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Friday NBA Picks & Predictions: Best Bets for April 24 Playoff Slate | Deadspin.com  Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images   A critical Game 3 in Philadelphia arrives Friday on the heels of the 76ers stunning the Celtics as heavy road underdogs to even up their series at 1-1 headed home.We’ll break down three plays for the Friday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free NBA picks for Friday, April 24. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.Best NBA plays todayCeltics (-7.5) at 76ersLakers/Rockets Over (206.5)Blazers (+2.5) vs. SpursCeltics (-7.5) at 76ers – 7:00 p.m. ETBoston rolled past Philadelphia in the series opener, 123-91, but the 76ers bounced back in Game 2. Philadelphia stunned Boston, 111-97 as 13.5-point underdogs, highlighted by 59 points from the starting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.The Celtics look to rebound after hitting 13-of-50 shots from 3-point range and only two players scoring in double-figures. Eight of Boston’s last 10 victories overall are by double-digits, so this is definitely a manageable number for the Celtics to cover.Philadelphia is 2-9 straight-up and 2-8-1 against the spread in the last 11 games as a single-digit underdog. Look for Boston to shoot better in Game 3 and grab the road cover to take a 2-1 series lead. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5) – 8:00 p.m. ETThe Lakers captured each of the first two games against the Rockets as a home underdog, seeking a commanding 3-0 series lead tonight in Houston.Each of the first two games finished under the total, as this total dropped from 208.5 in Game 2 with the Lakers beating the Rockets, 101-94. Kevin Durant returned from missing the series opener to score a team-high 23 points, but Houston was held to 24% shooting from 3-point range.The Rockets shot nearly 38% from 3-point range at home this season, tied for third with the Knicks. Let’s see if Houston’s offense can respond tonight back at Toyota Center and hit the over for the first time in the series.  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs – 10:30 p.m. ETThe big storyline heading into Game 3 is the status of San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, who left the Game 2 loss with a concussion after hitting his head on the floor going for a loose ball.Portland grabbed a split in San Antonio with a 106-103 victory as 10.5-point underdogs, now making this an interesting series. Wemby’s status is up in the air tonight, although he did travel with the team to Portland.The Blazers have won seven of their last eight home games since mid-March, while losing to the Spurs at Moda Center back in late November. Wemby will be a game-time decision for San Antonio, but this is the spot for Portland to capitalize off the Game 2 win and pick up its first home playoff win since 2021. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #Friday #NBA #Picks #Predictions #Bets #April #Playoff #Slate #Deadspin.com

Friday NBA Picks & Predictions: Best Bets for April 24 Playoff Slate | Deadspin.com
Friday NBA Picks & Predictions: Best Bets for April 24 Playoff Slate | Deadspin.com  Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images   A critical Game 3 in Philadelphia arrives Friday on the heels of the 76ers stunning the Celtics as heavy road underdogs to even up their series at 1-1 headed home.We’ll break down three plays for the Friday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.Here are the free NBA picks for Friday, April 24. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.Best NBA plays todayCeltics (-7.5) at 76ersLakers/Rockets Over (206.5)Blazers (+2.5) vs. SpursCeltics (-7.5) at 76ers – 7:00 p.m. ETBoston rolled past Philadelphia in the series opener, 123-91, but the 76ers bounced back in Game 2. Philadelphia stunned Boston, 111-97 as 13.5-point underdogs, highlighted by 59 points from the starting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.The Celtics look to rebound after hitting 13-of-50 shots from 3-point range and only two players scoring in double-figures. Eight of Boston’s last 10 victories overall are by double-digits, so this is definitely a manageable number for the Celtics to cover.Philadelphia is 2-9 straight-up and 2-8-1 against the spread in the last 11 games as a single-digit underdog. Look for Boston to shoot better in Game 3 and grab the road cover to take a 2-1 series lead. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5) – 8:00 p.m. ETThe Lakers captured each of the first two games against the Rockets as a home underdog, seeking a commanding 3-0 series lead tonight in Houston.Each of the first two games finished under the total, as this total dropped from 208.5 in Game 2 with the Lakers beating the Rockets, 101-94. Kevin Durant returned from missing the series opener to score a team-high 23 points, but Houston was held to 24% shooting from 3-point range.The Rockets shot nearly 38% from 3-point range at home this season, tied for third with the Knicks. Let’s see if Houston’s offense can respond tonight back at Toyota Center and hit the over for the first time in the series.  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs – 10:30 p.m. ETThe big storyline heading into Game 3 is the status of San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, who left the Game 2 loss with a concussion after hitting his head on the floor going for a loose ball.Portland grabbed a split in San Antonio with a 106-103 victory as 10.5-point underdogs, now making this an interesting series. Wemby’s status is up in the air tonight, although he did travel with the team to Portland.The Blazers have won seven of their last eight home games since mid-March, while losing to the Spurs at Moda Center back in late November. Wemby will be a game-time decision for San Antonio, but this is the spot for Portland to capitalize off the Game 2 win and pick up its first home playoff win since 2021. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #Friday #NBA #Picks #Predictions #Bets #April #Playoff #Slate #Deadspin.comApr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

A critical Game 3 in Philadelphia arrives Friday on the heels of the 76ers stunning the Celtics as heavy road underdogs to even up their series at 1-1 headed home.

We’ll break down three plays for the Friday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NBA picks for Friday, April 24. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.

Best NBA plays today

  • Celtics (-7.5) at 76ers
  • Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5)
  • Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs

Celtics (-7.5) at 76ers – 7:00 p.m. ET

Boston rolled past Philadelphia in the series opener, 123-91, but the 76ers bounced back in Game 2. Philadelphia stunned Boston, 111-97 as 13.5-point underdogs, highlighted by 59 points from the starting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

The Celtics look to rebound after hitting 13-of-50 shots from 3-point range and only two players scoring in double-figures. Eight of Boston’s last 10 victories overall are by double-digits, so this is definitely a manageable number for the Celtics to cover.

Philadelphia is 2-9 straight-up and 2-8-1 against the spread in the last 11 games as a single-digit underdog. Look for Boston to shoot better in Game 3 and grab the road cover to take a 2-1 series lead.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting


Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5) – 8:00 p.m. ET

The Lakers captured each of the first two games against the Rockets as a home underdog, seeking a commanding 3-0 series lead tonight in Houston.

Each of the first two games finished under the total, as this total dropped from 208.5 in Game 2 with the Lakers beating the Rockets, 101-94. Kevin Durant returned from missing the series opener to score a team-high 23 points, but Houston was held to 24% shooting from 3-point range.

The Rockets shot nearly 38% from 3-point range at home this season, tied for third with the Knicks. Let’s see if Houston’s offense can respond tonight back at Toyota Center and hit the over for the first time in the series.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs – 10:30 p.m. ET

The big storyline heading into Game 3 is the status of San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, who left the Game 2 loss with a concussion after hitting his head on the floor going for a loose ball.

Portland grabbed a split in San Antonio with a 106-103 victory as 10.5-point underdogs, now making this an interesting series. Wemby’s status is up in the air tonight, although he did travel with the team to Portland.

The Blazers have won seven of their last eight home games since mid-March, while losing to the Spurs at Moda Center back in late November. Wemby will be a game-time decision for San Antonio, but this is the spot for Portland to capitalize off the Game 2 win and pick up its first home playoff win since 2021.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#Friday #NBA #Picks #Predictions #Bets #April #Playoff #Slate #Deadspin.com

Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

A critical Game 3 in Philadelphia arrives Friday on the heels of the 76ers stunning the Celtics as heavy road underdogs to even up their series at 1-1 headed home.

We’ll break down three plays for the Friday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.

Here are the free NBA picks for Friday, April 24. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.

Best NBA plays today

  • Celtics (-7.5) at 76ers
  • Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5)
  • Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs

Celtics (-7.5) at 76ers – 7:00 p.m. ET

Boston rolled past Philadelphia in the series opener, 123-91, but the 76ers bounced back in Game 2. Philadelphia stunned Boston, 111-97 as 13.5-point underdogs, highlighted by 59 points from the starting backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

The Celtics look to rebound after hitting 13-of-50 shots from 3-point range and only two players scoring in double-figures. Eight of Boston’s last 10 victories overall are by double-digits, so this is definitely a manageable number for the Celtics to cover.

Philadelphia is 2-9 straight-up and 2-8-1 against the spread in the last 11 games as a single-digit underdog. Look for Boston to shoot better in Game 3 and grab the road cover to take a 2-1 series lead.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Lakers/Rockets Over (206.5) – 8:00 p.m. ET

The Lakers captured each of the first two games against the Rockets as a home underdog, seeking a commanding 3-0 series lead tonight in Houston.

Each of the first two games finished under the total, as this total dropped from 208.5 in Game 2 with the Lakers beating the Rockets, 101-94. Kevin Durant returned from missing the series opener to score a team-high 23 points, but Houston was held to 24% shooting from 3-point range.

The Rockets shot nearly 38% from 3-point range at home this season, tied for third with the Knicks. Let’s see if Houston’s offense can respond tonight back at Toyota Center and hit the over for the first time in the series.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Blazers (+2.5) vs. Spurs – 10:30 p.m. ET

The big storyline heading into Game 3 is the status of San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, who left the Game 2 loss with a concussion after hitting his head on the floor going for a loose ball.

Portland grabbed a split in San Antonio with a 106-103 victory as 10.5-point underdogs, now making this an interesting series. Wemby’s status is up in the air tonight, although he did travel with the team to Portland.

The Blazers have won seven of their last eight home games since mid-March, while losing to the Spurs at Moda Center back in late November. Wemby will be a game-time decision for San Antonio, but this is the spot for Portland to capitalize off the Game 2 win and pick up its first home playoff win since 2021.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

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NFL Draft 2026: 4 best and 3 worst team hauls of Day 1 <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Someway, somehow, the city of Pittsburgh crammed 320,000 people on the North Shore and broke the NFL Draft attendance record, all while the most overdone stereotypical tropes of the city were mentioned. Roger Goodell said “yinz” as my eyes rolled so hard I thought they’d get stuck in the back of my head like The Undertaker taking off his hat. And I’m sure Primanti Brothers was mentioned no less than a dozen times over the week of respective draft coverage, as well as the occasional explanation of what a pierogi is while “Renegade” played for the umpteenth time.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Check out our <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1112147/nfl-mock-draft-2nd-round-day-2-projection-49ers-emw-zion-young-bears">second round mock draft</a> and our <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1112114/nfl-draft-2026-the-best-players-available-for-day-2">list of the best available players</a> after the first round here.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Cynicism aside, 32 players were drafted on Thursday. Some teams deserve a hefty pat on the back for the selection(s) they made. Others not so much. Let’s dive in.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 4: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 30: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It was surprising to see Carnell Tate go No. 4 to Tennessee, but it makes so much sense. Look who Cam Ward was throwing to last year. Chig Okonkwo led the team in receiving yards with 560. Gunnar Helm, Chimere Dike, Eric Ayomanor. No, that is not the cast of <em>CSI: Santa Fe</em> on CBS, they are the actual factual pass-catchers Ward was expected to win games with in 2025. Tate slots in as the immediate No. 1 target, alongside a recently-signed Wan’Dale Robinson. Trading back into the first round for Kendrick Faulk also gives them a nice addition to their defensive line.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 21: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">You should be entitled to financial compensation if you’re a Steelers fan at this point. Per Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh was on the phone with Makai Lemon getting ready to draft him when Howie Roseman and the Eagles traded one spot in front of Pittsburgh, flipped them two massive birds, and took Lemon. Keep in mind, the Steelers had 12 picks entering the draft, more than any team in the NFL, and could have moved up to get Lemon. Instead, they got jumped by the most aggressive GM in football and were left to panic pick Max Iheanachor, a raw offensive tackle out of Arizona State whom they could have selected if they traded down. Not moving up for Lemon, not taking a receiver, and turning in this embarrassed shoulder shrug of a pick is why the Steelers continue to be the most elite mediocre team in professional sports.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 14: Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, OG, Penn State</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And to make matters worse for Steelers fans, they get to watch the Ravens get the best guard in the draft without having to do anything. Vega Ioane is such a Ravens pick, and he’s probably going to be a multiple-time All-Pro.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 3: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Have the Cardinals not learned from teams like the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers? When you’re a bad team, you don’t draft a running back in the top five. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine on a tricycle. Their roster is bad, they have no quarterback, and Jeremiyah Love isn’t going to fix that. Running backs aren’t the sundae of NFL teams, they are the cherry on top of teams that are already established and can help push them over the top. Even if Love is a stud, this will end the same way it did for Christian McCaffrey in Carolina and Saquon Barkley in New York.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Washington Commanders: Good</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Sonny Styles to Washington is one of my favorite picks of the night. Considering they were trotting out the fossil of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, who regressed after a very strong showing in 2024, the Commanders needed someone to put in the middle of their defense, and they got perhaps the most athletic player at his position in the class. Job well done.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 2: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oreton</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I like the selection of David Bailey, but what are the Jets doing taking a tight end at No. 16? Kenyon Sadiq may be very good, but that’s not the problem. Brock Bowers is a top five tight end in football and the Raiders still stink. A tight end isn’t turning the Jets around. There were plenty of other more notable players at more premium positions, and they just used a second round pick on Mason Taylor a year ago.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. 8: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I’ll call it right now – the Saints are winning the NFC South. I have loved everything they’ve done this offseason. Signing Travis Etienne, David Edwards, and Kaden Elliss were three of my favorite free agent moves, and now they add Tyson – perhaps the most explosive receiver in this class – to put opposite Chris Olave. If Tyler Shough continues his play from the final month and a half of the 2025 season, this Saints team could surprise a lot of people.</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #worst #team #hauls #Day

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Saka set to return for Arsenal in Premier League title boost <div id="content-body-70902210" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to return after a month out injured for the Premier League title contender’s home match against Newcastle on Saturday.</p><p>The England international has missed Arsenal’s last five matches — containing three losses — because of an Achilles injury.</p><p>“Bukayo is probably going to be in the squad,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday. “So, good news.”</p><p>Arsenal is looking to bounce back from two straight league defeats — to Bournemouth and Manchester City — and from losing top spot to City.</p><p>Saka is expected to be a starter for England at the World Cup.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #Saka #set #return #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #boost

Deadspin | Nneka Ogwumike’s big night lifts Sparks over Sky  Jul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) looks to pass against Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images   Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 25 points and collected 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 102-87 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky on Friday night.  All three of Ogwumike’s 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles recorded its second straight victory. The Sparks made 11 of 15 shots in the final quarter, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc.  Dearica Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, Ariel Atkins had 17 points and six assists and Rae Burrell made four 3-pointers while also scoring 17 for the Sparks (10-11).  Erica Wheeler had 15 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which outscored the Sky 29-17 in the fourth quarter.  Kamilla Cardoso (eight rebounds), Sydney Taylor and reserve Gabriela Jaquez scored 15 points apiece for Chicago (7-15).  Azura Stevens registered 10 points and eight rebounds and backup Jacy Sheldon added 10 points for the Sky.  Skylar Diggins (right knee) missed her second straight game for the Sky, who connected on 43.7% of their attempts, including a lowly 6 of 25 from behind the arc.  Los Angeles made 51.3% of its shots and hit 14 of 31 from 3-point range while continuing to play without Kelsey Plum (lower left leg).   Ogwumike buried a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles an 80-72 lead with 7:46 left in the contest. Burrell hit a 3-pointer 45 seconds later and the Sparks led by nine.  A short time later, Ogwumike canned another 3-pointer and Hamby converted a layup as Los Angeles led 90-80 with 4:32 remaining.  Chicago crept within six before Burrell scored on a layup and Ogwumike sank another trey to make it 95-84 lead with 2:29 left as the Sparks closed it out.  Chicago trailed by five at halftime before starting the third quarter with a 13-5 run. A three-point play by Cardoso and a trey by Taylor capped it to give the Sky a 61-58 lead.  Los Angeles answered with an 11-3 burst. Emma Cannon sank a 3-pointer and Ogwumike made two free throws to end it as the Sparks took a 69-64 lead with 3:10 left.  Cannon scored another basket with just under a minute left as the Sparks led 73-70 entering the fourth quarter.  Wheeler scored 15 points in the first half as the Sparks held a 53-48 advantage. Sheldon scored 10 in the half for Chicago.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Nneka #Ogwumikes #big #night #lifts #Sparks #SkyJul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) looks to pass against Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 25 points and collected 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 102-87 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky on Friday night.

All three of Ogwumike’s 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles recorded its second straight victory. The Sparks made 11 of 15 shots in the final quarter, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc.

Dearica Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, Ariel Atkins had 17 points and six assists and Rae Burrell made four 3-pointers while also scoring 17 for the Sparks (10-11).

Erica Wheeler had 15 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which outscored the Sky 29-17 in the fourth quarter.

Kamilla Cardoso (eight rebounds), Sydney Taylor and reserve Gabriela Jaquez scored 15 points apiece for Chicago (7-15).

Azura Stevens registered 10 points and eight rebounds and backup Jacy Sheldon added 10 points for the Sky.

Skylar Diggins (right knee) missed her second straight game for the Sky, who connected on 43.7% of their attempts, including a lowly 6 of 25 from behind the arc.


Los Angeles made 51.3% of its shots and hit 14 of 31 from 3-point range while continuing to play without Kelsey Plum (lower left leg).

Ogwumike buried a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles an 80-72 lead with 7:46 left in the contest. Burrell hit a 3-pointer 45 seconds later and the Sparks led by nine.

A short time later, Ogwumike canned another 3-pointer and Hamby converted a layup as Los Angeles led 90-80 with 4:32 remaining.

Chicago crept within six before Burrell scored on a layup and Ogwumike sank another trey to make it 95-84 lead with 2:29 left as the Sparks closed it out.

Chicago trailed by five at halftime before starting the third quarter with a 13-5 run. A three-point play by Cardoso and a trey by Taylor capped it to give the Sky a 61-58 lead.

Los Angeles answered with an 11-3 burst. Emma Cannon sank a 3-pointer and Ogwumike made two free throws to end it as the Sparks took a 69-64 lead with 3:10 left.

Cannon scored another basket with just under a minute left as the Sparks led 73-70 entering the fourth quarter.

Wheeler scored 15 points in the first half as the Sparks held a 53-48 advantage. Sheldon scored 10 in the half for Chicago.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nneka #Ogwumikes #big #night #lifts #Sparks #Sky">Deadspin | Nneka Ogwumike’s big night lifts Sparks over Sky  Jul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) looks to pass against Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images   Nneka Ogwumike scored a season-high 25 points and collected 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 102-87 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky on Friday night.  All three of Ogwumike’s 3-pointers came in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles recorded its second straight victory. The Sparks made 11 of 15 shots in the final quarter, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc.  Dearica Hamby added 17 points and seven rebounds, Ariel Atkins had 17 points and six assists and Rae Burrell made four 3-pointers while also scoring 17 for the Sparks (10-11).  Erica Wheeler had 15 points and eight assists for Los Angeles, which outscored the Sky 29-17 in the fourth quarter.  Kamilla Cardoso (eight rebounds), Sydney Taylor and reserve Gabriela Jaquez scored 15 points apiece for Chicago (7-15).  Azura Stevens registered 10 points and eight rebounds and backup Jacy Sheldon added 10 points for the Sky.  Skylar Diggins (right knee) missed her second straight game for the Sky, who connected on 43.7% of their attempts, including a lowly 6 of 25 from behind the arc.  Los Angeles made 51.3% of its shots and hit 14 of 31 from 3-point range while continuing to play without Kelsey Plum (lower left leg).   Ogwumike buried a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles an 80-72 lead with 7:46 left in the contest. Burrell hit a 3-pointer 45 seconds later and the Sparks led by nine.  A short time later, Ogwumike canned another 3-pointer and Hamby converted a layup as Los Angeles led 90-80 with 4:32 remaining.  Chicago crept within six before Burrell scored on a layup and Ogwumike sank another trey to make it 95-84 lead with 2:29 left as the Sparks closed it out.  Chicago trailed by five at halftime before starting the third quarter with a 13-5 run. A three-point play by Cardoso and a trey by Taylor capped it to give the Sky a 61-58 lead.  Los Angeles answered with an 11-3 burst. Emma Cannon sank a 3-pointer and Ogwumike made two free throws to end it as the Sparks took a 69-64 lead with 3:10 left.  Cannon scored another basket with just under a minute left as the Sparks led 73-70 entering the fourth quarter.  Wheeler scored 15 points in the first half as the Sparks held a 53-48 advantage. Sheldon scored 10 in the half for Chicago.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Nneka #Ogwumikes #big #night #lifts #Sparks #Sky

NBA: APR 16 SoFi Play-In Tournament - Heat at Bulls
NBA: APR 16 SoFi Play-In Tournament - Heat at Bulls

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 16: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrate during the second half of the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls on April 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

#Bam #Adebayo #punched #Tyler #Herro #social #media #criticism #Las #Vegas">Bam Adebayo punched Tyler Herro over social media criticism in Las Vegas  CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 16: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrate during the second half of the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls on April 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images  #Bam #Adebayo #punched #Tyler #Herro #social #media #criticism #Las #Vegas

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