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Jurel basks in Tendulkar’s compliment, eyes wicketkeeping consistency under Sangakkara  Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who effected a stunning stumping of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Cameron Green in the IPL on Sunday, said he was grateful to be working with the legendary Sri Lankan stumper Kumar Sangakkara.“I am very grateful to be playing under Sangakkara (head coach); he is a legend of the game. I am very hardworking and consistent with my wicketkeeping. I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical,” Jurel said.The 25-year-old’s stumping also earned him plaudits from Sachin Tendulkar, who termed Jurel’s exploits behind the stumps ‘simply magnificent’.“It is a dream come true. Such a big legend saw my match and made a special tweet for my stumping. It feels good when such a big cricketer praises you,” Jurel gushed.ALSO READ | Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeatsThe Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.Published on Apr 21, 2026  #Jurel #basks #Tendulkars #compliment #eyes #wicketkeeping #consistency #Sangakkara

Jurel basks in Tendulkar’s compliment, eyes wicketkeeping consistency under Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who effected a stunning stumping of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Cameron Green in the IPL on Sunday, said he was grateful to be working with the legendary Sri Lankan stumper Kumar Sangakkara.

“I am very grateful to be playing under Sangakkara (head coach); he is a legend of the game. I am very hardworking and consistent with my wicketkeeping. I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical,” Jurel said.

The 25-year-old’s stumping also earned him plaudits from Sachin Tendulkar, who termed Jurel’s exploits behind the stumps ‘simply magnificent’.

“It is a dream come true. Such a big legend saw my match and made a special tweet for my stumping. It feels good when such a big cricketer praises you,” Jurel gushed.

ALSO READ | Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.

“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”

Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.

The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.

“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Jurel #basks #Tendulkars #compliment #eyes #wicketkeeping #consistency #Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who effected a stunning stumping of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Cameron Green in the IPL on Sunday, said he was grateful to be working with the legendary Sri Lankan stumper Kumar Sangakkara.

“I am very grateful to be playing under Sangakkara (head coach); he is a legend of the game. I am very hardworking and consistent with my wicketkeeping. I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical,” Jurel said.

The 25-year-old’s stumping also earned him plaudits from Sachin Tendulkar, who termed Jurel’s exploits behind the stumps ‘simply magnificent’.

“It is a dream come true. Such a big legend saw my match and made a special tweet for my stumping. It feels good when such a big cricketer praises you,” Jurel gushed.

ALSO READ | Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.

“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”

Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.

The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.

“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

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Deadspin | Ascending Cubs tap Shota Imanaga to face free-falling Phillies <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-900/28703505.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703505.jpg" alt="MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Trending in opposite directions, the Chicago Cubs host the reeling Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in the second contest of a four-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>After Chicago’s 5-1 victory in the opener on Monday, the Cubs extended their winning streak to six — matching the Atlanta Braves for the longest in the majors. Chicago lowered its team ERA to 3.47 on Monday, as the pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.2 runs during the active winning streak.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We’ve talked about it in this stretch we’re in right now, the starting pitching is the story for me,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “The starting pitching is getting us to a place that makes the relievers’ jobs easier and lets us put the game in order in a good way. So credit to what our starters have done.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Looking to follow up on Colin Rea’s 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, left-hander Shota Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA) gets the start on Tuesday. The third-year pitcher has allowed just two runs in 17 innings in April, including a one-run, 11-strikeout performance over six frames an 11-2 win over the Phillies on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Chicago starting pitching surrender just one run in each of the last three victories.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I think it’s a new good spot right now,” Imanaga said of his confidence ahead of his fourth start of the year. “On the mound, if I do give up a hit, I can break it down right away, see what I did wrong and make those adjustments.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>In two career starts against Philadelphia, Imanaga, 32, is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>As uninspiring as the Phillies’ offense looks right now, a second series against the Cubs over the last week is the last thing they needed. Philadelphia’s six-game losing streak is the third longest in baseball (Kansas City has lost eight in a row and the New York Mets have dropped 11 straight contests).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Over that span, the Phillies are averaging just 1.7 runs per contest. Manager Rob Thomson insists his team hasn’t given in to its early-season struggles, despite a 7 1/2-game deficit in the National League East standings.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“The energy has been pretty good. They’re fighting,” Thomson said. “They’re cheering each other on and the energy level has been high. I think there’s a lot of hope in there and there’s a lot of pride.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Hoping to serve as the club’s stopper, left-hander Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA) will vie to end a woeful personal stretch in the process. After finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting a year ago, Luzardo has given up at least five runs in three of his first four starts in his second season in Philadelphia.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Last time out, Luzardo allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits against Chicago. The 28-year-old’s 12 hits surrendered tied the most he’s given up in 141 appearances as a major leaguer.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Luzardo will make his ninth career start against the Cubs; he’s 4-1 with a 3.54 ERA in this matchup.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Ascending #Cubs #tap #Shota #Imanaga #face #freefalling #Phillies

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Here are all of the past winners in the Chevron Championship field <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It is major championship week for the LPGA Tour as the Chevron Championship gets underway at Memorial Park in Houston. The first major of the year is always exciting, and it is a lot of fun to speculate who will fortify their legacy with a win across the week.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This year’s playing of the Chevron features 11 past winners in the field:</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Mao Saigo (2025)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Nelly Korda (2024)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Lilia Vu (2023)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Jennifer Kupcho (2022)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Patty Tavatanakit (2021)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Jin Young Ko (2019)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Lydia Ko (2016)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Brittany Lincicome (2015, 2009)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Lexi Thompson (2014)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Stacy Lewis (2011)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Yani Tseng (2010)</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While there are 11 individual players here there are 12 titles represented as Lincicome has won the event twice.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Time will tell whether someone wins it for the first time or if there is another repeat champion. Among this list Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko will be popular picks, but major championship golf has a way of surprising us all.</p></div></div> #winners #Chevron #Championship #field

Deadspin | Duke lands coveted transfer guard John Blackwell  Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images   Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.  Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”  The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.  Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.   He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.  It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #BlackwellMar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.

Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”

The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.


Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.

He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.

It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #Blackwell">Deadspin | Duke lands coveted transfer guard John Blackwell  Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images   Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.  Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”  The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.  Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.   He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.  It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #Blackwell

NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com  Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images   The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.

While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.

The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com  Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images   The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com

hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com
NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com  Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images   The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.

While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.

The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

Our Current Best Offers

1

Underdog
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T&Cs apply, 18+

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com

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