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Three NBA Playoff Teams Likely to Be Eliminated Early | Deadspin.com Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Four first-round NBA playoff series begin Saturday while the rest kick off Sunday, including the first game of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense.By the time next weekend rolls around, the field might already have some teams preparing to bow out.This doesn’t suggest that the three teams below each will be swept out of the postseason. It is guessing, though, that their counterparts will be longer for the bracket.LOS ANGELES LAKERSLakers coach JJ Redick advocates for mindfulness and meditation, two good things in this crazy world. Redick even has been seen engaging in those mental-health exercises before games.By month’s end, he’ll have to take the balancing act out of the arena. With Lakers starts Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) out indefinitely, there’s little chance this series extends beyond five games.Yes, LA still boasts home-court advantage and LeBron James, who is three triple-doubles shy from passing Lakers icon Magic Johnson for most in NBA playoff history. But the Rockets are far closer to full strength, even with Kevin Durant questionable with a right knee contusion. Look for Houston big man Alperen Sengun to keep rolling. He shot 57.3% over the last 24 games and has a quickness advantage against Lakers counterpart DeAndre Ayton.PHILADELPHIA 76ers Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Sixers showed inconsistencies even during those rare cases when they were healthy this season, so a first-round date with the surging Boston Celtics didn’t figure to have staying power.Take Joel Embiid and his emergency appendectomy out of the Philly equation and that cinches it. This smacks of a Celtics runaway, even if Embiid manages to return to the lineup during the series, then magically remove the rust in real time against a team that has Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.Boston commits the fewest turnovers in the league and is adept from long range and on the offensive glass. While it’s possible that Tyrese Maxey could go off and steer the Sixers into stealing a game – he averaged 30 points and 8.8 assists in four regular-season matchups with the C’s – Boston simply has too much talent.Philly gets a head start on getting healthy for another shot (how many does that team have left, anyway?) next season.TORONTO RAPTORS Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Heaven knows that not every prediction lands. Who’d have imagined the Cavaliers would have be eliminated before the conference finals last season, for instance?While Cleveland carries a slightly different core and a less lofty regular-season pedigree than last spring, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cavs seem like a good bet to handle a Raptors team whose ballhandler, Immanuel Quickley, is dealing with hamstring issues.Mitchell carries plenty of firepower, to be sure, and has scored at least 30 points in eight straight series openers, a league record. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram can keep the Raptors close, but they won’t be enough to overcome the Cavs’ depth. #NBA #Playoff #Teams #Eliminated #Early #Deadspin.com

Three NBA Playoff Teams Likely to Be Eliminated Early | Deadspin.com
Three NBA Playoff Teams Likely to Be Eliminated Early | Deadspin.com Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Four first-round NBA playoff series begin Saturday while the rest kick off Sunday, including the first game of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense.By the time next weekend rolls around, the field might already have some teams preparing to bow out.This doesn’t suggest that the three teams below each will be swept out of the postseason. It is guessing, though, that their counterparts will be longer for the bracket.LOS ANGELES LAKERSLakers coach JJ Redick advocates for mindfulness and meditation, two good things in this crazy world. Redick even has been seen engaging in those mental-health exercises before games.By month’s end, he’ll have to take the balancing act out of the arena. With Lakers starts Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) out indefinitely, there’s little chance this series extends beyond five games.Yes, LA still boasts home-court advantage and LeBron James, who is three triple-doubles shy from passing Lakers icon Magic Johnson for most in NBA playoff history. But the Rockets are far closer to full strength, even with Kevin Durant questionable with a right knee contusion. Look for Houston big man Alperen Sengun to keep rolling. He shot 57.3% over the last 24 games and has a quickness advantage against Lakers counterpart DeAndre Ayton.PHILADELPHIA 76ers Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Sixers showed inconsistencies even during those rare cases when they were healthy this season, so a first-round date with the surging Boston Celtics didn’t figure to have staying power.Take Joel Embiid and his emergency appendectomy out of the Philly equation and that cinches it. This smacks of a Celtics runaway, even if Embiid manages to return to the lineup during the series, then magically remove the rust in real time against a team that has Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.Boston commits the fewest turnovers in the league and is adept from long range and on the offensive glass. While it’s possible that Tyrese Maxey could go off and steer the Sixers into stealing a game – he averaged 30 points and 8.8 assists in four regular-season matchups with the C’s – Boston simply has too much talent.Philly gets a head start on getting healthy for another shot (how many does that team have left, anyway?) next season.TORONTO RAPTORS Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Heaven knows that not every prediction lands. Who’d have imagined the Cavaliers would have be eliminated before the conference finals last season, for instance?While Cleveland carries a slightly different core and a less lofty regular-season pedigree than last spring, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cavs seem like a good bet to handle a Raptors team whose ballhandler, Immanuel Quickley, is dealing with hamstring issues.Mitchell carries plenty of firepower, to be sure, and has scored at least 30 points in eight straight series openers, a league record. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram can keep the Raptors close, but they won’t be enough to overcome the Cavs’ depth. #NBA #Playoff #Teams #Eliminated #Early #Deadspin.comMar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Four first-round NBA playoff series begin Saturday while the rest kick off Sunday, including the first game of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense.

