The Cleveland Cavaliers can advance to the second round of the playoffs with a victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 6. The Cavs lead the series 3-2 after winning Game 5. Cleveland is 3.5-point favorites against the Raptors, who could be without Brandon Ingram. The over/under is set at 219.5 with a spread of 3.5.
How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
It's fitting that Philadelphia and Boston are facing off in a Game 7 on Sunday — no two franchises have faced each other more Game 7s than these two. This will be the ninth time in a rivalry that dates back to 1959.
It's not just head-to-head, these teams are in a lot of Game 7s, period. The Celtics have the most Game 7 wins all-time (27) while the 76ers have the most Game 7 losses (12).
Sunday will be a record ninth Game 7 between these franchises, with Boston leading 6-2 heading into this season. Here's a quick look at the history of these games.
1959 Eastern Conference Finals
How long ago was this? It was the year the Barbie Doll was first released, and Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" first hit theaters. It was so long ago that the 76ers were the Syracuse Nationals.
Boston came from eight down at the half to win 130-125, behind 18 points and 32 rebounds from Bill Russell, while Bob Cousy had 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
1965 Eastern Conference Finals
This game is legendary among Celtics faithful.
Boston was up one with five seconds left, but Philadelphia was inbounding the ball and had a chance. Celtics Hall of Famer John Havlicek deflected the inbounds pass, leading famed Celtics radio announcer Johnny Most to yell, "Havlicek stole the ball! Havlicek stole the ball!"
Boston ran out the clock after that for the 110-109 win.
Talk about a stat line in a loss: The 76ers' Wilt Chamberlain had 30 points and 32 rebounds on the night.
1968 Eastern Conference Finals
This series has echoes of this season, but with the roles reversed.
That season, 62-win Philadelphia was the No. 1 seed and took a commanding 3-1 series lead (despite dropping the first game at home). Then Boston stormed back to win the next two, forcing a Game 7 in Philadelphia. Under the bright lights, the 76ers struggled and shot just 35.2% (and just 55.6% on free throws), while Boston got a triple-double from Bill Russell (12 points, 26 rebounds and 10 blocks) and got the win, 100-96.
1977 East Semi-Finals
Boston had forced a Game 7 against No. 1-seeded Philadelphia, but on the biggest stage, it was a 76ers reserve that stole the show — World B. Free scored 27 points to lead Philadelphia.
The 76ers also got 14 points and eight rebounds from their first-year player, Julius Erving. The 76ers advanced to the NBA Finals that season (where they lost to Bill Walton's Trail Blazers; the 76ers returned to the Finals the next year and swept the Lakers).
1981 Eastern Conference Finals
This was the series where the legend of Larry Bird's Celtics really started to grow.
Boston and Philadelphia had been the two best teams in the league this season (both with 62 wins), but in the playoffs it looked like the 76ers were going to dominate, up 3-1 in the series, and they led by 10 points at halftime of Game 5. Boston won and forced a Game 6. There, the 76ers were up 17 at one point, only to have the Celtics storm back and force a Game 7. In that final game, Bird had 23 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and he hit the game-winner to give Boston the 91-90 win.
The Celtics went on to win the NBA title that season.
1982 Eastern Conference Finals
This was the chance for Philadelphia's revenge from the year before. Just like the season before, the 76ers got up 3-1 in the series only to have Boston storm back and force a Game 7. However, this time, in the Boston Garden, it was all Philly that day, behind 34 points and six assists from Andrew Toney, with Julius Erving adding 29 points.
How this series applies to 2026: This is the only time that Philadelphia has ever won a Game 7 on the road, and the last time the 76ers beat the Celtics in a playoff series, period.
2012 East Semi-Finals
In the playoffs of a lockout-shortened season, these teams met for the first time in a decade and played their first Game 7 in 20 years. Boston pulled away in the fourth quarter behind a triple-double from Rajon Rondo (18 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds) while Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 13 boards.
2023 East Semi-Finals
Philadelphia fans will remember this as a series that never should have gotten to a Game 7 — once again, Philadelphia led 3-1 in the series and, in this case, led entering the fourth quarter of Game 6 at home, yet could not close it out.
