Alex Albon: New F1 regulations lacks the pureness of the sport The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.READ | FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.READ | F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rulesDuring qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCodePublished on Apr 22, 2026 #Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

Alex Albon: New F1 regulations lacks the pureness of the sport
The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.
In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.
“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.
At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.
READ | FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting
“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.
The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.
“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.
“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”
Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.
“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.
“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”
In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.
On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.
“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.
“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”
“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.
The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.
“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.
“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.
READ | F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules
During qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.
“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”
“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.
Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCode
Published on Apr 22, 2026
#Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

Sports news alex albon, alex albon interview, alex albon news, alex albon williams, f1 new rules, f1 news, formula 1 2026, new f1 regulations April 22, 2026

The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.

In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.

“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.

At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.

READ | FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting

“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.

The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.

“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.

“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”

Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.

“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.

“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”

In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.

On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.

“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.

“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”

“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.

The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.

“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.

“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.

READ | F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules

During qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.

“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”

“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.

Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCode

Published on Apr 22, 2026

Source link
#Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

Tag alex albon alex albon interview alex albon news alex albon williams f1 new rules f1 news formula 1 2026 new f1 regulations

At 41, LeBron James Is Still Dominating the NBA Playoffs | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776861082516" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776861082516" alt="Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>LeBron James proved during Game 2 that he could still unlock the height of his powers when required.</p><p><a href="https://deadspin.com/lebron-james-needs-one-more-miracle-to-carry-lakers-without-doncic-reaves/" target="_blank">Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves</a>, the Lakers are the talk of the NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles has taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets after a narrow win on Tuesday night.</p><p>James has been stellar in this series. But in Game 2, his 28 points in 39 minutes helped power the Lakers over the Rockets, who had returned Kevin Durant from injury.</p><p>Durant hasn’t beaten James in an NBA Playoff game without Stephen Curry since 2011. When James takes a 2-0 lead in an NBA Playoff series, his teams are 32-0. This spells real trouble for the Rockets, who will return home for Game 3 on Friday evening.</p><p>James was spectacular in Game 2. Even though his son, Bronny, stole some of the attention in Game 1 for throwing his dad a few entry passes in the NBA Playoffs, the 41-year-old has been phenomenal without Doncic and Reaves, the top two scorers on the Lakers.</p><p>The Rockets came into this series <a href="https://deadspin.com/three-nba-playoff-teams-likely-to-be-eliminated-early/" target="_blank">as heavy favorites</a>, priced at -600 to -750 on most major sportsbooks. Now, the popular prediction market, Kalshi, gives the Rockets just 46% probability of winning this series.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">basketball</span></p> <section id="section-3"> <p>Of course, when this thing flips back to Texas, and Durant gets his legs back under him, the Rockets could still turn this thing around. Without Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers have been leaning almost completely on James to lead them to victory. For two games, it worked. There’s no guarantee that it can hold up.</p><p>Regardless of that, what James has done in these first two games is remarkable. He has 80 25/5/5 statlines in the NBA Playoffs since he turned 30. He had 75 of those games before he turned 30. Michael Jordan had 73 of those games in his entire career.</p><p>James has completely lapped his peers. Carmelo Anthony was celebrated earlier this year for an induction into the basketball hall of fame. Chris Paul was somewhat abruptly forced into retirement.</p><p>Other aging NBA stars, including Curry and Kawhi Leonard, are already enjoying the NBA Playoffs from home. It’s supposed to be a young man’s league dominated by teams like the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>But old man James might have something to say about that. In just two nights, the Lakers have flipped from +10000 to win the Western Conference to +2500.</p><p>If James can keep this up for two more victories and eliminate Durant’s Rockets, it’ll be one of the coolest stories that the NBA Playoffs have ever seen. Sure, it’s just the first round. But James handling business without Doncic and Reaves, at his advanced age, is insane.</p><p>On Tuesday night, James threw down a reverse windmill dunk. He was moving around like a player in their early 30s – not early 40s. Prior to this series, there was a report that indicated that <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lebron-james-reportedly-no-interest-192334559.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANrdCvw8OURgRHdY3zM7yx204IFvWbXRG8YTHY3qllqw0NyyMKufBXNSPIWZ3bQaf1ug4PQj4-xUQSzmVPEH9tNGmBBOOUuEDebO7tBWuebFf7cO7kPXQgTwnVYTUNUBvDmLw47yXwl1r8gy0xQdKeLSj9wvYfLaa7oNvj1Bk-xf" target="_blank">James doesn’t want a farewell tour</a> and the pressure that comes with it. But this display in the postseason will only make fans want one more season, as it’ll feel like James would be stepping away from the game with plenty of gas in the tank if he decides to retire.</p><p>He’s an NBA legend that has nothing to prove. He has all of the records. He has all of the accolades. But enjoy what he’s doing right now. No 41-year-old has ever done this, and it likely will never happen again.</p> </section></div> #LeBron #James #Dominating #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

