×
Deadspin | Oddsmakers favor Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs to win Stanley Cup Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start. The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed. The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver. The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth. The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins. In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash. Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel. The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals. The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM. All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers. The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #Cup

Deadspin | Oddsmakers favor Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs to win Stanley Cup
Deadspin | Oddsmakers favor Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avs to win Stanley Cup Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start. The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed. The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver. The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth. The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins. In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash. Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel. The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals. The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM. All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers. The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #CupApr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start.

The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed.

The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver.

The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth.

The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins.


In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash.

Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel.

The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals.

The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM.

All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers.

The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #Cup

Sports news

Apr 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (41) and defenseman Brett Kulak (27) celebrate defeating the Seattle Kraken at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche, out to end the miserable postseason history for Presidents’ Trophy winners, are the unanimous favorite to lift the Stanley Cup with the playoffs about to start.

The regular season concluded Thursday night, and the final two first-round playoff matchups were confirmed.

The Edmonton Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 and claimed second place in the Pacific Division, setting up a best-of-seven series against the Pacific’s third-place team, the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames and slipped into the Western Conference’s second wild-card slot. Los Angeles will open against the NHL-leading Avalanche on Sunday in Denver.

The other six series were already confirmed before Thursday.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will have home-ice advantage on the Minnesota Wild, and the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights will oppose the wild-card Utah Mammoth.

The Eastern Conference matchups are headed by the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the wild-card Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Division champion Buffalo Sabres meeting the wild-card Boston Bruins.

In an Atlantic Division matchup, the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning will oppose the Montreal Canadiens, while the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins will skate against the third-place Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division clash.

Oddsmakers like the Avalanche’s chances of going all the way, with Colorado listed at +300 by both DraftKings and BetMGM and at +320 by FanDuel.

The winner of the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the NHL team with the most regular-season points, hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished the feat in 2012-13. Since then, 10 of the 12 Presidents’ Trophy recipients bombed out of the postseason in the first or second round, with just the New York Rangers (in 2014-15 and 2023-24) advancing to the conference finals.

The Hurricanes and Lightning are next among the Cup favorites. Carolina has +475 odds at DraftKings and +500 at both BetMGM and FanDuel. Tampa Bay is +390 at FanDuel and +500 at both DraftKings and BetMGM.

All other teams have odds of at least +1000, generally headed by the Stars, Golden Knights and Oilers.

The biggest longshots are the Kings, Flyers and Ducks, all at least +5000 at each book.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Oddsmakers #favor #Presidents #Trophywinning #Avs #win #Stanley #Cup

Previous post

Ciao Lucia Opens First Store on Abbot Kinney in Venice Amid Growth

Next post

IPL 2026: ‘We need to make some difficult calls,’ says Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians suffers fourth consecutive loss <div id="content-body-70872195" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was left searching for answers after yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) defeat — a seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of Punjab Kings — and admitted that his team needed to go back to the drawing board to identify its shortcomings, while hinting that some tough calls could be taken in the upcoming matches.</p><p>Mumbai Indians has lost four of its five matches and is languishing in ninth place with just two points, while Punjab Kings sits atop the table with an unbeaten run, having collected nine points so far.</p><p>Despite a much-improved showing from Mumbai Indians, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 112 off 60 balls to post 195 for six, it proved insufficient against a rampant Punjab Kings side.</p><p>Punjab chased down the target in just 16.3 overs for the loss of three wickets, with breakout opener Prabhsimran Singh continuing his fine form with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer hammered a 35-ball 66.</p><p>“To be very honest, I don’t have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back to the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it planning? We’ll just figure it out and see what we can do next,” said Pandya after another morale-shattering loss.</p><p>“No, I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls, or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we’ll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer, and yeah, ownership has to be taken.”</p><p>Pandya also credited the opposition team for out-thinking the home side in all departments of the game.</p><p>“I think we need to give credit to them as well. The ball started reversing. In the second innings, the dew came, and it slightly got better, but having said that, they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better definitely.</p><p>Iyer said staying grounded has helped the side execute its plans with precision.</p><p>“Certainly confident and optimistic the way we have been playing. Also we have our heads on our shoulder. I am glad that today we came out and got that victory,” said Iyer.</p><p>He also praised the coming-of-age of Prabhsimran, noting that the opener has consistently provided fluent starts and on Thursday carried the team through with an unbeaten knock.</p><p>“He (Prabhsimran) has certainly raised up his bar, even though he was getting runs, he was giving us excellent starts, this year he has been more mature, match by match he is getting more mature,” added Iyer.</p><p>Prabhsimran said self-belief helped him overcome a lean phase in the PowerPlay and take on the bowling more aggressively later in the innings.</p><p>“I was just believing in myself because in the PowerPlay, I didn’t get many balls to play. I think I played 6-7 balls in the PowerPlay. But then, in my mind, I thought that if I take a little longer, I will be able to play (better). So, I kept believing in myself that I would do it, and I did it. I just had this in mind that I will play the anchor,” added Prabhsmiran.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #IPL #difficult #calls #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #suffers #fourth #consecutive #loss

