Meet Travis Bazzana, the Newest Guardian

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Travis Bazzana will make his debut at second base for the Cleveland Guardians tonight in Cleveland.

Bazzana is, as you may have heard from Australia. He was also, you may have heard, the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft. He played college ball at Oregon State, and has put up a 138 wRC, 24/17 K/BB%, 25/29 in stolen base attempts, with a .252/.391/.435 slashline.

His batted ball data and plate discipline metrics are very good, as outlined by Eli Ben-Porat on Twitter:

Thomas Nestico also has an excellent breakdown of Bazzana’s underlying metrics in the minors here:

Coming into this season, Bazzana was ranked 16th in MLB by MLB Pipeline, 22nd by Baseball America, 24th by Baseball Prospectus, 50th by the Athletic, 23rd by ESPN and 54th by FanGraphs. I hope Pipeline was the winner here, because then we will be, also.

I would say that having watched a lot of Bazzana, fans need to be patient as he adjusts to the big leagues. Be prepared for him to be too passive at the plate, initially, as he gets his feet under him. Be prepared for teams to attack him outside ALL the time until he proves he can lay off balls thrown out there and serve enough of the strikes into the opposite field with authority to earn himself some inside pitches to pull. Expect his defense to still be a little shaky, but hopefully a notable step up from what Juan Brito provided. Expect him to display a Jose Ramirez-type motor and enthusiasm for playing the game, as well as a good dose of competitive fire.

Welcome to the big leagues, Travis Bazzana! Everyone, prepare your Bluey catchphrases for home run calls when he hits one (“And that’s a nice parking spot, Rita!” “He gave that one a Whack-a-doo!” “That one will keepy uppy and outta here!”).

Penguins vs Flyers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NHL Playoffs Game 6

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  • UPDATE: Added a who will win & goal scorer prediction.

The Battle of Pennsylvania rolls on, with the Philadelphia Flyers getting another shot to send Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins home.

My top Penguins vs. Flyers predictions and NHL picks point to a cautious start, with both teams likely easing into a slow opening frame.

Penguins vs Flyers Game 6 prediction

Who will win Penguins vs Flyers Game 6?

Flyers: The Flyers are cruising along a 17-6-1 record while allowing just 2.21 goals per game dating back to the regular season, so the margin of error is razor thin for the Penguins. I don’t think Pittsburgh can generate enough offense to win a third consecutive game because I’m anticipating Philly solving Pens goalie Arturs Silovs in Game 6.

Penguins vs Flyers best bet: First period Under 1.5 goals (+100)

Goals have been at a particular premium during the first period of this low-scoring series. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins have only scored three timesin the opening frame, and the Philadelphia Flyers have been held off the scoreboard entirely.

So, while I initially leaned to the Under 5.5 (+100), I think this first-period Under is the better play because there’s always potential for an early goalie pull in an elimination game.

I also value the Pittsburgh goalie switch to Arturs Silovs. He’s sporting a rock-solid .920 save percentage with 1.75 goals saved above expected across his two starts.

Penguins vs Flyers Game 6 same-game parlay

While I do think Silovs will play well in Game 6, his body of work suggests maintaining a .920 SV% and 0.702 GSAx per 60 minutes is asking too much. He finished the regular season with respective .887% and -0.318 marks across 39 games, after all.

Additionally, while difficult to quantify, the go-to Penguins are far older than the best players jumping the boards for the Flyers. So, I expect the physical toll of the series to catch up to Pittsburgh in its third consecutive elimination game.

Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Philly defenseman Jamie Drysdale has quietly had a strong postseason and recorded two or more shots in each of the past three games while averaging a respectable 20:15 per night for the series.

Penguins vs Flyers SGP

  • Flyers moneyline
  • First period Under 1.5 goals
  • Jamie Drysdale Over 1.5 shots

Penguins vs Flyers Game 6 goal scorer pick

Christian Dvorak (+375)

This low-scoring series hasn’t been kind to goal scorers, so I’m eyeing Flyers center Christian Dvorak at a long price because he’s pacing Philly forwards in ice time and has recorded a respectable 1.49 expected goals and eight high-danger scoring chances without finding the back of the net in the series. 

In flier territory, he’s the Flyer to target.

Penguins vs Flyers odds for Game 6

  • Moneyline: Penguins +105 | Flyers -125
  • Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-255) | Flyers -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Penguins vs Flyers trend

The Philadelphia Flyers have won 17 of their last 25 games (+12.95 Units / 47% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Flyers.

How to watch Penguins vs Flyers Game 6

LocationXfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
Puck drop7:30 p.m. ET
TVTNT

Penguins vs Flyers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Where to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 5 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, April 28

The Boston Celtics will try to close out their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5. Boston won the past two games to take a 3-1 series lead. With one more win, the Celtics will advance to play the winner of the Atlanta Hawks-New York Knicks series. Boston is favored by 11.5 points in Game 5.

  • Spread: Boston Celtics -11.5

  • Moneyline: Boston Celtics -600 (81.8%) / Philadelphia 76ers +425 (18.2%)

  • Over/Under: 213.5

Game 1:Celtics 123, 76ers 91
Game 2:76ers 111, Celtics 97
Game 3:Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Game 4:Celtics 128, 76ers 96
Game 5: Tue., April 28 at Boston (7 p.m., ESPN)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30 at Philadelphia (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2 at Boston (TBD)if necessary

Mets place Kodai Senga on IL, recall Christian Scott

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 26: Pitcher Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets throws during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on April 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Heather Khalifa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ahead of their series opener against the Nationals on Tuesday, the Mets placed Kodai Senga on the 15-day injured list with lumbar spine inflammation and recalled Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse.

Senga came out of the gate strong this season. In his first two starts, the 33-year-old pitched 11.2 innings, allowing four runs (3.09 ERA) and striking out 16. But over his next three starts, Senga allowed 16 earned runs in just 8.1 innings (17.28 ERA). His average fastball velocity also dropped noticeably over the course of the season’s first month, falling from 97.4 mph on March 31 to 95.1 mph in his most recent start against the Rockies on Sunday. Senga’s IL stint is retroactive to April 27.

