR Ritchie this season is that there is no formulaic recipe for success. If we take a look at his last start in Gwinnett (6IP 3H 0R 3BB 8K), Ritchie struggled with his fastball and slider command, his changeup was a non-factor against left handed hitters so he focused on his curveball and used it to not just get ahead, but put away hitters. This ability to recognize that a certain pitch isn’t working, and being able lean on another one shows maturity beyond his age and I’m sure was a reason that led to the Braves promoting him.
While Ritchie may not have a stand alone elite pitch – his ability to use any of his six at any point in time allows him to stay in control and lean on what is working best and we saw that immediately. After a grooved four-seam pitch that was deposited in the stands by James Wood, Ritchie immediately leaned on his curveball and changeup to quickly retire Luis García Jr., and regain composure on the mound. This confidence in being able to throw any of his pitches at any times allows JR Ritchie to be the one in command on the mound, allowing for good sequencing as long as the command is there. JR used the same pitch at least two times in a row just twelve times this game – again showing confidence not just his catcher and their game plan, but also in himself.
While his four-seam isn’t the strongest pitch, with an IVB of 13.9” and coming in around 94 MPH, his ability to command it in the upper third of the zone, as well as to all the quadrants is a great strength. Once he establishes that, he’s able to then either go with his slider or changeup, depending on the handedness of the hitters, before ultimately deploying his plus curveball that had a 43% whiff rate today. Let me say that another way – nearly half of the curveballs he threw (25) were swung at and missed. As if that weren’t enough, his changeup showed average to plus, and he also threw in a cutter (7), and sinker (4).
The best thing to happen out of today was that this kind of performance is absolutely repeatable for the young pitcher. There was nothing that stuck out from today’s game – this is exactly who JR Ritchie is as a pitcher. Nothing elite, but four good offerings, and two more (cutter, sinker) he can use when the occasion rises. JR lives in and around the zone with all six pitches, making for uncomfortable at bats because hitters can’t truly key in on a single pitch in any single at bat. He’s able to locate nearly each pitch to every single quadrant not allowing hitters to really hone in on a single pitch, in a single location. His ability to do that exact thing leads this author to say, hopefully this is the beginning of a very illustrious career for JR Ritchie.
Not exactly the way you’d want to win a game, but wins are wins. The Cubs blew leads of 6-2 and 7-6, but walked off the Phillies 8-7 in the 10th inning on Dansby Swanson’s bases-loaded hit. The Cubs have now won nine consecutive games and, at 16-9, are tied for first place in the NL Central with the Reds, who were idle Thursday.
Unfortunately, this good news is tempered by yet another pitching injury. Caleb Thielbar left the game after allowing a leadoff homer to Adolis Garcia in the ninth. Here’s the Thielbar news:
Thielbar left with left hamstring tightness, accd to Counsell.
So that’s probably an IL stint and who do the Cubs have left that they can call on? I’d guess Ben Brown will close games now, but the Cubs have to find someone to replace Thielbar on the active roster.
Anyway, that’s a topic for tomorrow. Let’s rewind to the beginning of this wild game, played on a gorgeous spring afternoon at Wrigley Field.
The Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the second on a solo homer by Brandon Marsh. The Cubs got that run back in the bottom of the inning. Carson Kelly led off with a double and took third on a single by Michael Busch.
That’s all the Cubs got in that inning, after they loaded the bases on singles by Matt Shaw and Miguel Amaya. Nico Hoerner hit into a force play at the plate and Alex Bregman popped up.
Leaving baserunners was going to be a Cubs theme again in this game.
The Cubs took the lead in the third. With one out, Seiya Suzuki and Kelly singled.
The Cubs got two more baserunners after the homer, singles by Swanson and Shaw, but stranded both runners. The Phillies got to within 4-2 in the fourth on a single by Bryce Harper, who advanced to second on a ground out and scored on a single by Marsh.