By the time next weekend rolls around, the field might already have some teams preparing to bow out.

This doesn’t suggest that the three teams below each will be swept out of the postseason. It is guessing, though, that their counterparts will be longer for the bracket.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Lakers coach JJ Redick advocates for mindfulness and meditation, two good things in this crazy world. Redick even has been seen engaging in those mental-health exercises before games.

By month’s end, he’ll have to take the balancing act out of the arena. With Lakers starts Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) out indefinitely, there’s little chance this series extends beyond five games.

Yes, LA still boasts home-court advantage and LeBron James, who is three triple-doubles shy from passing Lakers icon Magic Johnson for most in NBA playoff history. But the Rockets are far closer to full strength, even with Kevin Durant questionable with a right knee contusion. Look for Houston big man Alperen Sengun to keep rolling. He shot 57.3% over the last 24 games and has a quickness advantage against Lakers counterpart DeAndre Ayton.

PHILADELPHIA 76ers

Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesMar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Sixers showed inconsistencies even during those rare cases when they were healthy this season, so a first-round date with the surging Boston Celtics didn’t figure to have staying power.

Take Joel Embiid and his emergency appendectomy out of the Philly equation and that cinches it. This smacks of a Celtics runaway, even if Embiid manages to return to the lineup during the series, then magically remove the rust in real time against a team that has Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Boston commits the fewest turnovers in the league and is adept from long range and on the offensive glass. While it’s possible that Tyrese Maxey could go off and steer the Sixers into stealing a game – he averaged 30 points and 8.8 assists in four regular-season matchups with the C’s – Boston simply has too much talent.

Philly gets a head start on getting healthy for another shot (how many does that team have left, anyway?) next season.

TORONTO RAPTORS

Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesNov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Heaven knows that not every prediction lands. Who’d have imagined the Cavaliers would have be eliminated before the conference finals last season, for instance?

While Cleveland carries a slightly different core and a less lofty regular-season pedigree than last spring, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cavs seem like a good bet to handle a Raptors team whose ballhandler, Immanuel Quickley, is dealing with hamstring issues.

Mitchell carries plenty of firepower, to be sure, and has scored at least 30 points in eight straight series openers, a league record. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram can keep the Raptors close, but they won’t be enough to overcome the Cavs’ depth.

#NBA #Playoff #Teams #Eliminated #Early #Deadspin.com

Sports news

Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Four first-round NBA playoff series begin Saturday while the rest kick off Sunday, including the first game of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense.

By the time next weekend rolls around, the field might already have some teams preparing to bow out.

This doesn’t suggest that the three teams below each will be swept out of the postseason. It is guessing, though, that their counterparts will be longer for the bracket.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Lakers coach JJ Redick advocates for mindfulness and meditation, two good things in this crazy world. Redick even has been seen engaging in those mental-health exercises before games.

By month’s end, he’ll have to take the balancing act out of the arena. With Lakers starts Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) out indefinitely, there’s little chance this series extends beyond five games.

Yes, LA still boasts home-court advantage and LeBron James, who is three triple-doubles shy from passing Lakers icon Magic Johnson for most in NBA playoff history. But the Rockets are far closer to full strength, even with Kevin Durant questionable with a right knee contusion. Look for Houston big man Alperen Sengun to keep rolling. He shot 57.3% over the last 24 games and has a quickness advantage against Lakers counterpart DeAndre Ayton.

