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White Sox at Twins prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 24

Its Thursday, April 24 and the White Sox (5-19) are in Minneapolis looking to avoid being swept by the Twins (9-15).

Shane Smith is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Chris Paddack for Minnesota.

The day after making a game-saving diving catch, Byron Buxton went yard and drove in two runs to help the Twins double up the White Sox, 6-3.

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 White Sox at Twins

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 1:10PM EST
  • Site: Target Field
  • City: Minneapolis, MN
  • Network/Streaming: CHSN, MNNT, MLBN

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 White Sox at the Twins

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: White Sox (+188), Twins (-228)
  • Spread:  Twins -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for White Sox at Twins

  • Pitching matchup for April 24, 2025: Shane Smith vs. Chris Paddack
    • White Sox: Shane Smith (0-1, 2.82 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/19 at Boston - 4.2IP, 3ER, 4H, 1BB, 3Ks
    • Twins: Chris Paddack (0-2, 7.27 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/18 at Atlanta - 5IP, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 6Ks

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 White Sox at Twins

  • The Twins have won their last 4 home games, while the White Sox have lost 3 straight on the road
  • The Under is 7-4-1 in Twins' games against AL Central teams this season
  • The White Sox have failed to cover the Run Line in 7 straight games at Minnesota

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 today’s game between the White Sox and the Twins

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 Thursday's game between the White Sox and the Twins:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Minnesota Twins on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago White Sox at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards 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)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Mariners at Red Sox prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 24

Its Thursday, April 24 and the Mariners (13-11) are in Boston to take on the Red Sox (14-12).

Bryan Woo is slated to take the mound for Seattle against Garrett Crochet for Boston.

This is the series finale. The teams have split the first two games. Seattle won last night 8-5. J.P. Crawford drove in four runs to pace the attack.

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 Mariners at Red Sox

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 1:35PM EST
  • Site: Fenway Park
  • City: Boston, MA
  • Network/Streaming: ROOTNW, NESN, MLBN

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 Mariners at the Red Sox

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Mariners (+139), Red Sox (-166)
  • Spread:  Red Sox -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mariners at Red Sox

  • Pitching matchup for April 24, 2025: Bryan Woo vs. Garrett Crochet
    • Mariners: Bryan Woo (2-1, 3.12 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/18 at Toronto - 7IP, 3ER, 7H, 2BB, 4Ks
    • Red Sox: Garrett Crochet (2-1, 1.13 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/19 vs. White Sox - 6IP, 0ER, 4H, 2BB, 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 Mariners at Red Sox

  • The Mariners have won 4 of their last 5 series on the road
  • 17 of the Mariners' last 19 road games in Boston have gone over the Total
  • Cal Raleigh is tied atop baseball with 9 HRs
  • Rafael Devers is without a hit in his last 4 games (0-11)

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 Mariners 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 Thursday's game between the Mariners and the Red Sox:

  • 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 Seattle Mariners at +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)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Pirates at Angels prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 24

It's Thursday, April 24 and the Pirates (10-15) are in Anaheim to take on the Angels (11-12). Carmen Mlodzinski is slated to take the mound for Pittsburgh against Tyler Anderson for Los Angeles.

Oneil Cruz hit a 363-foot moonshot of a homerun last night in the Pirates' 3-0 win over the Angels, and now the Buccos go for the 3-0 series sweep over the Halos. The Pirates have outscored the Angels, 12-3 in two games so far.

Let's 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 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 Pirates at Angels

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 9:29 PM EST
  • Site: Angel Stadium
  • City: Anaheim, CA
  • Network/Streaming: FDSW, SportsNet Pittsburgh

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 Pirates at the Angels

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Pirates (+124), Angels (-147)
  • Spread:  Angels -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for the Pirates at Angels

  • Pitching matchup for April 24, 2025: Carmen Mlodzinski vs. Tyler Anderson
    • Pirates: Carmen Mlodzinski, (1-3, 7.41 ERA)
      Last outing: Innings Pitched, Earned Runs Allowed, Hits Allowed, Walks, and Strikeouts
    • Angels: Tyler Anderson, (2-0, 2.08 ERA)
      Last outing: Innings Pitched, Earned Runs Allowed, Hits Allowed, Walks, and Strikeouts

