CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Assistant coach Jarrett Jack of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New Orleans Pelicans have requested permission to interview Detroit Pistons assistant coach Jarrett Jack for their vacant head coach position, according to report by Jake Fischer and Mark Stein of The Stein Line. Jack has been an assistant coach with the Pistons since August 2023, but is most well known for his 13-year playing career, which included a stint with the Golden State Warriors in the 2012-13 season.
“Also: Sources say that the Pelicans have requested permission to interview Pistons assistant coach Jarrett Jack, who spent three seasons in New Orleans as a player and is in the midst of Detroit’s difficult first-round series with Orlando,” write Fischer and Stein.
While Jack last played in the NBA in 2018, he stuck around in the G-League for multiple years, finishing off as a veteran mentor on the experimental G-League Ignite. After his stint with the Ignite, he became an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, where he worked until he joined the Pistons staff.
Despite his journeyman career, playing for eight teams, Jack made a strong impression with Dub Nation during his lone season with the Warriors. That season, Jack averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 29.7 minutes per game (79 games) on 45.2%/40.4%/84.3% shooting and finished third in the league’s Sixth Man of the Year voting, the best finish of his career. The Warriors finished the season 47-35, reaching the playoffs for the first time since the “We Believe” team.
Jack was even more productive in the playoffs, finishing second on the team in scoring behind Steph Curry. He recorded 17.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 35.5 minutes per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Jack was pivotal in helping the Warriors upset the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs and pushing the San Antonio Spurs to a six-game series.
Apr 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
We don’t know exactly when, but Anthony Volpe is nearing a return to the Yankees. Once the team ends his rehab assignment and brings him back to the big leagues, the expectation is that Volpe will resume his duties as the starting shortstop or, at the very least, play the majority of games there going forward. That means José Caballero, who has filled in for the former first-round pick as he recovered from his offseason shoulder surgery, will be pushed off shortstop.
The Yankees trusted Caballero to handle shortstop duties in Volpe’s absence, and the talented, speedy infielder managed to overcome a slow start to become everything the organization wanted him to be while the starter was gone.
Before taking the field on Monday, Caballero was slashing a solid .271/.314/.417 with a 104 wRC+, three home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 0.7 fWAR, third on the Yankees among position players. That fWAR output is higher than that of established stars such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton.
It’s important to point out, however, that things weren’t always going this smoothly for Caballero in the still-young 2026 campaign. From the start of the season until April 14, he was actually hitting a disappointing .179/.220/.286 with a 39 wRC+ and a 28.8 percent strikeout rate in 59 plate appearances. Some criticized the Yankees for not having a better plan to replace Volpe.
Patience proved to be a virtue. The Yanks didn’t have much of a choice, but they stuck with Caballero and were rewarded. In 43 trips to the plate from April 15 until Sunday, the utilityman slashed .400/.442/.600 with two doubles, two home runs, five stolen bases, and a 192 wRC+. His strikeout rate over that span is at a solid 16.3 percent.
Defensively, Caballero has also been an asset. In 238.2 innings at shortstop before Monday’s game, he racked up five Defensive Runs Saved, or DRS. He is also tied for the American League lead in steals with Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez, through Sunday’s games. In other words, Caballero has been a net positive in all three facets of the game for position players: hitting, fielding, and baserunning.
Now that his playing time at shortstop will be cut due to Volpe’s presence later this week, the Yankees will have to find creative ways to keep one of their hottest players in the lineup. In the last two years alone, Caballero has played second base, third base, shortstop, and the three outfield positions. He could potentially find playing time at all those spots, but things could get crowded for him once Volpe returns.
The main takeaway for Caballero and the Yankees is that he rose to the occasion when the team needed him. He had a month to impress and managed to achieve his goal, even if the road wasn’t always smooth. Perhaps he isn’t the most willing walker, and he sure can be streaky, but Caballero has been a very solid addition to the Yankees ever since he came before last year’s deadline. The team asked for league-average offense, strong defense, and bold baserunning from the shortstop position during Volpe’s absence, and it ended up getting all three. Acquired at last year’s deadline and under team control through 2029, Caballero looks like he should be a more than fine super utilityman for years to come.
If everybody’s healthy, Caballero is probably not an everyday player. Still, manager Aaron Boone knows he has a capable Swiss Army knife ready to cover almost any position on the field capably. It may not always be pretty, but Caballero usually finds ways to contribute, and he managed to produce in all facets of the game these last few weeks.