PHILADELPHIA 76ers

Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesMar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Sixers showed inconsistencies even during those rare cases when they were healthy this season, so a first-round date with the surging Boston Celtics didn’t figure to have staying power.

Take Joel Embiid and his emergency appendectomy out of the Philly equation and that cinches it. This smacks of a Celtics runaway, even if Embiid manages to return to the lineup during the series, then magically remove the rust in real time against a team that has Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Boston commits the fewest turnovers in the league and is adept from long range and on the offensive glass. While it’s possible that Tyrese Maxey could go off and steer the Sixers into stealing a game – he averaged 30 points and 8.8 assists in four regular-season matchups with the C’s – Boston simply has too much talent.

Philly gets a head start on getting healthy for another shot (how many does that team have left, anyway?) next season.

TORONTO RAPTORS

Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesNov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Heaven knows that not every prediction lands. Who’d have imagined the Cavaliers would have be eliminated before the conference finals last season, for instance?

While Cleveland carries a slightly different core and a less lofty regular-season pedigree than last spring, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cavs seem like a good bet to handle a Raptors team whose ballhandler, Immanuel Quickley, is dealing with hamstring issues.

Mitchell carries plenty of firepower, to be sure, and has scored at least 30 points in eight straight series openers, a league record. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram can keep the Raptors close, but they won’t be enough to overcome the Cavs’ depth.

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RCB vs DC IPL 2026: Stubbs, Miller help Delhi Capitals get over the line in last-over thriller <div id="content-body-70877902" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Delhi Capitals took the foot off the gas, left it dangerously late, and yet managed to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.</p><p>The visitor made heavy work of what should have been a comfortable 176-run chase, losing momentum with uninspiring batting in the middle overs.</p><p>It boiled down to the final over, bowled by Romario Shepherd, with DC needing 15 runs. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs started with singles, leaving the boisterous home crowd in good spirits.</p><p>Miller then flipped the script in dramatic style, with clean sixes over deep midwicket and cover.</p><p>The South African, who only some days ago failed to take his team over the hump against Gujarat Titans in a similarly tight finish, turned hero this time around.</p><p>On a sticky pitch, RCB looked set to record a fifth win when fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalped three wickets inside the first three overs. Local lad K.L. Rahul put DC on track with a fighting 34-ball 57 under pressure.</p><p>RCB was back on top when Virat Kohli dove to his left at long-off to dismiss Rahul.</p><p>Stubbs and captain Axar Patel (26, 19b, 3×4) moved along slowly, allowing the required rate to rise.</p><p>Axar retired hurt with a leg injury, leaving his side with 42 runs needed in 25 balls. Miller seemed in no hurry, limping to six off six balls, before an explosive finish ended DC’s two match losing streak.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:</b><b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/kolkata-knight-riders-vs-rajasthan-royals-ipl-2026-kkr-v-rr-match-preview-team-news/article70877601.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IPL 2026: Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals</a></b></p><p>RCB took first strike under the bright afternoon sun, but barring Phil Salt (63, 38b, 4×4, 3×6), the batters failed to hit top gear.</p><p>Opener Salt kept the tempo high even as Virat Kohli (19) and Devdutt Padikkal (18) failed when trying to force the pace.</p><p>Patidar, who has been motoring along at a tremendous strike rate this season, could not provide the middle-order impetus. The skipper was smartly dragged wide by fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, leading to an edge.</p><p>The DC bowlers hit the right spots in the last seven overs, conceding only 43 runs.</p><p>Lungi Ngidi and T. Natarajan were mighty impressive in the death, choking the run flow with a mix of pinpoint yorkers and slow bouncers.</p><p>The late strangle kept RCB to a score that turned out to be less than adequate.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #RCB #IPL #Stubbs #Miller #Delhi #Capitals #line #lastover #thriller

