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Lakers G League affiliate moving to Coachella Valley

EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Drew Time #11 and Bronny James #9 of the South Bay Lakers smiles during the gameduring the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Change is coming to the Lakers’ G League team. The South Bay Lakers will become the Coachella Valley Lakers in 2026 as they move their games to Acrisure Arena.

The Lakers have had their G League team playing in South Bay since 2017, and before that, in 2006, they played at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) before moving to El Segundo.

In a press release, the Lakers’ new President of Business Operations, Lon Rosen, talked about the move for the franchise’s G League team.

“Moving the Lakers G League team to the Coachella Valley is an incredible opportunity for the organization,” said Los Angeles Lakers President of Business Operations Lon Rosen. “The Lakers have had a strong presence in the region for decades, from the Showtime Lakers holding training camp in the 1980s to more recent preseason games. We are looking forward to extending that experience and becoming a staple for Coachella Valley sports and entertainment. Acrisure Arena is the perfect modern venue that provides an incredible fan-first experience, while ensuring players have the premium facilities and space they need on game day.”

There is no question that this is an upgrade for the Coachella Valley Lakers. This past season, they played games at the UCLA Health and Training Center, which is essentially the Lakers’ practice facility. While there were advantages to having them play near and around the main team, they couldn’t even seat 1,000 people during games.

Now, at Acrisure Arena, they can have as many as 11,000 people attending G League matchups.

In a press release, Acrisure Arena Senior Vice President John Page shared his enthusiasm for this partnership.

“Opportunities like this are simply not possible without the support and assistance of incredible partners,” said Acrisure Arena Senior Vice President John Page. “We would like to recognize the efforts put forth by Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Visit Greater Palm Springs, who have worked in conjunction with Oak View Group, the Lakers organization and many others in order to welcome the G League to our town. We look forward to expanding upon our growing connection to the sports community with the addition of this storied franchise.”

The Lakers have already had a relationship with Acrisure Arena. LA played against Phoenix at the stadium for a preseason game, and clearly, that was a positive experience.

In a statement released to the press, Oak View Group Senior Partner Irving Azoff talked about the connection he has had with the most powerful members of the Lakers organization, including Jeanie Buss, Linda Rambis and Rosen.

“I have enjoyed a long-time relationship with Jerry and Jeanie Buss, Lon Rosen and Linda Rambis,” said Oak View Group Senior Partner Irving Azoff. “And I am beyond thrilled to have the Coachella Valley Lakers call OVG’s Acrisure Arena their home. Go Lakers.”

The Lakers have had plenty of success developing talent in the G League.

Bronny James had played games with South Bay, and players like Alex Caruso and Mac McClung played with the team during the early parts of their professional careers.

Now those moments won’t be happening in El Segundo and will instead take place in the Palm Desert.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Playoff Game Preview: Knicks vs Hawks, Game 6, April 30, 2026

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks celebrates a three point basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

A 3–2 series is maybe the trickiest one to gauge in sports. One team clearly has the advantage of needing to win just one of the remaining two games, and if said team was the winner of Game Five, as the Knicks were, then their confidence is likely high. But New York will be heading into an Atlanta arena that should be more hostile than Games Three and Four, which saw their fair share of Knicks fans. Not to mention the Hawks are also playing with their season on the line, making it the hardest game of the series to win. Despite having a one-game lead in the series, it oddly feels close to a must-win, seeing as a loss tonight means a Game Seven, where anything can happen.

That being said, the momentum and stats do side with the Knicks. Outside of the fourth quarter in a blowout Knicks win, and the second and third quarters of an even bigger blowout in Game Five, the Knicks have comfortably won each quarter. Not only have they won back-to-back games by 15+ points, they’ve outscored the Hawks by seven or more points in five of the last eight quarters. While starting guard Josh Hart is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s game, the Knicks have seemingly figured out how to slow down the Hawks’ offense while also solving the issues their defense caused.

It took close to 200 minutes of basketball longer than fans might have liked, but Mike Brown, Jalen Brunson, and the rest of the team have learned from their Game Two and Game Three transgressions and have arrived at a game plan that has been simple: take what the defense gives them and attack.