"That’s why he only played one game [on Sunday]," Mendoza said. "It didn’t get better, so he’s getting treatment. As of right now, he’s day-to-day, but he’s dealing with the low back tightness there."
The good news is that, as of now, it doesn't seem like Robert will need to undergo any further testing for his back. But that could change if the outlook doesn't improve soon.
"They [our training staff] think the next couple of days they can kind of just treat it, but we’ll see," Mendoza said. "If in the next 48 hours he doesn’t get better, obviously we’ll have to move forward, but as of right now they’re not considering [further testing]."
Robert, who has dealt with a handful of other injury issues throughout his career, is hitting .224 this season with two home runs and eight RBI in 24 games.
On a better note, Mendoza said that 1B/DH Jorge Polanco continues to improve as he recovers from Achilles and wrist issues.
"He actually was running out there today, up to like 80 percent. So he's improving, feeling a lot better," Mendoza said. "Today they went through a series of exercises where they were kind of testing him pretty good and he responded well."
That being said, there's still no exact timeline on when Polanco, who landed on the 10-day IL on April 18, will be back on the field.
"No, but he's now continuing to do more baseball activity," Mendoza said. "He played catch, he's going to hit in the cages now. But like the running part today was pretty encouraging."
To add on, Mendoza also said that Juan Soto had an MRI for forearm tightness that he first felt on Friday, but everything was structurally clean, so he should be able to play in the outfield in the next few days. Soto is in the lineup on Monday as DH.
The Boston Celtics can send the Philadelphia 76ers into the offseason with a win in Game 5 tonight, and there are plenty of NBA player prop projections and NBA picks to take advantage of before the series likely comes to an end.
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76ers Game 5 computer picks
VJ Edgecombe Over 11.5 points (-115)
Projection: 14.76 points
It's fair to expect VJ Edgecombe's volume to go down with Joel Embiid back in the lineup, but this is still a low bar to clear for a guy who's averaged 14.8 ppg in this series, including 30 in Game 2.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet EDGECOMBE Now at bet365!/span
Kelly Oubre Jr. Over 9.5 points (-105)
Projection: 11.45 points
Kelly Oubre Jr. reached double figures in the first three games of this series and scored 17 in Game 3 before shooting 0-for-6 in Game 4. His shooting touch will return tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet OUBRE JR. Now at bet365!/span
Joel Embiid Under 26.5 points (-115)
Projection: 23.27 points
Though Joel Embiid scored 26 in his return, this is still a big number to clear in just his second game back. He also averaged just 25.9 ppg on the road this season.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet EMBIID Now at bet365!/span
Celtics Game 5 computer picks
Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds (+102)
Projection: 7.94 rebounds
Jaylen Brown has gone Over this number in three straight games and averaged 6.9 rpg on the year. The plus-money price is simply the cherry on top.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet BROWN Now at bet365!/span
Neemias Queta Over 7.5 points (-110)
Projection: 9.68 points
Neemias Queta has cleared this small total in three of the four games despite battling foul trouble and fewer minutes. Our model calls for 9.68 points, which gives you lots of wiggle room.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet QUETA Now at bet365!/span
Neemias Queta Over 6.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 8.5 rebounds
And despite fewer minutes, he's still snatched 15 rebounds over his last two games, clearing this number in both. Projections (8.5) call for two full rebounds more than this 6.5-rebound total.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet QUETA Now at bet365!/span
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 5
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the leading run-getter in this IPL season with a cracking 43 on Tuesday that helped Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in a high-scoring contest.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves will again be a game-time decision for Game 5 vs. the Rockets on Wednesday night. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Less than four weeks after suffering a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain, Austin Reaves is closing in on a return with the Lakers in position to clinch a spot in the Western Conference semifinals.
Reaves will officially be a game-time decision before Wednesday’s potentially series-clinching Game 5 against the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena. He was questionable for Games 3 and 4, warming up on the court before each game, but is "trending in the right direction," he said Tuesday.
The Lakers have a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series despite playing without Reaves and leading scorer Luka Doncic, who is out because of a Grad 2 left hamstring strain.
