Why Giants’ Brandon Belt earned comparison to Clayton Kershaw

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Clayton Kershaw smiling in a Dodgers jersey at Dodger Stadium, Image 2 shows Brandon Belt, seen from behind, in a white Giants baseball uniform with black and orange trim, wearing a helmet, holding a bat after swinging, Image 3 shows A San Francisco Giants player in an orange jersey with

SAN FRANCISCO — Only one player compared to Brandon Belt in Tony Vitello‘s eyes.

Clayton Kershaw.

“The easiest way to put it is he and Kershaw were arguably the best two lefties in the state of Texas and, therefore, at the time, the country, too, really,” the Giants manager recalled from when he recruited the Giants’ beloved first baseman to the University of Missouri.

The Giants honored former first baseman Brandon Belt on Saturday. AP

That’s right: First baseman. And in the conversation with Kershaw.

Belt, 38, put a ribbon on a 13-year big-league career — all but one in San Francisco — with a celebration in his honor before the Giants hosted the Marlins on Saturday. He never officially announced his retirement, but he hasn’t been on a big-league roster since 2023.

“I just want to start out saying this is a very surreal moment for me. I never thought this would happen,” Belt said to the crowd, before showcasing his signature wit. “But when I think about this day and the Giants organization doing this for me, the only thing that pops to mind is: It’s about time.”

Once such a hotly debated player among fans that the “Belt Wars” were coined, Belt became a core piece of two World Series clubs and a 107-win NL West champion squad, eventually logging more games at first base than anybody in the franchise’s long history besides Willie McCovey.

Despite his status in the franchise’s inner circle, Belt ended his career with the Blue Jays. He was not approached about a ceremonial one-day contract to retire with the club he spent most of his career, he said, but hopes to stay involved moving forward as a guest instructor at spring training.

“After Toronto, I kind of knew I was going to be done,” Belt said. “I think I would have played in certain situations, with the Giants or a team in Texas or something like that, but that was about all I was going to do. I was ready to be around my family. … Honestly, I was just looking to fade away.”

Before Belt became a standard-bearer at first base for the Giants in the modern era, Vitello was more interested in his talents on the mound. Vitello was still rising through the collegiate coaching ranks, as an assistant at Missouri, when Belt was coming out of Hudson High in deep east Texas.

Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw (above) and Brandon Belt were high school baseball stars in Texas. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

At the same time, Kershaw was dominating high school hitters in the Dallas area. The Dodgers selected the future Hall of Famer sixth overall that spring, and the rest is history.

Belt was equally “incredible” on the mound, according to Vitello. However, shoulder issues eventually put him on his path as one of the most beloved players in modern Giants history.

It was only fitting that Kershaw’s name worked its way into the festivities.

Belt stepped into the box against the Dodgers’ legendary left-hander 20 more times than he did against any other pitcher. The first of Belt’s 1,232 career hits came in their first matchup. He would record only three more over 61 regular-season battles that followed, finishing his career batting .065 against him.

“Looking up on the scoreboard and seeing that first off of Kershaw,” Buster Posey turned and teased Belt from behind the podium. “Was that the only one of your career?”

On a more serious note, Posey said, “The World Series championships in 2012 and 2014 don’t happen without Brandon Belt.”

It took some time for Belt to get his due among the Giants’ fan base, but there was no mistaking their feelings during a ceremony that featured speeches from Posey, Belt and Bruce Bochy and was emceed by broadcasters Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow.

Belt’s wife, their two sons, his mom and his two high school coaches were seated on the infield grass. But there was one person missing: Belt’s dad, Darrell, who died last July.

“Growing up, all I cared about was making my dad proud. And I know if he could be here today, he would be extremely proud,” Belt said. “That’s all I can think about right now. He taught me about toughness, doing things right, and he made it his life’s purpose to make sure he got the best out of me and my brother.”


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Back on the recruiting trail, Vitello remembered Belt being “incredibly cordial” even though his Tigers “probably had no chance of actually landing him.” He eventually picked the University of Texas.

In one conversation, Vitello remembered Belt telling him of a home run he hit.

“I joked with him … I said maybe if you come to Missouri, we’ll let you hit, too,” Vitello chuckled. “Because we were recruiting him as a pitcher. That didn’t age very, very well. He can definitely hit.”

Giants manager Tony Vitello tried to recruit Brandon Belt to play for the University of Missouri when Vitello was an assistant coach there. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Belt appeared in 16 games on the mound for the Longhorns with a 4.19 ERA but earned his stripes at the plate, where he batted .321 with 37 doubles and 14 home runs in 124 games across two seasons.