It’s hard to fathom what overtook them and their minds in their losses earlier, but it’s as if they were reminded that they are the more talented and more experienced team, and regardless of what the Hawks do, it’s on them to not shoot themselves in the foot. Atlanta is a capable team that deserves its flowers, but New York has a myriad of weapons it can use to dismantle its opponent.

Want to hone in on limiting Brunson? Play through Karl-Anthony Towns. Pivot and put Dyson Daniels on Towns? Let Brunson go to work. Face-guard both and pray? Look for OG Anunoby on the perimeter and let him knock down threes or attack closeouts. The Knicks currently have all the answers to what Quin Snyder and the Hawks have thrown at them.

But with how unpredictable the first round of this year’s playoffs has been, it would behoove the Knicks to continue putting their first-quarter struggles behind them and come out ready to match, if not exceed, the Hawks’ energy and fight. Regardless of Hart’s status, they must be prepared to withstand not just one or two, but multiple punches (theoretical, of course) from Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, McCollum, and anybody else capable of providing them with a memorable playoff spark. Doing so would not only advance them to the second round, but also serve as a statement game from a team that has repeatedly been labeled inconsistent and not good enough.

If Hart goes, expect an at-times ugly but gutsy performance from the wing. Other than that, I expect business as usual from Towns and Anunoby, who have continued to stand out as the two best players in the series. And while Brunson has had his share of ups and downs this series, the captain often saves his best for last. I’m predicting, and also hoping, he comes out just as patient, composed, and confident as he looked in Game Five to deliver another memorable performance. Manifesting a double-digit win for a Knicks team that will struggle to put away the Hawks early, but come alive in the second quarter.

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks (3-2) at Atlanta Hawks (2-3)
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Place: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
TV: ESPN
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

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Astros vs. Orioles Game Thread: Game 32, 4/30/2026

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As a result of last night’s rainout, the Houston Astros (11-20) and Baltimore Orioles (15-15) will play a traditional doubleheader today at Camden Yards.

Game Two:RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will make his 6th start of the season of the season as he takes on Orioles RHP Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53 ERA).

TODAY’S GM 2 STARTER: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. will make his 7th career start and 9th overall app. vs. BAL in Game 2. He is 3-0 in his career vs. the O’s with a 3.34 ERA (13ER/35IP) and 41 strikeouts.

Déjà Vu: McCullers pitched in relief in Game 2 of the last doubleheader between HOU and BAL, which was on Sept. 29, 2018 at Camden Yards (0.2 IP, 0 R, 1 SO).

Last Start: Prior to today, McCullers last start was on Friday vs. NYY (5 IP, 5 ER).

Innings Milestone: McCullers needs just 0.2 IP to reach 800.0 for his career.

Fun Fact: He and his father, Lance McCullers Sr., were both the 41st overall pick in their respective MLB Drafts (1982 and 2012). Lance Sr. pitched 7 seasons in the Major Leagues

DOUBLEHEADER INFO: Today will be the first doubleheader for the Astros since July 21, 2022 at home vs. NYY, which resulted in an Astros sweep of the Bronx Bombers. That DH was scheduled as a result of the delay to the start of the 2022 season due to the work stoppage.

Doubleheaders are a rarity at Daikin Park since the Astros have a roof.

The Astros last doubleheader played vs. BAL was Sept. 29, 2018 at Camden Yards, which also resulted in an Astros sweep. In Game 2 of that DH, today’s Game 2 starter, RHP Lance McCullers Jr., hurled 0.2 scoreless in relief, earning a hold in the Astros 5-2 win.

VS. THE O’S: Today’s doubleheader will wrap up this 3-game series vs. the Orioles.

The Astros were 4-3 vs. BAL in 2025 with a 3-1 mark here at Camden Yards, Aug. 21-24. The two clubs will next meet for a 3-game set at Daikin Park, July 17-19.

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY: To Phil Garner, who would have turned 77 years old today.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1982 – At Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburth, Phil Garner hits a 3-run HR on his 33rd birthday to help defeat the Pirates, 4-3. Garner, who was voted into the Astros Hall of Fame earlier this month, had played for the Pirates (1977-81) prior to being traded to HOU on Aug. 31, 1981.