“JJ [Redick] specifically was like you have to be comfortable with your body and what you can do to go out there and help us be successful,” Reaves said of his coach in his first comments to reporters since suffering the injury on April 2. “And I want to get back out there as fast as I can.”
Reaves said he typically has a very high pain tolerance. So he knew that even though he finished the game against Oklahoma City on April 2, the injury that left him grabbing at his left side repeatedly could turn out to be significant.
But getting the news that he would be out for the rest of the regular season was especially painful. Doncic had just been diagnosed with his injury the day before. The Lakers, then in third place in the Western Conference, came crashing down from a 15-2 record in March. They suddenly looked like sitting ducks in the playoff hunt.
“Our confidence doesn't waver as a team,” Reaves said. “Basically the message from that day forward was … that they were going to do everything as a team to give us an opportunity to come back and play. And they've done exactly what they said.”
The Lakers finished the regular season with three consecutive wins to hold onto home-court advantage as the fourth seed. They raced out to a 3-0 series lead against the Rockets, who staved off elimination with a blowout win in Game 4 despite playing without Kevin Durant. The star forward, who missed Games 3 and 4 because of a sprained left ankle, remains questionable for Game 5.
LeBron James reclaimed the primary playmaker role for the Lakers with Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard sharing ballhandling duties. But intense defense from the Rockets has exposed just how much the Lakers miss Reaves and Doncic. The Lakers have averaged 20 turnovers per game during the playoffs.
Reaves has been “miserable” watching it all, he said. But at least the show from his teammates has been a silver lining.
“It's been a lot of fun, just seeing the determination, the togetherness, and just the joy of them playing basketball together,” Reaves said. “Competing every single possession, it's been a lot of fun. Me and Luka talk about it every time we're watching, just how hard we're playing."
Lakers guard Luka Doncic has not played since getting injured April 2, but he's still a big part of the team as he watches from the sideline. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Doncic is progressing in his return, but still has not started playing one-on-one yet, Lakers coach JJ Redick said. Last weekend, he improved enough to incorporate movement into his on-court work instead of just standstill shooting.
Reaves said he has done “everything” in an attempt to maintain his rhythm and conditioning to get back on the court as soon as possible. Clearing the final hurdle will depend on how his body feels. After his availability is determined, Redick said the team will discuss any potential minutes restrictions.
"Everything from the get-go has been a group effort," Reaves said, "and the main thing is to get me back out there as fast as I can without putting myself at risk to re-injure myself. … We're all working for one goal.”
Doncic’s latest injury is an aggravation of the same left hamstring that kept him out for four games during the regular season. Soon after the game in Oklahoma City, Doncic went to Europe to seek specialized treatment. He missed the last five games of the regular season then rejoined the team for the beginning of the playoffs.
Now Doncic and Reaves sit next to each other on the Lakers' bench. They dole out high-fives and shout encouragement to teammates. During timeouts, they whisper to teammates or shoot baskets. Sometimes they play rock, paper, scissors. Doncic playfully slapped Maxi Kleber on the back of the head when Kleber was shooting during a Game 4 timeout.
“When you have some of your top guys out and … they’re still around, they’re on the bench, in the timeouts, at practices just being around, it kind of lifts us up a little bit,” Kennard said. “We know that they’re here for us."
Kennard, Smart fined
Kennard and Smart were fined by the NBA for inappropriate conduct toward game officials, the league announced Monday, after the Lakers guards were involved in a postgame dust-up near midcourt on Sunday. Smart was fined $35,000 for “questioning the integrity of game officials” and Kennard was fined $25,000 for “directing inappropriate language toward game officials.”
After the game that featured five technical fouls and thee ejections, players from both teams jawed back and forth near midcourt. Referees intervened with James and the Rockets’ Jeff Green and at the center trying to separate their respective teammates.
“I always have my teammates' back,” Kennard said Tuesday of the incident. “Not much other to say than that. I got to be a little bit more composed and under control and can't let the emotions get the best of me.”
Los Angeles, CA - March 27: Lakers guard Austin Reaves, #15, celebrates his three-point basket over the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, March 27, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
If Lakers fans have felt anxious and hopeful about Austin Reaves returning, they can rest assured that he is right there with them.
This time away during the most important games of the year has been agonizing for Reaves, whose competitive spirit wants nothing more than to be on the floor impacting winning for the purple and gold.
“I’ve been pretty miserable,” Reaves said after Lakers practice on Tuesday. “Just not having somewhat of a control on a game, just sitting over there with no hope that I can affect the game. Like obviously, I can talk and try to lead, from being over there but not really being on the court. It sucks. I think we’ve seen in the past when I get injured, I’ll do everything I can to get back as soon as I can, with still being safe at the same time.”
While the Lakers have done a tremendous job of winning without Reaves, his on-court play is sorely missed.
The Lakers have struggled to score past 100 points in each game and have had to grind out victories against a Rockets team that is equally shorthanded, with Kevin Durant missing three of the four contests.
Reaves’ return gives them back their starting guard and will provide an injection of offense and an elite ball handler to the rotation.
Whether he’ll play or not in Game 5 will depend on how he feels on Wednesday morning. The key is for Reaves to feel good and not be at further risk of injuring himself by playing in this matchup.
“Everybody’s on the same page here,” Reaves said. “Everything from the get-go has been a group effort. The main thing is to get me back out there as fast as I can with not putting myself at risk to reinjure myself. So everybody’s been extremely positive through this whole process. We’re all working for one goal, and we’re doing everything we can.”
It’s been incredible and a credit to Reaves and the Lakers’ medical staff that he’s been able to get this close to returning so quickly. The optimistic expectation was four weeks, and if he plays on Wednesday, he’ll return before reaching that date.
He’s clearly done a ton of work during his recovery to reach this point. And while he’s been bummed having to watch these games, unable to impact winning, if things go well, that has come to an end, and Reaves will make his 2026 postseason debut in Game 5 with a chance to eliminate the Rockets and advance to the second round for the first time since 2023.
That would be a great reward for Reaves after all his efforts to return to play. Hopefully, that’s the timeline we are under, and he’ll suit up on Wednesday.
The Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks with their first-round playoff series tied 2-2 heading into Game 5. The Knicks evened the series with a 114-98 victory on Saturday. New York is back at home and favored by 6.5 points in Game 5.
Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Travis Bazzana will make his debut at second base for the Cleveland Guardians tonight in Cleveland.
Bazzana is, as you may have heard from Australia. He was also, you may have heard, the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft. He played college ball at Oregon State, and has put up a 138 wRC, 24/17 K/BB%, 25/29 in stolen base attempts, with a .252/.391/.435 slashline.
His batted ball data and plate discipline metrics are very good, as outlined by Eli Ben-Porat on Twitter:
Travis Bazzana does everything at a high level. Aggressive against fastballs, passive against non-fastballs, makes a lot of contact, 55 grade or better power. Gonna be a very good player for a very long time. Improves every single year. pic.twitter.com/ipXDQoI9w8
Thomas Nestico also has an excellent breakdown of Bazzana’s underlying metrics in the minors here:
Travis Bazzana gets the call!
The #1 overall in the 2024 draft is coming off a torrid stretch in AAA where he was one of the hottest players at the level. His well-balanced profile provides him a solid foundation to transition smoothly to MLB
Coming into this season, Bazzana was ranked 16th in MLB by MLB Pipeline, 22nd by Baseball America, 24th by Baseball Prospectus, 50th by the Athletic, 23rd by ESPN and 54th by FanGraphs. I hope Pipeline was the winner here, because then we will be, also.
I would say that having watched a lot of Bazzana, fans need to be patient as he adjusts to the big leagues. Be prepared for him to be too passive at the plate, initially, as he gets his feet under him. Be prepared for teams to attack him outside ALL the time until he proves he can lay off balls thrown out there and serve enough of the strikes into the opposite field with authority to earn himself some inside pitches to pull. Expect his defense to still be a little shaky, but hopefully a notable step up from what Juan Brito provided. Expect him to display a Jose Ramirez-type motor and enthusiasm for playing the game, as well as a good dose of competitive fire.
Welcome to the big leagues, Travis Bazzana! Everyone, prepare your Bluey catchphrases for home run calls when he hits one (“And that’s a nice parking spot, Rita!” “He gave that one a Whack-a-doo!” “That one will keepy uppy and outta here!”).
The Battle of Pennsylvania is a battle again, with the Pittsburgh Penguins heading to Xfinity Mobile Arena to face the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of their opening-round series Wednesday, April 29.
My top Penguins vs. Flyers predictions and NHL picks are calling for another low-scoring bout between the division rivals.
Penguins vs Flyers best bet: First period Under 1.5 goals (+100)
Goals have been at a particular premium during the first period of this low-scoring series.
So, while I initially leaned to the Under 5.5 (+100), I think this first-period Under is the better play because there’s always potential for an early goalie pull in an elimination game.
I also value the Pittsburgh goalie switch to Arturs Silovs. He’s sporting a rock-solid .920 save percentage with 1.75 goals saved above expected across his two starts.
Penguins vs Flyers Game 6 same-game parlay
While I do think Silovs will play well in Game 6, his body of work suggests maintaining a .920 SV% and 0.702 GSAx per 60 minutes is asking too much. He finished the regular season with respective .887% and -0.318 marks across 39 games, after all.
Additionally, while difficult to quantify, the go-to Penguins are far older than the best players jumping the boards for the Flyers. So, I expect the physical toll of the series to catch up to Pittsburgh in its third consecutive elimination game.
Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Philly defenseman Jamie Drysdale has quietly had a strong postseason and recorded two or more shots in each of the past three games while averaging a respectable 20:15 per night for the series.
The Philadelphia Flyers have won 17 of their last 25 games (+12.95 Units / 47% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Flyers.
How to watch Penguins vs Flyers Game 6
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Puck drop
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
TNT
Penguins vs Flyers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Boston Celtics will try to close out their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5. Boston won the past two games to take a 3-1 series lead. With one more win, the Celtics will advance to play the winner of the Atlanta Hawks-New York Knicks series. Boston is favored by 11.5 points in Game 5.
How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 26: Pitcher Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets throws during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on April 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Heather Khalifa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ahead of their series opener against the Nationals on Tuesday, the Mets placed Kodai Senga on the 15-day injured list with lumbar spine inflammation and recalled Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse.
Senga came out of the gate strong this season. In his first two starts, the 33-year-old pitched 11.2 innings, allowing four runs (3.09 ERA) and striking out 16. But over his next three starts, Senga allowed 16 earned runs in just 8.1 innings (17.28 ERA). His average fastball velocity also dropped noticeably over the course of the season’s first month, falling from 97.4 mph on March 31 to 95.1 mph in his most recent start against the Rockies on Sunday. Senga’s IL stint is retroactive to April 27.
Scott started for the Mets on April 23 against the Twins, marking his first appearance in the majors since July 21, 2024. Scott did not fare well against Minnesota, lasting 1.1 innings while allowing a run on five walks and a hit-by-pitch. He was optioned back to Triple-A the following day, but is already back with the big league club before making another start in Syracuse.
The Mets are effectively operating with four starting pitchers — Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and now Scott — while Sean Manaea and David Peterson provide multi-inning relief out of the bullpen. It remains to be seen if one of those two left-handers will assume the role of full-time starter in the near future.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers (1-3) at Boston Celtics (3-1) Tuesday, April 28, 2026 7:00 PM ET First Round Game #5 Home Game #3 TV: ESPN Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 97.5 Fanatic, Sirius XM TD Garden Officials: James Williams, Kevin Scott, Brian Forte
The Celtics look to close out their first round series as they host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 5. The Celtics lead the series 3 games to 1. The Celtics dominated Game 1 with a 123-91 win over the 76ers. The 76ers topped the Celtics 111-97 in Game 2 to tie the game at 1 game each. The series shifted to Philadelphia where the Celtics squeezed out a win in Game 3 108-100, thanks to late game heroics by Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum.
Joel Embiid returned to play in Game 4 just 17 days after having his appendix removed. The 76ers were expected to get a boost from his return and at first it seemed to be working as he scored the 76ers first 8 points and drew 2 fouls on Neemias Queta. But then, Payton Pritchard entered the game and had the best playoff game of his career with 32 points and the Celtics pulled away to win the game 128-96.
After their big win at home on Game 1, it looked like the Celtics would run away with the series and possibly sweep the 76ers. But then, they came out with a lackluster performance on the defensive end and shot just 26% from beyond the arc in Game 2 and lost by 14 points. They played better in Game 3 and squeezed out an 8 point lead in the final 5 minutes. Now, they are coming off a 32 point win in Game 4 and the danger is there that they may once again get complacent and allow the 76ers to once again out-play them at home in Game 5.