Ian Happ with his 7th home run of the season and 2nd to reach Waveland !! Was shorted on distance with the 429 estimation … Would have passed the yellow building on the fly at 450ft if not intercepted by my glove 😉 Cubs lead Phillies 5-2 in the 5th at Wrigley Field. pic.twitter.com/V5jdeS0azi
I put a check mark on my scorecard whenever there’s a really good defensive play. My cards this week have check marks all over them. Today, I made six of them for Cubs defensive plays.
The Cubs made it 6-2 in the sixth. Happ hit an infield single with one out and went to second on a single by Suzuki. Kelly was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
That lead looked pretty safe with Cabrera cruising. He allowed just three hits and two runs through six, and unfortunately, one bad defensive play led to a pair of Phillies runs in the seventh. With one out, Marsh homered for the second time to make it 6-3. A single by Bryson Stott and double by Alec Bohm put runners on second and third. Then Bregman made an uncharacteristic throwing error, allowing a run to score. and another one crossed the plate on a sac fly to make it 6-5, the last two runs unearned.
Cabrera had a nice game against a tough opponent, and the Cubs really teed off on Cristopher Sánchez, iwth 12 hits and two home runs off him, and six runs charged to Sánchez, the most he’s allowed in a game since last August.
The Cubs still led by a run when Hoby Milner entered to throw the eighth. Milner’s been very good, but not this time. He issued a one-out walk to Harper, who was forced at second. But then Milner walked Marsh, and Jacob Webb entered the game. Webb gave up an RBI single to pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa, tying the game, then gave up the third walk of the inning, loading the bases.
Webb struck out Justin Crawford to preserve the tie at 6-6.
You could tell something was wrong right away, possibly Thielbar landed wrong. As noted above, it’s “hamstring tightness,” which you do not want to get worse. I suppose we’ll get an update later today or tomorrow.
Martin then walked Kyle Schwarber, but got the next three hitters, including a strikeout of Marsh, to end the inning.
The Cubs got a one-out double by Moisés Ballesteros in the ninth (his second double of the game, man, that guy can hit!). He went to third on a ground out. The Phillies intentionally passed Bregman, but Happ flied to right to send the game to extras.
Javier Assad, playing whatever role the Cubs now need him to, entered to throw the 10th. He retired the Phillies 1-2-3 on only seven pitches, giving the Cubs a walkoff chance.
Happ was the placed runner. Suzuki was intentionally passed, the Phillies hoping Kelly would hit into a double play. Instead, he blooped a single to center, loading the bases with nobody out.
History was made with this walk-off win, per BCB’s JohnW53:
According to my extensive research, including checking contemporary newspapers of all games that the Cubs won by four or fewer runs before 1901, this was the Cubs’ 1,000th regular-season walk-off win since 1876, first year of the National League.
It was their 959th at home. They had 41 on the road back when the home team did not always bat first.
This was No. 902 of the Modern Era and No. 797 at Wrigley Field.
Not the way you’d have drawn it up, but a win is a win. Still, going 5-for-18 with RISP and leaving 17 runners on base isn’t going to win you too many games. Fortunately, the Cubs pulled this one out — and have won nine in a row with a whole bunch of leverage relievers injured. Hopefully, whatever’s up with Thielbar won’t be too serious.
The Cubs will head west for a tough road trip to Los Angeles and San Diego. The Dodgers just lost two of three to the Giants, so they’ll likely not be in such a great mood when the series opener happens at Dodger Stadium on Friday. Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs and Emmet Sheehan goes for L.A. Game time Friday is 9:15 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Apple TV (how to watch).
Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) is tagged out at second base by Minnesota Twins shortstop Brooks Lee (22) after being picked off first base during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
First Pitch (CT):6:10 PM TV: Twins.TV Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf /Audacy App Know Yo’ Foe: Amazin’ Avenue
The Mets were able to break their cursed 12-game losing streak yesterday, but the Twins still have a chance to take the series and put the Mets right back where they were at the start of this series: last place. Ace Joe Ryan is on the mound for Minnesota while New York will counter with Christian Scott, making his season debut.