Scott started for the Mets on April 23 against the Twins, marking his first appearance in the majors since July 21, 2024. Scott did not fare well against Minnesota, lasting 1.1 innings while allowing a run on five walks and a hit-by-pitch. He was optioned back to Triple-A the following day, but is already back with the big league club before making another start in Syracuse.

The Mets are effectively operating with four starting pitchers — Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and now Scott — while Sean Manaea and David Peterson provide multi-inning relief out of the bullpen. It remains to be seen if one of those two left-handers will assume the role of full-time starter in the near future.

Philadelphia 76ers (1-3) at Boston Celtics (3-1) Round 1 Game 5 4/28/26

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Philadelphia 76ers (1-3)  at  Boston Celtics (3-1)
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
7:00 PM ET
First Round Game #5  Home Game #3
TV:  ESPN
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub,  97.5 Fanatic, Sirius XM
TD Garden

Officials: James Williams, Kevin Scott, Brian Forte

The Celtics look to close out their first round series as they host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 5. The Celtics lead the series 3 games to 1. The Celtics dominated Game 1 with a 123-91 win over the 76ers. The 76ers topped the Celtics 111-97 in Game 2 to tie the game at 1 game each. The series shifted to Philadelphia where the Celtics squeezed out a win in Game 3 108-100, thanks to late game heroics by Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum.

Joel Embiid returned to play in Game 4 just 17 days after having his appendix removed. The 76ers were expected to get a boost from his return and at first it seemed to be working as he scored the 76ers first 8 points and drew 2 fouls on Neemias Queta. But then, Payton Pritchard entered the game and had the best playoff game of his career with 32 points and the Celtics pulled away to win the game 128-96.

After their big win at home on Game 1, it looked like the Celtics would run away with the series and possibly sweep the 76ers. But then, they came out with a lackluster performance on the defensive end and shot just 26% from beyond the arc in Game 2 and lost by 14 points. They played better in Game 3 and squeezed out an 8 point lead in the final 5 minutes. Now, they are coming off a 32 point win in Game 4 and the danger is there that they may once again get complacent and allow the 76ers to once again out-play them at home in Game 5.

If the Celtics had one flaw this season, it was becoming complacent and allowing lesser teams to play harder than them. Along with Game 2 of this series where they slacked off and lost to the 76ers, of the Celtics 26 losses this season, there were several losses that were to tanking teams they should have beaten. These include losses to the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls. Hopefully they avoid that trap in this game and come out with maximum effort on both ends of the court.

Close out games are the toughest to win. The team that is up and trying to close out the series tends to play with the sense that they have 3 more games to close out the series and so they don’t play with the sense of urgency that they need to end the series. On the other hand, the team that is down knows that it is their last chance and if they lose they go home and so they play with a sense of urgency and desperation. we know that the 76ers will come out desperate and play that way to stay in the series. The Celtics need to match that effort and close the series out.

In NBA history, there have been 293 series that were tied 3 games to 1. Of those 298 series, the team that was up 3-1 went on to win the series 285 times. (95.6% winning percentage). But, there were 13 series where the team that was down 1-3 came back to win the series (4.4%) Those 13 teams included the 1968 Celtics and the 1981 Celtics. Both of those comeback wins were against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics are 32-0 when leading a series 3-1 while the 76ers are 0-18 when trailing 1-3 in a series.

One of the advantages that the Celtics have is their depth. In Game 1, the Celtics got 37 points from their bench while the 76ers got 27 points from theirs. Of course, there were about 6 minutes of garbage time in that game. In Game 2, the 76ers got 21 points from their bench while the Celtics got 20 from theirs. In Game 3, the Celtics’ bench put up 35 points while the 76ers got just 14 points from theirs. In Game 4, the Celtics reserves put up 57 points, led by 32 from Payton Pritchard, while the 76ers got just 24 from their reserves. It would seem that as the reserves go, so goes the game.

The Celtics come into this game with a clean injury report. once again. Derrick White injured his neck in the opening minutes of Game 3 but stayed in the game and played almost 34 minutes and seemed fine in Game 4 also. Jaylen Brown turned his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 3 but, like White, stayed in the game and seemed fine in Game 4.

For the 76ers, Joel Embiid returned from an appendix removal to play in Game 4. Recovery for an appendectomy is anywhere from 20 days to 5 weeks and Embiid returned just 17 days after having his appendix removed. He is listed as probable for Game 5 and will likely start once again. Kelly Oubre was questionable going into Game 4 due to due to right adductor soreness but he also played in Game 4 and is not on the injury report for Game 5.

Probable Starting Matchups
PG: Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey

Derrick White | Getty Images
Tyrese Maxey | Getty Images

SG: Jaylen Brown vs VJ Edgecombe

Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty Images
VJ Edgecombe | Getty Images

SF: Sam Hauser vs Kelly Oubre, Jr

Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty Images
Kelly Oubre Jr | NBAE via Getty Images

PF: Jayson Tatum vs Paul George

Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty Images
Paul George | NBAE via Getty Images

C: Neemias Queta vs Joel Embiid

Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Joel Embiid | NBAE via Getty Images

Celtics Reserves
Payton Pritchard
Hugo Gonzalez
Luka Garza
Amare Williams
Baylor Scheierman
Jordan Walsh
Max Shulga
Nikola Vucevic
Ron Harper, Jr
Delano Banton
John Tonje

2-Way Players
None

Injuries/Out

None

Head Coach
Joe Mazzulla

76ers Reserves
Andre Drummond
Quentin Grimes
Kyle Lowry
Justin Edwards
Trendon Watford
Dalen Terry
Dominick Barlow
Jabari Walker
Adem Bona

2-Way Players
MarJon Beauchamp
Tyrese Martin

Injuries/Out

Joel Embiid (appendix) probable

Head Coach
Nick Nurse

Key Matchups
Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey
In Game1, the Celtics were able to hold him to 21 points on 20 shots along with 1 rebound and 8 assists while shooting 40% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. He pretty much had his way in Game 2 with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 39.3% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. In Game 3, he scored 31 points but took 31 shots to get them. He finished with 31 points, 6 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks while shooting 38.7% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. With Embiid’s return, Maxey took just 14 shots in Game 4 and finished with 22 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block. He will likely look to be more aggressive in this game and the Celtics need to be ready to play extra tight defense on him.

