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IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya set to return against Rajasthan Royals, confirms bowling coach Mhambrey  Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will be available for the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed on Monday.The all-rounder sat out of MI’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals after being unwell in the lead-up to the game.“Hardik Pandya is available. He had a couple of nets session. He is fine. He was not injured, but was unwell. That’s the reason he was unavailable last game,” the bowling coach said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash.RELATED | 14 defeats in 22 matches: Does CSK have a captaincy conundrum or will its ethos prevail?Hardik’s spot was taken up by Deepak Chahar, who managed to scalp the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over, although there was a big slice of luck invovled in the strangle down legside.Despite picking two in the first six overs, the Mumbai-based franchise couldn’t prevent DC from chasing down the 163-run target with eleven balls and six wickets to spare.Hardik struck an unbeaten 18 with the bat in MI’s first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium and returned figures of one for 39.Published on Apr 06, 2026  #IPL #Hardik #Pandya #set #return #Rajasthan #Royals #confirms #bowling #coach #Mhambrey

IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya set to return against Rajasthan Royals, confirms bowling coach Mhambrey

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will be available for the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed on Monday.

The all-rounder sat out of MI’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals after being unwell in the lead-up to the game.

“Hardik Pandya is available. He had a couple of nets session. He is fine. He was not injured, but was unwell. That’s the reason he was unavailable last game,” the bowling coach said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash.

RELATED | 14 defeats in 22 matches: Does CSK have a captaincy conundrum or will its ethos prevail?

Hardik’s spot was taken up by Deepak Chahar, who managed to scalp the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over, although there was a big slice of luck invovled in the strangle down legside.

Despite picking two in the first six overs, the Mumbai-based franchise couldn’t prevent DC from chasing down the 163-run target with eleven balls and six wickets to spare.

Hardik struck an unbeaten 18 with the bat in MI’s first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium and returned figures of one for 39.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#IPL #Hardik #Pandya #set #return #Rajasthan #Royals #confirms #bowling #coach #Mhambrey

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will be available for the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed on Monday.

The all-rounder sat out of MI’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals after being unwell in the lead-up to the game.

“Hardik Pandya is available. He had a couple of nets session. He is fine. He was not injured, but was unwell. That’s the reason he was unavailable last game,” the bowling coach said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash.

RELATED | 14 defeats in 22 matches: Does CSK have a captaincy conundrum or will its ethos prevail?

Hardik’s spot was taken up by Deepak Chahar, who managed to scalp the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over, although there was a big slice of luck invovled in the strangle down legside.

Despite picking two in the first six overs, the Mumbai-based franchise couldn’t prevent DC from chasing down the 163-run target with eleven balls and six wickets to spare.

Hardik struck an unbeaten 18 with the bat in MI’s first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium and returned figures of one for 39.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

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#IPL #Hardik #Pandya #set #return #Rajasthan #Royals #confirms #bowling #coach #Mhambrey

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Deadspin | Reports link UNC search to Billy Donovan, Michael Malone <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666205.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666205.jpg" alt="NBA: Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs his team against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Conflicting reports have linked North Carolina’s coaching search to Billy Donovan and Michael Malone.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Field of 68 reported Sunday that the Tar Heels were focused “solely” on Donovan, the current Chicago Bulls coach who led Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006-07.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>ESPN reported Monday, however, that North Carolina intends to hire Malone, who won an NBA championship in 2025 with the Denver Nuggets but has never been a collegiate head coach.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Donovan, 60, has been coaching in the NBA since compiling a 467-186 record with the Gators from 1996-2015.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>He is 224-253 with the Bulls (29-48 this season) after going 243-157 with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Malone, 54, has been working as a studio analyst for ABC/ESPN this season after being fired by the Nuggets on April 8, 2025.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>He owns a career record of 510-394 as the head coach of Denver (2015-25) and the Sacramento Kings (2013-14). He was previously an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Malone was an assistant coach in the college ranks at Manhattan (1999-2001), Providence (1995-98) and Oakland (1994-95).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>North Carolina parted ways with Hubert Davis after last month’s first-round loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament. </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Michigan coach Dusty May and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd are among the potential candidates who have decided to remain at their current posts.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Reports #link #UNC #search #Billy #Donovan #Michael #Malone

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Debunking NBA Playoff Narratives and Breaking Down Award Races | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> <p>As we enter the and-1 final week of the NBA regular season, there’s still much to be decided.</p><p>It’s just not what we’re being led to believe.</p><p>The promos say …</p><ul><li>The Thunder and Spurs will duel to the finish to determine the top seed in the West.</li></ul><p>Not true: Even though they would lose a tie-breaker, Oklahoma City, with the Jazz, <a href="https://deadspin.com/how-los-angeles-lakers-might-need-bronny-james-in-nba-playoffs/" target="_blank">a crippled Lakers team</a> and a struggling Clippers squad as its next three opponents, has this thing wrapped up. Put them on TV next Sunday and you’re likely to get a whole lot of Brooks Barnhizer.</p><ul><li>The Lakers, Nuggets and Rockets will do everything they can to avoid finishing fifth in the West.</li></ul><p>Not true: While the third- and fourth-place teams will earn home-court advantage in the first round, these squads – along with No. 6 Minnesota – are so evenly matched, the site really shouldn’t matter. Big picture, the third-place team – if it can survive the Timberwolves – then gets the Spurs in Round 2 … and who wants that?</p><ul><li>The Cavaliers can benefit from passing the Knicks for third in the East.</li></ul><p>Not true: The third seed – after a tough first-round matchup – would get the red-hot Celtics in Round 2. It says here: You’re better off landing fourth, where you possibly luck into Atlanta in the first round, then get the Pistons in the Eastern semifinals.</p><ul><li>The scramble for play-in spots in both conferences is wide-open.</li></ul><p>Actually, this is true: But all are glorified lottery teams that will be nothing more than cannon fodder for the Thunder, Spurs, Pistons and Celtics in Round 1. So who cares?</p><p>In other words, there isn’t a single must-watch matchup on the docket next Sunday, when the NBA has clumped all its games into two TV windows, hoping to double-dip on meaningful stuff.</p><p>So, you might be asking, what then is left to get excited about?</p><p>The NBA’s major awards are all up for grabs, with one signature performance – especially as a lasting impression in the regular-season finale – quite possibly making the difference.</p><p>Unfortunately, the NBA’s silly 65-game rule has already dampened the enthusiasm on what should be considered major accomplishments.</p><p>So instead of simply looking at the candidates for the two most glamorous awards, let’s examine how shifting importance to total points – not total games – could have resulted in a fantastic finish and multiple must-see matchups in Game 82.</p><h2 id="2026-nba-mvp" class=" uppercase break-words">2026 NBA MVP</h2><p>Sadly, one of the toughest decisions in recent hardware history is being caught up in: Will<a href="https://www.theringer.com/2026/04/06/nba/nba-mvp-odds-awards-2026-shai-gilgeous-alexander-nikola-jokic-victor-wembanyama" target="_blank"> Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama </a>make it to 65 games? It didn’t have to be this way.</p><p>If the NBA simply would switch over to totals rather than averages in citing statistical leaders – you know, like baseball and football do in basically every category – it would demonstrate the importance of showing up without disqualifying anybody.</p><p>It’s interesting to note that Luka Doncic leads the NBA in scoring. But since he’s injured and done for the regular season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, just 91 points behind with five games left, has a great opportunity to seize the league’s most prestigious statistical crown.</p><p>That has to be worth something. As does the Thunder’s best record in the league and SGA’s likely spot on an NBA All-Defense team.</p><p>Jokic will win the assists title, but all those games he’s missed have cost him on the rebounds (fourth place) and scoring (10th) lists. Those aren’t MVP-level achievements.</p><p>And then there’s Wemby. He’ll be the blocks king, but he’s even farther behind in rebounds (fifth) and scoring (18th).</p><p>Total points – coupled with Defensive Player of the Year consideration and the most overachieving of the elite teams – point out why Jaylen Brown, currently third in scoring, is actually a better candidate than the two big men.</p><p>If SGA, who played his 65th game Thursday, were to take a game off this week, the door would be open for Brown, already with a 50-point game to his credit, to go nuts in the finale against the Magic and steal the scoring crown George Gervin-style.</p><p>I’d tune in for that … and maybe later on when SGA would be forced to counter-punch in an otherwise unwatchable pre-playoff exhibition against the Suns.</p><p><strong>My pick: Gilgeous-Alexander.</strong></p><h2 id="rookie-of-the-year" class=" uppercase break-words">Rookie of the Year</h2><p>Here’s where the focus on the 65-game qualification is likely to produce the wrong winner.</p><p>Cooper Flagg reached 65 with a record-setting, 51-point explosion Friday against the Mavericks. Some believe that clinched the award.</p><p>But reaching this so-called magic number is only serving to detract from the fact that college teammate Kon Knueppel has had a better – and certainly more complete – season. He’s shown up WAY more often (77 games) and has helped lead a surprisingly entertaining team (the Hornets) rather than compiling big numbers for a bad club (Flagg’s Mavericks) that hasn’t scored a meaningful point all season.</p><p>Most importantly, unless things go completely sideways in the final week, <a href="https://deadspin.com/why-kon-knueppel-is-now-the-favorite-over-cooper-flagg-for-nba-rookie-of-the-year/" target="_blank">Knueppel will win the rookie scoring title</a>. He begins play Sunday with a 101-point lead, while only trailing Flagg by insignificant amounts in rebounds and assists.</p><p>The problem is: Knueppel couldn’t possibly have to deal with a harsher gauntlet than what’s in front of him – the Timberwolves, Celtics, Pistons and Knicks, all defensive stalwarts.</p><p>A couple more Flagg 40’s could make the finale – against a defenseless team already in fishing gear (the Bulls) – potentially historic.</p><p>Again I say: I’d tune in both early (Hornets-Knicks) and late (Bulls-Mavericks).</p><p><strong>My pick: Knueppel.</strong></p> </div> #Debunking #NBA #Playoff #Narratives #Breaking #Award #Races #Deadspin.com