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!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Pirates and the Angels

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes Mike Trout to go Over 0.5 bases:

"In this series, Mike Trout has yet to get a hit and he's now hitless in three straight and five of the past six. This could be a mini-slump, but Thursday night's game is a good chance to snap that. While he's never faced Carmen Mlodzinski, he is a RHP who's been hit a lot. In four starts, Mlodzinski allowed 26 hits over 17.0 innings, 14 earned runs, and 8 walks to 14 strikeouts. All eight of Trout's homers have come off RHP this season and 12 of his 14 hits, so I don't hate Trout to go yard for +360 or better but think he gets at least one hit or one base tonight."

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 Thursday’s game between the Pirates and the Angels:

  • 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 Pittsburgh Pirates at +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

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Pirates at Angels

  • The Pirates have won their last 3 games against teams with losing records
  • With Tyler Anderson starting the Under has cashed in the Angels' last 3 home games
  • With Tyler Anderson as the starter, the Angels have covered 4 straight 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!

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)
Posted on

Rockies at Royals Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for April 24

Its Thursday, April 24 and the Rockies (4-18) are in Kansas City for a doubleheader against the Royals (10-14).

Chase Dollander is slated to take the mound for Colorado in GaME 1 against Cole Ragans for Kansas City.

Last night's game was rained out. As a result, these teams will look to play two games today. The Royals have won their last two games and seven of their last ten. The Rockies are 1-9 in their last ten.

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 Rockies at Royals

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 2:10PM EST
  • Site: Kauffman Stadium
  • City: Kansas City, MO
  • Network/Streaming: COLR, FDSNKC

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 Rockies at the Royals

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Rockies (+217), Royals (-270
  • Spread:  Royals -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Rockies at Royals

  • Pitching matchup for April 24, 2025: Chase Dollander vs. Cole Ragans
    • Rockies: Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/19 vs. Washington - 4IP, 6ER, 9H, 2BB, 5Ks
    • Royals: Cole Ragans (1-1, 3.58 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/18 at Detroit - 4IP, 5ER, 6H, 3BB, 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 Rockies at Royals

  • The Royals have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records
  • The Royals' last 6 home games have stayed under the Total
  • The Royals have failed to cover the Run Line in 4 straight home games
  • KC is 8-15 on the Run Line 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 MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for today’s game between the Rockies and the Royals

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 Thursday's game between the Rockies and the Royals:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Kansas City Royals on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Colorado Rockies at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play 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)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Providence Bruins' Michael DiPietro Wins Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award

Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Providence Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro has been awarded the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award, it was announced Wednesday. 

The award, voted on by coaches, players and media representing all 32 cities across the AHL, is given annually to the AHL's most outstanding goaltender. 

Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft, DiPietro is in third season with the Bruins, having posted a record of 26-8-7 to go along with a 2.05 GAA and a .927 SP in 40 appearances this year. Those numbers placed him second in the AHL in wins and save percentage while putting him third in goals against average. 

Across 145 career AHL regular season games with the Bruins, Utica Comets and the Abbotsford Canucks, DiPietro has posted a statline of 84-42-15, a 2.54 GAA and a .914 SP. He has also made three career NHL appearances, going 0-2-0 along with a 5.28 GAA and a .771 SP. 

Prior to making the jump to the pro game, DiPietro spent parts of four seasons in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires and the Ottawa 67's.

With DiPietro being given this award, it only further solidifies him as the best goalie in the AHL. His play throughout the season was a major factor for Providence's success and he has the chance to be a difference maker for them as they get set for their Calder Cup playoff journey. 

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Orioles at Nationals Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for March 24

It's Monday, March 24 and the Orioles (9-14) are in Washington to take on the Nationals (11-13). Cade Povich is slated to take the mound for Baltimore against Jake Irvin for Washington.

Washington has won the first two games of the series, 7-3 and 4-3, as they look toward a sweep of Baltimore. The Orioles looked like they were going to win yesterday tying the game up in the top of the 8th, 3-3, but Luis Garcia Jr. recorded a sac fly RBI in the bottom of the 8th for the Nats to earn the victory.