Jayson Tatum vs Paul George 
Neither of these players were able to play in any of the 4 games between Boston and Philly this season.  In Game 1, George finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, but he only took 8 shots. In game 2, he finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block while shooting 53.8% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc.  In Game 3, he finished with 18 points, no rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc.  In Game 4, he finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block while shooting 46.2% from the field and 3-3 from beyond the arc. 

Honorable Mention

Neemias Queta vs Joel Embiid
After missing the first 3 games of the series, Embiid returned to the 76ers for Game 4.  He started out strong, scoring the 76ers first 8 points and drawing 2 quick fouls on Queta.   He was not on a minutes restriction and played 34 minutes, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while shooting 42.9% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc.   He will likely play better in this game and more than likely defer to Maxey rather than trying to take over himself and so the Celtics need to be ready for that and counter it. 

Keys to the Game
Defense – As always, defense is absolutely the key to winning this, and every, game.  Defense becomes even more important in the playoffs.  It is very true that defense wins championships.   In Game 1, the Celtics held the 76ers to 38.9% from the field and 17.4% from beyond the arc. In game 2, the Celtics defense faltered as the 76ers shot 47.8% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the arc.  In Game 3, the 76ers shot 43.7% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc. In Game 4, the Celtics held the 76ers to 41.3% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc.  The Celtics need  to make defense their priority and they need to play physical, lock down defense from the opening tip until the final buzzer with no let up. 

Rebound – Rebounding is also one of the biggest keys to winning every game and has definitely been a big factor in this series. In the regular season, the Celtics were 43-12  in games that they tied or out-rebounded opponents and just 11-13 in games in which they were out-rebounded. In Game 1, the Celtics out-rebounded the 76ers 43-40. In Game 2, they out-rebounded the 76ers 50-42, but they were unable to capitalize on them since they shot so poorly.  In Game 3, the Celtics once again out-rebounded the 76ers 45-37.   And, in Game 5, they out-rebounded the 76ers 51-30. They have to continue to fight harder to grab rebounds than the 76ers if they want to win this game.   Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound.   

No Complacency
–  The Celtics are up 3 games to 1 and technically they have 3 games to win 1 but hopefully they don’t have that attitude.  They need to come into this game like it is Game 7 and their last chance to close out the series.  Their next opponent is locked in a 2-2 series and this would be a good chance to put the 76ers away and be able to rest up and prepare for the next round.  However, if they fool around and don’t take the 76ers seriously they could end up worn out and beat up going into the next round, or even worse, losing in 7.  Just get it done in Game 5 and rest up. 

Stay Focused –  In Game 1, the Celtics turned the ball over just 8 times.  But, since then, they have lost some focus and they have gotten sloppy with the ball.  In Game 2, they turned the ball over 13 times for 15 points for the 76ers.  In Game 3, it got even worse as they turned the ball over 17 times for 21 points.  The Celtics were the best team at taking care of the ball in the regular season and they need to return to that focus on taking care of the ball.  They have to avoid careless passes and not drive into a crowd of defenders.  They also have to stay focused on taking good shots and making them. 

X-Factors
Home Game – Teams play all season to secure home court in the playoffs but they can lose it by losing one of their 4 home games.  They already lost one game at home but then won 2 on the road.  The Celtics need to feed off the energy of the crowd and hopefully, the 76ers will be distracted by travel and the hostile crowd.  Jaylen Brown challenged the home fans to show up and I’m sure they will. The Celtics should play harder to win on their home court. They need to protect home court and win the series in front of their own fans..  The Celtics crowd will be loud and the Celtics need to use that to their advantage and get the win.

Coaching – Joe Mazzulla is in his 4th season as Celtics’ head coach.  He won a title in 2024 with a very talented team that was packed with shooting stars.  Now he has to win in a different way since his personnel has changed and he did a great job in the regular season.   Nick Nurse is in his 8th season as a head coach overall and his 3rd as the 76ers head coach.  He won a title with the Raptors in 2019.  In the playoffs, coaching becomes more important as it becomes a game of adjustments as they play the same team game after game.  So far, Joe Mazzulla has come out ahead in the series and the coaching chess game will continue in Game 5. 

Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor.  Every crew calls  the game differently.  Some call it tight and call every bit of contact while others allow more physical play.  Some favor the home team while others call both sides evenly.  We have seen them call offensive fouls on Jaylen Brown far more than they have all season and he needs to adjust to avoid foul trouble.  The Celtics have to adjust to the way the refs are calling the game and not allow the no calls and bad calls to affect their focus on playing the game. 

Official Report
Crew Chief: James Williams

Williams has been a referee since the 2018-19 season and has called 570 games. The Celtics were 3-4 this season with Williams and 4-2 last season. The 76ers were 6-1 this season with Williams and 1-7 last season. His home win/loss record is 41-27. He averages 19.3 fouls on the home team and 19.6 fouls on the road team.

Referee: Kevin Scott
Scott has been a referee since the 2018-19 season and has called 517 games. The Celtics were 2-2 this season with Scott and 6-1 last season. The 76ers were 2-4 this season with Scott and 0-3 last season. His home win/loss record is 40-25. He averages 19.4 fouls on the home team and 19.8 fouls on the road team.