Related Posts

LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.comMay 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com
LeBron James Returning to Cleveland Feels More Real Than Ever | Deadspin.com May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the .6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.comMay 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers ended their season on Monday night, after getting swept by the Thunder, losing game four 115-110. Without Luka Doncic, the Thunder just had too much firepower for 41-year-old LeBron James and company to handle, and that leads to some very tough questions.

LeBron proved once again that there is absolutely still gas left in the tank, willing the injury-riddled Lakers past the Rockets in round one; however, it’s too early to say where he will be playing basketball at the start of next season.

Of course, James might have played the final game of his illustrious career, but I would be quite shocked if that’s the case. Kalshi really only has three teams with legitimate chances of signing LeBron. There’s a 58% chance he returns to the Lakers or retires, 24% chance he has one last run in Cleveland, and a 12% chance he partners up with Steph Curry in Golden State.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

The final option seems unlikely, and I really only think there are two options for James at this point in his career.

Los Angeles has not seemed all that interested in retaining LeBron. Honestly, since acquiring Luka last year, the franchise’s future has seemed to shift toward building around him.

Would LeBron go back to the Cavs?

Throughout different points this year, LeBron has been at odds with the Lakers organization. I’m unsure the Lakers would be willing to re-sign LeBron at the $52.6 million he made this season. Even if he takes a decently sized pay cut, I don’t think they’ll be able to find enough in free agency to build a contender in the 2026-27 season.

If LeBron wanted to return to Cleveland, he would also need to take a pay cut to make it happen. Cleveland already has the highest payroll in basketball, and if they plan to run it back with James Harden, that will remain the case.

LeBron could do one thing to open a lot of doors at this point in his career. He could sign a veteran minimum and give himself another chance at a ring. The Players’ Association might not let that happen, or at the very least, would be furious if it occurred. But from LeBron’s point of view, he’s made over a billion in his career through playing and endorsements, would he be willing to join a team like Cleveland for cheap and take them back to the promised land?

Personally, I don’t see a world where he stays in Los Angeles unless he’s that sold on the LA lifestyle. Also, just from a million-foot overview of his career, it just makes more sense for him to finish his playing career back in Cleveland.

Lakers’ fans have never fully bought into LeBron as Cleveland fans did. He is, and will always be, the savior of all Cleveland sports with his 2016 title. Partnering with this iteration of the Cavs to make one more run at the finals feels like a storybook ending to his career. Now might be the perfect time to bet on a return to Cleveland, especially with markets as favorable as this towards his return.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#LeBron #James #Returning #Cleveland #Feels #Real #Deadspin.com

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve gameAccording to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:NFL Black Friday games in 2026Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader. #NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday
LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

#LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide">LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

#LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide">LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.

The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.

LIVE — Cincinnati vs Inter Miami: CIN v MIA updates; Messi, Suarez start for Herons; form guide Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will look for a fifth consecutive away victory on Wednesday night when they visit an FC Cincinnati side that has been settling too often for ‌draws.Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches.The Herons, who come into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto, are third in the Eastern Conference standings, while Cincinnati, which drew its previous clash with Charlotte, sits sixth on the table.Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road. #LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Cincinnati vs Inter Miami — Preview, CIN v MIA predicted line-ups, will Lionel Messi play?

Cincinnati is unbeaten — with four draws — in its last six matches, while Inter Miami is eyeing its fifth consecutive win in Major League Soccer on the road.

#LIVE #Cincinnati #Inter #Miami #CIN #MIA #updates #Messi #Suarez #start #Herons #form #guide

Post Comment