“He just was a doubles machine, nonstop,” Vitello said. “His at-bats were always aggravating. … He was a guy you were always annoyed with. He was a threat but also you were annoyed with him.”

Maybe Belt didn’t pan out as a pitcher, but that scouting report held up fine. Belt’s 267 career doubles rank sixth in Giants history, and few at-bats in major league history will be remembered as more aggravating than his 21-pitch battle with Angels right-hander Jaime Barria in 2018.

“He was one of the ones who thought I could hit a little bit,” Belt said of Vitello, “even when I didn’t.”

From Monterrey to Mexico City: Fond memories for the Padres in Mexico

San Diego Padres 3B Ken Caminiti (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

This weekend, the San Diego Padres will partake in their fifth regular-season series in Mexico. It will be a two-game set against their National League West division rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Padres have fond memories from their past trips. 

After Sunday’s contest, the Friars will have played the most regular-season games in Mexico (11). Monterrey hosted seven games, while Mexico City hosted four games. There is no denying that the ballpark crowds provide an electric environment for both clubs. Who can forget the chanting that takes place throughout the contest?

Caminiti homers twice in Snickers game

It is hard to believe this memorable feat took place 30 years ago. 

For those unfamiliar, let’s set the scene. The Padres were meeting the New York Mets in the final game of the 1996 Monterrey Series. Friars third baseman Ken Caminiti walked into the clubhouse with a bad case of food poisoning and dehydration. 

The training staff administered IV fluids to treat him. Padres manager Bruce Bochy was resigned to the fact that his star cleanup hitter would be unavailable for the contest. Somehow, some way, Caminiti played in the rubber game of the series. 

His afternoon began with a solo home run to put the Friars on the scoreboard. Caminiti proceeded to hit a massive three-run shot that extended the lead to 8-0 and secure a series victory over the Mets.

What is remarkable about his legendary performance is that Snickers candy bars were the lone food source Caminiti could keep down. This memorable Sunday afternoon propelled him to win the NL Most Valuable Player Award. 

Valenzuela’s historic first MLB start on home soil

You need no explanation on what an honor it was for Fernando Valenzuela to start the first major league regular-season game in Mexico. Despite playing away from his hometown, Valenzuela remained a celebrated national hero. Viewers could see how the honor was a personal accomplishment for him. 

A raucous crowd of over 23,000 fans chanted “El Toro” at Valenzuela every time he touched the baseball. The left-hander threw six innings and allowed three runs on six hits to secure the win in a 15-10 victory. 

The offensive attack featured a grand slam by Greg Vaughn and a solo shot by Steve Finley. It was another memorable moment in Valenzuela’s distinguished 17-year major league career.

Mexico City’s debut game turns into home run derby

The San Francisco Giants faced the Padres in the 2023 Inaugural Mexico City Series, where extreme altitude (7,350 feet) triggered a home run outburst in the opening game.

In a contest that felt like a home run derby, the Friars outslugged the Giants 16–11 as the two teams combined for a staggering 11 home runs in the thin air. The Padres and Giants tied a major league record of having 10 different players homer on the day. The Friars had four players who hit home runs that traveled more than 400 feet, including Xander Bogaerts’ drive that went 455 feet.

Manny Machado led the charge with two home runs, the second of which clinched the victory. Meanwhile, Nelson Cruz, who had been struggling at the plate, delivered one last memorable performance in the majors. The veteran designated hitter racked up five hits and became the oldest player in Padres history (42) to hit a home run.

Hopefully, the Friars and D-Backs can add more fond memories this weekend in Mexico. Regardless, the sold-out crowds will show their love for the greatest sport ever created. 

Flyers Have Significant Goaltending Edge After Latest Penguins Lineup Change

With a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Philadelphia Flyers are about to face a desperate Pittsburgh Penguins team doing anything it can to stay alive in the stanley Cup playoffs.

The Flyers just got some important news for their own hopes, as it was announced Saturday afternoon that goalie Dan Vladar would start after an injury scare kept him off the ice for the last two days.

Penguins forward Bryan Rust landed on Vladar's hand during Game 3, but after a brief conversation with trainer Tommy Alva, the Flyers goalie carried on and finished out the contest.

Vladar, 28, is 3-0-0 this postseason with a 1.33 GAA, .946 save percentage, and one shutout.

As for the Penguins, they're making further lineup changes in an effort to keep this series going.

NHL Star Admiring Flyers' Porter Martone From AfarNHL Star Admiring Flyers' Porter Martone From AfarTop <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> prospect Porter Martone has impressed his teammates, the organization, and fans with how well he's played so far, but he's quickly earning the respect of his peers, too.