Umpire: Brian Forte
Forte has been a referee since the 2018-19 season and has called 538 games. The Celtics were 2-3 this season with Forte and 6-1 last season. The 76ers were 2-0 this season with Forte and 2-4 last season. His home win/loss record is 25=41. He averages 19.6 fouls on the home team and 19.8 fouls on the road team.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight's NHL Playoffs Game 5

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Pavel Dorofeyev was promoted to the top line in Game 4 and responded with his best performance of the series.

My Mammoth vs. Golden Knights predictions expect another productive outing from Vegas’ leading goal scorer.

Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Wednesday, April 29.

  • UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5 prediction

Who will win Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5?

Vegas: The Golden Knights have won the high-danger chance battle in all four games of this series. They’ve been the better team, but Carter Hart’s putrid .852 SV% at 5-on-5 has held them back. He did play better in Vegas earlier in the series, and the Golden Knights should prevail if that continues.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights best bet: Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots (-150)

Pavel Dorofeyev’s shot volume has risen throughout the series. He attempted only three shots in Game 1, but has responded by clearing his line in three consecutive games.

His highest output came in Game 4, with Dorofeyev generating seven attempts, four shots, and scoring a goal. That spike coincided with a promotion to the Vegas Golden Knights' top line, riding shotgun with Jack Eichel.

He should have confidence after finding the back of the net, and the circumstances are favorable as well.

Dorofeyev has cleared 2.5 shots in 74% of his home games following one day of rest this season.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5 same-game parlay

Lawson Crouse is playing big minutes on the Utah Mammoth's top line, logging at least 17 minutes in all four games. He cleared 1.5 shots in eight of the past 10 games in which he logged 17+ minutes, and had a healthy five shot attempts in one of the exceptions.

Sticking with the Mammoth, Dylan Guenther has shot the lights out in his first taste of playoff action. He's attempted at least nine shots in all four games, averaging five on target and 11 attempts.

The Mammoth will lean heavily on their sniper in a pivotal swing game.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights SGP

  • Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots
  • Lawson Crouse Over 1.5 shots
  • Dylan Guenther Over 3.5 shots

Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5 goal scorer pick

Dylan Guenther (+150)

Dylan Guenther is lapping the field when it comes to shot volume. He's attempted 44 shots, exactly double that of the closest Mammoth player, Mikhail Sergachev.

Given his shooting talent and Carter Hart’s struggles in goal, it’s hard not to back a player generating such strong volume.

Mammoth vs Golden Knights odds for Game 5

  • Moneyline: Mammoth +135 | Golden Knights -155
  • Puck Line: Mammoth +1.5 (-180) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+115)

Mammoth vs Golden Knights trend

Pavel Dorofeyev recorded three or more shots in 13 of his last 16 home games after one day of rest.  Find more NHL betting trends for Mammoth vs. Golden Knights.

How to watch Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5

LocationT-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
Puck drop10:00 p.m. ET
TVTNT, truTV

Mammoth vs Golden Knights latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges in Gambling Schemes

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Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insider information betting scheme and rigged poker games. 

Key Takeaways

  • Jones admitted to providing inside information on injuries to a group of bettors.

  • Jones helped lure high-end bettors to rigged poker games.

  • Sentencing is scheduled for early next year.

Jones appeared at two hearings in a New York court, acknowledging he provided inside information “obtained as a result of my relationships as a former player,” according to The Associated Press. Federal prosecutors alleged in an October 2025 indictment that Jones provided a group of bettors with injury information pertaining to NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Jones admitted Tuesday that he used the nonpublic information to defraud sportsbooks and acknowledged that he violated the NBA’s code of conduct. 

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers, and also the National Basketball Association,” Jones said in a read statement during his hearing.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 6, 2027, by two different judges. Sentencing guidelines could land Jones in prison for 21-to-27 months in the sports betting case and 48-to-63 months for the rigged poker game, per the AP. He’s also agreed to pay $73,000. 

Sports betting case

Jones initially pleaded not guilty but requested a change earlier this month. He was charged in the federal case that includes Terry Rozier, the former Miami Heat guard who is facing additional bribery charges, and nearly 30 other individuals.  

Federal prosecutors say Jones told the bettors ahead of a Feb. 9, 2023, game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks to “get a big bet on Milwaukee” before it was announced that James would miss the contest. Jones, who was an unofficial assistant coach with the Lakers, told the group to “bet enough” that he would get a portion of the proceeds. 

“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement last year. “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.”

Jones was also paid $2,500 through a peer-to-peer financial app for injury information on Davis before a game in January 2024. Davis ultimately played, and coconspirator Marves Fairley requested his money back. 

Rigged poker games

In his second Tuesday hearing, Jones admitted to using his NBA status to “lure high-end bettors” to a poker game in Miami and in the Hamptons, New York. Jones said he knew that the poker games were rigged and that players were being cheated. 

“I’m really sorry to everyone involved for my actions,” Jones said.  

More than 10 victims were allegedly cheated out of nearly $10 million from the rigged poker games, which were being run by the mob. Suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also charged in the scheme. 

Jones had also pleaded not guilty in this case before making the change Tuesday. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Bryce Miller, Travis Bazzana and Christian Scott

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS

Bryce Miller (SP Mariners) - Rostered in 28 percent of Yahoo leagues

Few seemed especially excited about Miller this year after a 2025 season in which he was twice on the IL with elbow problems and amassed a 5.68 ERA in his 18 starts, but it's hard to write off a Mariners starter getting to pitch half of his games in T-Mobile Park. Plus, Miller was fantastic in 2024, posting a 2.94 ERA with a 171/45 K/BB in 180 1/3 innings. Alas, after just one spring start, Miller went down with an oblique injury. He's since made two rehab starts, and though the second didn't go well, it still seems like a good idea to pick him up in leagues in which he's available.

⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

It's worth grabbing him now because Miller unlocked something over the winter that has him throwing harder than ever. His handful of fastballs in his first spring start averaged 97.3 mph. In his first Triple-A rehab start, he came in at 97.1 mph. Miller averaged 95.2 mph during his big 2024 season and 94.8 mph last year, so it's quite the significant gain. His slider was up even more in his last rehab start, averaging 88.6 mph. That's four mph harder than he threw it previously.

Miller is probably still an injury risk, but he's one with a great deal of fantasy upside in arguably the league's best situation for pitchers. Even if he were still averaging 95 mph with his heater, he might rate as a top-50 SP when healthy. At 97 mph, he could be a big difference maker, for however long it lasts.

Travis Bazzana (2B Guardians): Rostered in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues

With Bazzana having a mediocre first week in Triple-A, Juan Brito was the Guardians' pick to replace the injured Gabriel Arias in the Cleveland infield earlier this month. Three weeks later, the Guardians have now deemed Bazzana ready; the 2024 No. 1 overall pick was officially added to the team's roster on Tuesday and should serve as the primary second baseman for now and, ideally, for several years to come.

Bazzana had batted .328 with nine doubles, two homers and 16 walks in 16 games since being bypassed. He's a patient, disciplined hitter, but he struggled to hit for average while also missing time due to injuries in his first year and a half as a pro. This year, he has his average exit velocity up to 90.5 mph, which would currently put him in the 68th percentile of major league hitters. He's also upped his steal game, going 8-for-10 in 24 games for Columbus. He was 12-for-14 in 84 games last year.

Whether or not Bazzana is a mixed-league asset right away could hinge on whether he's platooned against lefties. The Guardians have been treating Daniel Schneeman like a full-timer of later, and even though he's left-handed, he could get the nod over Bazzana at second base against lefties. Or maybe not, since the Guardians only have four righty bench players for the six lefties that are potentially in need of platoon partners. If Bazzana plays against most lefties and keeps up with the steal attempts, he'll probably prove of use in shallow leagues. He's not ready to crush a bunch of homers, but he could pretty easily wind up hitting first, second or even fourth for Cleveland in short order.

Christian Scott (SP Mets): Rostered in three percent of Yahoo leagues

Scott's first big-league start since 2024 was quite the disaster; he walked five of the 10 batters he faced and hit another while totaling four outs last Thursday against the Twins. Incredibly, though, he was only charged with one run. Scott was sent down after the game, but he'll get another chance now with Kodai Senga landing on the IL due to a back issue. Hopefully, this time, he'll make the most of it.

Scott debuted with the Mets in 2024, posting a 4.56 ERA in nine starts before requiring elbow surgery. He missed all of 2025 before returning this spring. In three Triple-A starts this year, he had a 5.27 ERA, but he struck out 17 and walked just two in 13 2/3 innings. That's typical of his old minor league numbers; Scott has an incredible 149/22 K/BB over 118 career innings between Double- and Triple-A. His slider and splitter are both quality swing-and-miss pitches, and he's gained one mph on his fastball since surgery, putting him at 95.3 mph on average this year.

Scott might give up more homers than most, but he's probably not going to lose the strike zone again like he did against the Twins. He'll sport a fine strikeout rate, and he should prove especially strong in WHIP over the long run. There's always the chance that he'll wind up back in the minors in a few weeks anyway, but given time, he could resemble peak Bailey Ober as a fantasy starter.

Waiver Wire Quick Hits

- The Pirates' Gregory Soto (25 percent rostered) probably gets a boost after Dennis Santana's miserable game Monday against the Cardinals. He's been unusually steady to start the season, giving up runs in just two of 15 appearances and striking out 20 in 14 2/3 innings.

- Elmer Rodriguez, who is serving as Luis Gil's replacement, would be quite interesting in the Bronx if the Yankees had a permanent spot for him, but with Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole both set to return in the coming weeks, disaster would have to strike to keep Rodriguez in the rotation.

- Injuries have left Gus Varland (five percent rostered) as pretty clearly the primary ninth-inning option in Washington. He should be worth rostering for at least the next few weeks.

Michael Harris back at CF and Dominic Smith at DH against Detroit Tigers

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 24: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves bats in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves and their league leading offense are facing the Detroit Tigers having just won twenty games before the month of May for the first time in franchise history.

The Braves lead MLB with 5.72 runs scored per game. To put that in perspective, if they continue to score this many runs per game it would be the second most in franchise history since MLB started playing 162 games. It would be more than the historic 2003 high octane offense, and just below the 2023 season where the Braves tied the record for most HRs in a season by a team.

This offense will be tested in this series because the Braves are projected to face Casey Mize (2.51 ERA), two-time reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (2.72 ERA), and new Tiger Framber Valdez (3.41 ERA). The Braves have already faced tough pitching this season, but not a gauntlet like this.

The key for the offense will likely be to work counts and get to the bullpen as early as possible because the Tigers’ bullpen currently ranks in the bottom half of MLB in ERA, even with Kenley Jansen anchoring the back end.

With Mize being a righty, the biggest question mark was whether Michael Harris would get the start in CF so that Dominic Smith could slot in at DH again. With the day off, it would make sense that Harris may be rested up enough and that Drake Baldwin would be rested to be behind the dish. On paper, tonight’s game is the one the Braves could do the most damage offensively, and they may need it with Martin Pérez showing signs of upcoming regression to the mean, the offense may need to step up tonight.

As predicted, Harris back at CF means Smith is at DH. Another interesting note is that Riley is still below Harris and Albies in the order.

No player on the Braves has more at-bats against Mize than six. Matt Olson leads the team in at-bats and has made good of them with a HR, .500 average, and 1.625 OPS. Outside of Olson the rest of the team is pretty much a question mark.

Martin Pérez has spent a decent amount of time in the AL Central in his career so it should come as no surprise that a few of the Tigers have a decent number of at-bats against him. Four players have fourteen or more at-bats against him, and none have done more damage than Gleyber Torres. Torres has three HRs in his twenty-two at-bats against Martin Pérez which has resulted in a 1.087 OPS.

