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Deadspin | Behind Kevin Gausman, Jays strive to stop skid in matchup vs. D-backs  Apr 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;  Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   The Toronto Blue Jays will turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman in an attempt to escape an early-season funk when they meet the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game set in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.  The Diamondbacks secured the series win with a 6-2 victory Saturday on Corbin Carroll’s grand slam that broke a tie in the eighth, keeping each team on its current path.  Arizona has won four games in a row and 10 of its past 13, and has not lost a series since being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.   Carroll’s homer secured the Diamondbacks’ 10th comeback win of the season.  “We’ve played a lot of (close games),” Carroll said. “Maybe when you are in those situations, you know you don’t have to press.”  The Blue Jays have lost four straight games, six of their past seven, and have not won a series since a season-opening sweep of the Athletics.  Toronto has played through injured-list stints to George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger this year.  Gausman (0-1, 2.42 ERA) will oppose Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54) on Sunday.  Gausman has given up three runs or fewer in each of his four starts this season but remains winless despite his low ERA. In two of Gauman’s starts, the Blue Jays have managed just one run.  “We’re not scoring, but we’re definitely not scoring when he’s out there,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “I feel like he’s been as steady as he has ever been here. So looking for him to continue do that.   “He’s in a good place. Physically his delivery is sound. That’s the only time Kevin has been in trouble, with his delivery, and that’s been really good.”  Gausman gave up one run and three hits, striking out 21, over his first two starts, both no-decisions. He gave up three runs and six hits in his last outing, when he went five innings of a no-decision in the Blue Jays’ 9-7, 10-inning victory at Milwaukee on Tuesday.  Gausman has been successful against the Diamondbacks, going 6-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts).   Nelson, meanwhile, has been betrayed by his defense at times. He has given up 14 runs in four starts, but only eight runs were earned. Atlanta scored five unearned runs off him in his second start, a 17-2 loss on April 2.  Nelson gave up two runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings in his most recent outing, a no-decision in a 9-7 loss at Baltimore on Monday, when the bullpen could not hold a 7-1 lead.  Nelson has increased his slider and curveball usage this season to complement his high-90s fastball. Against the Orioles, he had seven strikeouts — three on a fastball, three on a slider, and one on a curve.  “He’s had success pitching with velo (velocity) and only velo, but we want to allow him to go out there and change speeds, side-to-side as well as up-and-down,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s a very conscious effort to have him pitch a little bit more than just going out there and let it eat with straight veto for 100 pitches.”  Nelson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three career outings (all starts) against the Blue Jays.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Kevin #Gausman #Jays #strive #stop #skid #matchup #Dbacks

Deadspin | Behind Kevin Gausman, Jays strive to stop skid in matchup vs. D-backs
Deadspin | Behind Kevin Gausman, Jays strive to stop skid in matchup vs. D-backs  Apr 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;  Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   The Toronto Blue Jays will turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman in an attempt to escape an early-season funk when they meet the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game set in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.  The Diamondbacks secured the series win with a 6-2 victory Saturday on Corbin Carroll’s grand slam that broke a tie in the eighth, keeping each team on its current path.  Arizona has won four games in a row and 10 of its past 13, and has not lost a series since being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.   Carroll’s homer secured the Diamondbacks’ 10th comeback win of the season.  “We’ve played a lot of (close games),” Carroll said. “Maybe when you are in those situations, you know you don’t have to press.”  The Blue Jays have lost four straight games, six of their past seven, and have not won a series since a season-opening sweep of the Athletics.  Toronto has played through injured-list stints to George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger this year.  Gausman (0-1, 2.42 ERA) will oppose Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54) on Sunday.  Gausman has given up three runs or fewer in each of his four starts this season but remains winless despite his low ERA. In two of Gauman’s starts, the Blue Jays have managed just one run.  “We’re not scoring, but we’re definitely not scoring when he’s out there,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “I feel like he’s been as steady as he has ever been here. So looking for him to continue do that.   “He’s in a good place. Physically his delivery is sound. That’s the only time Kevin has been in trouble, with his delivery, and that’s been really good.”  Gausman gave up one run and three hits, striking out 21, over his first two starts, both no-decisions. He gave up three runs and six hits in his last outing, when he went five innings of a no-decision in the Blue Jays’ 9-7, 10-inning victory at Milwaukee on Tuesday.  Gausman has been successful against the Diamondbacks, going 6-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts).   Nelson, meanwhile, has been betrayed by his defense at times. He has given up 14 runs in four starts, but only eight runs were earned. Atlanta scored five unearned runs off him in his second start, a 17-2 loss on April 2.  Nelson gave up two runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings in his most recent outing, a no-decision in a 9-7 loss at Baltimore on Monday, when the bullpen could not hold a 7-1 lead.  Nelson has increased his slider and curveball usage this season to complement his high-90s fastball. Against the Orioles, he had seven strikeouts — three on a fastball, three on a slider, and one on a curve.  “He’s had success pitching with velo (velocity) and only velo, but we want to allow him to go out there and change speeds, side-to-side as well as up-and-down,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s a very conscious effort to have him pitch a little bit more than just going out there and let it eat with straight veto for 100 pitches.”  Nelson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three career outings (all starts) against the Blue Jays.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Kevin #Gausman #Jays #strive #stop #skid #matchup #DbacksApr 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays will turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman in an attempt to escape an early-season funk when they meet the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game set in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.