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Athletics Federation of India to step into track certification as 90% of synthetic tracks found substandard <div id="content-body-70877994" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Around 90 per cent of the synthetic tracks currently in use in the country are substandard in terms of material, laying and marking, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said on Saturday.</p><p>Sumariwalla said World Athletics has asked the AFI to get involved and address the issue, though he clarified that performances recorded on such tracks would not be annulled.</p><p>“I’m not going to name the tracks, but I can tell you that more than 90 per cent of tracks in India are substandard material-wise, laying-wise and marking-wise. We had a meeting with World Athletics in Tokyo last year during the World Championships, and they showed us some data, which was quite shocking,” Sumariwalla said during a virtual press conference.</p><p>“The material used is substandard, the process is substandard, the granules used are substandard and the laying methodology is substandard. The thickness is also substandard. In some cases, instead of polyurethane, only rubber or tyre rubber is being used.</p><p>“We have seen tracks where tyre rubber is used underneath and only red paint is applied on top. It’s that bad. Over time, such tracks will deteriorate and, within a few months, become unusable.”</p><p>He said the AFI, during its Annual General Meeting in Kohima on April 14 and 15, decided to step in and take a role in track certification.</p><p>“World Athletics was not happy with the quality being certified. So the AFI will now help in certifying and ensuring that all standards of measurement and quality are met,” said the former AFI president, who is now a vice-president of World Athletics.</p><p>“We are working out how we are going to go about it. Many operators are fly-by-night vendors, not proper suppliers. We need to assess the quality of vendors. We will likely come out with a list of genuine vendors worldwide whose materials can be used.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:<a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/sumit-antil-neeraj-chopra-accuse-naval-singh-harassment-abusive-language-news/article70875213.ece#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Sumit Antil, Neeraj Chopra accuse senior coach of harassment and using abusive language</a></b></p><p>“We also conducted a course with foreign experts in India to help our officials understand how a track is to be measured and tested, and what needs to be done during the laying process.”</p><p>Sumariwalla said the AFI had not been involved in track certification earlier.</p><p>“We stayed away from this for a long time, because the way contracts were awarded was not something we wanted to get into. We have never certified any track earlier. However, we will now have to get involved because World Athletics has asked us to do so.”</p><p>When asked if the recently laid Mondo track at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was under scrutiny, he said, “I don’t know. I’m not going to get into details on which track and where.”</p><p>He clarified that India already has World Athletics-certified tracks, which do not require re-certification.</p><p>“Substandard means the quality is not good. It may be too soft or too hard. That does not affect World Athletics recognition, but instead of lasting 10 years, the track may deteriorate in two years and need relaying.</p><p>“You will not get good performance if tyre rubber is used instead of polyurethane. The performance will be slower,” Sumariwalla said.</p><p>Earlier this month, the AFI had made it mandatory for track and field athletes to obtain prior approval before entering into sponsorship agreements, including with private entities.</p><p>However, Sumariwalla said the decision was put on hold during the AGM in Kohima.</p><p>“The AFI had a healthy discussion and we decided to have further consultation. We will keep this open for the next three months.</p><p>“We want to address all concerns through a broader consultation process.”</p><p>He added that the AFI does not derive any benefit from the sponsorship deals signed by athletes.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #Athletics #Federation #India #step #track #certification #synthetic #tracks #substandard

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Deadspin | Matt Fitzpatrick builds 3-shot lead at Heritage, but Scottie Scheffler lurks Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick watches his drive on the third hole during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Matt Fitzpatrick of England turned in a strong stretch on the back nine Saturday to shoot a 3-under-par 68 and keep the lead through three rounds of the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C. Fitzpatrick moved to 17-under 196 and increased his lead to three shots, but world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be his closest pursuer going into Sunday’s final round. Fitzpatrick’s eagle 3 on the 15th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links capped a four-hole stretch that he played at 4 under. He settled down after three bogeys on the front side. Scheffler shot 64 to climb into second. Brian Harman (63) joined Austria’s Sepp Straka (67) and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim (66) at 13 under. Fitzpatrick will be aiming for his second victory of the year. He won a month ago at the Valspar Championship, just one week after a runner-up finish at The Players Championship. Scheffler sizzled at the start Saturday with birdies on five of the first six holes. Harman became the clubhouse leader before the final groups reached the round’s midway mark. Harman began the day in 27th place, but he posted birdies on the final three holes to be the first to get to 13 under. The golfers at 12 under are Andrew Novak (65), Gary Woodland (66), Patrick Cantlay (68), Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (68) and South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter (67). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Matt #Fitzpatrick #builds #3shot #lead #Heritage #Scottie #Scheffler #lurksApr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick watches his drive on the third hole during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Matt Fitzpatrick of England turned in a strong stretch on the back nine Saturday to shoot a 3-under-par 68 and keep the lead through three rounds of the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Fitzpatrick moved to 17-under 196 and increased his lead to three shots, but world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be his closest pursuer going into Sunday’s final round.