1979 – At Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Terry Puhl’s 2-run HR in the top of the 9th lifted the Astros to a 6-5, comeback win over the Cardinals. The Astros had entered the 9th, trailing, 4-2. Puhl’s HR capped a dramatic, 4-run 9th-inning rally.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Thursday, April 30, 30 minutes after completion of Game 1

Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD

TV: Space City Home Network

Streaming: SCHN+

Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

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Ottawa's Jake Sanderson One Of Three Finalists For Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

Jake Sanderson has been named as a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

The annual award is presented each year to the NHL "player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

Sanderson, who's still only 23 years old, was one of the top defensemen in the league this season, putting up 54 points in 67 games and helping Team USA win an Olympic gold medal in Milan back in February.

Brady Tkachuk discusses the ongoing dialogue about his NHL future.

The Whitefish, Montana native plays a game that's bursting with speed and skill, but he also kept his nose clean, as he always does, posting just eight penalty minutes. In four NHL seasons (303 games), Sanderson has amassed a grand total of 55 penalty minutes

The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy has been awarded 90 times to 53 different players, including Ottawa's Frank Nighbor, who was the first to win it in 1925. Over a century later, Sanderson has a chance to be the first modern-day Ottawa Senator to win this award.

But he'll be in tough because LA's Anze Kopitar, who just ended hs 20-year NHL career this week, was probably the heavy sentimental favourite when voting was conducted at the end of the regular season. Kopitar is one of the three finalists, along with Montreal's Cole Caufield.

The universe didn't exactly repay Sanderson for his sportsmanship this season.

He missed almost a month with a shoulder injury after a hard hit from Seattle's Brandon Montour in early March. Eight games after returning, he took a violent shoulder to the head from Carolina's Taylor Hall in Game 3 of the NHL playoffs.

Sanderson missed the rest of the series with a concussion, and the Senators were swept in four. Four days after the concussion, Sanderson still wasn't well enough to be available for the season-ending media availabilities.

Unlike all the current dialogue about the future of his Senator and Team USA teammate, Brady Tkachuk, it's going to be a while before the Sens need to think about Sanderson's contract. He's still signed up for six more seasons at a club-friendly rate of $8,050,000 per season.

The Lady Byng voting trophy will be awarded at the NHL Awards ceremony after the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Check out more great Sens features from The Hockey News at the links below:  

Did The Senators Actually Improve This Season? And What Has To Happen Now?
One Battle After Another: Brady Tkachuk Addresses Distraction-Filled Season
Staios Admits Senators Goaltending Plan For This Season Was Flawed
Now Facing A Suspension, Ridly Greig Addresses His Game 4 Sucker Punch
Senators’ Offence Never Gets On Track As Hurricanes Complete Sweep

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Charlotte's Moussa Diabaté wins NBA's Hustle Award for this season

NEW YORK (AP) — Moussa Diabaté of the Charlotte Hornets was announced Thursday as the NBA’s Hustle Award winner for this season.

Unlike most of the year’s awards, this one was not done by voting. The NBA uses a ranking system that takes nine stats into account — offensive box outs, defensive box outs, screen assists, contested 2-pointers, contested 3-pointers, offensive loose balls recovered, defensive loose balls recovered, deflections and charges taken.

Diabaté ranked 11th or better among qualifying players leaguewide in six of those categories. He also posted career-high numbers in several categories, including points (7.9), rebounds (8.7) and assists (1.9) per game.

Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels was second, Golden State’s Draymond Green — last season’s Hustle winner — was third, Memphis’ Cedric Coward was fourth and New York’s Josh Hart was fifth.

This was the 10th season that the award has been handed out.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Former Kentucky star John Wall named Howard President of Basketball Operations

WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 29: John Wall talks to the media before the game between the Washington Wizards and the Milwaukee Bucks on January 29, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Sabina Shysh/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Former Kentucky basketball star and five-time NBA All-Star John Wall has been named president of basketball operations at Howard University, returning to Washington, D.C., in a major leadership role, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Howard officials confirmed the partnership, which positions Wall at the helm of one of the nation’s top HBCU basketball programs. Wall, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft after one season at Kentucky, played for the Washington Wizards from 2010-20 and now transitions to a front-office role focused on program building.

The idea reportedly began on January 31 when Wall served as Howard’s honorary captain for a game and expressed interest in eventually taking on a basketball operations position at the professional or collegiate level.

In his new role, Wall is already involved in roster evaluation, transfer portal decisions, recruiting discussions, NIL strategy, revenue-sharing planning, and player mentorship. School officials say he will help shape the long-term vision of the program.

