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Rangers at Cubs prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 8

Its Tuesday, April 8 and the Cubs (8-5) host the Rangers (8-3) at Wrigley in Game 2 of their series.

Patrick Corbin is slated to take the mound for Texas against Jameson Taillon for Chicago

Justin Steele did not allow a run over seven innings yesterday as the Cubs throttled the Rangers, 7-0. Ian Happ drove in three to pace the Chicago attack. Kyle Tucker picked up two more hits (.327) and drove in his sixteenth run of the season for the Cubs.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Rangers at Cubs

  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Time: 7:40PM EST
  • Site: Wrigley Field
  • City: Chicago, IL
  • Network/Streaming: RSN, MARQ

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Rangers at the Cubs

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Rangers (+133), Cubs (-157)
  • Spread:  Cubs -1.5
  • Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Rangers at Cubs

  • Pitching matchup for April 8, 2025: Patrick Corbin vs. Jameson Taillon
    • Rangers: Patrick Corbin (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
      2024 - 32GP, 174.2IP, 6-13, 5.62ERA, 54BB, 139Ks
    • Cubs: Jameson Taillon (1-1, 6.97 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/2 at Athletics - 6IP, 2ER, 4H, 3BB, 7Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rangers at Cubs

  • The Rangers had won 5 in a row prior to yesterday's loss
  • The Rangers are 5-6 ATS for the season
  • The Cubs have won 6 of their last 7
  • The Cubs are 8-5 ATS for the season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Rangers and the Cubs

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Rangers and the Cubs:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Cubs on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago Cubs -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Mets' early-season success is even more impressive considering what they don't yet have

After starting the season 2-3, the Mets reeled off five wins in a row, often showing the resiliency that was a hallmark of the 2024 club.

But while what the Mets are doing early this season is very impressive, what's even more notable is that they're achieving it without so many elements that should be present sooner rather then later. Before getting to that, let's discuss what the Mets do have at the moment...

For starters, they have the best ERA in baseball -- a sterling 1.72 mark entering play on Tuesday.

While what the starting pitching is doing might be a bit of a surprise, it was easy to see before the regular season began that the Mets had the makings of a potentially dominant relief corps.

With Edwin Diaz, A.J. Minter, Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett, Jose Butto, and Max Kranick, New York entered the year with six relievers who have late-inning potential, with two of them (Butto and Kranick) earmarked for multi-inning stints on the regular.

So far, it's worked out nearly perfectly.

And the bullpen has also gotten a significant boost from Huascar Brazoban, whose inclusion on the Opening Day roster was up in the air until Paul Blackburn landed on the IL. Brazoban has fired 7.1 scoreless innings over four appearances, allowing just three hits, walking one, and striking out six.

Meanwhile, Kranick has been nearly perfect, with one base runner allowed in 7.0 innings over four games.

Then there's the top of the lineup.

Apr 7, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on an RBI double against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Citi Field.
Apr 7, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on an RBI double against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner - Imagn Images

The trifecta of Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso has been dynamic. And they have carried the offense so far.

After going hitless during the Mets' season-opening three-game series in Houston, Lindor has been terrific, posting an .878 OPS during his current six-game hitting streak.

Soto has reached base in all 10 games, has a .904 OPS, and has smashed doubles in three of his last four games.

Alonso has been on another level. Using a discerning eye at the plate and flashing eye-popping exit velocities, Alonso is slashing .314/.429/.657 with three homers and three doubles.

Now, let's talk about what the Mets don't yet have...

They are still without starting catcher Francisco Alvarez, whose absence has been offset a bit because of strong defense from Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger, and a spurt of hot offense from Torrens. But when Alvarez returns, likely in a few weeks, he should add thump to a bottom of a lineup that has been mostly anemic.

New York also hasn't found its rhythm offensively beyond the top three in the lineup, with Brandon Nimmo struggling recently, Jesse Winker up and down, and the aforementioned bottom of the order not doing much.

Some of that has to do with the struggles of co-second basemen Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña.

After a hot spring, Baty is again struggling at the big league level, with just two hits in 21 at-bats. And his approach at the plate has been more concerning than the results. Acuña, who got the start on Monday against a right-hander, has just two hits in 17 at-bats.

While it's easy for some to scoff at the idea of Jeff McNeil (who should be back from his minor oblique injury within the next few weeks) being an impact bat again, he clearly still has the ability -- McNeil slashed .289/.376/.548 in 157 plate appearances over his last 43 regular season games in 2024.

Jul 23, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium.
Jul 23, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As far as the rotation, it's without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Both of them could be back around late May or early June, so there's still a lot of heavy lifting for the starting staff to do.