Fitzpatrick’s eagle 3 on the 15th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links capped a four-hole stretch that he played at 4 under. He settled down after three bogeys on the front side.

Scheffler shot 64 to climb into second. Brian Harman (63) joined Austria’s Sepp Straka (67) and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim (66) at 13 under.


Fitzpatrick will be aiming for his second victory of the year. He won a month ago at the Valspar Championship, just one week after a runner-up finish at The Players Championship.

Scheffler sizzled at the start Saturday with birdies on five of the first six holes.

Harman became the clubhouse leader before the final groups reached the round’s midway mark. Harman began the day in 27th place, but he posted birdies on the final three holes to be the first to get to 13 under.

The golfers at 12 under are Andrew Novak (65), Gary Woodland (66), Patrick Cantlay (68), Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (68) and South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter (67).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Matt #Fitzpatrick #builds #3shot #lead #Heritage #Scottie #Scheffler #lurks">Deadspin | Matt Fitzpatrick builds 3-shot lead at Heritage, but Scottie Scheffler lurks Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick watches his drive on the third hole during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Matt Fitzpatrick of England turned in a strong stretch on the back nine Saturday to shoot a 3-under-par 68 and keep the lead through three rounds of the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C. Fitzpatrick moved to 17-under 196 and increased his lead to three shots, but world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be his closest pursuer going into Sunday’s final round. Fitzpatrick’s eagle 3 on the 15th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links capped a four-hole stretch that he played at 4 under. He settled down after three bogeys on the front side. Scheffler shot 64 to climb into second. Brian Harman (63) joined Austria’s Sepp Straka (67) and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim (66) at 13 under. Fitzpatrick will be aiming for his second victory of the year. He won a month ago at the Valspar Championship, just one week after a runner-up finish at The Players Championship. Scheffler sizzled at the start Saturday with birdies on five of the first six holes. Harman became the clubhouse leader before the final groups reached the round’s midway mark. Harman began the day in 27th place, but he posted birdies on the final three holes to be the first to get to 13 under. The golfers at 12 under are Andrew Novak (65), Gary Woodland (66), Patrick Cantlay (68), Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (68) and South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter (67). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Matt #Fitzpatrick #builds #3shot #lead #Heritage #Scottie #Scheffler #lurks

Deadspin | ATP roundup: Ben Shelton seeks second title of year in Munich Ben Shelton looks up to the crowd after his win over Reilly Opelka during their second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026. Second-seeded Ben Shelton halted the stunning run by unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan, 6-3, 6-4, on Saturday to advance to the finals at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Shelton will face fourth-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli, who stunned top-seeded and defending champion Alexander Zverev of Germany, 6-3, 6-3. Shelton, who lost to Zverev in the 2025 title match, did not produce his usual superior services, but only faced one break point in the match. He managed to break Molcan late in each set to advance to his seventh ATP Tour final. Cobolli blistered 32 winners on the clay and lost only eight points on his serve against his good friend Zverev. It was the Italian’s first-ever win over a Top-5 opponent. He broke the big-serving German four times, including in the final game of the match. Shelton leads the all-time series, 3-2, winning all three matchups in 2025. Barcelona Open Fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia and ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils each needed three sets to advance to the finals of the ATP 500 clay-court event. Rublev rallied to knock off Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, while Fils came from behind to outlast Spain’s Rafael Jodar, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Rublev reached his 29th ATP final by capturing the final four games of the match. He converted 4-of-9 break point chances, while Medjedovic was 1-of-6. Fils halted Jodar’s eight match winning streak by cracking 28 winners to only 11 for the 19-year old upstart. With the third set knotted at 3-3, Fils staved off four break points, broke Jodar’s serve and turned back two more break chances in the final game to prevail. They have split two previous on-court matches, with Fils winning on clay, capturing a two-set decision in the 2025 event in Monte-Carlo. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Ben #Shelton #seeks #title #year #MunichBen Shelton looks up to the crowd after his win over Reilly Opelka during their second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026.

Second-seeded Ben Shelton halted the stunning run by unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan, 6-3, 6-4, on Saturday to advance to the finals at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany.

Shelton will face fourth-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli, who stunned top-seeded and defending champion Alexander Zverev of Germany, 6-3, 6-3.