Deadspin | USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang injured in England  Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; United States of America forward Patrick Agyemang (24) runs for a ball against Mexico during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images   U.S. men’s national team striker Patrick Agyemang left his club match in England on a stretcher Monday.  Agyemang, 25, landed awkwardly after jumping to challenge for the ball late in the first half of Derby County’s 2-0 win against Stoke City. He was replaced by Jaydon Banel in the 41st minute.  Agyemang played in both USMNT friendlies last month in losses against Portugal and Belgium, scoring a goal in the latter.   Those were his first appearances for the national team since starting in the semifinal and final of the 2025 Gold Cup in July. Overall, he has recorded six goals in 14 caps for the U.S.  Any long-term injury could jeopardize his status with the U.S. squad as it prepares for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America. The United States plays its first game in group play on June 12 at Inglewood, Calif., against Paraguay.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #USMNT #striker #Patrick #Agyemang #injured #EnglandJul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; United States of America forward Patrick Agyemang (24) runs for a ball against Mexico during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

U.S. men’s national team striker Patrick Agyemang left his club match in England on a stretcher Monday.

Agyemang, 25, landed awkwardly after jumping to challenge for the ball late in the first half of Derby County’s 2-0 win against Stoke City. He was replaced by Jaydon Banel in the 41st minute.


Agyemang played in both USMNT friendlies last month in losses against Portugal and Belgium, scoring a goal in the latter.

Those were his first appearances for the national team since starting in the semifinal and final of the 2025 Gold Cup in July. Overall, he has recorded six goals in 14 caps for the U.S.

Any long-term injury could jeopardize his status with the U.S. squad as it prepares for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America. The United States plays its first game in group play on June 12 at Inglewood, Calif., against Paraguay.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #USMNT #striker #Patrick #Agyemang #injured #England">Deadspin | USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang injured in England  Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; United States of America forward Patrick Agyemang (24) runs for a ball against Mexico during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images   U.S. men’s national team striker Patrick Agyemang left his club match in England on a stretcher Monday.  Agyemang, 25, landed awkwardly after jumping to challenge for the ball late in the first half of Derby County’s 2-0 win against Stoke City. He was replaced by Jaydon Banel in the 41st minute.  Agyemang played in both USMNT friendlies last month in losses against Portugal and Belgium, scoring a goal in the latter.   Those were his first appearances for the national team since starting in the semifinal and final of the 2025 Gold Cup in July. Overall, he has recorded six goals in 14 caps for the U.S.  Any long-term injury could jeopardize his status with the U.S. squad as it prepares for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America. The United States plays its first game in group play on June 12 at Inglewood, Calif., against Paraguay.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #USMNT #striker #Patrick #Agyemang #injured #England

Deadspin | After 12 seasons, Curry brothers finally play in NBA game together  Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meets with guard Seth Curry (31) after a play against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images   It took 12 seasons and more than 1,600 games, but brothers Stephen and Seth Curry finally played in the same NBA game, on the same team, together.  Both members of the Warriors, the Currys have not been healthy at the same time this season since Seth signed with Golden Stayte as a free agent on Dec. 1. Sunday night’s home game against the Houston Rockets was the first time both were available.  Steph, the older brother at 38, had been sidelined since Jan. 30 because of a knee injury. In his return Sunday, he scored 29 points in 26 minutes in the 117-116 loss.    When Steph entered the game at the 6:19 mark of the second quarter, their dream of playing together was realized.  “That was special,” Steph said, per The Athletic. “We’ve both had a very difficult year. Honestly, him more than me with injuries. I was joking, calling us the Rehab Brothers, because it’s been like that all year.  “But to have that moment coming out of a timeout and talking about our matchups, I was having flashbacks to Charlotte Christian High School. My senior year, his sophomore year is the last time (we played) in an actual game. I know he was on our training camp roster in 2013, but the last time we actually played a game together.”  Seth, who scored six points in 13 minutes, called their moments sharing the court “a dream come true.”   “We’ve played against each other for a while now. For us to be on the same floor together as teammates was a different dynamic,” Seth, 35, said.   It also was a joyous moment for their mother, Sonya, who was in the stands taking photos and videos.  “Basketball’s been a part of our whole lives, and it’s what we love to do,” Steph Curry said. “And the fact that at this stage of both of our careers, that we’ve had this opportunity … you definitely take a moment to reflect for sure. And when it is all said and done down the road, I’m sure we’ll put the pictures up from tonight and talk about it.”  Seth can do one better. He asked for Steph’s jersey immediately after the game and said he plans to frame his jersey and his brother’s and hang them side by side.  For the record, the family moment came in game 1,065 of Steph’s storybook career, which has seen him win four NBA championships and two league MVP awards. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made and most 3-point shots made per game.  Steph Curry has played for the Warriors since 2009, when the team selected him with the seventh overall draft pick.  Seth Curry is in his 12th season and has played in 556 career games with 10 teams.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #seasons #Curry #brothers #finally #play #NBA #gameApr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meets with guard Seth Curry (31) after a play against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

It took 12 seasons and more than 1,600 games, but brothers Stephen and Seth Curry finally played in the same NBA game, on the same team, together.

Both members of the Warriors, the Currys have not been healthy at the same time this season since Seth signed with Golden Stayte as a free agent on Dec. 1. Sunday night’s home game against the Houston Rockets was the first time both were available.

Steph, the older brother at 38, had been sidelined since Jan. 30 because of a knee injury. In his return Sunday, he scored 29 points in 26 minutes in the 117-116 loss.