Many fans around Kentucky basketball had hoped Wall might eventually take on a similar leadership or advisory role in Lexington after Mark Pope’s arrival, but that has not materialized heading into Year 3 of Pope’s tenure. Across college basketball, programs such as Duke with Jayson Tatum and Davidson with Stephen Curry have incorporated former stars into staff or advisory roles, reflecting a growing trend.

It will be interesting to see if Pope eventually gets a full-time GM and whether he brings in a former player for a similar position to what Wall and others have taken at their alma maters.

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Ex-Blue Jackets Forward Has Big Playoff Moment For Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning by a 3-2 final score in Game 5 on Wednesday night. A former Columbus Blue Jackets forward was a major reason for it, as Alexandre Texier had a clutch moment for the Canadiens. 

At the 1:06 mark of the third period, Texier scored the Canadiens' game-winning goal. It was a nice goal for the former Blue Jackets forward, too, as he beat Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy on the rush with an excellent snap shot.

With Texier's game-winning goal, the Canadiens now have a 3-2 series lead over the Lightning and are just one win away from advancing to the second round. 

Texier has also playing some strong hockey for the Canadiens throughout this post-season, too. In five games for the Habs so far during the playoffs, the former Blue Jackets forward has two goals, four points, and a plus-5 rating. 

Texier was selected by the Blue Jackets with the 45th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. In 201 games over five seasons with the Blue Jackets, Texier recorded 34 goals, 45 assists, 79 points, and 141 hits. He also had two goals and seven points in 18 playoff games for the Blue Jackets.

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Knicks vs Hawks Props & NBA Playoffs Game 6 Best Bets

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The Atlanta Hawks have not only squandered a 2-1 series lead, but they have been blown out in the last two games against the New York Knicks.

Those routs create rather distinct Atlanta doubt in these Knicks vs. Hawks player props and NBA picks on Thursday, April 30.

Best Knicks vs Hawks props for Game 6

PlayerPickbet365
Knicks Karl-Anthony TownsOver 12.5 rebounds+102
Hawks Nickeil Alexander-WalkerUnder 17.5 points-112
Hawks CJ McCollumUnder 3.5 assists-130

Game 6 Prop #1: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 12.5 rebounds

+102 at bet365

The best-shooting center in NBA history has not lost his shot, not by any means. Karl-Anthony Towns has gone 8-of-17 from deep in this series, 47.1%. But taking only 3.4 shots from beyond the arc per game is a worry both for Towns and for the New York Knicks.

More worrying, Towns has taken only eight three-pointers in the last three games. Then again, he has snagged double-digit rebounds in each of the last three games.

Towns recognizes this is the rare matchup where his best advantage comes not on the perimeter against a sluggish big, but in the frontcourt against the undersized Atlanta Hawks. Grabbing 13.7 rebounds per game in the last three games emphasizes that edge.

Game 6 Prop #2: Nickeil Alexander-Walker Under 17.5 points

-112 at bet365

Even when the Hawks were leading this series, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was not pouring in the points. The Most Improved Player of The Year has not cleared this prop yet in five games in this series.

Even when Alexander-Walker went a combined 9-of-19 from beyond the arc in Games 4 and 5, he still scored only 15 and 16 points.

NAW averaged 15.3 shots per game this regular season. That has fallen to 12.6 per game in this series.

Some of that is a credit to Alexander-Walker; he is more focused defensively than on getting his own shot. But regardless of the reason, the drop has not been properly accounted for by oddsmakers.

Game 6 Prop #3: CJ McCollum Under 3.5 assists

--130 at bet365

Perhaps CJ McCollum caught the Knicks by surprise? That would obviously be reprehensible from the New York coaching staff, given McCollum is one of the best shooting guards of his generation and has always been ready to score 30 points on no notice. But perhaps?

He opened the series averaging 27 points per game while taking 20.3 shots per game through the first three games, when Atlanta opened up a 2-1 series lead.

But now that the Knicks coaching staff has been faced with a harsh reminder of his abilities, it is emphasizing getting the ball out of McCollum’s hands. He took only 25 shots total in the last two games.

One might think that leads to assists, but the ball is simply not finding any openings via McCollum. He dished out three assists in Game 4 and then just one in Game 5. Across this whole series, he has cleared this modest prop only once and has averaged 2.4 assists per game.