Scott missed all of 2025 and most of 2024 with a torn UCL, but was a top 100 prospect prior to 2024. Prior to his injury, Scott’s sweeper was among the best in the minor leagues, but after missing nearly two calendar years, no one really knows how his pitches will play against MLB competition. Tommy John surgery isn’t the career killer it once was, but it typically still takes some time to get a feel for your pitches after returning. We’ll see if the Twins can capitalize tonight.
A few notable lineup changes:
Matt Wallner is out of the lineup vs a righty for the second time in the past four games. Austin Martin gets the start in his place.
Francisco Lindor was placed on the IL after leaving last night’s game with calf tightness. A big blow after just getting Juan Soto off the IL yesterday.
The Houston Rockets face an uphill battle tonight as they host the Los Angeles Lakers, who are confident and holding a 2-0 series lead.
To make matters worse, the Rockets will be without Kevin Durant once again, and that has seen the Rockets' spread shorten.
My Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks believe Rui Hachimura can be a difference maker for the Lakers on Friday, April 24.
UPDATE: Added new selections after Kevin Durant's injury news.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Rockets Game 3?
Rockets: Houston has enjoyed extra time to rest and reset, ironing out the offensive kinks in time for a win in Game 3.
The Rockets are still laying -6.5 on Friday, and while that may be a tad too much, Houston will get right.
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points (-110)
Rui Hachimura has quietly carved out a consistent scoring role for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the matchup sets up well for that to continue.
The Houston Rockets have shown a tendency to collapse into the paint, leaving corner shooters exposed — exactly where Hachimura thrives.
He’s already posted 13 and 14 points in the first two games while shooting 11-for-20 from the field, and most of that production is coming on clean, repeatable looks.
With steady minutes and a slight bump in available shots, this number is still a step behind his current role.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets may win this one, but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston, but I don’t think they're going to pull away.
The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players, and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He’s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn’t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers +6.5
Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Opportunity knocks for LBJ
Without Durant in the lineup, LeBron James should thrive as a scorer and take his opportunity to push the Rockets to the brink.
The Lakers keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, while the Rockets’ offense will finally find its way and top this ultra-low total.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers +6.5
Over 206.5
Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
LeBron James Over 23.5 points
Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 3
Spread: Los Angeles +9.5 (-110) | Houston -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles +320 | Houston -400
Over/Under: Over 205.5 (-110) | Under 205.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
NBA playoff totals of 206 points or lower have produced a 21-14 Over/Under record the past three postseasons (60% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
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Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) motions towards the net before attempting a tecnical foul free throw during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
There are still some steps left, but Lakers fans can start getting excited about Austin Reaves returning. Reaves has missed all of the postseason so far, but he is now listed as questionable for Game 3 against the Rockets.
He has been doing on-court work, but this is the first time he’s been upgraded to questionable since his last regular-season appearance against the Thunder back in early April.
Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 between the Lakers and the Rockets. pic.twitter.com/PUMfudAMh1
When it was discovered that Reaves had a Grade 2 oblique strain, the expectation was that he would miss the entire first round of the playoffs. However, entering Game 3, he is now one step closer to making an appearance.
To be clear, questionable doesn’t mean he’ll play, and he can still be downgraded to out later on. Still, it’s a positive development and an encouraging sign for the team. Reaves is, at worst, LA’s second-best player. The Lakers’ ability to win and be successful rises if he can play.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game for LA this season, making this a career year for the young guard.
If Reaves does come back this month, it means he recovered even faster than the typical 4-6 weeks it takes to do so from this injury. That would be amazing, but again, he’s not back just yet.
The fact that he’s already being listed as questionable, though, is a good sign that he is progressing well and will return relatively soon.
This is a testament to his work ethic and everything the Lakers’ medical staff has done to get him ready for playoff action.
During his absence, the Lakers have done an incredible job of stacking up playoff victories. They are 2-0 entering Game 3, having protected home court in the first two contests.
Still, to continue winning and find postseason success beyond the opening round, the Lakers will need Reaves and Luka Dončić to get healthy and come back.
The good news is that it looks like Reaves is close to doing that, and if LA keeps winning, perhaps Luka will soon be upgraded as well, and the Lakers can have a healthy team at some point during the playoffs.