Pittsburgh head coach Dan Muse announced Saturday that goalie Arturs Silovs would start for the Penguins, replacing the incumbent Stuart Skinner, who backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals.

The problem for them, though, is that Silovs was one of the worst goalies in the NHL this season, going 19-12-8 in spite of a porous 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage.

According to MoneyPuck, Silovs, 25, allowed 11.9 goals over expected this season, ranking 89th out of 98 goalies.

Comparatively, Vladar saved 13.8 goals above expected for the Flyers, which was 10th-best in the NHL.

Further complicating matters is the fact that Silovs played under Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet for parts of three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, so if anyone knows what Silovs' weaknesses are, it's him.

Unsung Hero Noah Juulsen Giving Flyers Tough MinutesUnsung Hero Noah Juulsen Giving Flyers Tough MinutesThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> only turned to Noah Juulsen due to injury, but the veteran journeyman has responded in an encouraging way despite coming into a tough spot cold.

The Latvian played 10 games for Tocchet and the Canucks last year, going 2-6-1 to the tune of a 3.65 GAA and .861 save percentage--the former was fourth-worst in the league among goalies with at least 10 games played, and the latter was second-worst  under the same parameters.

This is all to say that Tocchet has seen Silovs at his worst and should know better than most how to get the 6-foot-4 netminder off his game and what strategies are most effective against him.

Muse and the Penguins might be looking for a spark, they might think Skinner deflated the team after a bad goal allowed to Rasmus Ristolainen in Game 3, or they might be waving the white flag and want their younger goalie to get playoff reps.

In any case, Silovs is just 5-5-0 in his career in the Stanley Cup playoffs and owns a .898 save percentage.

The numbers don't lie, and the Flyers must take advantage of a vulnerable young player on a desperate team.

'It keeps getting better and better.' Bronny James settling into Lakers playoff role

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Lakers guard Bronny James had five points in a 26-second flurry during Game 3 on Friday night in Houston. They were the first playoff points in his career. (Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images)

While leading the Lakers to a commanding 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, LeBron James has stepped out of his airtight postseason mindset for only a few fleeting moments.

He has a good reason.

“All those moments has been with Bronny,” James said Friday after leading the Lakers to a 112-108 win over Houston. “It keeps getting better and better. It’s like ‘wow.’”

Steadily growing under the postseason spotlight, Bronny James scored his first playoff points Friday in a five-point, 26-second flurry in which he drained a three behind a screen from his dad and then hit a reverse layup to complete the NBA’s first father-son postseason alley-oop. The Lakers can clinch the first-round, best-of-seven series Sunday at the Toyota Center.

Without Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) to run the Lakers’ halfcourt sets, the team has placed an emphasis on running in transition. When Deandre Ayton blocked a shot at the rim with 7:18 remaining in the second quarter Friday, LeBron James corralled the rebound and pushed the ball up the court. Bronny James, the youngest player on the Lakers’ roster, knows he can beat anyone up the court. He locked eyes with his dad as they sprinted toward the basket.

It’s been a while since Bronny James caught a lob from his 41-year-old teammate. Maybe not since last year’s training camp, he estimated. Getting to connect again while contributing to the Lakers’ thrilling overtime win is “what I always wanted,” Bronny James said.

“Especially a playoff game, the first playoff bucket is great for me, great for my confidence and how I approach the rest of the playoffs,” he added of his role in the win.

The 21-year-old from USC got his first postseason rotation minutes in Game 1, starting the second quarter. The Crypto.com Arena crowd cheered when he got his first touch on the ball.

Read more:Marcus Smart leads Lakers to commanding 3-0 lead over Rockets in playoff series

He had one turnover and two fouls in his three-minute, 50-second shift. Even several of his completed passes were slightly off the mark, forcing teammates to reach for the ball. Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean pulled him aside in front of the Lakers bench for words of encouragement before the second-year pro returned to the bench. He didn’t re-enter the game.

LeBron James remembered the nerves he had during his first postseason game in 2006 against Washington, he said after Game 1, and there was little advice he could give his son that would make the experience easier until he actually did it.

“I was nervous for my first playoff game, too,” Bronny James said. “I definitely think I've gained a little more confidence and relaxed myself over these three games.”

The Lakers are going to need the younger James’ minutes. Still waiting for Doncic and Reaves to return, the Lakers can’t turn down any advantageous shots, coach JJ Redick said.

Seeing the former second-round pick confidently step into a three-pointer Friday was even more important than the fact that Bronny James made the shot for his first playoff points.