Deadspin | Phils, on verge of worst skid this century, look for answers vs. Braves Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images The surging Atlanta Braves will try to compound Philadelphia’s recent struggles when they open a three-game series against the visiting Phillies on Friday night. The Braves just took three of four games from the host Washington Nationals, capped by a 7-2 victory on Thursday, and have won eight of their last nine. The Phillies have lost nine straight games after falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the host Chicago Cubs on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Philadelphia has the worst record in the National League and is tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst mark in the majors. The weekend set will be the second series between the teams this year. Atlanta swept a three-game set in Philadelphia last weekend. Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson tried to find a silver lining in the losing streak, the team’s longest since a nine-game skid in September 2018. The Phillies last had a double-figure losing streak when they dropped 11 in a row in September 1999. “Did we lose? Yeah. Do you feel bad about that? Yeah,” Thomson said. “But they fought and hopefully it carries over into tomorrow.” The series opener will feature a rematch between two right-handers who faced each other on Sunday, Philadelphia rookie Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42 ERA) and Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42). The Braves won that game 4-2. Painter, the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 2021, looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery performed in July 2023. He made 26 minor league starts last year and made his major league debut this year on March 31. Painter took his first loss last week against the Braves. He pitched four-plus innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and had four strikeouts. Holmes lasted 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies, permitting two runs on four hits and one walk while fanning four. Holmes, who has not allowed more than three runs in any appearance this season, is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper needs one extra-base hit to become the 27th player to reach 800 before turning 34 years old. In 203 career games against Atlanta, Harper has 37 doubles, one triple and 46 homers. Atlanta center fielder Michael Harris II left the Thursday game in the eighth inning because of left quad tightness but hopes to be in the lineup on Friday. “That’s the plan,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.” In his past seven games, Harris is hitting .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and nine RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs before exiting on Thursday. The Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the 15-day injured list because of a left thoracic spine infection on Thursday and optioned right-hander Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta promoted right-handers Carlos Carrasco and JR Ritchie from Gwinnett, with Ritchie throwing seven strong innings to win his major league debut on Thursday. He gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings. The Phillies recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley and released right-hander Taijuan Walker. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves

#Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The surging Atlanta Braves will try to compound Philadelphia’s recent struggles when they open a three-game series against the visiting Phillies on Friday night.

The Braves just took three of four games from the host Washington Nationals, capped by a 7-2 victory on Thursday, and have won eight of their last nine.

The Phillies have lost nine straight games after falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the host Chicago Cubs on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Philadelphia has the worst record in the National League and is tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst mark in the majors.

The weekend set will be the second series between the teams this year. Atlanta swept a three-game set in Philadelphia last weekend.

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson tried to find a silver lining in the losing streak, the team’s longest since a nine-game skid in September 2018. The Phillies last had a double-figure losing streak when they dropped 11 in a row in September 1999.

“Did we lose? Yeah. Do you feel bad about that? Yeah,” Thomson said. “But they fought and hopefully it carries over into tomorrow.”

The series opener will feature a rematch between two right-handers who faced each other on Sunday, Philadelphia rookie Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42 ERA) and Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42). The Braves won that game 4-2.

Painter, the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 2021, looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery performed in July 2023. He made 26 minor league starts last year and made his major league debut this year on March 31.

Painter took his first loss last week against the Braves. He pitched four-plus innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and had four strikeouts.

Holmes lasted 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies, permitting two runs on four hits and one walk while fanning four. Holmes, who has not allowed more than three runs in any appearance this season, is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper needs one extra-base hit to become the 27th player to reach 800 before turning 34 years old. In 203 career games against Atlanta, Harper has 37 doubles, one triple and 46 homers.

Atlanta center fielder Michael Harris II left the Thursday game in the eighth inning because of left quad tightness but hopes to be in the lineup on Friday.

“That’s the plan,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.”

In his past seven games, Harris is hitting .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and nine RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs before exiting on Thursday.

The Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the 15-day injured list because of a left thoracic spine infection on Thursday and optioned right-hander Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta promoted right-handers Carlos Carrasco and JR Ritchie from Gwinnett, with Ritchie throwing seven strong innings to win his major league debut on Thursday. He gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings.

The Phillies recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley and released right-hander Taijuan Walker.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves">Deadspin | Phils, on verge of worst skid this century, look for answers vs. Braves

Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The surging Atlanta Braves will try to compound Philadelphia’s recent struggles when they open a three-game series against the visiting Phillies on Friday night.

The Braves just took three of four games from the host Washington Nationals, capped by a 7-2 victory on Thursday, and have won eight of their last nine.

The Phillies have lost nine straight games after falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the host Chicago Cubs on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Philadelphia has the worst record in the National League and is tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst mark in the majors.

The weekend set will be the second series between the teams this year. Atlanta swept a three-game set in Philadelphia last weekend.

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson tried to find a silver lining in the losing streak, the team’s longest since a nine-game skid in September 2018. The Phillies last had a double-figure losing streak when they dropped 11 in a row in September 1999.

“Did we lose? Yeah. Do you feel bad about that? Yeah,” Thomson said. “But they fought and hopefully it carries over into tomorrow.”

The series opener will feature a rematch between two right-handers who faced each other on Sunday, Philadelphia rookie Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42 ERA) and Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42). The Braves won that game 4-2.

Painter, the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 2021, looks fully recovered from Tommy John surgery performed in July 2023. He made 26 minor league starts last year and made his major league debut this year on March 31.

Painter took his first loss last week against the Braves. He pitched four-plus innings and allowed three runs on five hits, one walk and had four strikeouts.

Holmes lasted 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies, permitting two runs on four hits and one walk while fanning four. Holmes, who has not allowed more than three runs in any appearance this season, is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper needs one extra-base hit to become the 27th player to reach 800 before turning 34 years old. In 203 career games against Atlanta, Harper has 37 doubles, one triple and 46 homers.

Atlanta center fielder Michael Harris II left the Thursday game in the eighth inning because of left quad tightness but hopes to be in the lineup on Friday.

“That’s the plan,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I’m going to go home, make sure I do everything right and then come in and see how I’m feeling.”

In his past seven games, Harris is hitting .565 (13-for-23) with four homers and nine RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs before exiting on Thursday.

The Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the 15-day injured list because of a left thoracic spine infection on Thursday and optioned right-hander Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta promoted right-handers Carlos Carrasco and JR Ritchie from Gwinnett, with Ritchie throwing seven strong innings to win his major league debut on Thursday. He gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings.

The Phillies recalled right-hander Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, optioned right-hander Alan Rangel to Lehigh Valley and released right-hander Taijuan Walker.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phils #verge #worst #skid #century #answers #Braves

Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has ruled that Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey ‌should have been sent off for bringing down ⁠Cristian Romero during a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this ‌month, British media reported on Friday.

Spurs defender Romero ‌suffered a season-ending injury ‌as ⁠he collided with his ⁠team’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after Brobbey, already on a yellow card, pushed him in the ‌second half.

Referee Rob Jones called the foul but chose not to show Brobbey a ‌second yellow card, as Spurs suffered their seventh loss in eight league games ⁠to remain in the bottom three, with the threat of ‌relegation looming.

The KMI panel voted 3-2 to rule that Jones had made a mistake, with the majority saying that the push was ‌an “unnecessarily reckless action,” media reports said.

Spurs, 18th in the standings amid a 15-match winless streak ⁠in the league, visit bottom ⁠side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday while Argentina’s Romero ‌remains a doubt for this year’s World Cup.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Sunderlands #Brobbey #deserved #red #foul #Spurs #Romero #Premier #League #panel">

Sunderland’s Brobbey deserved red for foul on Spurs’ Romero, Premier League panel says Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has ruled that Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey ‌should have been sent off for bringing down ⁠Cristian Romero during a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this ‌month, British media reported on Friday.Spurs defender Romero ‌suffered a season-ending injury ‌as ⁠he collided with his ⁠team’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after Brobbey, already on a yellow card, pushed him in the ‌second half.Referee Rob Jones called the foul but chose not to show Brobbey a ‌second yellow card, as Spurs suffered their seventh loss in eight league games ⁠to remain in the bottom three, with the threat of ‌relegation looming.The KMI panel voted 3-2 to rule that Jones had made a mistake, with the majority saying that the push was ‌an “unnecessarily reckless action,” media reports said.Spurs, 18th in the standings amid a 15-match winless streak ⁠in the league, visit bottom ⁠side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday while Argentina’s Romero ‌remains a doubt for this year’s World Cup.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Sunderlands #Brobbey #deserved #red #foul #Spurs #Romero #Premier #League #panel