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The Yankees’ top defensive plays of April

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees makes a diving catch against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium on April 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees will end the first month of the season with a modest 1.5-game lead on the American League’s best record. Both the Yanks and the Rays—who are right behind them—are off today, so New York already knows that May will begin with them in front by a game and a half in both the AL East and the Junior Circuit in general. The Rays themselves are three games clear of anyone else, so it’s nearly five for the Yanks.

This success is due in large part to their league-best team ERA, FIP, and fWAR as a pitching staff. Of course, with good pitching comes good defense doing some of the dirty work — something Yankee pitchers enjoyed plenty of during the month of April. So, why not take a look back at the finest leather flashes in the month of showers as we barrel ahead toward the “flowers” part of the year?

Also, they won’t all be profiled here, but give an Honorable Mention to the Yankees’ starting rotation, which executed pickoffs in four consecutive games from April 24-27, with Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, Luis Gil, and MLB active career pickoffs leader Max Fried doing the honors.

April 3: Bellinger bobbles, hangs on

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On a play that maybe looks only mildly impressive to the naked eye, the wonder in this play must be seen in slow motion. After retreating to make a leaping grab, the ball actually kicked off the heel of his glove, destined for the ground, only for Bellinger to make a no look stab at the ball below his hips. To everyone’s surprise, including his own, the ball found the leather, and Bellinger had recorded a circus-style first out in the ninth inning.

April 8: Jazz goes full extension

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There are few plays as satisfying as an infielder going parallel to the ground beneath them to snare a liner. In a 2-2 ballgame against a fairly potent A’s lineup, Jazz Chisholm Jr. did just that. Nick Kurtz golfed a line drive just short of 100 mph toward the hole on the right side, with the go ahead run on first base, only for Chisholm to go full extension and put a wrap on the A’s half of the sixth, keeping the game tied. Depending on how the ball rolled, there’s a chance his acrobatic play saved a run.

April 11: Something about Cody Bellinger and walls

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Although not quite as unique as his first entry in this list, Bellinger made more than one terrific play on the warning track during the month of April. With no outs and a runner on base in a 1-1 game against the Rays, Fried served up a towering fly ball to Yandy Díaz, nearly sending it into the seats. After likely flirting with the upper apparatus of the rebuilt Tropicana Field, the ball found a jumping Bellinger, who secured the ball near the top of the wall in left field, once again helping Fried, and keeping this game tied up.

April 22: RyMac makes a leap in Fenway

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In an apt follow-up to Jazz’s diving play to the glove side, his fellow infielder matched him with a similar play to the other side. With the Yanks leading a game in the eighth inning against the Red Sox, old friend Isiah Kiner-Falefa lined a ball down the third base line, well on its way to the corner of the Monster, before the ever-slick Ryan McMahon dove barely above the ground, fully extended, to make the back-handed play. Not only did it help protect New York’s 4-0 lead, but it also preserved Fried’s shutout to that point. Although McMahon struggled to get his bat going across the season’s first month, he remained a humanhighlightreel at the hot corner.

April 28: Fernando Cruz from his back

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In yet another tight ballgame, defense once again came through to keep things at bay for the Yankees — on more than one occasion. This time around, with the Rangers threatening with a pair of runners on, Joc Pederson laid down a fairly decent bunt trying to get them into scoring position with less than two outs. Intent on keeping the lead, Fernando Cruz charged, slid to back hand the ball, and in one fluid motion, threw to third base for the force out from the seat of his pants. Beyond the incredible play from Cruz, getting the out also required McMahon to secure a handcuffing one-hopper. It was an all-around terrific play, and helped the Yankees maintain their narrow lead in Texas.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #30: 4/30 @ Brewers

MILWAUKEE, WI - AUGUST 29: General view of the 'Bronze Fonz' statue of actor Henry Winkler in Downtown Milwaukee at the Milwaukee river on August 29, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Today’s Lineups