The bullpen should get a jolt soon, though, with Dedniel Nuñez -- who has been building up in the minors -- eligible to be activated as early as April 11.

As the 2025 bullpen has been mowing hitters down, it's been easy to forget that Nuñez was one of the Mets' best relievers in 2024, when he posted a 2.21 ERA and 0.91 WHIP while striking out 48 batters in 35.0 innings -- a rate of 12.3 strikeouts per nine.

Beyond the players the Mets will get back and the expectation that their offense will start clicking with their return, some progression toward the mean for others, and hitting in weather that isn't frigid, is the belief that this team will also be bolstered in other ways.

Right-handed pitching prospects Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean -- both of whom have top-of-the-rotation potential -- should make an impact in the majors at some point this season.

On the position player side in the minors, Ronny Mauricio and Jett Williams could make their presence felt, as could Drew Gilbert if he gets healthy and excels.

New York is also well-positioned to swing a trade for an impact starting pitcher around the deadline if there's a need. This is not the middle of last season, when they were rightfully hesitant to push some chips in.

The Mets have been a well-oiled machine without so much of what should make them go in the near future. When some of their performances get more even and reinforcements arrive, look out. Until then, the Mets will keep chugging along.

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Guerrero Jr.’s $500M Blue Jays Deal Widens AL East Resource Gap

PHOENIX — When a player agrees to a 14-year, $500 million extension, as Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reportedly did Sunday night, the signing has a ripple effect.

The American League East, almost always led in spending by the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, now has another club knocking at the vault door.

How does that make the more reserved Baltimore Orioles feel, especially after they followed last year’s 91-win season with the free-agent losses of ace right-hander Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, the latter of whom signed with the Blue Jays? Considering Guerrero Jr. has hit more home runs against Baltimore (27) than any other MLB club, not very good.

“I don’t like seeing Vladdy 13 times a year,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said before his team opened a three-game series Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team that added Burnes this past offseason. “If he wanted to go to Cleveland or San Diego that certainly would have been perfectly fine with me.”

But Guerrero didn’t go; after a winter of nip-and-tuck negotiations, he decided to remain in Canada. Toronto has, for years, been aching for a superstar to stay in its midst. Fans thought the organization had pulled off the remarkable signing of Shohei Ohtani two offseasons ago only for the Los Angeles Dodgers to swipe the two-way star.

Unlike Ohtani’s deal, Guerrero Jr.’s reportedly comes without deferrals.

The size of these top-end deals in MLB appear beyond what a team like the Orioles are willing to shell out at this point, although their player payroll for luxury tax purposes has jumped to $181.4 million, No. 15 in MLB, from last year’s $126.7 million, per Spotrac. The Blue Jays, with a player payroll for luxury tax purposes of $267.8 million, have slid between the Yankees ($309.5 million) and the Red Sox ($247.9 million).

“It’s the AL East for a reason, and there are superstars in the middle of just about every batting order,” Hyde said.

Except maybe the Rays, who don’t have a permanent home right now in the Tampa Bay area and are trying to compete with all these big spenders at $100.6 million.

Before signing, Guerrero was in his last year before free agency and earning $28.5 million this season. Now, his base salary will be $35.5 million for the next 14 seasons. That’s nowhere near the $51 million the New York Mets are paying Juan Soto for through 2039, or the $40 million Aaron Judge is earning from the Yanks through 2031.

But comparatively, the Orioles, who won 102 games and the division with an $89.4 million payroll two years ago, have Tyler O’Neill at $16.5 million a year as their highest-paid player.

“I think when teams spend on players, it’s good for baseball,” O’Neill said in a clubhouse interview Monday night about Guerrero’s contract. “It forces the rest of the league to be competitive in that regard as well.

“You want to see owners going out to make their teams better. At the end of the day, it’s the Major Leagues, and you want to compete against the best. That’s my take on that. I think it’s good for the game and good for the players as a whole.”

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Penguins Crosby Came Within A Game Of Establishing New NHL Record

Sidney Crosby - Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was held pointless in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, ending his 12-game point streak, where he had 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points. 

Meanwhile, he picked up his first hat trick since Nov. 14, 2023, with three goals against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, the final points of this impressive streak for the 37-year-old. 

Without much fanfare surrounding the 12-game point streak, Crosby tied an NHL record for the longest streak by a player age 37 or older, joining Joe Sakic (2007), Mathieu Schneider (2006), Brett Hull (2003), and Jean Beliveau (1970). 