The Diamondbacks secured the series win with a 6-2 victory Saturday on Corbin Carroll’s grand slam that broke a tie in the eighth, keeping each team on its current path.

Arizona has won four games in a row and 10 of its past 13, and has not lost a series since being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

Carroll’s homer secured the Diamondbacks’ 10th comeback win of the season.

“We’ve played a lot of (close games),” Carroll said. “Maybe when you are in those situations, you know you don’t have to press.”

The Blue Jays have lost four straight games, six of their past seven, and have not won a series since a season-opening sweep of the Athletics.

Toronto has played through injured-list stints to George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger this year.

Gausman (0-1, 2.42 ERA) will oppose Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54) on Sunday.

Gausman has given up three runs or fewer in each of his four starts this season but remains winless despite his low ERA. In two of Gauman’s starts, the Blue Jays have managed just one run.


“We’re not scoring, but we’re definitely not scoring when he’s out there,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “I feel like he’s been as steady as he has ever been here. So looking for him to continue do that.

“He’s in a good place. Physically his delivery is sound. That’s the only time Kevin has been in trouble, with his delivery, and that’s been really good.”

Gausman gave up one run and three hits, striking out 21, over his first two starts, both no-decisions. He gave up three runs and six hits in his last outing, when he went five innings of a no-decision in the Blue Jays’ 9-7, 10-inning victory at Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Gausman has been successful against the Diamondbacks, going 6-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts).

Nelson, meanwhile, has been betrayed by his defense at times. He has given up 14 runs in four starts, but only eight runs were earned. Atlanta scored five unearned runs off him in his second start, a 17-2 loss on April 2.

Nelson gave up two runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings in his most recent outing, a no-decision in a 9-7 loss at Baltimore on Monday, when the bullpen could not hold a 7-1 lead.

Nelson has increased his slider and curveball usage this season to complement his high-90s fastball. Against the Orioles, he had seven strikeouts — three on a fastball, three on a slider, and one on a curve.

“He’s had success pitching with velo (velocity) and only velo, but we want to allow him to go out there and change speeds, side-to-side as well as up-and-down,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s a very conscious effort to have him pitch a little bit more than just going out there and let it eat with straight veto for 100 pitches.”

Nelson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three career outings (all starts) against the Blue Jays.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kevin #Gausman #Jays #strive #stop #skid #matchup #Dbacks

Apr 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays will turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman in an attempt to escape an early-season funk when they meet the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game set in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.

The Diamondbacks secured the series win with a 6-2 victory Saturday on Corbin Carroll’s grand slam that broke a tie in the eighth, keeping each team on its current path.

Arizona has won four games in a row and 10 of its past 13, and has not lost a series since being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

Carroll’s homer secured the Diamondbacks’ 10th comeback win of the season.

“We’ve played a lot of (close games),” Carroll said. “Maybe when you are in those situations, you know you don’t have to press.”

The Blue Jays have lost four straight games, six of their past seven, and have not won a series since a season-opening sweep of the Athletics.

Toronto has played through injured-list stints to George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger this year.

Gausman (0-1, 2.42 ERA) will oppose Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54) on Sunday.