If the Celtics had one flaw this season, it was becoming complacent and allowing lesser teams to play harder than them. Along with Game 2 of this series where they slacked off and lost to the 76ers, of the Celtics 26 losses this season, there were several losses that were to tanking teams they should have beaten. These include losses to the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls. Hopefully they avoid that trap in this game and come out with maximum effort on both ends of the court.
Close out games are the toughest to win. The team that is up and trying to close out the series tends to play with the sense that they have 3 more games to close out the series and so they don’t play with the sense of urgency that they need to end the series. On the other hand, the team that is down knows that it is their last chance and if they lose they go home and so they play with a sense of urgency and desperation. we know that the 76ers will come out desperate and play that way to stay in the series. The Celtics need to match that effort and close the series out.
In NBA history, there have been 293 series that were tied 3 games to 1. Of those 298 series, the team that was up 3-1 went on to win the series 285 times. (95.6% winning percentage). But, there were 13 series where the team that was down 1-3 came back to win the series (4.4%) Those 13 teams included the 1968 Celtics and the 1981 Celtics. Both of those comeback wins were against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics are 32-0 when leading a series 3-1 while the 76ers are 0-18 when trailing 1-3 in a series.
One of the advantages that the Celtics have is their depth. In Game 1, the Celtics got 37 points from their bench while the 76ers got 27 points from theirs. Of course, there were about 6 minutes of garbage time in that game. In Game 2, the 76ers got 21 points from their bench while the Celtics got 20 from theirs. In Game 3, the Celtics’ bench put up 35 points while the 76ers got just 14 points from theirs. In Game 4, the Celtics reserves put up 57 points, led by 32 from Payton Pritchard, while the 76ers got just 24 from their reserves. It would seem that as the reserves go, so goes the game.
The Celtics come into this game with a clean injury report. once again. Derrick White injured his neck in the opening minutes of Game 3 but stayed in the game and played almost 34 minutes and seemed fine in Game 4 also. Jaylen Brown turned his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 3 but, like White, stayed in the game and seemed fine in Game 4.
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid returned from an appendix removal to play in Game 4. Recovery for an appendectomy is anywhere from 20 days to 5 weeks and Embiid returned just 17 days after having his appendix removed. He is listed as probable for Game 5 and will likely start once again. Kelly Oubre was questionable going into Game 4 due to due to right adductor soreness but he also played in Game 4 and is not on the injury report for Game 5.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey
Derrick White | Getty ImagesTyrese Maxey | Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs VJ Edgecombe
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesVJ Edgecombe | Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Kelly Oubre, Jr
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesKelly Oubre Jr | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Paul George
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesPaul George | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Joel Embiid
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesJoel Embiid | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Baylor Scheierman Jordan Walsh Max Shulga Nikola Vucevic Ron Harper, Jr Delano Banton John Tonje
2-Way Players None Injuries/Out None
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
76ers Reserves Andre Drummond Quentin Grimes Kyle Lowry Justin Edwards Trendon Watford Dalen Terry Dominick Barlow Jabari Walker Adem Bona
2-Way Players MarJon Beauchamp Tyrese Martin Injuries/Out Joel Embiid (appendix) probable
Head Coach Nick Nurse
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey In Game1, the Celtics were able to hold him to 21 points on 20 shots along with 1 rebound and 8 assists while shooting 40% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. He pretty much had his way in Game 2 with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 39.3% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. In Game 3, he scored 31 points but took 31 shots to get them. He finished with 31 points, 6 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks while shooting 38.7% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. With Embiid’s return, Maxey took just 14 shots in Game 4 and finished with 22 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block. He will likely look to be more aggressive in this game and the Celtics need to be ready to play extra tight defense on him.
Jayson Tatum vs Paul George Neither of these players were able to play in any of the 4 games between Boston and Philly this season. In Game 1, George finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, but he only took 8 shots. In game 2, he finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block while shooting 53.8% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc. In Game 3, he finished with 18 points, no rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc. In Game 4, he finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block while shooting 46.2% from the field and 3-3 from beyond the arc. Honorable Mention Neemias Queta vs Joel Embiid After missing the first 3 games of the series, Embiid returned to the 76ers for Game 4. He started out strong, scoring the 76ers first 8 points and drawing 2 quick fouls on Queta. He was not on a minutes restriction and played 34 minutes, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while shooting 42.9% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc. He will likely play better in this game and more than likely defer to Maxey rather than trying to take over himself and so the Celtics need to be ready for that and counter it.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is absolutely the key to winning this, and every, game. Defense becomes even more important in the playoffs. It is very true that defense wins championships. In Game 1, the Celtics held the 76ers to 38.9% from the field and 17.4% from beyond the arc. In game 2, the Celtics defense faltered as the 76ers shot 47.8% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the arc. In Game 3, the 76ers shot 43.7% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc. In Game 4, the Celtics held the 76ers to 41.3% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to make defense their priority and they need to play physical, lock down defense from the opening tip until the final buzzer with no let up.
Rebound – Rebounding is also one of the biggest keys to winning every game and has definitely been a big factor in this series. In the regular season, the Celtics were 43-12 in games that they tied or out-rebounded opponents and just 11-13 in games in which they were out-rebounded. In Game 1, the Celtics out-rebounded the 76ers 43-40. In Game 2, they out-rebounded the 76ers 50-42, but they were unable to capitalize on them since they shot so poorly. In Game 3, the Celtics once again out-rebounded the 76ers 45-37. And, in Game 5, they out-rebounded the 76ers 51-30. They have to continue to fight harder to grab rebounds than the 76ers if they want to win this game. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound. No Complacency – The Celtics are up 3 games to 1 and technically they have 3 games to win 1 but hopefully they don’t have that attitude. They need to come into this game like it is Game 7 and their last chance to close out the series. Their next opponent is locked in a 2-2 series and this would be a good chance to put the 76ers away and be able to rest up and prepare for the next round. However, if they fool around and don’t take the 76ers seriously they could end up worn out and beat up going into the next round, or even worse, losing in 7. Just get it done in Game 5 and rest up.
Stay Focused – In Game 1, the Celtics turned the ball over just 8 times. But, since then, they have lost some focus and they have gotten sloppy with the ball. In Game 2, they turned the ball over 13 times for 15 points for the 76ers. In Game 3, it got even worse as they turned the ball over 17 times for 21 points. The Celtics were the best team at taking care of the ball in the regular season and they need to return to that focus on taking care of the ball. They have to avoid careless passes and not drive into a crowd of defenders. They also have to stay focused on taking good shots and making them.
X-Factors Home Game – Teams play all season to secure home court in the playoffs but they can lose it by losing one of their 4 home games. They already lost one game at home but then won 2 on the road. The Celtics need to feed off the energy of the crowd and hopefully, the 76ers will be distracted by travel and the hostile crowd. Jaylen Brown challenged the home fans to show up and I’m sure they will. The Celtics should play harder to win on their home court. They need to protect home court and win the series in front of their own fans.. The Celtics crowd will be loud and the Celtics need to use that to their advantage and get the win.
Coaching – Joe Mazzulla is in his 4th season as Celtics’ head coach. He won a title in 2024 with a very talented team that was packed with shooting stars. Now he has to win in a different way since his personnel has changed and he did a great job in the regular season. Nick Nurse is in his 8th season as a head coach overall and his 3rd as the 76ers head coach. He won a title with the Raptors in 2019. In the playoffs, coaching becomes more important as it becomes a game of adjustments as they play the same team game after game. So far, Joe Mazzulla has come out ahead in the series and the coaching chess game will continue in Game 5.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call it tight and call every bit of contact while others allow more physical play. Some favor the home team while others call both sides evenly. We have seen them call offensive fouls on Jaylen Brown far more than they have all season and he needs to adjust to avoid foul trouble. The Celtics have to adjust to the way the refs are calling the game and not allow the no calls and bad calls to affect their focus on playing the game.
Official Report Crew Chief: James Williams Williams has been a referee since the 2018-19 season and has called 570 games. The Celtics were 3-4 this season with Williams and 4-2 last season. The 76ers were 6-1 this season with Williams and 1-7 last season. His home win/loss record is 41-27. He averages 19.3 fouls on the home team and 19.6 fouls on the road team.
Referee: Kevin Scott Scott has been a referee since the 2018-19 season and has called 517 games. The Celtics were 2-2 this season with Scott and 6-1 last season. The 76ers were 2-4 this season with Scott and 0-3 last season. His home win/loss record is 40-25. He averages 19.4 fouls on the home team and 19.8 fouls on the road team.
Umpire: Brian Forte Forte has been a referee since the 2018-19 season and has called 538 games. The Celtics were 2-3 this season with Forte and 6-1 last season. The 76ers were 2-0 this season with Forte and 2-4 last season. His home win/loss record is 25=41. He averages 19.6 fouls on the home team and 19.8 fouls on the road team.
Pavel Dorofeyev was promoted to the top line in Game 4 and responded with his best performance of the series.
My Mammoth vs. Golden Knights predictions expect another productive outing from Vegas’ leading goal scorer.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Wednesday, April 29.
Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5 prediction
Mammoth vs Golden Knights best bet: Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots (-150)
Pavel Dorofeyev’s shot volume has risen throughout the series. He attempted only three shots in Game 1, but has responded by clearing his line in three consecutive games.
His highest output came in Game 4, with Dorofeyev generating seven attempts, four shots, and scoring a goal. That spike coincided with a promotion to the Vegas Golden Knights' top line, riding shotgun with Jack Eichel.
He should have confidence after finding the back of the net, and the circumstances are favorable as well.
Dorofeyev has cleared 2.5 shots in 74% of his home games following one day of rest this season.
Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5 same-game parlay
Lawson Crouse is playing big minutes on the Utah Mammoth's top line, logging at least 17 minutes in all four games. He cleared 1.5 shots in eight of the past 10 games in which he logged 17+ minutes, and had a healthy five shot attempts in one of the exceptions.
Sticking with the Mammoth, Dylan Guenther has shot the lights out in his first taste of playoff action. He's attempted at least nine shots in all four games, averaging five on target and 11 attempts.
The Mammoth will lean heavily on their sniper in a pivotal swing game.
Mammoth vs Golden Knights SGP
Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots
Lawson Crouse Over 1.5 shots
Dylan Guenther Over 3.5 shots
Mammoth vs Golden Knights odds for Game 5
Moneyline: Mammoth +135 | Golden Knights -155
Puck Line: Mammoth +1.5 (-180) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+115)
Mammoth vs Golden Knights trend
Pavel Dorofeyev recorded three or more shots in 13 of his last 16 home games after one day of rest. Find more NHL betting trends for Mammoth vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Mammoth vs Golden Knights Game 5
Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Date
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
TNT, truTV
Mammoth vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insider information betting scheme and rigged poker games.
Key Takeaways
Jones admitted to providing inside information on injuries to a group of bettors.
Jones helped lure high-end bettors to rigged poker games.
Sentencing is scheduled for early next year.
Jones appeared at two hearings in a New York court, acknowledging he provided inside information “obtained as a result of my relationships as a former player,” according to The Associated Press. Federal prosecutors alleged in an October 2025 indictment that Jones provided a group of bettors with injury information pertaining to NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Jones admitted Tuesday that he used the nonpublic information to defraud sportsbooks and acknowledged that he violated the NBA’s code of conduct.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers, and also the National Basketball Association,” Jones said in a read statement during his hearing.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 6, 2027, by two different judges. Sentencing guidelines could land Jones in prison for 21-to-27 months in the sports betting case and 48-to-63 months for the rigged poker game, per the AP. He’s also agreed to pay $73,000.
Sports betting case
Jones initially pleaded not guilty but requested a change earlier this month. He was charged in the federal case that includes Terry Rozier, the former Miami Heat guard who is facing additional bribery charges, and nearly 30 other individuals.
Federal prosecutors say Jones told the bettors ahead of a Feb. 9, 2023, game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks to “get a big bet on Milwaukee” before it was announced that James would miss the contest. Jones, who was an unofficial assistant coach with the Lakers, told the group to “bet enough” that he would get a portion of the proceeds.
“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement last year. “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.”
Jones was also paid $2,500 through a peer-to-peer financial app for injury information on Davis before a game in January 2024. Davis ultimately played, and coconspirator Marves Fairley requested his money back.
Rigged poker games
In his second Tuesday hearing, Jones admitted to using his NBA status to “lure high-end bettors” to a poker game in Miami and in the Hamptons, New York. Jones said he knew that the poker games were rigged and that players were being cheated.
“I’m really sorry to everyone involved for my actions,” Jones said.
More than 10 victims were allegedly cheated out of nearly $10 million from the rigged poker games, which were being run by the mob. Suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also charged in the scheme.
Jones had also pleaded not guilty in this case before making the change Tuesday.
76ers
Celtics
