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What to know for Round 1 of the NBA playoffs: Bracket, schedule and more

What to know for Round 1 of the NBA playoffs: Bracket, schedule and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The 2025 NBA playoffs are ready to tip off.

The last two playoff berths were awarded on Friday night as the play-in tournament wrapped up.

The 10th-place Miami Heat first made play-in history with a wild overtime win against the eighth-place Atlanta Hawks. Tyler Herro and Co. clinched the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot with the road victory, becoming the first 10th-place team to advance to the playoffs since the play-in was introduced in 2021. The Heat previously crushed the Bulls in Chicago in the 9-10 game.

But the Western Conference’s 10th-place team, the Dallas Mavericks, failed to match Miami’s feat. The eighth-place Memphis Grizzlies cruised past Dallas to grab the No. 8 playoff seed out West.

With the 16-team bracket locked in, here’s a look at the first-round matchups, schedule, and more to know:

When do the NBA playoffs start?

The playoffs begin Saturday, April 19.

How do the NBA playoffs work?

First-round matchups in each conference are No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, No. 3 vs. No. 6, and No. 4 vs. No. 5. All postseason series are best of seven where the higher seed has home-court advantage in Games 1, 2, 5 and 7.

Do the NBA playoffs reseed teams?

The playoffs follow a bracket format and don’t reseed teams after the first round. That means, for instance, the winner of a 1-8 matchup will meet the winner of a 4-5 matchup in Round 2, regardless of the other first-round results.

What teams are in the NBA playoffs?

The six automatic playoff berths in the East were claimed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. The Orlando Magic and the Heat then joined the field via the play-in.

Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves secured top-six spots before the Golden State Warriors and the Grizzlies advanced through the play-in.

What are the NBA playoff matchups?

Here’s a look at the bracket:

Eastern Conference

1. Cavaliers
8. Heat

4.Pacers
5. Bucks

3. Knicks
6. Pistons

2. Celtics
7. Magic

Western Conference

1. Thunder
8. Grizzlies

4. Nuggets
5. Clippers

3. Lakers
6. Timberwolves

2. Rockets
7. Warriors

What’s the schedule for the first round of the NBA playoffs?

Here are the schedule details for each first-round series ( * = if necessary):

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Heat

  • Game 1: Heat at Cavaliers — Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 2: Heat at Cavaliers — Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV
  • Game 3: Cavaliers at Heat — Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 4: Cavaliers at Heat — Monday, April 28, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 5*: Heat at Cavaliers — Wednesday, April 30, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Cavaliers at Heat — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Heat at Cavaliers — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Magic

  • Game 1: Magic at Celtics — Sunday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2: Magic at Celtics — Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Celtics at Magic — Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 4: Celtics at Magic — Sunday, April 27, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Magic at Celtics — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Celtics at Magic — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Magic at Celtics — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons

  • Game 1: Pistons at Knicks — Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 2: Pistons at Knicks — Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Knicks at Pistons — Thursday, April 24, time TBD, TNT
  • Game 4: Knicks at Pistons — Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 5*: Pistons at Knicks — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Knicks at Pistons — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Pistons at Knicks — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 4 Pacers vs. No. 5 Bucks

  • Game 1: Bucks at Pacers — Saturday, April 19, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 2: Bucks at Pacers — Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m. ET, NBA TV
  • Game 3: Pacers at Bucks — Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET, NBA TV/ESPNU
  • Game 4: Pacers at Bucks — Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Bucks at Pacers — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Pacers at Bucks — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Bucks at Pacers — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

Western Conference

No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies

  • Game 1: Grizzlies at Thunder — Sunday, April 20, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2: Grizzlies at Thunder — Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Thunder at Grizzlies — Thursday, April 24, time TBD, TNT
  • Game 4: Thunder at Grizzlies — Saturday, April 26, 3:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Grizzlies at Thunder — Monday, April 28, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Thunder at Grizzlies — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Grizzlies at Thunder — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 2 Rockets vs. No. 7 Warriors

  • Game 1: Warriors at Rockets — Sunday, April 20, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 2: Warriors at Rockets — Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Rockets at Warriors — Saturday, April 26, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 4: Rockets at Warriors — Monday, April 28, 10 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Warriors at Rockets — Wednesday, April 30, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Rockets at Warriors — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Warriors at Rockets — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Timberwolves

  • Game 1: Timberwolves at Lakers — Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers — Tuesday, April 22, 10 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Lakers at Timberwolves — Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 4: Lakers at Timberwolves — Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 5*: Timberwolves at Lakers — Wednesday, April 30, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Lakers at Timberwolves — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Timberwolves at Lakers — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 4 Nuggets vs. No. 5 Clippers

  • Game 1: Clippers at Nuggets — Saturday, April 19, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets — Monday, April 21, 10 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Nuggets at Clippers — Thursday, April 24, time TBD, NBA TV
  • Game 4: Nuggets at Clippers — Saturday, April 26, 6 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Clippers at Nuggets — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Nuggets at Clippers — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Clippers at Nuggets — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

Where to watch and stream games in the 2025 NBA playoffs

First-round games will air nationally across ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV.

