Deadspin | Cavs hope ‘mental toughness’ leads to series-clinching win at Raptors Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) drives to the basket beside Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the fourth quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images The Cleveland Cavaliers feel they passed the toughness test in winning Game 5 at home. The next step is to show the same grit on the road Friday night in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors and clinch the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Cleveland took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 125-120 comeback win on Wednesday. “We kind of passed that mental toughness test,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Now the big one is like, ‘Can you go and beat this team on the road? Can we go in there and go take this,’ because we haven’t shown we can yet.” After convincingly winning the first two games at home, the Cavaliers could not cope with the Raptors’ aggressiveness in Games 3 and 4 at Toronto. The Raptors carried that momentum into Game 5 and led by 12 in the first quarter. They led again by 12 in the first minute of the third quarter before Cleveland rallied and won with a 25-17 fourth-quarter advantage. “I thought this was a step for us from a kind of mental toughness point of view,” Atkinson said. “It was not pretty. We go down by 12, the crowd’s nervous, everybody’s nervous, but I thought we showed good poise and resiliency.” After committing 10 turnovers in the first half, Cleveland limited them to four in the third quarter and one in the fourth. The ballhandling of guard Dennis Schroder, who scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half, was a factor in the improvement. After playing 4:55 in the first half, Schroder played 16:19 in the second; he was on the court for all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter. Cleveland made a total of 40 turnovers in the two games in Toronto. “For us, it’s winning the possession game; it really comes down to that,” Atkinson said. “The two games in Toronto we were minus-21 in the possession game, which statistically it’s really hard to win games. Our mentality going in there is we’ve got to be able to rebound the ball, we’ve got to take care of it. Otherwise, we’ll be back here for Game 7.” Toronto lost forward Brandon Ingram on Wednesday with right heel inflammation after he played only 11:22. He is listed as questionable for Game 6. Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley is out for the entire series with a hamstring strain, and Scottie Barnes, who had 17 points and 11 assists, was hobbled by a bruised thigh after being bumped on a second-quarter drive. “Obviously, it had some effect,” Barnes said. “Couldn’t play with the same pace that I was trying to play with, just having a little limp out there.” “I think we should be encouraged with all that happening and we were still in position to win the game,” said RJ Barrett, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds. “That’s a testament to everybody on our team. We’ve always had a next-man-up mentality.” Ingram’s presence is important. He’s averaged 12 points in five playoff games after leading the team with a 21.5 scoring clip in the regular season. “The way they guard him, his shot-making ability,” Barnes said. “When he’s out there on the floor, he makes big plays for us. We need him out there.” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said the Raptors indeed have their “back against the wall.” “We have 48 hours to find a physical and mental way,” Rajakovic said. “They’re going to try to close the series and we’re going to do everything possible, find enough healthy guys, and compete until the last second. I’m hopeful we’re going to have guys available.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cavs #hope #mental #toughness #leads #seriesclinching #win #Raptors

Deadspin | Cavs hope ‘mental toughness’ leads to series-clinching win at Raptors
Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) drives to the basket beside Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the fourth quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers feel they passed the toughness test in winning Game 5 at home.

The next step is to show the same grit on the road Friday night in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors and clinch the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Cleveland took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 125-120 comeback win on Wednesday.

“We kind of passed that mental toughness test,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Now the big one is like, ‘Can you go and beat this team on the road? Can we go in there and go take this,’ because we haven’t shown we can yet.”

After convincingly winning the first two games at home, the Cavaliers could not cope with the Raptors’ aggressiveness in Games 3 and 4 at Toronto.

The Raptors carried that momentum into Game 5 and led by 12 in the first quarter. They led again by 12 in the first minute of the third quarter before Cleveland rallied and won with a 25-17 fourth-quarter advantage.

“I thought this was a step for us from a kind of mental toughness point of view,” Atkinson said. “It was not pretty. We go down by 12, the crowd’s nervous, everybody’s nervous, but I thought we showed good poise and resiliency.”

After committing 10 turnovers in the first half, Cleveland limited them to four in the third quarter and one in the fourth.

The ballhandling of guard Dennis Schroder, who scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half, was a factor in the improvement. After playing 4:55 in the first half, Schroder played 16:19 in the second; he was on the court for all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.

Cleveland made a total of 40 turnovers in the two games in Toronto.

“For us, it’s winning the possession game; it really comes down to that,” Atkinson said. “The two games in Toronto we were minus-21 in the possession game, which statistically it’s really hard to win games. Our mentality going in there is we’ve got to be able to rebound the ball, we’ve got to take care of it. Otherwise, we’ll be back here for Game 7.”

Toronto lost forward Brandon Ingram on Wednesday with right heel inflammation after he played only 11:22. He is listed as questionable for Game 6.

Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley is out for the entire series with a hamstring strain, and Scottie Barnes, who had 17 points and 11 assists, was hobbled by a bruised thigh after being bumped on a second-quarter drive.

“Obviously, it had some effect,” Barnes said. “Couldn’t play with the same pace that I was trying to play with, just having a little limp out there.”

“I think we should be encouraged with all that happening and we were still in position to win the game,” said RJ Barrett, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds. “That’s a testament to everybody on our team. We’ve always had a next-man-up mentality.”

Ingram’s presence is important. He’s averaged 12 points in five playoff games after leading the team with a 21.5 scoring clip in the regular season.

“The way they guard him, his shot-making ability,” Barnes said. “When he’s out there on the floor, he makes big plays for us. We need him out there.”

Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said the Raptors indeed have their “back against the wall.”

“We have 48 hours to find a physical and mental way,” Rajakovic said. “They’re going to try to close the series and we’re going to do everything possible, find enough healthy guys, and compete until the last second. I’m hopeful we’re going to have guys available.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cavs #hope #mental #toughness #leads #seriesclinching #win #Raptors

Sports news May 1, 2026

Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) drives to the basket beside Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the fourth quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers feel they passed the toughness test in winning Game 5 at home.

The next step is to show the same grit on the road Friday night in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors and clinch the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Cleveland took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 125-120 comeback win on Wednesday.

“We kind of passed that mental toughness test,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Now the big one is like, ‘Can you go and beat this team on the road? Can we go in there and go take this,’ because we haven’t shown we can yet.”

After convincingly winning the first two games at home, the Cavaliers could not cope with the Raptors’ aggressiveness in Games 3 and 4 at Toronto.

The Raptors carried that momentum into Game 5 and led by 12 in the first quarter. They led again by 12 in the first minute of the third quarter before Cleveland rallied and won with a 25-17 fourth-quarter advantage.

“I thought this was a step for us from a kind of mental toughness point of view,” Atkinson said. “It was not pretty. We go down by 12, the crowd’s nervous, everybody’s nervous, but I thought we showed good poise and resiliency.”

After committing 10 turnovers in the first half, Cleveland limited them to four in the third quarter and one in the fourth.

The ballhandling of guard Dennis Schroder, who scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half, was a factor in the improvement. After playing 4:55 in the first half, Schroder played 16:19 in the second; he was on the court for all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.

Cleveland made a total of 40 turnovers in the two games in Toronto.

“For us, it’s winning the possession game; it really comes down to that,” Atkinson said. “The two games in Toronto we were minus-21 in the possession game, which statistically it’s really hard to win games. Our mentality going in there is we’ve got to be able to rebound the ball, we’ve got to take care of it. Otherwise, we’ll be back here for Game 7.”

Toronto lost forward Brandon Ingram on Wednesday with right heel inflammation after he played only 11:22. He is listed as questionable for Game 6.

Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley is out for the entire series with a hamstring strain, and Scottie Barnes, who had 17 points and 11 assists, was hobbled by a bruised thigh after being bumped on a second-quarter drive.

“Obviously, it had some effect,” Barnes said. “Couldn’t play with the same pace that I was trying to play with, just having a little limp out there.”

“I think we should be encouraged with all that happening and we were still in position to win the game,” said RJ Barrett, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds. “That’s a testament to everybody on our team. We’ve always had a next-man-up mentality.”

Ingram’s presence is important. He’s averaged 12 points in five playoff games after leading the team with a 21.5 scoring clip in the regular season.

“The way they guard him, his shot-making ability,” Barnes said. “When he’s out there on the floor, he makes big plays for us. We need him out there.”

Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said the Raptors indeed have their “back against the wall.”

“We have 48 hours to find a physical and mental way,” Rajakovic said. “They’re going to try to close the series and we’re going to do everything possible, find enough healthy guys, and compete until the last second. I’m hopeful we’re going to have guys available.”

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Cavs #hope #mental #toughness #leads #seriesclinching #win #Raptors

CSK vs MI, IPL 2026: Struggling Mumbai Indians visits fellow reputation-burdened Chennai Super Kings’ den <div id="content-body-70928747" itemprop="articleBody"><p>There was a time when this fixture felt less like a league game and more like an annual check on dominance. Two teams turning up to see if the other still remembered how to win.</p><p>Now, as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings arrive at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the mood is different. The names remain heavy, but the form is light. Five titles each, yes. But reputations do not bat at No. 3 or bowl in the PowerPlay. CSK sits sixth. MI, ninth.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Memory vs momentum</h4><p>Their last meeting this season still lingers. At the Wankhede, CSK beat MI by 103 runs, the latter’s heaviest defeat in the IPL. Akeal Hosein, used shrewdly with two overs in the PowerPlay, went around the wicket to left-handers, disrupting angles and rhythm. In tandem with Noor Ahmad, he reduced MI to a kind of batting paralysis.</p><p>And yet, MI still leads the IPL head-to-head 21–19. But that number is ageing. It has won only two of the last nine meetings, and just one since the start of 2023.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Mumbai’s confusion: roles without clarity</h4><p>Mumbai Indians’ decision-making has lacked conviction. Take the handling of 21-year-old Krish Bhagat. Against Gujarat Titans (GT), in a match MI won, his role was clearly defined early: overs four and six, just 10 runs conceded against a strong top order. But that clarity did not carry forward. Against Chennai Super Kings, Bhagat was held back from the PowerPlay entirely and then used at the death, in overs 16 and 20, where he conceded 31. The inconsistency runs deeper. Bhagat didn’t feature at all in the following game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Impact Player Shardul Thakur was substituted in at the seven-over mark of the second innings but didn’t bowl a single delivery.</p><div class="article-quote"><p> “He’s progressing well and working hard to return. We’re monitoring him daily with the medical team. We’ll see how he trains today and assess how he feels tomorrow before making a decision”<span class="quote-by">Mahela Jayawardene, MI head coach on Rohit Sharma</span></p></div><p>Across matches, the pattern is less about experimentation and more about indecision, roles changing not by design, but by drift. The churn tells its own story. MI has already used 22 players in eight matches, cycling through all eight overseas options after Will Jacks’s inclusion against Sunrisers Hyderabad. There have been 21 changes to its playing XI across games, a constant search for a winning combination.</p><p>It extends to a broader bowling identity. It has conceded at 10.83 an over, the worst in the league, and its 37 wickets are among the lowest returns. Even Jasprit Bumrah, typically MI’s metronome, has just two wickets in eight games. The response has been telling. Trent Boult began as the new-ball spearhead, but a lack of PowerPlay wickets has forced a rethink. Bumrah has increasingly been used upfront.</p><h4 class="sub_head">CSK’s method: control, but at a cost?</h4><p>If Mumbai’s issue is uncertainty, Chennai’s might be over-calibration. It has used 19 players, rotated six overseas options, and made 10 changes to the XI.</p><p>Its use of the Impact Player has been instructive, and occasionally questionable. Against GT, after losing two early wickets, they brought in Sarfaraz Khan as batting reinforcement, effectively sacrificing the option of a specialist bowler like Mukesh Choudhary later. On a mixed-soil surface with variable bounce, CSK finished with 158 for 7.</p><p>This raises a broader question: is CSK reacting too early, rather than trusting its base combination?</p><div class="article-quote"><p> “ In many ways, this is quite a new team with several new players. We wanted to expose some young talent to game situations. After losing the first three matches, we had to make adjustments. Some changes were self-caused, others were due to injuries, which are beyond our control. Ideally, we’d like to settle on an XI or XII we’re comfortable with and let those players grow into their roles. Hopefully, once we build some momentum and string together wins, we’ll have the confidence to stick with a more consistent lineup”<span class="quote-by">Michael Hussey, CSK batting coach on frequent changes to the XI</span></p></div><p>At Chepauk, CSK’s template has otherwise been consistent. Bat first, build, and stretch. Before the GT game, it had posted 209, 212 and 192 in three home matches, all batting first.</p><p>There is, however, a flicker of reassurance. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form against Gujarat Titans, his first fifty in 11 IPL innings, offers CSK a sliver of good news.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Match-up to watch</h4><p>Mumbai Indians has brought in Keshav Maharaj after Mitchell Santner’s shoulder injury ruled him out of IPL 2026. On paper, it’s a logical swap. Maharaj offers control through the middle overs and, against a Chennai Super Kings top order heavy on right-handers, gives MI a left-arm orthodox option to dictate angles.</p><p>But the matchup isn’t as straightforward as it seems. If Shivam Dube, the only left-hander in CSK’s top eight, is promoted up the order, MI faces a dilemma: hold Maharaj back or risk exposing him when the game is accelerating. Add Dewald Brevis into that middle order, and CSK still has enough intent to disrupt spin late, forcing MI to rethink how and when it deploys Maharaj.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 01, 2026</p></div> #CSK #IPL #Struggling #Mumbai #Indians #visits #fellow #reputationburdened #Chennai #Super #Kings #den

Best NBA Playoff Parlays Today: LeBron, Cade Cunningham and More | Deadspin.com Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Youth or experience. Houston’s no-fear squad or LeBron James and his trophy collection.It’s not as simple as flipping a coin on Friday in Game 6, where the Lakers have a third chance to close out the Rockets and don’t have to deal with Kevin Durant.But that hasn’t mattered one iota in the past two games, a pair of Houston victories that pumped a bunch of pressure into the Lakers’ locker room.Enter James. He’ll likely come out of the gate on a mission to set a decisive tone.This is his 298th career playoff game, after all, and he’s smiling through gritted teeth over the ridicule he received for going 11 of 29 from the floor and missing all nine 3-point tries in the past two games.Playing without Kevin Durant for the fourth time in the series, the Rockets relied on that verve in a 99-93 road win in Game 5 on Wednesday that sent the series back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday. Once down 3-0 in the series, the Rockets have fought their way back into contention.The Rockets use the second-youngest since postseason lineups were first tracked more than 50 years ago: Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason. The 37-year-old Durant led the team in scoring in the regular season. But he played only in Game 2 and isn’t a sure thing if Game 7 is necessary in LA on Sunday because of a bone bruise in his ankle.The youth is helping Houston harass the Lakers into miscues.The Lakers again struggled with ball security, as they conceded 18 points off their 15 turnovers. The Lakers are committing 17.8 turnovers per 100 plays, nearly six more than the Rockets (12.2), and their ongoing inability to secure the ball has benefited a Houston offense struggling with efficiency.Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned from a four-week injury absence (oblique) and posted 22 points and six assists in 34 minutes off the bench in Game 5. However, Reaves missed 12 of 16 field goals and posted a minus-5 plus/minus in his series debut.LeBron James over 4.5 first-quarter point (-120, FanDuel)Rockets -3.5 (-118, FanDuel)Parlayed to +220 odds 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+ The Pistons grabbed Game 5 thanks to Cade Cunningham’s heroics. But if they want another chance to win the series, they’ll need to beat Orlando on the Magic’s home court Friday.Cunningham and Paolo Banchero scored 45 points apiece when the Pistons extended the series with Wednesday night’s 116-109 victory in Game 5. Cunningham’s output marked a franchise playoff record.Pistons coach J.B Bickerstaff is harping on defensive effort and intensity and you can bet your ham salad there will be swarms to the ball when Banchero catches it on Friday. Where will he go with it?Desmond Bane was a top-30 scorer (31 technically) in the regular season at 20.1 points per game and has 16 3-pointers in just the past three games of this series. Even when he couldn’t buy a 3 in Game 2, he made a pair.Ausar Thompson’s 15 rebounds gave the Pistons a boost in Game 5, particularly with rebounding a trouble spot for the Magic. If you prefer boards to long-range buckets, take a peek at the rebound props doubting Thompson can go for 12-plus again.Orlando will be without forward Franz Wagner for the second straight game because of an ailing right calf. Wagner averaged 16.8 points per game in the first four games of the series.Magic G Desmond Bane 3+ 3-pointers (+118, FanDuel)Pistons G Cade Cunningham to record double-double (-120, FanDuel)Parlayed at +241 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 #Parlays #Today #LeBron #Cade #Cunningham #Deadspin.com

#NBA #Playoff #Parlays #Today #LeBron #Cade #Cunningham #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Youth or experience. Houston’s no-fear squad or LeBron James and his trophy collection.
It’s not as simple as flipping a coin on Friday in Game 6, where the Lakers have a third chance to close out the Rockets and don’t have to deal with Kevin Durant.
But that hasn’t mattered one iota in the past two games, a pair of Houston victories that pumped a bunch of pressure into the Lakers’ locker room.
Enter James. He’ll likely come out of the gate on a mission to set a decisive tone.
This is his 298th career playoff game, after all, and he’s smiling through gritted teeth over the ridicule he received for going 11 of 29 from the floor and missing all nine 3-point tries in the past two games.
Playing without Kevin Durant for the fourth time in the series, the Rockets relied on that verve in a 99-93 road win in Game 5 on Wednesday that sent the series back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday. Once down 3-0 in the series, the Rockets have fought their way back into contention.
The Rockets use the second-youngest since postseason lineups were first tracked more than 50 years ago: Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason. The 37-year-old Durant led the team in scoring in the regular season. But he played only in Game 2 and isn’t a sure thing if Game 7 is necessary in LA on Sunday because of a bone bruise in his ankle.
The youth is helping Houston harass the Lakers into miscues.
The Lakers again struggled with ball security, as they conceded 18 points off their 15 turnovers. The Lakers are committing 17.8 turnovers per 100 plays, nearly six more than the Rockets (12.2), and their ongoing inability to secure the ball has benefited a Houston offense struggling with efficiency.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned from a four-week injury absence (oblique) and posted 22 points and six assists in 34 minutes off the bench in Game 5. However, Reaves missed 12 of 16 field goals and posted a minus-5 plus/minus in his series debut.
LeBron James over 4.5 first-quarter point (-120, FanDuel)
Rockets -3.5 (-118, FanDuel)
Parlayed to +220 odds

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The Pistons grabbed Game 5 thanks to Cade Cunningham’s heroics. But if they want another chance to win the series, they’ll need to beat Orlando on the Magic’s home court Friday.
Cunningham and Paolo Banchero scored 45 points apiece when the Pistons extended the series with Wednesday night’s 116-109 victory in Game 5. Cunningham’s output marked a franchise playoff record.
Pistons coach J.B Bickerstaff is harping on defensive effort and intensity and you can bet your ham salad there will be swarms to the ball when Banchero catches it on Friday. Where will he go with it?
Desmond Bane was a top-30 scorer (31 technically) in the regular season at 20.1 points per game and has 16 3-pointers in just the past three games of this series. Even when he couldn’t buy a 3 in Game 2, he made a pair.
Ausar Thompson’s 15 rebounds gave the Pistons a boost in Game 5, particularly with rebounding a trouble spot for the Magic. If you prefer boards to long-range buckets, take a peek at the rebound props doubting Thompson can go for 12-plus again.
Orlando will be without forward Franz Wagner for the second straight game because of an ailing right calf. Wagner averaged 16.8 points per game in the first four games of the series.
Magic G Desmond Bane 3+ 3-pointers (+118, FanDuel)
Pistons G Cade Cunningham to record double-double (-120, FanDuel)
Parlayed at +241

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#NBA #Playoff #Parlays #Today #LeBron #Cade #Cunningham #Deadspin.com">Best NBA Playoff Parlays Today: LeBron, Cade Cunningham and More | Deadspin.com

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Youth or experience. Houston’s no-fear squad or LeBron James and his trophy collection.
It’s not as simple as flipping a coin on Friday in Game 6, where the Lakers have a third chance to close out the Rockets and don’t have to deal with Kevin Durant.
But that hasn’t mattered one iota in the past two games, a pair of Houston victories that pumped a bunch of pressure into the Lakers’ locker room.

Enter James. He’ll likely come out of the gate on a mission to set a decisive tone.
This is his 298th career playoff game, after all, and he’s smiling through gritted teeth over the ridicule he received for going 11 of 29 from the floor and missing all nine 3-point tries in the past two games.

Playing without Kevin Durant for the fourth time in the series, the Rockets relied on that verve in a 99-93 road win in Game 5 on Wednesday that sent the series back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday. Once down 3-0 in the series, the Rockets have fought their way back into contention.

The Rockets use the second-youngest since postseason lineups were first tracked more than 50 years ago: Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason. The 37-year-old Durant led the team in scoring in the regular season. But he played only in Game 2 and isn’t a sure thing if Game 7 is necessary in LA on Sunday because of a bone bruise in his ankle.

The youth is helping Houston harass the Lakers into miscues.

The Lakers again struggled with ball security, as they conceded 18 points off their 15 turnovers. The Lakers are committing 17.8 turnovers per 100 plays, nearly six more than the Rockets (12.2), and their ongoing inability to secure the ball has benefited a Houston offense struggling with efficiency.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned from a four-week injury absence (oblique) and posted 22 points and six assists in 34 minutes off the bench in Game 5. However, Reaves missed 12 of 16 field goals and posted a minus-5 plus/minus in his series debut.

LeBron James over 4.5 first-quarter point (-120, FanDuel)
Rockets -3.5 (-118, FanDuel)
Parlayed to +220 odds

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The Pistons grabbed Game 5 thanks to Cade Cunningham’s heroics. But if they want another chance to win the series, they’ll need to beat Orlando on the Magic’s home court Friday.

Cunningham and Paolo Banchero scored 45 points apiece when the Pistons extended the series with Wednesday night’s 116-109 victory in Game 5. Cunningham’s output marked a franchise playoff record.

Pistons coach J.B Bickerstaff is harping on defensive effort and intensity and you can bet your ham salad there will be swarms to the ball when Banchero catches it on Friday. Where will he go with it?

Desmond Bane was a top-30 scorer (31 technically) in the regular season at 20.1 points per game and has 16 3-pointers in just the past three games of this series. Even when he couldn’t buy a 3 in Game 2, he made a pair.

Ausar Thompson’s 15 rebounds gave the Pistons a boost in Game 5, particularly with rebounding a trouble spot for the Magic. If you prefer boards to long-range buckets, take a peek at the rebound props doubting Thompson can go for 12-plus again.

Orlando will be without forward Franz Wagner for the second straight game because of an ailing right calf. Wagner averaged 16.8 points per game in the first four games of the series.

Magic G Desmond Bane 3+ 3-pointers (+118, FanDuel)
Pistons G Cade Cunningham to record double-double (-120, FanDuel)
Parlayed at +241

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#NBA #Playoff #Parlays #Today #LeBron #Cade #Cunningham #Deadspin.com

To call the 2025-26 Dallas Stars season a disappointment would be one of the biggest understatements in hockey after their crushing opening round loss to the Wild on Thursday night. It’s left the team needing to make critical decisions this offseason which will decide whether or not Dallas can remain a contender, or takes a significant step backwards in the future.

So, what exactly went wrong with the Stars this season? Everything on paper pointed to this being a Stanley Cup caliber team, likely to compete with the Colorado Avalanche for the best in the West — and during the regular season they did for the most part, but as the playoffs commenced we saw the holes in the lineup open up, holes which aren’t easy to patch.

The trade for Mikko Rantanen made all the sense in the world last year, with the high-scoring Finn appearing to be the superstar forward they needed. Adding Rantanen to one of the highest-scoring teams in hockey should have been a boon — but the deal hasn’t really worked out.

The problem hasn’t been Rantanen (though he’s understandably the scapegoat), and more how Rantanen is playing inside the Stars system. The issue is that he’s no longer the elite goal scorer he was in Colorado without Nathan McKinnon’s puck distribution in the middle, which has forced him into being a passer from the wing. Rantanen doesn’t have a place on the top line with Wyatt Johnson being a puck-dominant center, and Jason Robertson being the go-to finisher. Throwing him on the second line hasn’t worked either, with Matt Duchene being hurt, and regressing in significant ways this past season.

This is even more problematic in looking at what the Stars gave up in the Rantanen deal. Logan Stankoven was more or less the throw in prospect to get the deal done, and he’s emerged as the Carolina Hurricanes’ key second-line center — exactly what the Stars need now.

We have a team that is dangerously top-line heavy. All the success Dallas had in the regular season was due to that front pairing of Johnson and Robertson to do the heavy lifting, with Miro Heiskanen quarterbacking things from the blue line, but the Wild were able to drag the lines deep and beat the Stars with depth.

This brings us to the toughest decision the team has to make: Jason Robertson.

The Stars are not in a good place when it comes to the salary cap. The team is projected to have $11.1M in space for the upcoming season, with a three key players set to hit the market.

LW Jason Robertson (RFA)
C Mavrik Bourque (RFA)
LW Jamie Benn (UFA)

It’s here the soul-searching begins, because they have to make an impossible choice. Jamie Benn is likely gone, which is fine, but the Robertson/Bourque decision is brutal. They currently do not have the money to meet the rumored salary demands of Robertson, who reportedly is looking for north of the $12M AAV that Mikko Rantanen is making — which is fair coming off a 96-point season.

Bourque is also due a significant pay raise, and could be a real risk of being poached in free agency.

The logical decision is to let Robertson walk and re-sign Bourque. Robertson isn’t a play-driver, he’s not strong on the forecheck, and his defensive contributions are resigned to stick play. The issue in applying this logic is that it’s impossible to imagine a scenario where the Stars are better without Robertson, because he is their best scorer.

It would likely necessitate moving Rantanen back to the top line, but it’s already been established that he’s not great with Johnson at center. It’s all a bit of a mess. The team might have to pray that Tyler Seguin retires to open the space to retain Robertson, which then means likely losing Bourque.

Overpaying mediocrity in goal

The other huge part of the Stars problems is Jake Oettinger, who was their key free agent from a year ago. Dallas decided to retain Oettinger and make him one of the five highest-paid goaltenders in hockey, and he was not good this season at all.

Oettinger finished the season at 0.899 SV%, with 2.59 GA — alarmingly, he also only had 31 quality starts in 54 games, barely above the league-average on the season. It’s just not good enough for a top-five paid player at his position.

There isn’t anything the Stars can do with Oettinger but pray he returns to form. The free agent contract is haunting them, and he’s inked for SEVEN more seasons.

What can the Stars even be in 2026-27?

The best hope is running it back, which wasn’t good enough to make a playoff impact this year. They can keep the top of their core, losing more depth in the process — or decide to part ways with Robertson, take a step back, and try to find a path forward. That would mean taking a mulligan on the season to correct some of their cap issues, but that isn’t conducive to try and take advantage of Mikko Rantanen’s prime.

This was more or less a make-or-break year for the Dallas Stars, and they broke in the first round. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

#Dallas #Stars #major #soulsearching #NHL #Playoff #exit">

The Dallas Stars have major soul-searching to do after their NHL Playoff exit To call the 2025-26 Dallas Stars season a disappointment would be one of the biggest understatements in hockey after their crushing opening round loss to the Wild on Thursday night. It’s left the team needing to make critical decisions this offseason which will decide whether or not Dallas can remain a contender, or takes a significant step backwards in the future.So, what exactly went wrong with the Stars this season? Everything on paper pointed to this being a Stanley Cup caliber team, likely to compete with the Colorado Avalanche for the best in the West — and during the regular season they did for the most part, but as the playoffs commenced we saw the holes in the lineup open up, holes which aren’t easy to patch.The trade for Mikko Rantanen made all the sense in the world last year, with the high-scoring Finn appearing to be the superstar forward they needed. Adding Rantanen to one of the highest-scoring teams in hockey should have been a boon — but the deal hasn’t really worked out.The problem hasn’t been Rantanen (though he’s understandably the scapegoat), and more how Rantanen is playing inside the Stars system. The issue is that he’s no longer the elite goal scorer he was in Colorado without Nathan McKinnon’s puck distribution in the middle, which has forced him into being a passer from the wing. Rantanen doesn’t have a place on the top line with Wyatt Johnson being a puck-dominant center, and Jason Robertson being the go-to finisher. Throwing him on the second line hasn’t worked either, with Matt Duchene being hurt, and regressing in significant ways this past season.This is even more problematic in looking at what the Stars gave up in the Rantanen deal. Logan Stankoven was more or less the throw in prospect to get the deal done, and he’s emerged as the Carolina Hurricanes’ key second-line center — exactly what the Stars need now.We have a team that is dangerously top-line heavy. All the success Dallas had in the regular season was due to that front pairing of Johnson and Robertson to do the heavy lifting, with Miro Heiskanen quarterbacking things from the blue line, but the Wild were able to drag the lines deep and beat the Stars with depth.This brings us to the toughest decision the team has to make: Jason Robertson.The Stars are not in a good place when it comes to the salary cap. The team is projected to have .1M in space for the upcoming season, with a three key players set to hit the market.LW Jason Robertson (RFA)C Mavrik Bourque (RFA)LW Jamie Benn (UFA)It’s here the soul-searching begins, because they have to make an impossible choice. Jamie Benn is likely gone, which is fine, but the Robertson/Bourque decision is brutal. They currently do not have the money to meet the rumored salary demands of Robertson, who reportedly is looking for north of the M AAV that Mikko Rantanen is making — which is fair coming off a 96-point season.Bourque is also due a significant pay raise, and could be a real risk of being poached in free agency.The logical decision is to let Robertson walk and re-sign Bourque. Robertson isn’t a play-driver, he’s not strong on the forecheck, and his defensive contributions are resigned to stick play. The issue in applying this logic is that it’s impossible to imagine a scenario where the Stars are better without Robertson, because he is their best scorer.It would likely necessitate moving Rantanen back to the top line, but it’s already been established that he’s not great with Johnson at center. It’s all a bit of a mess. The team might have to pray that Tyler Seguin retires to open the space to retain Robertson, which then means likely losing Bourque.Overpaying mediocrity in goalThe other huge part of the Stars problems is Jake Oettinger, who was their key free agent from a year ago. Dallas decided to retain Oettinger and make him one of the five highest-paid goaltenders in hockey, and he was not good this season at all.Oettinger finished the season at 0.899 SV%, with 2.59 GA — alarmingly, he also only had 31 quality starts in 54 games, barely above the league-average on the season. It’s just not good enough for a top-five paid player at his position.There isn’t anything the Stars can do with Oettinger but pray he returns to form. The free agent contract is haunting them, and he’s inked for SEVEN more seasons.What can the Stars even be in 2026-27?The best hope is running it back, which wasn’t good enough to make a playoff impact this year. They can keep the top of their core, losing more depth in the process — or decide to part ways with Robertson, take a step back, and try to find a path forward. That would mean taking a mulligan on the season to correct some of their cap issues, but that isn’t conducive to try and take advantage of Mikko Rantanen’s prime.This was more or less a make-or-break year for the Dallas Stars, and they broke in the first round. What happens next is anyone’s guess. #Dallas #Stars #major #soulsearching #NHL #Playoff #exit

mwasimuddin125 0

To call the 2025-26 Dallas Stars season a disappointment would be one of the biggest understatements in hockey after their crushing opening round loss to the Wild on Thursday night. It’s left the team needing to make critical decisions this offseason which will decide whether or not Dallas can remain a contender, or takes a significant step backwards in the future.
So, what exactly went wrong with the Stars this season? Everything on paper pointed to this being a Stanley Cup caliber team, likely to compete with the Colorado Avalanche for the best in the West — and during the regular season they did for the most part, but as the playoffs commenced we saw the holes in the lineup open up, holes which aren’t easy to patch.
The trade for Mikko Rantanen made all the sense in the world last year, with the high-scoring Finn appearing to be the superstar forward they needed. Adding Rantanen to one of the highest-scoring teams in hockey should have been a boon — but the deal hasn’t really worked out.
The problem hasn’t been Rantanen (though he’s understandably the scapegoat), and more how Rantanen is playing inside the Stars system. The issue is that he’s no longer the elite goal scorer he was in Colorado without Nathan McKinnon’s puck distribution in the middle, which has forced him into being a passer from the wing. Rantanen doesn’t have a place on the top line with Wyatt Johnson being a puck-dominant center, and Jason Robertson being the go-to finisher. Throwing him on the second line hasn’t worked either, with Matt Duchene being hurt, and regressing in significant ways this past season.
This is even more problematic in looking at what the Stars gave up in the Rantanen deal. Logan Stankoven was more or less the throw in prospect to get the deal done, and he’s emerged as the Carolina Hurricanes’ key second-line center — exactly what the Stars need now.
We have a team that is dangerously top-line heavy. All the success Dallas had in the regular season was due to that front pairing of Johnson and Robertson to do the heavy lifting, with Miro Heiskanen quarterbacking things from the blue line, but the Wild were able to drag the lines deep and beat the Stars with depth.
This brings us to the toughest decision the team has to make: Jason Robertson.
The Stars are not in a good place when it comes to the salary cap. The team is projected to have $11.1M in space for the upcoming season, with a three key players set to hit the market.
LW Jason Robertson (RFA)
C Mavrik Bourque (RFA)
LW Jamie Benn (UFA)
It’s here the soul-searching begins, because they have to make an impossible choice. Jamie Benn is likely gone, which is fine, but the Robertson/Bourque decision is brutal. They currently do not have the money to meet the rumored salary demands of Robertson, who reportedly is looking for north of the $12M AAV that Mikko Rantanen is making — which is fair coming off a 96-point season.
Bourque is also due a significant pay raise, and could be a real risk of being poached in free agency.
The logical decision is to let Robertson walk and re-sign Bourque. Robertson isn’t a play-driver, he’s not strong on the forecheck, and his defensive contributions are resigned to stick play. The issue in applying this logic is that it’s impossible to imagine a scenario where the Stars are better without Robertson, because he is their best scorer.
It would likely necessitate moving Rantanen back to the top line, but it’s already been established that he’s not great with Johnson at center. It’s all a bit of a mess. The team might have to pray that Tyler Seguin retires to open the space to retain Robertson, which then means likely losing Bourque.
Overpaying mediocrity in goal
The other huge part of the Stars problems is Jake Oettinger, who was their key free agent from a year ago. Dallas decided to retain Oettinger and make him one of the five highest-paid goaltenders in hockey, and he was not good this season at all.
Oettinger finished the season at 0.899 SV%, with 2.59 GA — alarmingly, he also only had 31 quality starts in 54 games, barely above the league-average on the season. It’s just not good enough for a top-five paid player at his position.
There isn’t anything the Stars can do with Oettinger but pray he returns to form. The free agent contract is haunting them, and he’s inked for SEVEN more seasons.
What can the Stars even be in 2026-27?
The best hope is running it back, which wasn’t good enough to make a playoff impact this year. They can keep the top of their core, losing more depth in the process — or decide to part ways with Robertson, take a step back, and try to find a path forward. That would mean taking a mulligan on the season to correct some of their cap issues, but that isn’t conducive to try and take advantage of Mikko Rantanen’s prime.
This was more or less a make-or-break year for the Dallas Stars, and they broke in the first round. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

#Dallas #Stars #major #soulsearching #NHL #Playoff #exit">The Dallas Stars have major soul-searching to do after their NHL Playoff exit

This brings us to the toughest decision the team has to make: Jason Robertson.

The Stars are not in a good place when it comes to the salary cap. The team is projected to have $11.1M in space for the upcoming season, with a three key players set to hit the market.

LW Jason Robertson (RFA)
C Mavrik Bourque (RFA)
LW Jamie Benn (UFA)

Bourque is also due a significant pay raise, and could be a real risk of being poached in free agency.

Overpaying mediocrity in goal

There isn’t anything the Stars can do with Oettinger but pray he returns to form. The free agent contract is haunting them, and he’s inked for SEVEN more seasons.

What can the Stars even be in 2026-27?

This was more or less a make-or-break year for the Dallas Stars, and they broke in the first round. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

#Dallas #Stars #major #soulsearching #NHL #Playoff #exit

Formula One champion Jenson Button backed the FIA and F1’s recent decision to make tweaks to the new regulations ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

F1 introduced new hybrid power units for 2026, with 50% of the power coming from electric power as part of its push towards sustainability. However, the new cars have come under intense criticism from drivers who have bemoaned that they are too complex and not fun to drive.

“It always takes a little bit of time to fine-tune new regulations. You need to see how it plays out first on track to understand what works and what doesn’t. I think the changes we have here will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers. They’ll have a better understanding of what it’s doing. I think they’ll be much happier,” said Button, the 2009 world champion.

“We want drivers to be out there having fun and enjoying themselves when they’re racing. So it plays a big part in it because when they get out of the car, and they’re unhappy, it doesn’t look great. So yes, I think fine-tuning was necessary,” he added.

Following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, the teams have had a five-week break since the previous round in Japan. Button feels this gap in the calendar would have given teams valuable time to assess things and expects the field to bunch up in Miami.

“I think we will see the field a bit closer this weekend, especially the top teams. Mercedes, I think, still has a bit of an advantage. But if they slip up, McLaren and Ferrari will be there waiting. This is quite a fun weekend because we have a sprint race. And the Ferraris are very good off the line. So if they get into the lead, it’s going to be difficult to overtake them. I think the F1 break will be positive for racing here in Miami,” the former McLaren driver remarked.

Commenting on the drivers’ championship battle between Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Button reckoned that whoever gets on top this weekend could have an advantage.

“George, he has been very unlucky on a couple of occasions. In qualifying in Shanghai, he had an issue. So he only got out for one lap right at the end. And then in Japan, he obviously got hurt by the safety car. There was a good chance he was going to fight for victory or at least second in that race in front of his teammate.

ALSO READ | F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed

“I think he’s probably a little bit frustrated knowing that he’s had the pace to win all three races. But he’s a very confident individual. So I’m sure he believes in himself that he can fight for this world championship.

For Kimi, it’s obviously very different. He’s still so young in this sport. You’ve got to take every moment you can to win races. Even if you get a bit lucky, it doesn’t matter. He was there to pick up the pieces, and he got the job done. So it’s a really exciting battle.”

“I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s interesting here in Miami because Kimi was really fast last year. So it’s going to be a tough fight for both of them this weekend. It’s an important weekend. We’re back from a big break. And whoever gets down to the top step of the podium has bragging rights. It gives them a lot more confidence,” said Button.

Published on May 01, 2026

#F1s #lead #consistent #car #drivers #champion #Jenson #Button">

F1’s new changes will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers, says former champion Jenson Button Formula One champion Jenson Button backed the FIA and F1’s recent decision to make tweaks to the new regulations ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.F1 introduced new hybrid power units for 2026, with 50% of the power coming from electric power as part of its push towards sustainability. However, the new cars have come under intense criticism from drivers who have bemoaned that they are too complex and not fun to drive.“It always takes a little bit of time to fine-tune new regulations. You need to see how it plays out first on track to understand what works and what doesn’t. I think the changes we have here will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers. They’ll have a better understanding of what it’s doing. I think they’ll be much happier,” said Button, the 2009 world champion.“We want drivers to be out there having fun and enjoying themselves when they’re racing. So it plays a big part in it because when they get out of the car, and they’re unhappy, it doesn’t look great. So yes, I think fine-tuning was necessary,” he added.Following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, the teams have had a five-week break since the previous round in Japan. Button feels this gap in the calendar would have given teams valuable time to assess things and expects the field to bunch up in Miami.“I think we will see the field a bit closer this weekend, especially the top teams. Mercedes, I think, still has a bit of an advantage. But if they slip up, McLaren and Ferrari will be there waiting. This is quite a fun weekend because we have a sprint race. And the Ferraris are very good off the line. So if they get into the lead, it’s going to be difficult to overtake them. I think the F1 break will be positive for racing here in Miami,” the former McLaren driver remarked.Commenting on the drivers’ championship battle between Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Button reckoned that whoever gets on top this weekend could have an advantage.“George, he has been very unlucky on a couple of occasions. In qualifying in Shanghai, he had an issue. So he only got out for one lap right at the end. And then in Japan, he obviously got hurt by the safety car. There was a good chance he was going to fight for victory or at least second in that race in front of his teammate.ALSO READ | F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed “I think he’s probably a little bit frustrated knowing that he’s had the pace to win all three races. But he’s a very confident individual. So I’m sure he believes in himself that he can fight for this world championship.For Kimi, it’s obviously very different. He’s still so young in this sport. You’ve got to take every moment you can to win races. Even if you get a bit lucky, it doesn’t matter. He was there to pick up the pieces, and he got the job done. So it’s a really exciting battle.”“I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s interesting here in Miami because Kimi was really fast last year. So it’s going to be a tough fight for both of them this weekend. It’s an important weekend. We’re back from a big break. And whoever gets down to the top step of the podium has bragging rights. It gives them a lot more confidence,” said Button.Published on May 01, 2026 #F1s #lead #consistent #car #drivers #champion #Jenson #Button

mwasimuddin125 0

Formula One champion Jenson Button backed the FIA and F1’s recent decision to make tweaks to the new regulations ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
F1 introduced new hybrid power units for 2026, with 50% of the power coming from electric power as part of its push towards sustainability. However, the new cars have come under intense criticism from drivers who have bemoaned that they are too complex and not fun to drive.
“It always takes a little bit of time to fine-tune new regulations. You need to see how it plays out first on track to understand what works and what doesn’t. I think the changes we have here will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers. They’ll have a better understanding of what it’s doing. I think they’ll be much happier,” said Button, the 2009 world champion.
“We want drivers to be out there having fun and enjoying themselves when they’re racing. So it plays a big part in it because when they get out of the car, and they’re unhappy, it doesn’t look great. So yes, I think fine-tuning was necessary,” he added.
Following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, the teams have had a five-week break since the previous round in Japan. Button feels this gap in the calendar would have given teams valuable time to assess things and expects the field to bunch up in Miami.
“I think we will see the field a bit closer this weekend, especially the top teams. Mercedes, I think, still has a bit of an advantage. But if they slip up, McLaren and Ferrari will be there waiting. This is quite a fun weekend because we have a sprint race. And the Ferraris are very good off the line. So if they get into the lead, it’s going to be difficult to overtake them. I think the F1 break will be positive for racing here in Miami,” the former McLaren driver remarked.
Commenting on the drivers’ championship battle between Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Button reckoned that whoever gets on top this weekend could have an advantage.
“George, he has been very unlucky on a couple of occasions. In qualifying in Shanghai, he had an issue. So he only got out for one lap right at the end. And then in Japan, he obviously got hurt by the safety car. There was a good chance he was going to fight for victory or at least second in that race in front of his teammate.
ALSO READ | F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed
“I think he’s probably a little bit frustrated knowing that he’s had the pace to win all three races. But he’s a very confident individual. So I’m sure he believes in himself that he can fight for this world championship.
For Kimi, it’s obviously very different. He’s still so young in this sport. You’ve got to take every moment you can to win races. Even if you get a bit lucky, it doesn’t matter. He was there to pick up the pieces, and he got the job done. So it’s a really exciting battle.”
“I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s interesting here in Miami because Kimi was really fast last year. So it’s going to be a tough fight for both of them this weekend. It’s an important weekend. We’re back from a big break. And whoever gets down to the top step of the podium has bragging rights. It gives them a lot more confidence,” said Button.
Published on May 01, 2026

#F1s #lead #consistent #car #drivers #champion #Jenson #Button">F1’s new changes will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers, says former champion Jenson Button

Formula One champion Jenson Button backed the FIA and F1’s recent decision to make tweaks to the new regulations ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Commenting on the drivers’ championship battle between Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Button reckoned that whoever gets on top this weekend could have an advantage.

ALSO READ | F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed

Published on May 01, 2026

#F1s #lead #consistent #car #drivers #champion #Jenson #Button

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Overpaying mediocrity in goal

What can the Stars even be in 2026-27?

Overpaying mediocrity in goal

What can the Stars even be in 2026-27?

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