Lakers guard Bronny James, left, and Rockets guard Reed Sheppard chase after a loose ball during Game 3 on Friday night.
Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) chase after a loose ball during Game 3 on Friday night in Houston. (Michael Wyke / Associated Press)

“The amount of confidence that a young kid in our league can get from a postseason game is like — a regular-season game would never,” LeBron James said, “you will never get nervous from a regular-season moment ever again when you play meaningful postseason games and postseason minutes. And he's done that and I think that's pretty cool for his career, for his confidence.”

Not only has Bronny James gained confidence in his shot, but Redick praised his improvement on defense throughout the season. Against the famously physical Rockets, the 6-foot-2 guard doesn’t look out of place on defense. In the moments LeBron James zooms out to realize his son is playing, he marvels at his oldest child’s attention to detail, improvements on the ball and defensive mindset.

Bronny James is appreciative of the coaches’ trust in him. The former five-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High is still growing into his career, especially after surgery for a congenital heart defect derailed his brief college experience. That he didn’t get to play a March Madness game will irk him for the rest of his life, Bronny James said. But the Lakers postseason run isn’t a bad consolation prize.

“[I] got to do it in the playoffs,” Bronny James said, “and that's just the best feeling.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Pistons vs. Magic final score: Detroit in deep trouble after dropping game 3

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 25: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 25 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

All the Magic was on Orlando’s side as the Detroit Pistons dropped Game 3 113-105 to the Orlando Magic and face a 2-1 series deficit and plenty of questions. I’m not sure how many of them have answers Pistons fans are comfortable with.

The Pistons played awful basketball nearly the entire game, but somehow found themselves taking a 105-104 lead with 2:52 remaining. It was the last points Detroit would score on the night as Orlando went on a 9-0 run to close out the game and take command of the series.

Franz Wagner hit a tough step-back jumper and a deep above-the-break 3 to score the first five for Orlando. The true backbreaker, though, was a 25-foot heave from Paolo Banchero that hit the back of the rim, bounced straight up in the air, and casually dropped into the net.

Whether it was some Orlando magic or the Basketball Gods taking stock, we’ll never know, but the Pistons did not truly deserve to be in the game late.

Cade Cunningham had a great fourth quarter, but before that was absolutely pitiful. He had nine turnovers on the night, including a critical one with 58 seconds left in a five-point game when he slipped on the floor near the rim amid not incredibly intense defense.

Even worse was yet another absolute dreadful performance from Jalen Duren. The Pistons big man dicated so much of how Detroit has found offensive success this season, but his game and his confidence have disappeared in this postseason. He had eight points and nine rebounds on 3-of-10 from the field. That’s not going to get it done.

Conversely, Orlando’s most important players stepped up. Desmond Bane finally had a Desmond Bane game, hitting seven threes en route to 25 points. Banchero had 25 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Players like Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. did all the little things you need to do to win in the playoffs.

Detroit didn’t do those little things, they only surfaced big questions.

Questions like where they can turn when Cunningham faces so much full-court pressure and double teams. At times this season, the answer has been Duren and Daniss Jenkins. In the playoffs, those options have been not just unreliable but actively hurting Detroit on the floor. There are questions about who can create shots outside of Cade. The answer there might be, well, nobody.

Tobias Harris stepped up with 23 points, including some critical buckets late to bring Detroit back. Ausar Thompson was an offensive saftey valve when Detroit’s offense had completely dried up. But you’re not winning a playoff series on the backs of offense from Harris and Thompson. And the Pistons might not win this playoff series at all.

Orlando is certainly in full control, and Detroit will need answers. Those answers likely need to start with Cunningham and Duren. It’s simply how the team is built and how the offense needs to function. If they can’t figure out how to be successful on the floor, both together and when the other sits, then this series is over and Detroit has a lot of tough questions heading into an unexpectedly early offseason.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 4

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After narrowly dropping Game 2 at home, the San Antonio Spurs roared back to life with a comfortable victory in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead.

With Victor Wembanyama expected back for Game 4, my Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions expect San Antonio to deliver another win on the road and cover a modest spread.

Here are my best free NBA picks for Game 4 on Sunday, April 26, from Moda Center.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers prediction

Spurs vs Trail Blazers best bet: Spurs -5.5 (-110)

The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers have faced off six times this season, including the playoffs, and San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in those contests.

San Antonio is 24-17-1 ATS on the road and 14-12-1 ATS as the road favorite. The visiting team covered the spread in 25 of 45 games when favored by at least 5.5 points, including a 10-7 mark when favored by that many on the road.

The Spurs were one of the best two-way teams in the Association this season. San Antonio boasted the second-best net rating (8.4), the third-best offensive rating (118.7), and the third-best defensive rating (110.4).