Good news for the Braves is that their bullpen is the polar opposite of the Tigers, so if Martin Pérez can suppress the Tigers’ league average offense, then the Braves have a decent chance of pulling out a game one victory.

First pitch is at 7:15 EDT.

Which Mariner are you worried won’t bounce back?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 29: Bryce Miller #50 of the Seattle Mariners talks with Logan Gilbert #36 and Bryan Woo #22 prior to a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on August 29, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

I asked y’all in the FEED for a bumper crop of hot takes on this subject and the LL hive mind did not disappoint! Thanks to everyone who weighed in. Since there were many similar answers, I’m going to start with the top three players that were named and then I’ll break it down a bit more with my Trademarked Mariners Hot Take Ranking System:

Okay let’s break it down by the numbers here.

Your third most popular response for which Mariner won’t bounce back this season is….

A 3-way tie between Victor Robles, Luis Castillo, and….THE ENTIRE BULLPEN.

I honestly give this one a Bosio. A good and hot take, not absurd. Not many lies detected here, although throwing the entire bullpen in is a bit a cop-out answer. I will go on record once again, though, and insist that Castillo is not yet washed, even after whatever the hell happened yesterday in the frigid Twin Cities.

Moving right along.

Your second most popular response for which Mariner won’t bounce back this season is…..

Logan Gilbert

Logan looking like how that take makes me feel. This one is an Iwakuma because…..yeah, I’m worried about our boy. He has simply not looked like himself and watching his starts has felt particularly frustrating because we know he’s better than this. He is too young to be this rinsed. I firmly believe he can bounce back, but the struggles have been real and not fun.

And finally, your most popular response for which Mariner won’t bounce back this season is…..

An impossible 3-way tie between Josh Naylor, Andrés Muñoz, and Bryce Miller!

^That’s Naylz responding to his doubters. Y’all, Josh will be FINE. He is a menace. He is a baseball sicko. He has only begun to fight. Also, the disrespect to Muñoz! Audacious. That and Naylor gives this take a scorching hot Brash ranking. These are some fighting words. Our cat-loving flamethrower will be fine. You know what would help him be fine? The Mariners offense not producing so many one-run games. That would be cool. The only one here that is very justified is Bryce Miller, sadly. We just don’t know what’s going to happen if and when he returns to the rotation. The AquaSox start was fairly encouraging, but that’s High A batters. I hope he proves us all wrong.

Now to highlight a few other choice takes!

Poster YaSureYaBetcha says: “Dan. Look, he’s managed better than expected. Someday he may even get a World Series win, hopefully will the M’s. But all of pinch hitting and batting order oddness reeks of inexperience. Dan was called up too early. Send him to Tacoma to manage for a couple of years, and get all of those youthful managing mistakes out of his system. Spicy take: hire Don Mattingly off the Phillies bench as a replacement.”

Yowza! Betraying their mild Midwestern handle there with this extremely BRASH take. Listen, Dan Wilson has the room. He has the players. Unless he loses them, he’s doing a fine job as a manager. The in-game decisions, as has been documented elsewhere, do not seem to be entirely his doing. Some pinch-hitting choices have been very questionable, but it’s April and I think he/the FO need to shake out the roster as much as possible to evaluate what they truly have. On the subject of Donnie Baseball, obviously that ship has sailed as of this morning, but I also think Mattingly would not fit in here with the Mariners at all. He comes from just a different baseball world and wouldn’t understand how we do things here in the quaint Pacific Northwest. Also, every time he fucked up, we’d all accuse him of being a Yankees sleeper agent seeking revenge for 1995. Only kind-of kidding.

Poster ASURay says: “Naylor and to a slightly less extent Cal. Neither of those guys have ‘I’m going to age gracefully’ physiques and both have recently gotten paid. Neither seem like the ‘cash checks and take it easy’ types, but you never know. At least Cal should have at least a couple more years as an average+ defender in him, so that sets his floor pretty high. I’m always worried about Julio as I have never liked his hitting profile — slow starter, doesn’t always seem to have a plan at the plate, etc. — but his speed/defense at least make him useful even when he isn’t hitting. Not sure how long that will be the case, though. The things he is best right now tend to age like cottage cheese.”

Giving this one an Iwakuma as ASURay managed to doubt all three main cornerstones of this Mariners roster in highly questionable ways. ASURay hit ‘em with that Contra “spread gun” power-up. First of all, Naylor does stand the most risk of falling off the steepest age cliff, but at 28 years old, I really don’t worry about an significant drop off in skills until the fifth year of this contract. But, if we get four seasons of roughly career average performance, then the fifth year is house money. Whatever. (it’s all house money, it’s not mine).

Cal……c’mon now. He’s gonna be fine. He’s not going to catch forever, but I feel pretty confident that when he transitions to full time DH, he will still slug. He will not fade like Joe Mauer did. Joe Mauer is also notably in the Hall of Fame, so there’s that.

Julio is 25. Twenty-five! At worst, we have at least 3 more seasons of him playing an above replacement to elite center field. After that, yeah he will certainly start to decline in terms of speed and injury-prone-ness. Look at Mike Trout. Yeah, he has no business playing CF anymore, but that no-neck mf can still slug! I firmly believe that Julio will not hit the career stats peaks of Trout, but will have a longer career and have his production more evenly spread about his 20 seasons or so. Oooh yeah that’s right, I’m dropping my own fairly BRASH take here.

ChicagoMariner says: “The Game Thread commentariat has been struggling since spring training, with truly witty comments well below the Mendoza line. Some will clap back by pointing out that key commenters are currently underperforming their expected wittiness, and that we’re just waiting for a few excellent LLurkers to earn their promotion to everyday commentary, but I remain skeptical. This might just be a lost year for us.”

