Deadspin | Wizards carry 9-game skid into matchup vs. Trail Blazers

Deadspin | Wizards carry 9-game skid into matchup vs. Trail Blazers

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Jan 24, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the first quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards find themselves in the midst of another extended losing streak, but team officials are increasingly optimistic about the future.

The club brass will be looking for continued growth when the Wizards face the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

Portland has dropped two in a row following a four-game winning streak. The Trail Blazers scored a season-low 37 points in the first half of a 102-94 road loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday.

The rebuilding Wizards turned in another encouraging outing before losing their ninth straight game on Saturday, falling 119-115 to the host Charlotte Hornets.

Washington’s starting lineup of Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington and Will Riley was the NBA’s youngest in average age (20.64 years) since the league began tracking that data in 1970-71.

George had 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists before exiting the game in the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury. He is expected to play on Tuesday.

Johnson recorded career highs of 26 points and six assists in the Saturday loss for the Wizards, who dropped 14 in a row earlier this season. The 19-year-old rookie also made a career-high six 3-pointers.

“This guy has been in our gym, working on his craft,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “We know he can shoot and make plays for himself, but I’ve been really impressed with how he is involving his teammates.”

Keefe is 36-129 as an interim and permanent head coach with the Wizards, but Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger praised him for developing a young roster.

“I think Brian has done a remarkable job,” Winger said. “He’s built a culture of competitiveness, accountability, togetherness and joy. I’m very, very pleased with the job that Brian has done.”

Washington is set to begin a five-game homestand against a Portland team that trailed 32-11 at the end of the first quarter against Boston on Monday.

Jerami Grant finished with 19 points to lead the Trail Blazers, while Toumani Camara added 18.

Leading scorer Deni Avdija (26 points per game) missed his second straight game with a lower back strain, but he is expected to be available on Tuesday.

Rookie guard Caleb Love had 11 points in the loss to Boston and is averaging 15.4 points in 13 games this month.

“He’s really stepped up,” Portland interim coach Tiago Splitter said. “But what I’m most impressed with is the effort he has put in defensively. He doesn’t have the biggest wingspan or jump the highest, but he always puts in the effort.”

Love has scored in double figures in 17 of his past 18 games.

“I’m just trying to make the most of my opportunity,” said Love, who went undrafted out of Arizona last summer. “Until I get where I want to get — having my contract converted — I don’t want to get ahead of myself. But if I do get converted, it will definitely be a milestone that I’m going to be proud of, for sure.”

Portland swept the two-game season series against Washington last season and has won 10 of the past 13 meetings between the teams.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Yordan Alvarez homers in first, Astros shut out Guardians Apr 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images Yordan Alvarez had three hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning, and Peter Lambert threw six shutout innings for the visiting Houston Astros in a 2-0 win against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday afternoon in the rubber game of their three-game series. Lambert (1-1) allowed three hits while striking out eight and walking three for the Astros, who had lost five of six and surrendered at least seven runs in four of those defeats. Cleveland right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-3) allowed two runs and five hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked two. Chase DeLauter had two of the five hits for the Guardians, who had won three of four. Alvarez came up after Carlos Correa doubled to lead off the game and fouled off a two-strike changeup before lifting a curveball into the stands in right for a 2-0 lead. The home run was the MLB-leading 11th of the season for Alvarez. Lambert stranded two runners in the first and again in the third. The Guardians also couldn’t take advantage of a leadoff walk in the second. George Valera was safe on an error by Astros second baseman Jose Altuve to lead off the fourth but was stranded at third. A right-hander, Lambert retired six of the final seven batters he faced, getting two strikeouts and a comebacker in the sixth. AJ Blubaugh retired the side in order in the seventh for the Astros before reliever Steven Okert got the first two outs in the eighth. Enyel De Los Santos then came in and struck out Rhys Hoskins with a runner on first to end the inning. De Los Santos came back out for the ninth and got Brayan Rocchio to fly out to center with two runners aboard to end the game and secure his third save. Bibee got away with walking the leadoff batter in the third and fourth innings and then retired six in a row before Alvarez singled to lead off the sixth. Bibee stranded two runners in his final inning. Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski each tossed an inning of scoreless relief for the Guardians. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yordan #Alvarez #homers #Astros #shut #GuardiansApr 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Yordan Alvarez had three hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning, and Peter Lambert threw six shutout innings for the visiting Houston Astros in a 2-0 win against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday afternoon in the rubber game of their three-game series.

Lambert (1-1) allowed three hits while striking out eight and walking three for the Astros, who had lost five of six and surrendered at least seven runs in four of those defeats.

Cleveland right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-3) allowed two runs and five hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked two.

Chase DeLauter had two of the five hits for the Guardians, who had won three of four.

Alvarez came up after Carlos Correa doubled to lead off the game and fouled off a two-strike changeup before lifting a curveball into the stands in right for a 2-0 lead.

The home run was the MLB-leading 11th of the season for Alvarez.


Lambert stranded two runners in the first and again in the third. The Guardians also couldn’t take advantage of a leadoff walk in the second. George Valera was safe on an error by Astros second baseman Jose Altuve to lead off the fourth but was stranded at third.

A right-hander, Lambert retired six of the final seven batters he faced, getting two strikeouts and a comebacker in the sixth.

AJ Blubaugh retired the side in order in the seventh for the Astros before reliever Steven Okert got the first two outs in the eighth. Enyel De Los Santos then came in and struck out Rhys Hoskins with a runner on first to end the inning.

De Los Santos came back out for the ninth and got Brayan Rocchio to fly out to center with two runners aboard to end the game and secure his third save.

Bibee got away with walking the leadoff batter in the third and fourth innings and then retired six in a row before Alvarez singled to lead off the sixth. Bibee stranded two runners in his final inning.

Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski each tossed an inning of scoreless relief for the Guardians.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Yordan #Alvarez #homers #Astros #shut #Guardians">Deadspin | Yordan Alvarez homers in first, Astros shut out Guardians Apr 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images Yordan Alvarez had three hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning, and Peter Lambert threw six shutout innings for the visiting Houston Astros in a 2-0 win against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday afternoon in the rubber game of their three-game series. Lambert (1-1) allowed three hits while striking out eight and walking three for the Astros, who had lost five of six and surrendered at least seven runs in four of those defeats. Cleveland right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-3) allowed two runs and five hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked two. Chase DeLauter had two of the five hits for the Guardians, who had won three of four. Alvarez came up after Carlos Correa doubled to lead off the game and fouled off a two-strike changeup before lifting a curveball into the stands in right for a 2-0 lead. The home run was the MLB-leading 11th of the season for Alvarez. Lambert stranded two runners in the first and again in the third. The Guardians also couldn’t take advantage of a leadoff walk in the second. George Valera was safe on an error by Astros second baseman Jose Altuve to lead off the fourth but was stranded at third. A right-hander, Lambert retired six of the final seven batters he faced, getting two strikeouts and a comebacker in the sixth. AJ Blubaugh retired the side in order in the seventh for the Astros before reliever Steven Okert got the first two outs in the eighth. Enyel De Los Santos then came in and struck out Rhys Hoskins with a runner on first to end the inning. De Los Santos came back out for the ninth and got Brayan Rocchio to fly out to center with two runners aboard to end the game and secure his third save. Bibee got away with walking the leadoff batter in the third and fourth innings and then retired six in a row before Alvarez singled to lead off the sixth. Bibee stranded two runners in his final inning. Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski each tossed an inning of scoreless relief for the Guardians. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yordan #Alvarez #homers #Astros #shut #Guardians

Deadspin | Point guard Caleb Foster returning to Duke for senior season Feb 14, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) controls the ball in front of Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images Duke point guard Caleb Foster is returning for his senior season, the program announced on social media on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5 Foster averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 24.8 minutes in 33 games (30 starts) last season for the Blue Devils (35-3), who won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season (17-1) and tournament crowns. He also shot 39.8% (39 of 98) from 3-point range. He fractured his right foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 7 and missed the ACC tournament. He sat out top-seeded Duke’s first two NCAA Tournament games in the East Region before playing in the Round of 16 win over St. John’s and the Elite Eight loss to UConn. LET’S MAKE IT LEGENDARY ?? @iamcalebfoster pic.twitter.com/eFKs8ILMeI— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 22, 2026 Over three seasons, Foster is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 20.8 minutes in 98 games (52 starts). A native of Harrisburg, N.C., Foster is staying in Durham along with point guard Cayden Boozer, a rising sophomore. They will be joined by five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr., and Duke also got a commitment on Tuesday from Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who also is going through the NBA draft process. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Point #guard #Caleb #Foster #returning #Duke #senior #seasonFeb 14, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) controls the ball in front of Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Duke point guard Caleb Foster is returning for his senior season, the program announced on social media on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5 Foster averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 24.8 minutes in 33 games (30 starts) last season for the Blue Devils (35-3), who won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season (17-1) and tournament crowns. He also shot 39.8% (39 of 98) from 3-point range.

He fractured his right foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 7 and missed the ACC tournament. He sat out top-seeded Duke’s first two NCAA Tournament games in the East Region before playing in the Round of 16 win over St. John’s and the Elite Eight loss to UConn.


Over three seasons, Foster is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 20.8 minutes in 98 games (52 starts).

A native of Harrisburg, N.C., Foster is staying in Durham along with point guard Cayden Boozer, a rising sophomore. They will be joined by five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr., and Duke also got a commitment on Tuesday from Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who also is going through the NBA draft process.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Point #guard #Caleb #Foster #returning #Duke #senior #season">Deadspin | Point guard Caleb Foster returning to Duke for senior season Feb 14, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) controls the ball in front of Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images Duke point guard Caleb Foster is returning for his senior season, the program announced on social media on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5 Foster averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 24.8 minutes in 33 games (30 starts) last season for the Blue Devils (35-3), who won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season (17-1) and tournament crowns. He also shot 39.8% (39 of 98) from 3-point range. He fractured his right foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 7 and missed the ACC tournament. He sat out top-seeded Duke’s first two NCAA Tournament games in the East Region before playing in the Round of 16 win over St. John’s and the Elite Eight loss to UConn. LET’S MAKE IT LEGENDARY ?? @iamcalebfoster pic.twitter.com/eFKs8ILMeI— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 22, 2026 Over three seasons, Foster is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 20.8 minutes in 98 games (52 starts). A native of Harrisburg, N.C., Foster is staying in Durham along with point guard Cayden Boozer, a rising sophomore. They will be joined by five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr., and Duke also got a commitment on Tuesday from Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who also is going through the NBA draft process. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Point #guard #Caleb #Foster #returning #Duke #senior #season

Over three seasons, Foster is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 20.8 minutes in 98 games (52 starts).

A native of Harrisburg, N.C., Foster is staying in Durham along with point guard Cayden Boozer, a rising sophomore. They will be joined by five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr., and Duke also got a commitment on Tuesday from Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who also is going through the NBA draft process.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Point #guard #Caleb #Foster #returning #Duke #senior #season">Deadspin | Point guard Caleb Foster returning to Duke for senior season
Deadspin | Point guard Caleb Foster returning to Duke for senior season Feb 14, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) controls the ball in front of Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images Duke point guard Caleb Foster is returning for his senior season, the program announced on social media on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5 Foster averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 24.8 minutes in 33 games (30 starts) last season for the Blue Devils (35-3), who won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season (17-1) and tournament crowns. He also shot 39.8% (39 of 98) from 3-point range. He fractured his right foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 7 and missed the ACC tournament. He sat out top-seeded Duke’s first two NCAA Tournament games in the East Region before playing in the Round of 16 win over St. John’s and the Elite Eight loss to UConn. LET’S MAKE IT LEGENDARY ?? @iamcalebfoster pic.twitter.com/eFKs8ILMeI— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 22, 2026 Over three seasons, Foster is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 20.8 minutes in 98 games (52 starts). A native of Harrisburg, N.C., Foster is staying in Durham along with point guard Cayden Boozer, a rising sophomore. They will be joined by five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr., and Duke also got a commitment on Tuesday from Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who also is going through the NBA draft process. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Point #guard #Caleb #Foster #returning #Duke #senior #seasonFeb 14, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) controls the ball in front of Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Duke point guard Caleb Foster is returning for his senior season, the program announced on social media on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5 Foster averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 24.8 minutes in 33 games (30 starts) last season for the Blue Devils (35-3), who won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season (17-1) and tournament crowns. He also shot 39.8% (39 of 98) from 3-point range.

He fractured his right foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 7 and missed the ACC tournament. He sat out top-seeded Duke’s first two NCAA Tournament games in the East Region before playing in the Round of 16 win over St. John’s and the Elite Eight loss to UConn.


Over three seasons, Foster is averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 20.8 minutes in 98 games (52 starts).

A native of Harrisburg, N.C., Foster is staying in Durham along with point guard Cayden Boozer, a rising sophomore. They will be joined by five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr., and Duke also got a commitment on Tuesday from Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who also is going through the NBA draft process.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Point #guard #Caleb #Foster #returning #Duke #senior #season
Deadspin | Phillies C J.T. Realmuto (back) placed on 10-day injured list Mar 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) at bat against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The slumping Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms on Wednesday. Realmuto, 35, sat out two games before returning Tuesday and going 0-for-4 in a 7-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia’s seventh straight defeat. The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove backstop is batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs through 17 games this season. The Phillies are calling up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Realmuto’s roster spot and split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. To make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster, Philadelphia transferred right-hander Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day IL. Realmuto is a lifetime .270 hitter with 181 homers and 681 RBIs in 1,390 career games with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and Phillies (2019-26). Stubbs, 32, is a career .215 hitter with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 197 games across seven seasons with the Houston Astros (2019-21) and Phillies (2022-25). He’s hit .289 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 10 Triple-A games this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #J.T #Realmuto #10day #injured #listMar 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) at bat against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The slumping Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms on Wednesday.

Realmuto, 35, sat out two games before returning Tuesday and going 0-for-4 in a 7-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia’s seventh straight defeat.

The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove backstop is batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs through 17 games this season.


The Phillies are calling up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Realmuto’s roster spot and split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. To make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster, Philadelphia transferred right-hander Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day IL.

Realmuto is a lifetime .270 hitter with 181 homers and 681 RBIs in 1,390 career games with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and Phillies (2019-26).

Stubbs, 32, is a career .215 hitter with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 197 games across seven seasons with the Houston Astros (2019-21) and Phillies (2022-25). He’s hit .289 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 10 Triple-A games this season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #J.T #Realmuto #10day #injured #list">Deadspin | Phillies C J.T. Realmuto (back) placed on 10-day injured list Mar 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) at bat against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The slumping Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms on Wednesday. Realmuto, 35, sat out two games before returning Tuesday and going 0-for-4 in a 7-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia’s seventh straight defeat. The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove backstop is batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs through 17 games this season. The Phillies are calling up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Realmuto’s roster spot and split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. To make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster, Philadelphia transferred right-hander Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day IL. Realmuto is a lifetime .270 hitter with 181 homers and 681 RBIs in 1,390 career games with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and Phillies (2019-26). Stubbs, 32, is a career .215 hitter with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 197 games across seven seasons with the Houston Astros (2019-21) and Phillies (2022-25). He’s hit .289 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 10 Triple-A games this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #J.T #Realmuto #10day #injured #list

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