Gausman has given up three runs or fewer in each of his four starts this season but remains winless despite his low ERA. In two of Gauman’s starts, the Blue Jays have managed just one run.

“We’re not scoring, but we’re definitely not scoring when he’s out there,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “I feel like he’s been as steady as he has ever been here. So looking for him to continue do that.

“He’s in a good place. Physically his delivery is sound. That’s the only time Kevin has been in trouble, with his delivery, and that’s been really good.”

Gausman gave up one run and three hits, striking out 21, over his first two starts, both no-decisions. He gave up three runs and six hits in his last outing, when he went five innings of a no-decision in the Blue Jays’ 9-7, 10-inning victory at Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Gausman has been successful against the Diamondbacks, going 6-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts).

Nelson, meanwhile, has been betrayed by his defense at times. He has given up 14 runs in four starts, but only eight runs were earned. Atlanta scored five unearned runs off him in his second start, a 17-2 loss on April 2.

Nelson gave up two runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings in his most recent outing, a no-decision in a 9-7 loss at Baltimore on Monday, when the bullpen could not hold a 7-1 lead.

Nelson has increased his slider and curveball usage this season to complement his high-90s fastball. Against the Orioles, he had seven strikeouts — three on a fastball, three on a slider, and one on a curve.

“He’s had success pitching with velo (velocity) and only velo, but we want to allow him to go out there and change speeds, side-to-side as well as up-and-down,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s a very conscious effort to have him pitch a little bit more than just going out there and let it eat with straight veto for 100 pitches.”

Nelson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three career outings (all starts) against the Blue Jays.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Kevin #Gausman #Jays #strive #stop #skid #matchup #Dbacks

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Arthur Fils downs Rublev to win Barcelona Open; secures his fourth ATP title <div id="content-body-70881995" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Frenchman Arthur Fils continued his strong run of form since returning from an eight-month injury lay-off, beating Russia’s higher-ranked Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6(2) to win the Barcelona Open and claim his first title since 2024.</p><p>Fils, who suffered a lower-back stress fracture last year, returned in February and reached the final of the Qatar Open and the semifinal of the Miami Open. He secured his fourth ATP title on Sunday, and his third on clay, with the French Open a month away.</p><p>“It’s been a tough few months, struggling with the injury, but we’re back on court and winning the trophy, so I’m pretty happy about that,” Fils said at the presentation ceremony.</p><p>Fils dropped serve in the opening game after missing the baseline with a couple of shots, but he responded quickly, breaking back in the fourth game to level at 2-2.</p><p>Rublev struggled to match Fils thereafter, as the Frenchman sharpened his forehand returns, consistently finding the lines and pushing the fifth seed onto the back foot to take the first set in 31 minutes.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/rybakina-vs-muchova-score-highlights-stuttgart-open-2026-final-winner/article70881029.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rybakina beats Muchova to win Stuttgart Open 2026</a></b></p><p>Fils won seven consecutive games before Rublev managed to hold serve early in the second set. The 28-year-old then saved seven break points in a prolonged game to stay level at 2-2.</p><p>The 21-year-old Fils broke again with a clever backhand drop shot to move 4-2 ahead. However, serving for the match at 5-3, he made three successive errors to allow Rublev back into the contest.</p><p>Rublev saved three match points to hold serve for 5-5 and then broke Fils to lead 6-5. But Fils responded immediately, breaking back to force a tie-break, which he won comfortably 7-2.</p><p>“The way you are playing, it’s ridiculous. You’ve proved that you’re one of the best players on the Tour,” Rublev said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 19, 2026</p></div> #Arthur #Fils #downs #Rublev #win #Barcelona #Open #secures #fourth #ATP #title

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2 biggest trade suitors revealed with deal zone nearing  Giannis Antetokounmpo is maybe, possibly, conceivably getting traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Bucks ownership has indicated that it will trade the 31-year-old superstar before entering the final year of his contract if he does not sign an extension this summer. There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, .6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.  #Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing

There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2 biggest trade suitors revealed with deal zone nearing

Giannis Antetokounmpo is maybe, possibly, conceivably getting traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Bucks ownership has indicated that it will trade the 31-year-old superstar before entering the final year of his contract if he does not sign an extension this summer. There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing

India will need bigger contributions from its leadership duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana and its middle order as it seeks to clinch the three-match T20I in the deciding fixture at Taunton on Tuesday.