Let's 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 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 Orioles at Nationals

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 1:05PM EST
  • Site: Nationals Park
  • City: Washington, DC
  • Network/Streaming: MLB Network

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 Orioles at the Nationals

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Moneyline: Orioles (-108), Nationals (-112)
  • Spread:  Orioles -1.5 (+150)
  • Total: O/U 8.5 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Orioles at Nationals

  • Pitching matchup for March 24, 2025: Cade Povich vs. Jake Irvin
    • Orioles: Cade Povich, (0-2, 6.38 ERA)
      Last outing: 3.1 Innings Pitched, 7 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 5 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Nationals: Jake Irvin, (2-0, 3.68 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.1 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 9 Strikeouts

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!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Orioles and the Nationals

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Orioles to avoid the sweep:

"Baltimore lost 4-3 yesterday after a 7-0 drumming on Tuesday, so this is the last chance for the O's to avoid getting swept by the Nationals. Washington as a team surrendered 23 runs and went 0-3 in Jake Irvin's first three starts, but wins over the Rockies and Pirates have inflated his value. I like the Orioles ML and a dabble on the -1.5 at +150 odds."

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.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Orioles at Nationals

  • Baltimore is on a season-long three-game losing streak.
  • Baltimore is 1-6 in the final game of a series this season.
  • Washington has won four of the past five games.
  • Washington is 9-5 at home this season.
  • Baltimore is 4-8 on the road 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 MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday’s game between the Orioles and the Nationals:

  • 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 Baltimore Orioles at -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 8.5.

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)
Posted on

Canadiens In Big Trouble After Second Loss In Washington

Apr 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) attempts to make a save against the Montreal Canadiens in the second period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

After losing game one of their first-round series 3-2 in overtime, the Montreal Canadiens needed a win on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals. Despite calls for Arber Xhekaj to be inserted into the lineup, bench boss Martin St-Louis decided to stick with his six defensemen. However, he moved Ivan Demidov away from Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook by swapping him with Joel Armia.

The second line got a defensively responsible player while Demidov got to play with Jake Evans, who’s more of a two-way center than Newhook.

Anderson stepped up

Without Xhekaj in the lineup, Josh Anderson has been one of the Canadiens’ best hitters in the tail end of the season, and that trend continued in the playoffs. In game one, he landed four, and early in game two, he had an opportunity to rock Capitals’ hitman Tom Wilson, and he didn’t miss it.

It earned him a two-minute boarding call and a cross-checking one when Tom Wilson skated up to him to complain, but it was entirely worth it. Washington got a two-minute power play on the play as Wilson was also assessed two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the penalty kill stood tall.

Canadiens At Bottom Of The Athletic Playoffs Pressure Rankings
Canadiens Desperately Need More From Bottom Nine
Canadiens: Poised St-Louis Won’t Panic

Anderson's hit put Wilson on notice that the Canadiens were not about to back down and that they, too, could play heavy. Minutes later, Wilson passed on an opportunity to flatten Lane Hutson against the boards.

Have To Be Ready For The Pushback

Early in the second frame, the Canadiens took a 1-0 lead thanks to the tenacity of the Anderson-Christian Dvorak-Brendan Gallagher line. It was the Habs’ first lead of the series, and they weren’t ready for what came next.

The Capitals attacked with a vengeance and pretty much had the Canadiens in the ropes. As a result, within three and a half minutes, the hosts were ahead 2-1, and any trace of momentum the Habs had vanished. Spencer Carbery’s men were relentless for the rest of the frame. Both teams had twice as many shots in the middle frame, which meant eight for the Canadiens and 18 for the Capitals.

Samuel Montembeault did very well weathering the storm, but he could only help at one end of the ice.

Finding The High Gear Earlier

For a second game in a row, the Canadiens found their high gear in the third period and proved to be a handful for Logan Thompson. Montreal had 12 shots on net through 40 minutes, yet they found the net 14 times in the final frame.

Thompson multiplied the big saves and received some help from his post, but what good goaltender doesn’t? The question is, if the Washington goaltender had been solicited that much in the first two frames, would he have been that efficient in the third? Chances are, he would have been running on empty.

For a second time in as many matches, Brendan Gallagher was hit by a cross-check in the face that went uncalled, just like the one on Cole Caufield later in the game. The Canadiens’ sniper fell to the ice, Nick Suzuki raised his arms in protest, but both referees kept their arms down. While it’s nothing new for fewer calls to be made in the playoffs, it usually takes a couple of rounds for that infraction to go unpunished.