Oh this is HOT. This is SCALDING. This is PERSONA(LL). Yeah, this gets a CLIFF LEE rating right here. I believe the LL Commentariat is in Peak Posting Form (PPF). Why? Because we’ve weathered an influx of new posters given the team’s success, which is something that always happens here at LL following a fairly successful Mariners season or whenever hype builds from big free agent acquisitions. But, LLers have persevered. The Mods have put in more OT than we can ever hope to pay them for (check’s in the mail, babes). And the result has been bustling, vibrant, and most importantly FUN game threads. Most of the time, anyways. There will always be a few stinkers here and there. Overall, though, I see the veterans out there guiding the new posters, I see staff participating in levels not seen since the Sullivan days, and I see a lot of thoughtful and intelligent discussions being had in the non-GT comment sections, as well. So what we need here, is a new name for posting above the Mendoza line. Let’s leave poor Mario Mendoza alone finally. Do we call it the Corco Line? The Chris from Bothell Line? The old wisdom line? Who is out there putting the work every day on quality posting? Sound off in the comments.

All right, thanks for all the participation, friends! I’ll be back with another prompt in the FEED soon. Go Mariners.

Mammoth to Hold Salt Lake City Watch Party Ahead of Game 5 in Vegas

With the series suddenly reduced to a best-of-three, the Utah Mammoth are turning Salt Lake City into playoff central for a pivotal Game 5 showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Utah Mammoth announced they will host a free public watch party Wednesday night outside Delta Center as fans gather to watch Game 5 live from Las Vegas on a massive outdoor screen. With the first-round series tied 2-2, the atmosphere in downtown Salt Lake City is expected to mirror the urgency of the moment.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on SeatGeek Plaza and will feature a live DJ, food and drink options, a beer garden, the team’s hype crew, and access to the Team Store throughout the night. No tickets or advance reservations are required.

Utah enters Game 5 after a crushing overtime loss Monday night, when Vegas Golden Knights evened the series at two wins apiece. Now the Mammoth head back to T-Mobile Arena looking to reclaim momentum in what has quickly become one of the tighter matchups of the opening round.

While Vegas Golden Knights bring a resume built on deep postseason runs, Utah’s veteran core has helped steady a franchise navigating its first playoff appearance under the Mammoth identity.

Puck drop for Game 5 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday in Las Vegas.

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Tocchet says Flyers are ‘not giving up' on scoreless Foerster in playoffs

Tocchet says Flyers are ‘not giving up' on scoreless Foerster in playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

When Tyson Foerster returned ahead of schedule after a four-month layoff, he impressively hit the ground running.

As the Flyers opened April, the 24-year-old winger scored a goal in his first game back. Three games later, he had a two-goal performance. Another three games later, he had an assist and the shootout winner in the Flyers’ playoff clincher.

You almost forgot he was coming back from surgery on his arm.

But in these NHL playoffs, has it all caught up to him? Through five games of the Flyers’ best-of-seven first-round matchup with the Penguins, Foerster hasn’t recorded a point. Despite playing 17:22 minutes per game, he has just seven shots.

With the series heading into a Game 6, the Flyers could use Foerster’s goal-scoring punch.

“He’s a really good hockey player, we’re trying to stick with him,” Rick Tocchet said Tuesday. “It’s [not just] him; we’ve got some other guys there that we need a little bit more from. But it is tough, hitting the wall, to be able to play at that pace and all that sort of stuff, maybe he has hit the wall a little bit.

“But 24 hours or 36 hours off, reset your brain, can do wonders for a guy. And usually guys like that, they find their way. We’re not giving up on Tyson, he’s too good of a hockey player.”

It’s true that the Flyers need others to answer the bell, too. Their top four goal scorers from the regular season — Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov — have combined for three goals and 21 shots. One of the goals was an empty-netter and another was on the power play.

The Flyers will have to decide if they want to get Michkov back in the lineup Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET/NBCSP). The 21-year-old winger was a healthy scratch in Game 5 after going scoreless through the first four games of the series.

With Foerster, the Flyers feel they can still rely on him as one of their better defensive forwards. In the series, he has been on the ice for only one even-strength goal against and has played 1:40 minutes per game on the penalty kill.

“I think goal scorers get streaky,” Sean Couturier said. “At the same time, I think he has been a pretty big part of our PK, so he’s killing some penalties, he has been a part of that success. So he’s contributing in other ways.

“Obviously I’m sure he’d like to score. Not just him; myself, a couple of guys, I’m sure we want to find the puck in the back of the net a little bit more. I think the key, really, is sticking to our game, the way we want to play and not start forcing things and opening up because that could get ugly.”

The Flyers were not a high-end goal-scoring team in the regular season. Instead, down the stretch, they were one of the stingiest clubs. After giving up seven goals over Games 4 and 5, both losses, the Flyers will try to dictate play more in Game 6.

They’re back home with a 3-2 series lead and another opportunity to eliminate Pittsburgh.

“I think we still just have a great opportunity ahead of us here tomorrow,” Christian Dvorak said. “We’re still in a good spot, still up in the series and have a chance to close out at home.”

And Foerster has a chance to put his mark on the series.

Former Sabres Forward Calls It A Career

A former Buffalo Sabres forward is officially hanging up the skates. 

The NHL Alumni's official X account shared that former Sabres forward Linus Omark has announced his retirement from professional hockey.

Omark finished off his NHL career during the 2013-14 season with the Sabres. In 13 games with the Sabres that season, he posted two assists, three hits, and six penalty minutes. 

Following his time with the Sabres, Omark had a long career overseas, where he spent time in leagues like SHL, KHL, and Switzerland's National League. The 39-year-old forward was still solid this campaign overseas, too. In 15 games with HC Lugano of the NL, he had four goals and 11 points. He also had five goals and 16 points in 29 games for Lulea HF of the SHL this campaign. 

Omark was selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the 97th overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 79 career games over three NHL seasons split between the Oilers and Sabres, he had eight goals, 24 assists, and 32 points. 