NEW YORK (AP) — All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor was put on a the 10-day injured list by the New York Mets on Thursday, a day after straining his left calf, and manager Carlos Mendoza said “he’s going to be down for quite a bit here.”
Lindor was hurt Wednesday when the Mets beat Minnesota 3-2 and stopped a 12-game losing streak, their longest since 2002. Left fielder Juan Soto returned from a strained right calf that had sidelined him since April 3 and went 1 for 3 with a walk. Soto had missed 15 games.
Lindor labored around the bases while scoring from first on Francisco Alvarez’s one-out double. An MRI Thursday determined the strain was more severe than Soto’s.
“We knew right away with Juan that it was kind of the best-case scenario. He was going to be on the short side of things,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I don’t think we’re dealing with the same thing here.”
“One of those things where you start running and you know that your body’s not 100%” Lindor said. “Once I passed third base, I felt something. And after that, I knew that I’ve got something in my lower leg.”
Lindor grimaced as he rounded third and paused for a moment. He beat the relay throw with a feet-first slide.
“I was in pain,” Lindor said. “But you’ve got to score.”
Asked if he thought he would return this season, Lindor said “100%” and repeated it for emphasis.
“This kills me, not being on the field but I trust the trainers and I know they have good care here,” Lindor said. “I’ll be back I’ll be back. Hopefully sooner rather than later.”
This is just the third big league IL stint for Lindor, who missed the first 19 games of the 2019 season with Cleveland due to a right calf strain. He was sidelined 36 games in 2021, his first season with the Mets — due to a right oblique strain.
Lindor had elbow surgery following last season and missed most of spring training after surgery on his left hamate bone.
Bo Bichette moved to shortstop from third base for Thursday’s series finale against the Twins. The Mets recalled Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A Syracuse to take Lindor’s roster spot and plan to give him regular playing time at shortstop while Bichette continues to get used to playing third.
Mauricio, a longtime prospect who has struggled to reignite his career after missing the 2024 season with a knee injury, hit five homers in his last five games for Syracuse, including three on Tuesday.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame arrives prior to the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With two hours until the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway, there are a bevy of rumors flying around not just about your Arizona Cardinals, but about a number of teams heading into the draft.
Let’s check out the latest rumors and how that could impact the Cardinals.
The #AZCardinals will be staring at Jeremiyah Love vs. a trade back. Shades of 2023 when the #Texans came up to 3 for Will Anderson. Fascinating pivot point tonight. As for the #Titans, they feel good about a cluster of players so sliding back and still getting one is tempting. https://t.co/8sMipckoLd
The smoke on the Arizona Cardinals taking Jeremiyah Love continues to build, and the reality seems to be, if they do not get a deal they love, they will take the Notre Dame running back at three.
FWIW, I believe the Arizona Cardinals will trade pick #3 tonight, regardless of the pass rusher available.
I think there's a good chance the parameters of a deal are already done.
If they end up making the pick, I believe it will be Jeremiyah Love.
If they can't trade down, the Cardinals are right now who the league thinks for Jeremiyah Love."@PSchrags on the latest with Arizona at pick #3. pic.twitter.com/8SuJZx6fvA
This would probably be the best thing for the Cardinals. In DJ’s mock draft he has the Cardinals going down to eight and the Saints giving up their 2027 first round pick as well.
Brian Baldinger just said on NFL Network that he believes that the #Commanders will trade up for RB Jeremiyah Love 👀
Are the Cardinals doing a good enough job convincing people they will take Love that now teams are calling to check-in?
“Do the Cardinals feel like they need to leapfrog the Jets at pick #33?”@RapSheet with the very latest on QB Ty Simpson ahead of the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/H3ahygOU7Q
Are the Jets and others doing a good job of making the Cardinals feel like they need to overpay for a quarterback?
"There have been teams calling, trying to come up. If the Cardinals can get the right price, they would move out of three."@AdamSchefter on the #AZCardinals. 👀
SAN FRANCISCO — There’s no such thing as a “must-win” game in late April. Especially not for a team like the Dodgers, who entered Thursday with the second-best record in the majors at 16-8.