mwasimuddin125 0

Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has ruled that Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey ‌should have been sent off for bringing down ⁠Cristian Romero during a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this ‌month, British media reported on Friday.
Spurs defender Romero ‌suffered a season-ending injury ‌as ⁠he collided with his ⁠team’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after Brobbey, already on a yellow card, pushed him in the ‌second half.
Referee Rob Jones called the foul but chose not to show Brobbey a ‌second yellow card, as Spurs suffered their seventh loss in eight league games ⁠to remain in the bottom three, with the threat of ‌relegation looming.
The KMI panel voted 3-2 to rule that Jones had made a mistake, with the majority saying that the push was ‌an “unnecessarily reckless action,” media reports said.
Spurs, 18th in the standings amid a 15-match winless streak ⁠in the league, visit bottom ⁠side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday while Argentina’s Romero ‌remains a doubt for this year’s World Cup.
Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Sunderlands #Brobbey #deserved #red #foul #Spurs #Romero #Premier #League #panel">Sunderland’s Brobbey deserved red for foul on Spurs’ Romero, Premier League panel says

Spurs defender Romero ‌suffered a season-ending injury ‌as ⁠he collided with his ⁠team’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after Brobbey, already on a yellow card, pushed him in the ‌second half.

The KMI panel voted 3-2 to rule that Jones had made a mistake, with the majority saying that the push was ‌an “unnecessarily reckless action,” media reports said.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Sunderlands #Brobbey #deserved #red #foul #Spurs #Romero #Premier #League #panel

What Prediction Markets Are Telling Us About NBA Playoffs in the East | Deadspin.com Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes while being defended by Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images Unlike the Western Conference that seemingly runs through Oklahoma City, the East is turning into a bit of a mess after some earlier-than-expected upsets. According to Kalshi, Boston’s probability of winning the East only fell from 45% to 42%, but I’m more interested in the markets of the other teams dancing in the East.Cleveland has been the biggest riser in recent days, moving from a perceived 20% chance to win the East up to a 26% after a 2-0 start. If you’ve watched the Cavs at all, they’ve really answered any concerns you may have for them. Throughout most of the regular season, this team’s been battered with a litany of injuries, but entered the playoffs at full health, and they’ve looked great.They’re probably my favorite team out of the East, but I still have a massive concern. James Harden has looked tremendous paired with Donovan Mitchell against a slower Raptors squad, but am I falling for the same trap that Harden has laid many other times in his career? Maybe with a more limited role, he will be able to reach the finals once again, something he hasn’t done since 2012. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball Detroit’s Eastern Conference title probability saw some recovery after a tough game one loss to Orlando. They were only given a 12% chance to win East, but after looking much better in the second half of game two, those percentages have bumped back up to 17%.Still, I don’t have much confidence in this Pistons offense. Cade Cunningham can only do so much to carry an offense that, despite winning, only scored 98 points, hit six threes, and was only 23% from beyond the arc. Only four players connected from beyond the arc, and Tobias Harris is still struggling to provide consistent production on offense.If I were to pick any team outside of Boston or Cleveland, it would only be the Knicks. New York can absolutely hang with Cleveland and Boston, but they’re currently dealing with the toughest draw for a first-round matchup in the East.The Knicks only have a 13% chance to win the East, but I think you’re getting some great value if you take them. Jalen Brunson has been the Knicks’ leading scorer in the first two games of this series, but has been a bit inefficient when he’s not taking threes, shooting just 34% from two-point range thus far.I expect him to be more efficient on his drives, and the rest of the starting lineup has been quite consistent, so there’s some serious value in New York.Overall, Cleveland has my favorite chances for an even contract in the Eastern Conference playoffs. I’m willing to get fooled by James Harden one last time, because things seemingly are looking much different this year. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #Prediction #Markets #Telling #NBA #Playoffs #East #Deadspin.com