Hurricanes’ Rod Brind’Amour hopeful Nikolaj Ehlers, Alexander Nikishin will be ready for NHL playoffs Round 2

Alexander Nikishin

Apr 25, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (21) is escorted off the ice after being checked in the second period against the Ottawa Senators in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn

Marc DesRosiers/Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour is hopeful that winger Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman Alexander Nikishin will be ready for Round 2 of the NHL playoffs with extra time off to recover from injuries.

The Eastern Conference’s top seed closed out a first-round sweep of Ottawa, though Ehlers was a late scratch with a lower-body injury. Nikishin was knocked from the second period with a concussion on a jarring hit from Tyler Kleven, leaving Nikishin prone on the ice and struggling to get back to his feet.

The Hurricanes were the first team to advance to Round 2 and next face the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh winner. The Flyers won the first three games, but the Penguins have extended the series to Game 6.

Neither Ehlers nor Nikishin skated with the team returning to practice, though there’s clearly no need to rush them back. Afterward, Brind’Amour said “everything’s trending in the right direction” on Nikishin.

Veteran forward William Carrier took Ehlers’ spot on the third line in Game 4, while Nicolas Deslauriers got his first playoff action since 2022 in taking Carrier’s spot in a testy Game 4 with multiple scrums.

As for the blue liners, veteran Mike Reilly played 42 regular-season games to help the Hurricanes play through the absence of top defenseman Jaccob Slavin for much of the schedule, and is the team’s seventh defenseman.

Additionally, Carolina called up defenseman prospect Charles Alexis Legault — a 22-year-old fifth-round draft pick from the 2023 draft — from the American Hockey League to work with the team.

2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 1, Game 5 – Ducks vs. Oilers Gameday Preview (04/28/26)

Edmonton, AB - The Ducks are in a position that they haven't been in for nine years––the opportunity to close out a playoff series. After taking a 3-1 series lead off the back of a controversial call in overtime, Game 5 gives them an opportunity to eliminate the defending Western Conference champions from the past two seasons.

"I think we've had a real good approach going into the playoffs," Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said. "I know it was something we were striving for at the beginning of the year. The first game (of the series) was a terrible loss. It was very disappointing, and then I thought we felt we had to get better every game.

"I thought last (game), our start wasn't on the pace of the expectations of what we left Game 3 with, but I still thought we got going there later in the first (period) to get ourselves back to get on that pace where we're consistently playing at a high level and looking to improve off of the prior games. We're able to get ourselves back in the game, which was a big chore. (The Oilers) played well last (game). We give ourselves a chance to do what we wanted to do at the start, win four (games), but that's a whole different challenge for us. We're looking forward to seeing how we meet it."

Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) faces off against Edmonton Oilers center Jason Dickinson (16) during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) faces off against Edmonton Oilers center Jason Dickinson (16) during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

"I think we've been consistent with our effort and just trying to play a full game," Ducks forward Jeff Viel said. "Just focusing shift after shift and game after game and kind of just living in the moment and in the present. Just focusing on our game plan, I think that's been the big thing."

"I think throughout the season with this group, throughout the regular season, that we don't ever feel we're out of a game," Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba said. "Obviously, you don't want to get down. We don't want to play from behind, but I think there's a belief in the group that we have the ability to score. You want to defend better, but I think that it's a good thing to have when you get down a couple, your team still believes you can come back and win a game. I think we've shown that and built that belief throughout the season."

"Our team has the ability to score goals," Ducks goaltender Lukáš Dostál said. "I think we've shown it throughout the year that we have that ability. We have great players on our team that can really score. Even the depth guys, they score the goals. So I think that's kind of how we present ourselves throughout the season. I'm just so glad that we can keep doing it in the playoffs.

"For me, (I) don't want to get scored on early on, but when it happens, I know I've been in that situation many times. Mentally, you've just got to stay ready and you have to make sure that you keep the puck out of the net and the guys score some goals. The momentum kind of shifts at that point to our way."

Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) with a shot on goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) with a shot on goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Having their backs up against the wall isn't something the Oilers are unfamiliar with. They erased a 2-0 series deficit last season against the Los Angeles Kings, rattling off five consecutive come-from-behind victories after that. They are 19-5 under head Kris Knoblauch in Games 4-7 during the playoffs. Connor McDavid has 23 points in 15 games when facing elimination. Leon Draisaitl has 19 points in 15 games when faced with the same circumstances.

Speaking of McDavid, he did not participate in Tuesday's morning skate, with Knoblauch calling him a game-time decision during his post-morning skate media availability. Jason Dickinson, who missed Games 2 and 3 with a lower-body injury, also did not participate in the Oilers' morning skate. He too will be a game-time decision.

On the Anaheim side of things, Troy Terry continues to be an absentee from morning skate for maintenance reasons, though the expectation is that he will once again be playing. Captain Radko Gudas, who has not played since Game 1 of this series due to a lower-body injury, has not practiced with the team since then.


Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville speaks to the media after their morning skate at Rogers Place.

Ducks Projected Lines

Troy Terry - Leo Carlsson - Cutter Gauthier
Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke
Chris Kreider - Ryan Poehling - Mason McTavish
Jeff Viel - Tim Washe - Ian Moore

Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - John Carlson
Tyson Hinds - Drew Helleson

Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)

Oilers Projected Lines

Matt Savoie - Connor McDavid - Zach Hyman
Vasily Podkolzin - Leon Draisaitl - Kasperi Kapanen
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Josh Samanski - Jack Roslovic
Colton Dach -Curtis Lazar -Trent Frederic

Darnell Nurse - Evan Bouchard
Jake Walman - Connor Murphy
Mattias Ekholm - Ty Emberson

Connor Ingram (confirmed)


Related articles:

The Anaheim Ducks Approach to Having the Edmonton Oilers on the Brink of Elimination

Jackson LaCombe: The Continuing Rise of an Understated Superstar

Joel Quenneville's Cheeky Lineup Adjustment Pays Off