Still, after the Dodgers lost four of their previous five and faced a potential sweep at the hands of the Giants, LA manager Dave Roberts did his best to conjure some renewed urgency.
“We got to win today,” he said before the club’s series finale at Oracle Park.
Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow allowed one hit and struck out nine in eight innings Thursday against the Giants. AP
And in a 3-0 victory, that attitude was evident — both in the way Roberts managed and the way his team played.
On Thursday morning, Roberts shuffled his lineup, moving the slumping Kyle Tucker down the batting order. He also bypassed the temptation to give Shohei Ohtani a day off, despite his six-inning pitching start the night before. Roberts’ hope was that such moves would kick-start a recently scuffling season and salvage something from the end of a road trip in which the team had already clinched a losing overall record.
“I do think that it’ll turn,” Roberts said.
It did, just enough.
Though the Dodgers (17-8) didn’t exactly break out at the plate Thursday, Tyler Glasnow made sure they didn’t really need to, dominating over eight scoreless innings in one of his best starts with the team.
The lineup, meanwhile, manufactured offense when needed, tagging Giants ace Logan Webb with three runs over seven innings.
“Across the board,” Roberts said, “just a well-played baseball game.”
Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott handled the team’s first save opportunity since closer Edwin Diaz went on the injured list. AP
In both their rallies, the Dodgers relied on aggressive baserunning and improved situational at-bats.
In the second inning, Max Muncy walked, stayed out of a potential double play by running on a full-count pitch Andy Pages hit on the ground, then scored on Dalton Rushing’s RBI single.
In the fourth, Tucker snapped out of his slump by hitting a leadoff double. Muncy also doubled in the next at-bat to bring him home. Then Muncy scored on an aggressive send from third base coach Dino Ebel, who wisely tested Heliot Ramos’ weak arm in left field on an RBI single from Hyeseong Kim.
From there, Glasnow went into cruise control while protecting the 3-0 lead. After working around a walk in the first inning, he faced the minimum over the next seven frames, finishing with nine strikeouts and only one hit allowed (which was erased on a double-play ball) in what was the third scoreless eight-inning start in his MLB career.
And in the ninth, Tanner Scott handled the Dodgers’ first save opportunity since closer Edwin Díaz went on the injured list — ensuring that, on a day Roberts felt the Dodgers had to win, they did.
What it means
The Dodgers only went 3-4 on this Denver/San Francisco road trip but at least finished it with some confidence.
They are now one win behind the Braves for the most victories in the majors. They also denied the Giants (11-14) what would have been their first sweep in this rivalry matchup since 2023.
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman (center) and teammates celebrate the victory Thursday in San Francisco. AP
Who’s hot
Glasnow, who has looked increasingly impressive with each start this season.
On Thursday, the right-hander relied heavily on a sinker he has slowly reincorporated into his arsenal since coming to Los Angeles three years ago. He used the pitch almost half the time. It accounted for six of his 16 total whiffs.
“Some days the four-seam works, some days the two-seam works,” Glasnow said. “It’s just having another option to go to … It just [gives opposing batters] so much to cover. And then I can play my slider and my curveball off of those. So it’s really helped me out a lot.”
Indeed, Glasnow also mixed in the rest of his arsenal to effect against the Giants, retiring the final 14 batters he faced while matching his season high for strikeouts.
His ERA is now 2.45, after allowing just one run in 17 innings over two starts on this trip.
His only real regret Thursday? Not pushing to go for a first career complete game with his pitch count only at 105.
“I feel like I should have fought a little harder,” he joked. “But, yeah, that’s fine. I know we have a good ‘pen.”
Who’s not
Tucker got himself out of this category by going 2-for-4. A couple guys hitting in front of him, however, did not.
Teoscar Hernández suffered an 0-for-4 performance Thursday, punctuating a dreadful 2-for-24 showing on this road trip. His batting average is now down to .244.