The series stands locked at 1-1, with each fixture exposing different issues with the Indian batting order. In the first T20I, openers Smriti and Shafali Verma were dismissed in the very first over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who is back in the T20I setup after a recurring injury issues, did well to stabilise the Indian innings and help post a competitive score.

In the second fixure, however, India squandered a positive start with Harmanpreet and Yastika struggling to break free from a mid innings rut.

Harmanpreet, who did not feature in the opening game, returned to her usual no.4 slot in the 2nd T20I, which meant Yastika was brought up to No.3 in place of Jemimah who was pushed to no.5. The disruption didn’t work as Jemimah, slotted into a finishing role, strayed from her natural game and holed out trying to send the ball to the fence.

With the series locked at 1-1, a victory in the decider will not just be another overseas bilateral win but a shot in the arm for either team before the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this month.

India was ahead of England in the chase at the end of the PowerPlay (49/1 against England’s 35/1) with the required rate of 8.57. That soon climbed to 9.10 at the halfway mark and to 12.00 by the 14th, prompting India to retire out a struggling Yastika who never really got going. Harmanpreet’s own scoring rate — she has a tendency to take time to settle before exploding — wasn’t great as the pair piled on the dots.

One would have thought Richa Ghosh might be the candidate to send in place of Yastika to infuse some urgency into the chase. But it was Jemimah who was sent ahead of her. Richa was dismissed for another single digit score a few deliveries later.

Harmanpreet’s return and Yastika’s retention meant Bharti Fulmali had to warm the bench, but given India’s finishing troubles, the side might want to keep her in the mix. That said, all of this only points to a highly unsettled batting order, worrying signs with a World Cup around the corner.

For England, too, batting has been a concern, as Amy Jones’ 67 is the only half-century across two games while most of the other seasoned batters got starts but couldn’t carry on with the momentum for sustained periods of time.

Published on Jun 01, 2026

#INDW #ENGW #3rd #T20I #eyes #Smriti #Mandhana #middle #order #ahead #decider #Taunton">IND-W vs ENG-W 3rd T20I: All eyes on Smriti Mandhana, middle order ahead of decider in Taunton  India will need bigger contributions from its leadership duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana and its middle order as it seeks to clinch the three-match T20I in the deciding fixture at Taunton on Tuesday.The series stands locked at 1-1, with each fixture exposing different issues with the Indian batting order. In the first T20I, openers Smriti and Shafali Verma were dismissed in the very first over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who is back in the T20I setup after a recurring injury issues, did well to stabilise the Indian innings and help post a competitive score.In the second fixure, however, India squandered a positive start with Harmanpreet and Yastika struggling to break free from a mid innings rut.Harmanpreet, who did not feature in the opening game, returned to her usual no.4 slot in the 2nd T20I, which meant Yastika was brought up to No.3 in place of Jemimah who was pushed to no.5. The disruption didn’t work as Jemimah, slotted into a finishing role, strayed from her natural game and holed out trying to send the ball to the fence.With the series locked at 1-1, a victory in the decider will not just be another overseas bilateral win but a shot in the arm for either team before the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this month.India was ahead of England in the chase at the end of the PowerPlay (49/1 against England’s 35/1) with the required rate of 8.57. That soon climbed to 9.10 at the halfway mark and to 12.00 by the 14th, prompting India to retire out a struggling Yastika who never really got going. Harmanpreet’s own scoring rate — she has a tendency to take time to settle before exploding — wasn’t great as the pair piled on the dots.One would have thought Richa Ghosh might be the candidate to send in place of Yastika to infuse some urgency into the chase. But it was Jemimah who was sent ahead of her. Richa was dismissed for another single digit score a few deliveries later.Harmanpreet’s return and Yastika’s retention meant Bharti Fulmali had to warm the bench, but given India’s finishing troubles, the side might want to keep her in the mix. That said, all of this only points to a highly unsettled batting order, worrying signs with a World Cup around the corner.For England, too, batting has been a concern, as Amy Jones’ 67 is the only half-century across two games while most of the other seasoned batters got starts but couldn’t carry on with the momentum for sustained periods of time.Published on Jun 01, 2026  #INDW #ENGW #3rd #T20I #eyes #Smriti #Mandhana #middle #order #ahead #decider #Taunton

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