ESPN and ABC broadcasts can be streamed on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

TNT broadcasts can be streamed on TNTDrama.com, the TNT app and Max.

NBA TV broadcasts are available to stream on NBA.com and the NBA app.

What are the 2025 NBA playoff dates?

The second round is slated to get underway May 5-6, though those start dates could be moved up to May 3-4. The conference finals will start as early as May 18-19 and as late as May 20-21.

When are the 2025 NBA Finals?

The Finals are scheduled to start Thursday, June 5, with a potential Game 7 slated for Sunday, June 22.

Editor’s note: The original version of this story was published on April 11.

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What to know for Round 1 of the NBA playoffs: Bracket, schedule and more

What to know for Round 1 of the NBA playoffs: Bracket, schedule and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025 NBA playoffs are ready to tip off.

The last two playoff berths were awarded on Friday night as the play-in tournament wrapped up.

The 10th-place Miami Heat first made play-in history with a wild overtime win against the eighth-place Atlanta Hawks. Tyler Herro and Co. clinched the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot with the road victory, becoming the first 10th-place team to advance to the playoffs since the play-in was introduced in 2021. The Heat previously crushed the Bulls in Chicago in the 9-10 game.

But the Western Conference’s 10th-place team, the Dallas Mavericks, failed to match Miami’s feat. The eighth-place Memphis Grizzlies cruised past Dallas to grab the No. 8 playoff seed out West.

With the 16-team bracket locked in, here’s a look at the first-round matchups, schedule, and more to know:

When do the NBA playoffs start?

The playoffs begin Saturday, April 19.

How do the NBA playoffs work?

First-round matchups in each conference are No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, No. 3 vs. No. 6, and No. 4 vs. No. 5. All postseason series are best of seven where the higher seed has home-court advantage in Games 1, 2, 5 and 7.

Do the NBA playoffs reseed teams?

The playoffs follow a bracket format and don’t reseed teams after the first round. That means, for instance, the winner of a 1-8 matchup will meet the winner of a 4-5 matchup in Round 2, regardless of the other first-round results.

What teams are in the NBA playoffs?

The six automatic playoff berths in the East were claimed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. The Orlando Magic and the Heat then joined the field via the play-in.

Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves secured top-six spots before the Golden State Warriors and the Grizzlies advanced through the play-in.

What are the NBA playoff matchups?

Here’s a look at the bracket:

Eastern Conference

1. Cavaliers
8. Heat

4.Pacers
5. Bucks

3. Knicks
6. Pistons

2. Celtics
7. Magic

Western Conference

1. Thunder
8. Grizzlies

4. Nuggets
5. Clippers

3. Lakers
6. Timberwolves

2. Rockets
7. Warriors

What’s the schedule for the first round of the NBA playoffs?

Here are the schedule details for each first-round series ( * = if necessary):

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Heat

  • Game 1: Heat at Cavaliers — Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 2: Heat at Cavaliers — Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV
  • Game 3: Cavaliers at Heat — Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 4: Cavaliers at Heat — Monday, April 28, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 5*: Heat at Cavaliers — Wednesday, April 30, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Cavaliers at Heat — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Heat at Cavaliers — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Magic

  • Game 1: Magic at Celtics — Sunday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2: Magic at Celtics — Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Celtics at Magic — Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 4: Celtics at Magic — Sunday, April 27, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Magic at Celtics — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Celtics at Magic — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Magic at Celtics — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons

  • Game 1: Pistons at Knicks — Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 2: Pistons at Knicks — Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Knicks at Pistons — Thursday, April 24, time TBD, TNT
  • Game 4: Knicks at Pistons — Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 5*: Pistons at Knicks — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Knicks at Pistons — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Pistons at Knicks — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 4 Pacers vs. No. 5 Bucks

  • Game 1: Bucks at Pacers — Saturday, April 19, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 2: Bucks at Pacers — Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m. ET, NBA TV
  • Game 3: Pacers at Bucks — Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET, NBA TV/ESPNU
  • Game 4: Pacers at Bucks — Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Bucks at Pacers — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Pacers at Bucks — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Bucks at Pacers — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

Western Conference

No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies

  • Game 1: Grizzlies at Thunder — Sunday, April 20, 1 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2: Grizzlies at Thunder — Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Thunder at Grizzlies — Thursday, April 24, time TBD, TNT
  • Game 4: Thunder at Grizzlies — Saturday, April 26, 3:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Grizzlies at Thunder — Monday, April 28, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Thunder at Grizzlies — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Grizzlies at Thunder — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 2 Rockets vs. No. 7 Warriors