Had Crosby picked up a point against the Blackhawks, he would have become the only player in NHL history to have points in 13 games over the age of 37.

Regarding his production during the streak, Crosby tied Sakic for the most points (20) over 12 games and established a new goal-scoring milestone as the only player to reach double digits during their respective streak, outscoring Hull (seven) and Sakic (six). 

Penguins' Crosby Becomes 19th NHL Player To Record Multiple Hat Tricks After Age 36Penguins' Crosby Becomes 19th NHL Player To Record Multiple Hat Tricks After Age 36Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby recorded his 17th career hat trick on Saturday afternoon against the Dallas Stars.

Throughout his 20-year career, Crosby has compiled 14-point streaks of more than ten games, with this most recent 12-game streak ranking as the sixth longest. During the 2010-11 season, he tallied points in 25 consecutive games in November and December to establish a career-high point streak. 

Here's a breakdown of Crosby's best point streaks:

- 25 games: Nov. 5 to Dec. 28, 2010

- 19 games: Oct. 6 to Nov. 17, 2007

- 16 games: Feb. 16 to Apr. 1, 2009

- 14 games: Mar. 26 to Nov. 5, 2016

- 12 games: Feb. 29 to Mar. 20, 2016

- 12 games: Mar. 9 to Apr. 5, 2025

Despite his best efforts, Crosby has yet to come close to Mario Lemieux's franchise record of 46 consecutive games with a point, achieved in 1989-90. Between Oct. 31, 1989, and Feb. 11, 1990, the Hall of Famer scored 39 goals and 64 assists for 103 points.

Although Lemieux went on one of the greatest runs in NHL history, he still came up short of the record held by Wayne Gretzky, who scored in 51 games during the 1983-84 season thanks to 61 goals, 92 assists, and 153 points. 

However, Crosby's 25-game streak in 2010 ranks as the 14th longest in history. He remains one of only two active players with a streak over 25 games, sharing the honor with Patrick Kane, who reached 26 games in 2015.

Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesPittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesThe Pittsburgh Penguins are winding down their 2024-25 season and will miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season, a first in Sidney Crosby's 20-year career. However, there is plenty to play for in the final weeks.
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Phillies at Braves prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 8

Its Tuesday, April 8 and the Phillies (7-2) are in Atlanta to open a series against the Braves (1-8).

This one is an elite pitching matchup as Zack Wheeler is slated to take the mound for Philadelphia against Chris Sale for Atlanta.

The Phillies enjoyed a day off yesterday following a weekend that saw them take two of three from the Dodgers. The Braves have not played since Saturday's 4-0 loss at home to Miami. They were rained out Sunday and yesterday was a scheduled off day.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Phillies at Braves

  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Time: 7:15PM EST
  • Site: Truist Park
  • City: Atlanta, GA
  • Network/Streaming: TBS

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Phillies at the Braves

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Phillies (-101), Braves (-119)
  • Spread:  Braves 1.5
  • Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Phillies at Braves

  • Pitching matchup for April 8, 2025: Zack Wheeler vs. Chris Sale
    • Phillies: Zack Wheeler (1-0, 1.39 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/2 vs. Colorado - 7IP, 1ER, 3H, 0BB, 10K
    • Braves: Chris Sale (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/1 at Dodgers - 5IP, 3ER, 4H, 0BB, 5Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Phillies at Braves

  • The Phillies have won 5 of their last 6 games
  • The Phillies are 7-2 ATS for the season
  • The Braves have but one win on the season and are 3-6 ATS
  • Bryson Stott leads the Philly regulars with a .286 batting average
  • Michael Harris II leads the Braves regulars with a .242 batting average

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Braves

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Phillies and the Braves:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Philadelphia Phillies on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia Phillies at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Spurs vs. Clippers Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for April 8

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview 

The San Antonio Spurs (32-46) and Los Angeles Clippers (46-32) are all set to square off from Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

The Clippers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They have won eight of their last 10 games, and look like a serious contender this year.

The Spurs are currently 12-25 on the road with a point differential of -3, while the Clippers have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Spurs vs. Clippers live today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Time: 10:30PM EST
  • Site: Intuit Dome
  • City: Inglewood, CA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Spurs vs. Clippers

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Spurs (+541), Clippers (-787)
  • Spread:  Clippers -12.5
  • Over/Under: 227 points

That gives the Spurs an implied team point total of 112.52, and the Clippers 119.05.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday's Spurs vs. Clippers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Clippers -12…

Thomas: “It’s difficult to have confidence in this game without knowing the status of Kawhi Leonard. If he’s in, I’m taking Clippers to the bank.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Spurs & Clippers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the San Antonio Spurs on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Antonio Spurs at +12.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 227.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Spurs vs. Clippers on Tuesday

  • The Clippers have won 7 of their last 9 home games against the Spurs
  • The Under is 27-21 in the Clippers' matchups against Western Conference teams this season
  • The Clippers have covered in 4 of their last 5 games
  • The Under is 27-21 in the Clippers' matchups against Western Conference teams this season

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth in stunning move

Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth in stunning move originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Another Western Conference playoff contender is making a coaching change.