On the road, the Spurs were even better defensively, with a 109.4 defensive rating, the second-best mark in the league. San Antonio’s 8.4 net rating on the road ranked second in the Association.

Conversely, the Blazers have struggled on both ends of the floor this season. Portland ranks 21st in offensive rating (113.1), 11th in defensive rating (113.5), and 19th in net rating (-0.4).

At Moda Center, Portland has been even worse, ranking 23rd in offensive rating (110.6) and 17th in net rating (-3.2).

Portland was comfortably defeated in Games 1 and 3, and it took a mid-game injury to Victor Wembanyama and a career scoring night from Scoot Henderson to come away with a three-point win in Game 2.

Wemby’s return should fuel the Spurs to victory, as they look ahead to Game 5 and a gentleman’s sweep at home.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Five of six head-to-head matchups between the Spurs and Blazers have gone Under, and at 219 points, I expect that trend to continue in Game 4. With Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama back in action, the Spurs can lock down Portland’s offense and keep this matchup low-scoring.

Wembanyama delivered 35 points in Game 1 before getting concussed in Game 2 and missing most of the contest. Including that shortened stint on the court, Wemby has averaged 29.7 points over his last 18 games, scoring 28+ 10 times. He’s cashed the Over on this scoring line in five of his last six healthy games.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP

  • Spurs -5.5
  • Under 219
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Spurs Roll!


Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and 2026 first-round pick Dylan Harper led the Wembanyama-less Spurs to victory in Game 3, and I expect them to stay productive in Game 4.

Stephon Castle finished with a 33/2/5 line in Game 3 after posting 30 and 31 in Games 1 and 2. Castle has averaged 34.2 PRA across his last 12 games while cashing the Over on this line eight times.

Dylan Harper finished his rookie season with averages of 19.1 PRA, going for at least 17 in 44 of 69 total appearances. He reached that mark in 24 of 38 road games, and he posted a monster 27/10/3 line in Game 3.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP

  • Spurs -5.5
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 points
  • Stephon Castle Over 30.5 points+rebounds+assists
  • Dylan Harper Over 16.5 points+rebounds+assists

Spurs vs Trail Blazers odds for Game 4

  • Spread: Spurs -5.5 | Trail Blazers +5.5
  • Moneyline: Spurs -220 | Trail Blazers +180
  • Over/Under: Over 219 | Under 219

Spurs vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

The San Antonio Spurs have covered the 1H Spread in 28 of their last 35 away games (+20.05 Units / 49% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 4

LocationModa Center, Portland, OR
DateSunday, April 26, 2026
Tip-off3:30 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Spurs vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

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Are the Avalanche Still the Stanley Cup Favorite? Latest Odds Tell the Story

When the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs opened, the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche were widely viewed as the team to beat. One week into the postseason, that opinion has only strengthened.

Avalanche Still Set the Standard

Despite leading the NHL with 298 goals during the regular season, Colorado has already shown it can win in a far different style when the stakes rise. The Avalanche now hold a commanding 3-0 lead over the Los Angeles Kings after Thursday’s 4-2 win, moving within one victory of the second round. Artturi Lehkonen led the charge with a goal and an assist, while Scott Wedgewood earned his third straight win to begin the playoffs.

Just as impressive is how Colorado has done it without needing nightly fireworks from every star in the lineup. Maurice Richard Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon, who scored a career-best 53 goals this season, has not been forced to carry the offense because the Avalanche have leaned on their depth, defensive structure, and steady goaltending.

Colorado is now 13 wins away from becoming the first Presidents’ Trophy winner to lift the Stanley Cup since the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks. History has not always been kind to regular-season juggernauts, but this Avalanche team appears equipped to buck that trend.

Updated Stanley Cup Odds

According to the latest FanDuel Stanley Cup futures odds, Colorado remains the clear favorite at +240, followed by the Carolina Hurricanes at +320. The Tampa Bay Lightning sit next at +850, while the Dallas Stars are listed at +1200. The Buffalo Sabres have climbed into the conversation at +1400, with both the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens close behind at +1500.

Further down the board, the Vegas Golden Knights are +1900, followed by the Philadelphia Flyers at +2000 and the Utah Mammoth at +2200. The Minnesota Wild check in at +2500, while the Anaheim Ducks are +3000. Longer shots include the Boston Bruins at +6000, Ottawa Senators at +10000, Pittsburgh Penguins at +17500, and the Kings at +25000.

While Colorado has tightened its grip on the Western Conference picture, Edmonton still looms as a potential obstacle as it chases a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. Dallas remains dangerous, Vegas carries championship pedigree, and Utah has quickly become one of the postseason’s most intriguing stories.