Shelton, who lost to Zverev in the 2025 title match, did not produce his usual superior services, but only faced one break point in the match. He managed to break Molcan late in each set to advance to his seventh ATP Tour final.

Cobolli blistered 32 winners on the clay and lost only eight points on his serve against his good friend Zverev. It was the Italian’s first-ever win over a Top-5 opponent. He broke the big-serving German four times, including in the final game of the match.

Shelton leads the all-time series, 3-2, winning all three matchups in 2025.


Barcelona Open

Fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia and ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils each needed three sets to advance to the finals of the ATP 500 clay-court event.

Rublev rallied to knock off Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, while Fils came from behind to outlast Spain’s Rafael Jodar, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Rublev reached his 29th ATP final by capturing the final four games of the match. He converted 4-of-9 break point chances, while Medjedovic was 1-of-6.

Fils halted Jodar’s eight match winning streak by cracking 28 winners to only 11 for the 19-year old upstart. With the third set knotted at 3-3, Fils staved off four break points, broke Jodar’s serve and turned back two more break chances in the final game to prevail.

They have split two previous on-court matches, with Fils winning on clay, capturing a two-set decision in the 2025 event in Monte-Carlo.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Ben #Shelton #seeks #title #year #Munich">Deadspin | ATP roundup: Ben Shelton seeks second title of year in Munich Ben Shelton looks up to the crowd after his win over Reilly Opelka during their second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026. Second-seeded Ben Shelton halted the stunning run by unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan, 6-3, 6-4, on Saturday to advance to the finals at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Shelton will face fourth-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli, who stunned top-seeded and defending champion Alexander Zverev of Germany, 6-3, 6-3. Shelton, who lost to Zverev in the 2025 title match, did not produce his usual superior services, but only faced one break point in the match. He managed to break Molcan late in each set to advance to his seventh ATP Tour final. Cobolli blistered 32 winners on the clay and lost only eight points on his serve against his good friend Zverev. It was the Italian’s first-ever win over a Top-5 opponent. He broke the big-serving German four times, including in the final game of the match. Shelton leads the all-time series, 3-2, winning all three matchups in 2025. Barcelona Open Fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia and ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils each needed three sets to advance to the finals of the ATP 500 clay-court event. Rublev rallied to knock off Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, while Fils came from behind to outlast Spain’s Rafael Jodar, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Rublev reached his 29th ATP final by capturing the final four games of the match. He converted 4-of-9 break point chances, while Medjedovic was 1-of-6. Fils halted Jodar’s eight match winning streak by cracking 28 winners to only 11 for the 19-year old upstart. With the third set knotted at 3-3, Fils staved off four break points, broke Jodar’s serve and turned back two more break chances in the final game to prevail. They have split two previous on-court matches, with Fils winning on clay, capturing a two-set decision in the 2025 event in Monte-Carlo. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Ben #Shelton #seeks #title #year #Munich

Deadspin | Braves blank Phillies as Austin Riley blasts two homers Apr 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) high fives right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) after hitting a three RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Martin Perez tossed six scoreless innings and Austin Riley hit a pair of opposite-field home runs as the visiting Atlanta Braves smashed the Philadelphia Phillies 9-0 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series. After getting designated for assignment and re-signed by Atlanta earlier in the week, Perez (1-1) allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out four. Jose Suarez logged the final three innings for the save, helping the Braves improve to 7-2 in their last nine. The Phillies, meanwhile, have dropped seven of nine. They managed only six hits in this one, including three by Bryce Harper and two by J.T. Realmuto. Starter Taijuan Walker (1-3) was charged with seven runs and seven hits in four frames. Atlanta’s first three batters of the game reached against Walker, who eventually allowed two runs in the inning capped by Mike Yastrzemski’s run-scoring infield single. Philadelphia threatened in the bottom half, but Perez retired Edmundo Sosa and Realmuto with the bases loaded to escape the jam. The Braves’ offense put together another rally in the second inning as Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuna singled with one out. Walker recovered to strike out Drake Baldwin, but Matt Olson delivered an RBI single and Riley followed with a three-run shot over the right-field wall to make it 6-0. Dominic Smith’s homer in the third increased the lead to 7-0. Harper tripled with one out in the third, but the Phillies could not bring him around. Perez had no major issues in the fourth, fifth or sixth before handing it off to the bullpen. Suarez allowed a one-out walk to Trea Turner in the seventh, but he retired the next two hitters. He logged another strong inning in the eighth, giving up a two-out single to Realmuto before setting down Alec Bohm on a popout. Harris’ homer in the eighth and Riley’s blast in the ninth — the third of the season for both — extended the margin to 9-0. Suarez took care of the ninth to complete his third career save and the Braves’ fourth shutout in 20 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #blank #Phillies #Austin #Riley #blasts #homersApr 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) high fives right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) after hitting a three RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Martin Perez tossed six scoreless innings and Austin Riley hit a pair of opposite-field home runs as the visiting Atlanta Braves smashed the Philadelphia Phillies 9-0 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.