Ohtani also failed to get aboard for a second straight contest, following his 53-game on-base streak. He struck out twice in an 0-for-5 that dropped his season average to .245.
“He’s expanding down,” Roberts said of Ohtani. “It’s just really hard to slug on balls at the bottom of the zone, and that’s what he’s doing. If we can get him back at the belt and swing at those balls, you’ll see the production.”
Up next
There’s no off day for the Dodgers this week. They return home Friday to open a weekend series with the Cubs, continuing a stretch of 13 games in a row. Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85 ERA) will start against right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA).
It's often said that in a best-of-seven series, you're never really in trouble until you lose a game at home. But it can also be said that if you're down 0-2, it forces you to go 4-1 in the final five games.
That second statement sounds a lot like trouble.
But if there's a team this season that's shown the resilience needed to pull that off, it's the Ottawa Senators.
The series shifts to Ottawa for Game 3 on Thursday night, where the crowd will be loud, and their All Heart, AllIn rally towels will be waving.
The Senators announced at their game day skate that they've swapped out a pair of their depth defensemen for Game 3.
Tyler Kleven is well enough to play after taking an early-April puck to the face in a game against the Buffalo Sabres. After skating for almost a week now, he'll take Dennis Gilbert's spot while Ottawa native Cam Crotty plays in his first NHL playoff game, subbing in for Lassi Thomson.
Here's the Senators' projected lineup:
Brady Tkachuk -- Tim Stutzle -- Drake Batherson
Ridly Greig -- Dylan Cozens -- Claude Giroux
Warren Foegele -- Shane Pinto -- Mike Amadio
Nick Cousins -- Lars Eller -- Fabian Zetterlund
Jake Sanderson -- Nikolas Matinpalo
Thomas Chabot -- Jordan Spence
Tyler Kleven -- Cameron Crotty
Linus Ullmark
James Reimer
If Ottawa gets a lead, this alignment probably won't change much. If Carolina gets the lead and the Sens are suddenly staring at the possibility of being down 0-3 in the series, then everything is on the table, including a very short bench.
Because a loss will all but end their season. NHL teams that take a 3-0 series lead have a tidy 209-4 record.
As a sidebar, if you're going to the game, there's a decent chance that Sens veteran Claude Giroux or one of his kids put the towel on your seat.
All hands on deck!
The Giroux’s and their teammates came out and helped fill the stands with #Sens@FullscriptHQ rally towels for tonight’s game!
Feb 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit:...
Austin Reaves could make his return to the court during the Lakers’ playoff series against the Rockets. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Reaves has been seen shooting after practices over the last week, including after Thursday’s practice at the team’s practice facility before the team left for Houston.
Thursday marked three weeks since Reaves suffered the oblique injury, which usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal.
When asked about Reaves’ progress Thursday, coach JJ Redick said: “The progression is going.”
Reaves averaged a career-high 23.3 points to go with 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in a career-low 51 games after missing significant time in December and January because of a calf strain.
He has a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27 that he’s expected to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason with the expectation of a significant pay raise.
The Lakers are up 2-0 in their playoff series against the Rockets.
Rockets star Kevin Durant is questionable for Game 3 because of a sprained left ankle. Durant missed Game 1 because of a right knee contusion.
Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Christian Scott (46) pitches during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Bo Bichette – 3B Juan Soto – DH Francisco Alvarez – C Luis Robert – CF Brett Baty – RF Mark Vientos – 1B Marcus Semien – 2B Ronny Mauricio – SS Carson Benge – LF
Christian Scott – RHP
Twins lineup
Byron Buxton – CF Trevor Larnach – LF Josh Bell – DH Ryan Jeffers – C Kody Clemens – 1B Austin Martin – RF Luke Keaschall – 2B Brooks Lee – SS Tristan Gray – 3B
Joe Ryan – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 13: Thomas Haugh #10 of the Florida Gators celebrates a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Haugh announced he’s returning to Florida for his senior season on Wednesday. It’s a stunning decision that positions the Gators as the likely preseason No. 1 in the polls and the favorite for the 2027 national championship. Highly-regarded teammate Alex Condon also announced he was returning to school, and fellow Gators big man Rueben Chinyelu is testing the draft process but did not enter the transfer portal. It feels more likely than not that Chinyelu will return to Gainesville alongside Haugh and Condon to reunite a key trio on Florida’s 2024 national championship team.