Laine didn’t see a second of action in the third frame; he rode the pine for the full 20 minutes. It has to be said that he struggled through the first 40 minutes. Even though he was often in space on the power play, he elected not to shoot quite a few times, waiting for the picture-perfect pass that never came. It was even worst at even strength, he made hazardous passes and he just couldn't get in the game. Asked about it, the coach said: 

These are decisions you make as a coach. I shortened our bench a lot. Honestly, went with the nine, 10 players I felt could help us
- St-Louis on shortening his bench

As for Armia, he saw a single shift in the same frame. With St-Louis deciding to put Newhook and Evans together with Demidov, he became collateral damage, just like Heineman, who only stepped on the ice twice in the last 20 minutes.

Down 2-0 in the series, the Canadiens do not have much wiggle room left, and changes will have to be made before game three, which will take place on Friday night at the Bell Centre.

Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.  

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens. 

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Sixers to play 2 preseason games vs. Knicks in Abu Dhabi

Sixers to play 2 preseason games vs. Knicks in Abu Dhabi  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025-26 Sixers’ preseason will feature an overseas journey.

The NBA announced Thursday that the Sixers will play two preseason games against the Knicks in Abu Dhabi.

The games are set for Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The remainder of the Sixers’ preseason schedule should be released well down the line.

“Bringing the Philadelphia 76ers to Abu Dhabi is an incredible opportunity to connect with new fans in a dynamic and growing region,” Sixers managing partner Josh Harris said in a press release. “As an organization, we’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our fans throughout the world. 

“We’re proud to be part of the NBA’s efforts to grow the game internationally and look forward to representing the city of Philadelphia while engaging with the vibrant community in the UAE.”

The trip will be the Sixers’ first international action since they played two 2018 preseason games in China.

The Sixers lost all four games of their 2024-25 regular-season series vs. the Knicks.

New York split the first two games of its first-round playoff series with the Pistons. The Sixers are in the early stages of the offseason after a 24-58 campaign that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey called the toughest of his career.

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Sixers to play 2 preseason games vs. Knicks in Abu Dhabi

Sixers to play 2 preseason games vs. Knicks in Abu Dhabi  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025-26 Sixers’ preseason will feature an overseas journey.

The NBA announced Tuesday that the Sixers will play two preseason games against the Knicks in Abu Dhabi.

The games are set for Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The remainder of the Sixers’ preseason schedule should be released well down the line.

“Bringing the Philadelphia 76ers to Abu Dhabi is an incredible opportunity to connect with new fans in a dynamic and growing region,” Sixers managing partner Josh Harris said in a press release. “As an organization, we’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our fans throughout the world. 

“We’re proud to be part of the NBA’s efforts to grow the game internationally and look forward to representing the city of Philadelphia while engaging with the vibrant community in the UAE.”

The trip will be the Sixers’ first international action since they played two 2018 preseason games in China.

The Sixers lost all four games of their 2024-25 regular-season series vs. the Knicks.

New York split the first two games of its first-round playoff series with the Pistons. The Sixers are in the early stages of the offseason after a 24-58 campaign that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey called the toughest of his career.

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Report: Ishbia, Suns ‘pushing hard' to land ex-Warriors GM Myers

Report: Ishbia, Suns ‘pushing hard' to land ex-Warriors GM Myers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Phoenix Suns are in desperate need of an organizational shift, and they appear to have their eye on a man who knows a thing or two about championship basketball.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia has been “pushing hard” to add former Warriors general manager Bob Myers to his front office staff, The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin reported Thursday, citing sources.

Rankin added, citing sources, that Phoenix is looking to potentially add someone to its front office staff this offseason after another underwhelming season.

NBA contributor Marc Stein also reported Wednesday that the Suns were interested in trying to lure Myers back to a front office role.

Phoenix currently has James Jones as its general manager and president of basketball operations, and Josh Bartelstein as its CEO and team president, who both collaborate with Ishbia on personnel decisions.

But after missing the playoffs with just 36 wins during the 2024-25 NBA season, even with the trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, it’s clear that change is needed.