  • Game 1: Warriors at Rockets — Sunday, April 20, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 2: Warriors at Rockets — Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Rockets at Warriors — Saturday, April 26, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 4: Rockets at Warriors — Monday, April 28, 10 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Warriors at Rockets — Wednesday, April 30, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Rockets at Warriors — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Warriors at Rockets — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Timberwolves

  • Game 1: Timberwolves at Lakers — Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers — Tuesday, April 22, 10 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Lakers at Timberwolves — Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 4: Lakers at Timberwolves — Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
  • Game 5*: Timberwolves at Lakers — Wednesday, April 30, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Lakers at Timberwolves — Friday, May 2, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Timberwolves at Lakers — Sunday, May 4, time TBD, TV channel TBD

No. 4 Nuggets vs. No. 5 Clippers

  • Game 1: Clippers at Nuggets — Saturday, April 19, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
  • Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets — Monday, April 21, 10 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 3: Nuggets at Clippers — Thursday, April 24, time TBD, NBA TV
  • Game 4: Nuggets at Clippers — Saturday, April 26, 6 p.m. ET, TNT
  • Game 5*: Clippers at Nuggets — Tuesday, April 29, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 6*: Nuggets at Clippers — Thursday, May 1, time TBD, TV channel TBD
  • Game 7*: Clippers at Nuggets — Saturday, May 3, time TBD, TV channel TBD

Where to watch and stream games in the 2025 NBA playoffs

First-round games will air nationally across ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV.

ESPN and ABC broadcasts can be streamed on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

TNT broadcasts can be streamed on TNTDrama.com, the TNT app and Max.

NBA TV broadcasts are available to stream on NBA.com and the NBA app.

What are the 2025 NBA playoff dates?

The second round is slated to get underway May 5-6, though those start dates could be moved up to May 3-4. The conference finals will start as early as May 18-19 and as late as May 20-21.

When are the 2025 NBA Finals?

The Finals are scheduled to start Thursday, June 5, with a potential Game 7 slated for Sunday, June 22.

Editor’s note: The original version of this story was published on April 11.

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Smith And Karlsson’s Penalty Killing Pose Additional Offensive Threats For Golden Knights

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) celebrates his goal scored with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

William Karlsson and Reilly Smith are the Vegas Golden Knights franchise leaders in shorthanded goals and points, and after being reunited at the deadline, they are showing just how dangerous and effective they can be on the penalty kill.

The 2024-25 campaign has been challenging for Karlsson. The 32-year-old has scored just nine goals and 27 points in 50 games, dealing with two long-term injuries throughout the season. 

Although it's been a down year, a trade deadline acquisition has revived his play. Since Smith's re-arrival to Vegas, Karlsson has scored two goals and nine points in 12 games.

The Golden Knights are in safer hands defensively and can now count on Karlsson and Smith to chip in with depth scoring. 

Surprisingly, some of their best offensive chances come on the penalty kill. Against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, Karlsson recorded his eighth goal of the season, set up Smith. 

Karlsson and Smith are one and two in the rankings for shorthanded goals and points, with Karlsson recording 14 goals and 25 points and Smith registering 12 goals and 21 points. As each game passes by, their chemistry continues to build.

"It helps a lot playing with Karl," said Smith following the 2-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. "It seems like every time I don't get the puck out he's behind me, and he does a good job so, just keep on working and keep on getting better. We have a few more games, and hopefully, we get our game in top shape when we get to the playoffs."

Following the 3-2 shootout loss to the Avalanche, HC Bruce Cassidy told the travelling media that he believed the Karlsson, Smith, and Victor Olofsson trio was the best line that night. 

If Karlsson and Smith can win their matchups at 5-on-5 and allow Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl more favourable opponents, the Golden Knights will pose a serious threat to any opponent. Mixing in the inevitable danger they create while shorthanded, the Golden Knights will be a handful for any team. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Dennis Jr. views Warriors as ‘most dangerous' team entering playoffs

Dennis Jr. views Warriors as ‘most dangerous' team entering playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With so much uncertainty looming over the Western Conference playoff race, one thing is for sure: the Warriors are playing their best basketball at the right time.

After falling one game under .500 as the No. 10 seed in early February, the Warriors are 22-7 since their massive trade deadline acquisition Jimmy Butler suited up for them on Feb. 8 and have leaped the standings with a real possibility of locking up a top-six playoff seed.

While the red-hot Warriors have been rolling, teams above them in the standings, such as the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, have been finding a groove, too, with two regular-season games remaining. Still, ESPN analyst David Dennis Jr. views Golden State as the most dangerous team in the West entering the playoffs.

“To me, it’s still the Golden State Warriors,” Dennis Jr. said Friday morning on “First Take.” “You have three guys on that roster — three veterans on that roster — who as well as they are playing right now, they are only going to get better come playoff time. We’ve seen what Steph Curry does in these playoff-level scenarios. Those three games in a row, against Memphis, against the Lakers, against the Nuggets, where he averaged 43 points.

