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Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday. The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments. While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed. However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns. “I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.” The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs. Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss. “Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.” With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs. “Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution. “We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #Rockets

Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets
Deadspin | Health management for playoffs big concern as T-Wolves visit Rockets Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday. The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments. While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed. However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns. “I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.” The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs. Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss. “Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.” With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs. “Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution. “We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #RocketsApr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.

The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.

While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.

However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.

“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.

“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”


The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.

Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.

“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.

“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.

“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Health #management #playoffs #big #concern #TWolves #visit #Rockets

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Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.

The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.

While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.

However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.

“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.

“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”

The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.

Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.

“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.

“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.

“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”

-Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Braves rally from 6-run hole, defeat Rockies on late HR May 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) and infielder Ozzie Albies (1) celebrate after scoring during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Michael Harris II blasted a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves rallied late to beat the Colorado Rockies 8-6 in Denver on Friday night. Matt Olson also went deep, while Austin Riley, Mauricio Dubon and Ronald Acuna had two hits each. Didier Fuentes (1-0) got the win in relief for Atlanta, which erased a six-run deficit and won for the fourth time in its last five. Mickey Moniak homered among his two hits and Tyler Johnston also had two hits for Colorado, which has lost three of its last four. The Braves, who trailed 6-1 after six innings, got a run in the seventh and then tied it in the eighth when Zach Agnos and Jaden Hill walked the bases loaded with one out. Dubon tripled down the right field line to make it 6-5. Then came home with the tying run on Riley’s sacrifice fly. Juan Mejia (0-3) walked Jonah Heim to lead off the ninth and Harris followed with his seventh homer of the season to give Atlanta the lead. Robert Suarez pitched the ninth for his fourth save. The first six Rockies batters reached in the first inning against Grant Holmes, and 10 went to the plate in the frame. Edouard Julien led off with a walk, Moniak singled and Hunter Goodman drove in the first run with a double. TJ Rumfield followed with an RBI single and Tyler Freeman’s bunt single brought home Goodman to make it 3-0. Johnston’s single loaded the bases, and Willi Castro grounded out to first base to score Rumfield. Freeman came home on Olson’s errant throw to the plate. Moniak led off the second with his ninth home run of the season to make it 6-0 but Holmes settled down after that. He allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits and struck out four in his five innings. Colorado starter Jose Quintana was sharp. He allowed just one hit until Olson’s homer in the fourth and scattered five hits over six innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #rally #6run #hole #defeat #Rockies #lateMay 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) and infielder Ozzie Albies (1) celebrate after scoring during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Michael Harris II blasted a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves rallied late to beat the Colorado Rockies 8-6 in Denver on Friday night.

Matt Olson also went deep, while Austin Riley, Mauricio Dubon and Ronald Acuna had two hits each. Didier Fuentes (1-0) got the win in relief for Atlanta, which erased a six-run deficit and won for the fourth time in its last five.

Mickey Moniak homered among his two hits and Tyler Johnston also had two hits for Colorado, which has lost three of its last four.

The Braves, who trailed 6-1 after six innings, got a run in the seventh and then tied it in the eighth when Zach Agnos and Jaden Hill walked the bases loaded with one out.

Dubon tripled down the right field line to make it 6-5. Then came home with the tying run on Riley’s sacrifice fly.


Juan Mejia (0-3) walked Jonah Heim to lead off the ninth and Harris followed with his seventh homer of the season to give Atlanta the lead.

Robert Suarez pitched the ninth for his fourth save.

The first six Rockies batters reached in the first inning against Grant Holmes, and 10 went to the plate in the frame. Edouard Julien led off with a walk, Moniak singled and Hunter Goodman drove in the first run with a double.

TJ Rumfield followed with an RBI single and Tyler Freeman’s bunt single brought home Goodman to make it 3-0. Johnston’s single loaded the bases, and Willi Castro grounded out to first base to score Rumfield. Freeman came home on Olson’s errant throw to the plate.

Moniak led off the second with his ninth home run of the season to make it 6-0 but Holmes settled down after that. He allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits and struck out four in his five innings.

Colorado starter Jose Quintana was sharp. He allowed just one hit until Olson’s homer in the fourth and scattered five hits over six innings.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #rally #6run #hole #defeat #Rockies #late">Deadspin | Braves rally from 6-run hole, defeat Rockies on late HR May 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) and infielder Ozzie Albies (1) celebrate after scoring during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Michael Harris II blasted a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves rallied late to beat the Colorado Rockies 8-6 in Denver on Friday night. Matt Olson also went deep, while Austin Riley, Mauricio Dubon and Ronald Acuna had two hits each. Didier Fuentes (1-0) got the win in relief for Atlanta, which erased a six-run deficit and won for the fourth time in its last five. Mickey Moniak homered among his two hits and Tyler Johnston also had two hits for Colorado, which has lost three of its last four. The Braves, who trailed 6-1 after six innings, got a run in the seventh and then tied it in the eighth when Zach Agnos and Jaden Hill walked the bases loaded with one out. Dubon tripled down the right field line to make it 6-5. Then came home with the tying run on Riley’s sacrifice fly. Juan Mejia (0-3) walked Jonah Heim to lead off the ninth and Harris followed with his seventh homer of the season to give Atlanta the lead. Robert Suarez pitched the ninth for his fourth save. The first six Rockies batters reached in the first inning against Grant Holmes, and 10 went to the plate in the frame. Edouard Julien led off with a walk, Moniak singled and Hunter Goodman drove in the first run with a double. TJ Rumfield followed with an RBI single and Tyler Freeman’s bunt single brought home Goodman to make it 3-0. Johnston’s single loaded the bases, and Willi Castro grounded out to first base to score Rumfield. Freeman came home on Olson’s errant throw to the plate. Moniak led off the second with his ninth home run of the season to make it 6-0 but Holmes settled down after that. He allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits and struck out four in his five innings. Colorado starter Jose Quintana was sharp. He allowed just one hit until Olson’s homer in the fourth and scattered five hits over six innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #rally #6run #hole #defeat #Rockies #late

Czech javelin legend and former coach of Neeraj Chopra, Jan Zelezny, has teamed up with Japan star Haruka Kitaguchi as her coach, the athlete announced in an Instagram post on Friday.