Just weeks after the Memphis Grizzlies moved on from Taylor Jenkins, the Denver Nuggets are firing Michael Malone.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news on Tuesday, and later added that general manager Calvin Booth has also been fired. Assistant coach David Adelman, who has worked for Malone since 2017, will serve as the interim head coach. The team later confirmed Charnaia’s reports in a press release.

Malone led the Nuggets to their only championship less than two years ago in 2023. He had been Denver’s head coach since 2015, compiling a 471-327 record with 44 playoff wins over that span.

Booth took over as Nuggets general manager in 2022 when Tim Connelly left for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Booth winning the title in his first season at the helm, many of the roster moves that set up the victory were made by Connelly.

This season has started to unravel for the Nuggets in recent weeks, with the team going 3-7 in their last 10 games. Denver has lost four straight games to fall to 47-32, good for fourth in the West — but tied with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth seeds in the loss column.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has never played for another coach since being drafted, his rookie season was Malone’s first in Denver.

The Nuggets have three games left in the regular season — Wednesday at the Sacramento Kings, Friday against the Grizzlies and Sunday at the Houston Rockets.

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Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth in stunning move

Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth in stunning move originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Another Western Conference playoff contender is making a coaching change.

Just weeks after the Memphis Grizzlies moved on from Taylor Jenkins, the Denver Nuggets are firing Michael Malone.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news on Tuesday, and later added that general manager Calvin Booth has also been fired. Assistant coach David Adelman, who has worked for Malone since 2017, will serve as the interim head coach. The team later confirmed Charnaia’s reports in a press release.

Malone led the Nuggets to their only championship less than two years ago in 2023. He had been Denver’s head coach since 2015, compiling a 471-327 record with 44 playoff wins over that span.

Booth took over as Nuggets general manager in 2022 when Tim Connelly left for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Booth winning the title in his first season at the helm, many of the roster moves that set up the victory were made by Connelly.

This season has started to unravel for the Nuggets in recent weeks, with the team going 3-7 in their last 10 games. Denver has lost four straight games to fall to 47-32, good for fourth in the West — but tied with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth seeds in the loss column.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has never played for another coach since being drafted, his rookie season was Malone’s first in Denver.

The Nuggets have three games left in the regular season — Wednesday at the Sacramento Kings, Friday against the Grizzlies and Sunday at the Houston Rockets.

Posted on

Blue Jays at Red Sox prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 8

Its Tuesday, April 8 and the Blue Jays (6-5) look to make it two straight wins as they continue their series in Boston against the Red Sox (6-5).

Easton Lucas is slated to take the mound for Toronto against Garrett Crochet for Boston.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Blue Jays at Red Sox

  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Time: 6:45PM EST
  • Site: Fenway Park
  • City: Boston, MA
  • Network/Streaming: SportsNet, NESN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Blue Jays at the Red Sox

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Blue Jays (+158), Red Sox (-190)
  • Spread:  Red Sox -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Blue Jays at Red Sox

  • Pitching matchup for April 8, 2025: Easton Lucas vs. Garrett Crochet
    • Blue Jays: Easton Lucas (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/2 vs. Washington - 5IP, 0ER, 1H, 2BB, 3Ks
    • Red Sox: Garrett Crochet (1-0, 1.39 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/2 @ Baltimore - 8IP, 0ER, 4H, 1BB, 8Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Blue Jays at Red Sox

  • The loss last night snapped Boston's 5-game win streak
  • Boston is now 7-4 on the Run Line this season
  • The Game Total UNDER has cashed in 8 straight Jays' games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Blue Jays and the Red Sox

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Blue Jays and the Red Sox:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Boston Red Sox on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Red Sox -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Warriors vs. Suns Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for April 8

Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns Preview 

The Golden State Warriors (46-32) and Phoenix Suns (35-43) are all set to square off from Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The Warriors are coming off a loss to the Houston Rockets, but have still been playing really good basketball. They have won seven of their last 10 games and are sixth in the Western Conference.