“You add in the fact that Playoff Jimmy Butler is on the horizon. He allows that Warriors team to be a plus team when Stephen Curry is not playing. And that is a huge, huge marker for this team and their success. Then you add in the Draymond Green of it all, playing at the Defensive Player of the Year level he is right now.

“This Warriors team is equipped to win in the way that they have won, which is Draymond anchoring that defense, some depth and Stephen Curry going nuclear. I think they are still the most dangerous team that nobody wants to face in that Western Conference.”

Since taking a week off to rest and recover from a pelvic contusion, Curry is averaging 27.4 points on 45.6-percent shooting from the field and 40.2 percent from 3-point range, with 5.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.8 steals in 32.4 minutes through eight games.

Last week, he dropped 52 points against the Grizzlies then backed up that performance with 37 and 36 points, respectively, in back-to-back games against the Lakers and Nuggets.

And he’s gotten plenty of support from his veteran counterparts.

Butler’s impact alone seemingly has made everyone around him better — particularly unlocking new doors and opportunities for Curry’s game in Year 16. Plus, his numbers only boost come playoff time. And Draymond Green has been doing Draymond Green things, strengthening his case for his second Defensive Player of the Year award.

Dennis Jr. believes those three, collectively, can lead the Warriors to the Western Conference finals.

“In terms of how far they can go in the playoffs,” Dennis Jr. said, “if they’re on the opposite bracket of the [Oklahoma City] Thunder and you’re looking at them as the sixth seed playing the Lakers first then playing an inexperienced [Houston] Rockets team that struggles down the stretch in those fourth quarters — yes, the Warriors, lock it in, are a Western Conference Finals team. And then when you play against OKC, anything is possible against that Thunder team.

“We’ve seen the Warriors beat [the Thunder] already this season without Jimmy Butler. The Warriors have a unique thing that nobody else in the playoffs has: they have three players that get better come playoff time. Nobody else in the NBA has that. They have Playoff Jimmy. They have MVP Steph. And they have defensive enforcer Draymond Green on that team. I trust them, on the opposite side of the bracket, to lock in if they’re the sixth seed to the Western Conference finals.”

That certainly is the goal for the Warriors, and the road to get there continues Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.

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NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On The Penguins' Trade Plans And Lightning Prospect

Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

The Pittsburgh Penguins will miss the playoffs for the third-straight year but not because of a lack of effort by Sidney Crosby. 

The 37-year-old Penguins captain remains among the league's elite centers, leading the club with 87 points in 77 games.

The Hockey News’ Kelsey Surmacz said the Penguins owe it to Crosby to try to right the ship after watching the Eastern Conference leaders, the Washington Capitals, accomplish that with Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals only had one top-10 draft pick in their retool, and they made big off-season trades to bring in Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun and Logan Thompson.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has spent the past two seasons rebuilding the club, moving out veterans, such as Jake Guentzel and Marcus Pettersson, for draft picks and promising young players. However, Crosby's ongoing brilliance has Josh Yohe of The Athletic wondering if Dubas might accelerate the process to take advantage of his captain's efforts.

Crosby is under contract through 2026-27. Yohe believes it makes sense to spend for talent as long as their system keeps producing young players. He pointed out the Penguins have more than $23 million in cap space next season, suggesting that Dubas could clear more by shipping out some expensive contracts.

It's been rumored Dubas could try to move Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell during the off-season. Karlsson has two years left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value, while Rakell has three more seasons left at a $5-million cap hit. Surmacz noted in mid-March that Rakell is Crosby’s new best winger after the Guentzel trade.

Dubas has made bold moves before. We can't dismiss the possibility that he might attempt to speed things up this summer.

NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest On Jets' Ehlers And Blue JacketsNHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest On Jets' Ehlers And Blue JacketsA foot injury sidelined Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets' last two games.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as this season's top U.S. college player. The Lightning hoped to get Howard signed to his entry-level contract, but the 21-year-old left wing decided to return to Michigan State for his senior year. 

The Lightning can continue negotiating with Howard, but he could become a UFA on Aug. 15, 2026. Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times suggests this could be posturing by Howard's representatives. If he plays a single game this season, it'll burn off one year of his entry-level contract, enabling him to get a more lucrative second contract a year sooner. 

Howard seems keen to join the Lightning right away, but they lack cap space to add him to their roster this season. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claimedNCAA sources said the two sides currently weren't on the same page. 

Friedman and Encina suggested the possibility of the Lightning trading Howard's rights if they feel they won't get him signed before next summer. 

This situation is similar to Rutger McGroarty's contract standoff with the Winnipeg Jets. They wound up trading McGroarty to the Penguins. 

Howard and the Lightning could get this sorted out during the off-season. Nevertheless, this situation could be worth monitoring this summer.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Clippers vs. Kings Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for April 11

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings Preview 

The Los Angeles Clippers (48-32) and Sacramento Kings (39-41) are all set to square off from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Clippers are not safe from the play-in just yet. If they win their next two, they will be inside the top six. Their highest finish is No. 3, while No. 8 is the lowest.

If the Kings win one of their two remaining games, they are locked into the play-in regardless ofthe results.

The Clippers are currently 18-21 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Kings have a 4-6 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 Clippers vs. Kings live today

  • Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Golden 1 Center
  • City: Sacramento, 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 Clippers vs. Kings

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Clippers (-249), Kings (+203)
  • Spread:  Clippers -6
  • Over/Under: 226 points

That gives the Clippers an implied team point total of 115.14, and the Kings 112.01.
 
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 Friday's Clippers vs. Kings 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 Kawhi Leonard over 6.5 rebounds…

Thomas: “Coming off a double double against the Rockets, I expect the claw to continue to grab the boards for his squad. He’s averaging 7.2 rebounds per game. With Ivica Zubac in a tough matchup against Domantas Sabonis, there will have to be another player grabbing the boards for the Clippers.”

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 Clippers & Kings game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Clippers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Sacramento Kings at +6.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 226.

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 Clippers vs. Kings on Friday

  • The Clippers have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records
  • The Over is 9-5 in the Kings' divisional matchups this season
  • The Clippers have failed to cover in 6 straight matchups against divisional opponents

The Kings have won 12 of their last 20 home 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 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) 
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- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Ramos states Giants ‘don't back down from any fight' amid hot start

Ramos states Giants ‘don't back down from any fight' amid hot start originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants are riding high to begin the 2025 MLB season and playing with the utmost confidence heading into one of their most difficult stretches of games.

San Francisco (9-3) has the second-best record in baseball behind the NL West-leading San Diego Padres (10-3) and slightly ahead of the defending World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers (10-4) as one of the biggest surprise teams early on this season.

Giants players, however, are not surprised by the team’s excellent start to the season, as San Francisco outfielder Heliot Ramos explained in a Friday interview on “MLB Central.”

“I think it’s just the sense of urgency that we have as a team, just trying to go out there, compete. We don’t back down from any fight,” Ramos said when asked what has worked well for the Giants this season. “We’re just going out there as a team, together, getting good at-bats, making good pitches and winning games together.”

Ramos knew before the Giants’ 2025 season began on March 27 in Cincinnati that the ball club could get off to a hot start.

“The last exhibition game against Detroit … I know it was an exhibition game, but as a team we were together, we were getting good at-bats, the pitchers were throwing good,” Ramos said of when he first felt the team’s confidence. “I feel like it was a good start, even though it was an exhibition game.”

Although San Francisco has played well to begin the season, it has faced underperforming teams like the Reds (5-8), Houston Astros (5-7) and Seattle Mariners (5-8).

Ramos and the Giants now begin a difficult 19-game stretch against formidable opponents like the New York Yankees (7-5), Philadelphia Phillies (8-4), Los Angeles Angels (8-4), Milwaukee Brewers (7-6), Texas Rangers (9-4) and Padres.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Alexander Nikishin Officially Signs Two-Year ELC With Carolina Hurricanes

Feb 11, 2022; Beijing, China; ROC defender Alexander Nikishin (57) passes the puck against Denmark forward Julian Jakobsen (33) in men's ice hockey Group B play during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium. (Peter Casey-Imagn Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced the signing of defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a two-year ELC.

The contract, which kicks in this year, will pay Nikishin $832,500 at the NHL level and comes with a $185,000 signing bonus.

“We are grateful for Alexander’s time with SKA, a premier European hockey franchise, which helped him develop into one of the top prospects in hockey,” said Carolina GM Eric Tulsky in a press release. “His size and skill have allowed him to have a record-breaking career in the KHL, and we believe he will be an impactful player in the NHL.”

The former SKA captain had his KHL contract terminated earlier today, paving the way for this deal to come about.

Nikishin is a 6-foot-4, 220lb defenseman who can score, hit, defend and do pretty much anything that is asked of him.

A unicorn of a player, Nikishin was SKA's all-time leader in scoring by a defenseman and no other Russian-born blueliner has had a more productive KHL season than the 2020 third-round pick (acquired from Buffalo in the Jeff Skinner trade).

Now we'll see how quickly the team can get him into game action.

Carolina Hurricanes' Russians Already Familiar, Ready To Help Fellow Countryman Alexander Nikishin With TransitionCarolina Hurricanes' Russians Already Familiar, Ready To Help Fellow Countryman Alexander Nikishin With TransitionIt can be a really difficult transition for rookies coming to the NHL for the first time. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.      

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Rockets vs. Lakers Best bets: Odds, predictions, recent stats, trends for April 11

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview 

The Houston Rockets (52-28) and Los Angeles Lakers (49-31) are all set to square off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The Rockets are locked into the No. 2 seed and had the chance to rest many of their starters last game.

The Lakers need to win one of their two remaining games to lock in the No. 3 seed.
The Rockets are currently 23-16 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Lakers 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 Rockets vs. Lakers live today

  • Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
  • Time: 10:30PM EST
  • Site: Crypto.com Arena
  • City: Los Angeles, 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 Rockets vs. Lakers
The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Rockets (+380), Lakers (-505)
  • Spread:  Lakers -10
  • Over/Under: 225 points

That gives the Rockets an implied team point total of 111.46, and the Lakers 116.67.
 
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 Friday's Rockets vs. Lakers 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 Luca Doncic under 46.5 points, rebounds, and assists…

Thomas: “This will likely be a popular bet tonight given the circumstances. Doncic is coming off a crazy emotional game against his former team in Dallas. He cried on the sidelines before the game. He put up an insane stat line. He had 45 points, six assists, and eight rebounds.

There should be some regression in this game against a top defensive unit in the Rockets.”

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 Rockets & Lakers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Houston Rockets on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Houston Rockets at +10.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending 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 Rockets vs. Lakers on Friday

  • The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 home games against Western Conference teams
  • The Lakers' last 3 games at home versus the Rockets have stayed under the Total
  • The Rockets have covered in 22 of their 40 road games this season

The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 games at home against Western Conference teams
 
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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England’s record-wicket taker Jimmy Anderson awarded a knighthood

  • 42-year-old retired from England duty last July
  • Anderson knighted in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours

Jimmy Anderson is to be awarded a knighthood for “services to cricket” a year on from the final Test of his record-breaking England career.

Anderson was widely tipped to have his previous OBE upgraded after retiring from international cricket last summer and on Friday was the only sportsperson to feature in the resignation honours list of former prime minister – and cricket fan – Rishi Sunak.

Continue reading...
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Grizzlies vs. Nuggets Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for April 11

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets Preview 

The Memphis Grizzlies (47-33) and Denver Nuggets (48-32) are all set to square off from Ball Arena in Denver.

After the Grizzlies lost at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves, they are now seventh in the Western Conference. They can still finish as high as the No. 3 seed, while the lowest is the No. 8 seed.

The Nuggets have the same fate. However, they have an easier path. They win their next two games, regardless of what happens, they will finish inside the top six and avoid a play-in game.

The Grizzlies are currently 22-18 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Nuggets have a 4-6 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 Grizzlies vs. Nuggets live today

  • Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
  • Time: 9:00PM EST
  • Site: Ball Arena
  • City: Denver, CO

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 Grizzlies vs. Nuggets

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Grizzlies (+239), Nuggets (-299)
  • Spread:  Nuggets -7
  • Over/Under: 239 points

That gives the Grizzlies an implied team point total of 118.47, and the Nuggets 122.12.
 
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 Friday's Grizzlies vs. Nuggets 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 betting on Denver Nuggets -6.5…

Thomas: “Ideally, the Grizzlies go up early, and I can play the Nuggets live at a better price. However, I’m not exactly sure we get that. The Grizzlies haven’t been great and are coming off a loss last night.

Denver is one of the more difficult places to play on short rest. The Nuggets should take advantage of this.”

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 Grizzlies & Nuggets game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Memphis Grizzlies at +7.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 239.

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 Grizzlies vs. Nuggets on Friday

  • The Grizzlies has an average winning margin of +15 in its 1 wins against the Nuggets this season
  • The Over is 45-35 in Grizzlies' games this season
  • The Nuggets have failed to cover in 44 of their 80 games this season

The Nuggets have won 5 straight home games against the Grizzlies
 
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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Braves at Rays Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for April 11

Its Friday, April 11 and the Braves (3-9) are in Tampa to begin a series against the Rays (5-7).

Bryce Elder is slated to take the mound for Atlanta against Taj Bradley for Tampa Bay.

The Rays lost two of three to the Angels earlier this week including 11-1 yesterday. Jo Adell homered twice in the fifth inning to pace the Halos. The Braves took two of three in their series against the Phillies thanks to a walk-off three-run home run by Marcell Ozuna yesterday.

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 Braves at Rays

  • Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
  • Time: 7:05PM EST
  • Site: George M. Steinbrenner Field
  • City: Tampa, FL
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNSO, FDSNSUN

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 Braves at the Rays

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Braves (-102), Rays (-118)
  • Spread:  Rays 1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Braves at Rays

  • Pitching matchup for April 11, 2025: Bryce Elder vs. Taj Bradley
    • Braves: Bryce Elder (0-0, 6.75 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/2 at Dodgers - 4IP, 3ER, 3H, 2BB, 3Ks
    • Rays: Taj Bradley (1-0, 4.91 ERA)
      Last outing: 4/5 at Texas - 5IP, 4ER, 2H, 4BB, 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 Braves at Rays

  • The Rays have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records
  • The Rays are 3-9 on the Run Line this season
  • The Rays have lost 6 of their last 7 games
  • The Braves have won 3 of their last 5 games
  • The Braves are 5-7 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 tonight’s game between the Braves and the Rays

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 Friday's game between the Braves and the Rays:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Tampa Bay Rays on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Atlanta Braves 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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Report: Rumored Zegras to Canadiens Trade at 2024 Draft Clarified

Mar 18, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) during the first period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Talented Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras hasn’t been a stranger to trade speculation and rumors over the past 15 months. Speculation began following the Ducks' acquisition of Cutter Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers which sent Jamie Drysdale the other way.

Anaheim Ducks Prospect Spotlight: Six Prospects Advance in CHL Playoffs

Questions were raised about Zegras’ fit within the direction Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek envisioned for his club. The speculation evolved into rumors as opposing GMs picked up the phone to inquire about Zegras’ availability and reports surfaced that Verbeek “was listening” to offers.

Zegras was injured with a broken ankle at the 2024 trade deadline so calls cooled at that point, but rumors lasted through the draft, free agency, and the 2025 trade deadline.

The arrival of Montreal Canadiens’ 2024 fifth-overall draft pick Ivan Demidov unearthed a rumor surrounding the 2024 NHL Draft involving a trade proposal between the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks that included Zegras.

The rumor began on Montreal-focused websites and was clarified on Friday, with a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his “32 Thoughts” column and podcast.

Mar 14, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) skates against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

“Montreal was working on a deal for Zegras,” Friedman said. “They were trading for him and they were offering one player, I believe a young defenseman, and they were offering a first-round pick.”

The Canadiens held two first-round picks at the 2024 Draft, the fifth overall pick and the 21st.

“It wasn’t the number-five pick,” Friedman continued. “It was the pick that eventually drafted Michael Hage. That pick was in the deal to Anaheim. Where I think that changed was when Anaheim took (Beckett) Sennecke, Montreal realized Demidov was getting to them.

“I talked about this with Eric Engels on Tuesday and one of the things that Engels talks about covering the Canadiens all the time is that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, they’re very careful about redundancy. They don’t like redundancy.

“I think they felt if they were going to draft Demidov, then that was going to lead to redundancy if they traded for Zegras.”

The young defenseman rumored (not by Friedman) to be coming back Anaheim’s way was former first-round pick (31st overall in 2021) Logan Mailloux.

To recap, the proposed trade was Trevor Zegras to the Canadiens in exchange for Logan Mailloux and the 2024 21st overall pick.

This trade would have altered the complexion of both teams heading into the 2024 Draft and free agency, as well as the 2024-25 season. The Canadiens are likely heading to the playoffs for the first time since their improbable run to the 2020-21 Stanley Cup Final.

The Ducks season has been more of a roller coaster, but they’re threatening to accumulate 80 points in the standings for the first time since the 2021-22 season when they totaled 76.

Zegras has received nothing but praise from Verbeek and Ducks head coach Greg Cronin this season. They’ve often remarked on his progression in terms of attention to detail and willingness to dedicate himself to becoming a 200-foot player.

Zegras has one year remaining on his three-year contract that carries an AAV of $5.75 million. He will become an RFA upon expiry and is also eligible for an extension on July 1, should the Ducks see him as a part of their long-term plans.

The Zegras rumors won’t cease until he’s either traded or extended, so the situation will continue to be monitored closely.

Ducks 2023 Second-Round Pick Signs ELC

John Gibson Selected for Ducks’ Masterton Trophy Nominee

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Warriors surviving non-Steph minutes requires more than just Butler

Warriors surviving non-Steph minutes requires more than just Butler originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There is a first time for everything, and the Warriors experienced one this week that they never wish to go through again.

They lost a game in which Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III combined for 58 points.

The Warriors were 8-0 when Curry and Butler totaled at least 50 points until San Antonio’s Harrison Barnes struck them down with a game-winning 3-pointer Thursday night at Chase Center. Fifty points always had been enough, and it should be a successful offensive formula.

The offensive stall against the Spurs was elsewhere. A repeat might not be difficult to overcome Friday night against the depleted Trail Blazers in Portland, but surely would put the Warriors in jeopardy Sunday against the Clippers – and any postseason game.

Curry and Butler carrying their respective scoring loads only can take the offense so far. Butler doesn’t beat teams with buckets. His stated goal is finding buckets for his team, particularly when Curry is off the floor.

Consider that Golden State’s best quarter against the Spurs was its 37-21 advantage in the third. The defense was tight, the offense flowing. It was a 10-assist quarter, and Butler had five. His last two dimes, finding Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga in the paint, provided an 88-76 lead.

That problem was that Butler’s playmaking efforts too often went unexploited.

Podziemski, whose hot streak of games ended with seven points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field, including 1 of 5 from deep. Moses Moody, whose scoring efficiency has regressed over the past month, finishing with seven points on 3-of-11 shooting, including 1 of 7 from distance.

It wasn’t just the low efficiency from those two starters that doomed the Warriors against the Spurs. It was the number of misses on open looks – generally set up by passes from Butler. His role on offense is to generate a high-percentage shot for a teammate and, failing that, look to score himself. Same as it was in Miami.

Butler’s 28 points – his highest total as a Warrior – against San Antonio came not out of desire but out of necessity. By the fourth quarter, he realized Podziemski and Moody were struggling to score, so he put in 13 points. Butler’s two assists in the fourth went to, yes, Curry.

The external pleas for Butler to be more aggressive with his shot is short-sighted and too simple a solution to the non-Steph minutes. Butler is an opportunistic scorer who makes the game easier for his other four teammates.
Butler led two Heat teams to the NBA Finals, not because he turned into Curry or some high-volume scoring machine. In 64 playoff games with Miami, Playoff Jimmy averaged 24.7 points. Averaged 17.6 field-goal attempts per game. He had the occasional outburst but mostly lifted the games of such teammates as Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, Kendrick Nunn and Haywood Highsmith.

Butler’s best attribute might be getting teammates paid by maximizing the attributes.

Butler going into “takeover mode” is best limited to emergency situations. He can have such moments during a game, but Golden State’s fortunes during the non-Steph minutes are not predicated on his scoring.

When Podziemski and Moody are making shots, usually off Butler’s playmaking, the Warriors can survive and sometimes thrive during the non-Steph minutes. They must know by now that their patience generally will be rewarded with open looks. If Moody can’t reverse his offensive slippage – 38 percent from the field, 29.7 from deep over the last 13 games – the offense will suffer.

When Buddy Hield and Kuminga are at their best – always a crapshoot – they can bring welcome smoke to action when Curry gets a few minutes to rest his 37-year-old bones.

Whether the Warriors land in the play-in tournament or the playoffs, they’re going to need those 50 points per game from Curry and Butler. They will on some occasions get more.

But it’s up to the others to fill the void, or else the Warriors will be prey for teams much better than the San Antonio Spurs.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Carolina Hurricanes' Russians Already Familiar, Ready To Help Fellow Countryman Alexander Nikishin With Transition

July 20, 2024: [Left to Right] Pyotr Kochetkov, Andrei Svechnikov, Alexander Nikishin and Dmitry Orlov pose for a photo at the NHL-KHL charity match in Moscow, Russia.

It can be a really difficult transition for rookies coming to the NHL for the first time. 

Not only are they trying to fit into the locker room as a the new guy, but they're also having to learn systems, drills, tendencies, the area, the staff and so much more.

Now imagine doing all of that while English isn't your native language either.

However, luckily for soon-to-be the newest Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, Alexander Nikishin, he already knows more than a few faces on the team.

The Canes trio of Russian — Andrei Svechnikov, Dmitry Orlov and Pyotr Kochetkov — are not only countrymen of Nikihsin, but have met him in person as well.

Over the summer, a few Russian NHL players organized a NHL vs. KHL charity match that pitted some of both league's biggest Russian stars against one another in Moscow.

All three of the Canes' Russian contingency were invited to play for Team NHL while Nikishin was a part of the KHL team.

"It was fun," Svechnikov told The Hockey News. "It was kind of the first time all the NHL guys playing against KHL guys. You don't really see that a lot. Got to hang out with the boys for a couple days and it was amazing. I never played in front of that many people because I left when I was 16. It was an amazing experience."

"It was good," Orlov said. "It's always nice to have those charity games, especially when everybody comes. Some big names where in that game and obviously you play with some guys that you know or see in the summertime. We had a nice dinner afterwards. It was fun. Hope it happens every year. I think it's important and it was a joy to play with some of those guys."

"It was good for Russian fans," Kochetkov said. "Russian superstars all play in the NHL, so for Russian guys, it's very good to see those players like Ovi. It was a good experience for me too. I liked it."

While there wasn't too much time to socialize during the game, the Hurricanes managed to find time after to get to know their future teammate a little more.

"That was my first time meeting him and I hung out with him after the game a couple times," Svechnikov said. "We went out for dinner. An amazing guy. He just wants to come here and play for us. 

It will also be helpful that Nikishin was surrounded by a few players who have familiarity with the organization, such as Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tony DeAngelo, who both played for Carolina last season before winding up with SKA.

"I actually did see him in the summertime too," Orlov said on Nikishin. "They already had KHL camp started and the A-team was in Moscow and they have an Olympic base and I lived close by. So I saw Kuzy and we got dinner and Nikishin was there, so that's when I met him.

"He's a good player obviously and our organization is waiting for him. He's gonna be the most important D piece for this team in the future."

Nikishin has already admitted that his English isn't the best in an interview with RG.org, but he also said that he'll be able to rely on guys like Svechnikov, who has been reaching out to him a bunch in recent days, for help.

Comfort is so key for young players to truly blossom into their potential and it looks like the Canes are perfectly set up to help the fresh-faced Russian make the adjustment as smooth as possible.

Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.