“After our training camp in South Africa, I’m excited to announce that I have officially started working with true legend Jan Zelezny,” Kitaguchi, the Olympic women’s javelin champion, said in the post.

“I am incredibly honoured to begin this new chapter with him.”

Zelezny, 59, is a three-time Olympic javelin champion and still holds the world record with a throw of 98.48 metres, set in 1996. He coached Neeraj from late 2024 to early 2026, a spell in which the 2020 Olympic champion breached his 90-metre mark, at the Doha Diamond League.

The two mutually parted ways in January 2026.

Kitaguchi, 28, moved to the Czech Republic in 2019 and began training with local coach David Sekerak. Sekerak has since led her to the 2023 world title and the 2024 Olympic crown, together with two Diamond League titles.

Kitaguchi won gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was the host nation’s main medal hope at the 2025 world championships in Tokyo, but failed to reach the final.

An elbow injury restricted Kitaguchi to just two competitions in the build-up to the championships, and her best throw of 60.38 metres placed her 14th in qualifying.

Announcing her partnership with Zelezny, Kitaguchi said she was “looking forward to absorbing everything I can — not just about javelin technique, but also the elite mentality it takes to succeed”.

(With inputs from AFP)

Published on May 02, 2026

#coach #Neeraj #Chopra #teams #Olympic #champion #Haruka #Kitaguchi">Former coach of Neeraj Chopra, teams up with another Olympic champion in Haruka Kitaguchi Czech javelin legend and former coach of Neeraj Chopra, Jan Zelezny, has teamed up with Japan star Haruka Kitaguchi as her coach, the athlete announced in an Instagram post on Friday.“After our training camp in South Africa, I’m excited to announce that I have officially started working with true legend Jan Zelezny,” Kitaguchi, the Olympic women’s javelin champion, said in the post.“I am incredibly honoured to begin this new chapter with him.”Zelezny, 59, is a three-time Olympic javelin champion and still holds the world record with a throw of 98.48 metres, set in 1996. He coached Neeraj from late 2024 to early 2026, a spell in which the 2020 Olympic champion breached his 90-metre mark, at the Doha Diamond League.The two mutually parted ways in January 2026.Kitaguchi, 28, moved to the Czech Republic in 2019 and began training with local coach David Sekerak. Sekerak has since led her to the 2023 world title and the 2024 Olympic crown, together with two Diamond League titles.Kitaguchi won gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was the host nation’s main medal hope at the 2025 world championships in Tokyo, but failed to reach the final.An elbow injury restricted Kitaguchi to just two competitions in the build-up to the championships, and her best throw of 60.38 metres placed her 14th in qualifying.Announcing her partnership with Zelezny, Kitaguchi said she was “looking forward to absorbing everything I can — not just about javelin technique, but also the elite mentality it takes to succeed”.(With inputs from AFP)Published on May 02, 2026 #coach #Neeraj #Chopra #teams #Olympic #champion #Haruka #Kitaguchi

MI’s Jasprit Bumrah has had a season to forget so far. The pace spearhead has taken only two wickets from eight matches at a disastrous average of 132.00- that average is the worst for any bowler who has bowled 25 plus overs this season.

And on Sunday, the misfiring Bumrah goes up against one of his lesser favourite opponents in the IPL- Chennai Super Kings.

The 32-year-old has an average record by his high standards against CSK, having taken only 15 wickets from 17 matches at an average of 33.20 and an economy rate of 7.58.

Bumrah had a decent outing with the ball when the two sides met at the Wankhede just over a week ago, returning with figures of 1/31 from his four overs in a match where CSK scored over 200.

At the Chepauk, Bumrah has played only two matches so far, but has a slightly better record, having taken two wickets at an average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 5.85.

As MI’s playoff chances hang by a thread, the pacer will need to rediscover his best form for his side’s fortunes starting with the match against CSK tonight.

Published on May 02, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Jasprit #Bumrahs #record #Chennai #Super #Kings">CSK vs MI IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah’s record against Chennai Super Kings MI’s Jasprit Bumrah has had a season to forget so far. The pace spearhead has taken only two wickets from eight matches at a disastrous average of 132.00- that average is the worst for any bowler who has bowled 25 plus overs this season.And on Sunday, the misfiring Bumrah goes up against one of his lesser favourite opponents in the IPL- Chennai Super Kings.The 32-year-old has an average record by his high standards against CSK, having taken only 15 wickets from 17 matches at an average of 33.20 and an economy rate of 7.58.Bumrah had a decent outing with the ball when the two sides met at the Wankhede just over a week ago, returning with figures of 1/31 from his four overs in a match where CSK scored over 200.At the Chepauk, Bumrah has played only two matches so far, but has a slightly better record, having taken two wickets at an average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 5.85.As MI’s playoff chances hang by a thread, the pacer will need to rediscover his best form for his side’s fortunes starting with the match against CSK tonight.Published on May 02, 2026 #CSK #IPL #Jasprit #Bumrahs #record #Chennai #Super #Kings

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