Myers stepped down as Golden State’s general manager in May 2023 after spending more than a decade with the organization and being the orchestrator behind the Warriors’ dynasty that made six NBA Finals appearances and won four championships.

He joined ESPN as an analyst in 2023 and also became a consultant for the Washington Commanders in January 2024.

If anyone can help fix the dumpster fire that has been the Suns over the last few seasons, it’s Myers. But is he up for the challenge?

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Watch Udoka tell Rockets refs won't call fouls on them vs. Warriors

Watch Udoka tell Rockets refs won't call fouls on them vs. Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Adam Silver made the call. The script has been leaked.

All jokes aside, there was one interesting moment caught on camera during the Warriors’ 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series that jump-started some NBA fans’ conspiratorial minds.

During a timeout, Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who was mic’d up on the TNT broadcast, was heard relaying a message to his team on the bench about their physicality.

“Keep playing through the contact. Physicality. Don’t worry, they’re not going to call anything, play through it,” Udoka told his team on the bench. “Don’t get caught up in that.”

It’s almost as if he knows …

Again, just kidding.

The refs called 17 total fouls on the Rockets and 18 on the Warriors in Game 2. Golden State had 18 free-throw attempts, while Houston had 20. While the stat sheet showed a relatively balanced foul distribution, it was the non-calls in the game that had Warriors fans up in arms, particularly the aggressive defense against superstar point guard Steph Curry.

Warriors star forward Jimmy Butler also was on the receiving end of Houston’s physicality, and he left the game late in the first quarter after falling straight onto his lower back in a collision with Rockets forward Amen Thompson on a defensive rebound attempt.

Butler was ruled out with a pelvis contusion and will receive an MRI on Thursday in San Francisco. Thompson was assessed a standard personal foul, while many fans thought the foul should have been upgraded to at least a Flagrant 1 or possibly a Flagrant 2.

While the refs did call a foul on that play, perhaps Udoka had a point in his assessment of the officials’ view of the Rockets’ physicality.

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Kings GM Perry addresses his past criticism of LaVine

Kings GM Perry addresses his past criticism of LaVine originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

New Kings general manager Scott Perry discussed his past comments about Sacramento star Zach LaVine during his introductory press conference on Wednesday. 

“I’ve had the chance to speak with Zach,” Perry told reporters. “I knew Zach a little bit, well before I took this job. When he was a young player at UCLA who was coming out, I was scouting him and watching him a lot – terrific talent, athletic, career 40-percent 3-point shooter. And he and I, like I said, had a good conversation. My job now [is] to help put pieces around him and others to enhance his ability to start winning. 

“And that is what you’re getting with the comment that I made, because it was a reflection on him not having won as much. It’s nothing personal.”

Perry, Sacramento’s fifth general manager in 12 years, was referring to a clip from November 2023 in which he described his skepticism toward LaVine’s ability to impact winning. When appearing on “The Hoops Genius Podcast” with Mo Mooncey and BJ Armstrong, Perry suggested LaVine wasn’t worth his pricey contracts.

“No question that Zach LaVine can score the basketball,” Perry said. “Does he impact winning? Zach LaVine has been to one playoff series in nine years. He’s played a total of four playoff basketball games. I’m looking at $40-, 43, 46 & 49 million for a guy who – to this point – has not impacted winning to the level that his money says he should impact.”

LaVine has made $209.62 million over his 11-year NBA career with three different franchises – the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls and the Kings. He still has one playoff victory, which came in a 2022 Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, when the Bulls were eliminated in five games by the Milwaukee Bucks.

LaVine’s numbers are strong across the board. Over 32 regular-season games with Sacramento, he averaged 22.4 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds and shot 44.6 percent on triples. Yet, the Kings didn’t make it past the NBA play-in tournament, putting Perry’s old claim into consideration once again. 

Perry, a longtime NBA executive with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, doesn’t shy away from giving his players tough love.

“What I enjoy in my relationships with all players – and that’s why so many of them reached out to me – is because they know, ‘OK, I might not always agree with him, but he’s going to shoot me straight,’” Perry told reporters. “And they know I’m going to provide radical candor surrounded by radical love. And those [are] coming from a good place.”

Perry’s comments about LaVine might be old news, but they might serve as a precursor to what Kings fans can expect in their new general manager’s leadership style.

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