Haugh is expected to be among the highest earners in college basketball next season, with sources familiar with the decision projecting that he’s in line to make around what he’d earn in his first two NBA seasons combined if he’d been drafted in the top 20 in this year’s draft
To my knowledge, Dybantsa is the highest paid college basketball player ever, and it’s likely Haugh just surpassed him. CBS insider Matt Norlander speculated that Haugh will make at least $8 million at Florida next season based on Vecenie’s report.
Thomas Haugh might've been a top-15 pick. Instead, he agreed to an NIL deal that will pay "around" what he'd make in his first *two* NBA seasons, per @Sam_Vecenie. The means at least $8 million for one more year at Florida—making him one of the highest-paid college athletes ever. pic.twitter.com/kPXm1UTVG2
The 2027 NBA Draft is considered much weaker than the 2026 version. That means Haugh shouldn’t fall too far, right? I’m not quite sold yet. Haugh seems to have nothing to gain by returning to Florida, where he’s already won a national championship and proven himself as a decent 3-and-D wing. If NBA scouts already considered him a lottery pick, he probably should have gone to the NBA, because I think it’s highly possible his stock isn’t that high next year even in a worse class.
There were some red flags in Haugh’s draft profile this past season. He posted a 1.8 percent steal rate in back-to-back seasons, which is well below the 2.5 percent threshold scouts like to see as a baseline for athleticism. He wasn’t a particularly strong rebounder on either end, posting a seven percent offensive rebound rate, and a 12.3 percent defensive rebound rate, which are just average numbers. His outside shooting wasn’t that good either with a 32.6 percent stroke from three-point range on 178 attempts. His rim finishing was solid at 62.1 percent with 57.5 percent of those being assisted, but those numbers certainly aren’t spectacular.
Florida is probably going to be really, really good, and Haugh will probably do well in his role. But unless he shows something new in his game like Lendeborg did, it’s possible scouts get another look at his skill set and decide he never should have been a lottery pick in the first place.
Thomas Haugh’s biggest risk in returning is about his second NBA contract
The real money in the NBA is in your second contract. If a player is good enough, it makes any NIL money or rookie scale NBA deal look like chump change.
By returning to Florida, Haugh will now be 28 years old by the time he’s ready to sign a second contract after his four-year rookie deal expires. That contract will take Haugh into his early 30s. Compare that with projected top-3 pick Cameron Boozer, who is four years younger than Haugh, and will only be 24 years old when he signs his second deal and really cashes in with huge NBA money. Teams will always think a young player has more upside. By your early 30s, most players are already starting to decline.
Haugh’s decision could work out well. Maybe he shoots it better and improves his rebounding, and maintains his stock as a lottery pick as Florida marches through the bracket for the second time in his college career. Maybe the NBA is underwhelmed by the incoming class of freshmen and decides it is worth it to swing on older players higher in the draft.
Age is the clearest defining line in sports, especially as it relates to upside. To me, Haugh should have turned pro if he was really going to be a top-15 pick. Yes, the NBA will always be there for him, but that doesn’t mean it will definitely value him the same way.
Either way, good for Haugh for following his heart and his bank account by deciding to stay in college. The NBA is an unforgiving league, and next season should feel like a joyride for the Gators based on their talent and experience … at least until the single-elimination postseason starts.
It’s wild to think Thomas Haugh will make $8+ million next year. That’s about what Tre Johnson made as a rookie after being the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. NIL dollars are overpowering NBA money, at least in the short term. Haugh cashed in at a historic level.
Unsung Hero Noah Juulsen Giving Flyers Tough MinutesThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> only turned to Noah Juulsen due to injury, but the veteran journeyman has responded in an encouraging way despite coming into a tough spot cold.