DIAMONDBACKSBREWERS
Geraldo Perdomo – SSGarrett Mitchell – CF
Ketel Marte – 2BBrice Turang – 2B
Corbin Carroll – RFWilliam Contreras – C
Adrian Del Castillo – DHJake Bauers – 1B
Ildemaro Vargas – 1BTyler Black – DH
Lourdes Gurriel – LFLuis Rengifo – 3B
Nolan Arenado – 3BSal Frelick – RF
Alek Thomas – CFGreg Jones – LF
James McCann – CDavid Hamilton – SS
Michael Soroka – RHPBrandon Woodruff – RHP

Just a short intro today, given it’s an early game on somewhere toward the East coast, at least. Which means I have to get all this written up, not just before going to work, but before I have breakfast and coffee. My terseness is therefore understandable. It’s the final game of April, and the win yesterday guaranteed Arizona a winning record for the month. Could be as high at 17-13 if they win. Considering the typical sentiment staring into the schedule was, “If the Dbacks can get through this close to .500, there is hope for the season,” or things like, “Surviving brutal early 2026 schedule is key to Diamondbacks’ season”, have to think: mission accomplished.

Of course, there were opponents who turned out not to be as tough as expected. Six games against the free-spending Mets and Phillies, both projected to make the playoffs, turned out to be a cakewalk – those two sides are a combined 20-39 right now. Now we can look back at the schedule, the D-backs only rank tenth by the strength of opponents actually faced. However, it is still the toughest in the division. What is a bit concerning is how Arizona are 16-13 despite being outscored, a result of those blowout losses. They have lost five games by six runs or more: they have just one victory (7-1 over the Mets) by the same margin. The Rockies have a better run differential: indeed, only three NL teams are below our -12.

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Blackhawks Player Grades: Spencer Knight Led A Solid Goaltending Tandem

There were ups and downs throughout the 2025-26 season, but goaltending was not really an issue for the Chicago Blackhawks. There is still development to go across the board, but the depth within the organization is there. 

On most nights, the net-minders gave the team a chance to win. If there were any major issues, they were largely due to the way the team played in front of them. 

Throughout the season, the Blackhawks had one goalie as the clear starter, a full-time backup, and a prospect who was forced into action a few times due to an illness that swept through the locker room.

Based on their performances against their expectations, these are the grades for each goalie who made at least one start:

Spencer Knight: A

Spencer Knight had the year he's been looking for since coming to the NHL. He has had better overall numbers as a backup in the past, but he was finally allowed to be the number one starter on an NHL team. 

Knight had a bumpy road to where he is right now, both on and off the ice, and that led to him being Chicago's nominee for the Masterton Trophy, which goes to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. 

As the season went along, and the team got significantly younger, the numbers for Knight started to dip. After it all ended, he finished with a 2.82 goals against average and a .902 save percentage in 55 games played. However, he made high-danger saves with frequency, kept his team in most games, and proved that he can be a winning goaltender in the NHL. 

At the mid-way point of the season, Knight was a legitimate candidate to be on Team USA at the Olympics. However, USA Hockey decided to go with the same three that they brought to the 4-Nations Face-Off. It's hard to argue with the organization that eventually won the Gold Medal. 

Next up for Knight is a winning season for himself and the team. He gets an A-grade for this year as he took steps as a starter, but the expectations only go up from here. As the team defense gets better, he has to find a way to elevate his game even more, too. 

Arvid Soderblom: C

Arvid Soderblom had a mediocre season. He only played in 26 games and was clearly the designated backup goalie. He had a 3.80 goals against average and an .880 save percentage. 

There is some context to those lackluster numbers, but he would also admit that he must be better if he wants to be the backup on the team in the long-term. 

He doesn't get a lower grade than a C because of the team in front of him. Soderblom isn't as good as Knight, which is why he's the backup, so he won't keep them in games that they play poorly in front of him as much. 

Throughout the season, Soderblom proved that he can win games when the team does its job, but he must go into the off-season knowing that his role is on the line. There are a handful of other goalies in the organization who are working their way up the depth chart quickly. 

Drew Commesso: A

One of the goalies working his way up is Drew Commesso, who made three starts for Chicago this season. When called upon, it was due to illness suffered by both Knight and Soderblom during a strange time of year. 

Before playing at Boston University and the Rockford IceHogs, Commesso was a second-round (46th overall) pick in 2020. Since then, he's been working to develop his raw talents into skills that allow him to be in the NHL full-time. 

It was just three starts, an extremely small sample size, but he was excellent. He had an NHL save percentage of .918 and a goals against average of 2.31. All signs, both traditional and advanced, showed him to be ready for an opportunity in the NHL. 

He never got it in the way that he'd like, but he was outstanding in 39 starts with the IceHogs, his second in the AHL. In those 39 starts, he had a .911 save percentage and a 2.54 goals against average.

With the work he put in, he Commesso has a chance to grab onto the backup job. Training camp will allow him to reach the NHL full-time. Internal competition at all positions is good for a young team trying to take steps. 

Forward Grades:

Blackhawks Player Grades: Connor Bedard Unsurprisingly Leads All ForwardsBlackhawks Player Grades: Connor Bedard Unsurprisingly Leads All ForwardsThe Chicago Blackhawks had an up-and-down year from their forwards. This is a grade for everyone who dressed.

Defense Grades:

Blackhawks Player Grades: Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier Outshined Everyone Else On DefenseBlackhawks Player Grades: Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier Outshined Everyone Else On DefenseThe Chicago Blackhawks had some good defensive performances over the course of 2025-26.
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Giants vs Phillies Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for April 30

The Phillies and Giants meet in a doubleheader on Thursday after Wednesday's game was postponed. Philadelphia listed Andrew Painter as the starter for Game 2, while San Francisco hasn't announced who will be on the mound.

Philadelphia won the series opener on Tuesday 7-0, which gives the Phillies a 2-1 mark in their last three games. The Phillies fired their manager and looking to make ground over the next two weeks. With the Giants, Marlins, Athletics, and Rockies, they have the schedule to string together some wins.

San Francisco is 6-6 on the road this season and has the fourth-best batting average at .256 with the fourth-fewest home runs (11). The Giants had two hits in Tuesday's series opener. The Giants and Phillies are tied up on the season at 2-2 entering today's doubleheader.

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 the how to catch first pitch, 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 Giants at Phillies

  • Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
  • Time: 5:35 PM EST
  • Site: Citizen Bank Park 
  • City: Philadelphia, PA
  • Network/Streaming: MLB TV

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 Giants at the Phillies

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Philadelphia Phillies (-156), San Francisco Giants (+129)
  • Spread: Giants +1.5 (-181), Phillies -1.5 (+149)
  • Total: 7.0

Probable starting pitchers for Giants at Phillies

  • Thursdays Game 2 pitching matchup (April 30): Andrew Painter vs. TBA
  • Phillies: Andrew Painter

2026 stats: 24.0 IP, 1-2, 5.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 21 Ks, 6 BB

  • Giants: TBA

2026 Stats:

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not!

  • The Giants’ Luis Arraez is hitting .315 with 34 hits and 41 total bases over 108 at-bats
  • The Giants’ Patrick Bailey is hitting .143 with 10 hits and 17 strikeouts over 70 at-bats
  • The Phillies’ Bryce Harper is hitting .269 with 29 hits and 55 total bases over 108 at-bats
  • The Phillies’ Alec Bohm is hitting .157 with 16 hits and 22 strikeouts over 102 at-bats

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 Giants at Phillies

  • The Phillies are an MLB-worst 6-23 ATS
  • The Giants are 11-18 ATS this season
  • The Phillies are 14-13-2 ATS this season
  • The Padres are 13-13-3 on the total

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

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

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

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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 two between the Giants and the Phillies.

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

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

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Blue Jays vs Twins Prediction, Odds & Home Run Pick for Today's MLB Game

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Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball this season, and I expect that trend to continue tonight at Target Field with Bailey Ober on the mound for the Minnesota Twins. 
 
Read on to see why with my Blue Jays vs. Twins predictions and MLB Picks on Thursday, April 30.

Blue Jays vs Twins predictions

Blue Jays vs Twins best bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 total bases (+115)

With the way Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is swinging the bat, anytime he’s plus money to grab 2+ bases, it’s good value. 

The Toronto Blue Jays slugger leads the majors in hits and batting average this season and has three multi-hit performances over his last four games, while averaging 2.5 bases per game in that stretch. 

Two pitches that Guerrero has handled well this season are the four-seam fastball and the changeup. His average is well above .500 on both of those pitches, which are the two most frequently deployed pitches of Minnesota Twins starter Bailey Ober. 

Ober is a contact pitcher who doesn’t generate a whole lot of whiff, ranking in the 57th percentile in xBA and the 55th percentile in xBA.