After getting designated for assignment and re-signed by Atlanta earlier in the week, Perez (1-1) allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out four. Jose Suarez logged the final three innings for the save, helping the Braves improve to 7-2 in their last nine.

The Phillies, meanwhile, have dropped seven of nine. They managed only six hits in this one, including three by Bryce Harper and two by J.T. Realmuto. Starter Taijuan Walker (1-3) was charged with seven runs and seven hits in four frames.

Atlanta’s first three batters of the game reached against Walker, who eventually allowed two runs in the inning capped by Mike Yastrzemski’s run-scoring infield single.

Philadelphia threatened in the bottom half, but Perez retired Edmundo Sosa and Realmuto with the bases loaded to escape the jam.


The Braves’ offense put together another rally in the second inning as Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuna singled with one out. Walker recovered to strike out Drake Baldwin, but Matt Olson delivered an RBI single and Riley followed with a three-run shot over the right-field wall to make it 6-0.

Dominic Smith’s homer in the third increased the lead to 7-0.

Harper tripled with one out in the third, but the Phillies could not bring him around. Perez had no major issues in the fourth, fifth or sixth before handing it off to the bullpen.

Suarez allowed a one-out walk to Trea Turner in the seventh, but he retired the next two hitters. He logged another strong inning in the eighth, giving up a two-out single to Realmuto before setting down Alec Bohm on a popout.

Harris’ homer in the eighth and Riley’s blast in the ninth — the third of the season for both — extended the margin to 9-0.

Suarez took care of the ninth to complete his third career save and the Braves’ fourth shutout in 20 games.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #blank #Phillies #Austin #Riley #blasts #homers">Deadspin | Braves blank Phillies as Austin Riley blasts two homers Apr 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) high fives right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) after hitting a three RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Martin Perez tossed six scoreless innings and Austin Riley hit a pair of opposite-field home runs as the visiting Atlanta Braves smashed the Philadelphia Phillies 9-0 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series. After getting designated for assignment and re-signed by Atlanta earlier in the week, Perez (1-1) allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out four. Jose Suarez logged the final three innings for the save, helping the Braves improve to 7-2 in their last nine. The Phillies, meanwhile, have dropped seven of nine. They managed only six hits in this one, including three by Bryce Harper and two by J.T. Realmuto. Starter Taijuan Walker (1-3) was charged with seven runs and seven hits in four frames. Atlanta’s first three batters of the game reached against Walker, who eventually allowed two runs in the inning capped by Mike Yastrzemski’s run-scoring infield single. Philadelphia threatened in the bottom half, but Perez retired Edmundo Sosa and Realmuto with the bases loaded to escape the jam. The Braves’ offense put together another rally in the second inning as Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuna singled with one out. Walker recovered to strike out Drake Baldwin, but Matt Olson delivered an RBI single and Riley followed with a three-run shot over the right-field wall to make it 6-0. Dominic Smith’s homer in the third increased the lead to 7-0. Harper tripled with one out in the third, but the Phillies could not bring him around. Perez had no major issues in the fourth, fifth or sixth before handing it off to the bullpen. Suarez allowed a one-out walk to Trea Turner in the seventh, but he retired the next two hitters. He logged another strong inning in the eighth, giving up a two-out single to Realmuto before setting down Alec Bohm on a popout. Harris’ homer in the eighth and Riley’s blast in the ninth — the third of the season for both — extended the margin to 9-0. Suarez took care of the ninth to complete his third career save and the Braves’ fourth shutout in 20 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #blank #Phillies #Austin #Riley #blasts #homers

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