In the East, Carolina has only strengthened its standing as Colorado’s top challenger. The Hurricanes were elite defensively all season and now appear to be finding enough offense to match. Tampa Bay’s experience keeps it firmly in the mix, while Buffalo and Montreal have emerged as compelling dark-horse threats.

For now, though, the road to the Stanley Cup still runs through Denver. Colorado has taken complete control of its opening-round series, received outstanding play from Wedgewood, and shown it can win even when the offense is not operating at full speed.

That balance is exactly why the Avalanche remain the favorite.

Image

Michael Harris II returns to the lineup at DH

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 24: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates defeating the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Braves go for another series win against the Phillies, as Bryce Elder takes the bump facing off against Zack Wheeler in his first start back from injury. Wheeler has been somewhat diminished in his rehab starts, so we probably shouldn’t expect the prime Zack Wheeler. You can read more about the pitching matchup in the game preview here.

The headliner is that Michael Harris returns to the lineup batting fifth, as the young Braves star is scorching hot at the plate. It appears that he isn’t ready to play the field, or at least the Braves are being cautious with him, as he deals with quad tightness, but as we saw last night, he is healthy enough to hit and run and his bat simply demands to be in the lineup right now. Eli White continues to play center in Harris’ stead, while Austin Riley bats sixth.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 7:15 p.m. ET

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLBTV

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

Texas Rangers lineup for April 25, 2026

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Evan Carter #32 of the Texas Rangers celebrates with Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers after an inside the park home run in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field on April 23, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers lineup for April 25, 2026 against the A’s: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Jeffrey Springs for the A’s.

If you were wondering what it would take to get Evan Carter into the lineup against a lefty, the answer apparently is “an injury to Wyatt Langford.”

The lineup:

Nimmo — RF

McCutchen — DH

Seager — SS

Burger — 1B

Jung — 3B

Duran — 2B

Jansen — C

Carter — CF

Haggerty — LF

6:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -125 favorites.

Gamethread: Nationals (11-16) at White Sox (11-15)

Lake Michigan this morning indicated that pop-ups in today’s game could be a challenge.

Having smartly timed their turn to lead correctly in a seesaw game last night, the White Sox try to pick up another victory over the Nationals this afternoon, albeit under much different conditions. A nor’easter that hit overnight has dropped the temperature more than 20° from yesterday and produced 25 mph wind gusts that should come from left to right throughout the game.

This is a game where the pitching matchup certainly looks to favor the Sox. They have Noah Schultz on the mound for his third major league start, his last outing being an outstanding five-inning, one hit, one walk (!), six K, one-run victory over the A’s.

The Nats counter with 29-year old righty Jake Irvin, who has an awful 6.00 ERA despite opponents only hitting .220 against him, his big problem being 11 walks in 24 innings, though he went five innings without a walk against the Braves last time out. Irvin has a six-pitch repertoire, but tops out 92ish. Combined with an inability to hit his spots, that may prove a problem for Irvin against the power-surging Sox lineup:

Should Edgar Quero need to leave the game for whatever reason his backup is now Drew Romo, called up from Charlotte, with Reese McGuire DFA’d. Romo only hit .167 in a brief turn with the Rockies last year, but has been tearing up Triple-A pitching to the tune of .298/.385/.561 this spring.

Schultz will be firing his five-pitch mix to a Washington lineup that probably would have scored several more runs last night were it not for terrible baserunning (isn’t it nice when it’s the opponents who blow games on the bases?). And yes, that is ex-Sox Curtis Mead batting second and playing second for the Nats today; apparently like us, Washington also uses the waiver wire for “major talent” acquisition:

First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. Central with the temp 47° and the wind left to right field at 15 mph, gusting to 25. Usual broadcast suspects.

Game Thread: Lemme see that fastball Shane

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 19: Shane McClanahan (18) of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts before being relieved in the fifth inning during an MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 19, 2026 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Go Rays!

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Washington Nationals vs Chicago White Sox Game Thread

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 24: Brady House #12 of the Washington Nationals scores after hitting a solo home run to tie the game in the eighth inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Friday, April 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

After the Nats lost a close one last night, they need to rebound and get back on track. They are 3-7 in their last 10, so a win this afternoon is much needed. The Nats will have to face a massive rookie lefty to get that win though.

The Nats lineup looks very different today. CJ Abrams will get his first scheduled off day of the season. That means Nasim Nunez will slide over to shortstop. Curtis Mead will play second base for the first time this season. After getting called up today, Andres Chaparro will hit third and play first base. Joey Wiemer will also be back in the lineup against a lefty. Keibert Ruiz will be back behind the plate. He will be catching Jake Irvin, who toes the slab this afternoon.