Boston fans will remember this as Jayson Tatum's 51-point game — the most ever scored in a Game 7.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Buster Posey President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants speaks honoring former teammate of the Giants Brandon Belt prior the the game against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park on April 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers will try to end their first-round series with the Houston Rockets in Game 6. After trailing 3-0, the Rockets have extended the series by winning the past two games. The Houston Rockets are favored by 3.5 points. The over/under for the matchup is set at 206.5.
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. met with Steve Kerr about the status of his job earlier this week.
Kerr's coaching contract is expiring and there hasn't been any indication whether he would want to return, or whether the Warriors want him back at the helm. According to ESPN, the three had a two-hour meeting Monday that was described as "productive."
Following their meeting, the consensus is that the parties are at a standstill. Although discussions are expected to continue into the upcoming week, there is seemingly no urgency to come to a decision. As one source told ESPN, "It's April. We don't need to rush."
According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole, the drawn out process isn't a matter of a contract negotiation over dollars, but instead about "professional and personal principles."
“From what I understand, (Kerr) in those meetings didn’t sound like someone who didn’t plan on coaching next season,” one league source told NBC Sports Bay Area.
Another league source told NBC Sports Bay Area: "I think it’s more like 50-50 that he comes back. When the season ended, I would have said it was at least 60-40 that he’d leave.”
There are reportedly contingencies from both sides. Kerr wants to ensure the roster is competitive. The 12th-year coach who has won four championships appears to not be interested in rebuilding or development.
"I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. There's a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas and all that," Kerr said following the Warriors' play-in loss to the Suns.
Kerr has loved his time coaching in the Bay Area, especially coaching Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. That could be enough to keep him around. But also, it could be a gripe for the front office.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the front office would like to see Kerr welcome younger players into his coaching schemes and demand more accountability from older players, including Curry and Green.
The other elephant in the room is Kerr's outspokenness on sociopolitical issues. Andscape's Marc J. Spears suggests that he could leave for "fatigue" but also due to the possibility he's "being stifled a little bit."
"Maybe fatigue. There's a weight that comes with that job. This is a franchise that is expected to have greatness, whether it has it on the roster or not. It's a brand now. You got Steph, so if you trot Steph out there, you have Draymond out there, people expect something great. There's a weight that comes with that," Spears said during an April 21 appearance on 95.7 The Game's "Willard & Dibs" radio show.
He added: "I also think that Steve also truly respects the weight of the job that he has, the weight of the platform that he has. He speaks out on social justice issues, he speaks out on racism issues, he speaks out on gun violence and I've heard a little bit that maybe he's being stifled a little bit in that regard. I'd like to find out a little more than that, if that's true or not, dig deeper into that . . . I'm hearing that might be something in the background."
With all that being said, Spears said with all he's heard, "everything is up to Kerr."
.@MarcJSpears on why Steve Kerr could decide to leave:
"Maybe fatigue. There's a weight that comes with that job. This is a franchise that is expected to have greatness, whether it has it on the roster or not. It's a brand now. You got Steph, so if you trot Steph out there, you… pic.twitter.com/R4NOfk8X8v
TORONTO (AP) — Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram was sidelined Friday night for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of a sore right heel, coach Darko Rajakovic said.
The two-time All-Star left midway through the second quarter of Toronto's 125-120 loss at Cleveland on Wednesday night. He scored one point in 11 minutes before departing.
After averaging 21.5 points per game in the regular season, his first with Toronto, Ingram has struggled in the playoffs, averaging 12 in the five games against the Cavaliers. He's shooting 19 for 58 overall and 5 for 13 from 3-point range.
Cleveland leads the series 3-2 and can advance with a win Friday. The home team has won each of the five games in the series.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 19: Cade Povich #37 of the Baltimore Orioles in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
Probable pitchers: LHP Cade Povich (1-0. 2.19 ERA, 7 K) vs. RHP Will Warren (3-0, 2.59 ERA, 37 K)
After hovering around .500 for much of the season’s first month, the Orioles travel to the Bronx looking to make a statement against the AL East leaders. Per Baltimore Sun beat reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer, the O’s have had an exactly .500 record nine times this season. If they want to make tonight the 10th time, they’ll need to best a Yankees team that is 8-2 in their last game and are a game and half up on the Rays for the best record in the AL.
Looking to get the O’s back in the win column is recently recalled left-hander Cade Povich. The southpaw has been sharp in his two previous MLB starts this season, limiting the Pirates to two runs over 5.2 innings in his season debut, before 6.2 innings of one-run ball on his 26th birthday against the Giants. In Povich’s only previous start in Yankee Stadium, he delivered a solid line of 4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB and 5 K in a game the Orioles went on to win in extra innings.
Limiting the long ball will be the key to the Orioles’ lefty navigating this potent Yankees offense. New York is only 25th in all of baseball with .213 average against LHPs while also having the sixth-worst strikeout rate. However, when they do make contact off southpaws it tends to be loud. They lead MLB with 18 HRs off lefties, while also ranking eighth with a .420 slugging percentage. Povich’s career 1.4 HR/9 against the Bronx Bombers is on the high side, but its free passes that have often caused him the most trouble against New York. In 19.2 IP against the Yankees, Povich has issued 17 walks.
The Yankees counter Povich with a 26-year-old of their own, as right-hander Will Warren will toe the rubber first tonight in the Bronx. In four starts against the O’s last year, it was a mixed bag for Warren. He put up a worrying 4.95 ERA across 20 innings against Baltimore last year. However, the Yankees did win both of his starts in New York against the Orioles, including an 8-4 win in Warren’s final start of 2025.
The O’s went 4-9 last year against the Yankees after winning the season series in both 2023 and 2024. If Baltimore wants to return to the playoffs in 2026, they need to beat good teams like New York, and they get their first opportunity tonight in Yankee Stadium.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 18, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Entering May, believe it or not, the Yankees will be playing only their third series of the 2026 season against a divisional rival. The Baltimore Orioles roll into town fresh off a series win against the Houston Astros that felt more like a par than a birdie, given how the Houston season has trended—not to mention the beatdown Baltimore suffered in the finale of that series yesterday, allowing 11 runs in the second game of a doubleheader.
Will Warren will oppose the Orioles in the first game of this series, and the right-hander carries a very peculiar and incredibly beneficial streak into this game. In each of Warren’s last three starts, the Yankees have managed to score 10 or more runs, reserving their highest outputs for the former eighth-round pick. After a rough start to the year, it looks as though Warren turned a corner in his last two performances, both of which were quality starts with a combined 17 strikeouts.
The Yankees will face Cade Povich, whom they went up against twice last season and scored six runs in 9.2 innings. Here’s a little more on him from Jeff’s series preview:
Warren will go up against Cade Povich, the 26-year-old who is still trying to find his footing in the major leagues. His 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched is as good of a start as he could ask for, but he has only pitched in two games, with only one of them being a start. And his career against the Yankees hasn’t been stellar, with an ERA of 4.58, and the last three of his starts all finished with an ERA over 5.00.
Looking at the Yankees lineup, you’d only know they’re facing a lefty due to the spot Amed Rosario is in, but otherwise it’s about the regulars being able to show they can still perform against same-handed pitching—early in 2026, the Yankees have fared significantly better against righties.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES | MASN
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280, 98 Rock 97.9 FM, WBAL 1090 AM
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers warms up in the outfield prior to the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (16-16) vs. Texas Rangers (15-16)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: Lone Star Ball Media: Detroit Sportsnet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Jack Flaherty (0-2, 5.33 ERA) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.35 ERA)
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (15) and guard Mario Saint-Supery (17) before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike and freshman guard/wing transfer Isiah Harwell from the Houston Cougars have received an invite to the 2026 G League Combine. Both will have an opportunity to be invited to the 2026 NBA Combine with a strong performance, similar to how Dallas Mavericks lead guard Ryan Nembhard did last year.
The G League Combine takes place May 8-10 at the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois. It can be streamed on the NBA G League official site.
Sources: G League Combine invite list (44 players, alphabetical, subject to change):
Michael Ajayi — Butler Alijah Arenas — USC Donovan Atwell — Texas Tech Nate Bittle — Oregon Elliot Cadeau — Michigan Rafael Castro — George Washington Zach Cleveland — Liberty Jacob Cofie — USC… https://t.co/GqRrvoEjyf
As for the NBA Combine, Gonzaga signee and combo guard Jack Kayil is the only Zag to be straight-up invited. Due to his prior commitments with Alba Berlin in Germany, he may not participate. That would bode well for the chance of Kayil playing in Spokane, Washington, for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The event runs from May 10-17 at the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois. It can be viewed on ESPN2.
The NBA announced today that 73 players have been invited to the AWS NBA Draft Combine 2026, which will take place May 10-17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.
Additionally, a select number of standout players from the AWS NBA G League Draft Combine 2026,… pic.twitter.com/9w2ncpacCe
The deadline for college players like Harwell to withdraw their names is May 27. For international players, like Kayil, it’s June 13.
The 2026 NBA Draft will be a two-night event held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, from June 23-24. Both rounds begin at 5 p.m. PT on ESPN.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Miami Marlins in the top of the second inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on April 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants head to Florida today to begin a three-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be left-hander Robbie Ray, who enters today’s game with a 2.70 ERA, 4.23 FIP, with 35 strikeouts to 14 walks in 33.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday, in which he allowed one run on four hits with four strikeouts and three walks in five innings.
He’ll be facing off against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan, who enters today’s game with a 3.91 ERA, 3.20 FIP, with 25 strikeouts to 13 walks in 23 innings pitched. His last start was in the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, in which he allowed just three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in five innings.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Yordan Alvarez #44 after hitting a home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME:The Houston Astros (12-20) and Boston Red Sox (12-19) begin a 3-game weekend series at Fenway Park tonight.
RHP Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.25 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. LHP Jake Bennett (MLB debut). Tonight will be Burrows’ 1st start and 2nd career appearance at Fenway Park.
ABOUT BURROWS: RHP Mike Burrows, who is from Waterford, CT, will make his 7th start of the season tonight and his 2nd vs. BOS.
One month ago today, he earned his first win in an Astros uniform in a 6-4 victory over the Red Sox on April 1 in Houston (5 IP, 2 ER, 6 S0).
Punchouts: In his last 2 starts, Burrows has seen an uptick in his strikeout totals with 8 K’s in 5.0 IP in his last start on Saturday vs. NYY and 7 K’s in 4.2 IP in his April 19 start vs. STL.
Connecticut Connection: Burrows posted eye-opening numbers as a pitcher at Waterford High School, posting a 6-0 record in his senior year (2018) with an 0.38 ERA with 98 strikeouts in just 44.0 IP. He was a Red Sox fan while growing up.
ROSTER MOVE: Following yesterday’s doubleheader, RHP Jason Alexander was returned to Triple A Sugar Land. Alexander served as the Astros 27th man for the doubleheader.
VS THE SAWX: The Astros swept the Red Sox in a 3-game series at Daikin Park, Mar. 30-April 1.
Over the past 10 seasons (since 2017), HOU is 33-22 (.600) vs. BOS overall.
FUN AT FENWAY: Despite being swept in a 3-game series in their last visit here (Aug. 1-3), the Astros have had recent success at Fenway Park.
HOU has won 6 of their last 9 games at Fenway. Prior to last year’s series in Aug., HOU had swept the Red Sox in 2 consecutive visits to Fenway, Aug. 28-30 of 2023 and Aug. 9-11 of 2024 (both 3-game series).
Additionally, the Astros are 16-9 (.640) in the regular season at Fenway Park since 2017, which is the best win pct. in the Majors at this venue in that span (min. 10 games).
Houston is also 4-3 at Fenway all-time in the postseason.
ROADIES: Tonight is the 4th game (1-2 thus far) of a 6-game road trip for the Astros.
HOU was 1-2 in BAL on the first stop of the trip.
SPECIAL MOMENT: The first 2 members of the Astros Youth Academy to make it to the Major Leagues faced each other yesterday in BAL when Brice Matthews singled off Orioles’ RHP Cameron Foster in the 5th inning of Game 2 of the DH. Matthews was called up to the Majors in 2025 while Foster made his debut in April of 2026.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH?:Yordan Alvarez is a strong candidate for the AL Player of the Month Award for March/April as he has had a torrid start to his season, currently leading, or tied for the lead, in the AL in all three Triple Crown categories – .356 BA, 12 HR, 27 RBI.
Additionally, Alvarez also leads the AL in OPS (1.199), SLG (.737), OBP (.462) and Total Bases (87) and is T-1st in WAR (2.0).
HISTORIC HOMERS: Yordan Alvarez is off to one of the most prolific starts in franchise history. His 12 HR through the club’s first 32 games of the season are the tied for 2nd-most in franchise history (Lance Berkman, 13, 2002).
SOCKING THE SOX: Yordan Alvarez has some of the best career numbers in MLB history vs. the Red Sox (min. 130 PA)
Top BA vs. Red Sox (since 1901)
1. Yordan Alvarez – .417*
2. Will Clark – .403
3. Lyman Bostock – .386
Top OPS vs. Red Sox (since 1901)
1. Yordan Alvarez – 1.305*
2. Babe Ruth – 1.147
3. Lou Gehrig – 1.100
*includes postseason
ROAD WARRIOR: In 11 road games (8 starts) this season, Brice Matthews is 10×31 (.323) with a HR, 7 RBI and 5 BB, slashing (.323/.417/.516) for a .933 OPS.
In his young career, Matthews is hitting .291 in 18 road games (14 starts) with 5 HR and 16 RBI with a .381 OBP and a .618 SLG (.999 OPS).
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: With 238 career HR, Jose Altuve needs one more to tie Lou Whitaker for 7th place all-time among 2nd basemen. Altuve also needs 3 RBI to become the 5th player in franchise history to reach 900.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1969 – At just 24 years old, RHP Don Wilson hurls his 2nd career no-hitter in a 4-0 win over the Reds at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. In his historic gem, Wilson tallies 13 K’s. Ironically, the Reds Jim Maloney had no-hit the Astros in the previous game. In 2019, Wilson was part of the very first class inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame (posthumously).
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, May 1, 6:10 p.m. CT
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
After missing a chance to eliminate the Houston Rockets in Game 5, the Los Angeles Lakers head back to H-Town for Game 6, where our NBA player prop projections has pinpointed several high-value opportunities.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to the latest market lines, we’ve uncovered where the strongest betting edges lie for this pivotal matchup.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, May 1.
Lakers vs Rockets computer picks for Game 6
Lakers
Rockets
James o21.5 points -120
Sengun o20.5 points -112
Reaves o1.5 3-pointers -160
Thompson o7.5 rebounds -105
Smart o3.5 assists -169
Sheppard o3.5 3-pointers +130
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Lakers Game 6 computer picks
LeBron James Over 21.5 points (-120)
Projection: 22.70 points
The Los Angeles Lakers have been rolling offensively on the road, averaging 116.2 points per game over their last 20 outings—good for eighth in the NBA.
Expect LeBron James to set the tone and keep that momentum going as Los Angeles looks to bounce back from a missed closeout chance in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets.
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Austin Reaves Over 1.5 3-pointers (-160)
Projection: 2.11 3-pointers
In his return from injury, Austin Reaves scored 22 points in Game 5 but showed some rust from three-point range.
As he continues to regain rhythm — and with the Lakers trying to avoid a Game 7 — expect him to look more comfortable from deep and help fuel a push to close out the series against the Rockets.
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Marcus Smart Over 3.5 assists (-169)
Projection: 3.75 assists
Marcus Smart has been a steady playmaking force throughout the series, only falling short of this assists line in Game 5.
He’ll look to sharpen his facilitation again as the Lakers try to avoid squandering another chance to eliminate the Rockets in the first round.
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Rockets Game 6 computer picks
Alperen Şengün Over 20.5 points (-112)
Projection: 23.3 points
With Kevin Durant out, Alperen Şengün has taken on a central role for the Rockets in this series and will be counted on again as they try to extend things to a decisive Game 7 against the Lakers.
He’s been hovering near this points line in Games 1, 4, and 5, while clearing it in Games 2 and 3. With the season on the line, expect Şengün to be heavily involved offensively once again.
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Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds (-105)
Projection: 7.6 rebounds
The Rockets lead the league in offensive rebounding this season, and Amen Thompson has been productive across the board in this series.
He’s also cleared this rebound line in four of his last 10 games, reinforcing his impact on the glass.
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Reed Sheppard Over 3.5 3-pointers (+130)
Projection: 3.6 3-pointers
Reed Sheppard has been due for an efficient shooting night from deep for the Rockets, and there’s no better stage than this one to get it going.
When he finds his rhythm from beyond the arc, Sheppard can change the game quickly, and a breakout shooting performance would give Houston a valuable boost on offense.
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How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 6
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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The Orlando Magic will try to close out the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 of their first-round series. The Magic lead the series 3-2 but lost Game 5. Detroit is favored by 3.5 points. The total is set at 209.5 for this Eastern Conference matchup.
For much of this early season, two of Jed Hoyer’s key bullpen acquisitions had not done well. Phil Maton spent time on the injured list and didn’t throw well when he pitched. Jacob Webb had not had good outings most of the year to date.
Friday, both of them pitched well when the Cubs needed them most, combining for three scoreless innings and five strikeouts as the Cubs held on to defeat the Diamondbacks 6-5, their ninth straight win at Wrigley Field.
This one started out like it was going to be an easy win. After Colin Rea allowed hits to the first two D-backs batters, he struck out the next two and got the third on a fly to right, and then the Cubs offense got to work. Nico Hoerner led off with a double and Moisés Ballesteros walked. Nico took third on a force play by Alex Bregman, and Ian Happ walked to load the bases.
After Seiya Suzuki struck out, Michael Busch’s two-run single gave the Cubs the lead [VIDEO].
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen something like that. Those are two good fielders — Alek Thomas and Ildemaro Vargas. And yet, they just let Kelly’s ball drop untouched. Happ scored, and the Cubs needed every single run they got in this game.
The D-backs went out 1-2-3 in the second, and when Hoerner’s turn to bat came up in the bottom of the inning, Matt Shaw was sent up to bat instead. Here’s what apparently happened to Nico [VIDEO].
Here’s what the injury was said to be:
Per #Cubs, Nico Hoerner left the game with left sided neck tightness.
So the Cubs had a five-run lead after four innings. Easy peasy, right?
Of course you know baseball doesn’t work like that. I was honestly surprised Counsell sent Rea out to begin the sixth inning, given that he’d thrown 94 pitches through five. He allowed a leadoff single and then struck out Nolan Arenado.
It appeared Bregman thought the ball was going to roll foul, which it did not. What I didn’t understand is why he didn’t just pick the ball up and step on third base. That might have killed the D-backs inning right there. Instead, a run scored to make it 6-2 and the next hitter, Geraldo Perdomo, smashed a three-run homer into the basket in left and just like that, it’s a one-run game.
Rolison allowed another single and then struck out the next two D-backs to end the inning.
That ball looked like an easy double, it was smacked hard and into the corner tailing away from the fielder. A tip o’ the cap to Tawa.
But the Cubs bullpen was just as stingy. Maton retired the side 1-2-3 in the seventh, two by strikeout, on only 11 pitches. That’s the guy the Cubs thought they were getting when they signed him. If he can keep this up that’s a huge boost to the pen.
Jacob Webb got the D-backs in order in the eighth and I was reasonably sure Counsell would call on Hoby Milner to close things out, as two left-handed hitters were due up. But Webb came out for the ninth and when the bullpen got up it was Corbin Martin warming up, not Milner.
Webb walked the leadoff hitter, Vargas, in the ninth. Maybe that was better than another hit, Vargas went 4-for-4. He’s having himself quite the year so far. But Webb settled down and struck out Corbin Carroll, got pinch-hitter Ketel Marte to hit into a force play, and then faced Gabriel Moreno.
This is what Counsell has preached all year — that the “next guy up” has to do his job, injuries or no, this team needs contributions from all 26 men on the roster. In getting solid outings from Maton and Webb, the Cubs might have finally gotten the bullpen to reach some equilibrium. Good stuff.
With the win, the Cubs moved to within half a game of the Reds for first place in the NL Central, pending the result of the Reds/Pirates game this evening. Meanwhile, the Cubs will go for the series win Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Ryne Nelson goes for the D-backs. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.
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