The Warriors are currently 22-17 on the road with a point differential of 3, while the Suns have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Warriors vs. Suns live today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Footprint Center
  • City: Phoenix, AZ

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Warriors vs. Suns
The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Warriors (-333), Suns (+267)
  • Spread:  Warriors -8
  • Over/Under: 228 points

That gives the Warriors an implied team point total of 117.08, and the Suns 112.91.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday's Warriors vs. Suns game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

 Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Warriors -9…

Thomas: “ A nine-point spread seems kind of big, doesn’t it? That logic comes from a clouded expectation of a team's reputation over their on-the-court performance. The Suns have been bad, and are still without Kevin Durant.

The Sun's offense has been their weakness this season. With how well the Warriors have been defensively, it’s hard to imagine the Suns can remain competitive for four quarters.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Warriors & Suns game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Golden State Warriors on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Phoenix Suns at +8.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 228.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Why Steph vs. Booker matchup is key to Warriors-Suns outcome

Why Steph vs. Booker matchup is key to Warriors-Suns outcome originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Stephen Curry yearns for a comeback game to lift the Warriors to victory.

Devin Booker needs a comeback season to return the Phoenix Suns to relevance.

The high-scoring guards share the spotlight Tuesday night in a game featuring two teams with opposite goals. The Warriors (46-32) desperately want to avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament, while the Suns (35-43) are hoping, against odds, a strong final week will put them in the play-in.

Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins with Warriors Pregame Live at 6 p.m., with tipoff from PHX Arena scheduled for 7.

The Warriors are locked in a furious five-team battle for the final three spots to finish among the top six teams in the West and earn a guaranteed playoff berth. A loss to Houston on Sunday dropped them from fifth place to sixth. If they finish any lower, they’re in the play-in.

Curry managed only three points against a physically hyperactive Rockets defense, led by rangy Amen Thompson, designed to limit his production. He shot 1-of-10 from the field, including 1-of-8 from distance, and never got to the foul line. It was the first time this season that Curry played at least 25 minutes and failed to score in double digits.

It was a steep drop for Curry, who scored 125 points (41.7 per game) over the previous three games, all victories against opponents above them in the standings. He’ll be facing a much lesser defense than fourth-ranked Houston, as the Suns are 27th in defense.

Booker, Curry’s teammate on Team USA’s gold-medal-winning 2024 Olympics team in Paris, has been productive, averaging 25.9 points per game, but his efficiency is slightly below his career averages.

Projected to be among the top four teams in the West, the presence of Booker and fellow stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal has not been enough to prevent the Suns – who have the highest payroll in the NBA – from being the league’s most disappointing team. They sit in 11th place in the West.

Since winning eight of their first nine games under new coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns are 15 games under .500. They have lost six in a row, the last three without Durant, whose sprained left ankle will keep him from facing his former Golden State teammates.

Changes are coming to Phoenix this summer. Budenholzer likely will be sacked and all signs point to Durant landing on another roster.

The Warriors will try to exploit a reeling opponent while also getting Curry back on track.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Lakers vs. Thunder Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and, best bets for April 8

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview 

The Los Angeles Lakers (48-30) and Oklahoma City Thunder (64-14) are all set to square off from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

They played against each other two nights ago, and the Lakers won 126-99. That loss to the Lakers was the second straight loss for the Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 26 points, and Jalen Williams was the Thunder’s second highest scorer with 16.

This was the first time since mid-December where the Thunder were held to less than 100 points.

The Lakers are currently 18-20 on the road with a point differential of 1, while the Thunder have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Lakers vs. Thunder live today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: Paycom Center
  • City: Oklahoma City, OK

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Lakers vs. Thunder
The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Lakers (+653), Thunder (-1000)
  • Spread:  Thunder -14.5
  • Over/Under: 225 points

That gives the Lakers an implied team point total of 111.54, and the Thunder 119.09.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday's Lakers vs. Thunder game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Shai Gilegous-Alexander over 31.5 points…

Thomas: “The Lakers made a massive statement in the last game against the Thunder. Not only beating them by 30 points, but by holding them to under 100 points. I expect a massive rebound from the Thunder tonight.

SGA will likely spearhead that rebound. He scored 26 points without a single trip to the free throw line. A lot of SGA’s domination comes from the charity stripe. If he wants his team to overcome this mini-skid, I expect him to give maximum effort.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Lakers & Thunder game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Lakers at +14.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 225.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Lakers vs. Thunder on Tuesday

  • The Thunder have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Pacific Division teams
  • 5 of the Lakers' last 7 matchups with the Thunder have stayed under the Total
  • The Thunder are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite

The Thunder have won 17 of their last 20 games at home
 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)