The White Sox are also making a couple changes. Andrew Benintendi will DH and hit leadoff. Munetaka Murakami will hit in the 2 hole. Everson Pereira will play right, which shifts Tristan Peters to center field. Noah Schultz is a 6’10 lefty for the White Sox, who has major prospect pedigree. Excited to watch him throw the ball.

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Game Info:

Stadium: Rate Field

Time: 4:10 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats have been slumping the past week or so. Today would be a great day to snap out of that slump. Yesterday was a painful loss, but the series is still up for grabs. Follow along down below and let’s go Nats.

Nuggets vs Timberwolves Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 4

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Our NBA player prop projections are all ready for you before a pivotal Game 4 matchup between the Denver Nuggets & Minnesota Timberwolves tips off, with the model flagging several high-value opportunities.

By breaking down the data and stacking it up against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges lie.

These Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions aren’t based on feel — they’re backed by the numbers.

If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, April 25.

Nuggets vs Timberwolves computer picks for Game 4

Nuggets NuggetsTimberwolves Timberwolves
Jokic u30.5 points 
-120
Randle u25.5 points 
-500
Gordon o2.5 assists
+110
Edwards o3.5 3-pointers 
-105
Jokic o13.5 rebounds
-115
Dosunmu o3.5 assists
-115

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Nuggets Game 4 computer picks

Nikola Jokic Under 30.5 points (-120)

Projection: 28.17 points

Nikola Jokic impacts the game in every area of the floor, and as long as he’s on the court, the Denver Nuggets feel his presence.

Even with him going Under in 7 of his last 10 games at a 30.5-point line against a highly competitive Minnesota Timberwolves defense, Jokic remains just as dangerous by influencing the game in other ways when scoring isn’t at its highest peak.

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Aaron Gordon Over 2.5 assists (+110)

Projection: 2.97 assists

To avoid falling into a 1–3 hole, the Nuggets need Aaron Gordon badly & in a big way for Game 4.

With the Timberwolves playing at the sixth-fastest pace over their last five games, possessions should come in waves, giving Denver more transition chances and Gordon an opportunity to shine as a facilitator within that flow.

If he’s on the floor, his recent production suggests strong value here as well, having cleared his 2.5-assist line in 8 of his last 10 games.

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Nikola Jokic Over 13.5 rebounds (-115)

Projection: 15.13 rebounds

Death, taxes, and Nikola Jokic cleaning up the glass. There may not be a more reliable angle heading into Game 4.

When it comes to his impact beyond scoring, this is exactly where the Nuggets star consistently dominates, turning missed shots into second chances and controlling possessions on the boards.

Jokic has cleared his 13.5-rebound line in 7 of his last 10 games, and with another heavyweight matchup against the T-wolves, there’s every reason to expect him to be active on the glass once again.

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Timberwolves Game 4 computer picks

Julius Randle Under 25.5 points (-500)

Projection: 20.11 points

There’s no better time for the T-wolves. They’ve got the Nuggets exactly where they want them — on the ropes and feeling the pressure in Minnesota.

The question now is whether Julius Randle can elevate his game. He’s come up short of this points line throughout the series despite favorable conditions, but if Minnesota is going to push toward a 3–1 advantage, they’ll need more offensive production from him in Game 4.

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Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 3-pointers

Projection: 3.7 3-pointers

The nagging knee issue for Anthony Edwards will be something to watch closely in Game 4, but when he’s on the floor, there’s not much that can slow him down.

If the injury doesn’t limit him, expect Ant Man to bring the fireworks from deep and put extra pressure on the Denver Nuggets from beyond the arc.

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Ayo Dosunmu Over 3.5 assists (-115)

Projection: 3.7 assists

The Timberwolves are expected to see a boost in pace-driven opportunities tonight against one of the fastest road teams in the league over the last five games, the Nuggets.

That uptempo environment has helped Ayo Dosunmu settle into a strong playmaking rhythm, as he’s cleared his assist line in both Game 2 and Game 3.

With home court energy and the stakes rising in Game 4, the expectation is that he stays involved and clears the mark again.

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How to watch Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 4

LocationTarget Center, Minneapolis, MN
DateSaturday, April 25, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVABC

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Celtics vs 76ers Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 4

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The Boston Celtics got back home-court advantage in Game 3. Now they'll try to put a stranglehold on the series against the Philadelphia 76ers with another win in Philadelphia.

Philly is hampered by injury and had a rare collapse in crunch time to fall behind in the series. Boston seems to have everything going its way.

That's why my Celtics vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks predict a Celtics cover as a road favorite.

Celtics vs 76ers prediction

Celtics vs 76ers best bet: Celtics -7.5 (-105)

The Boston Celtics thrive as the road favorite. Boston is 16-9 ATS in that position this season and 26-16 ATS overall in road games. The Philadelphia 76ers are below .500 ATS both as a home dog and in all home games.

The Game 3 result added to both trends.

Boston bounced back from a Game Two loss by clamping down on the two players who burned them. VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 points on 23-of-48 shooting, 11-of-22 from three, in Game Two.

Boston put Jayson Tatum on Edgecombe in game three, and both Philly shooters paid the price. They combined to hit just 17 of 47 shots and were 5-of-20 from three.

Maxey stopped trying to drive in the second half and found some success shooting from outside. Philadelphia will need to find an adjustment to get both of its scorers back into the game, however.

Embiid is improving but still listed as doubtful. His replacements in the paint have struggled. Adem Bona had hustle and high-energy plays, but too frequently made costly mistakes, picking up offensive fouls on moving screens and getting called for goaltending.

Backup Andre Drummond has been a defensive liability against the faster Nikola Vucevic.

While Philadelphia's bench players are getting exposed in the post in Embiid's absence, it highlights an overall Boston advantage in depth. The Celtics' bench outscored the Sixers' bench 35-14. They also logged significantly more minutes—92 to 52. 

For the series, the bench scoring mismatch is 92-62 in Boston's favor, and the bench's minutes played are 264-225. The longer the series goes on, the more it will benefit the Boston starters.

Celtics vs 76ers same-game parlay

Boston plays at the slowest tempo in the NBA, and Philadelphia is at No. 15. All three games in the series have gone under. Philly has gone Under in 10 of 15 games as a home dog this season, while Boston has been Under 16 of 25 as a road favorite.

Jayson Tatum is averaging 23 points in the playoffs and has scored 23 or more in nine of the last 10. He's a better bet than Jaylen Brown, whose points prop is 2.5 points below his playoff average, because Brown is less consistent with his scoring. In his last eight, he has three games over 35 points and five at 26 or lower.

Celtics vs 76ers SGP

  • Celtics -7.5
  • Under 213.5 points
  • Jayson Tatum Over 22.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Mismatch Heaven!


Nikola Vucevic is in a mismatch with Bona, who can't stay on the floor with fouls and bad plays, and Drummond. He has 17 rebounds in the three games and could increase that if Philly relies more on the outside shot.

VJ Edgecombe has been Philly's best rebounding option with Embiid out. He hit double figures on the boards in each of the last two games and has 39 rebounds in the last five.

Tyrese Maxey found success from outside late in the last game, making four straight from three-point range in the second half. He's been hampered by a finger injury and made just 16 of 55 threes for a .291 percentage over a 10-game stretch before hitting five in each of the last two games.

Jaylen Brown has hit 13 threes in the last five games.

Celtics vs 76ers SGP

  • Nikola Vucevic Over 5.5 rebounds
  • VJ Edgecombe Over 6.5 rebounds
  • Tyrese Maxey Over 2.5 made threes
  • Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 made threes

Celtics vs 76ers odds for Game 4

  • Spread: Celtics -7.5 | 76ers -7.5
  • Moneyline: Celtics -290 | 76ers +237
  • Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5

Celtics vs 76ers betting trend to know

The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 36 of their last 50 games (+20.60 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. 76ers.

How to watch Celtics vs 76ers Game 4

LocationXfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
DateSunday, April 26, 2026
Tip-off7:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC

Celtics vs 76ers latest injuries

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4/25 Gamethread: Giants vs. Marlins

Robbie Ray reaching back to throw a pitch.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the New York Mets in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park on April 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s time for the second game of the series between the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, and we’re all hoping it goes better than the first one.

The Giants are sending veteran lefty Robbie Ray to the mound for his sixth start of the year. The 2021 American League Cy Young Award winner is 2-3 on the year, with a 2.86 ERA, a 4.42 FIP, and 31 strikeouts against 11 walks in 28.1 innings. In his last game, Ray gave up three runs in six innings against the Washington Nationals.

He’s up against young right-handed Eury Pérez, who just turned 23 years old. He is also making his sixth start this season, and is 2-1 on the year, with a 4.15 ERA, a 4.68 FIP, and 27 strikeouts against 12 walks in 26 innings. His last start was his best, as he allowed just one unearned run in six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Enjoy the game, everyone! Go Giants!

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Game #27

Who: San Francisco Giants (11-15) vs. Miami Marlins (13-13)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 1:05 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM