Deadspin | Denis Badalau, Rutgers handle winless Maine

Deadspin | Denis Badalau, Rutgers handle winless Maine

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Nov 5, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Denis Badalau (27) reacts after making a three point basket during the first half against the Rider Broncs at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Denis Badalau scored a game-high 19 points, all in the first half, and Tariq Francis finished with 12 to lead Rutgers to a 72-60 nonconference victory over Maine on Monday in Piscataway, N.J.

Dylan Grant added 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Scarlet Knights (2-0), who scored 25 points off 18 Maine turnovers.

Isaac Bonilla made four 3-pointers and led the Black Bears (0-3) with 12 points. Bashir N’Galang added 11 points and TJ Biel had 10 for Maine, which never led in the game.

Rutgers won despite missing 11 of its 29 free-throw attempts. Maine was 7 of 13 from the free throw line.

Maine played without forward Ryan Mabrey, who is nursing an ankle injury. Mabrey averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in Maine’s first two contests.

Rutgers used a 13-0 run to take an early 15-2 lead, but Maine answered with a 9-0 spurt to pull within 22-15 with 8:35 left in the first half. Badalau hit a 3-pointer to put the Scarlet Knights up 28-15, and Badalau hit another 3 a minute later on the fast break.

Badalau’s fourth and final 3-pointer of the game gave Rutgers a 34-25 lead with 2:28 remaining in the half.

Maine was within four points, 34-30, following a Keelan Steele basket with 1:10 left in the half, but Francis sank a 3-pointer to hand Rutgers a 37-30 halftime lead.

Badalau made 6 of 8 shots in the half, including 4 of 5 3-pointers.

Rutgers scored the first 10 points of the second half to stretch its lead to 47-30. Maine didn’t score in the second half until a Yanis Bamba 3-pointer with 15:36 to play.

The Scarlet Knights went up by 17 when Harun Zrno made two free throws that pushed the lead to 58-41 with 10:43 left. Maine didn’t get any closer than 12 points the rest of the way. The Rutgers lead peaked at 18 points.

–Field Level Media

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NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) 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 The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.New York Knicks vs. Atlanta HawksThe Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto RaptorsIt has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesDenver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) 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

The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?
We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?

I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.

My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)

New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

It has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.

The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.

My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)

Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread.

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Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.

My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)

Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.

This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one.

Our Current Best Offers

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#NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) 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 The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.New York Knicks vs. Atlanta HawksThe Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto RaptorsIt has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesDenver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.com

to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?

I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.

My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)

New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

It has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.

The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.

My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)

Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread.

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Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.

My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)

Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.

This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com
NBA Playoffs Betting Picks: Game 3 Predictions & Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) 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 The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.New York Knicks vs. Atlanta HawksThe Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto RaptorsIt has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesDenver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) 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

The first round of the NBA Playoffs continues tonight with Game Three for the Knicks-Hawks, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Nuggets-Timberwolves. The underdogs were the NBA best bets for two of the three in Game Two. Will that be the case for Game Three?
We’ll answer that question with today’s NBA Best Bets picks.

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Knicks had Game Two won. They were up by 12 going into the fourth quarter and just needed to maintain the status quo to seal the victory. Instead, a combination of solid defense by Atlanta and poor shooting by the Knicks when it mattered most led to an improbable Atlanta comeback. But can the Hawks do it again?

I wouldn’t count on it. Yes, the Hawks made the right plays at the right time to steal a win in New York and should bring some momentum into this game. But the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. It broke down in the fourth in Game Two, but I wouldn’t count on that to do so again.

My Pick: Knicks ML at -110 (DraftKings)

New York will bounce back from those fourth-quarter mistakes that cost them Game Two. It will be tougher playing in Atlanta than at home, and the Knicks are not a great road team (22-19). But I’d still take the Knicks to bounce back and win this one outright.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting


Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

It has been a rough go for the Raptors in this series against the Cavs as they lost both games in Cleveland (126-113 and 115-105). The Cavaliers’ dynamic trio of playmakers ( Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley) has simply been too much for the Toronto defense to handle.

The Raptors seemed to figure out a way to put more pressure on Mitchell in the second half of Game Two. If they can keep it up at home, it may mean Mitchell doesn’t have another 30+ point night. But it will also turn Mitchell into more of a distributor, meaning bigger nights for Mobley and Harden.

My Pick: Cavaliers -2.5 at -115 (DraftKings)

Toronto will play a better game at home, but Cleveland has too many scoring threats for them to handle. The Raptors will hit a few more 3-pointers and make it a better game, but the Cavs will cover the small spread.

Our Current Best Offers

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Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver’s defense has been a concern to me all season long. Usually, it doesn’t mean much since they have more than offense on most nights to cover it. But that was certainly not the case in Game Two as they were outscored in the fourth quarter, 29-21, sealing a five-point win for Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards is still hobbled and will not be the same scoring threat he was in the regular season. But I expect Nikola Jokic and Jamaal to be out for blood and looking to make up for losing at home. However, while I expect more on offense, I’m not confident they can improve on defense.

My Pick: OVER 233.5 at -108 (DraftKings)

Denver played a surprisingly good defensive game in Game 1, but reverted to their regular-season norm in Game Two. I expect a similar effort in Game Three. With the Timberwolves now the home team, their offense will be more productive, but so will Jokic and Murray.

This is anyone’s game to win, but either way, it will be a high-scoring one.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#NBA #Playoffs #Betting #Picks #Game #Predictions #Bets #Deadspin.com
#Jets #firstround #pick #spoiled #Texas #Techs #plane #photo">Jets’ first-round pick spoiled by Texas Tech’s plane photo The 2026 NFL Draft really begins when the New York Jets come on the clock at No. 2 overall. The whole world knows the Las Vegas Raiders are taking Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first pick. The Jets are reportedly deciding between Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey at No. 2, and it sure feels like the Red Raiders just spoiled the pick with their post on Twitter early Thursday morning before round one gets underway.The Texas Tech football account tweeted a photo of the coaching staff before they take off for Pittsburgh to watch the first round of the draft. Two things you should notice: the large jet in the background of the photo, and the jet emoji. I’m not Sherlock Holmes, but I feel comfortable guessing that they already know their guy Bailey will be taken with the second overall pick by the Jets.Very subtle, Red Raiders.Good luck to David Bailey in New York. The Jets need all the luck they can get. #Jets #firstround #pick #spoiled #Texas #Techs #plane #photo

Delhi Capitals has roped in England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed as a replacement player for Ben Duckett in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).

Rehan most recently featured in the T20 World Cup, where he played one game in a Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka. He scored a quickfire 19 to steer England to victory after having claimed two wickets with the ball.

The 21-year-old will be featuring in the IPL for the first time, while he has experience of playing in the Hundred, ILT20 and the Big Bash League.

Rehan is a multi-format player for the English national team with 27 caps.

Duckett, who was picked up by Capitals for his base price of Rs. 2 crore in the auction, withdrew from the tournament in a bid to save his England career.

The left-handed batter also expressed his apology to the Delhi Capitals franchise.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#IPL #Rehan #Ahmed #replaces #Duckett #Delhi #Capitals">IPL 2026: Rehan Ahmed replaces Duckett at Delhi Capitals Delhi Capitals has roped in England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed as a replacement player for Ben Duckett in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).Rehan most recently featured in the T20 World Cup, where he played one game in a Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka. He scored a quickfire 19 to steer England to victory after having claimed two wickets with the ball.The 21-year-old will be featuring in the IPL for the first time, while he has experience of playing in the Hundred, ILT20 and the Big Bash League.Rehan is a multi-format player for the English national team with 27 caps.Duckett, who was picked up by Capitals for his base price of Rs. 2 crore in the auction, withdrew from the tournament in a bid to save his England career.The left-handed batter also expressed his apology to the Delhi Capitals franchise.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #IPL #Rehan #Ahmed #replaces #Duckett #Delhi #Capitals

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