#Prediction #Markets #Telling #NBA #Playoffs #East #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes while being defended by Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Unlike the Western Conference that seemingly runs through Oklahoma City, the East is turning into a bit of a mess after some earlier-than-expected upsets. According to Kalshi, Boston’s probability of winning the East only fell from 45% to 42%, but I’m more interested in the markets of the other teams dancing in the East.
Cleveland has been the biggest riser in recent days, moving from a perceived 20% chance to win the East up to a 26% after a 2-0 start. If you’ve watched the Cavs at all, they’ve really answered any concerns you may have for them. Throughout most of the regular season, this team’s been battered with a litany of injuries, but entered the playoffs at full health, and they’ve looked great.
They’re probably my favorite team out of the East, but I still have a massive concern. James Harden has looked tremendous paired with Donovan Mitchell against a slower Raptors squad, but am I falling for the same trap that Harden has laid many other times in his career? Maybe with a more limited role, he will be able to reach the finals once again, something he hasn’t done since 2012.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

Detroit’s Eastern Conference title probability saw some recovery after a tough game one loss to Orlando. They were only given a 12% chance to win East, but after looking much better in the second half of game two, those percentages have bumped back up to 17%.
Still, I don’t have much confidence in this Pistons offense. Cade Cunningham can only do so much to carry an offense that, despite winning, only scored 98 points, hit six threes, and was only 23% from beyond the arc. Only four players connected from beyond the arc, and Tobias Harris is still struggling to provide consistent production on offense.
If I were to pick any team outside of Boston or Cleveland, it would only be the Knicks. New York can absolutely hang with Cleveland and Boston, but they’re currently dealing with the toughest draw for a first-round matchup in the East.
The Knicks only have a 13% chance to win the East, but I think you’re getting some great value if you take them. Jalen Brunson has been the Knicks’ leading scorer in the first two games of this series, but has been a bit inefficient when he’s not taking threes, shooting just 34% from two-point range thus far.
I expect him to be more efficient on his drives, and the rest of the starting lineup has been quite consistent, so there’s some serious value in New York.
Overall, Cleveland has my favorite chances for an even contract in the Eastern Conference playoffs. I’m willing to get fooled by James Harden one last time, because things seemingly are looking much different this year.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

#Prediction #Markets #Telling #NBA #Playoffs #East #Deadspin.com">What Prediction Markets Are Telling Us About NBA Playoffs in the East | Deadspin.com

Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes while being defended by Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Unlike the Western Conference that seemingly runs through Oklahoma City, the East is turning into a bit of a mess after some earlier-than-expected upsets. According to Kalshi, Boston’s probability of winning the East only fell from 45% to 42%, but I’m more interested in the markets of the other teams dancing in the East.

Cleveland has been the biggest riser in recent days, moving from a perceived 20% chance to win the East up to a 26% after a 2-0 start. If you’ve watched the Cavs at all, they’ve really answered any concerns you may have for them. Throughout most of the regular season, this team’s been battered with a litany of injuries, but entered the playoffs at full health, and they’ve looked great.

They’re probably my favorite team out of the East, but I still have a massive concern. James Harden has looked tremendous paired with Donovan Mitchell against a slower Raptors squad, but am I falling for the same trap that Harden has laid many other times in his career? Maybe with a more limited role, he will be able to reach the finals once again, something he hasn’t done since 2012.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

Detroit’s Eastern Conference title probability saw some recovery after a tough game one loss to Orlando. They were only given a 12% chance to win East, but after looking much better in the second half of game two, those percentages have bumped back up to 17%.

Still, I don’t have much confidence in this Pistons offense. Cade Cunningham can only do so much to carry an offense that, despite winning, only scored 98 points, hit six threes, and was only 23% from beyond the arc. Only four players connected from beyond the arc, and Tobias Harris is still struggling to provide consistent production on offense.

If I were to pick any team outside of Boston or Cleveland, it would only be the Knicks. New York can absolutely hang with Cleveland and Boston, but they’re currently dealing with the toughest draw for a first-round matchup in the East.

The Knicks only have a 13% chance to win the East, but I think you’re getting some great value if you take them. Jalen Brunson has been the Knicks’ leading scorer in the first two games of this series, but has been a bit inefficient when he’s not taking threes, shooting just 34% from two-point range thus far.

I expect him to be more efficient on his drives, and the rest of the starting lineup has been quite consistent, so there’s some serious value in New York.

Overall, Cleveland has my favorite chances for an even contract in the Eastern Conference playoffs. I’m willing to get fooled by James Harden one last time, because things seemingly are looking much different this year.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#Prediction #Markets #Telling #NBA #Playoffs #East #Deadspin.com

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply