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Five WWE Superstars in the Spotlight Ahead of Wrestlemania | Deadspin.com We are officially two weeks away from WrestleMania. Just when fans thought creative could not get worse, Triple H and TKO proved them wrong. Despite the bad booking, several superstars have flourished on the Road to WrestleMania. Here, we are going to look at five superstars who are dominating the ‘Mania scene, and one who will not be appearing on the grandest stage of them all.Honorable Mention: You Are Cursed!Talk about a bounce back. Danhausen debuted at the Elimination Chamber through a big box, and fans were not having it. The moment he cursed Dominik Mysterio (who later lost the Intercontinental title to Penta), everything changed. He has been appearing in backstage segments on both Raw and SmackDown, saying, “You are Cursed”. Fans in attendance and at home are invested in it. It will be very interesting to see how WWE incorporates him at WrestleMania, but so far, he has done an excellent job.The Ring General GuntherGunther was absent for three weeks following his match against Dragon Lee, where he unmasked his opponent. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering where he could be. After all, he retired John Cena months ago. On Raw, the WWE Universe found out exactly who the Ring General’s opponent is. With Paul Heyman in the ring, GM Adam Pearce announced that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Rollins appeared and beat down the Wiseman. Many fans anticipated Bron Breakker to return and seal the deal for a date in Vegas. Instead, Gunther dragged Rollins out of the ring and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Gunther was originally supposed to face Rey Mysterio, but Mysterio got hurt. Look for the Career Killer to cut a promo on Raw tomorrow and amp up the match.The Genius of the Sky Iyo SkyFor a wrestler regarded as the best female professional wrestler on the planet, Iyo Sky sure has not been booked well recently. After her tag partner, Rhea Ripley, won the Elimination Chamber and moved to SmackDown, Sky has been left in purgatory. She is feuding with Raquel Rodriguez, but there must be something else for her to do. The plan was Iyo Sky vs Asuka, but on SmackDown, it looks like Sky will be in Rhea’s corner for her match. It would be a shame if she is not on the card, but any appearance is better than none.Whoop that TrickThe aura-forming is real. Trick Williams arrived on the main roster in 2026, and fans fell in love with him. This guy has the entrance, charisma, promo skills, and in-ring ability to compete with the best WWE has to offer. He is scheduled to face Sami Zayn for the US Championship, and WWE is planning on a double turn that would make Williams a huge star in the company.CelebritiesAlright. Order in the court! I know they are not wrestlers, but they have been featured heavily in the past few weeks. First, iShowSpeed inadvertently helped the Vision (Austin Theory and Logan Paul) win the Tag titles. He hit LA Knight with the brass knuckles at ringside, and then Paul hit Jey with the knucks to pick up the victory. Afterwards, he insisted he did not want anything to do with the Vision, but it looks like he will be involved at Mania in a six-man tag against the Usos and LA Knight. Then there’s Jelly Roll. Two weeks ago, he had more segments on Friday Night SmackDown than any other WWE superstar on the roster. He was not at this past Friday’s show because he was selling the RKO. Onto Lil Yatchy. You read that right. The rapper is likely going to be featured in Trick’s corner at WrestleMania and cut a cringeworthy promo on SmackDown. Finally, the WWE Universe was SHOCKED when Randy Orton’s mystery caller was revealed. He posted on X that he was done with WWE, but now lives as one of the worst reveals in WWE history. Pat McAfee hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes and cut a nonsensical promo about how WWE needs Randy Orton. Multiple reports state that TKO made this decision, specifically Ari Emanuel. When will they learn that celebrities are not the solution to ticket sales?To put the cherry on top, John Cena is hosting WrestleMania this year, and it looks like WWE is pulling out all the stops to get butts in seats.The Ruler is HereOba Femi strutted down to the ring a few weeks ago on Raw to answer Lesnar’s open challenge and give him a powerbomb. Then, Lesnar instructed Femi to put his foot on his chest as he pointed to the sign. This rivalry probably has the most steam heading into WrestleMania, and look for WWE to make Oba look like a million bucks. With just two more episodes of Raw left, it will be intriguing to see where these two go. Lots of fans and media personalities are praying that Oba Femi wins this match, but anything can happen.AJ LeeThe Women’s Intercontinental Champion missed last week’s Raw, but all signs point to her appearing at least once more before taking on Becky Lynch. This will be Lee’s first WrestleMania match in over 10 years, so the pressure will be on. Her husband, CM Punk, is headlining Night 2 against Roman Reigns, so fans’ expectations of this match will be high. There has not been a stipulation added yet, but given the champ has tapped out the Lass Kicker three straight times, WWE should consider it.Finally, one person who will not be at WrestleMania is Chris Jericho. His last appearance in pro wrestling was on April 6th, 2025, and pro wrestling fans were wondering where he would go. WWE fans hoped to see him at the Royal Rumble or come out of the big crate at Elimination Chamber. Maybe even face Gunther at WM.Hit the brakes, because Y2J returned to AEW Dynamite last Wednesday in his hometown of Winnipeg. The fans sang his “Fozzy” song and chanted “Welcome Back”. The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) was pointing out how flat the crowd was during the segment. Case in point, where Jericho was trying to hype the live crowd. AEW fans do not know what’s in store for him, but WWE fans must accept that they will not be hearing “Break the Walls Down” anytime soon.We are one week away from WrestleMania, and it is beginning to sizzle. All hands will be on deck to ensure the build to this year’s WM will be like no other. One last thing, on Monday Night Raw, Vince McMahon was alluded to twice in the show. First by Cody Rhodes, and then by Paul Heyman later on in the show. Could Vince be making a comeback or appearance at WrestleMania? We will have to wait and see. #WWE #Superstars #Spotlight #Ahead #Wrestlemania #Deadspin.com

Five WWE Superstars in the Spotlight Ahead of Wrestlemania | Deadspin.com

We are officially two weeks away from WrestleMania. 

Just when fans thought creative could not get worse, Triple H and TKO proved them wrong. Despite the bad booking, several superstars have flourished on the Road to WrestleMania. Here, we are going to look at five superstars who are dominating the ‘Mania scene, and one who will not be appearing on the grandest stage of them all.

Honorable Mention: You Are Cursed!

Talk about a bounce back. Danhausen debuted at the Elimination Chamber through a big box, and fans were not having it. The moment he cursed Dominik Mysterio (who later lost the Intercontinental title to Penta), everything changed. He has been appearing in backstage segments on both Raw and SmackDown, saying, “You are Cursed”. Fans in attendance and at home are invested in it. It will be very interesting to see how WWE incorporates him at WrestleMania, but so far, he has done an excellent job.

The Ring General Gunther

Gunther was absent for three weeks following his match against Dragon Lee, where he unmasked his opponent. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering where he could be. After all, he retired John Cena months ago. 

On Raw, the WWE Universe found out exactly who the Ring General’s opponent is. With Paul Heyman in the ring, GM Adam Pearce announced that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Rollins appeared and beat down the Wiseman. Many fans anticipated Bron Breakker to return and seal the deal for a date in Vegas. Instead, Gunther dragged Rollins out of the ring and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Gunther was originally supposed to face Rey Mysterio, but Mysterio got hurt. Look for the Career Killer to cut a promo on Raw tomorrow and amp up the match.

The Genius of the Sky Iyo Sky

For a wrestler regarded as the best female professional wrestler on the planet, Iyo Sky sure has not been booked well recently. After her tag partner, Rhea Ripley, won the Elimination Chamber and moved to SmackDown, Sky has been left in purgatory. She is feuding with Raquel Rodriguez, but there must be something else for her to do. The plan was Iyo Sky vs Asuka, but on SmackDown, it looks like Sky will be in Rhea’s corner for her match. It would be a shame if she is not on the card, but any appearance is better than none.

Whoop that Trick

The aura-forming is real. Trick Williams arrived on the main roster in 2026, and fans fell in love with him. This guy has the entrance, charisma, promo skills, and in-ring ability to compete with the best WWE has to offer. He is scheduled to face Sami Zayn for the US Championship, and WWE is planning on a double turn that would make Williams a huge star in the company.

Celebrities

Alright. Order in the court! I know they are not wrestlers, but they have been featured heavily in the past few weeks. First, iShowSpeed inadvertently helped the Vision (Austin Theory and Logan Paul) win the Tag titles. He hit LA Knight with the brass knuckles at ringside, and then Paul hit Jey with the knucks to pick up the victory. Afterwards, he insisted he did not want anything to do with the Vision, but it looks like he will be involved at Mania in a six-man tag against the Usos and LA Knight. 

Then there’s Jelly Roll. Two weeks ago, he had more segments on Friday Night SmackDown than any other WWE superstar on the roster. He was not at this past Friday’s show because he was selling the RKO. Onto Lil Yatchy. You read that right. The rapper is likely going to be featured in Trick’s corner at WrestleMania and cut a cringeworthy promo on SmackDown. Finally, the WWE Universe was SHOCKED when Randy Orton’s mystery caller was revealed. He posted on X that he was done with WWE, but now lives as one of the worst reveals in WWE history. Pat McAfee hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes and cut a nonsensical promo about how WWE needs Randy Orton. Multiple reports state that TKO made this decision, specifically Ari Emanuel. When will they learn that celebrities are not the solution to ticket sales?

To put the cherry on top, John Cena is hosting WrestleMania this year, and it looks like WWE is pulling out all the stops to get butts in seats.

The Ruler is Here

Oba Femi strutted down to the ring a few weeks ago on Raw to answer Lesnar’s open challenge and give him a powerbomb. Then, Lesnar instructed Femi to put his foot on his chest as he pointed to the sign. This rivalry probably has the most steam heading into WrestleMania, and look for WWE to make Oba look like a million bucks. With just two more episodes of Raw left, it will be intriguing to see where these two go. Lots of fans and media personalities are praying that Oba Femi wins this match, but anything can happen.

AJ Lee

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion missed last week’s Raw, but all signs point to her appearing at least once more before taking on Becky Lynch. This will be Lee’s first WrestleMania match in over 10 years, so the pressure will be on. Her husband, CM Punk, is headlining Night 2 against Roman Reigns, so fans’ expectations of this match will be high. There has not been a stipulation added yet, but given the champ has tapped out the Lass Kicker three straight times, WWE should consider it.

Finally, one person who will not be at WrestleMania is Chris Jericho. His last appearance in pro wrestling was on April 6th, 2025, and pro wrestling fans were wondering where he would go. WWE fans hoped to see him at the Royal Rumble or come out of the big crate at Elimination Chamber. Maybe even face Gunther at WM.

Hit the brakes, because Y2J returned to AEW Dynamite last Wednesday in his hometown of Winnipeg. The fans sang his “Fozzy” song and chanted “Welcome Back”. The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) was pointing out how flat the crowd was during the segment. Case in point, where Jericho was trying to hype the live crowd. AEW fans do not know what’s in store for him, but WWE fans must accept that they will not be hearing “Break the Walls Down” anytime soon.

We are one week away from WrestleMania, and it is beginning to sizzle. All hands will be on deck to ensure the build to this year’s WM will be like no other. One last thing, on Monday Night Raw, Vince McMahon was alluded to twice in the show. First by Cody Rhodes, and then by Paul Heyman later on in the show. Could Vince be making a comeback or appearance at WrestleMania? We will have to wait and see.

#WWE #Superstars #Spotlight #Ahead #Wrestlemania #Deadspin.com

Sports news

We are officially two weeks away from WrestleMania. 

Just when fans thought creative could not get worse, Triple H and TKO proved them wrong. Despite the bad booking, several superstars have flourished on the Road to WrestleMania. Here, we are going to look at five superstars who are dominating the ‘Mania scene, and one who will not be appearing on the grandest stage of them all.

Honorable Mention: You Are Cursed!

Talk about a bounce back. Danhausen debuted at the Elimination Chamber through a big box, and fans were not having it. The moment he cursed Dominik Mysterio (who later lost the Intercontinental title to Penta), everything changed. He has been appearing in backstage segments on both Raw and SmackDown, saying, “You are Cursed”. Fans in attendance and at home are invested in it. It will be very interesting to see how WWE incorporates him at WrestleMania, but so far, he has done an excellent job.

The Ring General Gunther

Gunther was absent for three weeks following his match against Dragon Lee, where he unmasked his opponent. Fans were scratching their heads, wondering where he could be. After all, he retired John Cena months ago. 

On Raw, the WWE Universe found out exactly who the Ring General’s opponent is. With Paul Heyman in the ring, GM Adam Pearce announced that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Rollins appeared and beat down the Wiseman. Many fans anticipated Bron Breakker to return and seal the deal for a date in Vegas. Instead, Gunther dragged Rollins out of the ring and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Gunther was originally supposed to face Rey Mysterio, but Mysterio got hurt. Look for the Career Killer to cut a promo on Raw tomorrow and amp up the match.

The Genius of the Sky Iyo Sky

For a wrestler regarded as the best female professional wrestler on the planet, Iyo Sky sure has not been booked well recently. After her tag partner, Rhea Ripley, won the Elimination Chamber and moved to SmackDown, Sky has been left in purgatory. She is feuding with Raquel Rodriguez, but there must be something else for her to do. The plan was Iyo Sky vs Asuka, but on SmackDown, it looks like Sky will be in Rhea’s corner for her match. It would be a shame if she is not on the card, but any appearance is better than none.

Whoop that Trick

The aura-forming is real. Trick Williams arrived on the main roster in 2026, and fans fell in love with him. This guy has the entrance, charisma, promo skills, and in-ring ability to compete with the best WWE has to offer. He is scheduled to face Sami Zayn for the US Championship, and WWE is planning on a double turn that would make Williams a huge star in the company.

Celebrities

Alright. Order in the court! I know they are not wrestlers, but they have been featured heavily in the past few weeks. First, iShowSpeed inadvertently helped the Vision (Austin Theory and Logan Paul) win the Tag titles. He hit LA Knight with the brass knuckles at ringside, and then Paul hit Jey with the knucks to pick up the victory. Afterwards, he insisted he did not want anything to do with the Vision, but it looks like he will be involved at Mania in a six-man tag against the Usos and LA Knight. 

Then there’s Jelly Roll. Two weeks ago, he had more segments on Friday Night SmackDown than any other WWE superstar on the roster. He was not at this past Friday’s show because he was selling the RKO. Onto Lil Yatchy. You read that right. The rapper is likely going to be featured in Trick’s corner at WrestleMania and cut a cringeworthy promo on SmackDown. Finally, the WWE Universe was SHOCKED when Randy Orton’s mystery caller was revealed. He posted on X that he was done with WWE, but now lives as one of the worst reveals in WWE history. Pat McAfee hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes and cut a nonsensical promo about how WWE needs Randy Orton. Multiple reports state that TKO made this decision, specifically Ari Emanuel. When will they learn that celebrities are not the solution to ticket sales?

To put the cherry on top, John Cena is hosting WrestleMania this year, and it looks like WWE is pulling out all the stops to get butts in seats.

The Ruler is Here

Oba Femi strutted down to the ring a few weeks ago on Raw to answer Lesnar’s open challenge and give him a powerbomb. Then, Lesnar instructed Femi to put his foot on his chest as he pointed to the sign. This rivalry probably has the most steam heading into WrestleMania, and look for WWE to make Oba look like a million bucks. With just two more episodes of Raw left, it will be intriguing to see where these two go. Lots of fans and media personalities are praying that Oba Femi wins this match, but anything can happen.

AJ Lee

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion missed last week’s Raw, but all signs point to her appearing at least once more before taking on Becky Lynch. This will be Lee’s first WrestleMania match in over 10 years, so the pressure will be on. Her husband, CM Punk, is headlining Night 2 against Roman Reigns, so fans’ expectations of this match will be high. There has not been a stipulation added yet, but given the champ has tapped out the Lass Kicker three straight times, WWE should consider it.

Finally, one person who will not be at WrestleMania is Chris Jericho. His last appearance in pro wrestling was on April 6th, 2025, and pro wrestling fans were wondering where he would go. WWE fans hoped to see him at the Royal Rumble or come out of the big crate at Elimination Chamber. Maybe even face Gunther at WM.

Hit the brakes, because Y2J returned to AEW Dynamite last Wednesday in his hometown of Winnipeg. The fans sang his “Fozzy” song and chanted “Welcome Back”. The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) was pointing out how flat the crowd was during the segment. Case in point, where Jericho was trying to hype the live crowd. AEW fans do not know what’s in store for him, but WWE fans must accept that they will not be hearing “Break the Walls Down” anytime soon.

We are one week away from WrestleMania, and it is beginning to sizzle. All hands will be on deck to ensure the build to this year’s WM will be like no other. One last thing, on Monday Night Raw, Vince McMahon was alluded to twice in the show. First by Cody Rhodes, and then by Paul Heyman later on in the show. Could Vince be making a comeback or appearance at WrestleMania? We will have to wait and see.

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#WWE #Superstars #Spotlight #Ahead #Wrestlemania #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | Chris Sale notches 150th win as Braves take rubber match from Phillies Apr 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Chris Sale pitched six scoreless innings to earn the 150th victory of his career as the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series. Sale (5-1) retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only one hit, a single to Trea Turner, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He struck out a season-high nine batters and moved past Chuck Finley into 28th place on the career strikeouts list with 2,617. Sale became the fourth active pitcher with 150 wins, joining Justin Verlander (266), Max Scherzer (222) and Gerrit Cole (153). Atlanta became the first team to win 20 games, a milestone they didn’t reach until May 12 in their 41st game in 2025. The Phillies, who ended their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, have lost 15 of their last 18. The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and have not lost a series this season, improving to 8-0-1. They are 5-1 against Philadelphia; the National League East rivals don’t play again until September. Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (1-3) allowed some hard contact early but managed to work through 4 2/3 innings. He allowed a season-high six runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six. The Braves struck quickly in the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin singled and Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, his eighth, deep into the right field seats. Atlanta teed off on Nola again in the second. Mauricio Dubon walked, stole second and scored on Baldwin’s RBI single to stretch the lead to 6-0. The Phillies threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Sale came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bryce Harper and end the threat. Philadelphia ended the shutout in the eighth inning when Kyle Schwarber parked a two-run homer, his ninth, into the right field stands off left-hander Aaron Bummer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #PhilliesApr 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Chris Sale pitched six scoreless innings to earn the 150th victory of his career as the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series.

Sale (5-1) retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only one hit, a single to Trea Turner, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He struck out a season-high nine batters and moved past Chuck Finley into 28th place on the career strikeouts list with 2,617.

Sale became the fourth active pitcher with 150 wins, joining Justin Verlander (266), Max Scherzer (222) and Gerrit Cole (153).

Atlanta became the first team to win 20 games, a milestone they didn’t reach until May 12 in their 41st game in 2025. The Phillies, who ended their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, have lost 15 of their last 18.

The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and have not lost a series this season, improving to 8-0-1. They are 5-1 against Philadelphia; the National League East rivals don’t play again until September.


Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (1-3) allowed some hard contact early but managed to work through 4 2/3 innings. He allowed a season-high six runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six.

The Braves struck quickly in the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin singled and Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, his eighth, deep into the right field seats.

Atlanta teed off on Nola again in the second. Mauricio Dubon walked, stole second and scored on Baldwin’s RBI single to stretch the lead to 6-0.

The Phillies threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Sale came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bryce Harper and end the threat.

Philadelphia ended the shutout in the eighth inning when Kyle Schwarber parked a two-run homer, his ninth, into the right field stands off left-hander Aaron Bummer.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #Phillies">Deadspin | Chris Sale notches 150th win as Braves take rubber match from Phillies Apr 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Chris Sale pitched six scoreless innings to earn the 150th victory of his career as the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series. Sale (5-1) retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only one hit, a single to Trea Turner, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He struck out a season-high nine batters and moved past Chuck Finley into 28th place on the career strikeouts list with 2,617. Sale became the fourth active pitcher with 150 wins, joining Justin Verlander (266), Max Scherzer (222) and Gerrit Cole (153). Atlanta became the first team to win 20 games, a milestone they didn’t reach until May 12 in their 41st game in 2025. The Phillies, who ended their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, have lost 15 of their last 18. The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and have not lost a series this season, improving to 8-0-1. They are 5-1 against Philadelphia; the National League East rivals don’t play again until September. Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (1-3) allowed some hard contact early but managed to work through 4 2/3 innings. He allowed a season-high six runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six. The Braves struck quickly in the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin singled and Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, his eighth, deep into the right field seats. Atlanta teed off on Nola again in the second. Mauricio Dubon walked, stole second and scored on Baldwin’s RBI single to stretch the lead to 6-0. The Phillies threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Sale came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bryce Harper and end the threat. Philadelphia ended the shutout in the eighth inning when Kyle Schwarber parked a two-run homer, his ninth, into the right field stands off left-hander Aaron Bummer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #Phillies

Kevin Durant missed Houston Rockets’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of a NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday night with an ankle injury, but coach Ime Udoka said Durant could return now that the series has been extended.

Udoka said Durant has a bone bruise on his ankle that is painful, and he has limited his mobility, but didn’t rule out his return this season.

“Yeah, a possibility, for sure,” Udoka said.

“I didn’t know how bad it was initially, and then we got that prognosis. But he’s doing what he can to get swelling out and mobility back. And just like the knee, we weren’t sure when he was going to come back, but he snapped back pretty quickly to be available for Game 2. So it is a true game-to-game, day-to-day thing,” he added.

ALSO READ | NBA: Nikola Jokic, Julius Randle fined for altercation during Game 4 of Nuggets vs Timberwolves playoff series

Game 5 is on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

Durant missed Game 3 on Friday night with the ankle injury, when the Rockets blew a six-point lead with less than 30 seconds to go in regulation of an eventual 112-108 overtime loss to fall to 0-3 in the series.

Sunday’s 115-96 win was the third game of the series that Durant has missed after he sat out the opener with a bruised right knee. He returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes of the 101-94 loss, during which he injured his ankle late in the game.

His injury problems this postseason came after the 37-year-old ranked second in the league in the regular season by playing 2,840 minutes.

Durant, who is in his first season in Houston after an offseason trade from Phoenix, is the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#NBA #playoffs #Durant #sidelined #Houston #Rockets #extends #series #coach #Udoka #calls #return #possibility">NBA playoffs: Durant sidelined again as Houston Rockets extends series, coach Udoka calls return ’a possibility’ Kevin Durant missed Houston Rockets’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of a NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday night with an ankle injury, but coach Ime Udoka said Durant could return now that the series has been extended.Udoka said Durant has a bone bruise on his ankle that is painful, and he has limited his mobility, but didn’t rule out his return this season.“Yeah, a possibility, for sure,” Udoka said.“I didn’t know how bad it was initially, and then we got that prognosis. But he’s doing what he can to get swelling out and mobility back. And just like the knee, we weren’t sure when he was going to come back, but he snapped back pretty quickly to be available for Game 2. So it is a true game-to-game, day-to-day thing,” he added.ALSO READ | NBA: Nikola Jokic, Julius Randle fined for altercation during Game 4 of Nuggets vs Timberwolves playoff seriesGame 5 is on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.Durant missed Game 3 on Friday night with the ankle injury, when the Rockets blew a six-point lead with less than 30 seconds to go in regulation of an eventual 112-108 overtime loss to fall to 0-3 in the series.Sunday’s 115-96 win was the third game of the series that Durant has missed after he sat out the opener with a bruised right knee. He returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes of the 101-94 loss, during which he injured his ankle late in the game.His injury problems this postseason came after the 37-year-old ranked second in the league in the regular season by playing 2,840 minutes.Durant, who is in his first season in Houston after an offseason trade from Phoenix, is the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #NBA #playoffs #Durant #sidelined #Houston #Rockets #extends #series #coach #Udoka #calls #return #possibility

NBA: Nikola Jokic, Julius Randle fined for altercation during Game 4 of Nuggets vs Timberwolves playoff series

Game 5 is on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

Durant missed Game 3 on Friday night with the ankle injury, when the Rockets blew a six-point lead with less than 30 seconds to go in regulation of an eventual 112-108 overtime loss to fall to 0-3 in the series.

Sunday’s 115-96 win was the third game of the series that Durant has missed after he sat out the opener with a bruised right knee. He returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes of the 101-94 loss, during which he injured his ankle late in the game.

His injury problems this postseason came after the 37-year-old ranked second in the league in the regular season by playing 2,840 minutes.

Durant, who is in his first season in Houston after an offseason trade from Phoenix, is the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#NBA #playoffs #Durant #sidelined #Houston #Rockets #extends #series #coach #Udoka #calls #return #possibility">NBA playoffs: Durant sidelined again as Houston Rockets extends series, coach Udoka calls return ’a possibility’

Kevin Durant missed Houston Rockets’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of a NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday night with an ankle injury, but coach Ime Udoka said Durant could return now that the series has been extended.

Udoka said Durant has a bone bruise on his ankle that is painful, and he has limited his mobility, but didn’t rule out his return this season.

“Yeah, a possibility, for sure,” Udoka said.

“I didn’t know how bad it was initially, and then we got that prognosis. But he’s doing what he can to get swelling out and mobility back. And just like the knee, we weren’t sure when he was going to come back, but he snapped back pretty quickly to be available for Game 2. So it is a true game-to-game, day-to-day thing,” he added.

ALSO READ | NBA: Nikola Jokic, Julius Randle fined for altercation during Game 4 of Nuggets vs Timberwolves playoff series

Game 5 is on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

Durant missed Game 3 on Friday night with the ankle injury, when the Rockets blew a six-point lead with less than 30 seconds to go in regulation of an eventual 112-108 overtime loss to fall to 0-3 in the series.

Sunday’s 115-96 win was the third game of the series that Durant has missed after he sat out the opener with a bruised right knee. He returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes of the 101-94 loss, during which he injured his ankle late in the game.

His injury problems this postseason came after the 37-year-old ranked second in the league in the regular season by playing 2,840 minutes.

Durant, who is in his first season in Houston after an offseason trade from Phoenix, is the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

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Deadspin | Spencer Torkelson ties franchise record, as Tigers defeat Reds Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) rounds third on a solo home run in the fourth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The Reds won the second game of the series, 9-2. Hao-Yu Lee belted a pinch-hit, go-ahead two-run homer and Spencer Torkelson had three hits and homered in his fifth straight game as the visiting Detroit Tigers rallied for an 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday in Cincinnati. Kerry Carpenter doubled and tripled, while Gleyber Torres added three hits, including a two-run homer for the Tigers. Detroit salvaged the series finale and won for just the third time in 15 road games since opening the season with a pair of road wins in San Diego. Torkelson matched the franchise record when he homered in the seventh, joining Marcus Thames (2008), Willie Horton (1969), Vic Wertz (1950), Hank Greenberg (1940) and Rudy York (1937) as the only Tigers to homer in five consecutive games. Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday belted solo homers for Cincinnati, which fell for just the second time in nine games. The Tigers took advantage of a rare error by Cincinnati third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to open a four-run rally in the seventh. Gleyber Torres reached base against lefty reliever and loser Sam Moll (1-1), who surrendered the go-ahead homer to Lee to put Detroit up, 4-3. Lefty reliever Brant Hurter (3-0) pitched a perfect sixth to earn the win. The Tigers claimed a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Kerry Carpenter doubled down the right field line with two outs and the bases loaded. Cincinnati starter Rhett Lowder settled down after the first, working out of a jam in the second and allowed just the two runs on six hits, striking out seven and walking one. The Reds began their rally in the second off Detroit starter Keider Montero with Lowe’s fourth home run, with all four coming in the span of the three-game series. Two innings later, Bleday added his first homer with Cincinnati to tie the game. Cincinnati took its only lead of the game in the fifth when Ke’Bryan Hayes tripled to open the inning. After a TJ Friedl ground out on a drawn-in infield, Matt McLain doubled to left to put the Reds ahead, 3-2. Montero was charged with three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two. The Tigers loaded the bases off reliever Brock Burke in the sixth with only one out. But Jake Rodgers struck out looking and Kevin McGonigle flew out to deep left-center, with center fielder TJ Friedl made a catch on the run in the middle of the warning track to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Spencer #Torkelson #ties #franchise #record #Tigers #defeat #RedsDetroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) rounds third on a solo home run in the fourth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The Reds won the second game of the series, 9-2.

Hao-Yu Lee belted a pinch-hit, go-ahead two-run homer and Spencer Torkelson had three hits and homered in his fifth straight game as the visiting Detroit Tigers rallied for an 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday in Cincinnati.

Kerry Carpenter doubled and tripled, while Gleyber Torres added three hits, including a two-run homer for the Tigers. Detroit salvaged the series finale and won for just the third time in 15 road games since opening the season with a pair of road wins in San Diego.

Torkelson matched the franchise record when he homered in the seventh, joining Marcus Thames (2008), Willie Horton (1969), Vic Wertz (1950), Hank Greenberg (1940) and Rudy York (1937) as the only Tigers to homer in five consecutive games.

Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday belted solo homers for Cincinnati, which fell for just the second time in nine games.

The Tigers took advantage of a rare error by Cincinnati third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to open a four-run rally in the seventh. Gleyber Torres reached base against lefty reliever and loser Sam Moll (1-1), who surrendered the go-ahead homer to Lee to put Detroit up, 4-3.


Lefty reliever Brant Hurter (3-0) pitched a perfect sixth to earn the win.

The Tigers claimed a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Kerry Carpenter doubled down the right field line with two outs and the bases loaded. Cincinnati starter Rhett Lowder settled down after the first, working out of a jam in the second and allowed just the two runs on six hits, striking out seven and walking one.

The Reds began their rally in the second off Detroit starter Keider Montero with Lowe’s fourth home run, with all four coming in the span of the three-game series. Two innings later, Bleday added his first homer with Cincinnati to tie the game.

Cincinnati took its only lead of the game in the fifth when Ke’Bryan Hayes tripled to open the inning. After a TJ Friedl ground out on a drawn-in infield, Matt McLain doubled to left to put the Reds ahead, 3-2. Montero was charged with three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two.

The Tigers loaded the bases off reliever Brock Burke in the sixth with only one out. But Jake Rodgers struck out looking and Kevin McGonigle flew out to deep left-center, with center fielder TJ Friedl made a catch on the run in the middle of the warning track to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spencer #Torkelson #ties #franchise #record #Tigers #defeat #Reds">Deadspin | Spencer Torkelson ties franchise record, as Tigers defeat Reds Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) rounds third on a solo home run in the fourth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The Reds won the second game of the series, 9-2. Hao-Yu Lee belted a pinch-hit, go-ahead two-run homer and Spencer Torkelson had three hits and homered in his fifth straight game as the visiting Detroit Tigers rallied for an 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday in Cincinnati. Kerry Carpenter doubled and tripled, while Gleyber Torres added three hits, including a two-run homer for the Tigers. Detroit salvaged the series finale and won for just the third time in 15 road games since opening the season with a pair of road wins in San Diego. Torkelson matched the franchise record when he homered in the seventh, joining Marcus Thames (2008), Willie Horton (1969), Vic Wertz (1950), Hank Greenberg (1940) and Rudy York (1937) as the only Tigers to homer in five consecutive games. Nathaniel Lowe and JJ Bleday belted solo homers for Cincinnati, which fell for just the second time in nine games. The Tigers took advantage of a rare error by Cincinnati third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to open a four-run rally in the seventh. Gleyber Torres reached base against lefty reliever and loser Sam Moll (1-1), who surrendered the go-ahead homer to Lee to put Detroit up, 4-3. Lefty reliever Brant Hurter (3-0) pitched a perfect sixth to earn the win. The Tigers claimed a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Kerry Carpenter doubled down the right field line with two outs and the bases loaded. Cincinnati starter Rhett Lowder settled down after the first, working out of a jam in the second and allowed just the two runs on six hits, striking out seven and walking one. The Reds began their rally in the second off Detroit starter Keider Montero with Lowe’s fourth home run, with all four coming in the span of the three-game series. Two innings later, Bleday added his first homer with Cincinnati to tie the game. Cincinnati took its only lead of the game in the fifth when Ke’Bryan Hayes tripled to open the inning. After a TJ Friedl ground out on a drawn-in infield, Matt McLain doubled to left to put the Reds ahead, 3-2. Montero was charged with three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two. The Tigers loaded the bases off reliever Brock Burke in the sixth with only one out. But Jake Rodgers struck out looking and Kevin McGonigle flew out to deep left-center, with center fielder TJ Friedl made a catch on the run in the middle of the warning track to end the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Spencer #Torkelson #ties #franchise #record #Tigers #defeat #Reds

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