When Steph entered the game at the 6:19 mark of the second quarter, their dream of playing together was realized.

“That was special,” Steph said, per The Athletic. “We’ve both had a very difficult year. Honestly, him more than me with injuries. I was joking, calling us the Rehab Brothers, because it’s been like that all year.

“But to have that moment coming out of a timeout and talking about our matchups, I was having flashbacks to Charlotte Christian High School. My senior year, his sophomore year is the last time (we played) in an actual game. I know he was on our training camp roster in 2013, but the last time we actually played a game together.”

Seth, who scored six points in 13 minutes, called their moments sharing the court “a dream come true.”


“We’ve played against each other for a while now. For us to be on the same floor together as teammates was a different dynamic,” Seth, 35, said.

It also was a joyous moment for their mother, Sonya, who was in the stands taking photos and videos.

“Basketball’s been a part of our whole lives, and it’s what we love to do,” Steph Curry said. “And the fact that at this stage of both of our careers, that we’ve had this opportunity … you definitely take a moment to reflect for sure. And when it is all said and done down the road, I’m sure we’ll put the pictures up from tonight and talk about it.”

Seth can do one better. He asked for Steph’s jersey immediately after the game and said he plans to frame his jersey and his brother’s and hang them side by side.

For the record, the family moment came in game 1,065 of Steph’s storybook career, which has seen him win four NBA championships and two league MVP awards. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made and most 3-point shots made per game.

Steph Curry has played for the Warriors since 2009, when the team selected him with the seventh overall draft pick.

Seth Curry is in his 12th season and has played in 556 career games with 10 teams.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #seasons #Curry #brothers #finally #play #NBA #game">Deadspin | After 12 seasons, Curry brothers finally play in NBA game together  Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meets with guard Seth Curry (31) after a play against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images   It took 12 seasons and more than 1,600 games, but brothers Stephen and Seth Curry finally played in the same NBA game, on the same team, together.  Both members of the Warriors, the Currys have not been healthy at the same time this season since Seth signed with Golden Stayte as a free agent on Dec. 1. Sunday night’s home game against the Houston Rockets was the first time both were available.  Steph, the older brother at 38, had been sidelined since Jan. 30 because of a knee injury. In his return Sunday, he scored 29 points in 26 minutes in the 117-116 loss.    When Steph entered the game at the 6:19 mark of the second quarter, their dream of playing together was realized.  “That was special,” Steph said, per The Athletic. “We’ve both had a very difficult year. Honestly, him more than me with injuries. I was joking, calling us the Rehab Brothers, because it’s been like that all year.  “But to have that moment coming out of a timeout and talking about our matchups, I was having flashbacks to Charlotte Christian High School. My senior year, his sophomore year is the last time (we played) in an actual game. I know he was on our training camp roster in 2013, but the last time we actually played a game together.”  Seth, who scored six points in 13 minutes, called their moments sharing the court “a dream come true.”   “We’ve played against each other for a while now. For us to be on the same floor together as teammates was a different dynamic,” Seth, 35, said.   It also was a joyous moment for their mother, Sonya, who was in the stands taking photos and videos.  “Basketball’s been a part of our whole lives, and it’s what we love to do,” Steph Curry said. “And the fact that at this stage of both of our careers, that we’ve had this opportunity … you definitely take a moment to reflect for sure. And when it is all said and done down the road, I’m sure we’ll put the pictures up from tonight and talk about it.”  Seth can do one better. He asked for Steph’s jersey immediately after the game and said he plans to frame his jersey and his brother’s and hang them side by side.  For the record, the family moment came in game 1,065 of Steph’s storybook career, which has seen him win four NBA championships and two league MVP awards. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made and most 3-point shots made per game.  Steph Curry has played for the Warriors since 2009, when the team selected him with the seventh overall draft pick.  Seth Curry is in his 12th season and has played in 556 career games with 10 teams.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #seasons #Curry #brothers #finally #play #NBA #game

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