This is all music to Vladdy’s ears, as he typically finds grass when he makes contact, ranking in the 99th percentile in xBA.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Guerrero owns a .403 batting average and a 1.027 OPS against the Twins’ current pitching staff.

Blue Jays vs Twins same-game parlay (SGP)

I'll continue to pound Guerrero props and take him to cross the plate at least once.  The lineup is finally starting to hit behind him, and he has 11 runs scored over his last 10. 

The Twins own a .143 batting average with a 36.6% strikeout rate against the splitter. Add Under 2.5 earned runs for ace Kevin Gausman, who has an electric split and has been 5-1 to the Under on this prop in 2026.

Blue Jays vs Twins SGP

  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 total bases
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 runs
  • Kevin Gausman Under 2.5 earned runs
img loading="lazy" width="100%" height="null" src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/jaysmlcbp.jpg" alt="Canada’s best price for Jays"
Get the best Jays ML odds at BET99 — every game.

Blue Jays vs Twins home run pick: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+510)

I’m betting a half unit on today’s home run pick with Ober on the mound.

He has kept the ball in the yard this season, allowing just three home runs in six starts. However, he was one of the worst in baseball at suppressing homers in 2025, allowing 30 long balls in 146 1/3 innings. Only three pitchers who threw at least 140 innings had a higher HR/9 than him last season.

Guerrero has been a great fastball and changeup hitter this season, boasting 70% hard-hit rate against the change, which is Ober's most used pitch against righties.

2026 Transparency record
  • Best bets: 10-19, -5.8 units
  • SGPs: 4-25, -9.25 units
  • HR picks: 5-28, -1.23 units

Blue Jays vs Twins odds

  • Moneyline: Blue Jays -135 | Twins +115
  • Run line: Blue Jays -1.5 (+130) | Twins +1.5 (-150)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-115) | Under 7.5 (-105)

Blue Jays vs Twins trend

The Toronto Blue Jays have covered the Run Line in 7 of their last 10 games (+5.25 Units / 43% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Twins.

How to watch Blue Jays vs Twins and game info

LocationTarget Field, Minneapolis, MN
DateThursday, April 30, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVSportsnet 1, MNNT
Blue Jays starting pitcherKevin Gausman
(2-1, 2.57 ERA)
Twins starting pitcherBailey Ober
(2-1, 3.94 ERA)

Blue Jays vs Twins latest injuries

Blue Jays vs Twins weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Washington Nationals vs New York Mets Game Thread

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Joey Wiemer #21 of the Washington Nationals runs to first base during the fourth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 29, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Heather Khalifa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mets and Nats traded blowout wins in the first two games of the series. That sets the stage for a rubber match on the last day of April. The Nats will look to win another road series, while the Mets will look to avoid another embarrassing home series loss.

Blake Butera usually likes to spread out righties and lefties, but not today. He has six straight lefties to start his lineup, and then two switch hitters after that. Jacob Young is the only true righty in the lineup, and he is in the 9 spot. Jose Tena, Luis Garcia Jr., Jorbit Vivas and Drew Millas will be in there after not playing yesterday. Brady House is out despite his grand slam. Miles Mikolas will be getting the start today. He does not have an opener ahead of him in this one.

The Mets have made a couple alterations. Mark Vientos is at first base, which pushed Brett Baty to right field and Carson Benge to center. Luis Torrens will be doing the catching in this one instead of Francisco Alvarez. Freddy Peralta was a big offseason addition for the Mets, and he will look to propel his new team to a series win.

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Game Info:

Stadium: Citi Field

Time: 1:10 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

This is a big rubber match for both teams, particularly the Mets, whose season is already teetering. The Nats will look to deliver another big blow to Carlos Mendoza’s group after a 14-2 win yesterday. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

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Blockx rocking to beat champion Ruud as Andreeva holds off Baptiste in Madrid

  • Belgian is fourth lowest-ranked player to reach last four

  • Mirra Andreeva sees off late challenge against Baptiste

Alexander Blockx’s dream run in Madrid continues with the 21-year-old Belgian beating the defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

The 69th-ranked emerging talent had not won an ATP Tour match on clay before his third-round run in Monte Carlo three weeks ago. He has also defeated the third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerúndolo on his way to the last four in the Spanish capital.

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